To Love An Earl: Mayfair Brides

To Love An Earl

By

J. R. Salisbury

To Love An Earl

Mayfair Series

By:  J. R. Salisbury

Copyright © 2019

Cover Design:  Dar Albert/Wicked Smart Designs

Editing/Proofreading: Lauralynn Elliott

Formatting:  Anya Kelleye Designs

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it, and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact the author at [email protected] All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author's imagination.

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All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author's imagination.

PUBLISHER

Jamie Salisbury

http://www.jamiesalisbury.com/

Also by J. R. Salisbury

Mayfair series

Dealing with the Duchess

Ravaging the Duke

MacLeods of Skye

Donnan's Rose

What readers are saying...

Love Conquers All

The excitement of everything that they go through and how they deal with all that is thrown at them is amazing. There is passion and love and suspense, all that made me fall in love with the Macleod males all over again.

__________

I love that the heroine is strong in a setting where many women are not. 

__________

Great story and I couldn't put it down

__________

An interesting read

An extremely strong-willed heroine and a hero who loves her independence and strength and would not change anything about her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the time period and enjoys a little mystery with their romance.

Love this family

__________

Great story, I look forward to more

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Excerpt: Wicked Is The Duke

About the Author

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Chapter One

Why did my brother pick now for one of his reckless parties? Lady Jane Blackmont asked.

You know he needs no reason for what he does, Sara said.

What?

He's a duke, my lady. He needs no reason. The rest of the world is supposed to kowtow to his whims.

Apparently I'm supposed to play hostess for him. Why he had to pick now is beyond me. Surely he knows there's a storm brewing. Jane's stomach churned as the carriage kept on. What are we to do if we don't find a coaching inn? Or worse yet, get stuck on the side of the road?

I'm sure none of that will happen. We'll reach Blackmont Crest before you know it, her maid said.

Thanks for your reassurance.

What should have been a four hour carriage ride had turned into seven. Dusk was fast approaching, and they needed to get off the roads.

She pulled back the curtains that had been closed to keep the cold out. We're almost there, she said.

How long will we be here? Sara inquired.

A fortnight, Henry said.

Jane had never been away in this sort of weather. Her father would have never allowed it. He was gone, the dukedom left to her older brother, who thought everyone's life revolved around him.

Do you know who's going to be at this house party? Sara asked.

His usual friends I'm sure. His letter stated he'd run into an old friend from Eton recently. I don't remember his name, nor do I care. All of Henry's friend's are rogues in some fashion.

You never have been one to say no to His Grace, my lady.

Henry was one of her weak spots. He knew it and took full advantage of it now that there was only the two of them. Their parents had been killed in a freak carriage accident five years earlier, leaving Henry with the dukedom and Jane his faithful sister. Until he found a woman to marry, he needed someone to keep some edge of sanity to his ways. At least until he found his duchess to marry. If that'd ever happen.

I know, but until he finds a wife, someone needs to see he doesn't go to hell.

There must be some ladies of fine breeding attending if he's asking you to attend, Jane said.

Who will be attending with their parents, I would hope.

His Grace would never invite you to one of his stag parties, Sara mused.

Jane released a nervous laugh. He'll not hear the end of it if he ever invites me to one of those.

Umhmmm.

Jane was about to close the curtain when one of the horses spooked. The carriage careened over the road. Ice had set in. Could the driver regain control of the team before something awful happened? She tried to breathe and forget how her parents had died. It couldn't happen to her. Jane looked across at Sara, whose face had gone stark white. She was scared beyond words as the carriage swayed, tumbling and landing on its side. She was the last person Jane saw before everything went black.

***

Jane didn't think she'd fainted. She looked around. Everything was covered in white snow, but the white was looking black as night. She felt in front of her and thought she felt the skirt of the dress Sara had been wearing.

It was silent. Everything was silent. No sound of the horses or the coachman. They were situated on the side of the carriage, that much she knew. The door was above her. She needed to get out and get out quickly.

She managed to stand, and with fumbling hands, she managed to get the door open. Now how would she get herself out? She heard nothing except the sound of Sara's breathing.

Sara! Sara! Are you all right?

Yes, my lady. I think I am fine, came the faint reply.

Do you think you can help lift me up?

She heard rustling of fabric as her maid tried to reposition herself. We're going to freeze to death if we don't get out of here, Sara wailed.

Which is why I need you to help me up. I'm sure William is chasing the team.

As Sara began lifting Jane up through the door of the carriage, Jane noticed a large man standing in silhouette. He had dismounted his stallion and was shaking his head.

What happened, my lady?

I'm not sure. The last thing I remember is one of the horses being spooked and the carriage sliding across the road.

Are you hurt? he asked.

I don't believe so. My maid is still inside. We need to get her out.

He shook his head. You ladies have no business being out alone in weather like this.

If you must know, we were on our way to my brother's estate.

Who's your brother, if I might ask? he rumbled.

Henry Blackmont, the Duke of Blackmont.

Henry's your brother? Well, don't fret. You're not but a few miles from his estate. Though in this storm, you ladies will be better off coming with me. I'm Norwood. My place is just down this road.

Jane stood and stared at him in the falling snow. Norwood. The Earl of Norwood? I remember you.

My man and I will help your maid out of the carriage. We'll get you to Norwood Manor. You can spend the night. My man will try and find your man and team, though in this snow, I doubt they'll go far.

Jane pondered her limited options. She knew she had no choice but to go with the earl. Thank you, my lord, Jane replied.

As for the carriage, I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done until this storm subsides.

Can you get word to my brother? I would hate for him to worry needlessly.

I'll see it is done, though it might have to wait until morning.

She stared at him thoughtfully. It'd been years since she'd seen him. His face was almost unrecognizable. With a hint of a beard, his jaw was chiseled. The beard, she surmised, made him look rugged.

Annoyed and cold, she helped him as he sprung Sara free from the carnage. She remembered why she never cared for him. He was an arrogant arse. Arrogant, condescending, and sanctimonious. That's what he was. What was it about young men who claimed their titles? They were all the same. Her brother, Norwood. It was enough to make her want to scream.

He brought his stallion around and picked her up effortlessly. He deposited her in front of his saddle.

Is there anything you need? he asked.

My trunks, but I doubt that's possible right now.

Once your team and man have been found, they'll figure a way to get them to my home.

She looked down at him in the fading light of the day. Prominent cheekbones, lush lashes, and full lips she hadn't noticed caught her breath. He was the most handsome, beautiful man she could recall ever meeting.

He mounted the beast, swinging his leg over the saddle. Are you ready?

As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose.

***

The ride was short, but nonetheless, an awkward silence took over. Jane chose to not say a word. He said his house wasn't far.

If I may be so bold, what sort of girl goes out in a snow storm?

Jane glared at him. It wasn't snowing when we left London.

Not the best of ideas. I take it your brother beckoned you. He's having another of his famous house parties?

He never said. Just asked if I'd come.

Arching a brow, he grinned at her. And like the dutiful sister, you came. No questions asked.

Exasperated, Jane swore to herself and kept her eyes on what lay ahead.

Was it something I said, my lady? He snorted.

How have you managed to get this far in life?

Easy. Probably because I'm an only child, while you are part of what? A half dozen?

She said nothing, keeping her eyes ahead.

Your brother brags that he had more siblings than Henry the eighth had wives.

By two.

There are eight of you?

Yes, and of the eight, I'm the eldest daughter.

So you said.

You needn't worry. I assure you they're all quite civilized.

Tell me about them.

She tightened her grip on the horse's mane as they walked through the snow. Henry's the oldest, and I'm the oldest daughter. Then comes the twins, Albert and Alice. After that, it's Edward, Daisy. The youngest are Ben and Leo. Twins again. Identical.

How has your mother managed to stay sane?

With the help of nannies and governesses.

That's a lot of children to have to deal with.

It is, but she's always managed to give us as much of her time as possible.

Do they reside here?

Yes, and you? Does your mother live with you, my lord?

Heavens, no. She stays the winter in London. She comes here in the summer. She lives in the dowager house.

Jane could see the house, even in the dark. It was hard to see, but there were torches lit in the front of the house. So who lives here right now?

Just me.

She sighed. You're just full of wonderful news aren't you?

You asked a question. I answered it. I could have lied, you know.

But instead, you told me the truth.

He waggled his brows at her. Don't worry; I won't ravage you or whatever silly thoughts are rolling through that brain of yours. I can assure you I'm harmless.

Said a rake.

He rumbled with laughter. I dare say you're not exactly at your best, Lady Jane.

Whatever do you mean?

Wait until we get you inside where you can look at yourself in a looking glass.

I look a fright? I knew it!

I'm afraid it's worse than that. You've most likely broken your nose in the accident. Your eyes are turning black as well.

Oh, my God! Jane shrieked. Why didn't you tell me? Her fingers were carefully touching her face.

Tell you what? He smirked.

That I've ruined my face.

I don't think it’s ruined. Banged up, perhaps. You'll be right as rain in a week or two.

He leaned over her from behind. Jane swore she caught a whiff of his cologne. Wintergreen? The touch of his gloved finger on her cheek sent a shocking bolt of electricity straight through her. All the way between her legs. What was that?

He dismounted at the front door of his manor, helping her down. Thank you, she whispered.

She stood next to him for a moment while he barked orders to servants, sending everyone scurrying.

His man had brought her maid to the front door as well. He talked with the duke before he left in search of her coachman and team. Surely they wouldn't have gone as far as her brother's.

I imagine you'd like to take a bath and change. My housekeeper, Mrs. Blake, will see that both you and your maid are taken care of.

Thank you, Your Grace. I appreciate your help.

No need. I'll see you at dinner then?

Perhaps. It'll depend on how I feel. She looked up at him and noticed his eyes were the most unusual shade of brown. Dark, almost black. To match his inky black hair.

Jane felt the awareness that had come between them moments earlier reappear. She had never in her life felt an overpowering need to be next to someone. To touch another person. Instead she rolled her hands into fists.

I'll make sure some ice is brought upstairs to your room. For your face. It might help.

Thank you again, my lord.

Please, call me Norwood.

Very well. Thank you. Again, Norwood. She smiled, then turned and followed his housekeeper up the stairs. She couldn't bear to look at that perfectly carved body any longer. The feelings that coursed through her body proved she was more than a little attracted to the earl. Men. They certainly were a peculiar bunch.

Chapter Two

She'd left her perfume, the scent of oranges and vanilla, on his clothes. Meeting her had brought back memories of other women in his life. Anna Grover, the mysterious one. One who could never truly decide whether she wanted him or more than an earldom had to offer.

He'd made a monumental mistake of falling in love with her. He'd gotten permission from her brother to court her; they had talked about marriage. He should have seen the signs.

He hadn't.

Norwood hadn't thought of that disaster in quite a while. It reminded him to steer clear of women who didn't belong in his world. From the tips of her ruined slippers to the fur hat and cultured way she spoke, she was a peer.

He smiled.

Everything male in him had stood up and taken notice of her. She was Henry's sister, and he'd be wise to continue pretending that she certainly didn't appeal to him. Tomorrow, he would take her back home.

His man, Davis, knocked on the door to his study where he'd been hiding out since bringing the lady into his home.

Her brother knows she's here.

Is he to come and get her tomorrow? Norwood inquired.

No, His Grace said he'd have someone get her once the storm was over and the roads were passable.

Great, he was stuck with her for the next few days.

Thanks, Davis. Now go warm yourself up. There's nothing to be done until this storm passes.

The man nodded and left the room, leaving Norwood staring into the hearth and the warmth of the fire.

Now all he had to do was figure out a way to show the lady that he