Regency - Chapter 2

Alec Lindley, the newest Earl of Watford, was very bored. It was only his first ball of the season, and he already knew that he was in for a very dull few months.

Raised in Ireland, he had only been in England for school. Thanks to his school and his English born tutor, he had very little trace of his home in his speech. Alec had never understood why Father wanted him to sound English.

At least, he hadn't understood until three months ago, when a solicitor found him at his lovely estate in Ireland and informed him that due to his uncle's unexpected death and his Father's predeceasing him, Alec was now an English Earl.

Alec smiled as he remembered that day. His face had probably looked like the perfect picture of shock.

Father had rarely spoken of his family. Alec had known his father was raised in England, but had assumed that Father's family had died. When Father died two years ago, he had tried to tell Alec something about his family. Unfortunately, speech was difficult for the three weeks between his stroke and his passing, and Alec had been unable to understand the garbled explanations Father had tried to make.

When the solicitor had arrived, he had been required to explain Alec's family history for him. Thankfully, Mister Berrigan was a kind, straightforward fellow. He had quickly told Alec the more recent history of the Lindley family.

Josiah Lindley, second son of the Earl of Watford, had fallen in love with a beautiful Irish lass while looking over the earl's estate in Ireland. When Josiah had insisted on marrying the girl against his father's wishes, he had been cut off.

Thankfully, his bride, the only child of a well-to-do merchant, had inherited her father's healthy fortune shortly after their marriage. Josiah and his wife, Helen, had purchased their own estate and Josiah had used his knowledge of estate management to make it profitable.

Sadly, Helen had passed away shortly after the birth of their only child, young Alec.

Alec knew the rest, of course. His father had raised him, insisting that he receive the education of an English gentleman. He had taught Alec how to manage Lindwood, their home estate. He had ensured that Alec was as prepared as he might be to inherit a title in every way except emotionally.

Apparently, Father had known that his father had died and that his older brother, who had taken over, had only been blessed with daughters- no sons to inherit the title.

Alec was unsure how Father had known all of this. As far as Alec was aware, Father had never shown any interest in England or his family. And he had certainly never thought to warn Alec about the future he was facing.

The last three months had been a nightmare. Alec was not one of the many men who dreamed of the power and prestige of a title. He was quite happy as Mister Lindley, master of Lindwood.

When Alec first came to town, he'd quickly reconnected with his school friends.

Devon Moore, heir to the Marquess of Widlow, was a tall, slim, striking redhead. His bookish, shy nature kept him on the fringes of most parties, but his sharp eyes and ears made him one of the most well-informed members of the ton. He had been very helpful in giving Alec an overview of many important persons and their often dubious reputations.

For introductions, Alec had relied on his other good friend, Thomas Huntly, second son of the Duke of Eldridge. Thomas was of average height, but with a broad, muscular build and a winning smile. His charming manners and love for people kept him quite in the middle of every party and he was only too happy to present Alec to all the esteemed persons he needed to know.

With Alec's height somewhere in between his friends, a slim build with broad shoulders, and his blond hair worn slightly longer than was fashionable, the three friends made quite a striking picture. They had been to a few smaller parties and gatherings and had attended the opera and an evening at Vauxhall Gardens.

Already they were being hailed as the Three Cavaliers for their impeccable manners, good reputations, and handsome figures. Devon and Thomas had warned Alec that he would likely be hunted mercilessly.

"They know you've no town bronze, my friend. No experience with the ladies, and no idea what lengths they'll go to," Devon had said with a frown.

"And you do?" Alec had been surprised that his shy, bookish friend would claim such an understanding of women.

Devon had nodded glumly. "Been avoiding them for years. You'd be shocked what lengths they'll go to." He had slapped Alec on the shoulder, wished him luck, and warned him to never be caught alone. "And check your carriage before you get in," he had added as a parting shot.

Three months he had been ever vigilant, but aside from the occasional flirtatious young lady, he had seen no sign of women chasing him.

As he mulled this over, his thoughts were interrupted. His boredom flew out the window as a lovely young lady entered the library. Ah, so this is what Devon and Thomas had been warning him about. How the devil did she know he was in here?

Before he could speak, she launched herself into him and wrapped her slim, surprisingly strong arms around him in a tight hug.

He looked in surprise at the dark head nestled against his shoulder. What was happening? Who was this girl? Was he about to be discovered in a compromising situation and forced into marriage?

"Oh Alec, I missed you." Her confession, delivered in a soft, sweet voice drove his worries from his mind. Before he could question or check his impulses, he found himself tilting her lovely face up to his with a finger under her chin.

She didn't have a chance to protest as his lips descended on hers, softly at first. Her tentative, sweet response quickly moved Alec to deepen the embrace, pulling her tight against him. Her gasp of surprise quickly gave way to a hum of pleasure as he worked to drive every thought from her mind except him.