The Elusive Earl Read online

  The Elusive Earl

  Eva Andrews

  Chapter 1

  London England

  July 7th, 1815

  Walking quietly into her father’s library, she mindlessly ran her fingers over the old book spines as she made her way to the large window that overlooked her mother’s rose garden. The sun was gracefully setting, the last vibrant beams of light reflected off the grand stained glass window of the library.

  The warmth of the sun felt comforting to her, the sunlight made her feel content and safe, at least for the moment. Basking in the soft glow of the fading sun she stood alone in the quiet library. She had been blessed with a rare moment of solitude, she knew tonight would be hell on her nerves.

  Another night in London, another night of torture and agony.

  This season marked a record for Genevieve; she had managed to reside in London for a record breaking ten weeks. For years, she could only stomach quick trips to London when necessary.

  Never had she spent such an extended stay here in the city, she preferred the quiet countryside, where there was far less commotion and noise. Her needs and desires didn’t matter, she was here for her sister, and she silently reminded herself of that every bloody day.

  Although her family had just returned from short trip out of town to Salthill Mansion, the trip hadn’t been nearly long enough. It had been delightful, albeit short trip away from town, one she was thoroughly thankful for.

  Now she was back in the overcrowded city, back in her own personal hell for another grueling set of routes with her family.

  London had always overwhelmed her; the busy streets and crowded ballrooms were just too much for her. Her sanctuary was the countryside; she was at home in the rolling hills and peaceful lakes, not in the crowded city.

  Grabbing a book off the shelf she let out a sigh as she plopped down in her favorite worn leather chair, her long legs dangled over the side as she situated her shoulders.

  Patiently waiting for her mother and sister to return home, she thumbing through some pages of a dusty novel and let the sun warm her face as she read through the novel in the serene library.

  Although Genevieve was happy to stay in after returning from South England, her little sister had not been. The moment they returned to town, Annabelle was adamant about going for a ride at Hyde Park. After an hour, their mother Lady Selina, had given up arguing with her youngest daughter and agreed to take Annabelle riding in the park.

  Her little sister was in the middle of her first season. Annabelle was a diamond of first water, she had London’s finest gentleman begging at her feet. She was everything Genevieve couldn’t be, Annabelle was charming and bold, and she could converse with maid and royalty alike, she was flawless.

  Annabelle was also a tad vain given her young age, which was exactly why her little sister wanted to go to the park today, she wanted to be seen. Annabelle was young, and craved attention, whereas Genevieve wanted as little as possible.

  They were night and day of each other, yet there were never any hard feelings between them.

  Although they were both considered overly beautiful in their own rights, Genevieve hid in the ballroom shadows, not in the spotlight like her little sister. Over the past years she had attended very few balls each year, as she was unable to physically tolerate being around hundreds of bodies in a crowded ballroom, hence her shadowy existence in the social world.

  Genevieve had suffered severe panic attacks throughout her first year in London; the best doctors available had seen her, and none could offer a cure for her debilitating illness.

  Her panic attacks greatly affected her ability to be a regular staple in the Ton society. Crowded ballrooms, strangers, dancing on a packed floor, constant noise and loud music, it was the epitome of London society. Those things however, were the exact trigger to her attacks. She couldn’t change London, so she avoided it altogether.

  Since their arrival, night after night she would suffer, attempting to hide her distress from her parents and sister on a daily basis. She knew they worried about her too much, she understood how elated Annabelle was for her first real trip to London, and she couldn’t ruin it for her little sister.

  Her parents had always been protective, it wasn’t long into her first season before they noticed she couldn’t sleep or eat, she stopped smiling and laughing at home, it was as if London was killing her spirit. Her father, The Earl of Chestshire had put an immediate stop to their long seasons once he saw the havoc it caused his oldest daughter.

  She had promised herself the days of not being in control was in the past, her family had already given up so much due to her illness. She was determined to allow Annabelle have the season she deserved, regardless of what it did to her health. Genevieve had also promised herself she’d keep any issues that did arise, to herself. They didn’t need to know.

  If they didn’t know it was happening, they wouldn’t worry.

  Besides her family, there were only a handful of people Genevieve trusted with her condition. The last thing she wanted was ridicule, and she refused to allow her family to be treated different because of her. So, like most people with something to hide, she had done an excellent job of keeping society in the dark, and no one was the wiser.

  Flipping through the book she thought of her sweet sister, she was so happy for her, Annie’s first season was such a success. Genevieve felt a little sadness at the thought of her sister finding a husband before she did, but felt no ill will. Annabelle was simply more outgoing and comfortable in society, where Genevieve was the opposite.

  At twenty-three, Genevieve’s attacks still occurred on occasion, granted, she had learned to master her emotions and avoid situations that would trigger her attacks. Over the past five years she had slowly learned to control her anxiety, although attacks did occur, they were few and far between. She had yet to suffer an attack publicly, even after all this time.

  Sighing, she thought of tonight’s event, she and her family would be attending the famous masque ball at the Duke of Blackstone’s house. Her father had known Alastair, the Duke of Blackstone for many years. Genevieve had met him on quite a few occasions over the years, and most recently had spent time with him at the wedding they had just returned from.

  The Duke of Blackstone was the only remaining unmarried duke of their generation. At twenty-eight he was beyond compare, the ladies of London had lovingly nicknamed him the Golden Duke, his blonde hair and soft blue eyes were magnetic. It took her a very long time to grow accustom to his presence, he was a giant of a man, and as mysterious as they come. His long golden locks fell around his chiseled jaw, his light blue eyes made your heart melt, what she respected most about him was his ability to see her discomfort in social situations. He never touched her unless they danced; he was compassionate and courteous of her personal space. Yet, no one had ever told him of her illness, he just could sense it.

  Five years older than her, he was one of the few men she was comfortable with, and likewise, he was comfortable with her. She imagined it was because she wasn’t chasing after him like all the painted ladies he had at his feet nightly. He was her friend.

  This morning on their ride home, her family talked about nothing but Alastair’s famous masque ball, especially Annabelle. For hours Annabelle drawled on about what she was wearing, what she thought the family should wear, and of course when men she wanted to dance with tonight.

  Genevieve was sure her little sister was taken with the Duke of Blackstone, almost every lady in town was. Alastair was like a mortal god, one would have to be dead to not feel something towards the man. She was sure even her own mother got dreamy eyed on occasion.

  Leaning her head back against the comfortable chair, she took a deep breath and exhaled as sh
e thought about how crowded tonight would be, there wasn’t a person who would miss tonight’s event. Which meant, it would be utterly packed.

  She had found a few moments of meditation did her good, over the years she had built internal armor to protect herself during events like this, confident she could navigate the night without any mishaps. Talking to herself, “Alright old girl, you can do this. You are in control, stay in control Genevieve.”

  Seconds later she heard the townhouse door close and women’s voices fill the foyer of their London home, her mother and sister were home. Annabelle could always be heard making an entrance; she had quite a flare for it. Setting her book down, Genevieve kicked up her feet and briskly walked out of her father’s library. She knew her little sister would be anxious to start preparing for tonight’s exclusive event of the season.

  Annabelle saw her the moment Genevieve walked out of the library, “Oh Vieve, are you ready for tonight?” Clapping her hands, “I’m just so excited, I cannot wait to see your new gown on you. Your eyes will absolutely dazzle everyone tonight!”

  Annabelle’s cheeks were rosy from the brisk ride in the park, her lovely chestnut hair still perfectly in place; her bright hazel eyes sparkled with excitement. She walked directly up to Genevieve and linked hands with her as she pulled her up towards the stairs, looking back at their mother. “Aren’t I right, Mother?” Annabelle asked, smiling brightly.

  “Indeed darling.” Agreeing with her youngest daughter as she wrapped her arms around both daughters, “How was your afternoon Vieve?” Her mother asked lovingly as they walked up the stairs together. Lady Selina looked as if she could be their older sister; her hair was still the exact color of Annabelle’s and she had not a wrinkle on her face. Annabelle looked just like her mother, whereas Genevieve’s striking black hair and green eyes came from her beloved father.

  “My afternoon was very soothing. I think tonight will be wonderful, I’m actually looking forward to it,” Genevieve said truthfully, even she was excited for tonight, masque balls gave her the ability to stay incognito, which gave her freedom to relax.

  Rolling her eyes, Annabelle said, “Wonderful? Vieve, it’s going to be,” crossing her hands over her heart, she twirled in a circle at the stop of the stairs and smiled brightly, “It’s going to be a night to remember, ahhhhh, I’m just so excited!”

  Annabelle’s excitement made Genevieve giggle at her sister’s youthful exuberance. She was a ball of energy, and all she could do was smile at her beloved little sister, she was a ray of sunshine. At only eighteen, Annabelle had so much yet to learn and experience, she wanted to take everything in, she refused to miss out on anything. Taking advantage of a full season, Annabelle had kept Genevieve busy these past weeks while in town, all while keeping a trained eye for an attack.

  “Indeed my child, it shall be,” motioning to the girl’s wing, “Go get ready my lovelies, I cannot wait to see you in your new gowns. Two hours my loves, call me if you need me!” Selina waved to her young daughters as she disappeared down her hall towards her bedroom. Annabelle squealed with delight and literally skipped to her room, pausing to wave to her before darting into her bedroom to prepare for the night.

  Precisely two hours later Genevieve stood before her father’s library fireplace still waiting on her family, knowing full well her mother and sister were running late.

  Dressed in the vibrant emerald green silk gown that had a rather daring neckline, she toyed with her bejeweled mask as she watched the fire crackle before her.

  “Are you okay my child?” Her father asked as he entered the library quietly.

  A little startled at his voice, she jumped and turned to face her tall father. Her height, hair and eyes all came from her handsome father, she prided herself in his dark features. She was a mix of curves and long legs. Her black hair was shiny like his, age had yet to touch his hair. She even had his emerald eyes, a feature she loved most. Green eyes were rare, and she treasured them.

  “I didn’t hear you, I’m sorry. Yes, I’m fine, just woolgathering like usual. Are mother and Annabelle ready yet?”

  “You know them, they should be down soon. I hope,” Hugging her, he kissed the top of her head and directed her back to the warm fireplace. “If tonight becomes too much for you my dear, I beg you to tell me or mother, neither of us want you overtaxing yourself on our behalf.”

  “I will, I promise father.” Winking at her father, she pacified him by promising him what he wanted. She knew unless it was drastic, she wouldn’t tell any of them. She had become a professional in the art of hiding any emotion or reaction that came across her.

  He walked over to the sideboard and poured himself a drink, turning back around he admitted, “You look fantastic Vieve,” shaking his head, “soon enough you’ll find a man who sees past your act.”

  Looking down her nose at her father, “Do you wish me gone?” She pretended that her feelings were injured, trying not to smile.

  Scowling, “I want to see you happy my child, just happy.”

  Breaking into a smile she admitted, “I know, I know, someday my prince will come, so you say.”

  Smiling back at her, “I have no doubt darling.” Taking a long drink he could hear the distinctive sound of the ladies making their way to the foyer, “It appears your lovely mother and sister have finally graced us with their presence, shall we join them?” Holding out his arm, he waited as she crossed the room, the lovely green gown floating around her legs as she joined him.

  Within minutes the family had loaded up and left the townhouse in record time, Genevieve was used to her mother and sister making them late, however Annabelle was so excited she insisted they arrive on time. It was a pleasant surprise for Genevieve; usually they arrived late just so Annabelle could make a grand entrance, which greatly annoyed Genevieve.

  Chapter 2

  Angry with himself for getting so sidetracked on his mission tonight, he walked into the masque ball hours after it had started. It was bad show, but he knew Alastair would forgive him, hopefully.

  Luke scanned the crowded ballroom for anyone those recognized, the masks made it hard to confirm people’s identity. Yet, it was easy for him.

  There were people on the terrace, and gardens, hundreds dancing on the crowded floor, people were everywhere, enjoying their night immensely. The beautiful music flooded through the rooms drowning out the endless chatter of the mass around him.

  Luke was looking for the host, Alastair, the Duke of Blackstone, who also happened to be his best friend in the entire world. Born a year apart, the two men had known each other since they were small lads.

  He knew Alastair wasn’t going to be pleased with his late entrance, but he would be pleased with the information Luke received following a lead for the War Office.

  They were not only best friends, and peers, but they also worked in the War Office for the past five years together, their main focus was uncovering spies and traitors to the crown.

  Grinning, it didn’t take long for him to find his well-titled friend; he just had to look for the flock of babbling women who encircled poor Alastair. Smiling to himself, Luke walked over to Alastair’s circle and slipped in beside his friend, “Evening Alastair. Quite a crowd you have here my friend.”

  Alastair looked overly relieved to see him, “Good of you to show old boy, I was wondering if I would see your ugly face tonight.”

  The two of them separated themselves from the circle of eager faces so they could talk.

  Luke, dressed in all black chuckled, “I wouldn’t miss it. However, I do apologize for my late arrival. How goes the eve?” He asked as his eyes searched over the crowd.

  Luke was as tall as the duke; both could easily look over the sea of people. He always wanted to know who was around him; he covertly took into account those he knew while he listened to his friend.

  “As well as could be, with your blasted brother now married, I think all of London has made it their quest to see me married, happily or not.”
Alastair mentioned. At eight and twenty, Alastair was the last remaining bachelor duke of their generation; the onslaught of title hungry women and their desperate mothers were growing bolder as each day passed.

  “Glad I’m not you, glad I’m not you,” Luke chuckled in jest; he always enjoyed teasing his friend.

  Rolling his eyes, Alastair reminded him, “You are a titled earl who owns his own shipping company, and is rich as they come, not to mention the brother to a duke. Don’t act like the ladies aren’t falling over your feet too my friend.”

  Luke’s smile faded as he realized Alastair’s words to be entirely too accurate, over the years he’d avoided numerous marriage traps, and skirted the issue of marriage as long as he could. After the war had ended, it felt as though women were growing increasingly desperate to land a man with a title.

  Alastair tipped his head, motioning for Luke to follow him. Walking away from the crowded circle, Alastair aside inquired, “Have you seen Genevieve yet tonight Luke? Something didn’t seem quite right when I saw her last, I know you are her close friend, I wasn’t sure if you saw her on your way in.”

  “No I haven’t, I just got here. What seemed wrong?” Growing immediately worried, he was one of the few who knew about her spells. His eyes scanned the crowd more intently as he awaited Alastair’s answer.

  “She seemed upset and out of sorts, very unusual for her. I saw her walking out the garden door just a few moments ago, alone, she didn’t seem well.” As soon as the words were out of Alastair’s mouth, Luke started walking in the direction of the garden door.

  If she went outside alone, and was acting out of sorts- there was one answer.

  Behind him, Luke heard Alastair add, “She’s wearing green Luke.”

  Deep in the garden away from the lights and sound, Genevieve’s body shook with anxiety as she tried to control her breathing, her heart pounded and she felt dizzy.