Enticed by Lady Elianna (Fabled Love Book 3) Read online

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Amanda Mariel

  Brook Ridge Press

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Copyright © 2017 Amanda Mariel

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Brook Ridge Press

  For Brian, you are my happily ever after, my heart and soul. Thank you for showing me that true love does exist.

  Contents

  Also by USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Epilogue

  EXCERPT

  Prologue

  About the Author

  Afterword

  Author Logo

  Acknowledgments

  Also by USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Coming soon to the Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Liaison

  Fabled Love series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Coming soon to the Fabled Love series

  Delighted by the Duke

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  Theodora (Christina McKnight writing with Amanda Mariel)

  Georgina (Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight)

  Coming soon to the Lady Archer’s Creed series

  Adeline (Christina McKnight writing with Amanda Mariel)

  Stand alone titles

  Love’s Legacy

  Connected by a Kiss series

  **These are designed so they can easily be read as standalone titles**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Boxset’s and Anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see my current offerings

  Prologue

  England, 1812

  “A carriage is coming,” Lady Elianna’s maid called into the parlor.

  Elianna swallowed past the lump in her throat. Her distant cousin, the seventh Earl of Berkly must be arriving. She prayed the new earl would prove to be a kind man, for if not…she shuddered, refusing to continue with the thought.

  Her heart remained heavy from the death of her father. He had been buried less than a sennight and now this stranger was arriving to claim all that had belonged to him. It pained her to watch her family home, all that her father had worked for, be handed off to a relation she had never been acquainted with. All the same, there was nothing she could do to change the situation.

  She positioned her mourning veil over her face before going to stand in the grand foyer of her family’s Kent country home. Smoothing her skirts, she could not help but acknowledge how the black gown and accessories matched her mood. If the earl saw fit, he could demand her removed from the estate—tossed into the streets with nowhere to turn. She pushed back her rising panic. This was no time to give over to her fears. She gave a slight nod to the butler signaling him to allow her cousin entrance.

  The butler opened the heavy oak door and a tall man with sable hair walked hastily into the foyer before coming to a stop in front of her. She met his hazel eyes through the fabric of her veil, then dropped into a curtsy.

  “You must be Elianna,” the man said, his voice flat.

  A chill trickled down her spine at his address. He had failed to use her proper title. She squared her shoulders, hoping the oversight had been unintentional. “Welcome, my lord. I am, indeed, Lady Elianna.”

  He smirked. “It is a pleasure to meet you, cousin.”

  “Likewise, my lord. Before I leave you to get settled in, is there anything I can do for you?” she offered.

  Two liveried men crossed the foyer carrying a large trunk. No doubt they headed toward father’s chamber with the new earl’s things. Tears pricked at her eyes but she did not allow them to fall. Looking back would serve her no purpose. Father was gone and he would never be back. Dwelling on what used to be would only bring her more heartache. She simply must accept the new earl and make him as welcome as she possibly could. The alternative of being tossed from her home with nothing demanded she remain polite—accommodating.

  “That will not be necessary. However, I would like an audience with you. Once I have had a chance to freshen up, that is.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  He took a step toward the staircase. “Wait for me in the office, Elianna.” Without awaiting her reply or acknowledgment, he took his leave.

  She pressed her hands against her skirt in an effort to stop them from shaking. He seemed pleasant enough; perhaps all would be well. Still, the way he refused to address her as lady made her uneasy. Why would one ignore propriety in such a way? Perhaps the familial tie between them or the fact that he inherited everything and knew she was completely dependent on his generosity made him believe he had the right to address her informally.

  Elianna strolled toward the office in no particular hurry to arrive. It would take Lord Berkly a good deal of time to wash away the travel dust and change into fresh clothing. She swallowed hard as tears threatened once more. Lord Berkly was her father, not this stranger. It seemed disrespectful for her to address another by her father’s title. How would she ever adjust to her new situation?

  She entered the office and went to stand by Father’s—no, her cousin’s—desk. Could she ever get used to someone else having Father’s title and properties? With her hip propped on the edge of the desk, she gazed at the pictures lining the mantle over the hearth. Mama and herself in gilded frames, and a picture of her with her parents sat prominently staring back at her. She closed her eyes against the onslaught of grief threatening to consume her. Soon, the pictures would likely be replaced by ones of her cousin’s family.

  “Have a seat.”

  She snapped her eyes open at the interruption. “That was rather quick,” she said, as she straightened before crossing to a high back chair.

  Lord Berkly could not have done more than change his coat and wash his face. She’d expected to have more time to gather her courage and emotions.

  With long, confident strides, he walked to the desk before lowering himself into Father’s chair and then propped his elbows on the polished mahogany surface as though the desk had always belonged to him.

  Elianna swallowed back her protests over his casual treatment of her father’s things. All of her father’s belongings were now her cousin’s to do with as he pleased. She met the man’s gaze, offering a weak, but she hoped, cordial smile.

  “Your father did not see fit to make provisions for you.” He leaned forward, his cold stare holding hers. “That leaves your future in my hands.”

  Elianna nodded, pushing back the trepidation tickling the back of her mind. “I fear that is correct, my lord.”

  Father had passed away rather unexpectedly on his way home fr
om a business matter. He’d been in good health and still young at thirty-six, a heart ailment, according to the local physician. Father had little reason to suspect his demise. Though after Mama’s untimely death, she supposed he should have considered what might happen to her upon his own passing.

  “I’d thought to send you to a convent.” He looked her over, disdain marring his features.

  Her stomach turned as she fought to hold her posture. A convent? How could he think to send her to such a place? She was a lady, an earl’s daughter. She deserved the right to find a husband—to live her life. “My lord—”

  “However…”He waved a hand through the air dismissing her words. “My wife, Lady Berkly, has persuaded me to give you a choice in your fate.”

  Much to Elianna’s dismay, her eyes rounded betraying her surprise. Perhaps she and his wife would become friends. In all of her ten and seven years, she’d never had any true friends—certainly not other ladies. Father had been reclusive, leaving her with only the servant’s children for playmates.

  “Is it your wish to remain here at Crystal Court?” His eyes narrowed.

  She smiled genuinely. “It is my heart’s desire.”

  “Very well. Lady Berkly will arrive in a sennight with our children. Until then, you may continue your period of mourning—”

  “Forgive my insolence, my lord, but Father has only been gone for a fortnight. I cannot abandon my mourning so soon.” She bit her lip, cutting off her argument when his face flamed scarlet.

  “You will do as I say or see yourself off to the convent. Is that clear, Elianna?”

  The bite to his words caused gooseflesh to form on her arms. “Yes, my lord. Do accept my apology.”

  “Let it not happen again.”

  She nodded, then met his gaze once more despite her growing nerves.

  “Once my family arrives, all signs of mourning including your gowns will be removed. I’ll not have you traipsing about like some sad specter frightening my children.”

  “I understand.”

  “As long as you are to stay under my roof, my protection, you will earn your keep by serving my family. Lady Berkly will give you instructions upon her arrival.” He stood but did not take his attention from her. “You are dismissed.”

  Her hopes for a kinship with the lady crashed. Elianna ignored the uneasiness sweeping through her. Whatever he had in mind for her could be no worse than a convent. At the least, she would still have the opportunity to someday have a family of her own. Regardless, she could not imagine leaving her home, forsaking her chance at marriage. There remained no other choice for her. She had to accept her cousin as the new earl and follow his dictates—at least for now.

  Elianna glanced once more at her cousin before taking her leave. She wished she knew more about him—understood why he treated her so. Had Father known anything about the man? Surely not, for if he did, he would have seen to her future rather than leaving her to his mercy.

  Chapter 1

  England, 1817

  “Come now, Devil.” Elianna bent down and scooped up Lady Berkly’s beastly cat.

  The animal replied by pinning its jet black ears back and emitting a guttural hiss.

  Elianna adjusted her hold to ensure the creature could not maim her. “You know you do not belong down here.” She attempted to reason with the cat that only struggled and hissed some more. It would be her hide if something happened to the beast.

  For the past five years, Elianna had been caring for the unruly cat, in addition to serving as governess to her cousin’s children, Lady Caroline and Lord Hudson. On occasion, she was called to serve in other ways, be it as a seamstress, ladies maid, or nurse. One could never guess at Lady Berkly’s desires.

  “Elianna.”

  She glanced away from the cat to find her friend Anna, one of the Berkly’s maids, standing in the doorway.

  “Lady Berkly has requested your presence above stairs. She is waiting in her private drawing room.”

  “I dare not imagine what she requires of me today.” Elianna sighed.

  Anna gave a weak smile. “If it helps in the least, the lady seems to be in high spirits.”

  “Elianna, mend Lady Claudia’s day dress, dust the family pictures in the library, feed Devil, and retrieve this or that,” Elianna mocked. “Still I should not complain. The Berklys have kept a roof above me for these past five years.”

  Anna frowned. “You have every reason to bemoan their treatment of you. You are a lady, their own kin, and should be treated as such.”

  “Hush, Anna. You will have us both in trouble with such talk,” Elianna said, her tone low.

  “Dare to dream, Eli,” Anna called after her as she made her way toward the servant’s stairs.

  The beastly cat released another hiss when Elianna mounted the steps. She ignored the creature and continued along her path, Anna’s words ringing in her head. Dare to dream. She had once done that very thing. Dreamed of finding a husband, of having a family all her own. Imagined herself being addressed as Lady Elianna once more, and enjoying the privileges that came with being a peer.

  How wonderful it would be to dance the night away. Flirt and laugh with other lords and ladies. She stopped at the end of the long corridor that led to Lady Berkly’s private drawing room and set Devil down. The cat took off running toward its mistress, and Elianna followed.

  After her cousin and his family assumed the earldom, she and Anna became close—like sisters. Anna had served as Elianna’s ladies maid before her father passed away. She knew who Elianna truly was and what had been done to her. They had spent many hours talking and dreaming together since.

  Elianna paused outside of the drawing room and rapped lightly on the door.

  “Enter,” Lady Berkly beckoned.

  Elianna stepped inside, then dipped into a curtsy. “Madam.” She straightened, meeting Lady Berkly’s gaze.

  “Lord Berkly and I have decided to host a house party as part of Lady Caroline’s coming out, an informal get together before the official season gets underway. Though you never had your own season, it does not escape me that you were raised a lady. Lessons you will pass on to Lady Caroline as you are tasked with preparing her.”

  “Very well.” Elianna ignored the pang of sorrow in her chest. Lady Caroline deserved her coming out, and Elianna would do all she could to ensure the girl was a success. Still, she could not help mourning the loss of her own chances. Something else her cousin and his wife took from her.

  “Lady Caroline requires lessons in deportment. She must be proficient in the ton’s ways. Additionally, she must have some new gowns.” Lady Berkly reached down to stroke Devil’s back. “I’ll not have my daughter made a fool.”

  “Of course not, madam.”

  “A carriage is being readied at this very moment and Lady Caroline has been instructed to be in the foyer hence forth. You are to escort her to London to see a dressmaker about her gowns. Due to my recent injury, I will not be able to go, however, the driver and footman have directions.”

  Elianna glanced at the countess’s skirts where they hid her legs. She’d slipped on a damp floor three days past, twisting an ankle in the process. The poor maid who’d been washing it was immediately dismissed—never mind that she’d been following orders. The countess’s displeasure at being hurt proved to be all that mattered.

  “I’ve also communicated with the dressmaker to order the proper frocks. All you need do is chaperone Lady Caroline.”

  “Very well.” Elianna dropped into another curtsy before turning to take her leave. At least in London she’d not have to spend time with Lady Berkly or her beast of a feline. Lady Caroline, while demanding and spoiled, had always treated Elianna with a grain of respect—more than she could say for her cousin and his wife. Perhaps it stemmed from her knowing who Elianna truly was.

  “Do not turn away from me before being dismissed.”

  Lady Berkly’s voice grated against her nerves. Elianna spun back to face her. “My
apologies.”

  “Lord Berkly has arranged for rooms at The Clarendon. You are to remain there until the dressmaker has completed all of Lady Caroline’s fittings for her new wardrobe.”

  Elianna nodded.

  “I caution you against doing anything foolish while you are in London, girl.” Lady Berkly waved her hand toward the door. “You are dismissed.”

  Elianna took her leave. She had no need of asking after an explanation for she took Lady Berkly’s meaning perfectly well. Lady Elianna no longer existed; she was but a servant to the seventh Earl of Berkly and his family. No one would recognize her at any rate. She’d never been a part of society. Father had been reclusive, and she’d been but a girl when her lot was cast.

  Chapter 2

  London proved to be more overwhelming than Elianna had suspected. She and Lady Caroline arrived a sennight ago and had spent most of their time since at the dressmaker’s or shopping on Bond Street. Good thing Lady Caroline knew her way about the city. If left on her own, Elianna would surely get lost. She’d only been to London once as a girl and failed to remember much of the experience.

  Elianna gazed at Lady Caroline. She stood on a platform with yards of white satin draped and pinned over her. Elianna had to admit she was a vision in white. It made her black hair stand out which accentuated her hazel eyes. Her curves were more prominent than fashionable, and her coloring did not make her a diamond of the first water—still, the girl was far from unattractive. She was sure to catch a gentleman’s eye.