My Only Earl

By Roxie Brandon

Amazing value Regency six-story collection. Jam-packed with romance, love and adventure.

Charming Earls with attitudes and kind hearts. Lovely ladies who want to find love. You'll find all of this, and much more in this collection.

The collection includes:
1.The Earl of My Heart
2.How to Win A Lady’s Hand
3.The Earl I Love
4.How to Capture an Earl
5.The Earl’s Sweet Bride
6.Captivating the Earl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roxie Brandon
• Release date: Apr 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005579050

Roxie Brandon

Roxie Brandon is an author of historical and contemporary romance, beauty and fashion books.Her romances range in setting from Medieval times to the Twentieth Century.She loves walks in the countryside and having afternoon tea with family and friends.

Book preview

THE EARL

OF MY HEART

CHAPTER ONE

Lord Trenton glanced at his brother, Lord Reginald, as they made their way through the trees, attempting to be as quiet as possible. Their horses stood a short walk away, as they searched for the hares they had shot while riding. They were part of a hunting party, scouting the area for foxes and hares, but had only been able to shoot a few hare. The sound of the hunting dogs could be heard in the distance, but Lord Trenton paid them no notice.

Perhaps we should not trail any further, Trenton.

Where is your sense of adventure, Reginald, Lord Trenton asked with an amused smile on his face.

Lord Reginald was the younger brother of Lord Trenton, and he of all people was aware of how adventurous his brother was. He loved being out of doors and the more time he spent in there, the happier he was. He had a keen sense of adventure and was the one who nudged his younger brother, and his best friend, Lord Wiltshire, to accompany him on his adventures. Once, the trio flew a hot air balloon over the English Channel to France.

Despite being absolutely terrified that they would die a most gruesome death, Lord Reginald and Lord Wiltshire never failed to be by Lord Trenton’s side. Lord Reginald glanced at his brother as he clutched onto his own rifle. They had strayed from the hunting party, but Lord Trenton did not seem worried at all. In fact, he was clearly in his element. Branches cracked behind them, and Lord Reginald glanced at Lord Wiltshire with wide eyes.

We are not hunting bears, or lions, Reginald, Lord Trenton chuckled in amusement and made his way towards where the sounds came from. He disappeared into the foliage, and the other two men followed reluctantly. They did not possess as much courage as Lord Trenton, but they did not mind that one bit. There were times where they thought Lord Trenton was simply being reckless and careless with his life, but he certainly did not see it that way. He insisted that he only lived his life to the fullest, and that he did not wish to sit in his wheelchair one day when he was an elderly man, wishing he had done more things when he was able to.

Trenton? Lord Reginald called out to him. Trenton, where are you?

I found a bear, he answered with an amused tone.

If that is your attempt to be amusing, you have failed quite miserably, Lord Wiltshire muttered.

Do not be such a boring fellow, Wiltshire. Adventure awaits.

Perhaps there is more that awaits us than mere adventure, Lord Reginald muttered as well, but they followed the sound of Lord Trenton’s voice.

Perhaps I shall leave you in your estate next time.

Perhaps, but who will ensure that you do not find yourself in a spot of trouble.

There is not a spot of trouble that I cannot handle…

Before Lord Trenton could complete his sentence, he was silenced by the sound of metal snapping, and he screamed out in agony.

Reginald! Wiltshire! Lord Wiltshire and Lord Reginald rushed through the trees and found Lord Trenton lying on the ground. A foothold snare trap, the ones used to trap foxes in the area was wedged into his ankle and a pool of blood had already formed under his foot.

We have to get it off, Reginald.

It will do more harm than good, Wiltshire said in a panic. We will not be able to pry it open.

Get it off! Lord Trenton screamed.

We have to alert the others, Lord Wiltshire said.

I will stay here with him, you go, Lord Reginald commanded. Lord Wiltshire nodded and quickly rushed to find the hunting party.

It is ironic, Reginald.

What is, brother? Lord Reginald asked.

We were hunting foxes, and hares, but the only thing this foothold trap has caught is the ones who hunt the thing it is meant to trap.

There is no need to get philosophical, brother. You will be fine.

I feel rather nauseated, and faint, he mumbled and glanced at the sky, framed by the green foliage of the forest. Reginald, are those trees moving?

We must get you out of here, now. You are losing too much blood, Reginald said in a panicked voice.

Luckily, Lord Wiltshire came running towards them, followed by a couple other men. They carried him to a nearby horse, and they quickly rode to the nearest hospital. It was not too long of a ride, and Lord Trenton, who was in and out of consciousness was immediately taken into surgery. Lord Reginald stayed at the hospital, awaiting any news. He paced around the waiting room, until the surgeon, Dr. Baker approached him.

How is my brother? Lord Reginald asked him.

There is something that I need to discuss with you, my lord.

Is my brother alive?

Oh, yes. He is very much alive. He is tougher than you think, my lord.

That was what he kept telling us on the way to the hospital.

His leg, however, is not as strong as the iron of that foothold snare trap. What precisely do you mean, Doctor?

The damage to your brother’s leg is too extensive to repair. Amputation is the only way forward.

Amputation? Lord Reginald said with wide eyes.

It is the only way to ensure that there is no infection after the surgery. The snare trap was very rusty, and...

I understand, Doctor.

May I proceed with the amputation?

Proceed as you see fit, Lord Reginald answered.

The surgeon nodded and made his way back through the hallway. Lord Reginald sighed miserably as he did not have much of a choice in the matter, but he was also aware that his brother would not be too thrilled about the news of his leg. A few more hours passed, and when a young nurse approached Lord Reginald, he felt rather worried.

My Lord, she said and bowed slightly. Lord Trenton is out of surgery, and everything went according to plan.

I doubt he will see it that way, Lord Reginald muttered. May I see him?

Of course, my lord.

He followed the nurse down the long hallway, and heard the shouting as it grew louder, the closer they came to Lord Trenton's ward. As Lord Reginald entered the room, his spotted his brother arguing and throwing pillows at the nurses and the orderlies.

Brother, he said and Lord Trenton glanced at him.

Reginald, you are here.

What on Earth is going on in here? Lord Reginald asked.

I do not wish them to be here!

Lord Reginald turned to the nurses and said apologetically, Please leave us.

They nodded and made their way out of the ward as quickly as possible. Lord Reginald sat down on the chair and glanced at his brother, who seemed frantic.

Calm down, brother.

They took my leg, Reginald. How can you possibly expect me to calm down? he exclaimed and motioned to his leg. It is gone! How can they simply take my leg without my permission?

The surgeon had a word with me, Lord Reginald said and his brother glared at him angrily. He told me that the snare caused much more damage than he had thought and that it would be crucial to amputate.

You allowed it?

You would have died otherwise!

I would rather die than to live without my leg!

Do not be so dramatic, brother. You can still…

Please, leave me be.

Edward…

I will not ask you again, Reginald.

Reginald turned on his heel and left, as his brother had instructed. He was reluctant to leave the hospital, even though Lord Trenton had asked him to. He was aware that his brother would need him much more than he would care to admit. Lord Reginald was also aware that the initial shock was still a factor as to why his brother acted this way. Lord Trenton was an active, nature-loving, adventure-seeking man, who had zero limitation. Now he was confined to a bed until he had healed. He would certainly be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and Lord Reginald imagined that for someone like Edward, that would be most difficult and distressing. There was not much he could do regarding the matter. He did, however, think that once Edward was to return to his home, he might need assistance. Lord Reginald had to find a caregiver to assist his brother, even though he was well aware that Edward would refuse.

***

Lord Trenton was fit enough to return to his home after two weeks in the hospital and Lord Reginald and Lord Wiltshire took him home. Lady Cassandra waited there for him to arrive. He was in a wheelchair, not saying much, and Lord Reginald immediately noticed that his brother’s lust for life had been amputated along with his leg. He was curt with everyone, but it grew worse as the days passed.

One afternoon, Lady Cassandra joined him on the terrace and sat down opposite his wheelchair.

My lord, I wish to speak with you.

Regarding what?

Ever since your accident, you have grown withdrawn, and I entirely understand why. You are not the same man who I promised to marry. You have changed.

I have lost my leg, Cassandra. It is foolish of you to think that this will not affect me. It has not only changed my outward appearance, but my heart and my soul as well.

I cannot marry you like this, my lord.

It is because of my leg! You do not wish to marry a deformed man!

Lord Trenton glanced at her, and she nodded. He did not expect her to agree with him, but he expected as much. Lady Cassandra, the only daughter of the Earl and Countess of Bath, was certainly the most shallow and materialistic person he had ever known. Although she was beautiful, and he had admired her for a very long time, he had hoped that these traits would fade with time, but to his dismay it did not. She was a well-educated young woman, and her family possessed great wealth, and she expected much more in return than what she gave.

Lord Trenton narrowed his eyes and shook his head. If you feel this way, do not feel compelled to ever set your feet in my estate ever again.

I am sincerely sorry, my lord.

You do not know the meaning of the word, Lady Cassandra, otherwise you would certainly be more subtle and sympathetic.

You are not even sympathetic with yourself, my lord, she retorted, stood up, and marched back inside angrily.

Lord Trenton clenched his jaw, glaring out over the estate grounds, a place that he used to love, but now despised with his entire being.

CHAPTER TWO

Emma Hopkins gazed up at the large stone building in front of her, and her anxious feeling had suddenly returned. She had, for the most part of her journey to Camden House, convinced herself that she need not be nervous or anxious about the interview she had today. When news broke that a position opened for a caregiver at Camden House, many young nurses jumped at the chance, but after the fourth young woman unexpectedly resigned, Emma wondered what was the problem.

Were the women unable to care for the brother of Lord Reginald? What on Earth makes you think that you will be the one they choose, Emma, she muttered to herself, but she promised that she would try even if that meant that she would be painfully rejected. She was not a nurse, but she had cared for her elderly grandmother for five years before she passed. Hopefully that counted in her favor.

The front door opened and a neatly dressed butler stood in the doorway. Good afternoon, Miss.

Good afternoon. My name is Miss Emma Hopkins. I am here to see Reginald White.

Do you have an appointment with him?

Indeed I do. I am an applicant for the job of caregiver, for his brother.

Right this way, he answered politely and showed her to the office of Lord Reginald. Please, wait here.

Thank you.

The butler nodded and knocked on the door of the office. He went inside shortly after. My lord. Here is a Miss Hopkins to see you.

Is she the applicant? Lord Reginald asked and glanced up from his desk.

Indeed, my lord.

Please, send her in.

Very well, sir, he nodded and as he left the office, motioned to Miss Hopkins to enter. She smiled politely at him and entered the office. Lord Reginald stood up as soon as he saw her and smiled.

Good afternoon, Miss Hopkins.

Good afternoon, Lord Reginald, she reciprocated.

Please, take a seat.

Thank you, my lord, Miss Hopkins smiled and sat down on the comfortable sofa.

Lord Reginald sat on the sofa opposite her and studied her for a moment. Miss Hopkins. Do you have any experience caring for a physically restricted person?

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My lord, I wish to be very frank with you. I am not a nurse. That is not what I asked you, Miss.

Indeed it is not, she smiled. I cared for my elderly grandmother for five years, until she passed.

I am sorry to hear that.

No need to apologize. She lived a full life, but towards the end, she was bound in a wheelchair as her legs simply decided they did not wish to work any longer.

How old was she?

Eighty-five.

Lord Reginald’s eyebrows shot up, and he had an impressed expression on his face. Was she difficult?

She was strong-willed and outspoken, but I handled her well. I am not the kind of person who takes no for an answer.

That is a very good trait to possess, and do not allow anyone else to say otherwise.

Thank you, my lord.

Are you aware of my brother’s accident, Miss Hopkins?

Truthfully, I have heard many things, but I am not one to divulge in gossip.

My brother stepped in a foothold snare trap on a hunting excursion. It was meant for a fox. The damage was so severe that the surgeon had to amputate his leg.

That is terrible, my lord.

Indeed. If you knew my brother before the accident, you would not even think it was the same man living upstairs like a hermit. He was an adventurous soul, Miss Hopkins. He loved to be out of doors, and every day he woke up with a sense of adventure in his heart. A few years ago, he insisted I join him for an unforgettable trip. We crossed the English Channel in a hot air balloon. I was convinced we were to die. To drown in the channel, but we made it to France, unharmed. The look in my brother’s eyes was the most glorious thing I had ever seen.

Miss Hopkins smiled and could only imagine the marvel of experiencing such a thing in her life. It sounds truly remarkable.

He was a remarkable man.

You speak of him as if he is dead.

Sadly, that is not untrue. The man upstairs is not my brother. He is depressed and isolates himself. You are the fifth caregiver, the others have left. They had enough, even after a day with him.

Why?

He is rude, and channels his anger onto them. The women, the caregivers, were not meant to withstand such harsh words from a man. No person should be spoken to the way he speaks to people. He is a bitter shell of a man, unrecognizable.

I can understand why he is angry at the world. It was not his fault though, nor was it anyone else’s.

I wish he could see that for himself.

My lord, if I were to be employed by you, I will not go anywhere. I can promise you that.

That is very courageous of you, Miss Hopkins, but bear in mind, those words have been uttered before by those before you.

But I am not like the others, my lord; that I can assure you.

I admire your confidence and persistence.

Thank you, my lord.

When can you start?

As soon as you wish me to.

Wonderful. I have a written agreement which you are more than welcome to read through, Lord Reginald said and placed a stack of papers in front of her.

Miss Hopkins nodded and reached for the papers. She read them through carefully and made sure that she understood everything. It was a rather basic agreement, stating the days and the hours that she would be caring for Lord Trenton. Also there was an agreement that if she wished to terminate her agreement, that she would have to give a week’s notice. Lord Reginald handed her a quill, and she signed on the last page.

Thank you, Miss Hopkins.

It is I who must thank you.

Lord Reginald smiled slightly and stood up, placing the documents on his desk. Would you care to meet my brother?

That sounds wonderful, she said as she stood up and followed him out of the office. He led her up the stairs and down a very long hallway with green carpets and dark emerald drapes.

The hallway was very dark, and Miss Hopkins’s heart began to pound in her chest. She did not know what on earth to expect. Lord Reginald stopped in front of the last door on the right and knocked.

Trenton? Are you awake?

Go away, Reginald. Lord Reginald and Miss Hopkins exchanged glances, and he shrugged. Trenton, there is someone here who wishes to meet you.

I am not in the mood to meet anyone, ever.

Lord Reginald glanced at Miss Hopkins again and sighed. You will get used to him, he said and opened the door.

The room was dark as they entered. Lord Reginald walked to the window and pulled the drapes open, allowing a ray of sunlight to fall upon the wheelchair that stood in front of the window. Lord Reginald turned the wheelchair around, and Miss Hopkins was rather struck by how handsome the man in the wheelchair was. He had thick dark brown hair and a strong jawline, but his eyes were drawn and tired.

Miss Hopkins, meet my brother, Lord Trenton. Trenton, meet Miss Hopkins.

Good afternoon.

There is nothing good about this afternoon, he scoffed. Why are you here?

Your brother has employed me to be your caregiver, my lord.

I do not require a caregiver.

Miss Hopkins, may I speak with you outside for a moment?

Certainly, my lord.

Lord Reginald and Miss Hopkins stepped outside the chambers, and he closed the door.

I do apologize for my brother’s rude and uncouth behavior.

No apology is necessary, my lord, she said as they walked back down the hallway, towards the staircase.

I have to thank you for coming in today. I was not certain if we would ever find someone who would care for him. Not after the way he treated the others.

Luckily I am more thick-skinned than usual.

I am glad to hear that.

They descended the staircase, and Lord Reginald walked her to the front door.

See you in the morning, my lord.

Indeed.

Miss Hopkins stepped outside and made her way down the cobblestone path leading to the road where a small carriage stood waiting for her. Lord Reginald waved her off and went back inside. He marched up the stairs again, down the long hallway and barged into his brother’s chambers.

Have you forgotten how to knock? Lord Trenton muttered.

Trenton, listen to me very carefully. Miss Hopkins is a very nice young woman, but she is also the woman who will be caring for you from now on.

I do not require a carer!

Edward, please do not do this! We have been through this many times…

I might only have one leg, Reginald, but I am not incapable of caring for myself.

That is not what I am saying.

I do not need a carer!

Brother, whether you like it or not, Miss Hopkins is starting tomorrow, and you better be nothing but courteous to her. Do you understand me?

Lord Trenton turned away and crossed his arms. Close the door when you leave, Reginald.

Lord Reginald pursed his lip and surrendered. He left his brother’s chambers and slammed the door. As he walked down the stairs, he hoped that Miss Hopkins was as tough as she had made herself sound, otherwise, she would run for the hills so fast.

***

The next morning, Miss Hopkins was there at the crack of dawn, not only to show Lord Reginald that she was eager to start, but also to familiarize herself with her new surroundings, as well as with the Earl’s schedule. She spoke to the other staff about what his favorite meals were, what he was fond of reading. She even asked them whether he enjoyed trips in the carriage.

The staff were very helpful, as they had worked for the Earl for a long time. Some of them were even there since he was a young boy. Everyone she spoke to told her that the Earl was an active man who loved being out of doors. He enjoyed walks, hunting, and was an excellent polo player.

But what does Lord Trenton enjoy now? she asked them all with a frown.

They stared at her, not certain what to say. Since the accident, he has done nothing and not enjoyed anything. His food comes back early untouched, one of the cooks, Margaret told her.

He is certainly not the same man any longer, another cook, John, said to her.

That is quite sad to hear, John.

The accident changed him tremendously, John sighed. He used to be such a happy and friendly man.

Tragedy certainly does that to a person.

Miss Hopkins nodded and stepped away from them. Thank you,John, Margaret. Thank you, everyone for all your advice and help.

It is a pleasure, Miss. We will help in any way that we can to make your duties as easy as possible.

Hopefully you can make Lord Trenton smile, or at least look a bit better.

I can certainly try, she answered.

She walked out of the kitchen and went upstairs. As she walked down the hallway, she grew nervous, but refused to allow Lord Trenton to make her feel this way. She knocked briefly on his door and opened it. Lord Trenton was still asleep in his bed, and Miss Hopkins spent a few moments merely looking at him.

He was even more handsome as he lay peacefully on his bed, not saying a word, or scoffing like a child. She walked over to the drapes and pulled them open. The sunlight was near blinding, and Lord Trenton groaned in pain, as if the light stabbed him like daggers all over his body.

What is the meaning of this? he grumbled angrily and sat up in bed. This is completely unacceptable.

The only unacceptable thing is that you are still asleep, my lord.

You have quite the audacity to enter my chambers without my knowledge and so rudely wake me from my slumber.

I will apologize when you apologize for being rude to your staff.

What does that have to do with anything? he demanded to know.

As your brother’s employee, I feel obligated to be treated with respect. He told me how rude you were to the other caregivers.

They were incompetent.

According to you.

He glanced at her and narrowed his eyes. You do not scare as easily.

I do not.

Why are you here?

I have come to take you to have breakfast on the terrace. It is a beautiful morning, and you need some fresh air.

I do not have an appetite.

I do not care. You will get dressed, even if I have to help you with that, and you will go downstairs... she paused slightly and glanced at him.

And how will I do that, Miss Hopkins?

She straightened her shoulders as she watched him throw the blankets off himself, revealing his amputated leg. It ended by the knee, and Miss Hopkins frowned slightly.

We can have breakfast in one of the rooms upstairs.

You are very persistent.

She smiled tightly and walked over to the bed. Now, enough small talk. Let us get you dressed.

A short while later, Miss Hopkins and the Earl were seated inside one of the upstairs parlors, and the maidservant who served them, seemed equally surprised and thrilled.

Your brother tells me that you enjoy hunting.

I enjoyed hunting.

Not anymore?

How do you think I lost my leg? Just because you lost it while hunting, does not mean that you do not enjoy it any longer.

You are truly foolish if you think that can ever be true.

Perhaps you mistake foolishness for optimism.

I highly doubt that, he muttered.

They ate their meal in silence, and Miss Hopkins smiled slightly. I often wondered what it would be like to have a younger brother, she said out of the blue. I am my parents’ only child, and often wondered what it would be like if I had a younger sibling, a brother more specifically. My father also enjoys hunting, but he only hunts hare. I was never allowed to accompany him, because I was a girl. I often wished that my mother would have a son, a brother for me, but more specifically for my father. A companion to accompany him when he goes hunting for hare.

Does your story have a purpose?

I am merely telling you something about myself and my family.

I do not wish to hear such trivialities.

My life is not trivial, she said with a furrowed brow.

You certainly make it sound that way.

Why are you so rude?

It is simply the way I am.

I refuse to believe that. You used to be such a good man.

Who told you that?

It does not matter who told me.

Reginald should know when to hold his tongue.

He is worried about you.

Was he worried about me when he gave the surgeon consent to amputate my leg, thus ending my life as I knew it?

You should be grateful that you are alive, my lord.

Grateful for being bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life?

My lord…

Certainly you have something better to do than sit here and have breakfast with a deformed man.

No, I do not.

You are a stubborn woman.

And you are a stubborn and proud man, and those traits usually mean for a tragic downfall, when you realize that you are not as high and mighty as you think you are.

I think you should leave now.

Very well, she said as she stood up, threw her napkin on the table, and marched out of the parlor.

As she rushed down the hallway, she passed Lord Reginald, who glanced at her with a worried expression. Is everything alright, Miss Hopkins?

In all of my life, I have never met such a rude, selfish and ungrateful man as your brother, she uttered angrily.

What did he say to you?

It does not matter, she sighed.

If it is any consolation, Miss Hopkins, this is the first time since returning from the hospital that he has left his room.

Is that supposed to make me feel less angry?

Is it working?

Perhaps, she shrugged.

Do not allow him to get you down.

I will try my best.

Should I have a word with him?

He is your brother, my lord. You do what you see fit.

I will have a word with him later.

Thank you, my lord, she said.

Perhaps you can offer to read to him. He enjoys the sonnet compilation.

Poetry?

Does that seem hard to believe?

He does not seem the type.

Perhaps you should get to know him better.

Perhaps you are right.

I bid you good luck.

Thank you, my lord. I might need it this time.

The day had been exhausting, but Miss Hopkins managed to not storm out of Camden house. Despite Lord Trenton’s extremely hostile attitude towards everyone around him, Miss Hopkins managed to survive the day,