The Cursed Earl

By Ruth Ann Nordin

Algernon Wright, the Earl of Draconhawthshire, takes great care to avoid bad luck. Over the years, he’s learned to sway good luck in his favor, and because of that, he’s managed to avoid many unlucky incidents. The only thing he can’t change, however, is the curse that hovers over his life. On his twenty-fifth birthday, Algernon is doomed to die. That leaves him only one year to get married so he can pass on his title to an heir.

Ideally, the lady he marries will be a spinster who isn’t all that interested in marriage but will be happy to be a mother. Then, when he dies early, neither one of them will miss each other. Instead of the old spinster he hopes to find, however, he comes across Miss Reina Livingstone. She is vibrant and full of life. She gives him the one thing he lost over the years: hope.

Reina knows Algernon believes he’s cursed, but she doesn’t. The poor gentleman has lived under the heaviness of sorrow for so long that he hasn’t really learned to enjoy life. He deserves a love match. And she’s going to make it her mission to marry him, regardless of whether it brings good or bad luck.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruth Ann Nordin
• Release date: Jan 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9780463831939

Ruth Ann Nordin

Ruth Ann Nordin has written seventy romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for eighteen years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 12, 13, 14, and 16. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder, and there's always someone to take care of a mouse that squeezes its way into her Montana home. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

Book preview

Marriage by Necessity: Book 2

The

Cursed

Earl

Ruth Ann Nordin

This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and also represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

The Cursed Earl

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2022 Ruth Ann Nordin

V1.0

Images and Cover Art Illustration on front by Period Images, Pi Creative Lab and MandyKoehlerDesigns1. Cover Text, Logo and Branding by Ruth Ann Nordin.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without expressed written consent of the publisher/author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Table of Contents

Dedication

All Regency Books by Ruth

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

Chapter Twenty-Five

Next in the Marriage by Necessity Series

All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Erica Rafferty who has always been kind and supportive in my writing ventures. Also, thank you for asking me what would happen if people found out Lord Edon was never the rake he pretended to be. I hadn’t thought of exposing his secret until then. It was a lot of fun to write.

Don’t miss the other Regencies!

(list is in chronological order)

Marriage by Scandal Series

The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife

A Most Unsuitable Earl

His Reluctant Lady

The Earl’s Scandalous Wife

Marriage by Design Series

Breaking the Rules

Nobody’s Fool

A Deceptive Wager

Marriage by Deceit Series

The Earl’s Secret Bargain

Love Lessons With the Duke

Ruined by the Earl

The Earl’s Stolen Bride

Marriage by Arrangement Series

His Wicked Lady

Her Devilish Marquess

The Earl’s Wallflower Bride

Marriage by Bargain Series

The Viscount’s Runaway Bride

The Rake’s Vow

Taming The Viscountess

If It Takes A Scandal

Marriage by Fate Series

The Reclusive Earl

Married In Haste

Make Believe Bride

The Perfect Duke

Kidnapping the Viscount

Marriage by Fairytale Series

The Marriage Contract

One Enchanted Evening

The Wedding Pact

Fairest of Them All

The Duke’s Secluded Bride

Marriage by Necessity Series

A Perilous Marriage

The Cursed Earl

Heiress of Misfortune – coming next

Standalone Regencies

Her Counterfeit Husband (happens during A Most Unsuitable Earl)

An Earl In Time (A Fairytale Regency Romance)

Want to be notified when I have a new romance out?

Join my email list!

If you would rather get a monthly update on what I’m doing,

I have a Newsletter blog.

Chapter One

March 1825

Algernon Wright, the Earl of Draconhawthshire, looked up from the chessboard where he was, unsuccessfully, trying to focus on the game. He had come to his friend’s townhouse to take his mind off of the fact that he was about to turn twenty-four. Unfortunately, it wasn’t working. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the library echoed in a mocking fashion. He only had a year to conceive an heir, and he wasn’t even married yet.

Mr. Charles Duff leaned forward and moved Algernon’s pawn for him. There. That will keep you in the game.

Algernon took his gaze off of the clock, unaware he’d been staring at it.

This isn’t turning out to be much of a game if you’re going to let me win so easily, Charles said. How many times do I have to tell you there are no such things as curses?

My father died on his twenty-fifth birthday, and so did my brother.

I admit that was a terrible coincidence, but it doesn’t mean you’ll die on your twenty-fifth birthday, too.

Charles didn’t understand. There had been other things, other omens, that had popped up over the years that pointed to his early demise. Algernon was well versed in omens. He was good at recognizing them. And he was certain two ravens had been perched outside his bedchamber window that morning. Today was the eve of his twenty-fourth birthday. Those ravens had been a warning. He had only a year to have an heir.

Charles moved his piece. Sometimes I can’t wait for you to turn twenty-five so you’ll realize all of your fears are unfounded.

Don’t say that! Wishing for time to go faster could lead me to an early grave. He heard a series of knocks and put his hand over his heart. Lord Quinton said that when Death is near, you can hear your heart beating.

That’s not your heart you’re hearing. Someone is at the door.

Really? Algernon rubbed his chest to make sure his heart wasn’t trying to leap out of it.

Charles rose to his feet and went to answer the door. On the other side, Algernon saw Charles’ wife, Eris, and Charles’ cousin, Miss Reina Livingstone. Algernon had met both ladies at a dinner party not too long ago. That was right before Charles ran off to elope with Eris. Algernon was surprised the marriage was going along so well since they had left London at night, and darkness could bring bad luck.

But then, Charles wasn’t cursed. He was in his mid-thirties. He didn’t have an early death to worry about. It was no wonder he scoffed at omens so much. Algernon wished he could be so fortunate. Imagine the sheer joy of living without the shadow of death lingering close by.

Would you gentlemen like to take a walk with us at Hyde Park? Eris asked. The days are getting warmer now, and it’s sunny out.

Charles glanced at Algernon. I think that would be a good idea. Nothing interesting is happening with the chess game.

Algernon debated whether to say anything or not, but since he’d seen the ravens, it was in his best interest to speak up. I’m not sure a walk is a good idea, he said as he went over to them.

Why not? Charles asked him.

Despite the heat that rose up his face, Algernon admitted, I saw two ravens this morning. Ravens are bad luck. It might not be safe for me to be outside today.

Then why did you come here? Charles asked.

Avoiding eye contact with the ladies, he softly said, I was careful the entire way. I made sure to take each step one at a time, and I had the coachman look over the carriage to make sure everything was all right with it.

Charles opened his mouth, probably ready to voice an objection, but his gaze went over to something on the other side of the room. Algernon’s eyebrows furrowed as Charles headed to the desk. What was he doing?

Charles retrieved a cane and returned to Algernon. He held the cane out to him. This cane brings good luck. If I hadn’t been with it the night I was almost murdered, I would have died. Because of this, I survived. When Algernon hesitated to accept it, he added, Look at the cross that’s etched into the design. Everyone knows crosses are good luck.

Yes, that was true. Feeling much better, Algernon accepted it. I’ll give this back to you when we return to this townhouse.

I’m glad you’ll be joining us, Reina spoke up. We’ll have a wonderful time.

Algernon turned his attention to her and noted the pleasant smile on her face. Actually, everything about her was pleasant. He’d thought so the moment he met her. She had golden blonde hair and lovely green eyes. She always seemed to be smiling whenever he happened to see her, whether it was here or in London when she didn’t realize he was in the vicinity. A part of him couldn’t help but envy how happy she was.

Also, she had a very pretty face, and the rest of her was equally as pleasant to look at. He quickly averted his gaze from her breasts before anyone noticed. Just because he was attracted to her, it didn’t mean the others had to know it. He lowered his gaze to the cross on the cane and prayed that God wouldn’t allow Death to take him before he was twenty-five because he’d been lusting after her. Lust, after all, was one of the seven deadly sins.

That settles it, Charles said. Algernon and I will get our coats and hats and join you for that walk.

Once they were fully attired, everyone left the townhouse. Algernon had to admit it did feel nice to be out. There were few things better in this life than the warmth of sunlight on one’s skin. He didn’t go out nearly enough. He supposed it wouldn’t hurt to at least sit by the window more so he could be near the sunlight more often.

We’ll take the smooth path through Hyde Park, won’t we? Algernon asked.

Charles glanced at him in surprise. I wasn’t aware Hyde Park had a rough path.

Yes, it does, Algernon said. There’s a path next to the trees that has all of those roots jutting out. If you aren’t careful, you can trip and fall, and if that happens, you can break your neck.

Charles’ eyebrows furrowed. Are you talking about the path with those two tree roots that you have to walk over?

There’s more than two tree roots. There’s a lot of them. It was like going through a dangerous maze. He didn’t even want to think of it.

There are plenty of places we can walk that aren’t near any trees, Eris said. We’ll let you choose the path, Algernon.

Algernon felt immensely better. Thankfully, he was with people who were understanding. He knew he had a tendency to annoy people with how worried he was. If only they lived under the curse he did. Then they’d understand what a burden it was. He wasn’t any happier about the little things he had to worry about than they were.

Charles, Eris, and Reina did most of the talking. He was more focused on the path in front of them. When he came across a rock, he hurried to move it out of the way. While these things didn’t look dangerous to most people, he was aware that even the littlest of things could cause great damage. He recalled how one of the gentlemen at White’s had harmed his ankle when he fell over a small toy in his townhouse. Yes, danger was all around.

That’s considerate of you, Reina said as he bent down to pick up a rock so he could toss it to the side of the path. I don’t recall anyone being kind enough to make sure others will have a clear path.

I wouldn’t exactly say that this is an act of kindness, Algernon replied, even though he did enjoy the compliment. It would be rude to leave things in the way where others can trip on them.

Don’t be so humble, Charles said. No one thinks to do that except for the person whose job it is to clean the park.

Algernon wasn’t sure what to say to that, so he just shrugged.

The world would be a better place if people showed more concern for others, Reina said as they continued walking.

It’s London, Charles said. Most people would rather focus on social engagements and fashion.

What’s wrong with those things? Reina asked in surprise. I happen to love talking to people and looking nice.

Judging by how pretty she was in her velvet fur-lined pink cloak and matching bonnet, Algernon thought the effort she put into being fashionable was well worth it. I see nothing wrong with someone wanting to be fashionable, he told Charles.

There’s nothing wrong with being fashionable, Charles clarified. I’m talking about focusing too much on it. Some judge others by what they wear instead of considering the content of someone’s character.

When you put it that way, I see your point, Algernon said.

I don’t think many people do that, Reina told Charles.

You haven’t met Lord and Lady Cadwalader, their family, and their friends yet, Charles replied. Just wait. When I start chaperoning you to the balls, you’ll come across them. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Algernon hadn’t thought about Reina having a Season. Of course, she hadn’t come to London just to talk to Eris and have dinner parties with her family. She was a young lady who was unmarried. This year, her main concern would be finding a husband.

He wondered….

No, it wasn’t right to ask a lady like Reina to spend a year married to him in order to have his child. A year was all he could give her. A year was all he could give anyone. It would be best if he picked a wallflower. Perhaps a spinster who had been unsuccessful in her third Season. Preferably someone who could use his wealth to live out a nice and comfortable life raising his child. Algernon had been looking for such a lady, but there was none he’d come across.

As long as you don’t do anything scandalous, you’ll have no trouble with Lord or Lady Cadwalader, Eris told Reina. I wouldn’t let Charles scare you.

I’m not trying to scare her, Charles replied.

I’m not scared, Reina assured Eris. I look forward to seeing Lord and Lady Cadwalader at a ball. They sound like interesting people.

They are the most influential people in the Ton, Eris said. You should at least know what they look like so you’ll know them if you happen to see them when you’re in public.

Yes, you want to make sure to be on your best behavior when they’re around, Charles added. They’ve ruined quite a few reputations over the years.

I’ll be mindful to act appropriately in public, Reina said.

Charles frowned. You’ll act appropriately in private, too. How we conduct ourselves when we’re not in public is just as important as how we conduct ourselves when no one is looking.

Reina sighed. "I haven’t done anything inappropriate my entire life. If the Tittletattle relied on my activities, there would be nothing to report."

Good, Charles replied. That’s for the best.

Algernon caught the way Reina rolled her eyes and forced back a chuckle. He was well aware of how determined Charles was to have a pristine reputation. He surmised it was because Charles’ oldest sister had a tendency to embarrass him by not caring all that much about the Ton’s opinion. Charles probably felt it was up to him to preserve the family’s good name.

If only Algernon’s biggest worry was keeping scandal from his family name. He’d much rather ward off a scandal than a curse.

We should have a dinner party, Eris said after a few seconds of silence passed. I think it’d be fun if we had an evening of charades.

Reina’s eyes lit up. That would be fun! Her hopeful gaze went to Algernon. You’ll go to it, won’t you?

Surprised she should seem so excited by the prospect, he blurted out, I wouldn’t miss it for anything, before he had time to think.

What was he doing? He hadn’t taken time to consider what day this dinner party would be. What if it fell on an unlucky number like the 13th? His eyes widened. What if Eris wanted it to be on the 15th? March 15 was the dreadful Ides of March. That was when Julius Caesar had been assassinated. Worse than that, what if the dinner party fell on a full moon?

I think this Thursday would be a good day for a dinner party, Eris said. What does everyone else think?

While the others answered that Thursday was fine with them, Algernon thought over the lunar pattern and was relieved to note the full moon wouldn’t be until Saturday. Also, Thursday did not fall on the 13th or the 15th.

That will be a good day for me, Algernon told Eris.

Oh, good, Reina said, giving him a smile that seemed even brighter than the sun. We’re going to have a wonderful time.

He returned her smile. Suddenly, Thursday seemed like a long time away.

Chapter Two

Reina waited in the entryway of her aunt and uncle’s townhouse for the coachman to bring the carriage to the front. She couldn’t wait to see Algernon again. She hadn’t told anyone that she had fallen in love with him, but from the moment she’d met him, she had entertained fantasies of dancing with him at balls, having tea with him on the settee, and kissing him when they were alone. She really didn’t care what she was doing as long as they were together.

Are you going to a ball? twelve-year-old Melanie Duff asked.

Reina turned from the window and faced her cousin. No. This evening I’m going to a dinner party at your brother’s townhouse.

Things are so boring here, Melanie said. Why can’t you have my brother and his wife come here?

Well, it’s not just me who’s going there as a guest. Lord Draconhawthshire will be there, too.

You could talk all of them into coming here.

Reina smiled in sympathy at her cousin. You have Bridget to play with. She’s only a year younger than you. Surely, you two have a lot in common.

Melanie rolled her eyes. We play all the time, and besides, there’s a lot of difference between eleven and twelve years. I’m starting to become a lady. Already, I’m changing. She lowered her voice and whispered, I’m starting to get bosoms.

Reina glanced at where the girl was pointing to on her chest but couldn’t make out any notable difference between Melanie and Bridget. It would disappoint her cousin if she admitted that, though. I think the gentleman who is going to be there is interested in me. That’s why it’s important I go there this evening.

How can you tell he’s interested in you? Did he say he wants to be your suitor?

No, he hasn’t come out and said anything about being my suitor, but there are times when he looks at me and I get the most wonderful chills.

Chills don’t sound good. You might be getting sick.

Reina laughed. No, I’m not getting sick. I’m just excited by the prospect of seeing him this evening. If all goes well, we’ll have a moment to talk, and he might say something about wanting to pay me a visit.

Melanie paused for a moment. If he were to come by here, what would you do with him?

Well, we’d have tea and probably some crumpets. Unless he considered crumpets to be unlucky. She would never do anything to frighten him. He was one of the sweetest people she’d ever met, but he had a tendency to worry about the smallest things. Turning her attention back to Melanie, she continued, We’d eat, drink, and talk.

What would you talk about?

Whatever is on his mind. I would wait to see what he says and respond to it. Sort of like what we’re doing now.

Melanie frowned in disappointment. That seems rather boring. All my parents do is sit around and talk. All Charles does is sit around and talk. All Heather does is sit around and talk, too, but at least she brings over my nephew so I can play with him. My favorite game is where someone hides and the other person has to find them. Will you be doing that this evening?

I’m afraid not. So far, whenever I’m at your brother’s for a dinner party, I play charades.

That’s not so bad, but I can never guess the people or things you pretend to be.

That’s because you’re not old enough to understand the subtle hints. Feeling sorry for the girl who wanted to grow up much too fast, Reina put a comforting hand on her shoulder. You’ll be my age soon enough.

The front door opened, and the coachman said the carriage was ready.

Reina turned back to her cousin. Don’t be in a hurry to grow up. I had a lot of fun when I was a child. I got to play all sorts of games with my little brother and sister.

You were in the country. I bet there’s more room to play out there.

Yes, there is. But London isn’t without its benefits. You like the walks at Hyde Park, and you have a lot of fun seeing the animals. There’s also the market where your parents buy you gifts once in a while. She glanced at the carriage and then at the coachman. I better go, Melanie. I’ll let you know how this evening went tomorrow morning. Then you’ll know what you missed.

All right.

Reina gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze and then hurried to get into the carriage. She was going to see Algernon tonight. She couldn’t wait!

She really hoped this evening would be the one where Algernon would declare his undying love for her. She bit her lower lip. No, that probably wasn’t likely to happen. That was a little too much to expect. But he might give her some indication that he wanted to be her suitor. She wondered how long a gentleman who thought he only had a year left to live would take before proposing marriage. She might be untried by a gentleman, but she knew it took nine months to have a baby. Surely, he’d want to marry sooner rather than later to find out if he had an heir.

If she recalled right, Charles had mentioned that Algernon had