Book Release Celebration and Giveaway: A Worthy Woman

So, a funny thing happened. I sort of finished the ebook for A Worthy Woman, so I just hit publish instead of sitting on it for a particular day or waiting for the paperback to be done. I would apologize for surprising everyone, but somehow, I don’t know that it will be necessary 😉

For those who are on the fence, I will continue to post a couple more preview chapters here and on my website, but if you just want to cut to the chase and read it, you can find A Worthy Woman on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. I will release the paperback once I get a chance to format it and make the cover. I’ll have a release post for that as well.

This has been my favorite of the series to write so far. I love how the characters came together in the end, even if it took 2 rewrites of the original to get there! I’m also in love with the cover. I wanted a redhead and lucked out finding a photo with one. I love her hair!

So, onto the preview of Chapter 2.

If you haven’t read Chapter 1, click here.

Chapter 2

“Ireland!” Grandpapa’s fork and knife clattered against his plate. “Are you mad? What would possess you to even consider a journey to Ireland at this time of year? Crossing the Irish Sea would be treacherous indeed.”

“The viscountcy holds a property in County Antrim—”

“I know the Hatton holdings well, Nicholas, and if you feel seeing to the property in person is necessary, you can delay your trip until the weather warms.” His grandfather spoke with an uncommon growl while Janey and his grandmother glanced back and forth between them.

“Certainly nothing could be of such importance that it cannot wait a few months,” said Grandmamma.

Nicholas exhaled and gripped his utensils firmly, his hands had long since fallen so his wrists rested against the edge of the table. “Grandfather, I will go—”

“Perhaps you misunderstood my meaning, Nicholas. You will not go.” Janey’s head continued to turn back and forth as each person spoke, watching the entire scene unfold.

At his grandfather’s edict, Nicholas stiffened. “You forbid me?” His grandparents had not forbidden him anything since he came of age. Why could they not trust his judgement?

His grandmother closed her eyes with a sigh. “If you would both—”

“You may be a grown man, son, but I am still head of this family and must act in a way I deem best for the survival of the earldom and our properties. Too many people rely on us for their livelihoods. We will not let them down.”

“You believe I have not thought this through?” Did his grandfather believe him to be capricious?

“No, Nicholas, I do not. You have become increasingly intemperate these past few years, during the Season in particular, and now you desire to attempt a crossing to Ireland in the winter. A crossing is dangerous at any time, but to go now would be insupportable. I shall not pretend to understand your decision or your reasoning behind it. You will remain in England. If you must, return to Richmond Castle or hell, go to Mablethorpe.” His grandmother and cousin gasped at his grandfather’s uncharacteristic swear. “Go to the Hatton holding in Scotland or the Richmond holding in Wales. I care not which, but you will not journey to Ireland.”

Nicholas clenched his knife and fork and prayed for patience. “I went through every Richmond and Hatton property, and Moydrum has had no one from the family attend it since my father visited when I was young. I would not expect you to make such a journey, and since I am able—”

Grandpapa levelled a steady gaze on Nicholas. “I would not object if it were late spring or summer when the seas are calmer. The crossing would be an easier journey and put you less at risk. We will not lose you too,” said his grandfather weakly.

“Should I stay or should I go, you cannot control whether I live or die.”

“You will not go.” The definitive command of the Earl of Richmond brooked no opposition, and with the presence of the servants for dinner, Nicholas would challenge him no further. Not that he agreed with his grandfather’s demand but arguing would serve no purpose here and now.

“I saw you speaking to the Marchioness of Ormonde,” said Janey with a cheerful note to her voice. “I have spoken to her briefly during calls at Amelia’s. She seems a genial lady once she relaxes.”

Gran swallowed a sip of her wine. “Her sister did her no favours with society. The poor dear was considered tainted by the scandal of her sister, Lady Lincoln. When that lady appeared again last Season, I was concerned for Lady Ormonde—she was a great friend of Nicholas’s mother as well as your mother, you know—but Lady Lincoln soon disappeared.”

“Rumour indicated she fled England with the Duke of Cumberland’s money,” said Nicholas.

“Regardless of how or why, her departure was a blessing for her sister.” Gran shook her head. “I was thankful for Lady Ormonde’s presence when Anthony was injured by that horse last Season. I will be forever grateful she helped Amelia return him to Audley Place. Isabella would be pleased Lady Ormonde has taken Amelia under her wing.”

“She mentioned to me her friendship with my mother,” said Nicholas. “She offered me some of Mama’s drawings and paintings. I had been unaware they were such great friends. Lady Ormonde mentioned she and the marquess are my godparents.”

His grandmother nodded. “That is true, though they were busy with their own children for a time, then distanced themselves after her sister’s scandal. They had no wish for others to be affected by the rumours.”

“Are they also Amelia’s godparents?” asked Janey.

Grandpapa made a disdainful sort of grunt. “No, your father and mother were. Bennet seemed to forget as he did so many things after Sophie’s death.”

“Oh, Janey, before I forget, Lizzybeth wrote that the Hursts returned to town last week. I thought to call on them tomorrow. Would you care to join me? After what occurred with Mr. Bingley, I shall understand if you do not.”

His cousin gave a slight flinch at the mention of Mr. Bingley, but as soon as she swallowed her bite, she nodded. “I do want to join you. No matter what occurred with Mr. Bingley, he caused me no harm, and I am acquainted with them from Netherfield, so I do feel I should. Besides, I would adore seeing the baby if Mrs. Hurst will allow it.” Janey was too good. Only she would still associate with the family of the gentleman who attempted to court her for her fortune or would want to see that man’s young daughter.

“Well, now that is settled, I require a brandy. Nicholas?” Grandpapa stood, his expression still rather dark. He had not said all he desired on the topic of Ireland. Nicholas was certain of it.

With a deep inhale, he rose and followed his grandfather towards the study. How long before he could reasonably excuse himself and retire for the evening? If he confessed to what had occurred in the past between him and Rebecca, his grandfather would be appalled. All Nicholas could do was continue arguing of the necessity of the journey and hope his grandfather relented. He had no other options. He rarely lied to his grandparents, and though he had not told them the whole truth, he had not told a falsehood about Moydrum requiring his attention. Yes, he was running away, but what other choice did he have?

~ * ~

Nicholas alighted from the carriage and entered the inn. The innkeeper and his wife greeted him with a gracious welcome as they always did and showed him to the room he usually occupied when he travelled to Mablethorpe. The establishment was clean and comfortable, and the food was excellent, which was why he always returned.

His gut gnawed at him for not stopping at Pemberley. He was so close, after all, but Lizzy and Darcy could not be a party to his scheme. Yes, he journeyed towards Mablethorpe, a Hatton property in northern Wales, yet he had no intention of actually arriving there. In fact, this inn was where he would inform his driver of his true destination and divert his course.

Once he had refreshed himself and removed some of the dust from the road, he made his way to the common rooms but came to a sudden halt at a familiar face. “Darcy? How did you know I would be here?”

His cousin’s husband shook his hand. “Your grandfather sent me an express. He wanted me to ensure you had no intention of changing your course.”

“Why am I not surprised?” He almost groaned the words while motioning for Darcy to follow him to the dining room. “Come, you must join me for dinner.”

“My meal will be awaiting me when I return to Pemberley, but I will have an ale while we talk.”

Nicholas nodded, then they both requested ales of the maid who attended them without delay. “Are you to lecture me as my grandfather did?”

“Lecture you? No, I had not thought to do so. May I ask why you are so intent on Ireland? You could escape anywhere in England without taking the additional risk.”

“You are convinced I am going?”

Darcy directed a heavy stare at Nicholas. “If you were simply travelling to Mablethorpe, you would have broken your journey at Pemberley. I see no other reason you have tried to avoid Elizabeth and me.”

“I did not want Grandpapa to blame you for any part in my scheme.”

Before he could answer, Darcy’s chin hitched up and he waved his hand, making Nicholas glance behind him and exhale. “Really? Pray, tell me Greene did not drag Amelia from Dereham for this. ’Tis truly not necessary. I know what I am about.”

“Is he whining like a child already, Darcy?” asked Sir Anthony Greene, who was married to Nicholas’s sister, Amelia.

“Of course, he is.” Darcy gave a crooked grin and motioned to the serving maid. “One more ale, and no matter what he tells you, this lout does not want food. He has no money anyway.”

Nicholas scoffed and batted away Darcy’s finger pointing in his direction. “I have already paid for my rooms, and my driver is in need of rest. I shall not be going anywhere.”

Greene leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Amy saw through your ruse, you know. From the letters she has received from your grandmother, grandfather, and Janey, she insisted you yielded to Richmond’s demands too easily. She knows your demeanour quite well.”

“As much as we have teased each other over the years, we spoke of more than idle chatter after our parents died.” He took a draw from the glass that was set in front of him.

“She expects us to bring you to Pemberley,” said Greene. “Do not make me disappoint my wife. I am certain she shall mount the first available stallion she finds and ride here to make her displeasure known should you refuse.”

Nicholas propped his elbows on the table and rested his head in his hands. “I am in no mood for her reprimand as well.”

“I do not believe she intends to deliver a rebuke. She is more worried than anything else and seeks reassurance that you are thinking your options through.”

He stared at his brother for a moment. “So, you expect me to travel a few hours back to Pemberley?”

“Yes,” said Darcy while Greene nodded. “We have my carriage outside with a fresh team. Your carriage with my horses will be brought to Pemberley on the morrow. When you are ready to depart Pemberley, you may use my carriage team, which you may swap for yours here. I shall have my stable hands fetch mine the day after.”

Greene held up a finger before Nicholas could so much as open his mouth. “If the prospect of visiting Mrs. Darcy and Amy is not enough to persuade you, what of your new niece? Isabella has yet to meet her uncle. You would not want to snub your only niece.”

“That is low,” he said, laughing. “Isabella will never remember meeting me at this time. She is too young.”

“I am certain Alexander would appreciate a visit from his favourite cousin.”

Nicholas let out a great bark of amusement. “That was laid on with a trowel—by both of you. Very well. I can see that I shall receive no quarter until I agree, so pay for the ales and let us be gone.” He rose from his chair. “I shall notify my servants.”

His brother laughed as he stood. “What do you think I was doing before I entered? Your valet has your trunk strapped to the back of the carriage and will ride with Darcy’s driver. Your driver and tigers will accompany your carriage and Darcy’s horses to Pemberley tomorrow.”

“I see you have thought of everything,” said Nicholas. “I have no choice but to accede to your wishes.”

“We were certain you would bow to our persuasion.” Darcy wore that ridiculous grin he never failed to sport when he was correct. That countenance was truly insufferable.

“Yes, well, let us be off. I have been travelling all day and was anticipating my dinner and a warm bed, not being harangued by my sister and cousin.”

After throwing a few coins on the table, Darcy joined them. “Yes, but you will have an excellent meal surrounded by your family, a hot bath if you desire it, which I imagine you will appreciate after three days of travel, and a warm, and likely more comfortable, bed than you would have here.”

“I am not certain of that, Darcy. The Bell may not look like much, but I have yet to find an inn I prefer.”

His cousin’s husband clapped him on the back. “If I should have need to travel this way, I shall make a note of that.”

True to their word, Darcy’s equipage stood outside the inn with fresh horses and Evans, his valet, atop with the driver. Nicholas would have a word with him later. Evans was his servant. Darcy and Greene did not pay his wages, Nicholas did. Apparently, his man required that reminder.

When he climbed inside, he sank into the plush squabs and sighed. He was in no rush to reach Ireland, yet this delayed him by at least a week. Amelia and Lizzy would never allow him to depart after just one day at Pemberley. Yet, the situation could be worse. He could still be in London and attending many of the same events with Rebecca—no, the Duchess of Clarence.

Regardless of what they once were, he should never think of her with such familiarity again. He had held his anger and indignation for long enough. Part of his escape from all that was familiar was to release her and what she once represented. If he was to do so, he needed to begin anew—and needed to begin now.