The Earl Falls in Love - Chapter 6
Spicy BL/MM/GAY Omegaverse Historical Romance
Edward
The morning sunlight streamed through the faded curtains of Cheswick Manor’s drawing room, casting a golden glow that somehow managed to both illuminate the room’s shabby elegance and mercifully soften its signs of decay. Edward Tyndall, dressed in his own trousers and a borrowed shirt that strained across his shoulders, took in the scene before him with the practiced assessment of a man accustomed to evaluating assets.
What he found most valuable in the room, however, was not the antique furniture or the fine (if worn) carpet beneath his feet, but the three people who occupied it: Lady Elizabeth Harrison, her granddaughter Dorothy, and most captivating of all, Ian, who had positioned himself strategically near his grandmother’s chair.
Lady Elizabeth Harrison—”Grandma Eliza” as Ian called her—was exactly the sort of formidable matriarch Edward had expected. She sat with the perfect posture that spoke of generations of breeding, her silver hair arranged neatly beneath a lace cap that had seen better days but was still impeccably clean. Her eyes, sharp as a falcon’s, missed nothing as they assessed him in return. Edward recognized the look—it was the same evaluating gaze his grandmother had employed when sizing up potential business partners or unsuitable suitors for her daughters.
“Please be seated, sir,” Lady Harrison said, gesturing toward a sofa that had once been quite grand. “I understand we have you to thank for dispatching those bandits, though at considerable cost to yourself.”
Edward settled himself on the offered seat, acutely aware of Ian’s presence. In the clear light of day, the young omega was even more striking than he had appeared by candlelight. His features had a delicate precision that reminded Edward of the fine porcelain his mother collected—beautiful, but with an underlying strength that belied its fragile appearance.
“I believe the thanks should flow in the opposite direction, my lady,” Edward replied with a slight bow of his head. “Had your grandson not found me when he did, I suspect the local magistrate would be investigating a far more grim discovery.”
Ian’s scent shifted subtly—embarrassment mingled with pride—as a becoming flush crept across his cheeks. “It was Waffle who found you, really,” he demurred. “I merely followed the barking and hauled you back here like an exceptionally large and inconvenient package.”
Edward couldn’t help but smile at the dry humor. “A package that bled all over your clothing and commandeered your bed. My apologies for the imposition.”
“Better bleeding on my sheets than feeding the crows in our grassland,” Ian replied with a shrug that attempted nonchalance but couldn’t quite disguise his discomfort. “Though I must say, you’ve been the most eventful thing to happen at Cheswick since Reuben decided to see if he could fly from the apple tree last summer.”
Lady Harrison’s lips twitched despite her obvious attempt to maintain decorum. “What my grandson means to convey, sir, is that we are pleased to have been of assistance, limited though our resources may be.” She gestured around the room with a hand that bore a single worn gold ring—her wedding band, Edward presumed. “As you can see, Cheswick Manor has seen more prosperous days.”
“You’ve maintained it admirably under difficult circumstances,” Edward said, noting how despite the worn furnishings, everything was scrupulously clean and well-ordered. “Many would have surrendered to despair long ago.”
“Harrisons don’t surrender, sir,” Lady Harrison replied with quiet dignity. “We endure.”
Edward inclined his head in acknowledgment, impressed by her resilience. “A commendable philosophy.”
“One that has served us well enough until now,” she said, a new sharpness entering her tone. “But I suspect you are not merely an unfortunate traveler who crossed paths with bandits. There is something... familiar about you, sir. Perhaps you might enlighten us as to your full identity and purpose in these parts?”
The moment had arrived. Edward straightened imperceptibly, his alpha presence filling the room without conscious effort. “Indeed, Lady Harrison. I believe honesty is required at this juncture.” He met her gaze directly. “I am Edward James Tyndall, Earl of Eastwood.”
The silence that followed was absolute. Even the grandfather clock in the corner seemed to hold its ticking for a moment.
Edward watched the color drain from Ian’s face, those remarkable blue eyes widening in shock. The omega’s scent soured instantly with distress, cutting through the room like a knife. Dorothy gasped softly, one hand flying to her throat in a gesture that would have seemed theatrical had it not been so clearly genuine.
Lady Harrison recovered first, her back becoming, if possible, even straighter. “Lord Eastwood,” she said, her voice remarkably steady. “I see the situation is even more... complex than it initially appeared.”
“Tyndall,” Ian whispered, the name falling from his lips like a stone. “You’re the one who’s inheriting Cheswick.”
Edward inclined his head. “I am. Though I assure you, arriving half-dead on your doorstep was not part of my planned introduction.”
“And the bandits?” Lady Harrison inquired, her eyes narrowing. “A remarkable coincidence, wouldn’t you say? That you should be attacked on the very land you’re about to claim?”
“A coincidence I find highly suspect,” Edward agreed, appreciating her quick understanding. “I have enemies in business circles, certainly, but none I would credit with such direct methods. It bears investigation.”
“It certainly does,” Lady Harrison agreed, her indignation evident. “To think such violence would occur on Cheswick land! I shall speak to the magistrate myself.”
Edward noted her possessive reference to “Cheswick land” rather than “your land” but chose not to comment. The woman’s pride and attachment to her family home were understandable, even admirable.
Throughout this exchange, Edward kept careful watch on Ian from the corner of his eye. The young omega stood rigid beside his grandmother’s chair, his scent oscillating between distress and something sharper—anger, perhaps? His slender hands were clenched at his sides, knuckles white with tension.
“I understand this is unexpected,” Edward said, deliberately moderating his alpha presence to avoid causing further distress. “My lawyer, Mr. Ford, had sent correspondence regarding my eventual visit, but circumstances accelerated my arrival.”
“Yes, we received word you would be coming ‘in due course,’” Lady Harrison confirmed. “Though I confess I expected more... formality to the proceedings.”
“Formality was rather thoroughly dispensed with when I was dragged unconscious into your home,” Edward said dryly.
To his surprise, this elicited a small snort of laughter from Ian, quickly suppressed when his grandmother shot him a quelling look.
“Indeed,” Lady Harrison agreed, her lips twitching despite herself. “Well, my lord, since we find ourselves in this most unusual situation, perhaps we might speak frankly?”
“I would welcome nothing more,” Edward assured her.
Lady Harrison nodded, seemingly gathering her thoughts. “You are aware, I presume, that this estate has been in the Harrison family for nine generations?”
“I am.”
“And you understand that while the law may grant you title and ownership, there are... considerations beyond legal documents?” Her eyes, still sharp despite her years, fixed on him with unwavering intensity.
“You speak of the human considerations,” Edward said, recognizing the negotiation for what it was. “The fate of those who have called Cheswick home for generations.”
“Precisely.” Lady Harrison’s hands clasped tightly in her lap, the only outward sign of her tension. “My grandchildren require stability, education, and opportunity. Things I can no longer provide without Cheswick’s resources.”
Edward leaned forward slightly, recognizing the opening gambit of a skilled negotiator. “What specifically would you ask of me, Lady Harrison?”
The elderly woman’s eyes flickered briefly to Ian before returning to Edward. “A home for my grandchildren. Education appropriate to their stations and abilities. And for Dorothy, perhaps assistance in establishing her dressmaking business—she has considerable talent, as you may have observed from the children’s clothing.”
Edward’s gaze shifted to the silent young woman who had barely spoken. “Your work is exceptional, Lady Dorothy,” he said sincerely. “The quality is evident even to my untrained eye.”
Dorothy blushed prettily. “You’re too kind, my lord.”
Ian shifted impatiently. “Grandma, there’s no need to—”
“Hush, Ian,” Lady Harrison interrupted. “Lord Eastwood and I are having a conversation.”
“About our futures,” Ian retorted, his chin lifting in a gesture of defiance that Edward found unreasonably appealing. “I believe that entitles me to participate.”
Lady Harrison sighed, but Edward found himself admiring the young omega’s spirit. “Your grandson raises a valid point, my lady,” he said. “And as it happens, there is a matter that directly concerns him—concerns all three of your younger grandchildren, in fact.”
“Oh?” Lady Harrison’s eyebrow arched elegantly.
“According to my lawyer’s investigation of the late Earl’s will, I am to serve as guardian to Ian, Reuben, and Rosie until they reach their majority,” Edward explained, watching their reactions carefully. “It seems your son wished to ensure their care and education would continue regardless of... circumstances.”
The stunned silence that followed was broken by Ian’s incredulous voice. “Guardian? You’re to be our guardian?”
Edward turned to meet those remarkable blue eyes, now flashing with a combination of shock and what appeared to be indignation. “I am. Though I assure you, it was as much a surprise to me as it evidently is to you.”
“But that’s—that’s—” Ian seemed to struggle for words, a rare occurrence based on Edward’s limited experience with him. “That’s absurd! I’m eighteen, not eight! I don’t need a guardian!”
“The law disagrees,” Edward replied mildly. “As would most of society, particularly in the case of an unmated omega.”
Ian flinched visibly at the direct reference to his secondary gender, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “I’ve managed perfectly well thus far without aristocratic supervision, thank you very much.”
“Ian,” Lady Harrison cautioned, though Edward detected a hint of approval beneath her admonishment. The old lady appreciated spirit, it seemed.
“What precisely does this guardianship entail?” Dorothy asked, speaking up for the first time. Her voice was soft but clear, reminding Edward of his own sister Samara in her more serious moments.
“It means I am legally responsible for their education, welfare, and general upbringing,” Edward explained. “Including decisions about their residence, schooling, and eventually—should you wish it—university education.”
Ian’s expression shifted, a flash of longing quickly masked by practiced indifference. “University? For an omega from the countryside? That seems rather... optimistic.”
“What subjects interest you?” Edward asked, deliberately changing tack. “If education were no object, what would you choose to study?”
Ian hesitated, clearly caught off guard by the direct question. “I... well, natural sciences, I suppose. Particularly botany.”
“Botany?” Edward inquired, genuinely interested.
“Ian has quite the garden,” Dorothy offered. “He’s been experimenting with medicinal herbs and plant crossbreeding for years. He’s even developed several remedies that Dr. Webb now prescribes to his patients.”
“It’s nothing special,” Ian demurred, though his scent sweetened with pleasure at the recognition. “Just practical knowledge.”
Edward raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. “Self-taught botanical chemistry? That’s rather remarkable.”
“He’s always had books around him,” Lady Harrison added with unmistakable pride. “Even as a child, he was forever collecting plants and documenting their properties. The local apothecary used to consult him about rare specimens.”
“Indeed?” Edward studied Ian with new appreciation. “Then you might be interested to know that Wellington Academy in St. Louis has one of the finest botanical research programs in Northland.”
Ian’s eyes widened. “Wellington? But that’s...”
“A private university specifically designed for omega students of noble families,” Edward finished for him. “With exceptional botanical gardens and research facilities. Their plant specimen collection is second only to the Royal Botanical Society.”
Lady Harrison gasped softly. “Wellington Academy? I had no idea they accepted students who weren’t from established noble lines.”
“They make exceptions for those with exceptional talent,” Edward replied, his eyes never leaving Ian’s face. “Particularly when sponsored by a peer of the realm.”
The naked hope in Ian’s expression tugged at something in Edward’s chest. His scent bloomed with sudden joy, sweet and fresh like spring rain.
“You would... sponsor me?” Ian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Of course,” Edward replied, finding himself smiling in response to that unguarded moment of happiness. “I take my responsibilities seriously, Ian. All my wards deserve the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest extent.”
Lady Harrison’s shrewd eyes darted between them, missing nothing. “How very... progressive of you, my lord.”
“I prefer to think of it as practical,” Edward countered smoothly. “Wasted potential is poor economics, regardless of secondary gender or birth circumstances.”
“And what of Reuben and Rosie?” Lady Harrison pressed. “They are still quite young.”
“They will receive the finest education appropriate to their ages and abilities,” Edward assured her. “And they will, of course, remain with their family. I have no intention of separating siblings who clearly share such a strong bond.”
The tension in the room eased perceptibly at this statement. Ian’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though wariness still lingered in his expression.
“This is all very... unexpected,” Lady Harrison said after a moment. “I had prepared myself for many outcomes, but finding my grandchildren suddenly wards of the very man inheriting our home was not among them.”
“Life delights in confounding our expectations,” Edward said wryly. “Though in this case, I believe the arrangement may prove beneficial to all concerned.”
Ian made a small, skeptical sound that was not quite a snort. “Forgive me if I reserve judgment on that point, my lord.”
The slight emphasis he placed on the honorific made it sound almost like an insult, and Edward found himself suppressing a smile. This prickly, intelligent omega was going to be a fascinating challenge—one he looked forward to with unexpected eagerness.
“A wise approach,” he agreed, meeting Ian’s gaze directly. “I would expect nothing less from someone of your evident intelligence.”
Ian blinked, clearly thrown by the compliment rather than the rebuke he had anticipated. A flush crept up his neck, and his scent sweetened momentarily before he regained control.
Lady Harrison observed this exchange with sharp eyes before clearing her throat. “Well, my lord, it seems we find ourselves in a most unusual situation. I must admit, I had expected to be negotiating terms for our departure from Cheswick, not discussing my grandchildren’s education with their new guardian.”
“Life is full of surprises,” Edward replied. “Some more pleasant than others.”
“Indeed.” Lady Harrison’s lips curved in a small smile. “And what are your immediate plans, now that you’ve recovered sufficiently to join us in conversation? I presume you’ll wish to inspect your new property?”
“In due course,” Edward agreed. “Though I believe my first priority should be establishing communication with my lawyer. He’ll be concerned by my absence, particularly given the... incident with the bandits.”
“Of course,” Lady Harrison nodded. “Dorothy, perhaps you could ride to the village and send a telegram? The magistrate should be informed as well.”
“I’d be happy to,” Dorothy replied, rising gracefully. “With your permission, my lord?”
“By all means,” Edward agreed. “Please convey to Mr. Ford that I am recovering at Cheswick Manor and request his presence at his earliest convenience.”
As Dorothy left to prepare for her journey, Edward found himself alone with Lady Harrison and Ian, the latter still watching him with that fascinating mixture of wariness, curiosity, and barely suppressed defiance.
“I trust you found your accommodations comfortable, my lord?” Lady Harrison inquired, her tone making it clear she was well aware of the awkward sleeping arrangements.
“Exceedingly,” Edward replied with perfect sincerity. “Though I fear I’ve imposed on Ian’s hospitality rather dramatically.”
“Oh, I’m sure Ian doesn’t mind sharing his quarters with an earl,” Lady Harrison said, her eyes twinkling with mischief that belied her years. “It’s not every day one finds nobility bleeding on one’s doorstep.”
“Grandma!” Ian protested, his scent spiking with embarrassment.
“What? It’s perfectly true,” she replied innocently. “And it’s certainly livened up our breakfast conversation. The twins are positively bursting with questions about our mysterious guest.”
“Speaking of the twins,” Ian said, clearly eager to change the subject, “I should check on them. They’re supposed to be with Amy in the kitchen garden, but knowing Reuben, he’s likely convinced her to let him climb the apple tree again.”
“Before you go,” Edward said, “I wanted to thank you properly for your care. You saved my life, Ian. I’m in your debt.”
Ian paused, caught off guard by the sincerity in Edward’s voice. For a moment, the wariness in his eyes softened, and Edward glimpsed the gentle heart beneath the prickly exterior.
“Anyone would have done the same,” Ian replied with a small shrug. “Though perhaps with less complaining about the weight.”
“I doubt that very much,” Edward said softly. “On both counts.”
Their eyes met and held for a moment too long to be casual, something unspoken passing between them. Ian was the first to look away, his scent fluctuating in a manner that suggested internal conflict.
“Well,” he said briskly, “if you’ll excuse me, I should find those children before they create another crisis requiring medical attention.”
As Ian departed, Edward found Lady Harrison studying him with uncomfortably perceptive eyes.
“My grandson is rather special,” she said after a moment, her tone casual but her gaze anything but.
“I had noticed,” Edward replied simply.
“He’s had to be strong,” she continued. “Stronger than any omega should need to be, particularly one so young.”
Edward nodded, understanding the message beneath her words. “Strength comes in many forms, my lady. Not all of them involve physical power.”
“Indeed.” She studied him for a moment longer before apparently coming to a decision. “You should know that Ian has never had proper guidance regarding his secondary gender. We’ve done our best, but...”
“But a household without an alpha presence presents certain challenges,” Edward finished for her.
“Precisely.” Lady Harrison sighed. “He’s approaching the age when most omegas experience their first heat, yet circumstances have prevented proper preparation. The local physician has provided herbs to suppress his scent, but such measures are temporary at best.”
Edward absorbed this information with outward calm, though his alpha instincts stirred protectively at the thought of Ian facing such a vulnerable time without proper support or knowledge.
“I understand,” he said simply. “And I assure you, Lady Harrison, that as his guardian, Ian’s wellbeing—in all respects—will be my highest priority.”
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with what she saw in his expression. “Good. That’s... good.” A hint of mischief returned to her eyes. “Though I warn you, my lord, you may find guarding Ian rather like attempting to herd cats. Particularly clever, stubborn cats with a talent for sarcasm.”
Edward couldn’t help but laugh. “I have twin sisters, Lady Harrison. I believe I’m adequately prepared for the challenge.”
As their conversation turned to more practical matters regarding the estate, Edward found his thoughts returning to Ian—to those flashing blue eyes, that quick wit, and the undeniable pull he felt toward the young omega. Guardianship created certain boundaries that propriety demanded he respect, yet the alpha in him recognized something in Ian that transcended conventional relationships.
Whatever complications lay ahead, Edward was increasingly certain of one thing: his life had irrevocably changed the moment Ian Harrison had found him lying in that field. And not merely because he’d saved Edward’s life.
No, something far more profound and potentially more dangerous had begun that morning—something that neither his title, nor his wealth, nor his carefully cultivated self-control had prepared him to resist.