His Contract Bride
Banks Brothers' Brides, Book 1
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Edward Banks, Lord Watson has known most of his life that one day Regina Harris was to be his bride--but somebody forgot to inform her...
An avid academic and aspiring scientist, Edward is pleased to find that he won’t have to bother with the nonsense involved in courting a young lady. Young and naive, it doesn't take much for her social-climbing father to convince Regina the gentleman she's to marry has requested her hand out of love, but devastates her when she learns the truth. Now, it's up to a gentleman who's more comfortable in a conservatory than a drawing room to prove to Regina that she's more than just the proverbial sacrificial lamb that helped gain her family their foot in Society's door and that he--if no other gentleman--is trustworthy. But he just might be the one doing the learning as he'll be forced to acknowledge that sometimes the most combustible elements aren't the ones you control, but sometimes the ones you don't.       |
Prologue
London
Spring 1781
Regina Harris would never forget the day she lost her heart to that all-consuming emotion known as love.
The day had started like every other, but somehow it had ended differently...
She'd awakened the same as she had every other morning since she'd come to Sloan's School for Young Ladies. She and her new roommate, Sophie Sinclair, had helped each other dress just as they had every other morning since Sophie had come to Sloan’s only six weeks earlier. Sophie wore a gown of yellow and Regina dressed in blue, to show their school rank. She'd then combed her hair and breakfasted. Just like every other morning. Then, she'd gone downstairs to take morning lessons. The annual family day the school hosted each spring was scheduled for that afternoon, following a quick luncheon.
And that's when her life changed forevermore.
Shaking out her gown, Regina descended the stairs to wait in the school's parlor for the families to arrive. But she didn't make it to the bottom of the staircase at the same time as her companion. Halfway down, she froze. Her left foot barely on the step in front of her, and her right hand tightening its grip on the handrail. The sight below stole her attention and perhaps even her heart.
There, at the bottom of the stairs stood two tall young men, one with black hair and the other with blond. Sophie, who'd descended the stairs with Regina, suddenly vanished from her side, running toward the other side of the room to wrap the dark-haired man in a hug.
From across the room, Mrs. Hull called for Sophie to remove herself from Lord Sinclair at once.
Regina didn't hear Sophie's response, nor did she care whether Sophie gained her wits and stopped hugging her brother in public or not. No, Regina was too captivated by the handsome man standing next to the pair of embracing siblings. He was tall and thin, but not too thin. His eyes were the most unique shade of blue she'd ever seen; so pale they almost appeared clear. He had high cheekbones, the most devilishly handsome grin she'd ever seen, and from his coat to his boots, he was clad in solid black.
“Hello,” he said with a slow bow.
“Hello,” she heard herself say. She was too nervous to remember whether she needed to curtsy or not and doubted she'd actually be able to perform one at the moment anyway.
His grin broadened and Regina's cheeks grew slightly warm.
“Regina,” Sophie called, catching her attention.
Regina turned her eyes to look at her friend but not before noticing the way the blond stranger's eyes had widened. “Yes?”
“Regina, I'd like to introduce you to my brother, Joseph, Lord Sinclair, and his friend, Edward Banks...” She said something else then turned toward the men and spoke, presumably completing the formal introduction. But Regina didn't hear her words, she was too distracted by the handsome face in front of her—the face that now had a name, Edward—not Mr. Banks—just Edward.
“May I escort you to the front lawn?” Mr. Banks asked.
She started, and then blushed. Gracious. Twice in the last five minutes she'd been caught unawares while woolgathering about the man who was now asking to be her escort. “Of course.” She placed her gloved hand on his proffered arm.
Sophie and Lord Sinclair led the way to the front lawn where benches and lawn games had been set up in preparation for today's event.
“Miss Harris,” Edward said, leading her through the maze of benches to a vacant one under a large tree. “Would you like—” He broke off and abruptly stopped walking. His eyebrows knit together. “Were you expecting your father to join you today?”
She shook her head, a wave of sadness washing over her. “He wasn't able to attend today.” She hoped he'd leave it at that and not ask her why. She really didn't wish to tell him that her father had been extended a Social invitation he didn't want to refuse.
He nodded once. “All right. Then shall we sit?”
“Of course.” She flashed him a slight smile and took a seat on the bench closest to them.
Edward returned her smile with one of his own then took a seat next to her. But not too close, of course. Still, his mere presence so close to her was exhilarating, which was strange when one considered how little Regina liked to be touched. “Regina—Miss Harris—” He turned his head and cleared his throat as if he had something important to say.
But he didn't get the chance as a young fellow about Regina's age, presumably one of her schoolmate's younger brothers who'd come for family day, approached them and asked, “Mr. Banks, do you know how to calculate the speed at which the earth orbits the sun?”
Regina blinked. What on earth--
“I believe so, yes,” Edward said easily, extinguishing her thoughts. His eyes locked on the young man standing in front of them. “Do you know how to calculate the speed at which the earth orbits the sun?”
“No,” the wide-eyed boy said, shaking his head. “That's why I'm asking you.”
“Pity, that,” Edward said, frowning in a way that could not be genuine. “Perhaps it would do you some good to spend your time studying academic texts instead of thinking of ways to charm the chambermaids with your newly acquired knowledge while away at school.” He turned his attention back toward Regina. “It's boys like this who make me fear for what the world will one day become.”
Regina knit her brow. “Because he doesn't know how to calculate how fast the earth revolves around the sun?” She hoped he didn't expect her to know the answer, because if he did, she was certain to disappoint him.
He flicked his wrist and a grin spread across his lips. “No. Most people don't know that. However, had he really had an interest in knowing the answer for scientific purposes, I'd have told him. But for boys like him, the only science they bother to focus on is the science that takes place between a—” His words died on his tongue; a quick, abrupt cough escaping his lips as his face went red. “Pardon me.”
“Go on,” Regina encouraged.
“No, no. It's not of any import.” His face was still slightly red and his eyes were unable to meet hers just then.
“You like science?” she ventured.
He nodded. “More than most.”
“Oh...” Regina racked her brain for something scientific to say to him so not to lose his interest or be thought a dimwit, the way she assumed he thought of that boy who'd asked him a question earlier. “I once saw an amphibian,” she blurted.
“You did?” His eyes wide, whether in genuine shock or playfulness, she'd never know.
Her face grew warm. Perhaps pretending to know anything scientific wasn't a good idea—even if all she'd done was use a word she was certain had some sort of scientific meaning. Now she had to quickly think of an amphibian to claim to have seen.
“And where did you see this amphibious creature?”
“At the pond.”
He quirked a brow and his lips twitched. “Go on,” he encouraged the same way she had only a moment ago. “Tell me about your creature.”
The way his eyes sparkled, as if he were truly interested in speaking to her, even if it was about a silly topic, made her innards do a flip. She licked her lips. “There’s not much to tell, really. It was just a turtle.”
Edward nodded once. “I see. And did you touch him?”
“Heavens, no!”
He shook his head, chuckling. “Let me know if you ever decide you'd like to. I have a dozen of the creatures back at my country estate that you could see any time you'd like.”
She wrinkled her nose and he chuckled again. “Such a tempting offer—” particularly because he was inviting her to his country estate— “but I think I'll have to decline.”
“Are you sure? They're quite fascinating, wouldn't you know? Hard shells on their backs, sticky feet, scaly skin. Very fascinating, indeed.”
“And don't forget their ability to swim,” Regina added. Though she'd never given a moment's thought to the anatomy or ability of a turtle before, just now, the topic had an uncanny ability to fascinate her so.
“Right. Did you know though they walk—and eat—slower than a tulip blooms, turtles can actually swim as fast or faster than the average man can run?”
“Truly? I had no idea.”
Edward's broad smile slipped, leaving a wave of sadness to wash over Regina. “Sorry,” he murmured. “I forget myself sometimes. Do forgive my chatter. My younger brother is always telling me that I have the rare ability to bore a man senseless with all my scientific prattle.”
Regina waved her hand in the air. “You're not boring me. You can continue, if you'd like. I'm rather curious to know what they eat.”
He shook his head ruefully. “There's no need to humor me. My brother John will one day be a Man of God and has been practicing near honesty for almost three years now. So if he says that I'm a dullard who could talk my turtles into crawling into their shells to escape my voice, I believe it.”
A small burble of laughter sputtered past Regina's lips. Were he anyone else, she'd agree with his brother that the conversation was boring, but there was something about his soft tone, gentle expression, and the light in his blue eyes that kept her drawn to him—waiting anxiously for what he'd tell her next, even if it was about something as unusual as turtles. “What's near honesty?”
“It's honesty nearly all of the time.”
“Well, then, that explains everything,” Regina said with conviction, an unstoppable smile spreading her lips. “He must have been having one of his less-than-honest moments when he said that.”
Edward gave what had to be an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, no. He says it often enough, if that were the case, he'd be practicing nevermore honesty.”
Regina shook her head. “Just so you know, I don't find you boring in the least.”
“That's good.” The laughter that previously lit his eyes faded slightly, a serious glint taking its place. “That's actually very good, indeed.” He shifted on the bench and flickered a quick glance just beyond her left shoulder before meeting her eyes again. He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. “May I talk to you about something important?”
Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs. “Important, you say?” She immediately coughed, then prayed he'd think her impending cough was the reason for the way her voice had squeaked.
“Yes,” he said, his voice low and slightly uneven.
Excitement built up in Regina's chest. In less than a month, she'd have her come out and formally be allowed to be courted. Was he about to ask if he could court her when the time came? Although the ladies at the school had repeatedly told their students not to choose a gentleman suitor until they'd had a chance to meet all the eligible gentlemen, she was certain she'd agree immediately if he were to ask. There was just something about him. Something about the way he looked at her and spoke to her. The way they'd talked without hesitation--
“Regina,” he said on a ragged breath. “I've really enjoyed spending the afternoon with you, and I think we—”
Whatever the rest of his sentence was, Regina would never know as it was drowned out by a loud and not-so-distant cry.
Regina’s and Edward's wide eyes locked, then no more than a split-second later, they were both to their feet and running in the direction from which they'd heard the cry—being led by the sound of loud sobs.
“Sophie,” Regina gasped as her eyes landed on her sobbing roommate.
Sophie sat on the ground with her knees up and her forehead pressed against them. Her long dark hair was down, covered in twigs and leaves.
Heedless to her own appearance, Regina sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around her friend. “Sophie, what's happened?”
Sophie said something, but it was drowned out by her sobs.
Regina squeezed her tighter. “Sophie, what happened?” she repeated.
Sophie lifted her mud-covered face a little and said something, but once again her words were inaudible over her sobs.
Regina dropped her gaze to the front of Sophie's gown and gasped. Just like her face, the fabric was covered in mud and split right down the middle of her bodice, exposing a good portion of both of her breasts to the air.
Sophie, still sobbing uncontrollably, seemed to pay no mind to her state of undress and shook violently as the sobs continued to wrack her body.
Regina was still looking at her friend and trying to puzzle out exactly what had happened to her when suddenly something soft, but heavy, hit the outside of her hand. She turned her head and blinked.
Edward Banks, forever the ideal gentleman in her mind, was running, not walking, in the direction of the school to seek help—sans coat. It was at that moment she knew for certain he'd captured her heart and would hold it captive until the moment she took her last breath.
Spring 1781
Regina Harris would never forget the day she lost her heart to that all-consuming emotion known as love.
The day had started like every other, but somehow it had ended differently...
She'd awakened the same as she had every other morning since she'd come to Sloan's School for Young Ladies. She and her new roommate, Sophie Sinclair, had helped each other dress just as they had every other morning since Sophie had come to Sloan’s only six weeks earlier. Sophie wore a gown of yellow and Regina dressed in blue, to show their school rank. She'd then combed her hair and breakfasted. Just like every other morning. Then, she'd gone downstairs to take morning lessons. The annual family day the school hosted each spring was scheduled for that afternoon, following a quick luncheon.
And that's when her life changed forevermore.
Shaking out her gown, Regina descended the stairs to wait in the school's parlor for the families to arrive. But she didn't make it to the bottom of the staircase at the same time as her companion. Halfway down, she froze. Her left foot barely on the step in front of her, and her right hand tightening its grip on the handrail. The sight below stole her attention and perhaps even her heart.
There, at the bottom of the stairs stood two tall young men, one with black hair and the other with blond. Sophie, who'd descended the stairs with Regina, suddenly vanished from her side, running toward the other side of the room to wrap the dark-haired man in a hug.
From across the room, Mrs. Hull called for Sophie to remove herself from Lord Sinclair at once.
Regina didn't hear Sophie's response, nor did she care whether Sophie gained her wits and stopped hugging her brother in public or not. No, Regina was too captivated by the handsome man standing next to the pair of embracing siblings. He was tall and thin, but not too thin. His eyes were the most unique shade of blue she'd ever seen; so pale they almost appeared clear. He had high cheekbones, the most devilishly handsome grin she'd ever seen, and from his coat to his boots, he was clad in solid black.
“Hello,” he said with a slow bow.
“Hello,” she heard herself say. She was too nervous to remember whether she needed to curtsy or not and doubted she'd actually be able to perform one at the moment anyway.
His grin broadened and Regina's cheeks grew slightly warm.
“Regina,” Sophie called, catching her attention.
Regina turned her eyes to look at her friend but not before noticing the way the blond stranger's eyes had widened. “Yes?”
“Regina, I'd like to introduce you to my brother, Joseph, Lord Sinclair, and his friend, Edward Banks...” She said something else then turned toward the men and spoke, presumably completing the formal introduction. But Regina didn't hear her words, she was too distracted by the handsome face in front of her—the face that now had a name, Edward—not Mr. Banks—just Edward.
“May I escort you to the front lawn?” Mr. Banks asked.
She started, and then blushed. Gracious. Twice in the last five minutes she'd been caught unawares while woolgathering about the man who was now asking to be her escort. “Of course.” She placed her gloved hand on his proffered arm.
Sophie and Lord Sinclair led the way to the front lawn where benches and lawn games had been set up in preparation for today's event.
“Miss Harris,” Edward said, leading her through the maze of benches to a vacant one under a large tree. “Would you like—” He broke off and abruptly stopped walking. His eyebrows knit together. “Were you expecting your father to join you today?”
She shook her head, a wave of sadness washing over her. “He wasn't able to attend today.” She hoped he'd leave it at that and not ask her why. She really didn't wish to tell him that her father had been extended a Social invitation he didn't want to refuse.
He nodded once. “All right. Then shall we sit?”
“Of course.” She flashed him a slight smile and took a seat on the bench closest to them.
Edward returned her smile with one of his own then took a seat next to her. But not too close, of course. Still, his mere presence so close to her was exhilarating, which was strange when one considered how little Regina liked to be touched. “Regina—Miss Harris—” He turned his head and cleared his throat as if he had something important to say.
But he didn't get the chance as a young fellow about Regina's age, presumably one of her schoolmate's younger brothers who'd come for family day, approached them and asked, “Mr. Banks, do you know how to calculate the speed at which the earth orbits the sun?”
Regina blinked. What on earth--
“I believe so, yes,” Edward said easily, extinguishing her thoughts. His eyes locked on the young man standing in front of them. “Do you know how to calculate the speed at which the earth orbits the sun?”
“No,” the wide-eyed boy said, shaking his head. “That's why I'm asking you.”
“Pity, that,” Edward said, frowning in a way that could not be genuine. “Perhaps it would do you some good to spend your time studying academic texts instead of thinking of ways to charm the chambermaids with your newly acquired knowledge while away at school.” He turned his attention back toward Regina. “It's boys like this who make me fear for what the world will one day become.”
Regina knit her brow. “Because he doesn't know how to calculate how fast the earth revolves around the sun?” She hoped he didn't expect her to know the answer, because if he did, she was certain to disappoint him.
He flicked his wrist and a grin spread across his lips. “No. Most people don't know that. However, had he really had an interest in knowing the answer for scientific purposes, I'd have told him. But for boys like him, the only science they bother to focus on is the science that takes place between a—” His words died on his tongue; a quick, abrupt cough escaping his lips as his face went red. “Pardon me.”
“Go on,” Regina encouraged.
“No, no. It's not of any import.” His face was still slightly red and his eyes were unable to meet hers just then.
“You like science?” she ventured.
He nodded. “More than most.”
“Oh...” Regina racked her brain for something scientific to say to him so not to lose his interest or be thought a dimwit, the way she assumed he thought of that boy who'd asked him a question earlier. “I once saw an amphibian,” she blurted.
“You did?” His eyes wide, whether in genuine shock or playfulness, she'd never know.
Her face grew warm. Perhaps pretending to know anything scientific wasn't a good idea—even if all she'd done was use a word she was certain had some sort of scientific meaning. Now she had to quickly think of an amphibian to claim to have seen.
“And where did you see this amphibious creature?”
“At the pond.”
He quirked a brow and his lips twitched. “Go on,” he encouraged the same way she had only a moment ago. “Tell me about your creature.”
The way his eyes sparkled, as if he were truly interested in speaking to her, even if it was about a silly topic, made her innards do a flip. She licked her lips. “There’s not much to tell, really. It was just a turtle.”
Edward nodded once. “I see. And did you touch him?”
“Heavens, no!”
He shook his head, chuckling. “Let me know if you ever decide you'd like to. I have a dozen of the creatures back at my country estate that you could see any time you'd like.”
She wrinkled her nose and he chuckled again. “Such a tempting offer—” particularly because he was inviting her to his country estate— “but I think I'll have to decline.”
“Are you sure? They're quite fascinating, wouldn't you know? Hard shells on their backs, sticky feet, scaly skin. Very fascinating, indeed.”
“And don't forget their ability to swim,” Regina added. Though she'd never given a moment's thought to the anatomy or ability of a turtle before, just now, the topic had an uncanny ability to fascinate her so.
“Right. Did you know though they walk—and eat—slower than a tulip blooms, turtles can actually swim as fast or faster than the average man can run?”
“Truly? I had no idea.”
Edward's broad smile slipped, leaving a wave of sadness to wash over Regina. “Sorry,” he murmured. “I forget myself sometimes. Do forgive my chatter. My younger brother is always telling me that I have the rare ability to bore a man senseless with all my scientific prattle.”
Regina waved her hand in the air. “You're not boring me. You can continue, if you'd like. I'm rather curious to know what they eat.”
He shook his head ruefully. “There's no need to humor me. My brother John will one day be a Man of God and has been practicing near honesty for almost three years now. So if he says that I'm a dullard who could talk my turtles into crawling into their shells to escape my voice, I believe it.”
A small burble of laughter sputtered past Regina's lips. Were he anyone else, she'd agree with his brother that the conversation was boring, but there was something about his soft tone, gentle expression, and the light in his blue eyes that kept her drawn to him—waiting anxiously for what he'd tell her next, even if it was about something as unusual as turtles. “What's near honesty?”
“It's honesty nearly all of the time.”
“Well, then, that explains everything,” Regina said with conviction, an unstoppable smile spreading her lips. “He must have been having one of his less-than-honest moments when he said that.”
Edward gave what had to be an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, no. He says it often enough, if that were the case, he'd be practicing nevermore honesty.”
Regina shook her head. “Just so you know, I don't find you boring in the least.”
“That's good.” The laughter that previously lit his eyes faded slightly, a serious glint taking its place. “That's actually very good, indeed.” He shifted on the bench and flickered a quick glance just beyond her left shoulder before meeting her eyes again. He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. “May I talk to you about something important?”
Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs. “Important, you say?” She immediately coughed, then prayed he'd think her impending cough was the reason for the way her voice had squeaked.
“Yes,” he said, his voice low and slightly uneven.
Excitement built up in Regina's chest. In less than a month, she'd have her come out and formally be allowed to be courted. Was he about to ask if he could court her when the time came? Although the ladies at the school had repeatedly told their students not to choose a gentleman suitor until they'd had a chance to meet all the eligible gentlemen, she was certain she'd agree immediately if he were to ask. There was just something about him. Something about the way he looked at her and spoke to her. The way they'd talked without hesitation--
“Regina,” he said on a ragged breath. “I've really enjoyed spending the afternoon with you, and I think we—”
Whatever the rest of his sentence was, Regina would never know as it was drowned out by a loud and not-so-distant cry.
Regina’s and Edward's wide eyes locked, then no more than a split-second later, they were both to their feet and running in the direction from which they'd heard the cry—being led by the sound of loud sobs.
“Sophie,” Regina gasped as her eyes landed on her sobbing roommate.
Sophie sat on the ground with her knees up and her forehead pressed against them. Her long dark hair was down, covered in twigs and leaves.
Heedless to her own appearance, Regina sank to her knees and wrapped her arms around her friend. “Sophie, what's happened?”
Sophie said something, but it was drowned out by her sobs.
Regina squeezed her tighter. “Sophie, what happened?” she repeated.
Sophie lifted her mud-covered face a little and said something, but once again her words were inaudible over her sobs.
Regina dropped her gaze to the front of Sophie's gown and gasped. Just like her face, the fabric was covered in mud and split right down the middle of her bodice, exposing a good portion of both of her breasts to the air.
Sophie, still sobbing uncontrollably, seemed to pay no mind to her state of undress and shook violently as the sobs continued to wrack her body.
Regina was still looking at her friend and trying to puzzle out exactly what had happened to her when suddenly something soft, but heavy, hit the outside of her hand. She turned her head and blinked.
Edward Banks, forever the ideal gentleman in her mind, was running, not walking, in the direction of the school to seek help—sans coat. It was at that moment she knew for certain he'd captured her heart and would hold it captive until the moment she took her last breath.