Free The Complicated Earl by Audrey Harrison

shopping. The other three would continue onto Isabelle’s house on Great Pulteney Street. It was very convenient for the two parties to be so close and Isabelle wondered if the Earl had purposely chosen the address because of that. True, Laura Place was one of the best addresses in Bath, but he could have easily chosen to stay in the Royal Crescent or the Circus, but Laura Place was closer to her own home, being a few moments stroll away.
    As the group walked over Pulteney Bridge they met the Arnold family coming from the opposite direction.  Sophie greeted Charlotte with a hug and the remainder of the party made their bows and curtsies.
    “We have left our calling card at Laura Pla ce. We were told at the White Hart that you had moved on,” Charlotte explained to Sophie.
    “Yes, my b rother needs to have his belongings and routine around him,” Sophie explained. “I enjoyed staying at the inn, there are always comings and goings to watch, but Tom disliked the noise. We are making our way there now you must return to take tea with us.”
    Mrs Arnold intervened, “Oh, I’m sure that won’t be necessary, we would not put you to any trouble. You surely need to rest; I can see you have been shopping. The shops of Bath are so accessible and so reasonable. I saw some lace only yesterday for half the price I had paid back home! Who would have thought? Such a bargain!”
    Isabelle smiled to herself, all the time Mrs Arnold had been speaking she had turned around and was walking back towards Laura Place, obviously determined to take up Sophie’s offer of tea, despite her words of refusal. Charlotte and Sophie walked with James; Mary joined Mrs Arnold and Cecily. That left Isabelle to bring up the rear with Mr Arnold.
    “Are yo u enjoying your stay in Bath Mr Arnold?” Isabelle asked out of politeness, but also wanting to try and see if she could detect any partiality on his part towards Sophie.
    “So far, yes I thank you, although I think my sisters enjoy it more. They have discovered the joys of shopping as it appears Lady Sophie has,” he replied pleasantly.
    “I think every young girl enjoys shopping. Are you to stay long?”
    “I believe mother intends to stay for a number of weeks, but I cannot. I shall need to leave next week I think. I have business to attend to that cannot be delayed for too long, so only a short visit for me I’m afraid.”
    “Well I hope you will enjoy the amusements on offer while you can.”
    “I’m sure I shall. M y sisters are determined to make full use of me while I am here, escorting them here, there and everywhere. They do wear mother out with their energy, so I will help as much as I can,” came the response of a considerate brother and son. Isabelle could not fault his conversation and had to be content with continuing to wait and see what developed.
    “I’m sure your m other appreciates it,” Isabelle smiled at him.
    They had reached Laura Place and Sophie led the way into th e drawing room. It was large and airy, decorated in reds and gold, elegantly furnished as would be expected of one of the best addresses in Bath. Mrs Arnold looked around her with a wide smile on her face, taking in the rich decoration and fine wooden furniture. Isabelle was pleased that the grandness of the room had stopped her chatter at least for a little while. Sophie rang for tea and busied herself with making sure everyone was seated comfortably and warm enough after being outside in the chilly air.
    The group was disturbed after a short while by the entrance of the Earl. He had entered the room smiling, but when he had had a moment to take in the scene before him, his usual scowl had returned. Isabelle noted the atmosphere in the room stilled and looked with interest at the previously talkative occupants. Cecily looked terrified and seemed to shrink into the side of her mother. Charlotte looked worriedly between Sophie and her brother as if hoping to receive support from one of them. Mrs Arnold