The Husband List

Book 2: Worthington Brides

by Ella Quinn

Genres: Regency Romance; Historical Fiction

Synopsis

Beloved by Regency fans and those who enjoy rich historical romance, the chaotic and captivating Worthington family returns in a new novel from this USA Today bestselling author.



While her older sisters have sought out adventure, Lady Madeline Vivers is content to be the conventional one in the family. A respectable husband, spring and autumn in Town, a place in the country—these are Madeline's reasonable goals. And Mr. Harry Stern is not the man to help her reach them—no matter how much he causes her pulse to race. He is far too ambitious and determined to make his mark in Parliament. Yet, somehow he's convinced that Madeline is just the helpmate he needs . . .



The moment Harry witnesses Madeline gently convincing a shopkeeper to hire the child who is stealing from him, he's intrigued. If only she realized how much good they could do together, aiding their fellow countrymen and women. And the way her color deepens at his touch tells him she too feels their intense attraction. In fact, Harry has never felt so powerful an attraction either. What better reasons to use all his gifts of persuasion to convince her she belongs by his side—and in his arms . . .



Contains mature themes.

Release date: June 27, 2023

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 320

Sample

Lady Madeline Vivers stared at the list of requirements for husbands she and her sisters-by-marriage, Lady Alice Carpenter and Lady Eleanor Carpenter, had written and, remembering her mother’s pointed remarks about expecting her next daughter to marry appropriately, sighed. As tempted as she was, Madeline would not add her mother’s demand that the gentleman be a peer or an heir to a peer. If either of her sisters saw it, there would be a conversation she did not wish to have. If she did not marry “appropriately,” what Mama could and would do was engage in strong hysterics. And after witnessing what her second eldest sister, Augusta, had gone through, Madeline would be happy to keep the peace, as it were. Aside from that, the chances she would be introduced to anyone her mother thought unsuitable were unlikely. All the gentlemen presented to her and her sisters had met Mama’s requirements. What Madeline really must do was be clear, at least in her own mind, what she wanted from a marriage. Charlotte, Madeline’s sister by marriage, and Louisa, Madeline’s eldest sister, were as involved in politics as their husbands. Augusta and her husband had no interest in politics but were involved in academic studies. Grace, Madeline’s brother Matt’s wife (ergo Madeline’s sister-in-law), were the linchpins of the family. They kept all the members, both by marriage and by new births, and her husband and their dependents together and moving forward. To Madeline’s mind, that was just as important as politics. Then again, the combined Vivers-Carpenter family was quite large and, at times, took up a great deal of time and energy. The only problem was that she must first meet a gentleman who was interested in her and vice versa to be able to do anything. And there she went, off on a tangent again, before she even addressed what she wanted personally from marriage.

A knock sounded on the door, and Madeline sighed again. Her question would not be answered today. “Come.”

Roberts, the footman assigned to her, stepped into the room. “My ladies, I have been sent to tell you that Lady Merton and her brother, Mr. Henry Stern, are in the morning room.”

Well, that was much more interesting than what Madeline was currently doing. She knew Dotty well, but her older brother was almost a stranger. “Thank you, Roberts.”

Alice suddenly looked up from her book. “We will be there directly.”

The footman bowed. “Yes, my lady.”

Madeline followed her sister out of the room trying to remember what Harry Stern looked like. She had a vague memory of a gentleman a few years older than Dotty, but that was all.

“I wonder what he is doing in Town?” Alice asked.

Now that she mentioned it, Madeline thought it was odd as well. He was a barrister in Bristol. “Especially because he did not even go to Dotty’s house for Easter.”

Ignoring any sense of decorum, they rushed out of the door and down the stairs, and almost literally ran into Eleanor.

She moved quickly out of their way. “What is going on?”

“Dotty is here, and she brought her brother Henry,” Alice said. “We have not seen him in years.”

Eleanor frowned. “Was he not home for Christmas last year?”

“Only for a day, and we did not see him,” Alice huffed.

Eleanor joined them as they went to the morning room. “What is he doing in Town?”

“That is what we are going to find out.” Madeline almost rolled her eyes. That was the question they all had. “I think I have only met him once, and for a very short time.”

Eleanor glanced into the parlors they were passing. “Where are they?”

“In the morning room,” Alice said over her shoulder.

Madeline took Eleanor’s hand and hurried after Alice. Until they were twelve, when Matt married Grace, Eleanor and Alice’s elder sister, the twins had grown up not far from Dotty and her family.

They reached the morning room, and a gentleman rose. One could immediately see the resemblance to his sister. Both had black curls and green eyes, but while Dotty was feminine, he was decidedly masculine. His nose was straighter, and his jaw was almost square, with a dent in it.

When he smiled, his eyes smiled too. “You grew up.”

Alice gave him her haughty look. “And, apparently, you did not.”

“She has you there.” Dotty’s lips twitched. “This is the problem with knowing someone since he or she was a child.”

“Or from birth.” Harry bowed. “Please forgive me, my lady.”

Alice inclined her head and dipped a shallow curtsey. “It is good to see you again.”

“It is good to see you too.” He glanced at Eleanor. “How have you been?”

Eleanor stepped forward and hugged him. “We are all fine.” She waved her hand for Madeline to come forward. “Do you remember our sister, Lady Madeline Vivers?”

She met his gaze as he obviously tried to place her, then shook his head and smiled slightly. “I remember seeing a dark-haired girl who was always sheltered between you and Alice.” Harry bowed. “My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you again.”

It was such an accurate description, Madeline had to laugh. “I am pleased to meet you again as well.”

She, Alice, and Eleanor hugged Dotty. The twins sat on the sofa across from Dotty and her brother, but Madeline took a chair closer to Harry.

Eleanor turned her attention to him. “What are you doing in Town? As I recall, you were always too busy to bother coming.”

His eyes started to sparkle, and he grinned widely. “Meet the newest Member of Parliament for Bittleborough.”

An MP! Madeline waited for the twins to discover how that had been accomplished.

“Excellent!” Eleanor clapped her hands together. “How did it happen?”

“Grandmamma spoke with my uncle and convinced him that even if he had not liked Mama and Papa’s marriage, he should not hold me back. She reminded him of the success I’ve had as a barrister.” Harry slid a look at his sister. “Dotty also spoke with him.” He grinned again. “She, you know, is in his good graces for having married to fit her station.” Harry shrugged. “When the seat came open, he supported me for it.”

His grandmother was the Dowager Duchess of Bristol, and his uncle was the duke.

“Papa, as you are aware, does not support the idea of peers selecting candidates for Parliament,” Dotty said. “But he did believe that Harry was the best man for the position, and was prepared to campaign for him if our uncle had not supported him.”

Papa was Sir Henry Stern. He supported the Radical Party, which believed in the abolishment of the peerage and universal suffrage, among other things. Would that put Harry at odds with his father? “Will you do as the duke tells you to do?”

Harry’s smile dimmed slightly. “Naturally, when I believe it is the right thing to do. Merton has invited me to his circle’s next luncheon so that I may discuss with them which ideas that group has been supporting.”

It was a good thing that the Duke of Bristol could not replace Harry when he did not agree with him. Although, Madeline supposed, he could make reelection more difficult.

“But until then,” Dotty said, “he has come to ask you three to stand up with him at Almack’s.”

“Excellent.” Eleanor glanced at Alice and Madeline. “That makes three sets for which we have partners.”

Now, at least, Madeline would have a partner for one set that did not include her sisters’ suitors. Then another thought occurred to her. If he was attending Almack’s, did that mean he was also looking for a wife? That thought prompted her next one. She had just met a gentleman who did not meet her mother’s requirements. Madeline gave herself a mental shake. He was handsome and obviously intelligent, but that did not mean she was attracted to him.

The tea tray arrived, and Eleanor poured. “Have you attended any of the sessions yet?”

Harry took a cup from Eleanor and handed Lady Madeline one as well. Keeping busy was the only thing that was stopping him from staring at her. Even the word “beautiful” did not seem to be sufficient. And how should he address her? Should he call her Lady Madeline? After all, he had not been raised around her, as he had been with the twins and the rest of the Carpenter family. On the other hand, the Viverses and Carpenters had made themselves into one family and expected to be treated as such. “Yes. I’ve been fortunate that I didn’t have to immediately look for lodgings and could start attending directly.” He grimaced slightly. “I will have to find a place soon, though. As much as I enjoy staying with Merton and Dotty, it is only temporary.”

Madeline tilted her head, and her nicely shaped brows wrinkled. “I must suppose that you have the freedom to come and go as you wish.”

“Oh, yes. But that is not the issue. I do not feel as if I should take over their house by inviting colleagues to meet there.” Should he tell her he was also looking for a wife? His grandmother had explained how helpful it would be for him to have one. Then again, that might make things awkward. He didn’t know her as well as he did the twins, and he was almost certain he didn’t want to know her in the same manner. The twins were like younger sisters to him.

“I understand.” She took a sip of tea. “Hopefully, you will soon find something to your taste.”

“I share your wish. Merton has his secretary helping me.” As she bit into a lemon biscuit, and when her tongue peeked out to catch a crumb, Harry became distracted by the deep pink of her lips. “Have you done anything interesting yet?”

Madeline shook her head. “The Season is just starting. We have developed the habit of riding early in the morning. It is the only time we can get in a good gallop.”

That was interesting. “What time do you go?”

She swallowed the last of her biscuit and delicately wiped her hands on the serviette. “As it is just getting light.”

That would give him enough time to ride and arrive on time at Parliament. And to get to know her. He glanced at the twins and Dotty. They were involved in their own conversation and not paying any attention at all to him and Lady Madeline. When she’d first entered the parlor, he was stunned at how lovely she was. Chestnut curls framed her perfectly oval face, and those eyes. They shone like polished lapis. Then he’d reminded himself that she was the same age as the twins, and for the life of him, he could not think of them as of an age to wed. Still, he was attracted to Madeline in a way he hadn’t been to another lady, and he’d met plenty of them in Bristol. Riding would be a perfect way to learn more about her.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. “Would you mind if I joined you?”

Her brows rose slightly. “Not at all. Two other gentlemen ride with us when they can rise in time.” That last part was said in a rather disgusted tone. “You are welcome to join us.”

Harry could see there would be no shirkers for Lady Madeline. “Thank you.” Dotty was putting on her gloves. “Should I call you Lady Madeline or Madeline?”

His question seemed to surprise her. “You do not use rank when you address Alice and Eleanor. We are sisters. Therefore, there is no reason to use rank with me.”

Except, perhaps, in a formal setting such as a ball or Almack’s. Still, the lack of formality would make his interactions with her easier. “Thank you.” Dotty rose and he stood. “I shall see you in the morning.”

Madeline gave him a curious look. “I look forward to it.”

His sister hugged the twins and Madeline. “Thank you for tea. We are making the rounds today.” Dotty gave them a conspiratorial look. “Grandmamma has ordered me to marry him off.”

Eleanor and Alice grinned wickedly, and Alice said, “You are welcome to join us in making your come out.”

Harry almost groaned. Leave it to Alice to make that comparison, and for his sister to tell everyone he was looking for a wife.

“Were you not on the Town before?” Eleanor frowned, as if she was trying to remember.

“For a short time after university.” Harry remembered his father saying that he’d not sponsor him to run wild and gamble in Town. “I was here for a month or so.” Just long enough to understand what his father meant. “But I already had an offer with a prestigious firm of barristers in Bristol and had to take up my position.”

“I am sure you will be fine,” Madeline said. “Dotty and Merton will be able to advise you.”

He bowed to her. “You are correct, of course. I am relying on them.”

“Come along.” His sister looped her arm though his. “We have a great many people to see today.”

The girls—he stopped himself; they were not girls any longer—the ladies accompanied them to the door, and he bowed to the three of them, but he found his gaze lingering on Madeline. “I enjoyed tea and spending some time with you.”

“I am sure we will see you soon,” Alice said.

“You will.” Harry wasn’t going to mention riding with them. “We’ll see you later.”

He helped Dotty into her high-perch phaeton and went around to the other side to climb in. “Is there any reason you decided to announce I was seeking a spouse?”

She patted his hand. “My dear brother, I rarely do anything without a reason.”

It was starting to occur to him that he didn’t know his sister as well as he thought he did. “Would you mind telling me what it was?”

She nodded to the groom to release the horses, and they started down the street and turned out of Berkeley Square. “You are not a peer and will probably never be one. You do not have a significant fortune, and you are a Member of Parliament.” That explained his situation succinctly. “Ergo, you must find a lady who is willing to accept you, not your status.” She glanced at him. “Your assets are that you are very good-looking, you are the grandson and nephew of a duke, and you are personable. You also have expectations.”

He nodded, more to himself than to her, as she was paying attention to her horses. “I can afford some of the elegancies of life, but not all of them.”

“Precisely,” Dotty said in a tone of approval. “That also means you do not have to marry an heiress.”

He hadn’t thought of that. “Thus making me more acceptable than not.”

She flashed him a quick smile. “It is better to separate the wheat from the chaff early on. The young ladies and their parents will know what they can expect from you.”

“In other words, I am eligible, but not highly eligible.” He shouldn’t feel disgruntled about that, but he did. “At least I won’t have to wonder if a lady is interested in me or my status.”

Dotty pulled up to a house in Green Street. “I hope not. Although you might have to deal with parents who want their daughter to make a more advantageous marriage.”

Such as what his parents had suffered. His mother’s stubbornness and his father’s steadiness were the only reason they were able to wed at all. Well, his grandmother had helped, but without those traits, they would have married others. He needed to find a lady as stubborn as his mother. “Where are we?”

“We are visiting Lady Turley.” Dotty waited while a footman went to the pair’s heads. “She is a friend of Henrietta. I am hoping Lady Exeter will be present as well.”

Another footman came out and helped Dotty descend, and Harry jumped down and offered her his arm. “How many times will we do this?”

She gave him a slight smile. “As many times as I think necessary. Dom will introduce you to the gentlemen. You need friends and connections.”

They were ushered into the morning room, containing four ladies and several small children.

“Harry!” His sister Henrietta jumped up from the floor, where she’d been helping an older baby stack blocks. “Dotty, why did you not tell me you were showing him around?”

“I just got into Town late yesterday,” Harry said, not wanting any conflict between his sisters.

Dotty kissed Henrietta’s cheek. “I sent a note around this morning, but you probably have not got to your correspondence. Did Grandmamma tell you he must wed?”

“Yes.” Henrietta nodded. “I am enlisting Dorie and Adeline’s help.” She turned to glance at the fourth lady in the room. “Augusta will not be any help at all. She and Phinn do not care about most entertainments.”

A lady who looked a great deal like Madeline shrugged her shoulders. “Phinn and I are scholars. That leaves us only enough time to spend with our families and friends.”

Another lady laughed. “Which is exactly the way they like it.”

The ends of Augusta’s lips curled up. It wasn’t until then that he made the connection. “You’re Matt Worthington’s sister?”

Rising from the floor, she held out her hand. “I am. Otherwise known as Augusta Carter-Woods, or Lady Phinn. I think you are the only member of your family I have not at least seen before.”

“Good Lord,” Henrietta said. “My manners have deserted me. Dorie, Adeline, allow me to present my eldest brother, Mr. Henry Stern. Harry, Dorie is the Marchioness of Exeter and Adeline is Viscountess Turley.”

Lady Exeter and Lady Turley had each inclined their heads when introduced. “Ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“We have heard a great deal about you,” Lady Exeter said. “Congratulations on your seat in the Commons.”

“Yes, indeed.” Lady Turley smiled. “Congratulations. We look forward to helping you this Season.”

“Thank you.” This Season was going to be much busier than he’d thought. He’d need morning rides just to keep his head clear, and, hopefully, find a wife.

The sky was just beginning to lighten when Madeline opened her eyes. Would Harry Stern join them, or had he simply been making conversation? She would soon know.

Harper, her lady’s maid, had already laid out Madeline’s riding habit. She scrambled out of bed and went behind the screen to make her ablutions. By the time she was finished, her maid had a piece of toast and a cup of chocolate waiting.

“Your sisters are up as well,” Harper said. “The horses will be waiting by the time you are ready.”

“Perfect.” A year ago, Grace had hired maids for Madeline and her sisters in preparation for their come out. She could not have been happier with Harper. The woman always knew exactly what to do. Madeline dressed and finished her toast and chocolate as her maid put her hair up in a knot and affixed a small hat.

She went into the corridor, where Alice and Eleanor joined her as she made her way to the hall and outside to their horses. “What a pretty day this will be.”

Their grooms helped them mount their horses, but only one groom would accompany them on their ride. Today it was Madeline’s groom, Finnigan. Like many of their male servants, he had been in the army. He walked with a limp, but the damage to his leg did not stop him from riding.

She and her sisters rode out of Berkeley Square and onto Mount Street. They turned onto Park Street, and Harry Stern hailed them. “Good morning. It looks to be a fine day.”

He had an excellent seat and really was handsome, as was his dark bay horse. She glanced down and noticed the stallion had matching white socks.

Alice peered past him down the street. “It looks like Lord Montagu and Lord St. Albans could not rise in time to join us.”

Harry brought his horse up beside Madeline, which required Alice to move to ride next to Eleanor. For years Madeline had ridden between them. “Their loss.”

She grinned. “Not everyone finds it easy to get up early.”

They rode through the gate, and he glanced at her. “My whole family are early risers. I don’t think I’d know how to sleep in if I wanted to.”

“Everyone in our house is up before times as well.” It probably had to do with younger children and animals. “We usually ride either to the large oak tree or the Serpentine.”

“Lead on, my lady.” He grinned.

Rose, Madeline’s Cleveland Bay mare, was ready for a gallop, and took off at her signal. Despite her slight lead, Harry reached the tree at the same time she did. “Your stallion is fast.”

He patted the horse’s neck. “He likes to run.”

She tried to place the breed but could not. “What is he?”

“A Trakehner.” Harry stroked the stallion’s neck. “My brother-in-law, Nate Fotherby, has one. His was the second one I’d seen. When I had to retire my old horse, I bought Willy. His formal name is Wilhelm Cóiméad, to show his Irish and Prussian heritage.” His gaze shifted to her horse. “Your mare is quick as well. Is she a Cleveland?”

“She is.” She smiled just thinking about her mare. “Her name is Rose.” Madeline glanced at her sisters. “Eleanor and Alice decided to use classical names, but Rose just seemed to fit her.”

“It’s a pretty name for a pretty lady.” Harry scanned the Park. “Where do we go from here? Another gallop?”

“Yes. To the Serpentine.” He had the same energy his sisters Dotty and Henrietta had. Even when he was sitting still, he seemed to be in motion. “Are you ready?”

“Always.” He grinned.

Madeline liked his ready smile. As they urged their horses into a canter, she had the feeling he could have ridden ahead but chose to keep pace with her. Once again, she admired his seat. Yet, his horsemanship was to be expected. His sisters rode well too.

When they reached the spot at the Serpentine they used, her sisters were already there, and they were joined by Henrietta, Dorie Exeter, and Georgiana Turley. They all exchanged greetings.

“Harry,” his sister said, “Nate sent a note to you regarding an early meeting today of the committee discussing bankruptcy. He found out about it quite by accident and believes it was set at a time when most of the younger MPs on the committee would not be able to attend.”

Harry’s brows drew together as he frowned. “What time is the meeting being held?”

“At eight o’clock.”

“Two hours before the session begins. I was told meetings are normally held after the sessions.”

Madeline looked at her brooch watch. “It is six thirty. If you are to dress and break your fast, you should leave now.”

“Thank you.” He flashed her a smile. “Will you ride with me in the Park at five?”

“Yes. I would be happy to.” She was glad to see him taking his duties seriously, but had she really expected anything different from a member of his family?

“I will see you then.” He raced his horse toward the gate. He really did have a superb seat.

She glanced at the others. “Does anyone else want another gallop before we leave?”

By unanimous consent, they spread out and gave their horses their heads to the old oak tree. Alice got there just ahead of the rest of them, and they turned their horses toward the gate.

Madeline was about to take her traditional place between the twins when Henrietta came up beside her. “It is wonderful having Harry in Town. Ever since he moved to Bristol, we have not seen him much at all.” She pulled a face. “Although I suppose the Commons will keep him busy.”

Madeline wondered how much free time he would have. “It sounds like it already is. The Lords keep Matt and the others occupied.”

Henrietta nodded thoughtfully. “It does, but do you not think it is different with members of the Commons? After all, they receive a salary and are elected to office.”

“You have a point.” Peers got their positions merely by being born, and some did not even bother to attend the Lords. “Will you be at Almack’s tomorrow evening?”

“Oh, yes.” She laughed. “I have been told we are all expected to be present.”

Madeline wanted to roll her eyes. Matt had probably insisted. “All hands on deck?”

“Exactly.” They rode through the gate, and Henrietta accompanied Adeline toward Green Street.

Alice moved her horse to one side, allowing Madeline to ride between the twins.

“What do you think of Harry?” Eleanor asked.

“I think he’s much nicer now that he’s older,” Alice said. “Madeline?” Alice raised her brows.

“Of course I did not know him before, but I like him. He seems very steady.” Her mother’s words played in her head. And handsome, but that did not need to be said.

“That is faint praise,” Eleanor commented.

“I did not mean it to be. It is just that I do not know him very well.” The problem was that she might want to be better acquainted with him. Madeline stopped her mare in front of Worthington House and dismounted.

“That is true,” Alice murmured as she joined Madeline. “Although you will have a chance to.”

She would, but she did not want her sisters to get any ideas. “He will probably invite you to ride as well. After all, he has just arrived in Town and does not know many ladies.”

“I doubt it.” Eleanor shook her head as they entered the hall. “That would be like taking Henrietta or Dotty out.”

Alice nodded.

“It does not matter why he invited me. I intend to enjoy myself. This is the first time I have been asked to ride in the Park.” Eleanor had accompanied the Marquis of Montagu and Alice had refused to ride with the Earl of St Albans. Still, having a pleasant time was all Madeline intended to do.

Harry had breathed a sigh of relief and given a quick thought of thanks to Fotherby for the information, and to Dotty and Merton for offering to house him. Although Harry had left early, it had taken some time to find the dratted committee room. As it was, he arrived as the other members were gathering. “Good morning.” He had learned not to use the address of “gentleman” when in mixed company—meaning members of the gentry and members with other statuses—and inclined his head. “I’m Henry Stern for Bittleborough.”

“Ah, Mr. Stern.” An older man with white hair acknowledged him. “Michael Taylor, Durham. We are pleased to have you join us. New blood is always important.”

A glance at some of the others showed not all agreed. “I am pleased I was able to be present.”

One man’s brows drew together. “Stern?” Harry nodded. “Are you any relation to Sir Henry Stern?”

“I am, sir. He is my father.”

“Very good. Very good indeed. William Smith is my name, Norwich. You father and I maintain a correspondence. I will tell him I have met you.”

“I think we all know Mr. Stern by now,” a man in a brown jacket and waistcoat said. “Let us get down to business.”

Smith immediately proposed changing the bankruptcy laws to include those other than merchants. A position with which Harry agreed, and was immediately voted down. Well, he knew reform was not going to be easy. He hadn’t known how swiftly it could be temporarily defeated.

The meeting continued until shortly before the regular session began. He was joined by Mr. Taylor as he walked to the room. “Mr. Stern, I would be pleased to invite you to dinner on Tuesday next.”

There was no reason to decline, and it would be useful to come to know other MPs. “I am happy to accept.”

“Where should I have my wife direct the invitation?”

Harry had been trying to avoid mentioning Merton’s name, but until he had his own lodgings, there was nothing for it. “I am currently staying at my sister’s home, Merton House in Grosvenor Square.”

The other man’s lips turned up slightly. “Ah, you are from that Stern family. My wife will be very glad to make your acquaintance.”

That sounded as if Taylor might have another reason to ask Harry to dine with him. He just wished he knew what it was. On the other hand, Dotty might know. “I look forward to meeting her.”

He arrived at Merton House just in time to order one of the curricles readied and drive to Worthington House. The door opened as he r. . .