A Countess for a Colonel by Carrie Mollenkopf

When tragedy strikes, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam suddenly finds himself in possession of a title he never expected. As the second son, he devoted his life to His Majesty’s Army, but with one unfortunate accident, his entire world changes. Now, he must take up new responsibilities as the thirteenth Earl of Matlock, and with that burden comes the need for an heir. But first, he must find a wife. How does a confirmed bachelor seek a bride that will lead to mutual happiness? With assistance of course! But will that help come from dear friends, or interfering relations? Read an excerpt below from A Countess for a Colonel…

Elizabeth’s eyes flew wide, for it was so unlike Darcy to be concerned with the affairs of others when it came to marriage. Or at least, not since his botched interference between the affections of her sister Jane, and his own dear friend, Charles Bingley.
“You don’t mean?”
“I do indeed, we must find my cousin a wife before Aunt Catherine does, or at least, create enough distraction that he has time to decide for himself. Richard has never had the nerve to stand up to her, and I am afraid, under the duress of present circumstances, he might well cave to whatever she wants, including the choice of a wife.”
Proffering the letter, Elizabeth slowly read the desperate words, reddening slightly with embarrassment as she was personally mentioned. After apologizing for the delay in the communication, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam got right to the point, but that was where Elizabeth found herself uncomfortable.
“I am too shocked by the unexpected turn that my life has taken to think clearly, and honestly if not for our dear Aunt’s commanding presence, I fear that I might have returned home to find moldering corpses awaiting me, such was the state of affairs when I departed. But as expected, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a force not to be refused and she has made every effort to see to my comfort. Unfortunately, I have just realized the price of her compassion, and that is to marry me off immediately and has wasted no time in her efforts, despite my father and brother hardly being cold in their graves. Naturally, when I inquired as to if word had been sent to Pemberley, she did not see any wisdom in your opinions, preferring to preserve the barrier she has imposed since your marriage. In the defiance of her wishes, and choosing to follow your own hearts, I too, now that I must wed, wish to do the same. However, as you, cousin, have already taken the most perfect woman in all of England, I must settle for second best. God willing, and with your assistance, I shall find as close an equal to your Elizabeth….”
It was a strange communication, one that demonstrated the distress being experienced, but it was a tale often told. Unexpected death sometimes made princes out of paupers, and while Richard Fitzwilliam had never been penniless, he had been in no position to take a wife, had the desire presented. In truth, Elizabeth had believed him to be a confirmed bachelor, placing duty to Crown and Country above all. But now, that same duty called him elsewhere. In an instant, the colonel had become an earl, and every earl needed a countess.