“The viscount must have tattled to the earl that he saw her at your ball,” Bryghton answered dully.
“By why would that be such a terrible thing?” Alanna persisted.
“There is no love lost between the earl and me.”
There was a knock at the door. The duke’s butler opened it to reveal Alfred standing there. Sally began to wring her hands some more.
Alfred looked uncomfortable to see Alanna there. “I need to speak with you rather urgently, your grace,” he said, with a significant look at Alanna.
“Does it have anything to do with Lady Victoria?” Alanna demanded.
The baron’s look of discomfort increased exponentially but he refused to look at her. “I need to speak with you.”
At this point Bryghton’s mouth had turned to sawdust and he could barely croak out his words. “Go ahead, Alfred. If it is about Lady Victoria, please tell us both, as Alanna has already received word from her.”
With a sheepish glance towards Alanna, Alfred launched into speech. “I was walking near her house, on my way to Gentleman Jack’s, when she called out to me from that little park where she sometimes takes the children. She seemed rather upset but she wanted to ask me a question. She asked me if you and her uncle are involved in a feud. I must tell you, I did not know where to look, I was that flummoxed by her question. I started stammering out an answer of sorts but she stopped me as though she had already come to some sort of conclusion and left with barely a by your leave. I carried on to my appointment, relieved that she did not make me discuss the matter further. But as I was going a round in the ring I realized that perhaps she had it all wrong and I thought to myself that I ought to let you handle it, so I made my way here.”
“Thank you, Alfred, you did just the right thing. I will look after it from here. Alanna, you should go home if you do not have other calls to make this afternoon. I will bring Victoria back to you. Alfred, I am sorry to cancel on our plans for the afternoon, but this is an important matter I must see to.”
“Of course, Alcott, you need to sort this thing out.”
“But how are you going to make it right, Bryghton?” Alanna cried. “She sounds quite determined to have nothing more to do with Society. I do not see how you will prevail upon her to return to stay with me.”
“Trust me, little chick, I will do my very best to straighten this out for everyone,” the duke answered as he called for his carriage to be brought around from the mews. “Will you be all right getting home on your own, or should I drop you off on my way?”
Sally began to urge her mistress to leave with her brother but Alanna put a stop to the woman’s pleadings. “We will be just fine going home the way we came. I am well escorted. You go look after my friend.”
Bryghton kissed his sister hastily on the cheek and dashed from the room. Alanna grinned at Alfred as he gazed at her blushingly.
“I, er…” he began hesitantly.
Alanna’s grin widened but she took mercy on him. “Yes, you are quite correct, we should be on our way. Do you wish to walk with me or do you think I will be well enough cared for by my other two escorts?”
“I would be happy to see you home,” the baron replied, returning her grin.
They exited the house and strolled along in silence for a few moments while Alanna’s servants trailed behind.
“Do you think Bryghton will be able to straighten this out?”
Alfred was caught by the troubled look upon his companion’s brow. “I am certain that he will. He can be quite formidable when he sets his mind to something. I have no doubt that he will have Victoria comfortably settled in your morning room before the sun sets.”
Alanna dimpled at the baron’s words, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Do you think he loves her, my lord?” she asked wistfully.
“Despite his usual ability to hide his feelings, it really is impossible for him to hide it, wouldn’t you say?” Alfred was puzzled over Alanna’s sigh. “Are you disappointed, my lady?”
“Not at all!” was her staunch reply. “I love my brother and I would be delighted to have Victoria as my sister. She would be a wonderful duchess and I am sure the two of them would have many beautiful babies.” She paused a moment before continuing softly, “I will admit to you, but you must not bandy my words about, I am feeling somewhat envious at the moment.”
Alfred searched Alanna’s face, striving to discern her thoughts. Matching her soft tone, he probed, “What are you envious of, my lady? The beautiful babies they are to have?”
Alanna giggled. “That too,” she admitted. “Do you not think it would be lovely to have several little Daniels running around underfoot?”
“I wholeheartedly agree.” Alfred waited for her to continue.
“But I have been waiting for three Seasons!” she almost wailed. “And I am still unwed.”
“What are you waiting for?” the baron asked quietly, holding his breath for her answer.
“Victoria said it best after my ball when I was asking her about one of the gentlemen she had danced with. She said her heart had not been engaged. That is exactly what I am looking for.”
“How will you know when you find it?”
Alanna had been gazing steadily ahead during this exchange but she finally stopped and turned to face the baron. His breath caught as he took in her luminous face. She offered a helpless shrug, but the baron’s thoughts must have been revealed on his face because her breath hitched slightly and she gazed at him with widening eyes.
Alfred felt his pulse speed to an almost unhealthy rhythm. He took his courage between both hands and plunged into speech. “The reason I ask is because I find that my heart is most definitely engaged by you and I have the sinking suspicion that my future will not be complete without you in it. Would you be willing to do me the honour of being my baroness and sharing your children with me?”
Alanna stared at her brother’s best friend, torn between disbelief and elation. Her heart thundered in her ears as it suddenly became clear why she had been unable to settle on any one gentleman in her previous Seasons. What she had been searching for had been right in front of her all along; she had just been too blinded by familiarity to see it.
Alanna gazed at Alfred, seeing all the precious moments she had shared with the baron over the years. She realized how very important the man before her had become to her. After a few moments she realized time had passed and the poor man was looking at her with the colour slowly draining from his face. He was beginning to fidget and looked as though he was about to do something horrible like retract his words in an effort to put them both at ease.
Alanna shook herself to her senses, remembered what his words had been, and burst out in delighted laughter. “I do believe the honour would be mine.”
Much to Alanna’s delight, the baron had forgotten that they were strolling along a public street in Mayfair because he whooped with joy, clasped her to his chest and twirled her around in a circle. Their mingled laughter was soon muffled as they sealed their agreement with a sweet kiss. Alanna would never be sure how long it would have taken her new betrothed to realize how very public they were because they were quickly brought to task by Sally’s very loud, very obvious coughing.
Blushing fiercely, Alanna grabbed the baron’s hand and strode off towards home. “I do believe there will be many interesting conversations taking place at Wychwood House this day.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Victoria was in her room, gathering her few things, when she heard the commotion at the front of the house.
“I wish to speak with Lady Victoria,” she could hear what sounded like the duke demanding.
“She is not at home to visitors, your grace,” the butler was insisting.
“Well, then, I want to speak with the earl,” the duke answered imperiously.
Victoria eased her way down part of the stairs, making sure to remain out of sight of anyone in the foyer. A moment later the earl entered the scene.<
br />
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded of the duke.
“I understand you have told your niece of our disagreement and this has somehow given her a disgust of Society and the wish to leave Town. I would like an opportunity to try to dissuade her from doing so.”
“What business is it of yours what my niece chooses to do with her time?” the earl blustered.
“I would like to make it my business,” the duke answered, gazing at the earl coldly. “Could you please have her called so I can speak with her? It would seem she has come to the conclusion that I have been associating with her out of some scheme against you and I wish to disabuse her of that notion.”
“Lady Victoria does not wish to be disturbed,” the earl insisted.
Bryghton took a deep steadying breath before continuing to plead his case. “My lord, you and I have had our serious differences in the past. I am willing to overlook them if you will just allow me a few moments of your niece’s time.”
“There is nothing you need to say to her,” the earl continued, belligerent.
“Actually, there are very important things I need to say to her,” Bryghton insisted, holding onto his temper by a thread.
“Such as?” prompted the earl snidely.
“I would like to request that she consider becoming the next Duchess of Wychwood,” the duke stated boldly, unaware of the gasp from above as he continued. “I do not need whatever wealth of hers you may have squandered, so you need have no fear of me. If you will allow me to see her and plead my case, I will call off my agents from digging into your questionable business dealings.”
Victoria’s heart had climbed into her throat. She couldn’t quite believe her ears. Had the duke really said what she thought she had heard? She knew she ought not trust the man with her heart, but she suddenly realized it was too late for that. Victoria dashed down the stairs. “You do not need the earl’s permission to speak with me, your grace. I would be happy to hear what you have to say.”
Bryghton could feel the splash of heat across his face as he realized Victoria had overheard his words. As his gaze became ensnared with hers his heart swelled within his chest, as he realized she’d heard his declaration and wanted to hear him out. From that moment on, nothing the nefarious earl could say would deflate his joy.
The earl was near to apoplexy. “If you speak with this man you are no longer welcome in this house, young lady.”
“That might be a difficult thing for you to insist upon, my lord, as I do believe this house belongs to the young lady. But that is perfectly fine, as my mother is waiting to make her welcome in her home. Come along, my lady,” the duke said, offering his elbow to Victoria.
“I had just finished packing a small bag. If you would give me a moment, I would like to bring a few small paintings of my parents.”
“Of course, you may take all the time you would like.” The duke smiled fondly at her as she dashed up the stairs.
Turning back to the fuming earl, Bryghton’s smile disappeared. “It would seem the lady has relieved me of the need to keep my earlier promise. I still do not care about her money, but if you bar her from this house or restrict her from visiting with your children, I can assure you that I will use all of my considerable power to ruin you. But since I plan to make her my duchess, we shall be family, and I see no need to have a ruckus. If you play nicely, so will I.”
The earl remained struck mute and Victoria was returning down the stairs so Bryghton said no more. He took the satchel from her hand, gave her his elbow, and they exited the house together.
The two lapsed into a strangely peaceful, companionable silence as the duke drove her to his mother’s house. He glanced over from time to time, surprised to see a pleasant smile upon her face as she gazed about her as though she was seeing her surroundings for the first time. As they pulled up before the duchess’ house, though, she grasped his arm in some urgency.
“Are you quite certain the duchess is going to accept this arrangement?” she asked nervously.
Bryghton put his hand over hers where it lay on his arm. “Hush now, it will all be all right, I promise you. I am absolutely certain that she will welcome you eagerly. And my sister is probably at a window right now awaiting your arrival. It was she who told me of the misunderstanding.”
Victoria was about to answer with a rather shamefaced look but he interrupted her before she could say anything. “Let us not discuss it right now, but rather wait until we can be comfortable in the morning room.”
She did as he suggested and followed him meekly into the lovely large house that she had so recently exited. The duke’s mother and sister were both waiting for them when the butler opened the door. Alanna rushed to clasp her friend in a warm embrace.
“I am so glad you are here. I was so worried when I got your note. It is so good that Bryghton was able to bring you here. Will you be able to stay for a while?”
Despite Victoria’s efforts to remain impassive, her roiling emotions must have been displayed, for the duchess quickly hushed Alanna. “Do not trouble her with your nagging just now. Let us all adjourn to the morning room and have a cup of tea and we can sort it all out there.”
The housekeeper had been waiting with the tea and it was wheeled in as soon as they were seated. Victoria sipped the familiar brew, grateful for the distraction. She was feeling much better prepared to face whatever questions everyone might have.
The duchess had been watching her son closely and after just a few sips of her tea she stood. “Alanna, my darling, I believe there is something I must show you in the ballroom. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, we can leave Alcott to entertain Victoria for a few minutes.”
Alanna looked confused but rose and headed for the door. The duchess stopped before Victoria on her way out of the room and whispered in her ear. “Allow my son to say his piece, but do not feel obligated to go along with anything he might suggest. Whatever you decide to do, you may make your home with us as long as you would like.”
It was exactly the right thing to say but it brought tears to Victoria’s eyes, as the one thing she wanted most in life was to have a home and feel welcomed in it. She smiled waveringly as the other ladies left the room, leaving the door ajar.
Victoria looked at Bryghton nervously but he too seemed to be at a momentary loss for words. She took her courage in both hands and broached the awkward subject.
“Are you really in a feud with the earl?” she asked in a quiet voice but looking him bravely in the eyes.
“I was, but it had nothing to do with you. He is not the most honest businessman. My brother got caught in one of his elaborate schemes and lost a fair bit of money. We suspected that there was dishonesty involved and I have been looking into his business dealings trying to prove that he has defrauded others.”
“Were you trying to use me to hurt him?”
“No. I must admit when I learned of your existence it did cross my mind to try to get information out of you, but as soon as I met you I knew you could not be used in such a way, as you are too pure to have been involved in anything nefarious.”
“So then why did you seek me out, and why have you been so kind to me, dancing with me and escorting me places?” she asked. “The duchess warned me that men would be interested in my money and the earl said no one would be interested in me, as I am not up to snuff.”
“Your uncle is a simpleton and would not know a lovely lady if she bopped him on the head,” the duke declared with feeling, although keeping his language appropriate to his audience. “As for the duchess’ words, it is a fact that there are many unscrupulous characters amongst the ton who would wish to marry an heiress, and if she were as lovely as you that would just be the icing on the cake. Perhaps my mother mistook your sweet nature as being overly persuadable and thought you would not be able to discern false motives. But I can tell you truthfully that I am not interested in your potential inheritance, nor do I consider you unacceptable socially. Quite to the co
ntrary, I think you would make the perfect duchess.”
Victoria’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears of joy as Bryghton stood and pulled her to her feet. “I never thought I would feel this way about anyone, but I find you are quite necessary to my happiness. Please say you will be my wife.”
One tear escaped her control as she nodded her agreement and he crushed her in his arms in a display of suppressed emotion. He held her gaze as his head descended towards hers. Her heart turned over with love and joy and her lips parted as her eyes closed. Their first, sweet kiss was followed quickly by deeper, longer ones which left Victoria feeling drugged with delight.
Several moments later, as they heard the duchess approaching, Victoria smiled happily at her betrothed. “I feel just like Cendrillon all over again.”
“Well, just like her we are going to live happily ever after.”
The End
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The Governess' Debut
The governess must charm both the spoiled child and the haughty earl.
Orphaned and destitute, gently born Felicia Scott must find a way to keep a roof over her head. No longer able to enter the Marriage Mart, but also not of the servant class, the only option is to find a position as governess.
After his spoiled, seven year old daughter has sent off three governesses in the 18 months since her mother died, the Earl of Standish doubts the young, inexperienced Miss Scott could possible manage the position. Since he’s desperate and she comes so highly recommended, the earl agrees to give her a chance. Much to everyone’s amazement, the beautiful, young governess succeeds where the others had failed. The entire household benefits from the calm, including the jaded earl.
The Reluctant Debutante: A Sweet, Regency Romance (Ladies of Mayfair Book 4) Page 30