Lords to Be Enamored With: A Historical Regency Romance Collection

by Bridget Barton

  “I shall make sure that Diana hears of me courting Elizabeth. She will come back to me before long,” he said into the darkness.

  He would get his servants to spread the news, making sure that it reached the most notorious gossipers of the barony.

  It would not be long now.

  Chapter 9

  Anthony could not forget about his nightmare. Several days had passed, and yet it continued to play on his mind. He had yet to tell anyone, mainly because he felt foolish about it. Why should he obsess about a dream?

  “A dream is just a dream,” he muttered.

  “Unless it tells you how to make money,” Felton commented. “Then it is divine intervention.”

  Anthony forgot that his friend had sharp ears. Even a whisper could be picked up by him.

  “Of course, you are right.”

  They were quiet for a moment, sipping their brandy as they reclined in armchairs. All of the ceiling-to-floor windows had been opened wide in the drawing room, letting in the cool afternoon summer breeze. It had been a blisteringly hot day with little comfort except to keep in the shade while the sun beat down voraciously on London.

  “So,” Felton began. “What did you mean by 'a dream is just a dream'?”

  He should have known that his friend would not let go of the subject. “Nothing, merely thoughts floating in my head.”

  “Would these thoughts have anything to do with the lovely Elizabeth?”

  At times it seemed more like a curse when a friend knew you too well. “Thoughts are thoughts, Felton. They are neither here nor there.”

  “What a vague answer to give, Anthony. One would think that you were evading the question which leads me to believe that you are indeed thinking about Elizabeth. I do not blame you for she is a beautiful woman. Intelligent, too. I do like her. More than I ever liked Diana.”

  Anthony guessed as much. Felton and Diana did not see eye-to-eye on most things, especially when concerning him. It was difficult having the one you love and your best friend at odds with each other. Felton, forever the gentleman, was able to keep things polite and civil with her, but Diana was not as willing. He could not remember the number of times he had been forced to make excuses for her behaviour and words. However, he still loved her. He did not judge her as so many others did. And yet she had still felt the need to run away from him.

  “Let us not compare Elizabeth to Diana, as they are two completely different women.”

  Felton nodded. “You are quite correct. Elizabeth is like this cool summer breeze – refreshing and lovely. While Diana is the scorching heat we just endured – harsh and unwelcoming.”

  Anthony rolled his eyes. “You are insufferable. Let us change the subject then – there is to be no mention of women or dreams.”

  Felton sighed. “Very well, have it your way. It is odd to me that you have not wished to discuss Elizabeth when you are clearly courting her. Do you not like her?”

  Felton was relentless. Anthony may as well give him some information in the hopes that he would leave him be.

  “This courtship is still in its early stages, but I do enjoy Elizabeth's company. Immensely.”

  “Then why have you not taken her for a walk through Hyde Park? Or perhaps invited her family to dinner? These are the very things that you did with Diana.”

  “Perhaps I just wish to change things, to take a different route to courtship.”

  “Or perhaps you are not yet over Diana and Elizabeth is merely a diversion.”

  Anthony went still, his drink halfway to his mouth. Surely Felton did not know anything. He tried to find something to say, but his friend's words had rendered him speechless.

  I am not ready to let him know about my plan, especially as he never approved of my relationship with Diana.

  Anthony tried to cover up his shock by taking a gulp of his brandy, coughing slightly when it went down the wrong way.

  “Cat caught your tongue, old friend?”

  “No. I am merely surprised that you think such a thing. This is why I would rather we change the subject.”

  Felton shrugged. “Deny it all you wish, I only hope that you are aware of what you are doing. On a lighter note, I have decided to host a dinner party this coming week.”

  Anthony jumped into the subject, relieved that Felton was not going to push the matter any further. “It has been quite some time since you hosted a dinner party. What is the occasion?”

  "Nothing specific. I simply feel the need to have one." He took a sip of his brandy. "I would like Elizabeth to attend the dinner. It is time that more people got to meet the new woman in your life."

  Felton looked at him, eyebrow raised. He likely believes that I shall protest against his dinner party, that is why he is looking at me with a speculative gaze. Anthony was of two minds. On the one hand, Felton may ask Elizabeth too many questions, and he was not certain as to how mentally strong Elizabeth was. What if she was to let something slip?

  And on the other hand, it would be beneficial for him to have Elizabeth attend the dinner party. If Diana had not yet heard about her, then she would soon enough. Surely Elizabeth would not say anything?

  “That is a wonderful idea, Felton. I am sure that Elizabeth would be delighted to accept your invitation.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. You did get on rather well with her, and you did put our lady friends in their place when they attacked her. I believe that earned you her friendship.”

  “In that case, I shall send out the invitations on the morrow. It will be an evening to remember.”

  “Oh, I certainly hope so.”

  Anthony was genuinely looking forward to spending more time with Elizabeth, especially in a social setting. Felton would be sure to invite those who knew Diana well and who kept in contact with her.

  I understand how Felton's mind works. He will invite them so that they may send word to Diana that I have moved on. What he does not realise is that doing so will drive Diana back to me. He could not have planned it any better himself.

  *

  “Felton certainly does throw extravagant dinner parties, does he not?” Elizabeth asked.

  They were sitting side by side in the drawing room, waiting to be called into dinner. Anthony considered her words. Was this extravagant? He did not particularly think so as he was accustomed to more lavish parties. However, he did not want to make her feel 'simple' by mentioning this.

  “I suppose so. Are you not enjoying yourself?”

  “Oh! I am having a splendid time. I gather that my sister is as well. She has not stopped laughing since we arrived.”

  Anthony knew that was due to the fact that she was surrounded by kindred spirits. He had quickly come to learn that Cecilia loved to gossip. Therefore, he was careful of his words around her.

  “Felton will be most pleased.”

  “And I must thank you for the beautiful book of music you had delivered to my residence. Although I cannot yet play anything as my aunt and uncle do not have a pianoforte, I look forward to doing so when I return to my home.”

  He smiled. “The minute I saw it I thought of you.”

  “But you have me at a disadvantage for I do not know what to get you.”

  He came closer to her, not willing that anyone should hear what he was about to say. “It is enough that you have willingly participated in our plan. For that, I cannot thank you enough.”

  A few heads turned their way, their eyes taking in every bit of information that they possibly could. Elizabeth must have noticed as well because she chuckled quietly.

  “I believe that our nearness is much cause for conversation,” she whispered.

  “Let them talk – it is what we want.”

  “Indeed.” A mischievous gleam entered her eyes. “Perhaps we should give them quite a show?”

  He touched his chest. “A woman after my own heart. We might as well get married right away.”

  She laughed, attracting even more attention. Anthony simply star
ed at her, mesmerised. She has a beautiful laugh. I love the way her eyes crinkle at the corners, and how her nose slightly flares. She stopped when she noticed he had not joined in her laugh. He watched as her smooth brow creased.

  "Whatever is the matter, Anthony? You are staring at me in a most peculiar manner."

  “I was just admiring your laugh. It has a note of sunshine in it. If I could bottle it and release it during gloomy days, I would.”

  She smiled. “That sounded almost poetic. Do you write poetry?”

  “Heavens, no. I am hopeless at it. However, Felton has a way with words that always seems to melt the hearts of women, young and old alike.”

  They both looked over at Felton, who was in the midst of several ladies. Their attention was fixated on him and whatever he was saying.

  “Hmm, I see what you mean. He must be a popular man, handsome as well. Why has some lucky lady not snatched him up before now?”

  Anthony found that he did not like the sound of that at all. He narrowed his eyes, suddenly wishing that his friend was not so popular with the ladies.

  “If I did not know any better, I would think that you had a tendre for him.”

  Elizabeth frowned at him, her eyes searching him. Perhaps I sounded jealous? “Do you jest with me, Anthony? I? Have a tendre for Felton? He is handsome, but you are far more my type.”

  Anthony could not stop the grin that stretched his lips. Hearing her words warmed his heart. “Truly? And what type would I be?”

  She must have realised what she said because she instantly coloured. The rosy hue was most becoming on her, accentuating her youthful appearance.

  “Oh, I did not quite mean it like that. I merely meant that I would find you far more interesting were I indeed looking for a suitable husband.”

  That only made him happier. Her blush increased, making her cover her cheeks with her slender hands.

  “I am making a mess of this, am I not? I did not mean to imply that I have a tendre for you.”

  He placed a hand on her arm, intending to ease her worries, but instead, he felt that same jolt run through his body as he had at the opera. It was as though he had pins and needles being stuck into his skin. But it was pleasant, if not oddly terrifying. He quickly drew his hand away as if burnt, even going so far as to look at his hand to see any burn marks. Elizabeth looked at him wide-eyed, her breathing as unsteady as his. Their eye contact was broken when someone accidentally spilt something on her dress.

  “Oh, goodness me! How clumsy I am!”

  Anthony looked up to see Catherine standing over them, empty sherry glass in her hand. He spied a glimmer of hostility in her eyes before she masked it with a look of apology.

  “Oh, I do hope that I have not ruined your dress,” she continued. “It is a charming dress, is it not? You are not angry with me, are you Miss Ramsbury?”

  He watched as Elizabeth smiled sweetly at Catherine. “No, not at all. It is only a little spill, hardly anything to make a great fuss about. I am not one for hysterics, fashion, or keeping up with appearances. It all bores me quite terribly.”

  Bravo, Elizabeth! Anthony could have laughed, but he held it in. Catherine's face took on several red splotches, her eyebrows nearly disappearing into her hairline.

  “Well, if you are certain that you are fine.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Quite.”

  Catherine gave a tight smile before she turned on her heel and returned to her group.

  “That was very well handled, Elizabeth. I applaud you.”

  She laughed. “Thank you. I believed that a taste of her own medicine was in order. She spilt her sherry on my dress on purpose, likely to try and stop us from having our little tête-à-tête. Perhaps she feels that if Diana is not with you, then she should have you, or at least one from their group. Being seen on your arm must be quite a matter to swallow.”

  “I would much rather be here with you then sit a second with them.”

  “Why do you associate yourself with them if they are not to your liking?”

  That was a good question, one that had an answer although it was not the best of answers.

  "That is what we do, associate ourselves with people we do not particularly like because they are a part of our social class. In some way, our lives are intertwined for better or for worse. However, it might be time for me to take a step back. It cannot be healthy to surround oneself with such people."

  "My sentiments exactly. It is far better to be with like-minded people such as your friend, Felton."

  There she went about Felton again. Anthony was not happy that his friend's name fell from her lips so easily. Oddly enough, he had never felt this way when Diana spoke of him. Likely because she always spoke of him with great disdain. Elizabeth only had praise for Felton, praise that he strongly felt should be directed at him alone.

  “You must count yourself as my like-minded person as we are quite similar in many respects. It is why I enjoy speaking with you.”

  "And I you. It is refreshing to speak with someone who does not live for gossip, parties, scandals, and the such. The only major differences are our gender and your intention of matrimony with D –"

  “With you,” he interrupted and inclined his head.

  He watched her follow the direction he pointed at, grimacing when she realised what she had been about to do. She scooted closer to him until their heads touched. It may have been of a necessity for her, but it was a heady moment for him. Her fresh floral scent surrounded him, filling his nose to the point where he felt quite lightheaded. Elizabeth did not seem to notice as she spoke to him.

  "I do apologise," she whispered. "I did not think when I said that."

  He merely made a sound, indicating that he was listening. Anthony was too caught up in the smell of her.

  “I shall strive to do better next time,” she promised.

  “Yes,” he finally managed to get out. “We all make mistakes, do not concern yourself.”

  She laid her hand on him, her eyes earnest and sincere. “But it is a great concern for we both have high stakes in this. It must go well for both our sakes.”

  Anthony could see that she was indeed bothered by her little slip of the tongue. Brushing it off would not give her relief.

  “I agree, but we shall hold each other accountable – that should be enough to keep us on the right path.”

  “Yes, we are a team.”

  "A formidable one at that," he laughed. "Catherine will not approach you so quickly the next time, but there is a high probability that she is building up ammunition."

  "I truly am not concerned about her. Soon enough things will return to normal, and I shall never have to see her again."

  Not only would Elizabeth never have to see Catherine and her group of gossipers again, but that included him, too. Anthony was not sure as to how he felt about that. He enjoyed being around Elizabeth, but once he 'rejected' her for Diana, he was certain he would not be permitted to see her again. As the night wore on, Anthony found himself discussing all manner of subjects with Elizabeth. They were openly flirtatious, but he did not know if it was for show or due to the easy-going relationship between them. Whatever it was, he was enjoying it immensely. Anthony's attention was solely on Elizabeth, and when she was speaking with her sister or Felton, he studied her.