Not Just Lovely Laura

by Jessica Spencer

  Laura marched up to him and tapped his arm. “Your Grace?”

  Anthony turned away from the men. “Lady Laura,” he murmured.

  Laura had dashed across the ballroom without any thought of what she would say. It was not in her nature to dissemble. “Will you dance the waltz with me?” she asked.

  Anthony stared into her stormy grey eyes and watched the anger give way to the brightness of unshed tears.

  “I would be honored to waltz with you, Lady Laura,” he said. Taking her gloved hand into his, he gently placed it on his arm. “The first set is about to begin. Shall we find your partner before he calls me out for depriving him of the pleasure of so beautiful a partner?”

  Laura let him walk her around the perimeter of the hall. She kept her eyes lowered until she had safely blinked away her sudden tears. She was thankful for Anthony’s inconsequential chatter that did not require her active participation. He was giving her time to regain her composure. What a watering pot he must think her.

  The two country dances passed in a blur. Her partner, the other dancers, and the guests filling the ballroom merged into a swath of light, color, and sound.

  When Anthony claimed the dance, she was aware only of the music and of herself in his arms. She could have danced all night with him. They didn’t speak, at least not with words. But their eyes spoke of a need, a hunger. At one moment, while twirling her, Anthony tucked one of her golden curls behind her ear. The back of his hand briefly touched her cheek. Laura savored the feel as if it was a caress. The dance came to an end too soon. For a moment Anthony held her close. Laura rested her head against his shoulder. She felt as if she was in a dream. She couldn’t stop smiling.

  Anthony gently disengaged her. “Shall I escort you to your brother?”

  “This is a gathering of friends. There is no need to observe such formalities.”

  “As you wish, Lady Laura.

  Laura gave a curt nod, as if she was dismissing a lackey and not taking leave of a duke, and blindly walked towards the large curving marble staircase.

  The musicians were putting away their instruments. Guests were making their way to bed. Lydia also went to her room, not to sleep but to dream. And later to feel mortified that she had been brazen enough to demand a dance. What would Anthony be thinking of her?

  ***

  The wedding day dawned bright and clear. As the parish church was small, only a few close friends accompanied the family to the wedding ceremony. The Duke of Wimberley was among them. He was also performing the office of groomsman.

  Lady Maria’s gown was an exquisite creation of pale pink satin and a gauzy silver material. For all its fine embroidery and workmanship, it paled in comparison to the bride’s radiant face.

  After signing the register, Lord Daventon and his bride emerged from the church. A crowd had gathered outside to have a glimpse of the bride and groom. They cheered as the couple got into the waiting carriage. Gareth waved to them and flung fistfuls of coins in their direction.

  Other carriages followed. Laura found herself being helped by Anthony into his carriage. It was a short ride to the manor. She kept her eyes averted and counted the seconds until the carriage stopped. She knew she had disgraced herself by her brazen behavior. Anthony would have developed a disgust for her.

  When the carriage stopped, Anthony jumped out. He waved aside the hovering footman and offered Laura his hand. She gave it to him and looked into his upturned face. What she saw in his eyes made her lose her footing. Before she could fall down, Anthony grasped her arms and steadied her. “I am sorry,” he said.

  Laura knew it wasn’t his fault. Or maybe it was. He had looked at her with such tenderness that she had missed her footing and come lurching down. Wordlessly, she took his proffered arm.

  The bridal couple was surrounded by guests who had not accompanied the family to the church. The musicians had struck up a tune. Soon everyone would be ushered in for the wedding breakfast. And then the guests would start leaving.

  Anthony would, too.

  “I have a letter for you,” Anthony said. “A drawing, actually.”

  Laura smiled when she unfolded the sheet. What Mary Jane lacked in skill, she made up in enthusiasm.

  “That’s you,” Anthony said, pointing to the bigger stick figure.

  “And this one is Mary Jane with her doll,” Laura said. “I gather she likes the doll.”

  “She does. She calls her Ann and looks after her. I can’t guess what role she has assigned to Ann. She croons to her to put her to sleep. She also makes her participate in games.”

  “Ann can be just about anything! A playmate, a confidant, a baby to fuss over, even a mother visiting the nursery.”

  “Laura, I can’t thank you enough. You have made Mary Jane very happy.”

  “I have thought of something. I have several sets of doll clothes. My nurse was skilled with the needle. I wheedled her into making bonnets and gowns and pelisses for my doll, Amy. Will you take them for Mary Jane? I’m sure she will be pleased.”

  “Are you telling me you have relegated Amy to your childhood? How very inconsistent. I thought your devotion would last a lifetime,” Anthony said, his eyes twinkling.

  “Well, Amy is a young woman now. She has been to London. I shall have to commission a new wardrobe from a fashionable modiste, your Grace!”

  “I recall asking you not to address me as ‘your Grace’.”

  Laura gave him a mischievous smile. “And I recall you not accepting to be called Ant-tony!”

  “What’s wrong with Anthony?”

  “Ant-tony is better.”

  “How about Wimberley?”

  “Maybe I will. Now I must go up to my room and make up a parcel for Amy. One for Mary Jane too, with slices of wedding cake and the most delectable sugar cakes.”

  Laura dispatched a footman to the duke’s chamber, with the promised gifts. A maid informed her that Lady Catherine was looking for her.

  “Where were you, dear?” her mother asked. “Many of our guests have been inquiring after you.”

  “I had gone up to my room, Mother. I shall stay here and see that our guests are well cared for.”

  Two hours later, when Anthony was leaving, her attention was claimed by a matron who thought the morning unseasonably chill and insisted on all the windows being shut. Anthony looked at her from across the length of the hall and raised a hand in farewell.

  ***

  Five weeks later, one more wedding was celebrated at Daventon Manor. Lady Helena became Lady Russell.

  Nobody was surprised with Lord Russell’s offer except the lady herself. Gareth and Laura had noted his attentions to their aunt. Lady Catherine was wont to gently tease her sister-in-law that his lordship’s frequent calls had much to do with her.

  Lady Helena would not be too far from Daventon Manor, her home for thirty-six years.

  Having Lord and Lady Russell close by proved to be a blessing in more ways than one. A few months later, when Lord Daventon left for a trip to America with his countess, he did so with an easy mind.

  Chapter 16

  “Tell!” Lydia demanded.

  “I’ve already told you. His Grace is Gareth’s particular friend. He often visited us in London. He may have thought it polite to dance with me.”

  “I’ve got eyes in my head, young lady.”

  “And possibly windmills in your head!” Laura muttered under her breath.

  “I heard that.”

  “Lydia, I should leave. Mother and Aunt Nell may need me for something.”

  “I’m sure your mother and Aunt Nell are taking a well-deserved rest. Your brother and Lady Daventon are away on their wedding trip. Your butler, your housekeeper, your maid, and the servants are busy doing whatever they are paid to do. So you can remain in that seat. You are not leaving until you tell me about his Grace and you.”

  “Marriage doesn’t agree with you. You were never this bossy.”

  “And you, my dear, weren’t rec
eiving smoldering looks from devastatingly handsome dukes!”

  Laura blushed. “He is handsome, isn’t he?”

  “Of course he is handsome. Not as handsome as my husband, though.”

  “That’s not true!”

  “No? What’s wrong with your sight? Could it be love?”

  “Lydia!”

  “I don’t mean to tease you. I saw you and his Grace after the waltz. You looked lost in each other. I expected to hear an announcement at the ball itself.”

  “I don’t think his Grace intends to offer for me. Most of the time he treats me like a child.”

  “But you have feelings for him.”

  “I ...”

  “You don’t have to say anything. I can read your face. I still think his Grace means to offer for you. He may have wanted to wait until after the wedding. Mark my words, he is sure to come after Gareth returns home.”

  ***

  Laura took hope from Lydia’s words. It made perfect sense. Anthony would not want to upstage his friend’s special day. But when four months passed by and the duke did not arrive, she was forced to admit that it was all foolishness on her part. She had asked for the dance. She had gazed into Anthony’s eyes. She had clung to him like a limpet. He couldn’t have possibly pushed her away!

  And yet, she surreptitiously checked the mail. She didn’t ask Gareth for news about Anthony – that would be too obvious – but whenever Gareth mentioned the duke, she tried to find out as much as she could without making him suspect her interest was anything more than a causal one.

  Finally, a letter arrived. Laura was with the rest of her family, at the breakfast table. Gareth, as was his habit, was perusing the mail. “Wimberley sends his regards,” he said, putting aside the letter he had been reading.

  For a fraction of a minute, Laura’s fork remained suspended in air. “A letter from his Grace?” she asked.

  “Does he write about his mother? How is she now?” Lady Helena asked.

  “She is much improved. Anthony has also found someone who is taking good care of his daughter. He need not hurry to look for a wife.”

  Laura slowly exhaled. Anthony wasn’t engaged. She would meet him again during the Season. If they met often enough, he might fall madly in love with her!

  ***

  In the coming weeks, Laura had little time to dream about being courted by her duke. She was busy with another romance.

  Lord Russell had taken to visiting Daventon Manor every day. His interest lay with Lady Helena. He was a most determined suitor. And he had no scruples about enlisting Laura’s help in his wooing.

  Lady Helena was equally determined in continuing with her single state. She refused to see what was obvious to her family - that Lord Russell was perfect for her.

  “I’m too old for this nonsense!” she told her sister-in-law.

  “Now, that’s a piece of nonsense.”

  “Catherine, I decided I wouldn’t marry anyone. You know how much I loved Oliver.”

  “Lord Russell knows it, too. He was Lord Egerton’s friend.”

  “I don’t know what to think.”

  “Then don’t. Give the man a chance. He’s in the drawing room, with Maria and Laura. He will not leave until you put in an appearance. He was there for three hours yesterday. He was in no mood for conversation and kept looking at the door. Maria told me she didn’t know what to do except keep offering cake. She has been doing that for the last one week. Lord Russell is sure to gain several pounds while courting you!”

  Lady Helena rolled her eyes and marched into the drawing room. “Lord Russell, may I have a word?”

  “With me?”

  “Are you Lord Russell?”

  Laura suppressed a laugh at the look on his lordship’s face. She would have loved to stay and watch, but Lady Maria grasped her wrist and hurried her out of the room.

  “Do you think he will convince Aunt Nell?” Laura asked.

  “He had better. He almost gagged when I offered cake the third time.”

  “Gareth told him yesterday he was positively haunting the manor. Poor Lord Russell. I hope Aunt Nell favors his suit.”

  ***

  Five weeks later, Lady Helena became Lady Russell. Her new home was not very far from Daventon Manor, where she had spent thirty-six years. Gareth and Laura were happy for their aunt but also missed her. She had been a mother to them.

  Lady Russell often came over to the manor. As the Season approached, her visits increased. “We must go early so that Laura has enough time to make a choice.”

  But a week before they were to leave for London, Catherine fell ill. Two days later, a letter brought the news that the Dowager Duchess of Severn had broken her leg and would be glad of her granddaughter’s company.

  Lady Catherine and Lady Helena were both upset about having to put off the London trip. They didn’t want Laura to miss the Season. They tried to find a solution but Laura refused to go to London when her mother was ill.

  Laura was disappointed too but hid it from her mother and aunt. She had hoped to see Anthony again. However, her disappointment lasted for only a week. Gareth received a letter from the Duke of Wimberley. He would not be coming to London for the Season.

  Laura turned her attention to looking after her mother. Catherine’s recovery was slow. Even after she was better, the physician said the polluted air of London could be detrimental to her health.

  In the new year, Gareth and Maria left on a trip to America. Maria had long dreamed of visiting the plantation that her parents had owned. During their absence, Lord and Lady Russell took it upon themselves to keep an eye on the management of the Daventon estates. Lord Russell made it a point to ride over every day.

  After Gareth and Maria returned, Lord and Lady Russell left on a trip to visit with relatives in the Lake District and to take in the sights.

  Before long, another London Season was upon them. Laura kept wondering whether Anthony would come. And if he did, would he court her?

  Chapter 17

  Two years later

  Laura craned her neck out of the carriage window. She counted seven carriages ahead of theirs. In a few more minutes she would have news about Anthony.

  “Did you hear from the Duke of Wimberley?” Lady Maria Daventon asked her husband. “Is he coming to London?”

  “I received a letter from him two months ago. He didn’t say anything about coming to London. Lady Malloy will know. She’s his aunt.”

  Much to Laura’s chagrin, Anthony and her brother didn’t write frequently to each other. During the last two years, Gareth had exchanged not above five letters with his friend.

  Laura tapped her foot impatiently. The carriage was taking forever. “You are eager to start the Season,” Lady Catherine remarked.

  “I am. It will make a nice change. We have been prodigiously dull. First Gareth and Maria were away for six months. As soon as they returned, Lord Russell dragged away Aunt Nell on an extensive tour.”

  “I hope Helena cuts short her travels and joins us,” Lady Catherine said.

  Lady Maria nodded. “I miss Aunt Nell, too. But I’m happy she is enjoying her travels. Her letters from the Lake District are filled with such detail and pleasure in her surroundings.”

  “We’re here,” Gareth announced.

  ***

  “Lady Laura! I missed you last Season!” Lady Harriet cried, meeting her with outstretched hands.

  “You are in good looks. The peach gown becomes you well,” Laura said.

  “I’m in my fourth Season. Mother has finally let me pick my own clothes – within reason. Have you met Lady Janet? She’s Mrs. Earl now. It’s a love match. You should have seen them last Season. They kept looking at each other and sighing. It was droll.”

  “Lady Emsworth has a daughter, I hear.”

  “She doesn’t seem happy. Neither does his lordship. Here she comes!”

  “Lady Laura! How pretty you look! What a beautiful gown! It won’t do for a married lady, though.
”

  Priscilla, Lady Emsworth, was dressed in a blue silk gown with a bodice that clung to her and was shockingly low.

  “How have you been? I thought I might not see you this Season,” Laura said.

  “Pray why not?” Priscilla demanded and narrowed her eyes. “Has Emsworth been moaning about the baby? He wanted us to stay in the country. I despaired of talking sense into him. Thankfully, his mother, the duchess, told him he was being daft. There was no need for us to stay when there was a wet nurse in the employ, and other staff.”

  “How is the duke?” Laura asked, changing the topic.

  Lady Priscilla grimaced. “He’s tough and in no hurry to pass on the title.”

  Laura mumbled something inaudible and Priscilla sailed away, leaving a whiff of perfume behind.

  “Lord Newington and Mr. Bennett have come in,” Lady Harriet said.

  “Together?”

  “Why ever not?”

  “They were always glaring at each other. I expected them to come to blows any moment.”

  “That was two years ago. They were vying for Lovely Laura!”

  “Please lower your voice! Someone may hear you and the nonsensical thing will start again.”

  “What’s wrong with being called Lovely Laura?”

  “And being compared to Flora?”

  Harriet laughed and twisted around to see if she could spot more friends. It wasn’t an easy task as the hall had filled up. “I hear the Duke of Wimberley is expected to make an appearance.”

  “Is he in London?”

  “Lady Malloy told us he arrived this afternoon.”

  “In that case, we may be assured of his presence,” Laura said, hiding her excitement.

  “Lady Selena plans to waylay him as soon as he enters. What other reason can she have for standing beside the pillar and gazing up at it? It isn’t anything out of the ordinary.”

  “She could be waiting for someone else.”

  “At Lady Malloy’s ball? It is unlikely. My brother told me they are laying bets at his club that she will have him this Season. She is more determined than ever after the émigré count gave her the slip and sailed away to America.”