London Stranger: Historical Regency Romance (Heirs of London Book 1)

by Joyce Alec

  “And you will inform me of any gentlemen of note, Mrs. Grey,” the earl continued as Juliet’s companion nodded quickly. “Particularly if they seem interested in my daughter. She must be protected.”

  “I quite understand, my lord,” the lady replied, curtsying quickly in evident deference. “I will make sure to do so.”

  Becoming frustrated with her father’s evident unwillingness to hurry them to the carriage and, instead, to talk with them both about what his expectations were—expectations that were already very well established, given that Juliet had heard them many times before—she gave her father a pointed look.

  He understood it immediately, a small smile spreading across his face and making his dark grey eyes twinkle.

  “Yes, yes, we shall depart,” he said with a wave of his hand that instructed Juliet to make for the door. “I shall, of course, be there to make certain you are welcomed by the host but, thereafter, I do intend to find the card room just as soon as I can.”

  Juliet smiled up at her father as she passed him, feeling no concern whatsoever that he would be seeking out the card room. He was not a father who had ever shown great concern for his offspring. There had been a great concern for her older brother, of course, given that he was the heir, but now that he was wed and settled, her father had shown no great interest in Juliet’s future. No doubt he expected her to find someone suitable, but there was no need for him to be involved in any great detail, hence why she now had Mrs. Grey as her companion. Hurrying to the carriage, Juliet climbed inside carefully, making certain not to wrinkle her gown.

  “A very fine evening this is to be, I am sure,” Mrs. Grey said, sitting down with a small sigh. “And plenty of eligible gentlemen.”

  Juliet laughed. “I will be happy just to reacquaint myself with those I met last Season,” she said as her father joined them. “That will suit me very well.” Her hands tightened in her lap as the carriage pulled away from the house, a knot of excitement squirreling into her belly. A sudden thought came to her and she looked at her father. “Have you heard anything from Mr. Johnson?” she asked, having been told the name of the man who had taken on the responsibility of caring for the third man they had found, as well as the burial of the other two.

  Her father shook his head. “There is very little change,” he replied, a hint of sorrow in his voice. “The third man hovers between consciousness and unconsciousness, eating very little and having said nothing at all.” After a moment, he reached across and patted Juliet’s hand. “But you must not think of that now. London is waiting for you and you shall be at the very heart of all there is to enjoy.”

  Juliet nodded and returned her gaze to the window. The horror of what she had seen, the fear of the highwaymen, and the dreadful thoughts that had filled her mind for so long no longer troubled her to the same extent. In fact, she was able to push them aside without any great difficulty given the excitement of what was before her. Her first ball of the Season. It was, as Mrs. Grey had said, sure to be a very fine evening, and Juliet could hardly wait until they arrived.

  “I thank you.” Juliet smiled briefly at their host and then turned to Mrs. Grey, aware that both she and her father were now waiting for her.

  “You did very well, Juliet,” Mrs. Grey murmured as the earl cleared his throat, looking all about him and paying Juliet very little attention. “Lord Fauster is well known for making some uncomfortable and disconcerting remarks at times, but I presume that he did not say anything of note to you?”

  “Nothing at all,” Juliet replied happily. “His wife appeared to be keeping a sharp eye on his behavior and his words, however.” She smiled as Mrs. Grey chuckled, making their way together toward the ballroom, her anticipation building with every step. “I do hope that all will go well this evening.”

  “You have your dance card?” Mrs. Grey asked, her blue eyes turning to Juliet with a sudden worry dancing in them. “You have not forgotten to tie it around your wrist?”

  In answer, Juliet lifted her arm and allowed Mrs. Grey to see the dance card dangling from it, the silk ribbon slipping over her glove as she did so.

  “I am glad to see it,” Mrs. Grey replied as two footmen opened the ballroom doors for them so that they might walk inside. “For I am quite certain, Juliet, that you shall have your dance card filled very soon.”

  “I do hope so,” Juliet said, walking into the ballroom and clasping her hands together with the sheer joy of being back in society. The orchestra was playing, some couples were dancing a quadrille, and all around her were small groups of guests conversing together. Overwhelmed with the sheer joy that filled her at being back amongst it all, Juliet let out a sigh of contentment, pausing in her steps for a few moments simply so that she might look all about her.

  “Yes, yes, it is all quite wonderful,” Mrs. Grey said, laughing as she grasped Juliet’s elbow gently. “But come, we must make our way through the crowd and find someone that we are acquainted with.”

  “But of course,” Juliet replied happily, following Mrs. Grey. It did not take long for them to discover an old acquaintance and, very soon, Juliet was talking cheerfully with one Lord Stevenson, one Lady Richmond, and one Miss Swettenham, whose mother stood only a few steps away, keeping a sharp eye on her daughter. Soon afterwards, she had Lord Stevenson asking to sign her dance card and, with a nod of agreement and a heart filled with delight, she gave him her consent. Within the hour, Juliet found herself practically surrounded by old acquaintances and, just as Mrs. Grey had hoped, her dance card filled completely. Smiling and laughing, Juliet felt her heart lift free of the remaining strains of fear and worry that lingered there, finding herself filled with a great happiness that chased all adverse emotions away. She was back within society, back in London, and there was nothing to take that joy away from her.

  2

  “Might I have the pleasure of introducing my daughter to you?”

  Duncan cleared his throat but forced a smile to his face. “But of course, Lord Haskett,” he replied, forcing some sort of warmth into his voice as the older gentleman beamed at him, before turning to beckon a young lady over toward him. “I should be very glad indeed to become acquainted with her.”

  “Capital!” Lord Haskett exclaimed as a young lady with soft brown eyes and ringlet curls falling gently over her shoulder came near. She was, Duncan had to admit, rather pretty but he did so very much hate being forced into considering a young lady simply because of her outward merits. A lady’s title and dowry were important, of course, but he would not be forced into considering a lady just because he might find her beautiful.

  “My dear, might I introduce the Earl of Strickland,” Lord Haskett said, gesturing toward Duncan. “Lord Strickland, this is my daughter, Miss Sarah Poole.”

  “My very great pleasure, Miss Poole,” Duncan murmured as he bent low into a bow. “I do hope that you have found this evening to be enjoyable thus far?”

  Miss Poole nodded, her smile big and bright and lighting up her features completely. “It has been very lovely indeed,” she said, her voice not at all as quiet as Duncan had expected. “Although I do wish for some dancing. I always like a bit of dancing, Lord Strickland.”

  He smiled back at her although inwardly thinking that he would prefer a quiet evening given that there were balls almost every evening at present. Balls where he would be hounded by young ladies or their mothers in the hope of him striking up an interest in one of them. “You are fond of dancing, then, Miss Poole?” he asked, and she nodded fervently. “Is there anything else that you enjoy?”

  This seemed to stump Miss Poole for a short time, and she considered this question for so long that Duncan began to wonder if she would ever answer him at all. Lord Haskett said nothing but rather smiled down at his daughter fondly, making Duncan think that he was well used to his daughter’s long silences.

  “I can only say, Lord Strickland, that dancing is my very favorite pastime,” Miss Poole announced in a rather dramatic fashion. “I may
read upon occasion or do other such activities that are expected of young ladies, but to my mind, there is nothing better than being out amongst society and enjoying the company and conversation of others.” She smiled and a gleam came into her eye. “Particularly when one is able to make new acquaintances.”

  This did not make Duncan smile, however, for he could hear the gentle flirtation in the lady’s voice and could see the fluttering of her lashes as she looked back at him. He was not at all inclined toward Miss Poole, just as he was not at all inclined to any young lady who sought him out in such an obvious fashion.

  “Indeed, Miss Poole,” he replied in a somewhat firm voice, wondering how to extract himself from the conversation without appearing rude. “I am sure that there are a good many gentlemen and ladies within the ton that will be glad to make your acquaintance, Miss Poole. This is your first Season, is it not?”

  “It is,” Miss Poole replied, blushing now at the apparent compliment Duncan had given her. “You are very kind to say such a thing. In fact, I—”

  “I should be glad to introduce you to any of my acquaintances,” Duncan interrupted, quickly grabbing the attention of Lord Jennings, who was meandering across the room without any obvious intention. “Ah, Lord Jennings,” he continued loudly, as Miss Poole looked at him with astonishment—although it seemed that her father was quite delighted given the broad smile settled on his face. “Might I introduce you to a new acquaintance of mine?”

  Thankfully, Lord Jennings appeared to be more than willing to do as Duncan asked, coming toward them at once and bowing to Miss Poole after greeting her father. Duncan quickly introduced them both and then, his duty done given that he knew Lord Jennings would be able and willing to converse with Miss Poole for some time, he excused himself quietly.

  A long sigh escaped him as he crossed the room, praying that he would not be greeted by any other gentleman or lady wishing to introduce him to their daughters. He had endured quite enough already, and he had only been back in London for a sennight. Unfortunately for Duncan, it was well known that he was the richest earl in all of England, whose wealth outstripped even the Marquess of Longbridge. This was not a truth that he had shared with anyone but rather one that his own mother had been very delighted to express to all who would listen, in the hope that this would encourage Duncan to find a suitable wife.

  It had done the exact opposite, however. Instead of encouraging him toward a particular lady, he had found himself doing all he could to avoid the young ladies that sought him out. They wanted his attention solely so that they could have the chance, as they saw it, to wed a gentleman with a great deal of money so that they could live in such a way as to satisfy their every indulgence and whim. It was not because of his own character that they had any particular interest but rather that they saw only his title and his fortune—and those sorts of young ladies meant very little to Duncan.

  “Good evening, Lord Strickland.”

  With a small groan, Duncan turned around expecting to be met with another young lady being presented to him for, indeed, it seemed as though this evening’s gathering was filled with debutantes, but much to his relief, it was none other than Lady Richmond, whose eyes were dancing with mirth.

  “You are not trying to escape from anyone, are you?” she asked as Duncan gave her a wry smile. “My husband is nearby somewhere, and I am sure he would be able to steal you away to a game of cards or some such thing, if you are already struggling.”

  “You know of my difficulties,” Duncan muttered, a little darkly, “and yet I believe you mock me.”

  Lady Richmond only laughed, not at all influenced by his irritated expression. “I know very well what such a situation is like, Lord Strickland,” she reminded him, one eyebrow lifted. “Do you not recall that I had a very great dowry which, it seemed, the ton in its entirety knew of?”

  Duncan let out a heavy breath. “I do,” he said, still frustrated with the eagerness of Lord Haskett to introduce his daughter to him. “And yes, you well know what such a struggle is like.” Throwing up his hands, he shook his head. “But it was easier for you, was it not? Your father, seeing what occurred, sought out a gentleman or two who had no need of your dowry.” He arched one eyebrow, recalling how his friend, Lord Richmond, had found himself quite caught up with the lady and had been unable to even go an hour without mentioning her.

  “That is true, I suppose,” Lady Richmond replied dreamily. “Lord Richmond is a most exceptional gentleman.”

  “And now you are quite contented,” Duncan said as Lady Richmond smiled back at him. “But I am struggling desperately to find a young lady that has no awareness of who I am or what I have. It seems as though they all come to London with the full knowledge of the gentlemen within society who are the wealthiest and, therefore, the most eligible.”

  “You did not decide to linger in the continent, however,” Lady Richmond murmured, a flicker of interest in her eyes. “I had thought you had meant to reside there for the year.”

  Duncan hesitated. After last Season, he had left for the continent almost at once, thinking that he would remain there for some time until everything that had irritated and frustrated him about the Season had washed from him. “I found it unbearable,” he said hoarsely. “The heat. The company—or the lack thereof.”

  “And this is better?”

  A wry smile tipped Duncan’s lips. “Perhaps I hoped things would have changed this Season—even just a little. But it seems, thus far, that I have been entirely mistaken.”

  For a few moments, Lady Richmond said nothing, studying Duncan with a rather thoughtful expression. Duncan frowned, wondering what it was Lady Richmond was thinking, only for her to smile softly at him.

  “If it is any comfort, I could introduce you to a lady that I am certain has no knowledge—or interest—in your wealth,” she said, surprising him. “I know that you are rather tired of being introduced to various young ladies, but I am certain that she will be rather refreshing.”

  Duncan frowned hard as he considered what was best to do. Lady Richmond was quite correct—he did not want to be introduced to any further ladies who would look at him with greedy eyes but, at the same time, if she had no awareness of his fortune, would that not be exactly what he sought?

  “Come now, you cannot refuse after complaining as you have done,” Lady Richmond laughed, slipping her arm through Duncan’s and beginning to walk across the room, with Duncan having no other choice but to join her. “Besides which, you must know that Lord Richmond and I care a great deal about your welfare. I would not introduce her to you if I thought her to be in any way unsuitable.”

  Aware of this, Duncan nodded and glanced at her. “I should prefer to go and find a card game,” he said, a little brusquely, but Lady Richmond only smiled and looked away, evidently thoroughly resolved to do as she had suggested. Duncan gave himself up to her determined spirit, permitting her to take him to a quieter part of the room where a young lady was speaking with another, two older ladies near to them. Lady Richmond waited until one of the young ladies and her chaperone or mother, whoever she was, turned away, before quickly stepping forward to greet the remaining young lady.

  “Ah, good evening,” Lady Richmond said, letting go of Duncan’s arm as she bobbed a quick curtsy. “Good evening, Mrs. Grey, Lady Juliet.”

  A trifle interested given the lady’s title, Duncan stood mute as the conversation continued without him although he did not miss the older lady, Mrs. Grey, quickly assessing him as he stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back.

  “I do hope you will allow me to introduce a friend of mine, Lady Juliet,” Lady Richmond said quickly, turning back toward Duncan. “I claim him as my friend, you understand, even though he was dear friends with my husband first.”

  Duncan could not help but chuckle at this, noting now the young lady looked at him with curiosity flickering in her eyes. She was, he considered, rather pretty. She had very dark hair, with gentle curls brushing her temples, and, from
what he could see, blue eyes that appeared to be flecked with gold. A delicate oval face, gentle sloping nose, and full lips added to his consideration of her beauty, although he did not allow himself any further thoughts given that he knew very little about her.

  “This is the Earl of Strickland,” Lady Richmond continued, gesturing to him. “Lord Strickland, might I present Lady Juliet, daughter to the Earl of Lansbury.” She smiled at the older lady, who was waiting patiently for a further introduction to be made. “And her companion and chaperone, Mrs. Grey.”

  There was no immediate flare of recognition in Lady Juliet’s eyes. She did not catch her breath, smile with delight, and curtsy beautifully, before batting her eyelashes at him, as so many other young ladies had done. Rather, her expression remained quite open as she curtsied, looking back at him without any hint of awareness as to who he was.

  “I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Lord Strickland,” she said, her voice quiet and calm. “Are you in London for the Season?”

  “I am,” he replied, ignoring the very broad smile on Lady Richmond’s face, evidently rather pleased with herself for her choice of young lady. “And you? Is this your first Season?”

  The young lady blushed. “No, it is my second,” she replied, clearly a little embarrassed that she might have given the impression of being a debutante. “Last Season, however, I had to return home a little early due to an illness.”

  Duncan’s interest stirred. “I hope you recovered well.”

  “It was not I who was unwell but my companion,” she replied quickly, gesturing to Mrs. Grey. “I thank you for your concern, however.”

  “As do I, Lord Strickland,” Mrs. Grey added, a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes. “I was disappointed that, for my sake, Lady Juliet had to return to her father’s estate, but she would not hear of me returning alone.”