A Hero Returns

by Kelly Anne Bruce

  "Lieutenant Repington!" A booming voice called out. Charles turned to see a robust man with a rather magnificent mustache walking toward him.

  "Major Stewart, hello." Charles had not seen the man in several months and he was glad to see him looking so well.

  The two men shook hands and Charles realized that Lady Judith still stood at his elbow.

  "Major Stewart, may I introduce Lady Judith Powell."

  "Lady Judith, this is Major Stewart. An old friend of my father's," Charles explained. When Major Stewart grumbled Charles added, "Oh, and we were on the Peninsula together as well."

  "Oh," Lady Judith said with a sparkling smile for the older man. "You must tell me all about Lieutenant Repington."

  Charles rolled his eyes dramatically. "That would be a waste of breath. There is nothing interesting to tell."

  "I beg to differ." Major Stewart moved to face Lady Judith. "The lieutenant here is being quite modest. He served his commission quite well and is a hero to King and country."

  Charles shook his head. “Do not believe a word he says. He is prone to exaggeration."

  "Balderdash!" Major Stewart exclaimed his voice allowed us to start out others around them. Major Stewart continued on. "Lieutenant Repington’s leadership and courage saved my life and other soldier several times over."

  "A true hero," Lady Judith said breathlessly looking adoringly at Charles. "Is there anything you cannot do?"

  "Yes, there is a very long list," Charles said with a sardonic grin. "It would bore you to tears though. At the top of the list, is the fact that I was unable to stop this conversation before it started."

  Major Stewart laughed and clapped him on the back. "You are too modest, my good man. I am more than indebted to you and you know it."

  Lady Judith smiled up at Charles looking as though she wanted to say something, though she was a bit hesitant. He was relieved when they were interrupted before she could speak.

  “Major Stewart! It is so good to see you here.” Matthew stepped forward and reached out to take the older man’s hand, chuckling deeply. “I see you have managed to corner my brother. War talk?”

  “Well, Matthew, my boy. It is good to be here. And to see you and your family. And only a little war talk since tonight is a festive occasion.” He grinned and then looked at the ladies with Matthew and smiled. “Lady Henrietta. I am more than pleased to see you.”

  “Oh, Major Stewart, it has been far too long since you have visited.” Henrietta beamed her brightest smile at the man as he kissed both her cheeks. “And this is a friend of our family, Miss Beatrice Taltham.”

  The older man bowed slightly as he turned to Beatrice. “I am pleased to meet you, Miss Taltham.”

  “And I you, Major Stewart.” Beatrice smiled and nodded her head.

  Charles noted the look of disdain on Lady Judith’s face as she looked upon Miss Beatrice. He suddenly wondered if her look had anything to do with Miss Beatrice’s hurried departure earlier.

  Matthew had begun to ask Major Stewart about the Peninsula. Rather than stay for the stories to be dredged up again, Charles turned to Lady Judith who was now standing with Lady Sarah. "Please excuse me. I must say hello to a few people."

  "Yes, of course," Lady Judith graciously agreed.

  Charles had no intention of saying hello to anyone but realized that with Lady Judith's attention he should at least talk to one or two people as he moved through the ballroom. Pausing to look around he saw his mother speaking to an old friend and decided to join them.

  "Good evening, Charles"

  "Good evening, Mother," he said leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Good evening, Lady Ramsbury."

  "Lieutenant Repington, so good to see that you are back safe,” the older woman answered.

  "As am I. It is good to see you as well, is Lord Ramsbury here?” Charles turned slightly to look across the ballroom.

  "He is. I just saw that he was walking toward the refreshment room. He will surely eat every cake in the place if left to his own devices."

  Charles chuckled. "Well, please do walk slowly, then. Let him enjoy at least some of them."

  "Of course, dear," she said with a gravelly chuckle. "It would be unseemly for me to rush."

  Lady Ramsbury had barely left when his mother said, "Charles, your father wanted to talk to you. Did he find you?"

  "No, I have not seen him since the party began." Charles eyed the door not looking forward to a conversation with his father. "I will go see if I can find him."

  "See that you do." His mother gave him a pointed look and then smiled. “I would hate for him to think I had failed to deliver his message.”

  Charles chuckled in spite of his suddenly anxious mood and nodded at her. He turned and made his way to the door. If he was lucky he could avoid being seen and duck out to the garden. He walked to the end of the hall and breathed a sigh of relief as he turned the corner. Stopping abruptly as he came face-to-face with his father.

  "Charles, just who I wanted to see."

  Charles pointed back to the ballroom. "Oh, well, I really need to..."

  "It can wait, whatever it is." His father put a strong hand on Charles’ shoulder steering him through the open door of the library.

  His father sat down in one of the large chairs that had been placed in front of the desk. "I wanted to talk to you about your courtship of Lady Judith."

  "My what?" Charles asked utterly confused.

  "Your courtship. I understand that she is quite beautiful and from a well-placed family. Honestly, it is a match we would approve of under normal conditions. I feel I should remind you that you have only just returned from the Peninsula, though, and I think you should wait before you do anything rash. A marriage is a life-long commitment, after all."

  Charles knew it was useless to explain so he simply said, "I agree completely. I will put off any decisions for the time being."

  His father nodded sagely. "I believe that is best."

  Chapter Eight

  "Would you like to dance again?"

  Beatrice looked up into Mr Townsend’s hopeful face. "Thank you, but I think I would like to rest a little."

  "You like dancing, do you not?" Mr Townsend cocked his head to the side with a questioning grin.

  "Yes, of course," Beatrice replied hoping her smile did not falter. She found herself to make her next point. "I have been dancing quite a bit. I believe I will get some punch and sit down for a few minutes."

  Beatrice had barely taken two steps when someone took her by the elbow. "What?" She asked turning around to see who had taken her arm.

  "You sit down here," Mr Townsend was saying as he directed her to a line of chairs sat against the wall. "I will bring you a refreshment."

  "But, I can get it."

  "You said you needed to rest," he reminded her.

  "Yes, thank you," she finally told him simply hoping that he would leave her alone.

  She sat down on one of the chairs only to stand back up as soon as Mr Townsend disappeared through the door. Before she could change her mind, Beatrice left the ballroom through a door at the other end of the room. She stepped out into a hall which must have been used by the servants. Off to the left, she could hear noise coming from what must have been the kitchen.

  Walking calmly as though she was supposed to be alone in that very hallway, Beatrice continued in the other direction until she came to a door. Turning the knob as quietly as possible she carefully opened the door and saw that it opened into the garden. Looking behind her first she slipped quickly quietly out the door and shut it behind her.

  The area was well lit by lanterns and Beatrice soon realized that she was just outside the garden. A break in a low stone wall revealed and ornate iron gate. The latch was easily found and she let herself into the garden moving towards the closest pool of light.

  As much as she wanted to escape Mr Townsend's attentions, it would not be wise for her to be found lurking in the darkness. Alone or not it would be fairly easy
for someone to accuse her of meeting someone for a romantic interlude. Her reputation would be ruined for no reason at all.

  Careful to stay clear of the windows just in case Mr Townsend was already looking for her, she moved closer to the house. She stopped in front of a pillar that was well lit and in plain sight of anyone coming in or out of the house. She fanned herself and nodded at two girls that passed by going back into the house.

  It was silly that she was going to such lengths to get a few minutes away from Mr Townsend. He was from a well-established family, he was very nice and extremely attentive. So attentive, in fact, that she was beginning to feel somewhat distressed. Smothered, even. He would ask her something and get his feelings hurt if she did not answer breathlessly.

  He ran hither and yon to attend to her, much like his quest to bring her a refreshment. On the surface, it seemed as though he was being sweet by getting her the punch. To Beatrice, though, it felt as though he was trying to keep her from getting away from him. To make her beholden to him. That made her want to get away from him even more.

  "Have you seen Miss Beatrice?" Someone asked from near the door. Without thinking she move quickly to the other side of the pillar.

  "I have not seen her. Perhaps she has gone to the refreshment room."

  She could not hear the reply but apparently, it appeased Mr Townsend because it sounded as though both people had gone back into the house.

  "I am not sure I like that you are spending so much time with Charles Repington."

  Beatrice froze behind the pillar.

  "Why ever not, Mother?" Lady Judith asked.

  "You were destined to marry a peer, not a third son."

  "That is ridiculous. Lieutenant Repington is the son of the Duke of Castborough," Lady Judith reminded her mother.

  "I know who he is," Lady Colchester retorted, her voice sharp.

  Lady Judith made a frustrated sound before saying, "His father is very important."

  "Of course, I am just not sure that your father would approve the match. He has been speaking with the Marquess of Reigate. His heir is unmarried."

  "Yes, and he spends most of his time visiting the establishments on the waterfront."

  "Judith!"

  "It is merely what I have heard. I cannot believe that Father would want that for me. It is a sordid situation, to be sure."

  "Not if it is untrue," Mother said slowly.

  "More importantly, I like Lieutenant Repington. He is a hero and a gentleman."

  "Yes, I understand that, but—"

  "He will make me look good, marrying an officer, and all. Do not forget he is a hero." There was a pause. "Mother, it is he that I want. Talk to Father for me."

  There was a sigh and then Lady Colchester said, "I suppose if that is who you want I will do what I can to aid you."

  "Thank you!"

  "I suggest you snag him quickly. He is only just back. Get him before the other girls learn that he is back and looking for a wife."

  "Do not worry I have a plan."

  "If that takes too long then I shall do something drastic.”

  “Drastic? Judith, what are you speaking about?”

  “I could get caught alone with him in the garden."

  "Judith! I forbid you to do such a thing!" Lady Colchester exclaimed.

  The voices were getting quieter and Beatrice could tell that they were going back to the house. Any further protestation was lost as the door closed behind them.

  Beatrice had not been happy at the thought of Lieutenant Repington with Lady Judith but now she was thoroughly upset by the prospect and what might happen to force such a match.

  She gathered up her skirts and rushed toward the house. Any worry over Mr Townsend completely forgotten, she needed to find Henrietta and share what she had overheard about Lieutenant Repington.

  Chapter Nine

  "Yes. I had planned to return to London, but I was persuaded to stay in Surrey."

  "Persuaded?" Charles chuckled. "I hope it was for a good reason."

  Humphries nodded. "It was. I was able to complete some business for my father."

  "Oh yes, how is he doing?"

  "He is a stubborn old goat," Humphries replied. "But he is improving now that the doctor is keeping an eye on him."

  "I am glad to hear that."

  "Peter! Hello!" Lady Sarah said suddenly appearing with Lady Judith at her side.

  "Good evening, Lady Sarah," Humphries replied. His face lighting up as he looked at the blue-eyed girl. "I am surprised you are not on the dance floor."

  "I danced earlier but Lady Judith and I decided to rest for a bit."

  "I am feeling much better," Lady Judith added with a smile for Charles. "I should think I am ready for another dance."

  "There you are!" Charles recognized Henrietta's voice.

  "Yes, here I am." He turned to her with a raised eyebrow. "Should I be somewhere else?"

  Henrietta rolled her eyes at him making him laugh. "No, I suppose not,” she said with a sigh. “ But, I have been looking for you."

  "Oh? Whatever for?"

  "I..." Henrietta trailed off as another young man joined them.

  "Miss Beatrice, what happened?"

  Beatrice looked surprised and slightly dismayed. "Mr Townsend, I do apologize. I stepped out into the garden for some fresh air."

  "I looked in the garden. You were not there." Mr Townsend scowled at her.

  Beatrice blinked at him. "Again, I am sorry for the misunderstanding."

  Henrietta spoke up then. "I am afraid that is my fault. Miss Beatrice came back into the house and I asked that she help me find Charles."

  Mr Townsend looked at Henrietta with a frown. "I was bringing her refreshment, she said she wanted to rest."

  "Mr Townsend," Beatrice started. "As I said before, I am quite sorry that I inconvenienced you."

  "Miss Beatrice, you said that you needed to rest." He repeated again looking thoroughly confused.

  Lady Judith sniffed and turned to Charles. "This is my last party before I return to London. Perhaps we should leave them to their conversation. I am bored with it and it has only just begun."

  "Lady Judith, you are not the only one returning to London," Mr Townsend said. He then turned to Miss Beatrice. "Will you be attending Almack's on Wednesdays?"

  Miss Beatrice froze for a moment and then smiled. "Of course, I will. Does not everyone go to Almack’s on Wednesday's?"

  Lady Judith made what sounded like a snort although she covered it up with a delicate cough. "That reminds me, Miss Beatrice. I would be happy to give you the name of my modiste. That way you can arrive at Almack’s in the very latest fashion."

  Even if Charles had not seen the look of anger pass over his sister's face he would have realized that Lady Judith's comment was meant to be insulting rather than helpful.

  To her credit, Miss Beatrice simply smiled and said, "Why thank you that is quite kind of you."

  Lady Judith gave Beatrice an icy smile and then put a hand on Charles' arm. "Lieutenant Repington, I think I would like a refreshment."

  Henrietta stepped in front of her brother. "Charles, I really need to speak with you. It cannot wait."

  Charles frowned at Mr Townsend briefly before saying, "Mr Townsend, since you seem to be concerned about the welfare of the young ladies, would you please take Lady Judith to get some lemonade? I believe there is sufficient supply in the refreshment room."

  "Of course," Mr Townsend agreed, looking back at Beatrice still scowling.

  "Thank you," Charles replied.

  "Oh, well, that is not necessary," Lady Judith protested stepping closer to Charles.

  "Please excuse me." Charles stepped away from Lady Judith and paused at the shocked look on her face. Turning back to her, he cocked his head to the side. "Surely you were not suggesting that I ignore my sister?"

  Lady Judith suddenly remembered to be gracious. "Of course not. Mr Townsend, I would be happy to accompany you to the refreshment room."
/>
  Henrietta took Charles by the arm dragging him out to the hallway.

  "What is so important, dear sister, that you have interrupted the festivities? And brought us to the servant’s hallway, as well?"

  "It is about Lady Judith."

  Charles groaned inwardly thinking not Henrietta as well. "I have already talked to Father about that."

  Henrietta and Beatrice looked at each other in confusion. "Father? How could he know?"

  "It does not matter. Do not worry yourselves, I am not planning on starting a courtship with Lady Judith, or anyone."

  "That is a relief to hear but that is not our concern."

  "Our?"

  "Miss Beatrice and mine." Henrietta decided and rushed on. "Miss Beatrice overheard Lady Judith and her mother discussing you. Particularly Lady Judith's interest and her hope to trap you in marriage."

  "Trap me?" Harris chuckled. "Not likely."

  "Yes," Miss Beatrice looked embarrassed. "She told her mother that if you proved reluctant to court her that she would not hesitate to get caught alone with you."

  "She would compromise her reputation?" Charles asked not quite believing what he was hearing.

  Beatrice nodded. "Henrietta and I were concerned that since you have been showing Lady Judith some attention as of late that it would be believable. I had hoped that her mother would discourage her but while she sounded shocked she did not dissuade her."

  "That is a problem," Charles admitted. He thought for a moment and then let out a long sigh. "I suppose, it is time I went to London."

  "But Lady Judith will be arriving there soon." Henrietta reminded him. "She will surely try to corner you no matter where you get off to."

  "I will be quite busy in London. There are many more parties held in London. Hopefully, once I am seen paying attention to other young ladies, Lady Judith will lose her interest."

  Henrietta seemed skeptical. "I do not think she will lose interest. I hate that you will be leaving early for London, but it probably is what needs to be done."

  Charles looked across the ballroom to where his mother and father were standing, his father's words suddenly coming to mind. "Yes, I believe it is for the best."