A Graceful Swan for the Fearless Marquess: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance

by Fanny Finch

  The pair walked down the stairs together. “Good morning, Mrs. Dickerson,” Geneviève said pleasantly as they met the housekeeper on the landing.

  “Good morning, Mademoiselle Tremblay. Lady Evelyn,” Mrs. Dickerson greeted them pleasantly. “You are up early this morning. Breakfast isn’t quite ready,” she informed.

  Evelyn nodded. Breakfast had been set to a later time since her melancholy took hold of her. There were many days, early after the news was made known of Jonathan’s death, when she could not bring herself to leave her bedchamber at all. The sadness was so thick that it almost felt as if she could not breathe.

  “The Earl and Lady Lannishire are in the conservatory,” Mrs. Dickerson informed.

  Evelyn thought it curious that her father would still be at home. He usually left the house early to attend to his business in town. Her father was the owner of the largest cotton mills in all of Lannishire.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Dickerson,” Evelyn replied. “Geneviève and I will be taking a walk in the gardens before breakfast. Will you tell my parents if they ask?”

  “Of course, Lady Evelyn,” Mrs. Dickerson replied with a gentle nod of her head. She smiled at Geneviève and then continued about her work. Evelyn and Geneviève proceeded into the garden.

  “It is a lovely warm day,” Geneviève commented as they walked into the garden. “The sky is very clear today.”

  “Yes, it is,” Evelyn answered absently.

  “Evelyn,” Geneviève said as they strolled toward the greenhouse. “I worry about you. I have been with you for two years, and yet, I feel as if I have not done well by you.”

  Evelyn stopped to look at the young woman. “Why would you say that?”

  Geneviève’s brown eyes lowered. “I have done all I can think to bring cheer to this house and your life, but nothing I have done has helped,” she stated. “You seem sadder every day.”

  “I’m sorry, Geneviève. It is not your fault. You have done nothing wrong. In fact, you have done so much to help me. I do not think I would have ever left my bed if not for you,” Evelyn replied as she reached out a hand to gently touch the young woman’s arm.

  “Are you sure?” Geneviève questioned sincerely. “It has been some time now that I have considered leaving your employ. I thought perhaps another companion would be better for you. I would go back to France and my family unless I found another place.”

  “I won’t allow it,” Evelyn stated. “You are my only friend in the world,” she replied forlornly. “My sadness has driven almost everyone from my company. I wish it were not so, but it is,” she continued as tears stung her eyes.

  Geneviève smiled at her. “You are my friend as well. I have no one in this country but you and your family. In many ways, you are my family in England. I have no other reason to be here if not for you.”

  Evelyn stepped closer and hugged her young companion. “I promise I will do better,” she assured. “I will do my best to be the person I once was.”

  ***

  Cutlery on china was the only sound to be heard in the dining room as the Pritchett family sat to breakfast. Evelyn could not remember the last time there was conversation or laughter as they sat to a meal.

  The biscuits were buttery and light, just the way Evelyn liked them. She slathered on the strawberry jam as she ate her fourth one. She had already eaten the slices of bacon she’d picked from the tray, and the boiled eggs.

  “You should not eat so much,” her mother chided gently as she clothed her knife and fork. “It will make you gain weight.”

  Evelyn sat silently as she listened and looked at the biscuit in her hand. “Yes, Mama,” she said as she set the biscuit aside. She gave the biscuit one last look, lamenting the wastage of it before she looked away.

  “Are you finished with your breakfast?” her mother questioned. “If you are, your father and I wish to speak to you.”

  Evelyn looked at her mother curiously. “What about, Mama?” she asked.

  Her mother looked around the room to where their servants stood to attend them. “Not here. Privately.”

  Her mother rose from the table first, followed by her father. There was foreboding in Evelyn’s stomach at that sight. There was a reason why he had stayed late that morning. She wondered what it had to do with her.

  Evelyn took her time as she followed her parents to the sitting room. Geneviève walked behind her quietly. She could feel the tension coming from the young woman. Like Evelyn, she could sense there was something amiss.

  They entered the sitting room several steps behind her parents. Geneviève closed the door behind them and took a seat in the far corner of the room to give the family privacy. Evelyn wished she would sit beside her for whatever was to come. She had the feeling she would need the support.

  Her mother sighed. “Evelyn, please believe that we understand your sadness. Jonathan was a wonderful young man. He was above and beyond most men,” her mother stated. “However, it has been two years since his passing, and though he is gone, you are not.”

  Evelyn’s heart began to race. What was her mother saying? Why was she bringing up Jonathan? She knew better than to question. Her mother would inform her soon enough.

  “We waited for you to come around and rise above this cloud that you have been under. However, it is clear to us that you cannot do it alone. Therefore, your father and I have made the necessary arrangements to assist you.”

  “Assist me?” Evelyn questioned, perplexed.

  Her father sat forward and took her right hand in his. “We have made arrangements for you to marry.”

  “Edward Evers. He is a fine match and is to inherit the Dukedom and his father’s business,” her mother stated. “And you already know him, and like him, which makes the arrangement all the better.”

  “Jonathan’s brother?” Evelyn questioned in disbelief. Her voice rose several octaves as she attempted to complete her sentence. “You wish me to marry my late fiancé’s brother?”

  “Why not?” her mother stated nonchalantly. “It is the practice. Edward has already agreed.”

  Evelyn’s heart galloped in her chest. “He has?”

  “Yes,” her father confirmed as he released her hand and sat back in the chaise beside her mother. “He seemed quite eager.”

  “Evelyn, we love you, and we want what is best for you,” her mother stated calmly. “We cannot allow you to stay in this place forever. It is not healthy. Even Geneviève’s presence has yielded little effect in raising your spirits.

  “That is not true,” Evelyn replied quickly. Her eyes darted behind her to where the young woman sat. Geneviève’s head was lowered over a book, and she appeared oblivious to their conversation. She already doubted her own abilities as Evelyn’s companion. She did not wish for her to know that her parents shared her belief.

  “You seem little improved since her first arrival,” her mother stated.

  Evelyn met her eye. “Mama, do not blame Geneviève for my demeanor. She has done all she could to help me, and if it were not for her, I do not know where I would be today.”

  “That is our concern,” her father interjected. “Something must be able to return our daughter. Return the young woman who had so much to live for, who smiled and laughed and filled this house with joy.” Her father breathed deeply. “Even if it is for another house.”

  “The arrangements are already made and agreed,” her mother continued. “There is no turning back. You will marry Edward Evers in a four-month.”

  Evelyn’s lips quivered, but she said nothing. There was no defying her mother’s will. She knew they were doing this out of love. They wanted their daughter back, and she wished to do that for them. She missed the young woman she used to be. She missed the feeling.

  She nodded her head. “Alright,” she stated. “I will marry Edward as you wish. He is a good man. I am sure we will be very happy.”

  Evelyn wanted to be more cheerful about the prospect, but she could not fake her emotions at that ti
me. She was doing what was right and what was probably best for her and everyone. It could not be easy for those she loved to be around her. Her friends had escaped her, but her parents and Geneviève could not.

  “If you will excuse me, I would like some time to think,” she said sedately as she got to her feet.

  “Of course,” her mother said with a smile as she got to her feet. “You will see, Evelyn. This is for the best,” she assured. “He will make you very happy. He is very keen towards you.”

  Evelyn nodded silently and tried to force a smile on her face. She walked to the door, where Geneviève met her. The young woman opened the door for her, and the pair stepped into the corridor.

  “Is everything well, Evelyn?” Geneviève questioned.

  “Perfectly,” she answered. “I am getting married,” she stated without emotion.

  Geneviève stopped in her tracks. “Excusez-moi?” she said in surprise.

  Evelyn turned to her. “I am getting married,” she repeated. Geneviève looked at her in disbelief. “Do not trouble yourself with questions now. I will explain later,” Evelyn, stated. “Right now, I would like some time alone.”

  Her companion nodded wordlessly. Evelyn turned and left her.

  The walk to her bedchamber was never as lonely as it was now. The weight of her sadness was now multiplied by the weight of the expectation, which now rested upon her. She was to marry the brother of the man she still loved. There seemed no greater tragedy in life apart from Jonathan’s death, and now the wound was being opened further.

  Evelyn walked into her room and closed the door. She sat in the window seat and looked out on Drakmore. Her day had come full circle before half of it was over. Her life was turned upside down.

  She rested her head against the frame of the box and sighed. She clutched the locket that still hung around her neck as she whispered one word into the silence.

  “Jonathan.”

  She sat there for a long time, watching as the sun moved across the sky. Finally, she stood and walked to her dressing table. She looked at her reflection, and with a heavy sigh, raised her hands to her neck and unclasped the hook on her chain. She opened the drawer and placed the treasure inside.

  Edward was a good man. He was intelligent, kind, and dependable. He deserved a fair chance, and he would never get it if she continued to hold onto his brother. She had to move on. She had no choice. Jonathan was dead. She needed to try and start her life over.

  Chapter 2

  Eventide was filled with the sound of music and laughter once more. The house long languished in mourning after the passing of his brother, but now, there was a reason for cheer.

  Edward stood at the top of the stairs as he watched the servants going about their work. The party was to start in an hour, but already, several guests had arrived. He watched as his stepmother and father greeted them. Still, there was one person who had yet to arrive. The most important person.

  The last time he saw Evelyn was almost two years ago, though the memory was as clear as if it had been that morning. She was standing in a black dress, shielded by her father’s umbrella as they visited Jonathan’s grave. His brother was not in the ground, marked by the headstone his father had carefully selected. His body was lost to the sea after the ship was wrecked on its way to the Pacific. No one survived.

  Since that day, Edward had done everything in his power to become the man his father needed. Jonathan had always been the son his father relied on, but now it fell to him to stand in his brother’s place and assume the role that had once been his. Now, he was assuming the role his heart had always wanted, that of Evelyn Pritchett’s intended.

  Edward had always loved Evelyn. Since she was a girl, and they first encountered each other while on holiday in Paris, his eye had been taken by her. Unfortunately, for him, she only had eyes for Jonathan. Silently, he watched as the woman he loved fell for and became engaged to his brother.

  His heart was galloping in his chest as he waited for the family’s arrival. How would she look now? Was she happy about their engagement? He certainly was. He was beyond happy.

  “What are you doing?” Andrew asked as he trotted down the stairs. His younger brother was always so calm and callous. Even now, a year into university, he acted as if nothing was pressing in life.

  “Nothing,” he answered. “When will you get a haircut?” he asked as he flicked his fingers at his brother’s blonde curls, which were now past his ears.

  “When I feel like it,” Andrew mused. He was the image of his mother, Edward’s stepmother, and his father’s third wife. He had a long face and boyish features, with no sign of facial hair yet. His grey eyes were always alive with amusement, and a smile was usually on his face.

  Their father was a man who loved women and children. He had three wives in his lifetime, two of whom had left him under tragic circumstances.

  His first wife, Margaret, was Jonathan’s mother. She died of illness when his older brother was just a child. His mother, Anne, had been her nurse, and a year later, became the new Duchess of Amadore. Edward’s mother passed away while giving birth to him. Penelope, his father’s current wife, had come along years later, and soon after they were wed, Andrew was added to the family.

  “Do you take nothing seriously?” Edward questioned.

  “Do you ever not?” Andrew retorted with a smirk. “Today is your engagement party, and here you stand, looking like a man who is about to jump in the ring with a bull.”

  “I do not,” Edward answered, flummoxed.

  “Yes, you do,” Andrew insisted as he walked past him. “Do try to enjoy yourself for once,” he called as he walked down the stairs and left Edward to himself.

  Edward fixed his cravat and smoothed his hand over his burgundy waistcoat. His tailcoat was dark grey over black silk breeches. He had had his barber trim his hair specifically for the occasion. He wanted to look his best when he saw her again. He wanted her to marvel at the man she was to be wife to.

  He continued to watch the door from his perch. He had no desire to see anyone but Evelyn, though he knew he should play the part as the intended groom. Then the door opened, and the Earl of Lannishire entered, followed by his wife, and finally, Evelyn. Edward had to stop himself from bounding down the stairs.

  His heart thundered in his chest at the sight of her beauty. She was a dream, a vision in emerald, and like a gem, he intended to cherish her and keep her safe. It was the first time since his brother’s death that color returned to her attire. He had been informed of her continued mourning. Though she was stunning in anything she wore, the green brightened her appearance.

  I would have her never wear black again.

  Edward’s father was smiling as he approached. He was engaged in conversation with the Earl while the women talked. He stepped toward the small group. “Good evening.”

  “Edward,” the Earl greeted him warmly. “It is good to see you. It has been far too long. I must apologize for our delinquency in visiting.”

  Edward’s eyes glanced at Evelyn, whose appearance remained reserved. Her eyes did not meet his. He could only guess their reasons for keeping their distance. He was sure Evelyn knew it too.

  “That is no matter,” he quickly replied. “What is time between such good friends?” He smiled warmly.

  “Good evening, My Lord,” Lady Lannishire greeted politely. “I have not had the opportunity to congratulate you on your new title as Marquess of Arnesmere. Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it, I am sure the title has never been more deserving.”

  Edward gently bowed to the knuckles of her offered hand. “Thank you, Lady Lannishire,” he replied as he righted himself. “Your confidence is most appreciated.”

  “Evelyn shares my sentiments. Do you not, Evelyn?” Lady Lannishire continued. Edward’s gaze once more shifted to the face of the young woman who had remained silent all the while.

  Evelyn approached at her mother’s summoning. She smiled meekly at him. “Yes,” sh
e quickly agreed with her mother. “It is good to see you, Edward.”

  “The pleasure is all mine,” he assured as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

  “Edward, would you escort Evelyn inside?” his father asked. He need not have done so. Edward was eager to have a reason to have Evelyn on his arm, and he quickly responded to it.

  “Of course. Evelyn?” he gently said as he hooked her arm into his. He led her proudly to meet the other guests.

  Edward was ecstatic as he reacquainted their guests with his new betrothed. They greeted with equally eager enthusiasm, while Evelyn remained quiet.