To Love a Marquess (The Winters Sisters) (Regency Tales Book 21)

by Regina Darcy

  Ann hesitated, letting her mind rove over all that had occurred in the last fortnight. The Marquess had, initially, clearly been very out of sorts that an engagement was to take place and had rebelled against the idea whilst coming to grips with the fact that he had very little choice open to him other than to accept it. He had been tight-lipped and angry, ignoring her as much as he could and doing the very minimum that was required of him.

  But now? Her mind went back to the night at the theatre some three night ago now. The presence of Lady Hedley had upset her, although she had not wanted to show it, upon reflection, Ann realised that the Marquess had done all he could to reassure her that there was nothing she need worry about when it came to Lady Hedley. Whether she believed and trusted him was another matter, although Ann knew she desperately wanted to. She bit her lower lip.

  She wanted to believe that he would remain faithful to her as his wife and not seek out a mistress or enjoy the company of others, as he had said, but the other part of her knew that it would be vastly difficult to give up all that he had enjoyed for so long. But yet, there had been a gentleness to his tone, had there not? It had softened and touched her heart, practically seeing the honesty in his eyes. When he had touched her hand, her heart had leapt in her chest and she had found herself eager for his touch to remain upon hers. The amount that she felt in her heart for the Marquess was both a burden and a delight, for to think herself in love with him still, to feel the constant hope that he might return her affections one day weighed heavily upon her soul. It would crush her if her hopes remained unfulfilled, she was certain of it but yet there was nothing for it.

  “Ann?”

  Starting slightly in surprise, Ann looked to see Theodora smiling gently at her.

  “Yes,” Ann murmured, aware that her sister had been waiting for her to respond to her question. “Yes, I believe that the Marquess has changed somewhat over these last two weeks.”

  “Then allow yourself to hope,” Theodora told her. “Allow yourself to believe that all that you long for may one day come to you. I think the Marquess is capable of great change, Ann. It is just a matter of whether or not he allows himself to be changed by the circumstances that surround him.”

  ***

  These words filled Ann’s mind as, some time later, she sat on her horse with Theodora riding next to her. The outing was Theodora’s effort of creating a distraction.

  Theodora was excellent company, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent and, at this present time, she was sitting quietly and allowing Ann the empty silence she needed to think clearly.

  Turning their horses into Hyde Park, Ann realised that the fashionable hour had already begun. Their speed slowed even further, making the horses walk at their slowest pace as they began to make their way around the park, following all the other carriages that went before.

  “Oh, there is Lady Stubbs,” Theodora murmured, waving her hand for a moment and smiling in her friend’s direction. “Goodness, the park is busy this afternoon, is it not?”

  “It is indeed,” Ann replied, with a small smile as she looked across the assembled crowd, who were all sitting or standing in large groups. Each person was either eager to be seen or to see those who were walking about within the park. After all that was the only reason that the fashionable hour existed. A destination and location to feed the lives of those who lived upon gossip and rumour.

  “I think a short ride will do,” Ann suggested as Theodora nodded her agreement.

  “I do not find myself eager to greet a good many people nor have questions thrown at me about Lord Penderstone and my impending marriage,” Ann continued.

  She shook her head, recalling just how rude some of the ladies had been in seeking her out solely to question her about her relationship with the Marquess.

  “I quite agree,” Theodora replied, laughing. “Come now, there is a path under these trees that we might take and it does look to be a good deal quieter.”

  Relieved that she would not be stared at nor sought out by anyone, Ann turned her horse in the direction Theodora pointed and quickened the horse’s pace just a little. A sense of relief descended upon her as she moved away from the large gathering, feeling the eyes of watchful ladies and gentlemen drop from her.

  “I am glad to be gone from them,” she said, seeing Theodora’s answering smile. “You must be very used to garnering a good deal of attention by now, however?”

  Theodora shook her head and let out a long sigh.

  “I still find it difficult to be so revered,” she told Ann, who listened with interest. “Sotheby’s position as a duke means that his very presence in a room can bring everyone to silence for a few moments. It can be difficult to find genuine friendships with others when they think so highly of him or seek his favour.”

  “And of you,” Ann added, seeing Theodora pink slightly. “You do very well, Theodora. And you have been everything that can be expected of an elder sister, which I can never thank you enough for.”

  She made to say more, only for her eyes to settle on a gentleman and a lady standing together, holding hands under the trees. Looking away, she felt herself grow hot with embarrassment, not wanting to interrupt this intimate moment. Above her, the sudden rumble of thunder caught her ears, making her look up in surprise. It had been a very hot summer’s day but she had not thought that a thunderstorm would strike!

  “We should return,” she whispered, riding closer to Theodora who, for some inexplicable reason, had come to a stop. “I do not wish to interrupt and besides which, I –”

  “Ann.”

  Theodora’s sharp whisper cut her off, making Ann frown. Theodora had not lifted her gaze from the couple that Ann feared to interrupt, which Ann thought to be rather rude of her sister. A gnawing fear began to rise within her chest as she turned her head to see who the couple were, only to discover that it was none other than the Marquess and Lady Hedley.

  The air left her lungs in a rush, forcing her to bend forward with the ache that kicked itself into her stomach. She could not look away, even though she knew that she ought to, her eyes taking in everything that was occurring in front of her. Lady Hedley laughed softly, shook her head and then murmured something quietly, before pressing her hand to the Marquess’ chest.

  Ann closed her eyes, feeling all the fears and worries that had clung to her since the moment of her engagement come back to her heart and mind in one moment. Their strength overpowered her, leaving her weak and useless as she opened her eyes to see the Marquess press both hands against Lady Hedley’s. He shook his head and looked deeply into Lady Hedley’s eyes.

  A sob ripped from her throat before she could prevent it. It was sound enough to bring the Marquess’ gaze away from Lady Hedley’s and to search through the trees to see who had interrupted them.

  Ann wanted to spur her horse on, wanted to ride through the park and hide herself from him so that he would not know it was her who had seen him, but her legs refused to move, her hands holding the reins tightly as their eyes met.

  The Marquess frowned. His eyes widened as he looked back at her.

  Ann felt paralysed, a single tear ran down her cheek as she looked at him. She was fully aware that his surprise did not come from what he was doing with Lady Hedley but rather that he had been discovered doing it. How foolish she had been!

  She had believed him when he had told her that he would not allow himself to be captured by another now that he was engaged.

  She had trusted him when he had promised that he would not seek out a mistress even though she was fully aware of his reputation. And now, she realised, she had been left as nothing more than a fool.

  Thunder rumbled ominously above her, bringing further darkness to her. Without addressing the Marquess, without even hearing Theodora’s words of comfort and encouragement, Ann grasped her reins tighter, kicked her horse hard and rode away from the entire ugly scene.

  Tears poured from her eyes as she rode, streaming down her cheeks and
being blown back by the wind. She had very little idea of where she was going, giving in to the urge to ride away without hesitation, with her only desire being to escape from the Marquess.

  The rain began to fall from the skies, thunder breaking forth again and sending a ripple of fear through her, but she did not stop. The rain began to pierce her, began to run down over her cheeks, over her hair and into her skirts, but still Ann did not stop. Her heart was too painful to remain where she was, too sorrowful to return home.

  She wanted to be alone.

  She wanted to ride until she was tired out, too exhausted to care about anything other than rest.

  She wanted to forget him.

  Wanted to forget what she had seen.

  Pain laced through her. She should have known better. Caroline had warned her ample enough. But she had been so sure they were meant to be.

  She started sobbing uncontrollably.

  Her engagement to the Marquess was nothing more than a sham.

  He had lied to her from the beginning, telling her that he had changed his ways and would not seek a mistress. Had she not seen him doing precisely what he had said he would not? He would not come to care for her as she so desperately hoped.

  As reality descended upon her, everything Ann had ever believed about the Marquess cracked and dissolved. There was nothing but sorrow within her heart, nothing but torment and pain that racked her very core as she rode away from him.

  Yes, he had saved Beatrice from a terrible accident but Theodora had been right to warn her that one act of courage did not give credence to his character.

  What a fool she had been to lose her heart to him! And how much more of a fool now that she could not escape from him again.

  EIGHT

  Charles was just about to send for some refreshment when one of his friends, a Mr Steven Townsend, came calling.

  “What bring you here Townsend?”

  “Now is that anyway to great your closest friend?”

  Charles sighed. Clearly Townsend was in a playful mood, knowing him this meant he would be needling him for the next hour.

  “The best way to great someone who is keeping me from my afternoon tea,” Charles retorted.

  “I just wanted to see the luckiest devil in London,” Townsend replied with a chuckled.

  “How so?”

  “You are the only person I know who has the bad luck of being forced into an arranged marriage and still end up trump.

  Miss Winters is not only the quintessential English rose, she is also intelligent, she rides superbly and already has all your acquaintances eating out of her hand.

  Charles sighed, poured himself a glass of whiskey and passed the decanter to his friend.

  “I admit, things might have been worse,” he replied after a moment of consideration.

  “Good heavens! You’ve carried home a trophy and all you can say is ‘things might have been worse’! Townsend laughed heartily.

  “Well, do not say you have not been warned. I saw Danvers lurking about her the other day, as well as Hortens. I assume they are not her only admirers. I predict that you will soon have to lock in her affections or she will likely fall into more responsive arms the very minute you are married.”

  “Yours I will assume,” Charles answered sourly.

  “I have thought about it,” Townsend replied with a laugh, “but it is poor form to seduce one friend’s wife – do you not agree,” he concluded with a smile.

  “Damn it all – watch your mouth! You know the circumstances under which I was pressured into this marriage, it is not something one forgets in a fortnight.”

  “That is hardly Miss Winters fault. You are hardly an innocent, whilst she exudes a bouquet that any rogue would gladly pluck.” Suddenly Townsend’s easy smile disappeared.

  “What are you trying to say to me?” Charles asked irritably.

  “Have you tried charming her?”

  “Enough. I have no intentions of discussing my betrothed with anyone, much less you Townsend. And should you try to seduce her once she is my wife – I will not hesitate to call you out.”

  “It might be worth it!” Townsend replied with chuckle as he downed his whiskey and started walking towards the door. Charles was scowling as he watched him depart.

  ***

  “I did not think that I would see you here this afternoon, Lady Hedley.”

  Charles found himself sighing heavily as Lady Hedley drew near. How was it that she always seemed to know where he intended to be? Why was it that he could not seem to escape from her, no matter how hard he tried?

  Her timing could not have been more unfortunate – Townsend’s words still echoed in his ears, wreaking havoc in his mind.

  “I had hoped that you would be in Hyde Park this afternoon,” Lady Hedley cooed, taking his arm even though he had not offered it. “You are not with Miss Winters, however?”

  Charles shook his head.

  “No,” he stated, his mind going to his betrothed and discovering a thrill of excitement that ran up his spine at the thought of seeing her again this evening.

  “I am to take Miss Winters to Lady Montague’s soiree this evening, however.”

  Lady Hedley trilled with laughter.

  “But you cannot bear to be in her company on two separate occasions in one day,” she stated, waving a hand as though this was to be expected.

  “I quite understand.”

  “Indeed, that is not it at all,” Charles replied, a spark of annoyance in his tone. “It is merely that find myself with much leisure-time this afternoon, for Miss Winters wished to spend some time with her sister. That is all.”

  Lady Hedley laughed again and the sound began to grate on Charles’ nerves. Lady Hedley had been one of the finest ladies of his acquaintance and he had always found her attentions to be both warm and welcoming – although he had never taken advantage of such affections – but now he was beginning to grow tired of her presence in his life.

  The way she spoke of Miss Winters was irritating, the way she brushed all thought of his betrothed aside, as though she meant nothing, was frustrating. Besides which, had he not told Miss Winters that his intimacy with Lady Hedley would not be continuing? Had he not reassured her that he would no longer be the rascal he had once been called? He had no intentions of letting Lady Hedley make a liar out of him.

  “You must walk with me, my lord,” Lady Hedley said, decisively, leaning into him and looking up into his face with those piercing blue eyes that had so often captured his attention.

  Her dark lashes fluttered for a moment, her smile soft, but Charles did not react in any way whatsoever.

  “A short walk, perhaps,” he agreed, turning his eyes away from Lady Hedley and back towards the path in front of him. “I do not always appreciate the social activities of Hyde Park, I confess.”

  Lady Hedley gasped in mock astonishment, making Charles turn to her in surprise.

  “You cannot be speaking so, my dear Marquess!” she exclaimed, patting his arm with her free hand. “You, the gentleman who loved the fashionable hour only a fortnight ago? No, I will not believe that Miss Winters had already changed you so much.”

  Charles shrugged, wishing that he could set Lady Hedley with someone other than himself so that he might enjoy a walk in solitude, as he had planned.

  “I find that I have changed in both my considerations and in my behaviour, Lady Hedley,” he told her, seeing her brows lift in astonishment. “Whether that has come from being in the company of Miss Winters or not, I cannot say.”

  Lady Hedley sniffed and looked away.

  “I consider such changes to be most unwelcome, my lord,” she replied, primly. “You always enjoyed the company of the beau monde and loved nothing better than to know you were being spoken of by the gossip mongers.” She sighed and shook her head, whilst Charles winced at the harshness of her words. “I cannot see why you should have to change in such a dramatic fashion.”

  “I must,” he replied, eve
nly, as they walked towards a large copse of trees that would hide them from the view of all those gathering during the fashionable hour.

  Charles set his jaw, knowing that this would be the perfect opportunity to make sure Lady Hedley knew that her eagerness for his intimate acquaintance would never come to fruition.

  “I intend to be dedicated solely to my wife and therefore, certain things must change.”

  “Then you are being utterly ridiculous,” Lady Hedley declared, self-righteously. “There is no requirement to behave in such a fashion!”

  Charles stopped and lifted one eyebrow.

  “I am to make marriage vows before God and man,” he reminded her, seeing how she sighed heavily as though he had said something even more foolish. “Despite my reputation, I am a man of my word. I intend to keep to my wedding vows, Lady Hedley.”

  Lady Hedley sighed and looked up into his face, turning towards him so that they stood facing each other. “I hardly think you will be required to do so, when you have no true wish to marry the lady,” she suggested, her voice soft and encouraging. “I know that this is not of your doing. You did not choose Miss Winters and propose to her.”

  Charles, who had not said a word to anyone about what had occurred that night, frowned hard and kept his lips pressed firmly together. Lady Hedley was not about to wheedle the truth out of him.

  “If you will not tell me, then that is your choice, but I will go on believing that this is not of your doing,” Lady Hedley continued, after a moment. “Come now, Penderstone! You and I have known each other for some time and you cannot truly expect me to believe that you have simply chosen Miss Winters and thereafter, have set yourself against the life you so enjoyed.” She leaned closer, her smile dazzling him as it had so often done before. “Why do you not admit that you have no choice in the matter? What did you do, Penderstone? Attempt to seduce her?”

  Charles stiffened, with Lady Hedley’s smile no longer capturing him.