Timeless Passion: 10 Historical Romances To Savor

by Rue Allyn

  A servant announced her, as he led her into Lord Kingsley’s study.

  “Miss Braden, you come so quickly. I have only moments ago sent Katie for you.”

  He placed down the letter he was examining and removed his reading glasses.

  “Yes, well,” she replied, leaning onto the balls of her feet, “I was unemployed.”

  He gestured her to have a seat in the armchair before his desk. “I am glad to offer some mental stimulation.”

  Rhianna chuckled as she sat. “Mental stimulation I have in abundance, Lord Kingsley, however, a mental diversion would be most welcome.” Realizing she did not want to address her concerns about Philippe, she hurried, “You’ve spoken with Lord Brighton, I understand?”

  He nodded. “I have. He tells me that, aside from its abrupt ending, you all enjoyed a pleasant morning ride together yesterday.”

  “We did,” she confirmed happily. “Audra and Crispin are very … fond … of each other.”

  Who are you fond of, Miss Braden? she heard Thayne’s voice echo.

  “Ah, yes,” he chuckled, “I daresay, I ought not to allow her to come out any time before her sixteenth birthday.” Lord Kingsley continued, “Miss Braden, I have a request to make of you. Will you humor me?”

  This regained her focus. “Of course.”

  Guilford Kingsley inhaled deeply, his eyes, fixed on a distance object at the other end of the room, deep in mental vision.

  “I share Lord Brighton’s concerns to a degree,” he began guardedly. “It is possible, what with yesterday’s events and your previous accident …”

  Here, he paused, but it was enough. Rhianna had not been much concerned with the idea of being followed, either during yesterday’s outing or after her accident, until now. Something about Lord Kingsley expressing it made it more possible in her mind; something to be taken more seriously.

  “It is my humble request,” he added gently, “out of concern for your safety, that you not travel anywhere alone for the time being. Also, I would like to extend the offer to escort you to Mauvreen’s, if at any time you wish to see her.”

  Hardly could she speak. Had she been so consumed by her captivation of Thayne Brighton in both instances that she was blinded to a very real threat to her person? And for what reason could anyone have to single her out in such a manner?

  “If you think it necessary …”

  “Good,” he said, in a way that seemed not only to finalize the matter, but to vaporize the gloomy air that had penetrated the room. “Besides, it ought not to be a difficult thing when your friends arrive.”

  Rhianna yet held her letter from Soleil in her hands. Suddenly conscious of it, she smiled weakly, her mind between topics.

  “Yes, I have received news of Soleil and Philippe’s visit only moments ago. How can you have heard?” She looked at him expectantly, her eyes full of amazement.

  Lord Kingsley raised his own letter before her. “I have been in regular communication with Marquis Vallière since your arrival. From his letters, it seems they very much consider you as part of their family.”

  “As do I,” she told him, astonished to learn of such correspondence. “Lord Kingsley, I would like to request some time to spend with them. I hope it is not asking too much. Audra can always accompany me, of course. It would be an excellent opportunity for her to practice her French and improve her accent.”

  He nodded agreeably, while clearing his throat. “Indeed, I insist on it. When I learned they had accepted my offer, I was very pleased to hear it.”

  She stared blankly at him. “Your offer, sir?”

  “To stay at the manor, of course. Guests always give the servants a renewed vigor while cleaning.”

  “Lord Kingsley! Have you truly offered as much? To be sure, it is more than is necessary …”

  “Not at all! They seem a very pleasant family with whom I would welcome the opportunity to become more intimately acquainted. It is no inconvenience to anyone. We have more than enough rooms. There can be no objection on any side. I only regret that the Marquis and Marquise Vallière are unable to join their children for the trip.”

  Soleil and Philippe at the manor! For a brief moment, Rhianna’s spirits were lifted. She anticipated nothing but joy and, for a time, felt no anxiety at all connected with the matter.

  “Lord Kingsley,” she began, “thanking you seems inadequate. You know not the happiness having them here will bring me.”

  Guilford coughed forcefully into his hand, before telling her, “I look forward to it, as well.”

  With concern, Rhianna asked, “Are you quite well, Lord Kingsley?”

  “Yes, yes,” he assured her, hoarsely. “Pray, inform Audra of the matter. Also, she will be delighted to know I have invited the Brightons to dinner tonight and, as it is a small group, I intend to include her.”

  Butterflies instantly danced in her stomach. She knew exactly how Audra would feel. The mention of the Brighton name was beginning to have its effect on Rhianna.

  “You must also join us, Miss Braden,” he said. She attempted to decline, but he would not have it. “It is not my wish only, but I will need you to keep an eye on Audra.”

  She could no longer refuse, but she could also not tell which part made her more anxious: being requested to dinner or deciding what to wear. Rhianna immediately had a mental vision of her closet and nothing seemed adequate. She compared the idea of herself in either her brown or cream dinner dresses to what Lady Brighton and Lydia Kingsley would undoubtedly be adorned in, and shuddered.

  “Something troubles you?” he noticed.

  “Oh, no, indeed,” she declared, recovering.

  Only she was not convincing and Lord Kingsley was not deceived. “Pray, tell me your concern. I want nothing but your comfort.”

  “There is no concern whatsoever. I shall certainly find something to put on,” she insisted, revealing her disquiet unintentionally in her hurry to ease him.

  At once, she regretted her words, recalling all he had done for her with her gown for the ball. Lord Kingsley, however, for his part, seemed glad for this comment and was quick to understand her.

  “Rhi — ” He stopped himself suddenly. “Miss Braden,” he continued, “I have kept several gowns of my mother’s. She was about your size and height, and they only want some minor adjustments to update them.”

  Even as he was speaking, Rhianna was shaking her head. “Lord Kingsley, I could not …”

  “I can think of no better use for them, as they are quite lovely and it is a shame they are currently hidden away in an old closet.”

  “I really must protest — ”

  “I will have the seamstress gather them. You may expect her in your room within the hour.”

  The horrified look in her eyes brought a warm smile to his face and he chuckled, bringing on a fresh fit of coughing. No further objections would be entertained and Rhianna was soon dismissed from his study with the understanding that they would meet again at dinner.

  Chapter Six

  In a few hours time, with only a few stitches needed to tighten the bodice and a petticoat to add fullness to the skirt, Rhianna had a new, pale yellow dinner dress, trimmed with bands of satin, as well as a satin sash and buttons. She wore a necklace and earrings of turquoise that had been a gift from Marquise Vallière, as was the lace scarf she draped over her shoulders. As they waited to receive the Brightons, she sat uncomfortably in the drawing room, wondering what Lydia Kingsley would think at the sight of her in her mother-in-law’s costume, but the lady did not seem to recognize it as such. Soon, with a smile of approval from Lord Kingsley, Rhianna relaxed and enjoyed its fabric of rich, fine silk, perfect in its condition, without any show of wear.

  Barely were general pleasantries expressed when a servant announced that dinner was served. Lord and Lady Kingsley, followed by Thayne and Lady Brighton, started toward the dining room. Desmond took Rhianna’s arm, as Crispin did Audra’s, and the procession continued. Dinner — elaborate
as ever, with numerous selections of meats, vegetables, fruits, and breads — sat displayed on the long table as if a work of art. Guilford sat at the head, merrily taking in the spread before him, with Lydia, followed by Desmond to his right, and Lady Brighton, Thayne, and Crispin to his left. Audra skipped happily to Crispin’s side, instead of her intended place beside Desmond, but no one seemed to notice or mind. Rhianna regretted that she had no choice but to assume the unpleasant seat herself.

  Guilford cleared his throat and thanked all for coming, followed by a short fit of coughing.

  “Lord Kingsley,” cried Lady Brighton, “we are all so glad your health has improved enough that we could be here tonight. But this cough of yours is worrisome.”

  “I, too, have noticed it,” added Thayne. “You did not seem yourself, even at the ball.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing at all, I assure you,” he promised, encouraging all to proceed with the meal. “Now, no gloomy conversation allowed. I want nothing but to enjoy your company.”

  Thayne and Lady Brighton consented to his wish and joined in taking wine with the group.

  • • •

  “Miss Braden has had some very good news today,” Guilford announced, wiping away the claret that escaped from his glass to his chin. “Good news, indeed, for all of us.”

  This intelligence did little to excite Lydia or Desmond, who clearly were already aware of the news to which he referred. Lady Brighton, however, was all smiles, looking very attentive; and Thayne, grateful for any opportunity to gaze at Rhianna, gave her his full attention as Lord Kingsley allowed her to declare the particulars.

  Thayne gathered that the sudden focus on Rhianna was not what she would wish. Nonetheless, she handled herself beautifully as she addressed the group.

  “I have just today received a letter from my friend, Soleil Vallière, whose family I lived with in France. She and her brother, Philippe Vallière, are coming to England to visit me.”

  “How wonderful!” Lady Brighton cried. “It must be some time since you have seen them.”

  “Over a year, Lady Brighton.”

  “They will be staying with us at the manor,” Guilford added, jovially. “There is nothing like new friends, is there, Brighton?”

  “I should like very much to meet them,” Thayne managed, struggling against his character to lie convincingly.

  A few further words were said on the subject, as Lady Brighton declared her wholehearted anticipation of the visit. Lydia Kingsley somehow achieved a comment, albeit an unbelievable one, of how “glad she should be” to have them as guests at the manor. The conversation of the table moved on, but the new topic could not hold Thayne’s interest.

  Rhianna smiled faintly and lowered her eyes to her meal, her slender fingers stirring the curve of her spoon disinterestedly around her soup bowl. Thayne was soon mimicking the action, as the idea of a smitten Frenchman coming to claim his long-lost love turned his stomach. The unpleasant thought only temporarily desisted as he dared raise his eyes and let them rest upon Rhianna — and was quickly mesmerized by the arch of her lashes as her eyes examined the steamy broth before her. He was soon lost in the creamy curve of her neck, only partially hidden by the red curls that danced along her collarbone. The occasional sparkle of an earring, as it caught a flicker of candlelight, would distract him momentarily, in between tracing the outline of her feminine shoulders and following the plunging neckline of her silk gown …

  “What are your thoughts, Lord Brighton?”

  His name rang in his ears as all the objects of the room — the table, the chairs, the ceiling, and the walls, which only a moment ago seemed so far removed — came rushing in at him. All at once, details emerged from obscurity, everything from the paintings to the curtains, the meal and the lighting, the eyes upon him, especially hers, and advanced to complete visual clarity in an instant. It was as if his eyes adjusted faster than his mind, and he consequently glanced toward Desmond Kingsley, the source of the voice, as he continued to awaken.

  Lydia, for her part, looked at him sharply, with a quick turn toward Rhianna, and Desmond’s glance was no less piercing.

  Lord Kingsley was quick to come to his rescue. “Of course, Lord Brighton, you agree with me that there has been quite a bit of chaos in Bristol — a violent business, to be sure.”

  Fully alert now, he nodded his agreement. “Indeed, Lord Kingsley, I do agree with you there.”

  “Oh, Guilford,” cried Lydia, “I beg you, parliamentary reform is a gentlemen’s topic to be discussed over port and cigars. Pray, wait until the ladies have escaped to coffee and cards.”

  “Quite right,” he agreed, taking a large bite of his lamb cutlet, “quite right. Brighton, would you pass the asparagus? Thank you.”

  • • •

  “You’re looking particularly handsome tonight, Miss Braden.”

  Rhianna shuddered at the emphasis on her name, recalling Desmond’s wish that they address one another on a more informal level. His compliment, too, was unwelcome and she thanked him briefly with hopes of turning the subject.

  “How do you enjoy your fish, Lord Kingsley?” she asked him, her voice a little louder, hoping to avoid engaging him in private conversation.

  “Have I eaten fish? I hardly noticed.” Smiling devilishly, he whispered, “What have you done to me?”

  “You, sir, are a hopeless flirt,” she discouraged, taking a sip of her wine and refusing to look him in the eyes.

  “A flirt, indeed, but hopeless …” he stressed, “… I should hope not.”

  She turned to him, but as was usual when Desmond wished to emphasize his point, he turned away and joined the conversation of the table, allowing Rhianna no opportunity for rebuttal.

  In this moment, she met Thayne’s glance. As there seemed to be an understanding that he had observed and understood the type of unpleasant communication that had passed between her and Desmond, the unspoken exchange had an unexpectedly calming effect, and she smiled at him. From across the table, he returned the expression and stole a glance at the corner of her mouth that only the night before his own had touched. Her lips warmed at the recollection, as did her cheeks, and when he met her eyes again, her smile widened. His action revealed the thought that diverted his gaze, and to Rhianna his seat on the opposite side of the table no longer felt so very far away.

  • • •

  It was a familiar sensation to Lydia Kingsley, one she could not quite place her finger on, but unpleasant nonetheless. Of course, she had little time for such mild irritants. Indeed, Lydia had greater things to concern herself with than Rhianna Braden’s presence in her dining room, even if she was all but certain the governess was her husband’s mistress.

  This, in itself, was no small matter. Lydia had held the same ideals on her wedding day as did most young brides — not that she intended to give up her Pierson, but she hoped to enjoy Guilford, as well. Not only that, but she’d always had a lingering sentimental attachment to the husband of her youth, so that even the most meaningless affair would give her a pinch.

  But that alone would not have caused the uncomfortable sensation she now felt, and she felt it tonight more than any other with Rhianna. It was not altogether new to her, but something she had known some time ago, a feeling familiar, distasteful. Lydia could not put her finger on it, but it was almost as if the girl’s presence was … watchful.

  And she shuttered.

  • • •

  After dinner, the ladies endured a little awkward silence in the half-hour they spent alone in the drawing room. Crispin had been invited to stay with the men, which he did begrudgingly; therefore, Audra sat by the fire, silently inconsolable. Lydia’s presence alone was enough to put a pall on the mood, though, as hostess, she did make an effort to comment on the fruit tarts. Had she not been there, Lady Brighton and Rhianna might have enjoyed themselves quite thoroughly. As it was, each was left to raise a few humdrum, universal topics until they were exhausted, with little more than a few knowing
glances exchanged here and there to relieve them.

  Crispin was the first to bounce into the room. With only a quick greeting to the others, he went to Audra’s side.

  “You think I had fun without you?” he asked her, seeing her dejected position in the chair, her chin resting on her arm, her eyes gazing into the fire.

  She refused to look at him. “Of course you did,” she said, with what Rhianna recognized as pretend anger.

  “They allowed me to try the port,” he told her, mildly intoxicated.

  “How was it?”

  “It makes you look lovelier.”

  Only her eyes turned to him. “I’m not entirely sure that’s a compliment.”

  Crispin’s face contorted, giving one the impression he was rethinking it with some difficulty. “It was meant to be.”

  She grinned, her eyes returning to the flames.

  “Audra, please look at me. I can’t stand it.”

  “It’s Miss Kingsley to you.”

  “That’s what I said, isn’t it?”

  “No.”

  Audra sat upright in her chair and socked him in the arm, forgivingly.

  Meanwhile, Guilford, Desmond, and Thayne entered the room and the overall spirit improved dramatically. The desserts already enjoyed by the ladies were now extended to the men, as Lord and Lady Kingsley, Desmond, and Thayne began a game of cards. Rhianna proposed to Audra she play a couple of songs on the piano for everyone’s enjoyment, and with Crispin’s added encouragement, she consented.

  “She plays very well,” Lady Brighton complimented to Rhianna, halfway through her first song.

  Swelling with pride, Rhianna nodded. “She has a talent for it.”

  “Certainly, as well as a gifted instructor, I am sure.”

  Overhearing their conversation, Lydia gave a smug look from the card table. “Why don’t you play for us, Miss Braden?”

  Although convinced that Lydia’s intention was nothing if not meant to either embarrass or overwhelm her, it had no such effect. Audra, Lydia’s own daughter, had been thoroughly enjoying herself at the keys and Rhianna could think of nothing but her feelings.