by Rose Haven
“Oh Thomas! That’s wonderful!” cried Charlotte. And there it was again! That smile of hers. Thomas thought he would do anything to keep that smile in place.
“Do you mind if I kiss you again, my love?” he asked.
“I would mind, if you don’t kiss me right now!” Charlotte replied with a laugh.
And they both kissed as if there was no tomorrow!
EPILOGUE
Lord Thomas Cornwall’s heart swelled with pride as he held his newborn son in his arms for the first time. He looked so much like his mother!
“Isn’t he the prettiest thing on this earth, Thomas?” Her Grace was elated beyond measure. She had become a grandmother, for heavens’ sake!
“I agree, Mother! How is Charlotte?”
“She is absolutely fine, my lord. You all can go in and meet her,” Mrs. Ridgeley had the biggest grin ever on her face.
“Oh thank you, Mrs. Ridgeley. Have I ever told you that you are an angel sent to us from the heaven above?” joked Thomas.
“Now, now! You don’t need to bribe me with those sweet words, my lord. Now that the babe has finally arrived, you can spend as much time with Charlotte as you want,” chuckled Mrs. Ridgeley.
Inside, Charlotte looked a little tired but she was still as pretty as ever. Her face radiated with the joy of becoming a mother.
“Congratulations, my dear. You don’t know what a precious gift you’ve given me today!” Lady Cornwall kissed Charlotte’s forehead.
“Here mommy! Hold your little bundle of joy.” Thomas handed the baby to Charlotte.
As Charlotte held her baby for the first time, tears rolled down her eyes. She felt as if her heart would burst with joy.
Thomas and Charlotte looked at each other and Thomas gently kissed her hand. This baby was a proof of their love….love that had withstood all hardships….love that had grown with each passing day….love that had happened by chance……!!
THE END
Regency Romance
How to Steal a Duke’s Heart
Defiant Lords Series
Rose Haven
Regency Romance: How to Steal a Duke’s Heart
Chapter One
It had been two years since Lady Helena Bryton’s death. Lord Peter Bryton, the Duke of Suffolk, was still trying to bring himself to accept the fact that his wife was no more. He had loved her with all his heart. Not a single day went by when he didn’t remember the happy times they had spent together.
And how could he not remember her each day when he could clearly see Helena’s reflection in his two year old daughter - Rose. Rose was as beautiful as her name. Whenever she laughed, Peter caught a glimpse of Helena. Rose was the only reason why he still looked forward to the next day. He was loving watching her grow from an infant to a toddler. She was learning something new each day! And whenever she called him ‘papa’, his heart seemed to burst with joy.
How he wished he could share the joy of watching little Rose grow with his late wife! But some things in life are never meant to be! Had it not been for Rose and his responsibility towards his estate, he would have drowned himself in his despair and misery. But a single look at his daughter, and he wanted to live again ….for Rose’s sake.
*********************************
Peter’s mother, Lady Marie Bryton, the Dowager Duchess of Suffolk, was visiting him for a week. He knew what agenda she had in mind. Apart from of course spoiling her darling granddaughter rotten, that is!
“Peter, it is almost two years since we lost Helena. How long will you continue mourning for her?” Lady Bryton asked her son softly.
“Mother, I am perfectly fine.”
“So you say! I am your Mother, my dear. I may not be with you always, but one look at you and I can sense your pain.”
“You are imagining things, as usual. I have my hands full what with running the estate and bringing up Rose. Where is the time to think about anything else?” lied Peter.
“Don’t lie to me dear. I can see it in your eyes. You need a companion, a person to share your joys and sorrows with.”
As Peter was about to say something, Lady Bryton stopped him by raising her hand.
“Peter, I understand that you loved Helena and the thought of being with someone else repels you. But at least think of Rose. Does she not need a mother in her life?”
“Rose is fine. Mrs. Beatrix takes good care of her. And I am always there for her too. No, I don’t think she is missing out on anything,” replied Peter stiffly.
He looked at his daughter playing with her favorite doll, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room.
“Now don’t be stubborn, Peter. You know in your heart that Rose needs a mother. Right now she is too young to voice her needs, but when she grows up, she’ll need someone to share her thoughts, her little achievements……”
“She will share those with me.”
“The things that a girl shares with her mother, she will never fully share with her father, no matter how close they are! And the love that a mother can give a child….”
“Mother, how can you be so sure that should I decide to remarry, the woman who becomes her mother will love her unconditionally? What if she dislikes her or ignores her? I will never be able to tolerate that!” said Peter, a little irritated by his mother’s words.
“My dear, do you think I will choose such a mother for her? I love her more than anyone else in this world….maybe even more than you! The woman that I’ve chosen to be her mother is a truly loving and compassionate lady with a heart of gold. Rose is sure to blossom under her love and care,” smiled Lady Bryton.
“Oh! So you’ve already made plans, I see. Mother, why don’t you understand that I shall never be able to love anyone again! I don’t want to ruin somebody’s life, for God’s sake!”
“Whoever said that you’ll be ruining her life? She’ll be the Duchess of Suffolk AND have a beautiful daughter to adore! What else does a woman want?”
“Are you implying that all this mystery woman, whoever she is, needs is the title of Duchess and a daughter to love. Oh mother! Don’t you realize that anyone who is after the title is NOT going to love Rose?”
“Peter, this woman that I am talking about is already from a reputed family. She does not want to marry you for your title, you can be assured,” said his mother calmly.
“Then why would any sane woman want to marry a widower who is incapable of loving her AND also has a toddler daughter?” asked Peter, exasperated.
“Because she has always loved you!” came the curt reply.
“What?”
“Yes, you’ve heard me right. The lady I am talking about is none other than Amber.”
“Amber? Amber Wikfield?” asked Peter, shocked.
His mother nodded.
“When….how???” Peter didn’t know what to say.
“When, how….it doesn’t matter. What matters is Amber has agreed to marry you. And you know very well how much she loves and adores Rose, don’t you? And Rose is extremely fond of her too!”
Peter didn’t know what to say. He had seen Amber playing with Rose innumerable times and felt his chest tighten on more than one occasion thinking that Helena would have done just the same. Amber wanted to marry him? Why?
Peter was finding it hard to believe that Amber loved him. Why had she never given him any hint? Maybe Mother was wrong. Yes, she was extremely fond of Rose. But him? He wasn’t so sure.
Chapter Two
Amber could not believe her ears. Was she actually getting married to the man of her dreams! She had given up all hopes since very long. But now, maybe, just maybe she'll be able to step into her very hearts desire!
Amber was the daughter of one of the richest men in Suffolk. Her father and Peter's late father, Lord James Bryton were the best of friends. Her family was looked upon as one of the most influential families in the county.
Amber and Peter had been friends since their childhood. They played together, went on family outings
together and even shared the same interests. But as they grew up, Peter was sent abroad to study and this impacted their friendship. Initially, Amber missed him terribly but then she too got busy in her own routine.
Whenever Peter would come home in holidays, Amber would look for excuses to go to their manor, just to catch a glimpse of him. She didn't know when her childish infatuation blossomed into love. But Peter had never considered her anything more than a good friend. And she had made peace with the fact that he would never be able to love her the way she did.
When Peter fell in love with Helena and married her, Amber had been truly happy for him. At least one of them had found their true love! And when Helena died during childbirth, Amber had done all she could to help Peter get over the loss. She had looked after Rose as if she were her own daughter.
Amber absolutely adored Rose. Now, she would be her mother in reality! The mere thought filled her heart with joy.
Amber heard a light knock on her door.
"Amber, are you there?" It was her mother.
"Yes, mother. Please come in."
"Sweetheart, Lady Bryton has just left. She wants this marriage to take place as soon as possible."
"Oh!"
"I just want to ask you again. Do you really want to marry Peter? I mean, he is a widower with a two year old baby!"
Amber had refused to marry every eligible bachelor her parents had suggested to her in the past. Many of them had been titled lords with impressive reputation. But she had always found faults in each one of them. When Lady Bryton had come to their home with this marriage proposal, her parents had not been very pleased. But Amber had shocked them by agreeing to marry Peter.
"I know, mother. In fact, Rose is one of the main reasons why I have agreed to this proposal."
"Alright, as you wish," sighed Amber's mother. "I just hope you get all the happiness that you deserve," she smiled.
She kissed Amber on the forehead and got up to leave but turned halfway.
"Amber, there's another thing I want you to know," she hesitated. "I know you've always been fond of Peter. And maybe this is the reason behind your decision. But you must remember that Lady Helena will always be his first love. You know very well that he stills mourns for her and I doubt he'll ever love someone as deeply as her. Believe me, it is very difficult for a woman to share her husband's love. And it becomes even more difficult when you're competing with a dead person's memories."
"I am not going to compete with anyone or anything, mother. I know that Peter still loves Helena and that she will always hold a very special place in his heart. But I want him to come out of the shell that he's built around himself. Maybe, once he comes out of it, he'll start living again. And perhaps, start loving too." Amber wanted to add 'me' to the loving part but then reprimanded herself on her wishful thinking.
"My child, how I wish what you are saying comes out to be true. I just hope that this turns out to be the best decision of your life."
"I hope so too mother, I hope so too", thought Amber.
Amber knew that she would have to try hard to win Peter's heart. But she was determined to succeed. After all, they were childhood friends and knew each other so well.
Everything would be OK. With that belief and her spirits high, Amber decided to retire for the day.
Chapter Three
Lord Peter Bryton and Lady Amber Bryton proceeded towards their manor after a small marriage ceremony at the oldest Chapel in the county. They were received with great love and warmth by the staff at the manor. The Dowager Duchess did not accompany the newlyweds as she had suddenly remembered that she had 'a very important engagement' that evening. She also insisted on keeping Rose for the night.
When Peter argued that how would she manage Rose AND the important engagement, she sheepishly revealed that her important engagement was with Rose only!
Peter and Amber had not really seen eye to eye the entire time. There was a strange feeling of shyness and nervousness inside Amber's heart. Peter also was finding it hard to believe that he had actually married Amber, his friend, his confidante. How a simple ceremony had changed their relationships so drastically!
They both were lost in their own thoughts when they arrived at the manor.
"A very warm welcome to the new Duchess of Suffolk,” beamed Mrs. Beatrix, the housekeeper.
"Mrs. Beatrix, please call me Amber. I am still the same person."
"Indeed, you are the same person, my lady. But your name has changed from Amber Wikfield to Lady Amber Bryton. And that is what makes all the difference," she smiled.
"Mrs. Beatrix, please show Amb...uhh...Lady Bryton her chamber and Michael, please make sure all her belongings are taken to her chamber," ordered Peter.
Michael, the butler, gave a small nod and went on to carry out his orders.
"Now, please excuse me ladies, I have a few pressing matters to attend."
Peter's behavior stunned Amber and even Mrs. Beatrix. Amber had not really expected him to be happy after the marriage ceremony but she had not expected such offhandish behavior either. Was he feeling guilty about marrying her? Or was he reminded of his marriage to Helena? Amber didn't know. For now, she thought she would just let him be.
*************************
Peter went straight to his study and pulled out Helena's portrait from the huge cupboard. He looked at her smiling face and her big, blue eyes....the eyes that had made him fall in love with her.....
Jesus, what had he done! Married Amber! How could he betray Helena like that? It had hardly been two years since her death. And he'd already remarried! He felt a deep pang of guilt twisting his heart. No matter how much he tried to convince himself that he'd married for Rose's sake, his mind kept on saying that he'd betrayed Helena's memories.
And he had ruined Amber's life too. She was now stuck with a man who was incapable of loving her. He had trapped her in a loveless marriage. Good Lord! What had he done!
**************************
Peter had left Helena's chamber untouched since her death. No one was allowed inside except for Mrs. Beatrix and a servant and that too for cleaning purposes. So Amber was greatly surprised to see that her belongings were being taken to that very chamber.
On seeing her surprised face, Mrs. Beatrix informed her, "Her Grace convinced Lord Peter to allow you to use this chamber, though it is a mystery to everyone how she managed to do it."
"And what happened to Helena's belongings?" asked Amber, still surprised.
"Lord Peter himself carried most of the stuff and moved it to a room upstairs."
It must have taken a lot if his willpower to do so, thought Amber. She was pleased that at least he was trying.
Amber instructed the servants on where to keep her things and by the time the last of her belongings were settled, she was very tired. And hungry too!
She asked one of the chambermaids to prepare a bath. She needed to relax her sore muscles. After a refreshing bath, she changed into one of her favorite gowns and waited for Peter to call her for dinner. It would be their first meal together as husband and wife. She smiled inwardly at the thought.
After a few minutes, Mrs. Beatrix arrived.
"My lady, would you prefer to come down for dinner or shall I get it served here?"
"Ummm... I'd like to have dinner with Peter. Is he at the dinner table yet?"
"Well," Mrs. Beatrix looked a little uncomfortable. "He has ordered that his dinner be served in the study. And he also said that he should not be disturbed."
Oh! So he was avoiding her. But for how long?
"Mrs. Beatrix, would you mind telling the servants to lay table for two in the study. I shall accompany him, no matter what he says."
"Sure, my lady," smiled Mrs. Beatrix.
Chapter Four
Peter was surprised when he saw the lavish spread in front of him. Had the servants lost their minds! How could he eat all that stuff alone? He didn't even feel like eating that night.
He w
as about to ask what the hell was wrong with them when he saw Amber enter the study.
"Good evening, Peter," she said casually. "Do you mind if I join you for dinner here?"
"Uhhh....Of course, why not! You are most welcome. This is your own house, after all!"
How could she behave so casually after their marriage, he thought.
"I see you have locked yourself up here since the time we arrived. Is everything alright?"
What the hell was wrong with her! They had taken such a huge step and here she was, behaving as if everything was just the way it was before!
"Yes...yes! I..uh...I just had some important work to do," he lied.
"Oh, alright! I wish Rose was here with us. I am already missing her."
"Yes, I am missing her too."
Amber's eyes fell on Helena's life size portrait that was standing in a corner of the room. So, her guess was right. Peter was feeling guilty about marrying her, he felt that he had betrayed Helena!
Peter’s eyes followed Amber’s and he caught her looking at Helena’s portrait. He didn’t know why, but he felt a sudden urge to give an explanation as to why he had taken that portrait out after so long.
“I just wanted to remember Helena today as this day marks a new beginning in my life,” he tried to explain.
“It’s fine, Peter,” Amber gently touched his hand. “She was your wife, your first love. You have every right to feel the way you are feeling right now. I know I can never replace her, but I promise you that I’ll try. I’ll try my best to be a good mother to Rose and……” She badly wanted to say ‘a good wife to you’ but instead added, “a good Duchess to the people of Suffolk.”
“Amber you don’t know how much that means to me. You have always been by my side whenever I needed you. I don’t have enough words to thank you.”