The Captain of A Lady's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Alice Kirks

  ‘Oh, my.’ She turned and looked directly at Katie. ‘It is Lady Dorothy Westland.’

  Katie had no idea who that was, and was confused at Alison’s expression of horror. An expression directed entirely at her. At that same moment, Robert strode determinedly into the drawing room, obviously overhearing Alison.

  ‘What on earth is she doing here?’

  ‘I invited her.’ The Duchess replied, entering the room just behind her nephew.

  Robert spun around to look at her. ‘Your Grace, why would you do such a thing?’

  ‘Well, I felt she at least deserved an explanation, do you not think so Robert?’ The older woman raised her eyebrows proudly.

  ‘That may be true. However, I would have thought it prudent to discuss this meeting with me first given the current situation.’ His dark tone conveyed a stark disapproval of her actions.

  ‘Given your current situation,’ the older woman mimicked, as she threw a derogatory glance in Katie’s direction, ‘I thought perhaps you may need a reminder of what your future ought to be, rather than the debacle that it is at present.’

  Katie observed Roberts reaction, the fury that suddenly rose in him, his face reddening as he attempted to hold his temper. The strain it took to hold back the evident desire to explode.

  Before he had a chance to retaliate, Kitty was at the drawing room door announcing Lady Westland’s entrance. It had taken the interactions of Robert and the Duchess for Katie to suddenly realise who this woman was.

  Robert, of course, had never mentioned a name. The argument in the carriage on their way to his familial home, had only told her he had been engaged to be married. As the woman entered the room, Katie grasped the reality. She was about to meet his betrothed.

  Chapter 16

  It was not her lack of beauty, for as certain as she sat across the room from Katie, the soft pale skin and deep brown eyes were quite captivating. The pale green plume of feathers that sprouted from her bonnet complimented the dark emerald green of her tight-fitting gown and short jacket, highlighting her slender figure.

  Evidently, she had made quite an effort in her appearance, and it did not take a professor to understand why. If it had not been for Katie, she would now be mistress of Winfield Manor and it would appear, she was not quite ready to give up the fight just yet.

  However, in every other way, she was an ugly woman. The sneer of her mouth, her arrogant demeanour, the derogatory looks that Katie was subjected to when Roberts back was turned. And the fact, which Katie strangely felt more of an umbrage to, that she barely addressed Alison at all, as though the poor child were invisible.

  Katie had to wonder, having spent considerable time with Robert and feeling that she had grown to know the kind of person he was, how on earth he had ever decided this was the woman he would want to spend the rest of his life with.

  It took a moment for Katie to discern who the woman reminded her of, and then she realised, her characteristics mirrored that of the Duchess. The woman who seemed determined to undermine Robert at every opportunity and have too much of a hand in how his life was lived. Katie was confused, as Lady Westland just did not seem to be his type at all.

  The atmosphere in the drawing room felt, at first quite untenable, and only for the Duchess making conversation, a woman who loved to hear her own voice, was the ordeal made bearable at all.

  In a way that she knew ought not to occur, it was Katie who felt as though she were the intruder. The outsider. For as the visit continued, Robert and Lady Westland were able to talk and reminisce of many times and experiences in their childhood of which Katie knew nothing, leaving her unable to comment or contribute anything to the discussion.

  As the discomfort grew more intolerable, Katie eventually stood and excused herself. She could no longer bear listening to their happy childhood memories. Robert showed concern but unsurprisingly, Lady Westland looked victorious.

  Wrapping a heavy coat around her, Katie once again, found her solace in the garden. Why on earth had she thought this plan was a good idea? Yes, she had escaped an arranged marriage, but she knew she was in trouble before she had walked into the chapel. Before those fateful wedding vows fell from her lips.

  Her attempt to bury her feelings deep within her, had not worked. As though, by pretending they did not exist, she would somehow, be able to protect her fragile heart. For she knew she was in love with Robert, and worst still, she knew Robert was not in love with her.

  There were numerous tortures for criminals that would be less painful than watching him being wooed by Lady Westland! A woman who neither deserved him, nor, that she could tell from the small time she had spent with her, desired him. The woman was far too conceited to consider any other than herself.

  As Katie wandered around the circumference of the house, she neared the corner of the front courtyard and heard voices. Distinctly, it was Lady Westland and Robert. Careful to watch her step, Katie moved forward and though, felt slight guilt at snooping, crushed herself close to the wall at the corner to hear the conversation.

  ‘It was supposed to be me Robert. I cannot believe what you have done. How wickedly you have treated me.’

  ‘Dorothy, it was not planned as such. I did not do it to purposefully hurt you.’

  ‘Oh, come now Robert. Did you forget that you were engaged? Did it just slip from your mind as you courted another woman? You made a promise to me. To me Robert, not some beastly little northern girl.’

  ‘It was not like that. And you know as well as I, that the engagement was arranged by our parents. For goodness sakes, Dorothy, we were children, barely ten years of age. Do not make it sound as though I abandoned you and ran off to marry another.’

  ‘Why do you not just send the girl home and we can start a family. You know well it is what your aunt wishes for you. I can make you happy Robert.’

  Katie had to stifle a snort at that remark. Evidently, the only person this woman cared about was herself.

  ‘Tell me Dorothy, you make this argument for us living happily together, but if I were so very important to you, why did you never write me when I was away? You tell me now that you can make me happy, and yet, not one single letter to enquire about my well-being when I was at war in horrific conditions across the Atlantic.’

  ‘Oh Robert, do not let us fight about the past. You know we can have a wonderful future together. The Duke and Duchess of Winfield. Does that not sound splendid?’

  ‘I have to wonder if it is only the title that you really care about Dorothy. But it matters not, you are wasting your time. I am married to Katherine and I will not put her through this for your whims of fancy. I have made vows to my wife and I intend to remain loyal to them.’

  Katie had not realised she had been holding her breath, but suddenly, she let out a gush of air as she sighed heavily. Relief flooded through her. He would not leave her. Lady Westland could not persuade him. She knew, deep down, he was the truest of gentlemen and if only he were in love with her, her life would be complete with him.

  Soon after, she heard the carriage pull away, and, satisfied that Robert would stay true to his word, Katie felt alleviated. Never could she remember wanting to be rid of someone with such intensity. Only now, did it really occur to Katie. Lady Westland was a threat. A threat to her happiness even though, the basis of her and Roberts relationship was deceit.

  If only this arrangement were not temporary. That this would become her home and Robert and Alison her family. Even the dreaded Duchess could be tolerated if Katie thought she would spend her life with Robert. The manor had already begun to grow on her and she found herself walking through the grand house, planning the changes she would like to implement as her home. But alas, she could not force Robert to love her.

  Their arrangement had been just that, an arrangement. A way to alleviate problems on both sides in a manner that would cause the least distress to all involved. It had never occurred to her that, this arrangement would cause her more turmoil than she had o
riginally been experiencing. That she would fall in love with a man whom she had promised to leave once the debt had been paid.

  The adventure and travel she had once yearned for, now seemed less important. Her desires had changed with her deepening love for Robert. And yet, she could not tell him these things. The decision to marry her had obviously been difficult enough for him on that terrace back at Spencer Manor.

  The man did not want to be tied down, Alison and the Duchess had only re-enforced that idea when they first arrived. He was an adventurer, and if she truly loved him as she knew she did, Katie would have to eventually let him go.

  Wandering in a dreamlike state as her thoughts swirled in her mind, his sudden presence behind her took her by surprise.

  ‘I was worried about you. Are you well?’

  His concerned expression only made her yearn for him more, he had come in search of her, worried no doubt, after her leaving the drawing room in such haste.

  ‘Of course.’ Katie smiled tightly. Only then noticing he was dressed to travel. ‘Are you leaving already?’

  ‘Yes, I must away. With this impromptu visit, I am late already. Katherine, I am sorry about today.’ His tone was genuine but it was also clear he had to leave. ‘Can I talk to you properly when I return. I wish I could explain more now but…’

  ‘No, I understand. Please, go.’

  He looked perturbed.

  ‘Robert, I am fine, please.’

  He looked at her for another long moment before nodding curtly and then turning, he headed towards the stables. Katie watched him leave before slowly making her way back to the house.

  Chapter 17

  Robert, having an appointment to do with the title of Duke that he would now inherit, left immediately afterwards. It was likely he would not return until after nightfall.

  Alison had taken to the library for her studies at the request of The Duchess, and in the quiet of the house, Katie found herself in the drawing room, continuing to read the book she had absorbed herself in, earlier that morning.

  She was a little surprised and confused when Kitty elbowed her way in, carrying with her a tray laden with tea and cake for two. After an enquiring glance, Kitty gestured her head towards the door and said, ‘On instruction from the Duchess, Lady Katherine.’

  Katie had little time to thank her before the Dowager herself bustled into the room. Kitty curtsied and swiftly left, leaving the older woman, having regarded Katie with a poignant glance, to settle herself in a seat across from her.

  ‘Would you mind pouring Lady Katherine?’ She nodded to the teapot on the table.

  ‘Of course, Your Grace.’ Katie smiled politely. There seemed an obvious purpose to this impromptu tea drinking arrangement, and Katie, whilst a little suspicious, was curious.

  Neither woman had spent much time in each other’s company since her arrival, and certainly not alone. Katie could not know all of the reasons for the Duchess, though she had made her disapproval of their farcical union perfectly clear. Not that Robert’s life or the way he lived it should really be any of her business.

  Since her arrival at Winfield, she had made Katie feel neither welcome nor comfortable. And since her barging in on herself and Robert that first night, Katie’s frustration at her arrogance and misuse of power had little alleviated. Her own reasons were quite simple. She did not much like the woman.

  Katie surmised that this little meeting, may distinctly have some connection to their most recently departed visitor, Lady Westland. Again, the older woman had made it perfectly plain who she would prefer for Robert’s wife.

  However, Katie could at least take comfort in the knowledge that Robert did not share her wishes. Overhearing him talking to Lady Westland, he had been completely clear in his stance. He would stand by her.

  Whatever ideas the Duchess wished to discuss; Katie at least had the assurance of Robert’s loyalty.

  ‘I wondered, if we could have an open and honest conversation.’ The older woman began, having accepted her cup from Katie. ‘You see, I know your marriage to Robert is of convenience only, and whilst I have made my feelings known, I am not sure you understand my disappointment.’

  ‘I am sorry you are disappointed Your Grace.’ Katie replied.

  She had almost readied herself for battle. To defend her right to be here and to fight any persuasion that would try and sway her otherwise. On this occasion, however, the older woman seemed more open in her discourse, less brittle than usual. An almost resigned weariness about her demeanour. Katie was a little surprised, to say the least.

  ‘My oldest nephew was a good man Katherine, I know you never knew of him, but, apart from his vice at the gambling tables, George was strong, but kind. He had a hard time dealing with his parents’ death and I do wonder, if that is the reason he never married or had children. Whilst I helped where possible and he had the assistance of a governess, he was left with the responsibility of Robert and Alison, and they were both very young.’ The older woman sighed. ‘You see, when my brother had two sons, we were all certain that the Barkley name would continue, that his lineage would carry on for generations. However, we could not possibly have foreseen the future for George.’

  ‘I am truly sorry for your loss Your Grace.’

  ‘Yes. It was a very sad day for all of us. However, that responsibility now falls to Robert.’

  ‘I see.’

  Slowly, Katie began to realise why the older woman had been so harsh in her dealings with her since arriving. Her disappointment in the pretence of their union was difficult in and of itself, but it now seemed, the expectations of Robert marrying, carried with it a much weightier responsibility.

  There appeared to be a part of this scenario that Katie had not been aware of at all. A part that the Duchess had heavily relied on, only to have her anticipations dashed before her.

  As she advanced in her old age, and the awareness of her own mortality grew, the deeper wish, the more meaningful desire was for the family name to continue. For the Barkley lineage to have a future in generations to come, and, Katie guessed, for the Duchess to witness it before her own demise.

  ‘I assume I am not wrong when I surmise that you and Robert have not planned on producing an heir.’

  Katie dropped her gaze, suddenly silent as she knew that she could not possibly tell the Duchess an untruth, but her recent realisation of the circumstances made her unable to hold the woman’s gaze if she were to be honest.

  ‘I thought not.’ The Duchess replied to the silence. ‘May I enquire then, what the arrangement is for you and Robert?’

  ‘We had not really reached that far Your Grace.’ Katie said quietly. ‘Robert needed the money to pay off the debt and save the manor, and I needed to escape an arranged marriage and desired to travel.’

  There was little point in her not being honest now. The Dowager had their situation figured out to a point; Katie may as well be fully open and disclose the whole truth.

  ‘I had presumed as much.’

  A guilt had risen within Katie during the course of the conversation. Starting as a tiny seed, it had suddenly expanded and now festered in the pit of her stomach. She had been completely blind to any other person’s desires. Her own need to escape and wish for freedom, her selfishness and single-mindedness, had not allowed her to either see nor understand the depth of the circumstances.

  The Duchess had not been dismissive of her as a person, only the fact that whilst they lived this lie, the deep desire to see an heir born before her own death, had caused her distress.

  With George’s death, Robert was the last chance at an heir, the older woman’s only hope. And Katie had arrived, unannounced and with her own agenda, snatching that hope from her grasp.