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

by Alice Kirks

  ‘I propose an arrangement. A proposal I would imagine, after what you have disclosed to me today, that you have both already discussed. If you annul the marriage, I will assure you have the funds to travel. To have the freedom you so desire Katherine. Perhaps, as a free agent, you may find a more suitable husband. One who, may even desire to travel alongside you. One whose family does not rely so heavily, on his continuing their lineage.’

  Katie took a long breath in. The Duchess knew of the arrangement of convenience, and the reasons behind the arrangement, but what Katie had not disclosed, is how she already felt for Robert. How an annulment was not as easy as the older woman was making it sound. For her, this union was no longer one of convenience. What if she did not want to live without Robert in her life?

  ‘I know that only a short time has passed since our marriage, but my feelings are not quite the same as they once were. Travel and adventure were always important to me, however, having spent my time here, they do not seem as important any longer.’

  ‘What are you saying?’

  ‘Well, as we are already married, I feel Robert should be treated with the respect he deserves. I wish to be a good wife to him.’

  ‘I see.’ The older woman looked at Katie contemplatively for a long moment. ‘And what of your happiness? What of your own desires? I respect your wish to be a good wife Katherine, but it is a huge commitment. Your arrangement with Robert gave you the opportunity for freedom and for travel, however, a good wife would give her husband a child.’

  Katie was taking some time to think about that statement when the distant sound of thundering hooves and the trundling wheels of a carriage could be heard approaching the manor. She knew it could not be Robert, for he had travelled on his own horse.

  ‘It would appear we are to have another visitor, perhaps we could continue our conversation at a later time.’ The Duchess inclined her head.

  ‘Certainly, Your Grace.’

  If she were honest, Katie was more than a little relieved. To have to make such a commitment, a promise of an heir under such scrutiny, felt overbearing. A decision she could surely not make without conference with Robert.

  Whoever the visitor may be, the interruption would give her a little time to at least consider the idea. And yet, the thought of producing and raising a child with a man who did not love her, was more than disheartening.

  Baron Ravenscroft was quite the gentleman.

  After Kitty refreshed the tea tray and left the drawing room, the tall, well dressed older man was keen to hear all about Katie and Roberts new start. He and the Duchess had apparently been friends for many years, but unlike the older woman, his smile was soft and his demeanour: gentle and open.

  It was very obvious to Katie that he was far from close to the Dowager’s age. At a guess, there probably being at least ten or more years difference between them, but it was difficult to tell. His face was much less telling than the Duchess, and apart from the distinguished looking grey of his side burns and hair at the temples, he could have passed for younger.

  ‘You have travelled far Lady Katherine, for York is over 250 miles away. Good heavens the journey must have been horrendous. Though I am aware they are beginning with the laying of macadam on some of the roads nearer the larger cities now.’

  ‘Yes, I am unsure that we travelled much on those roads, for it was not the most pleasant journey. But to be truthful Baron Ravenscroft, I was excited for the adventure.’

  ‘Ah, freedom,’ he smiled gently, ‘to spread one’s wings and search for pastures new. Yes, I remember that feeling when I was your age, many years ago.’ He winked and chuckled.

  Katie smiled openly. His presence was a breath of fresh air, particularly after the earlier visit of the day. Warm and charming, she liked him immediately and found his company quite endearing.

  ‘You must have great plans for Winfield I suppose. The place could do with some tender care. I can already see your beautiful little children running through the vast gardens in years to come.’ He beamed excitedly.

  Katie hesitated and threw a glance at the Duchess, who determinedly remained passive.

  ‘Ah.’ He said suddenly, the smile falling from his face as he swiftly glanced from one lady to the other. ‘I have stepped into a subject I ought not. I am afraid I have a habit of getting ahead of myself. I do beg your forgiveness.’

  ‘Please, Baron Ravenscroft. No forgiveness is necessary. My path is just not so clear at the moment.’

  ‘I still offer my apologies. I know well the demands of children, I myself have three. Joyous as they are, since Jane’s illness, I have had the responsibility on my own shoulders to care for them.’

  ‘Jane is not recovered at all?’ The Duchess asked.

  ‘Unfortunately, not Your Grace. The physician has been quite clear, she will spend the remainder of her years bedridden. Whatever the infection is, it has gripped her lungs and her breathing is laborious for most of the time.’

  ‘The poor woman.’ Katie lamented.

  ‘Indeed,’ Baron Ravenscroft nodded, pausing contemplatively for a long moment. ‘And now, I am in need of a governess, for I cannot teach the children alone. Though Jane was much better at it than I.’

  The Duchess tilted her head slightly and looked meaningfully at Katie. The implication was obvious, for not an hour had passed since they had been discussing her future, but surely the Dowager could not imagine Katie wanting to go and serve as a governess for the Baron.

  To begin with, she had little experience with children, nor any teaching that would qualify her to import knowledge to small people. More so than that, Katie had made it clear to the Duchess, that she would prefer to be a good wife to Robert.

  The issue now being, the pressure to produce an heir. For that thought had neither been discussed between the couple nor had crossed her mind when they had decided this plan.

  ‘I hear you were in London, Baron Ravenscroft, is there any further news on Lord Crowley’s condition?’ The Dowager carried on the conversation as though no look had been shared between the two women.

  ‘I am afraid I bear bad news, Your Grace. It will be a great fortune if his life extends until Michaelmas.’

  ‘Oh, how dreadful.’

  ‘Indeed. I was grateful that I was able to extend my condolences to the family whilst there, and to be able to say my goodbyes to our old friend.’

  ‘Poor Lucy will now be alone. Both her sons killed in the war and now her husband. The poor, dear woman.’

  ‘You know well, Your Grace, death does not discriminate in his victims. Your losses too have been great.’

  ‘Indeed. I am partly relieved that my brother was long passed before his son’s death, for I fear, the news of George would have killed him.’

  Baron Ravenscroft eventually departed with promises of visiting again before Christmas. Extending an open invitation for them to visit him in return, he wished the ladies both good health until they all met again. The Duchess sent on her best wishes to Jane and the children. And then, the house was quiet once again.

  Katie used the Baron’s departure to excuse herself, and made her way to the bedchamber. She needed time to think about all that had been discussed that afternoon, and she needed to be alone to do it.

  With a rug wrapped around her shoulders, she sat on the terrace balcony outside of their bedchamber, gazing over the gardens and the rolling countryside.

  It had not meant to be this way. Back at Spencer Manor, the plan had been simple. Escape an arranged marriage, save the manor, annul their union and find joy in travel and adventure.

  Since her arrival at Winfield, the circumstances had not only developed but changed entirely, throwing all their original ideas in the air. Simplicity had been replaced with, complex and complicated.

  To begin with, she was in love with Robert. Of that one thing, she was certain, even if nothing else was clear at this moment in time. And as desperately as she wanted it to be true, Robert was not in love with her.
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  Of course, he had been the perfect gentleman, protecting and defending her at every turn. Between his aunt and Lady Westland, his chivalry seemed to know no bounds, but what good was that, if he did not love her?

  For both their happiness, they needed to be clear. They could decide upon being a true husband and wife, not the farce in which they were now embroiled. For even now, Robert still slept on a cot across the room in their bedchamber. Or, she must leave.

  It was not fair holding onto him. She could not make him happy and if anything, he deserved that. Having made so many sacrifices for her already, he deserved to be with a woman he truly desired. A woman he could truly love.

  Chapter 18

  Katherine had been unusually quiet throughout dinner and even when they sat together in the evening, she had remained so. Again, she ate little, and it was not the first time he had noticed that she appeared to be losing weight. Over the last few days, the usual, healthy complexion seemed pale, and beneath her eyes a dark shadow emerged.

  Robert sensed something had occurred in his absence but bided his time before he enquired of her what it might be. Perhaps Lady Westland’s visit had played on her mind, as for a surety, the impertinent woman had made certain the discussion mainly involved only herself and he.

  The Duchess seemed satisfied to sit and observe, probably with some morbid satisfaction, but it had not gone unnoticed that both Alison and Katherine were practically excluded from the conversation.

  After Dorothy’s departure, he wished he could have stayed to at least discuss what had happened in the drawing room. To apologise to Katherine for her sudden visit, and that, whilst he had to tolerate the presence of the woman, he had not enjoyed doing such.

  The fact Katherine had excused herself in the middle of the visit had concerned him, and he could only imagine that Lady Westland’s constant reference to their childhood days had influenced her departure. Had he had a choice, he would have departed with her, for he would certainly have enjoyed Katherine’s company above Dorothy’s.

  There seemed also to have been yet another occurrence between his aunt and Katherine. Since their coming home, the older woman had not let up and over the weeks, it was evident that his new wife was sullen. But he assumed he was not meant to notice the look that the Dowager gave her when the mention of Lord Ravenscroft’s visit was relayed to him, and he was curious as to what had been discussed.

  ‘I need to talk to you plainly Robert,’ Katherine said carefully once they were alone in their bedchamber. She had excused herself early in the evening, and whilst Robert would like to have joined her, there was a feeling of her needing some time alone.

  Alison had long retired to her room, and after giving Katherine some time to herself, he eventually said goodnight to his aunt. It had been a long day for him and by the atmosphere that had doused the entire evening, it would appear, it was far from over.

  ‘Yes, I sensed there was something pressing at you all evening.’

  ‘Well, yes,’ she walked across the room, twisting her hands and not able to look at him.

  ‘Katherine, what is it? Was it Lady Westland’s visit? I am truly very sorry. I had no idea she was visiting with us, and the way she behaved was abhorrent. Please know that I did not enjoy her company at all. I made it very clear to her that she was no longer welcome.’

  ‘I do not blame you. I know it was arranged by the Duchess.’

  ‘We were children when the engagement was arranged Katherine, she no more cares for me than I do for her. Truth be told, though she will never admit it, she is only interested in the title.’

  ‘Yes, I could see that. I could not imagine you to be interested in a lady of her…character. And, you are correct, it was not particularly pleasant, but…it is not just that.’

  ‘Then what?’ Robert frowned. ‘Has my aunt disturbed you yet again?’

  ‘Yes, well, no, not really, but yes, we did speak of things today.’

  ‘You are making little sense.’

  Suddenly she stopped and turned to him, gazing at him from across the room. Her brow deeply furrowed and concern in her eyes, whatever the content of the conversation with his aunt, she now seemed worried to convey it.

  ‘Please,’ he said gently. ‘Tell me what concerns you so.’

  ‘I think it best that I should leave.’

  The directness of her statement held him in shock for some time. It was true, her demeanour had been reserved since his return, but still, he could not have expected that sentence to come from her lips. His stunned silence allowed her to continue.

  ‘I have to apologise to you Robert. I was only thinking of myself when we arranged this marriage. To escape marrying William, Lord Sutton, I did not fully comprehend the circumstances. Your circumstances. I had no idea the pressure you were under to produce an heir for your family name, and it is not fair for you to have to make such a choice with me.’

  ‘I see the Duchess certainly has spoken to you.’

  ‘Yes. I think it is best for me to get an annulment and give you the freedom you so desire. To perhaps find someone you can produce an heir with that is a better choice.’

  Whilst he knew that they had decided upon this path at the beginning, Robert had not assumed she would be so eager to be free of him. On the contrary, he had felt they had grown in their desire and, getting to know each other, that they may actually have a chance of a future together.

  Perhaps he had noticed only what he wished to see. His own desire that her feelings had changed and she was beginning to love him as he already loved her. Evidently, he had been mistaken. Maybe what he had actually witnessed, was Katherine playing her part as his dutiful wife for the benefit of his aunt and Alison. They were supposed to be a married couple after all.

  Yet even if Katherine were only playing a part, still he did not want her to leave. Watching her being able to hold her own counsel and not allow the presence of the Duchess to intimidate her, had only expanded his feelings for her. A strong woman with a character of honesty and trueness who had, even under pressure, kept her word.

  Qualities he had found little of in many women he had associated with, least of all Lady Westland, who clearly only wanted to marry him for an elevated status in society. Her visit today had only annoyed him and he had done well to keep his temper by the way she spoke of Katherine on her departure.

  ‘Robert,’ Katherine broke into his wandering thoughts. ‘I understand that this will put you in a difficult position, the dowry will have to be returned and the manor again will be at risk of being auctioned.’ She had moved over to the dresser as she spoke, and then bent, lifting out a large black box where she kept her jewellery.

  ‘I want you to take this,’ she attempted to hand him the box. ‘The contents should cover the debt.’

  ‘Absolutely not.’ Robert shook his head determinedly as he pushed her hand and the box away from him.

  ‘Katherine, I am sorry. Truly. I am sorry we have argued and that I have been distant. That things have not been easier between us. I had hoped that after we were married, we would be happier together, that things would be better and special, but being here in these circumstances has not helped. I want to be better, try harder. And I do not know what you really want, but I would like it very much if you would stay.’

  Katherine walked a little way away from him, still holding her jewellery box. She did not speak for a long time and Robert was unsure of what she was thinking.

  ‘Katherine,’ he said gently, ‘what is it that you want?’

  ‘Honestly,’ she looked over her shoulder at him, ‘I do not know. This has all been quite a whirlwind. I suppose I did want adventure, did I not?’ Placing the box on the dresser, she turned to look at him fully.