Dukes, Officers, & Scoundrels: A Clean Historical Regency Romance (Tales of Bath)

by Kira Stewart

  She did not like the way he looked at her, his eyes narrowing.

  “Yes, I was alone, sir.”

  His grip on her tightened.

  “Do not lie to me girl. One of my men has just told me that he saw you with that officer just now. I sent him out to look for you. Now, my dear, listen carefully to me. I do not know what you and your young man have been talking about, but you must not see or speak to him ever again.”

  Isobel looked shocked.

  “I do not know what you mean, sir.”

  “I think you know exactly what I mean, Miss Channing. I am great friends with the general of that officer’s regiment, and I can make things very difficult for your Mr. Parnell if I choose to do so. Things happen in war time that are not particularly pleasant, and I do not think you would like anything to happen to your officer would you, Miss Channing? I am sure he is an ambitious young man. I would hate anything to stop Mr. Parnell reaching his full potential in his chosen career, if you understand my meaning.”

  Isobel felt sick. She knew exactly what the man meant, and had no doubt that Sebastian Adick meant everything he said. She struggled to speak.

  “You must promise me that you will never see, nor speak to Mr. Parnell again. If you do, I cannot say what danger you will put him in. And I doubt if you would want to be held responsible for that, would you, Miss Channing? Now, if I were in your position, I would be very careful to keep me happy.”

  The poor girl could only nod her head in response. She felt sick to her stomach, but this time she could not run away.

  As she danced, she felt numb. She tried to look for Jack as they danced, but he was nowhere to be seen. She desperately needed to speak to him, but how could she? If Sebastian Adick even suspected her of seeing him again, then who knows what would happen to him. She did not doubt what the young Earl was capable of.

  The only face she saw amongst those watching was Emily’s.

  Her poor cousin. She had been so wrapped up in everything that had happened that she had quite forgotten poor Emily. The girl had been so excited about seeing Jack again. She wondered if Emily had seen her dancing with him. However, the girl’s face said it all. How on earth would she explain things to her cousin?

  Everything was such a mess.

  For the rest of the evening, Sebastian stayed glued to her side. It was a relief when the final dance was called and it was time to leave.

  As her party was leaving, the Duchess came to say goodbye. Surprised to see Isobel standings with the Earl, she took the girl to one side.

  “I am sorry I haven’t had more time to spend with you this evening, my dear. I hope that Sebastian hasn’t been bothering you too much?”

  Isobel shook her head.

  “And what of the other young man?”

  Not knowing how to answer, the girl remained silent.

  “Is everything all right, my dear?”

  She longed to tell the Duchess all, but she could not, for fear of anyone finding out the truth.

  “I fear that I may have been too rash in my feelings for that young man. We are but friends. Thank you for your kindness. It has been a wonderful evening. But now my father is waiting and I must go.”

  Lady Annabelle Lennox did not believe the girl, but did not press her further and instead, kissed her lightly on the forehead.

  “My dear girl, I hope that all is well. Now, you must come to me if you need any help. Do you promise?”

  The girl nodded. If only the Duchess could help. But it was hopeless.

  10.

  Emily did not speak to her cousin during the carriage ride back to the house in Bath. Instead, she stared blankly at the girl, her face set like stone.

  She waited until they were alone in their rooms, before she spoke again.

  “How dare you steal Jack away from me, Izzie! You knew he was mine.”

  The girl’s eyes were angry and full of tears.

  “Please Emily. You know that is not true. Jack had never promised himself to you. You never had an understanding with him.”

  The girl’s eyes flashed with hate.

  “But you knew that I liked him, Izzie. You could have any man you like, but you had to choose the man I wanted. It just isn’t fair.”

  “It was only a dance, Emily. I danced with the Earl, too. In fact, I spent most of the evening with the Earl.”

  “Only because you had to, Izzie. Only because your father wants you to marry the Earl. I saw how you danced with Jack. How you looked at each other. It wasn’t the same with Sebastian Adick. You know that your father disapproves of Jack Parnell, Izzie, so it is all rather pointless.”

  Isobel looked sadly at her cousin.

  “You are right, Emily. It is all pointless.”

  Her cousin looked shocked. It was not the answer she had been expecting and she was geared up for a fight.

  “What do you mean?”

  Up to that point, Isobel had vowed to herself that she would not tell Emily about what had happened that night. She had tried so hard to be brave, but suddenly, the tears fell thick and fast.

  “Oh Emily, everything has gone so horribly wrong. I am so sorry about everything. I cannot help feeling how I feel for Jack, nor him for me, cousin. But it is no use. No use at all.”

  Carrying on, she told her cousin everything that had happened that night.

  Emily listened eagerly.

  “But what shall you do when he waits for you in the early morning, Izzie? Will you go to him and explain?”

  Isobel shook her head sadly.

  “I dare not, cousin. If I see him again, I may lose my resolve and run away with him. But then what? I would fear for what Sebastian Adick would do to poor Jack.”

  Emily looked scornful.

  “Jack could easily beat Sebastian Adick. He is twice the man.”

  “Oh cousin, if only it were that simple. The Earl will not fight Jack himself. He will think of other ways to get at Jack. He knows the general of Jack’s regiment, and I fear he would make things very difficult. He is a dangerous man. You see, it is hopeless, Emily.”

  Isobel could not sleep. All night she listened out for Jack. Just before the Abbey Bells struck four that morning, she heard the soft tap of shingle being thrown lightly at her window. Isobel had to stop herself from running to the window just to see him again. It happened many times, and it was only when the clock chimed five, that the young man gave up and sadly went home.

  It was only then that Isobel cried herself to sleep.

  10.

  When the morning came, it was grey and misty. Isobel had tossed and turned all night, thoughts churning around in her head. She finally came to the conclusion that she could not just leave things as they were. She must explain things to Jack. But how?

  She feared that she would be seen if she tried to see him herself, besides it would prove too difficult seeing him again. Instead, she would write him a letter explaining everything. Although she could not take the note to him personally, she needed to be sure he received the letter, so she needed someone to put it in his hands.

  There was only one person capable of such a task and who already knew the story.

  Emily.

  The girl was still angry at her cousin, but agreed to deliver the missive that very afternoon.

  Isobel sat by her window, pen in hand. How could one letter describe everything she was feeling? She could not let him think that she did not love him enough to meet him, but she also could not tell the whole truth. She worried what Jack might do if she told him of the Earl’s threats. He was known to be a hot-headed young man when roused, and she did not want to cause more trouble, or ruin his chances of promotion. With her hand shaking slightly, she dipped her pen into the inkwell.

  Dearest Jack,

  Words cannot express how unhappy I feel at this moment.

  When you asked me to elope with you last night, I was the happiest girl in the world and willing to throw everything away for you. Yet I now wonder if it is the best cours
e of action, my love To steal away in the dead of night, away from my family? We would be like common criminals running away. Is that a good start to our life together? I am but eighteen, and can wait for you, Jack. Perhaps I can win my parents around in time. You spoke about promotion and hoping to become a major very shortly. Perhaps we can wait until then. With a promotion, perhaps my parents will be more accepting. Perhaps your cousin, the Duke, can help us?

  I send this letter with Emily, for I dare not see you again, for I fear that my resolve would be weak, and I would be sure to run away with you. Believe me, my love, I am doing this for the best and send all of my love to you in this note. Please send word that you will return for me when the time is right. I promise that I will wait for you, even if I am old and grey.

  Yours forever,

  Izzie

  Isobel fretted, whilst the girl was away, and waited by the window for her return. She dared not appear too anxious, in case her parents should wonder what the matter was. Her father was still cross with his daughter from her behavior at the Ball, and was keeping a close eye upon her.

  The afternoon dragged by as Isobel waited. She tried to read a book to pass the time, but she could not see the words—they seemed to stare at her blankly from the page and made little sense.

  It was after three in the afternoon when Emily returned. Isobel could hardly wait for the girl to walk through the door, before she rushed to greet her.

  Pulling her cousin into the library, she shut the door quickly, lest her parents overhear.

  “Well Emily. What happened? Do you have any word from Jack for me?”

  The girl shook her head.

  “What do you mean, Emily? Surely he said something?”

  Emily shuffled her feet.

  “No, Izzie. He did not say anything.”

  Isobel could not believe her ears, after all of the anticipation and waiting to hear some soothing words from her love. Her heart sank.

  “But what has happened, Emily?”

  The girl shrugged.

  “I did as you asked me, Izzie. I gave the note to Jack, just as you asked me to.”

  “Did he read the letter?”

  Emily shrugged once more.

  “I expect so. But I did not see him read it.”

  “And you did not wait for a response?”

  Emily raised an eyebrow.

  “You did not ask me to wait for one, cousin. Besides, once I had passed over the letter he did not stay. I could hardly force him to open the letter there and then.”

  Poor Isobel was almost in tears. She had pinned all her hopes on receiving an affirmation from Jack that everything was all right—that she had done the right thing and he would come back for her.

  “But Emily, you have been away several hours. What on earth have you been doing?”

  The young girl looked sheepish.

  “Well, I met Mathers and a group of the other officers and their girls on my way. They were all off on a picnic and so I joined in. Surely you do not begrudge me that, Izzie? Anyway, perhaps he will write to you soon.”

  Isobel’s face brightened.

  “Of course, Emily, why did I not think of that? Yes, that’s what he will do. Jack would not have wanted to read my letter in front of you. He is bound to write, I know it. Oh Emily, do come here. I want to kiss you.”

  11.

  For the next few days, Isobel watched carefully for any signs of a letter. She did not expect the letter to come through the formal route. The letter would be brought under scrutiny by her father, when he came to pay the postage cost, and he would be bound to enquire who had sent a letter to his daughter. No, she expected a personal delivery, if not by Jack himself, then by one of the other officers. Or perhaps Jack would employ one of the local boys to bring it to her. She spent the day sat in the window seat of the Drawing Room, looking out for anyone who might approach the door. The poor girl could neither eat, nor sleep, and as the time passed, she began to lose hope.

  “Oh Emily, why does he not write to me? Even if it was to say that he no longer cared for me. It would be better than nothing. Why do you think he does not write?”

  Her cousin was getting rather bored with all the talk of Jack Parnell. Inwardly, she was quite pleased that things had not worked out well for the girl. With the fickleness of youth, she had ceased thinking about the handsome officer and her attentions had soon turned to another. Yet, she still felt deceived by her cousin, and was not particularly sympathetic to her woes.

  “Forget him, cousin. There are so many handsome officers in Bath at the moment that you could have your pick. Why worry over one who is obviously no longer interested in you? Come dancing with me this evening and you will feel much better.”

  But Isobel would not venture from the house, and as the days passed, she started to give up all hope of hearing from him.

  A day later, the letter carrier arrived with a letter for her father, whilst they were breakfasting. After paying for the postage, he brought the letter back to the table and opening the envelope, started to read.

  “This one will be of special interest to you, Isobel.”

  She had half-heartedly started eating a slice of bread and butter, but quickly put it down again. Her heart began to pound in her chest. Was it a letter from Jack?

  Glancing anxiously at Emily, she tried to sound unconcerned.

  “Who is it from, Papa?”

  “From the Earl of Lanchester, Lord Adick. It is his invitation for us to take tea with him next Saturday at Thornton Manor.”

  Her heart sank.

  “Oh, I had quite forgotten about that.”

  “Forgotten, Izzie? After all the kindness that man has shown you? He is such a gentleman. Any girl would feel privileged to receive such an offer. We shall accept at once, isn’t that right, my dear?”

  Roberta Channing scowled at her daughter.

  “I shall respond this morning gratefully accepting the invitation. He invited us all, of course. Now let me see, there is some other news here. The 56th Foot Regiment currently camped in Bath is to move to Europe to join in the fighting.”

  Isobel’s heart skipped a beat.

  “When Papa?”

  Her father studied the letter.

  “It says here that they are moving out today. Good. I hope that will be the end of you two girls swooning over the officers and it will restore some decorum once again.”

  Emily looked as crestfallen as Isobel, for she enjoyed the company of the officers.

  “That seems rather sudden, uncle. I was only speaking with some of the officers yesterday and they did it mention anything.”

  “My dear girl, the Army does not exist merely to please young girls such as you. They have an important job of defending us against that blaggard Napoleon. Isn’t that right, Charles? Now, I do not want you girls trying to see the officers before they leave.”

  He particularly addressed Isobel.

  The young man shook his head.

  “It would not be possible anyway. I have already been out this morning and witnessed the regiment leaving town first thing. I do not think the officers even knew about it until last night. They are sailing for France in four days’ time.”

  “But Henry Woods would have surely come to see me first.”

  It was now poor Emily’s turn to look like she might cry.

  Charles shook his head.

  “All the men were forbidden to leave the camp last night and all leave was revoked to ensure they could leave on time. I am afraid, dear sister, that it was impossible for your officer to get away. Perhaps he shall write to you.”

  Emily immediately burst into tears and rushed from the Dining Room.

  Charles looked bewildered.

  “I cannot understand young women. What did I say? Dear cousin Izzie, can you go and see that dear Emily is all right?”

  Glad of the excuse to leave the table, Isobel left the Dining Room. As soon as she was alone, she began to tremble with the shock. Jack had gone. He
was heading for battle and she may never see him again. She had been so sure that he would write to her, and now she may never see him again. It was obvious that he hated her for not meeting him. He had not loved her enough.

  In the space of a week, Isobel had fallen in love, and had her heart broken.

  Feeling numb herself, she headed up the stairs to her cousin’s bedroom, where she found her sobbing on the bed.

  Despite her own sorrow, she could not bear to see her own cousin so upset, and setting aside her own feelings, approached Emily softly.

  “Dearest cousin, do not be upset. I am sure you will see your young man again.”

  Emily looked at her cousin with red eyes.

  “I doubt it, Izzie. Knowing my luck, he will be killed in battle. It is too cruel. I finally find a young officer of my own, and I shall never see him again. I know I shan’t, Izzie.”

  The young girl began to sob again.

  “There, there cousin, all will be well. You have only just met him, Emily, and there are plenty of other young men.”

  Emily scowled at her cousin, pulling an ugly face.

  “It is all right for you to say so, cousin. You can have your pick, but I am not so fortunate. You stole Jack Parnell from me and now the Army has stolen John from me. At least you have your Earl. I have no one. I may never have another beau. I hate you, Izzie, I hate you.”

  Pushing her cousin away, Emily sprawled across the bed and continued to cry.

  It was no use, and unable to comfort her cousin, Isobel retired to her own room.

  She herself could not cry. She had cried enough and seemed to have no feelings left at all. As she sat in front of her dressing table, her white face looked back. Even in all her grief, she looked beautiful.

  Beauty was a curse and not a blessing. It had brought her to Jack, but that same beauty had destroyed their love, even before it had begun, and instead, had attracted the attention of the Earl, a man she did not care for. And now her dear cousin Emily, hated her because of it, and was jealous of her beauty. Everything had gone horribly wrong. The Duchess had been wrong after all. True love would not find a way.