Fate Is A Stranger: Regency Romance

by Gay, Gloria

  "You have become quite a tease, Miss Durbin," said the duke echoing her painful thoughts, "but one as light as a papilio. I hardly realized you had fled my embrace," His eyes looked deeply into hers.

  "A butterfly? Yes, but one speared across with a pin to be exhibited like a pictura," responded Violet, "Which is how I feel when in your company. Such a creature can hardly be a tease."

  "I see Latin, too, was part of your education, Miss Durbin. You have a fine mind as you have demonstrated on many occasions by your quick ripostes, and that fine mind has ample control of your body. However, isn't that the first prerequisite of a tease?"

  "As you seem to believe that 'my kind' would use such wiles, you can hardly expect me to reply, but I will say that it is a poor life that is ruled by the flesh, I would rather be buried than live the life of a creature ruled by her senses."

  "As did—" the duke stopped himself. And Violet well knew what he had been about to say—unforgivable words, hurtful words that would have put a breach between them that would be difficult if not impossible to overcome. He appeared shaken by what he had almost said. He shook his head as Violet gazed at him.

  "Please finish your sentence, your grace, for it is hypocrisy to halt your words, when we both know what you intended to say."

  "You misunderstand me, Miss Durbin."

  "Please do not add a lie to your unfinished sentence,” she said as she turned away from him.

  Violet returned the same way she had come, her step a lot faster than the leisurely stroll with which she had entered the wood.

  In future she would make certain the duke was occupied before entering the wood. She would never allow an instance where they would be alone again. And this time she meant it.

  * * *

  "You had two dances with the duke? And how did that come about, Galena?" asked Galena’s mother, visibly impressed. She had been unable to attend the ball but listened eagerly to her daughter’s recounting of it.

  "Lady de Compte was extremely helpful," Galena replied.

  "Lady de Compte? Do I know her?"

  "I believe not," said Galena, "But I do, and that is what matters. She is proving to be a valuable asset to me in this sojourn, Mama."

  "I am glad, dearest, for your mama cannot do much, laid up with la grippe as I am. But how did this Lady de Compte accomplish this?"

  Lady Selena was always eager to hear of Galena's exploits, at once fascinated and repelled.

  "She waylaid the duke for me, Mama, and under her direction, I made a pretense of 'tripping' in front of him and dropping my reticule. Once he had it in his hands, I assured him that the only way he could make up for almost knocking me over was to dance with me."

  "Very clever of you, my dear and the duke is a pillar of society. Quite a contrast to some of the dukes around, as you have pointed out."

  Long ago, Lady Selena had realized that life was much more enjoyable if she agreed with everything Galena wanted.

  "You are perhaps correct in setting your cap on Hawkinston. And did he display an interest in the dance you induced him into?"

  "He seemed distracted," said Galena with a frown. "However, no gentleman would have denied such an outright request in front of a witness. That's why Lady de Compte said I had to have a witness. I am only incensed that I am reduced to trapping the duke into dancing with me, when he should be going out of his way to get me to dance with him instead of chasing that harlot."

  "Harlot?" asked Lady Selena, alarmed. "What harlot? So you refer then to this Lady de Compte? Galena, you are confusing me."

  "Mama, do try to keep up, you’re getting as vague as your sister. I meant Violet Durbin, Lord Kelly's bastard daughter."

  "Galena," Lady Selena ventured, "I hope you use such terms only when you are alone with me. You cannot endear yourself with anyone connected to his grace if you express yourself in such a manner.

  "Yes, I do believe you mentioned that girl, Violet, before. I am sorry my sweet, sometimes I forget names. I know a little of the background of that family," she added. "When Lord Kelly legitimized her it was the talk of the ton. Society is becoming more vulgar each year. I could not countenance the waltz when it appeared a decade ago, nor did many in society, yet now it is as common as grass."

  "What do you know about Violet's family, Mama?" asked Galena. She moved closer to her mother.

  "Tell me quickly."

  "Oh, it’s nothing derogatory, I assure you. Everyone believes that Sadie, Lord Kelly's new wife and former mistress comes from a lowly background, but she doesn't. Her father was a gentleman and lost his fortune in France with the revolution. Her mother was also a lady from a modest family."

  "Lady de Compte said something of the sort, " said Galena with a frown. “But I hope both of you are wrong, Mama."

  "I’m certain of it, " said her mother, “and what's more, my dear,” she added, "you will not be happy with what I will reveal next."

  "What? What is it, tell me quick."

  "Sadie's mother has a family connection to us!"

  Stunned, Galena said nothing but stared at her mother, her face having become a blanched hue, Lady Selena went on,

  "Gerard Dupleis, her mother's father and my father—your grandfather Gilbert—were second cousins."

  "I forbid you to tell this to anyone," said Galena, alarmed at her mother's revelations. "I don't even believe it myself. We cannot be related to those harlots!"

  "Well, even though it’s not widely known, my dear, it will be hard to keep under wraps, as Lady Engelring mentioned it to me the other day, without me even dreaming of telling her of it. Lady Engelring's husband, Sir Roland, is a keen student of family trees and such, my dear, and told his wife of this connection of ours."

  "I will be embarrassed beyond belief," said Galena with an ugly look to her eyes, "if this should ever come out. Perhaps it will stay under cover that way as I don't believe that meddlesome Sir Roland would like to honor those harlots with such a connection. Just don't you mention it to anyone, Mama."

  "I wouldn't dream of it, Galena."

  "Let’s talk of something else," said Galena with an ugly twist of her mouth, "Your revelation has only depressed me. I fear that time is of the essence, now." She felt outraged by her mother's unwelcome information.

  Her heart-shaped face fell with worry and her eyes drooped

  "I believe I may take Lady de Compte's advice, for I think once the duke begins a liaison with that courtesan it will take up the whole of the season and I will see less and less of him at the balls and soirees."

  "Rome was not built in one day, love," said her mother, "but I have every confidence in your ability. You always obtain what you set your heart on. But, what exactly has Lady de Compte suggested you do?"

  "Nothing yet, Mama," said Galena quickly. It had been a mistake to mention Lady de Compte. She could see that her mother now had a worried frown. "Never mind Lady de Compte, In fact, I will see less of her, I am sure, for she tires me."

  "It should be with young girls your age that you should gad about, my dear. La, when I was your age I had many friends who called on me at all hours."

  * * *

  "And what have you decided to wear at the picnic, my sweet? Asked Sadie of her daughter.

  "I thought perhaps the sprigged yellow muslin and the blue shawl," said Violet.

  "Wonderful choice," said Lady Bea, from the window seat.

  "Yes, my dear, Bea is right. An excellent choice," said Sadie. "I can’t wait to see you in that new muslin gown, Violet. And as it is still a bit chilly when the sun goes behind the clouds the shawl will come in handy."

  "What will you wear, Mama?'

  "The deep blue Levantine with the long sleeves, my dear. I haven't yet come out of my cold. I shall also take my heavy wool shawl. I don't want my cold to come back and be bedridden, when I am so enjoying your first social success. I hope your father arrives before the ball, at least, for if he does not I shall be desolate."

  Lord Kelly's business jou
rney up north was also to include a visit with his son Charles. Charles and Elaine were expecting their first child and could not come down to the castle house party.

  "Mama, this is hardly a success." Violet plopped down on the bed beside her mother. "It's quite obvious to everyone what the duke is after and they cannot be envious."

  "That girl, Lady Galena, certainly must be."

  "Lady Galena? I don’t know her," said Violet.

  "She’s a young friend of Lady de Compte. Or at least lately she is her friend. I had not seen them together before. Yet I was observing her and she seemed not to take her eyes off the duke."

  "Many people cannot take their eyes off him," said Violet laughing, "I noticed that myself when I was dancing with him. I could almost feel pin pricks on my back from the many eyes observing us. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling, I can tell you."

  "You must ignore that, my dear, for it cannot be helped."

  "Do you know that Jared calls the duke 'Uncle Perry'?" Violet asked her mother. "It almost seems as though he is talking of someone else when he says it. I have also seen him address him as 'Uncle Perry' and it seems quaint to me, as he is the only one who calls him thus. He is his grace to most people and 'Hawk' to his friends. He seems somehow less intimidating when referred to by Jared as 'Uncle Perry' but I'm sure that is only a fancy. He certainly seems like 'Hawk' to me. I confess I am awed by him and cannot feel I could really ever come to know him well, no matter that we have had numerous encounters." She suppressed their unfortunate encounter in the wood, replacing it quickly with another thought.

  "That seems a curious thing to say," said her mother.

  "Mama, you look so pale. I'm being selfish, keeping you here talking. Are you feeling unwell?"

  "Now that you say, it my dear, I confess I haven't felt myself since we left London. I don't know what could be the matter. Perhaps it is only melancholy. Your father has been gone for two days and I miss him terribly. He is the anchor of my life, my dear. And I must admit I can never be entirely at ease when he is on the road. Only when he is back again at my side will I feel better. The threat of highwaymen keeps me awake at night."

  "I miss him terribly too. But you mustn't think of highwaymen, Mama, it will only upset you.

  "I wish Calvin had been well enough to make the trip to the castle with us," she added.

  Calvin, Violet's half-brother was a frail young man who was prone to illness.

  "He was not well enough but only because of a cold, my dear. It appears la grippe is on a rampage throughout the country. But I am at ease, for the physician your father procured for him two years ago has improved Calvin's health so much he is a changed person. That tonic he gives him makes him stronger by the day."

  Violet turned to gaze at Lady Bea who was dozing by the window and snoring softly. She took a coverlet and covered the lady with it, smiling at her with affection.

  "Yes. We could spend the whole day talking about how wonderful Papa has been to us and it would not be enough, Mama," said Violet, coming back from the window, her eyes misting.

  "Would you like for me to ring for a tea tray?" she asked. "I believe it would take your mind off Papa, for a while, at least. He will be coming soon, you must not dwell so much on it. Certainly our stay here provides a lot of entertainment that may keep your mind off worries. And even though you are restrained by your cold, I don't believe fresh air and sunlight as will be provided at the picnic would do you harm.

  "Yes, Vi. A cup of tea would make me feel much better, I am certain of it. I do want to be in spirits for the picnic, but only for your sake."

  "If it’s only for my sake you are going to the picnic don’t do so, Mama, the picnic is unimportant to me. It’s your health that concerns me. I don’t like to see you sad. And I shall not attend either if you do not; I would prefer to keep you company."

  "No. That would not make me at all happy," said Sadie quickly. "I will be well enough with the tea. Besides, it’s several hours before the picnic. I have ample time to rest and regain my energy."

  Violet left her mother asleep after she had finished her tea. She went to the window seat and looked down at the lawns.

  Her mind fled again to her interlude in the wood as her body shook with longing and regret. She realized her heart was broken and it would never mend.

  CHAPTER 15

  She must not allow herself to be alone with Hawk ever again, thought Violet as she glanced at her mother. It was several hours later and almost time for the picnic. Sadie's cold had not improved. In fact, she seemed paler and more listless than before.

  How Violet wished her father's business up north had not taken so much time.

  She sighed with exasperation. They had received a letter by express in which Lord Kelly informed them that he would probably miss the entire house party and return only to escort them back to London.

  “I do miss him terribly, my dear," said Sadie as she folded the letter, which she had read to Violet. "But at least he will be coming back in time to return to London with us. I cannot feel safe in the highway without him, even with the outriders."

  As a child Violet had often wished that her father had not died, for Sadie, unable to tell Violet about Lord Kelly, had told her instead that her father was someone else, someone who had died. Violet's innocent wishes and prayers had been that perhaps her mother had obtained wrong information and that her father had not died when she was born and that someday he would return.

  She would fantasize that ogres and monsters held her father captive and that was why he could not come to her, but that once freed he would miraculously work his way and finally reach her. She outgrew those childhood wishes, yet the hurt and the longing had stayed, muted in her soul.

  Then God had, incredibly so, granted her dearest wish! How could she not believe in miracles when several had happened in her life?

  She had been speechless when her mother confessed to her that Lord Kelly was her father.

  "Yes, Mama," she agreed wholeheartedly, coming back from her drift to the past, "at least Papa will return in time to take us back to London. We should not have come, with you not feeling well."

  "I insisted on it, my dear, remember?" Sadie asserted. "And do stop worrying about me. It is not the first time I am with a cold."

  * * *

  "What are you so thoughtful about, Miss Durbin?"

  Violet could not disguise the surprise in her voice as Lady Galena approached her and sat by her on the lawn bench.

  "Nothing at all, my lady, just enjoying this lovely day."

  "Please call me Galena, my friends do," said Galena.

  "As you wish," said Violet. "Please call me Violet, my lady." Violet said what was expected of her because she could hardly do otherwise even as she wondered at the girl’s friendliness when before she had ignored Violet.

  Perhaps the duke's invitation to Castle Cynweir had broken down some barriers for them in society, if the haughty Lady Galena now sought her company.

  But Violet prized her solitude and if this 'acceptance' meant she would have less of it she certainly did not welcome the acceptance for her part. Besides, with the fickleness of society, who knew the reasons for this change? Perhaps they were only waiting to see what others would do.

  Violet hardly knew Galena and so had really nothing to say, so she commented on the fine weather for the picnic and then was silent. But Galena was not short on conversation.

  "I have been meaning to talk to you Violet, but have hesitated because you seem so withdrawn."

  "Talk to me? Of something in particular, my lad—"

  "Galena."

  “It seems we have a mutual friend."

  "Friend?"

  "Yes, Lady de Compte has assured me she is well acquainted with your mother and she is particularly fond of you."

  "Oh? Well, I…”

  "I have been meaning to speak to you about it, Violet, but you always seem so remote. I could not think how to approach you. I then happened to mention
this to Lady de Compte and she suggested I speak to you without ceremony and perhaps it will be the first step towards friendship between us. So that is what I did. You are not sorry I did?"

  "No, not at all. I'm—glad you told me, Galena," said Violet. She did not want to sound unappreciative of Galena's enthusiasm at seeking friendship with her.

  "Would you like to stroll down that path and view the gathering crowd? I believe some people are still arriving that missed the first ball. And how festive it looks," said Galena, and added, "and there is something else I wanted to talk to you about."

  "Something else?"

  "Papa told me your father is thinking of buying Windsong from me."

  "Windsong?"

  "My mare."

  "That's a nice name for a mare," said Violet. Did you name her?"

  "Papa did."

  "Yes," added Violet. "Papa mentioned that the best horse for me he had seen was yours. That is, I didn't know it was yours, just that the Earl of Maddington and he had talked about it. Why are you selling it?"

  "I don't ride very much," answered Galena, "so Windsong is seldom exercised, except when the grooms take her out. Do you ride?"

  "Every day, almost," answered Violet. "But in London I only have access to Lady Bea's mare, Meadow, and that mare is getting very old."

  "Then you'll be happy with Windsong." Galena glanced at the crowd. "The day is fine for a picnic."

  "Yes.”

  "I hear your mother is ill with a cold, as is my mama," she added."

  "Yes," said Violet, “Mama is ill. It seems this malady has affected a lot of people."

  "Shall we return, Violet?" asked Galena. “I see Mama motioning to me. "They had gone up the hill a little ways along a path.

  When they joined the rest of the gathering, Galena turned to Violet. "I hope to see you later."

  "Yes, of course," said Violet.