One True Love (A Regency Romance)

by Lisa Follett

  Cassie pressed her lips together to hold back laughter. She could not think of anytime in her life she heard anyone speak with such vehemence and passion. Her parents brought her up to believe it was her duty to act like a lady, to marry and produce children, and to turn a blind eye to a gentleman’s indiscretions. Gently bred young ladies should stay innocent of the world’s sins. Should they not?

  Hearing Mary made her question what she knew about the world. Of course, marriage taught her much already. The few nights she spent with her husband went far beyond her imagination. She felt ridiculously wicked for wanting to do it again.

  She did not have time to question Mary further or even consider their odd conversation. The men came indoors and William whisked her away to go and make their bets. She placed an extravagantly foolish bet of ten pounds on Prince. Although the entire Prescott family felt certain Prince would win by a landside, it occurred to her they might be a bit prejudice. William’s bet of one hundred pounds astounded her. Their servants made an eighth of that amount in a year, and yet they had bet one hundred and ten pounds on a horserace. The guilt squeezed her consciousness.

  As they headed back to their box to watch the race, a palpable energy charged the air that left her breathless and excited. She crossed her fingers and hoped for success. Despite everyone’s excitement, and even her own, she had to squash a lump that continuously threatened to rise in her throat. William held her hand as the race began. She held on for dear life and promised herself she would donate her winnings to charity if Prince won. Perhaps she could convince her husband to do the same.

  The charge in the air made her feel insanely giddy. She joined the chorus of voices, “Go Prince, yes, go, yes!” as Prince crossed the finish line a victor. William picked her up and swung her around, and then shocked her by kissing her fully on the mouth in front of his entire family. Lost in his kiss, she heard the thunderous cheering and celebration over their win as if it were coming to her through a tunnel. She forgot herself and wrapped her own arms around William and thrust her hands into his hair, dearly wanting to feel close to him, to have him hold her, make love to her, but somewhere in the midst, reality waved its’ flag in front of their eyes, as they joined the rest of humanity.

  “How much did I win?” she asked while trying desperately to catch her breath.

  “One hundred pounds my dear. What will you spend it on?” William’s smile made her knees weak. The moment reminded her of their moment in the secret garden where the world seemed perfect.

  “Are you quite serious? One hundred pounds? Oh my!”

  “You can go on a shopping spree on Bond Street tomorrow,” laughed William.

  “Oh no, I would not dare,” Cassie’s voice and her convictions rang clear, “I shall donate my winnings to Anne’s home for orphans.”

  The collective air went out of the room at her statement. Everyone turned and stared at her as if she had two heads. Then Anne rushed over and took her hands. “Oh, my dear, dear Cassie, that is a most generous offer. I shall do the same with my winnings!”

  “Count in my winnings as well,” said William. Cassie wanted to fling her arms around her wonderful husband. Her heart burst with pride, and another thing –love.

  “I will give my winnings as well,” piped in Jane. “I did not need a new bonnet anyway.”

  “It is not much, but I will contribute mine too,” said Elizabeth.

  “Oh, count mine in too,” Mary muttered.

  “This is so wonderful. We have raised such generous children, Lord Camberley.” Lady Camberley smiled up at her husband.

  “And they follow by example. We will give our winnings to your home as well Anne. It is a worthy cause,” said Lord Camberley.

  Anne beamed and Cassie nearly cried from happiness. The collective winnings would make a substantial start for preparing Mulberry House. Stephen and James, beaming from their victory, walked in at that moment.

  “Ten thousand pounds! Prince is a sure fire winner,” cried Stephen.

  “We are all ecstatic with Prince’s win, and each one of us has agreed to contribute our winnings to Anne’s home for orphans,” said Lady Camberley.

  Stephen looked around the room. No one dared speak, as they all focused their eyes on the two brothers. The room snapped with quiet energy as everyone waited for Stephen to answer.

  “Oh hell, I will contribute mine as well,” said Stephen. A cheer erupted from the room, and except for a disapproving glance from Lady Camberley at her son’s inappropriate language in front of ladies, everyone crowded around Stephen to express their thanks.

  “I guess I am not getting out of here without adding my winnings to the pot,” said James.

  “Do not even consider an escape, James Prescott,” said Anne as she hugged each of her brothers.

  Cassie stood back and watched the large and loving family’s interactions. It warmed her to her very toes. They may not have shown a high regard for her as of late, but she felt as if she started something of value today.

  William rested his hand on her waist and looked at her with his dark eyes. She believed she saw something like love shine in his eyes. She would give all she had to see this look on his face every day, and to see his eyes express such emotion. Her heart swelled.

  “You did a good thing today, my dear. Let’s go home so I can show you my appreciation.” The mischievous twinkle in William’s eyes caused her to warm all over. She could not wait to see what he had in mind.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Cassie fingered the rose silk gown as she gazed in the mirror. Katie swept her hair into a coiffure of golden ringlets, leaving one long curl to sweep down and lie across her bosom. Her dress was positively sinful, and for once, she thought she looked beautiful. The tiny diamonds weaved through her curls made her hair shine even more. Despite her self-lecture to not act upon her vanity, she smiled at the angel in the glass reflecting back her smile.

  She wanted to please William. She sighed and turned away from the mirror. Since the horse race, he made a point to spend time with her each day. He conversed with her at breakfast and luncheon, escorted her to teas and on picnics, took her on rides through Hyde Park, and to visit various museums throughout London. And the nights… Oh, the glorious nights when he entered her room and showed her all the ways two people could love. Sweet shivers ran down her body as she remembered his touch, and looked forward to being alone with him again.

  A knock interrupted her dreamy thoughts. “Come.”

  William entered, but when he gazed upon his wife, he froze. She relished the look upon his face. It was the same look he had when ravished her naked body each night; a look of lust, and passion, and desire. His eyes roamed her body displayed by the fashionably low cut of her gown, then his gaze rested on the tops of her generous breasts boosted by her tight whalebone corset.

  “Dear God in heaven,” he breathed.

  “Do you like it?” she turned for his inspection.

  “Do I like it?” he laughed. “I have never seen anyone more lovely, more enticing. In fact, I am quite tempted to forgo the ball and lock myself in here with you for eternity.” William pulled a wood carved box out of his pocket and handed it to her. “I have something for you.”

  “What is it?”

  “A gift for my bride.”

  She opened the box and sucked in a breath, “Oh my.” A diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings glittered inside.

  “Here, let me help you put them on.”

  “I do not know what to say. I never dreamed of owning anything so beautiful or of such value.”

  “Say nothing, just let me look at you.”

  William helped her with the bracelet and necklace, and she completed the ensemble by placing the earbobs on her lobes. He came behind her and put his arms around her waist, and rested his hands on her stomach. Their gazes met in the mirror, and she realized how handsome they looked together. She placed her hands on top of his strong lean ones, and settled against his chest. He kissed h
er ear and her cheek before turning her around.

  “You will sweep Society away tonight.”

  His mouth tenderly took hers in a sweet kiss of adoring reverence. Her bones melted so that she was forced to lay her hands on his chest in order to keep her knees from buckling to the floor.

  “Shall we, my lady?”

  The crush at a ball thrown in her honor amazed her. Carriages lined the Prescott’s drive as ladies in silk gowns and glittering jewels were escorted into the house by finely dressed gentlemen of the ton. Liveried footmen dressed in navy and silver, rushed about attending to every need. Camberley House stood tall, awash in the glow of hundreds of candles and the sounds of Mozart.

  Cassie stood in the receiving line with the Prescott family, and was introduced to each guest by Lady Camberley. She would never learn all of the names and titles: viscounts, earls, marquis’, and dukes, but the most surprising guest was Prinny.

  The moment the Prince Regent entered the ballroom, the ton stopped and lowered into a bow. The future king made his way down the receiving line and stopped in front of her. She never before imagined she would have the opportunity to mix with such a crowd, much less meet a royal at a ball in her honor. She trembled as she tried to remember the proper protocol.

  The prince took her hand and kissed her knuckles –lingering a brief second longer than necessary. She felt William stiffen at her side as the prince gazed at her, raking all of her in, and even letting his eyes rest on her breasts. His blatant perusal of her being shocked her.

  “A vision of loveliness. Wherever did you find her?” asked Prinny.

  “Tucked away in the English countryside, Your Highness,” answered William.

  “Perhaps I should plan a trip to the country. I hear breathing good English country air is good for the constitution, and no doubt finding an English rose is even better.” The crowd laughed, but she failed to understand the joke. She decided the Prince was rather odd, and wondered about the future of her country in the hands of this man. Of course, she would never say such a thing aloud.

  “If you get tired of your new husband, you only have to send a message around and I will be happy to keep your company.” Prinny leered at her, as William’s muscles appeared to jump from his chest.

  William took her hand and kissed it. “You do not need to worry that I will keep my wife entertained, Your Highness.”

  Prinny threw back his head and laughed. “Of course not. What man would not abandon all else to keep the most beautiful woman in England happy. My felicitations on your marriage.” He nodded then moved on. A collective sigh of relief sputtered down the line of Prescotts as the ton turned to visit with one another, and the orchestra struck a new chord.

  William whispered in her ear, “Do not worry, dear. Prinny is a consummate flirt. His attention on you will elevate your success in Society, especially since he called you the most beautiful woman in England, by which I happen to agree.”

  “I feel as if I have been raked from head to toe in front of the entire ton.”

  William’s hand squeezed hers as the next lord and lady strolled down the receiving line. The end finally came, and not a moment too soon. The first strands of the waltz played, and William whisked her onto the dance floor to open the first set.

  Her experience was limited to country dances. Judgmental eyes waited for her to tumble like a country bumpkin, but fortunately, she was blessed with coordination and grace. As her husband swept her into his arms, the strands of music reached her toes, and together they moved about the ballroom as if dancing on clouds.

  “You did great, my dear. I expect you will be a smashing success among Society.”

  The only success she cared about was the success of her marriage. By the way her husband looked at her, she sensed they were well on their way. She relaxed and enjoyed the dance as the rest of Society fell away, and they glided across the room.

  “I was surprised the Prince Regent,” said Cassie.

  “The Prescotts are powerful and wealthy. Wealthy enough to lend Prinny money without pinching our pockets.”

  “Why would the Prince Regent need to borrow money?”

  “He is a terrible wastrel and gambler. He spends more than his allowance and is forever mounting up his debts.”

  They spun to the last strands of music before the waltz ended. She was dizzy from the heat and excitement. “I suppose it is naive of me to feel shocked, but I am. I cannot begin to understand it all. There are starving children on the streets of London who could live a year off of the price of one gown, and yet I indulged in several new gowns per day.”

  William lifted her chin, and forced her to look into his eyes. “Your gown tonight gave work to more than one seamstress. Your contributions to the home for orphans will put food into the bellies of homeless children, give them a warm bed at night, and a chance at survival. Do not forget that.”

  She pressed her lips together in dismay. Even though his words made sense to her ears, she was still bothered by the extravagance of the ton.

  “Lord William, do you plan to keep your lovely wife all to yourself, or will you at least allow a mere prince a turn about the dance floor?” Prinny stood with his hand out to her, and of course, she accepted. After all, what could either of them do?

  “One dance is not too much to ask.” William ground out as he handed her over to the Prince Regent.

  “My lady.”

  She placed her hand on Prinny’s arm as he led her out onto the dance floor. She was honored and privileged to dance with the prince, but truthfully, the only prince she wanted to dance with was her husband. Prinny kept a respectable distance, but she wished he would keep his eyes somewhere besides her bosom. They moved about the dance floor with the eyes of Society on them. Their scrutiny made her uncomfortable.

  They turned and she caught sight of William partnered with a lovely young lady with auburn hair. Cassie watched the two swirl about the room. She expected her husband to partner with other ladies tonight, just as she would partner with other gentlemen, such as the Prince Regent, so why was there a knot in her stomach?

  “Her name is Lady Guinevere, but have no fear, she turned down Lord William’s proposal just last Season. Her parents named her after King Arthur’s Lady Guinevere, but the ton calls her the Ice Princess.”

  “Why do they call her the Ice Princess?”

  “Because her heart is as cold as ice, my dear. Do not worry your pretty little head over the frozen wanton. It is that one there you need to keep an eye on.” Prinny nodded towards a lady with raven hair pulled into a coiffure of ringlet curls. She wore an emerald green silk dress adorned with a low cut bodice, and it clung to her body as if she wet it down. Cassie had heard of this fashion, but never imagined a lady would do such a thing in polite society.

  “Who is she?” asked Cassie.

  “Lady Quartermane. Your husband’s mistress.”

  Cassie struggled for breath. A mistress? William had a mistress? Her knees buckled beneath her, but the prince held her tightly and kept her moving across the dance floor. “If you ever find yourself feeling lonely, I will be more than happy to keep you entertained.”

  How was she to answer such a question? Cassie was certain he saw her discomfiture. “I thank you for your kind offer, but I do believe loneliness is a state of mind.”

  Prinny laughed. Loud. She sensed the sneers of the Society matrons as they turned towards them. Her face burned like a hot flame.

  Just when she thought she might perish of utter mortification the music came to an end. The Prince Regent escorted her back into the arms of her husband and went in search of another lady to victimize.

  Cassie whispered to William, “Did you not see that your wife was a damsel in distress? Could you not charge in and rescue me?”

  He chuckled. “He is harmless, my dear. He would never force himself upon you, but I imagine he made uncomfortable overtures?”

  “Oh yes. Prince or not, he is a rake and a rouge, and, and…oh…I
am so glad the dance is done!” She grabbed William’s arm and held on for dear life, because the night was far from over.

  She danced with powerful lords, polished dandies, and elderly gentlemen with fat bodies and smelly breath. Her feet were stepped upon, and her body ran out of steam after dozens of dances with numerous partners.

  Sometime in the evening she lost track of time, lost track of her dance card, and lost track of her husband. After an excruciating dance with the Duke of Avalon’s third son, she was ready to collapse. As they started to leave the dance floor, a familiar face stepped up and bowed.

  Mr. Parker.

  No, she must remember now.

  Lord Winnington.

  His orange coat and purple breeches nearly threw her into a fit of hysterics as she covered her mouth to suppress bubbling giggles. Regardless of his ridiculous, dandified outfit, he looked every inch the noble, and like a golden Adonis. His smile knocked her giggles away and sent shivers down her spine. This time, she did not experience the tingles she associated with his presence. Despite his brilliant white smile, and the sparkle of his blue eyes, she saw something different.

  “Lord Winnington.”

  “Lady William, may I have the honor of the next dance?”

  Cassie stumbled. The room and hundreds of guests became smaller. She struggled to get her next breath, then searched the ballroom for William. Where was her husband?

  She needed to answer him. Yes. No. Maybe. Should she turn him down and risk the appearance of giving him the cut? Should she say yes and risk the squeeze of pain looming within her chest? What would William want her to do? Would he care? Did it matter if she danced with her former betrothed? She could not think. The people, the noise, and the heat whirled around her until she became dizzy.

  “Are you quite alright? Here, I think you need some air, Cassandra. Let me escort you onto the veranda.” He grasped her hand and placed it on his arm. Her feet moved, but did not recall going across the ballroom and out into the gardens.

  “You are not used to such crowds. So many people, so much pressure. Lord William should not have thrust you into Society without a trial run. He should have eased you into all of this.”