by Emma Evans
That was who she was. Forgotten. Alone. Almost invisible.
Her heart tore. She did not want to be alone for the rest of her life, did not want to be the spinster aunt that would one day be forced to beg Sarah for help, being used by her as a nursemaid, or a governess, or whatever else her sister decided was fitting for her. She did not want any of that. Her heart longed for a home of her own, a family and children whom she could raise with love and consideration—giving them what she herself had never received.
But that seemed like an entirely unreachable dream. She was not about to become a diamond of the first water, could never change her appearance to be more of a beauty. Her parents would never lavish gifts on her as they did with Sarah. Perhaps they would try and set up a match for her, although Grace doubted they would care much about the gentleman she married. She was a secondary thought, almost an inconvenience. They would be glad to get rid of her from their lives.
Fighting tears, Grace lifted her chin and drew in a few long breaths, glad that the rest of the beau monde were still either abed or preparing for this afternoon’s calls. She would not return home any time soon. She would linger in the library for as long as possible, glad that she had found such a place that she could call her refuge. They knew her well there, for she had visited each summer with an ever-increasing frequency. It was a place where she could sit and read, where a pot of tea and cup and saucer were provided for her, so that she could slip into an entirely new world without any thought of the one she was currently in. At least there she would be safe.
“Miss Kingston!”
Stopping dead, Grace slowly turned her head to see none other than Lord Larchmont waving at her from across the road. Her heart sank. She had been rude to him last evening, unspeakably so, and all because she had been upset with her sister. Sarah had managed a few snide remarks before they’d even entered the recital, leaving Grace’s face burning crimson.
She’d taken out her frustration on Lord Larchmont, had mocked him for having such a lingering affection for her sister, when what she ought to have done was to keep her mouth firmly closed.
“Lord Larchmont,” she murmured as he came towards her with no kind of smile on his face. “Good afternoon.”
“I need to speak with you,” he said brusquely. “Might I walk with you for a time? I can see that your maid is with you, so there will be no sense of impropriety.”
She opened her mouth to refuse, desperate to be alone, but found his presence so overwhelming that she could do nothing but nod.
“I am on my way to a library that I often frequent,” she managed to say, beginning to walk along the street again. “It is only a short distance away. You have until I reach there to say whatever it is you wish to talk to me about.”
Lord Larchmont fell into step with her at once. “Thank you, Miss Kingston.” He did not say anything more, but rather walked in silence for a few minutes, leaving Grace a little confused as to why he had wanted to walk with her.
“Miss Knighton,” he began eventually as she glanced up at him. “I have something I must ask you.”
Grace held back her sigh, shaking her head to herself. “Let me guess, Lord Larchmont. You wish to speak to me about my sister.”
He glanced at her and nodded, his lips in a thin line. “Indeed, Miss Kingston. I wish you to tell me how I might secure her hand.”
“Secure her hand?” Grace repeated, a harsh laugh escaping her lips. “My goodness, Lord Larchmont, are you quite mad? My sister is recently engaged.”
“Precisely,” Lord Larchmont replied crisply. “And that is why I wish to press my attentions on her. You see, some years ago we had a tentative agreement and it is entirely my doing that such an agreement came to an end.”
Grace narrowed her eyes, suspicion rising in her heart. This did not sound genuine in the least and certainly not from Sarah.
“I should have found her and introduced myself again the moment I arrived in London,” Lord Larchmont continued, sounding almost sad that he had not done such a thing, “but I was caught up with other matters which have, in fact, now been resolved.”
Sniffing with a distinct disdain, Grace turned her head away and returned her gaze to the pavement in front of her. “Lord Larchmont, I cannot condone a breaking of an engagement.”
To her surprise, he laughed softly. “Ah, but this is for a very good reason, Miss Kingston.”
“A good reason?” she repeated disbelievingly. “And what is that?”
There was a short pause and, as she shot a quick look up towards Lord Larchmont, she saw that he was gazing into the distance with an almost magical look on his face.
“Because, Miss Kingston, I am in love with her,” he declared grandly. “I know that she feels the same way but has not had a chance to allow her affection to develop. I am quite sure of it, you understand, otherwise she would not have said such a thing to me the last time I saw her.”
Grace felt her stomach tighten with a sudden anxiety, feeling almost sorry for Lord Larchmont. “My lord, my sister has often said things to various gentlemen with no intention of doing as she has promised.”
“No, no, I will not allow you to try and discourage me,” he laughed, shaking his head. “I know that she did not marry during her other Seasons because she was waiting for my return. We were very fond of one another, you see, and it has only been my absence that had caused such a thing to come to an end. I am sure that, in time, she will come to see that I can offer her more than Lord Wilson ever could.”
Letting out a long, heavy sigh, Grace stopped dead and looked up at Lord Larchmont with steel in her gaze.
“Lord Larchmont, what makes you think that Lord Wilson does not love my sister?” she asked calmly, seeing his eyes dart away. “What if her affections have changed in your absence? It is not right for you to try and do such a thing as bring an end to their engagement if they are deeply in love, is it?”
There was a short pause as Lord Larchmont looked all about him, clearly scrambling for an answer.
“In short, Lord Larchmont, I cannot allow such a thing to go ahead,” Grace continued firmly. “As much as I dislike Lord Wilson, I think him a perfect match for my sister. You are in the wrong here, Lord Larchmont. Do excuse me.”
She made to turn away, only for him to grasp her arm, his eyes wide and pleading. “Please, Miss Kingston, I am only asking for a chance to become reacquainted with her, that is all. If she chooses to continue with her engagement and subsequent marriage to Lord Wilson, then so be it. At least then I will know for certain that what she said to me is now dead and gone—and the blame shall land squarely on my shoulders.”
Despite herself, Grace found herself considering Lord Larchmont’s words, looking up into his face and taking in his earnest expression, the hope lit in his green eyes.
“I do not understand why you require me for this, Lord Larchmont,” she said eventually, seeing him brighten at once. “What is it you are asking of me?”
“Well,” he continued, a little awkwardly. “If I am to be within her inner circle, if I am to truly be able to spend some time in her company, then I will require to be close to your family. I thought, perhaps, you might allow me to court you for a time—just until things are certain between myself and your sister.”
It was as though he had taken a dagger and stabbed it directly into her heart. Once again, she was to be used and then discarded, just as she had been before.
“And I am simply to be tossed aside, regardless of whether or not my sister accepts you?” she choked out, her hands tightening into fists as she struggled to keep a hold of her temper. “I am to be made into a laughingstock, for when my sister marries and you choose to step away from me, I will be left alone as the lady Lord Larchmont put aside, is that it?” she tossed her head, battling hot, angry tears. “No, Lord Larchmont, I do not agree. Nothing you could say would induce me to—”
“I would marry you,” he interjected, bringing her torrent of words to a sudden abrupt cl
ose. “I mean, if my hopes are dashed, then I would marry you and make you my wife. If my hopes are fulfilled, then I will do all I can to secure you a husband of your own, a good match. One that will keep you secure for the rest of your days.”
Grace’s shoulders slumped, not sure whether or not to feel angry, upset or even elated. “So I would marry a man who is heartbroken and only sees me as his second choice,” she murmured aloud, her head hanging down. “My goodness, Lord Larchmont, you certainly know how to make a lady an offer she cannot refuse.”
Hearing the spite and the sarcasm in her words, Grace looked up at Lord Larchmont who was standing motionless, his own lips thin.
“It is not as though you have had many other offers, Miss Kingston,” he replied with a slight curl of his lip. “Think about what I have said and write to me as soon as you have made your decision. In the next day or two, if you please.”
He handed her his card, which she took with numb fingers, and then turned and marched down the street, leaving her standing alone on the London street. As alone as she always had been.
Chapter Four
Stephen grinned to himself as his butler handed his mother her usual glass of brandy, knowing that she was most unusual in this aspect of her daily life. She always took a measure of brandy in the afternoon, before any visits took place. It was to fortify her, she said, although it still made Stephen smile to see her so respectable and graceful with a glass of brandy in one hand.
“And this came for you, my lord,” the butler murmured, handing him a short note. “Do excuse me.”
Stephen turned the letter over, a small frown on his face as he saw the seal, only to remember his conversation with Miss Grace Kingston the day before.
“Something important?” his mother inquired as he broke the seal and unfolded the letter. “Goodness, Larchmont, you’re almost giddy!”
Reading the lines quickly, Stephen sat back in his chair with a sigh of relief, his lips tipping upwards as he thought of Miss Sarah Kingston. With her sister agreeing to his court, he was certain that very soon, he would have Sarah by his side instead of her standing with Lord Wilson. What she had said to him all those years ago when they had been dancing together could not easily be forgotten.
“It is a note from Miss Kingston, Mama,” he said, folding up the letter and putting it in his pocket. “I should inform you that I intend to court her.”
His mother frowned. “But I think she is already engaged, Larchmont. It was quite a quick engagement, I believe, but she is not free to be courted. I am surprised that you suggested such a thing, and even more astonished that she agreed.”
Laughing, Stephen got out of his seat, going to pour himself a brandy. “No, Mama, Miss Grace Kingston.”
“Miss Grace?” his mother repeated, frowning all the more deeply as she struggled to place the name. “I do not think I have ever been introduced to her. Is she as lovely as her sister?”
Recalling just how spiteful the lady had been, how angry and upset she had been with him, Stephen only just managed to stifle his snort. “No, Mama, she is nothing like her sister,” he replied, shaking his head. “In fact, I would say she is precisely the opposite. Sarah is angelic, a diamond of the first water—whereas Grace is easily forgettable.”
Tipping her head, Stephen saw his mother’s gaze narrow. “Then why are you courting her, Stephen? From what I recall, you were rather interested in Miss Sarah Kingston, so to press your attentions on her sister seems rather a foolish thing to do.”
“You have such a sharp mind, Mama,” Stephen chuckled, shaking his head. “Let us just say that I intend to marry one of the sisters—it is just not yet decided which one, even though I know Miss Sarah Kingston is already betrothed.”
“You will not cause a scandal, Larchmont, I hope?” his mother enquired, lifting one eyebrow. “You carry the family title and, as such, must behave with honor and dignity, being beyond reproach at all times.”
“I am well aware of that, Mama,” Stephen promised, throwing back the rest of his brandy. “You need not worry. I am always careful and always respectable.”
She nodded, although the concern did not leave her face. “Where are you going now?”
Stephen grinned. “I am to go and see my dear lady,” he replied with a slightly mocking air. “I am to call on Miss Grace Kingston and make my intentions apparent to her family and to her sister.” He felt a small smile settle on his face as he strode to the door. “I am sure it will all go splendidly.”
“Lord Stephen Larchmont, to see Miss Grace Kingston.”
Stephen walked into the drawing room, aware that both sisters were rising to their feet, a maid knitting quietly in the corner.
“Good afternoon to you all,” he said warmly, allowing his gaze to linger on Sarah for just a moment too long. “I do hope that my unexpected visit does not inconvenience you.”
“No, indeed,” Miss Sarah replied, gesturing for him to sit down. “I am just waiting for Lord Wilson to call. We are to go for a short walk in the park.” She smiled at him, her eyes shining, and Stephen felt his stomach tighten. “You are welcome to join us, of course. It is a very fine day.”
Stephen felt his mouth go dry as he struggled to find an answer, a little taken aback by her bold statement.
“After all,” she continued, after a few seconds of silence, “if you are here to call on my sister, then I am certain she would enjoy walking with us also.”
Reality hit him hard. “Yes, of course,” he replied, clearing his throat and looking expectantly towards Miss Grace, who was glaring at him with her cheeks a bright red.
“Miss Kingston, would you like to walk this afternoon?”
“Oh, really, Lord Larchmont, you must refer to us as ‘Miss Sarah’ and ‘Miss Grace’, else we shall become very confused,” Miss Sarah laughed, reaching across to pat his arm. “I am sure my sister would be delighted to come with us, Lord Larchmont. Now, shall we call for tea whilst we wait for Lord Wilson?”
Stephen did not know what to say for a moment, managing only to smile and murmur something unintelligible whilst Miss Sarah got up to ring the bell, only for the maid to step inside with a tray only a minute later, having clearly been ready and prepared for the ring of the bell.
“My dear Lord Larchmont, you must tell me all about your return to London,” Miss Sarah continued as she began to pour the tea. “It has been some time since you left us and I have often thought of you and your promise to return.”
Everything began to fade away at Sarah’s words and, as Stephen sat a little further forward in his chair, he saw her glance up at him and smile, her cheeks a dusty pink.
Goodness, she was even more beautiful than he remembered.
“Yes, I was called away on some business relating to my family,” he said as she handed him a cup with just a dash of milk, just as he liked it. He had to hope that it was because she had remembered how he took it, their fingers brushing as he took the cup from her. His heart jolted, his body tensing for a second, rendering him momentarily speechless.
“Your family?”
An unfamiliar voice spoke and, starting with surprise, Stephen turned his head to see Miss Grace looking at him, her face crimson with either embarrassment or anger.
And shame filled him as he looked back at her, realizing that he had ignored her entirely. Not only that, but he had actually forgotten about her presence with them, having lost himself to Miss Sarah’s beauty once again.
“Yes, my family,” he stammered, his tea sloshing dangerously close to the edge of the cup. “I—I have a brother.” He stumbled to a stop, not wishing to reveal any more about his brother to them, his mother’s words about being respectable and honorable at all times springing back into his mind.
“How fortunate for you to have a sibling,” Miss Sarah sighed, her rosebud lips pursing for a moment. “I have often thought how lonely it would be without my sister.”
Stephen saw Miss Grace frown, saw her hands folding tightly in her
lap and her mouth clamp shut, a little confused as to why such a sentiment would render her so frustrated, only for Miss Sarah to continue on.
“Yes, I think it a wonderful blessing to have a sister such as Miss Grace,” she sighed, looking fondly at her sister. “Tell me, Lord Larchmont, are you close to your brother?”
He shook his head, still a little confused over Miss Grace’s apparent fury. “Not particularly, although I am glad to say he is recently married. In fact, he has just gone way on his honeymoon.”
Miss Sarah gasped, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, how wonderful! Was it a spectacular occasion?”
He frowned. “Occasion?”
“Their wedding,” she laughed, as though he were being deliberately ridiculous. “Was it a wonderful day for them both?”
Shrugging, Stephen cleared his throat and tried to come up with an easy answer that did not involve him going into detail. “I think it was, yes.”
Miss Sarah looked to be about to ask him more, only for the door to open and the butler to announce Lord Wilson. Miss Sarah clapped her hands in delight and stood up, hurrying towards the tall, thin gentleman who appeared to have tipped a vat of oil on his hair, such was the grease that held it in place.
Stephen nodded to him, greeting him properly, whilst all the while taking a general dislike to the fellow. Lord Wilson seemed to hold his chin a little higher than the rest of them, as though he were looking down upon them all from some kind of throne. His lips were thin, his eyes sharp but narrow, and his angular face gave him an almost skeletal appearance.
What Miss Sarah saw in him, Stephen could not understand.
A delicate sniff came from Lord Wilson as he regarded the scene in front of him. “And you were having tea without me, my dear?” he asked, looking almost haughtily at Miss Sarah. “I do not know whether or not I should be offended!”