Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  As it was, every single one of her dances was marked, and the next man was ready before she even got off the dancefloor. Maggie was worn out, and her feet were hurting. George had teased her that she was going to dance her feet off if she wasn’t careful. Maggie had barely been allowed to sit down all evening.

  She was very well pleased knowing George was there. He was fun and kept her smiling when all she wanted to do was scream. This was all too painful on her poor feet, and Maggie knew she would struggle to walk tomorrow.

  Eventually, she whispered to George that she needed to rest. George, like the surrogate brother he had become, promised to intercede. Luckily the next bloke due for a dance was an odious man in his early thirties who smelt awful and had a few teeth missing. He also seemed to think women were there to be grabbed and dragged behind curtains to have a bit of fun. Several of the women had already bashed him over the head with their fans. Maggie was only too happy to turn down this dance, and since her card was full, she was assured he wouldn’t get another opportunity.

  While George told her next dance partner that she had excused herself from the dance floor, Maggie slipped outside onto the terrace. It was dark even with the lights coming from the house, but the moon was full and cast a silvery sheen across the lawn. It was beautiful, and Maggie stood at the edge of the terrace for a moment to look at the scenery.

  There was a rustling in the bushes behind her that had Maggie jumping with a small squeal and spinning around.

  “Who’s there?”

  She hoped it wasn’t her next dance partner. She would not remain outside without a chaperone with a horrid man such as that.

  “It’s me.”

  A shadow moved, and the duke stepped into the light. He looked handsome in his satin clothes, his coat, and trousers a navy blue. His hair looked like it had been cut. Something had changed in him from the last time they had met two weeks ago.

  Maggie relaxed.

  “Your Grace.” She curtsied, momentarily remembering her manners. “I’m sorry, you made me jump.”

  “My apologies.” Duke Poltyne approached her. A slight smile was touching his lips. “You looked like you were enjoying yourself in there.”

  “Really?” Maggie blew air out the corners of her mouth. “Everyone wants to dance with me, and I’m thoroughly exhausted.”

  “I’m not surprised. Anyone in their right mind would want to dance with you.”

  Maggie’s heart fluttered. Did he mean something by that? She hoped so. Then she narrowed her eyes at him.

  “Speaking of dancing, I notice you’re not dancing.”

  “I’m not a dancer.” Poltyne shrugged. “I prefer to just mingle and observe.”

  “But isn’t that boring?”

  “Not for me. I’ve never been much of a dancer.”

  Maggie didn’t believe that. He was a lithe, fit-looking man. It was easy to imagine him dancing like a dream and having the ladies flock around him.

  But she hadn’t noticed his presence at the ball at all so far. Maggie was sure he would have been there with all the women fawning over him. She wouldn’t have joined the throng, preferring instead to withdraw and conceal her jealousy.

  Jealousy? Would she really be jealous if the duke chose another woman?

  To her surprise, Maggie realized she would be.

  She decided to be brave.

  “I’m sure you can prove to me that you can dance.” She managed an impish grin. “Perhaps you can show me?”

  But the duke shook his head.

  “I’m sorry, Maggie. I rarely dance. Much as dancing with you would be an honor, I don’t want to show you up.”

  Maggie’s breathing faltered. Did he think dancing with her would be an honor? She swallowed.

  “You couldn’t do that even if you tried.” She said teased.

  The duke blinked. They stared at each other. Maggie felt her heart beat quickening. Something was transpiring between them, and it was happening quickly. Evidently, it wasn’t just affecting her from the way the duke’s nostrils flared, and his eyes seemed to darken.

  “Maggie!”

  Maggie jumped. The duke moved away, and it was then that Maggie realized he had been standing very close to her. Sarah was standing in the doorway to the ballroom, looking out into the garden.

  “Maggie, are you out there?”

  “Coming, Auntie Sarah.”

  This satisfied her aunt, and she disappeared back inside. Maggie turned back to the duke and shrugged.

  “I’d better go back in. I can’t be missed.”

  “Of course not.” The duke’s mouth twitched in amusement. “Not when you’re the most sought-after belle of the ball.”

  Maggie didn’t want to stand out. She just wanted to be with Erasmus Poltyne.

  Where had that thought come from, she mused?

  Before she lost her confidence, Maggie hurried over to the duke and tugged him down by his coat. He bent over, and Maggie kissed his cheek. It was just a quick peck, and she pulled away before he could respond. Then she hurried away, feeling his surprised gaze on her back.

  Chapter 7

  How He Came To Be

  Maggie didn’t see Erasmus Poltyne return. She was so distracted with the next few dances that she wasn’t sure if he had come back in. Whenever she scanned the room, she couldn’t see him. Perhaps he was in the dining hall or in another room in the house. That had to be it.

  Finally, George came over for his dance. He had managed to get himself on Maggie’s dance card several times to break up the throng of admirers, and for that Maggie was most grateful. This time, they didn’t dance but sat at the edge of the dancefloor. A few older ladies had asked her why they weren’t dancing, but Maggie said she was worn out and George was more than happy to sit with her. There were a few looks that suggested this wasn’t how they did things, but they left them alone.

  As they sat watching the other dancers, Maggie looked around again to see if she could see Erasmus. But he had gone. Either that or he was in another part of the house.

  George sprawled beside her, crossing his legs and bobbing his head in time to the beat of the orchestra. Maggie decided to broach another subject involving his cousin. Either George would answer or he wouldn’t, but Maggie was curious to know.

  “Why doesn’t Erasmus enjoy dancing?”

  George blinked in surprise at her.

  “Who told you that?”

  “He did. We met on the terrace when I was taking an intermission from dancing. I was wondering why he didn’t like it. Why would he not like dancing?”

  George was silent for a moment. Maggie thought he wasn’t going to answer her. Then he spoke.

  “Erasmus did dance at one time. But he’s not found much joy in life, especially not in the last two years.”

  “Why? What on earth happened?”

  Maggie knew she was inquisitive, but she had to know. She had to know why Erasmus was the way he was.

  “I’m not sure if I should disclose that.”

  “Please, George.”

  George sighed. He still didn’t look confident.

  “My uncle and aunt both got frightfully ill within days of each other. They’d been caught out in a snowstorm on the way back from visiting relatives. Erasmus’ fiancée at the time was in the carriage with them while Erasmus had gone on ahead. His mother, father, fiancée, footman and coachman all caught this deadly fever,” He swallowed. “All but the footman died within hours of each other right before Christmas.”

  Maggie’s heart momentarily stopped. His mother and father? And his fiancée? Maggie couldn’t think of anything more dreadful.

  “Oh, my goodness, that’s awful.”

  “Erasmus has been suffering from guilt ever since. He was the one who rescued them all, but he condemns himself, that he never got there in time.”

  Now Maggie understood his reaction and why he was so miserable. She couldn’t begin to imagine what he had gone through. To lose your parents was terrible but
to lose the person you were going to marry had to be soul-destroying.

  That very instant Maggie wanted to go and find the duke and embrace him. She didn’t care who saw them; she just wanted to hold him close.

  Erasmus sat in his chair staring at the fire, his glass empty in his hand. He was exhausted and knew he should head up to his chambers, but he also knew he would be tossing and turning for hours before he finally fell asleep.

  Why had he gone tonight? Because he wanted to see Maggie again. After not seeing her for two weeks Erasmus had wanted to check that she was all right. Seeing her in that ballroom, smiling and laughing had made his chest tighten. Even with Lucy, he hadn’t experienced feelings like this before. With Lucy, everything seemed comfortable, almost bland. Erasmus had loved Lucy, but it hadn’t been all-consuming.

  Whereas everything with Maggie felt complete. He felt serene when she was near as if she was the person to slow down his train of thought. He didn’t feel as jittery when she was close. Erasmus had never experienced jealousy of this magnitude. Seeing Maggie dancing with several men hadn’t helped his discomfort and Erasmus had finally taken his leave, unable to watch any longer.

  While she was unknowingly bringing him out of his solemn state, seeing her enjoy herself with other men hadn’t made Erasmus feel any better.

  He shouldn’t feel jealous; Maggie could have her pick. He was convinced that she wouldn’t favor a man like himself, even if he had a title. But that kiss she had given him, did that mean something?

  Erasmus didn’t know what to think anymore.

  The door to the library opened, and someone appeared in the doorway. George’s voice whispered across the room.

  “Erasmus? What are you doing in here? I would’ve thought you’d have retired by now.”

  “I couldn’t sleep.” That was partially correct. Erasmus hadn’t been to bed yet. “How was the party?”

  “It was good.” George shut the door and padded softly across the room. He sat on the sofa nearest the fire, the light from the flames flickering across his face. “Very enjoyable in fact.”

  Erasmus grunted.

  “I noticed you were with Maggie a great deal.”

  Was he starting to be jealous of his cousin? It was clear he and Maggie got along amiably together. Would there be wedding bells in the future? Now Erasmus felt like he wanted to strike out at something.

  “We do spend time together. She’s a lovely girl.” George frowned. “Why are you mentioning that? Are you jealous?”

  “Of course I’m not.”

  But Erasmus realized he had said it too quickly when George’s frown cleared as realization dawned.

  “You are!” He slapped his thigh and grinned. “You are jealous!”

  Erasmus growled.

  “Didn’t you hear me? I told you I’m not jealous.”

  “Yes, yes, keep telling yourself that.” George was still grinning. “Let me know what you believe yourself. Come on; you wouldn’t be asking about her if you weren’t interested. And if it’s any consolation, she was asking about you as well.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “I told her about your parents and Lucy.” George must have seen the expression on his face because he suddenly straightened up. “She deserves to know, Erasmus,” He added hurriedly, “Before you disown me. You know it.”

  Erasmus growled. As far as he was concerned, Maggie didn’t need to know.

  “That’s personal, George.” He growled.

  “Erasmus, everyone knows about it, so that’s not personal.” George grinned. “Besides, I think Maggie is fond of you. She wouldn’t be asking about you if she didn’t have feelings.”

  “She would. Women are inquisitive, and they like to gossip.”

  But Erasmus knew this wasn’t Maggie. She wasn’t the type to trade petty conversation. Hers was a much nobler character. Soon she would no doubt succumb to one of her many admirers and agree to be someone’s wife.

  That man was going to be the most fortunate person in the land.

  So why did that leave a sour taste in his mouth?

  Chapter 7

  Connecting

  “Uninterested already, are you?”

  Maggie squealed and dropped the book she had been browsing. Erasmus stood in the doorway to the library, watching her with some amusement. It had been nearly a week since she had last seen him and suddenly Maggie’s heart was fluttering wildly. Why did he have to look so handsome?

  Swallowing and aware she was blushing furiously, Maggie crouched and picked up the book. Thankfully the spine wasn’t broken, and none of the pages had fallen out.

  “I was waiting for George.” She explained quickly, putting the book back on the shelf. “He said we could go to the Grandston ball together since we live in the same direction. I wasn’t intruding,” She added hurriedly as she saw Erasmus’ eyebrow twitch upwards, “He told me to wait here.”

  George was notorious for being tardy, even when getting dressed. Maggie hadn’t minded; she had been looking for an excuse to have a look round the library. George was more than happy to let her wait in there, and Maggie had spent nearly half an hour looking through the various books. Her favorite ones were the gothic novels. They covered the shelves all along the wall opposite the window. The collection was incredible, and virtually all of them were first editions. Maggie loved her books, so she was in heaven.

  “Don’t be alarmed, I know he said that.” Erasmus entered the room, closing the door behind him. He made his way across the floor, leaning against the bookcase beside her. “I’m just pleased to know you like my choice of reading.”

  “Really?” Maggie looked at all the books. “These are yours?”

  “Well, technically all the books in this room belong to me, but all of the gothic novels are mine.” Erasmus waved a hand along the shelf. “First editions all along this wall. I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to books, I’m afraid.”

  Maggie could feel something different about Erasmus. He seemed calmer, more talkative. The duke was opening up more to her, and she liked it. This appeared to be a big step for him, and Maggie was honored he was choosing her to use his newfound confidence.

  “You’re certainly a hoarder of the gothic ones.” Maggie ran a finger over the spines, aware of Erasmus’ eyes boring into her back; the back of her neck heating up. “You’ve probably got all the books ever written in that genre.”

  Erasmus chuckled.

  “There are one or two that had been elusive, but they’re all there now.”

  Maggie whistled. She couldn’t believe it. All the books she could ever hope to read were right in front of her. It was like paradise.

  “Have you read all of them?”

  “At some point, yes.” Erasmus tilted his head to one side. “You like to read, then?”

  “Of course I do.” Maggie laughed when she saw the surprised look on his face. “Why is that such a surprise?”

  “Because you’re continually moving about. George says you’re more adventurous than he is and that’s saying something.”

  Maggie chuckled. She nodded towards the window. It had gotten very stormy while she was inside and the clouds looked like they were going to threaten rain at any moment.

  “I don’t like rain.” She admitted. “And so on rainy days I prefer to curl up in a corner and read. My father would wonder if the fairies had taken away his child and replaced her with an imposter.”

  Erasmus laughed. Maggie was startled. He could actually laugh, and it was one of the nicest sounds she had ever heard.

  Then the door to the library opened, and the spell was broken. Maggie started and spun around to see George entering, tying up his cravat.

  “Sorry about that, Maggie, I was just…” George looked up and saw Erasmus, who had straightened up from the bookshelf. “Erasmus. I didn’t know you were in here.”

  “We were just discussing all things gothic.” Erasmus looked back at Maggie and grinned, turning him from handsome to abso
lutely gorgeous. “Perhaps on the way you can tell me all about your favorite writers and what makes you want to read about the sublime.”

  Maggie felt like she had forgotten how to breathe. She had never seen Erasmus behave this way and it was making her feel giddy.

  Before she thought she had been on a firm footing. Now she hadn’t got a clue what to do with regards to Erasmus Poltyne.

  Erasmus stood in the corner and watched as Maggie danced with another admirer, who said something to make her laugh. But the laughter seemed to come out strained. Everything about her looked genuine, but Erasmus could tell she wasn’t entirely at peace with herself. She appeared to be having a difficult time.

  He longed to go over and do something to make her smile, but he was rooted to the spot. In the two hours since they had arrived Erasmus had been bombarded with young women and their mothers, demanding more than asking him to dance or make engagements with them. Erasmus had politely but firmly turned them all down and by the time he discovered Maggie she was surrounded by several young men who were practically fawning over her.

  Erasmus didn’t like this. He didn’t mind that Maggie was enjoying herself, but it meant he wasn’t. When she had been sitting next to him in his carriage, laughing with him, Erasmus felt the most relaxed he had been in a long time. Even George had noticed the change but tactfully didn’t say anything. But now she was away from him, and he felt like he desperately needed her back beside him.

  It was astonishing that this young woman could create all these feelings in him and they hadn’t even spent a significant amount of time together. That had to be momentous.

  “Erasmus.”

  Erasmus looked round. His heart warmed when he saw Sarah Colster walking towards him. It had been several years since they had last seen each other, but Erasmus recognized her immediately. Smiling, he bowed to her.

  “Sarah.”

  “Hello, dear.” Sarah kissed his cheek as he straightened up. She grinned. “It’s a delight to see you. I didn’t think I’d see you here.”

  Erasmus knew what she meant. Dances certainly weren’t his interest, and he went to as few as he could get away with. As a duke, he was expected to attend balls, but there was no rule as to how many. He shrugged.