Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  When Arthur acted the same, he was acknowledged but not as much as Susan.

  Why he bothered, he had no idea. But he was beginning to see it was hurting people when he acted like a complete and utter cad.

  However, he hadn’t noticed this until he directed his childish behavior onto Henriette. Something about that situation didn’t sit well with him, and now Arthur felt remorseful. He told himself to apologize the next time he saw Henriette, but she had since then purposefully not attended the same social events. She kept her distance, and Arthur couldn’t think how he could rectify this.

  Yet, even after the way he treated her, she was helping him now. She was taking him home. No one else would do that for him. Arthur wondered what he had done to have this angel come to his rescue.

  “Why are you so kind to me?”

  Henriette glanced back at him before quickly turning back to the path.

  “I’m a disillusioned fool.” She said dryly. “I don’t like you, but I’m not going to leave you here when you need a doctor.”

  Arthur grunted. He had no idea if it was the pain making him talk, or he genuinely wanted to converse with Henriette, but his tongue was decidedly looser.

  “You’re probably the only person I know who would ever do that for me.” He mused quietly.

  Henriette snorted.

  “Come off it. Your sister would stop for you, surely? And your parents would drop everything for you.”

  Arthur snorted. The thought of his parents coming to his aid was laughable.

  “My parents are not worthy of any respect. Ever heard of a scapegoat? That’s me. Susan’s their favorite and they spoil her terribly.” He sighed. “I love my sister, but she doesn’t give much of anything for me when I’m not of use to her.”

  Henriette stopped, the horse coming to a halt. She turned and stared at him, clearly surprised. Then the shock disappeared, and she nodded.

  “I do know your sister. She’s not very pleasant.”

  “She does treat people abhorrently. She learns it all from my father. He drinks to excess daily and smokes continually.” Now that Arthur started talking, he couldn’t seem to stop. “That’s why his health is terrible, not that he will admit it. He treats everyone awfully, myself included.”

  Arthur couldn’t begin to count the scars he still carried on his back from the belt. But he wasn’t prepared to tell Henriette that yet, if at all. It wasn’t something he wished to share with anyone.

  “But you’re about to become an earl,” Henriette pointed out. “Your mother was gushing about how you were going to get a title.”

  “Technically it shouldn’t be mine.”

  “Technically?” Henriette blinked. “How does that work?”

  “My uncle is the earl. He’s never married and therefore doesn’t have any children.” Arthur looked down at his limp arm, suddenly ashamed. “Due to his actions when he was younger, Father was disinherited, so the next in line as the next male heir is me. Consequently, I’ve spent time with my uncle. He’s a good man, so I don’t mind so much but if I was on fire he wouldn’t…”

  “All right, I get the picture.” Henriette held up a hand to stop his description.

  Arthur couldn’t blame her. But he would have apologized. The first time in his life that he would apologize for his language. Something about Henriette was causing him to do things he didn’t think he would ever do.

  This woman had a hold over him that neither of them realized was there. Arthur had a feeling Henriette wouldn’t like the fact she had that type of influence over him.

  The pain was getting worse. Arthur could feel it pulling him into unconsciousness. Not wanting to fall off again, he leaned forward and rested his head against the horse’s neck before he closed his eyes.

  He didn’t remember anything after that.

  Chapter 6

  Significant Changes

  “Come along, Henriette.” Mary fussed. “We don’t want to be late.”

  “We’re already late, Mother.” Henriette pointed out.

  Robert laughed and slipped an arm around his daughter as they went up the steps.

  “Humour her.” He whispered.

  Henriette was humoring her mother already, so much so she was actually at the Myrtle residence for a dinner party. She didn’t want to be there, not after what she had experienced, but Mary had told her they couldn’t turn an invitation like this down. They had all been invited, and it would be rude to refuse.

  Henriette begged to differ. But Mary was determined to go, and her father said it was best if they went with her to make sure she was all right.

  Henriette didn’t like this. Interactions with the Myrtles were on a slightly unstable keel at that moment. It had been five weeks since she had taken Arthur home after his fall. Arthur had passed out on his horse by the time they reached his estate. Neither of his parents had come out to see the commotion, but the servants had hurried out to help Henriette ease Arthur’s unconscious body off the horse and carry him inside.

  Susan had come downstairs, though. Henriette had told her what had happened and while Susan had thanked her for bringing Arthur back, she hadn’t seemed overly concerned that her older brother was in serious pain. It had been Henriette who had told one of the footmen to run and fetch the doctor. Susan had simply shrugged and gone back up the stairs.

  She didn’t even offer to get Henriette a carriage. It was sundown, and the place went pitch black in the countryside at night, especially when there was no moon. Henriette didn’t much like the thought of walking back home in the dark. Fortunately one of the grooms offered her Arthur’s horse, saying he would collect it in the morning. Grateful, Henriette had gladly accepted.

  That had been five weeks ago. She had gone back to the house to check on Arthur and had noticed none of his family seemed concerned that the heir to an earldom was severely hurt. They kept calling him lazy and shouted at him to get out of bed. In a few brief moments, Henriette felt sorry for him to be the black sheep of the family.

  It’s no wonder he was the person he was after that upbringing.

  And now they had been sent this invitation to a dinner party. Henriette wasn’t sure what to make of that. Had Arthur influenced his family? Was this their way of show gratitude for rescuing their injured son? She didn’t know, but Henriette was apprehensive.

  She paused at the top of the steps.

  “I’m not sure if I want to go in.”

  Her father sighed. He turned to her and squeezed her shoulder.

  “I know Susan isn’t the most pleasant of people, honey, but I thought you were making an impression on Arthur.”

  “I don’t know about that,” Henriette grunted. “He was only grateful because I was giving him attention while he was ill.”

  Henriette had gone to visit Arthur every other day, much to the surprise and annoyance of his family. But Henriette couldn’t stop herself from following Arthur’s recovery, especially after seeing his father’s treatment towards him. She sat with him, and they talked, or Arthur slept while Henriette read to him. They both liked gothic novels and Henriette would supply him with books, so he kept himself occupied while he lay in bed.

  Why was she visiting him when she didn’t even care for him? Henriette wasn’t sure.

  The door opened, and they were beckoned inside. Her mother hurried on inside ahead of them. Robert took Henriette’s arm and gently urged her towards the front doors. Henriette bit her lip and squared her shoulders. She convinced herself that she could do this. This would be easy.

  If she kept her distance and her words in abeyance, everything should be satisfactory.

  Arthur was coming across the foyer towards them as the footman took their cloaks. He looked magnificent in a dark green jacket with cream breeches and waistcoat. He had a sling of blue silk on, keeping his arm immobile. His hair was freshly cut, and he had taken the time to shave. Henriette stared. This didn’t look like the same person. Something had happened, and Arthur had changed from
a good-looking antagonist to a very gorgeous man.

  Her heart jumped and pounded against her chest. She was sure she was looking flushed and in the dress she wore it would be difficult to hide.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Arthur’s smile was full of warmth as he approached them, holding out a hand to Robert. “So very happy you could join us here tonight.”

  “No problem, son.”

  Robert shook his hand warmly. Mary giggled as Arthur kissed her hand and gave her a wink. Then he turned to Henriette and the expression in his eyes softened, making Henriette’s breath catch in her throat.

  “Henriette.”

  Henriette took a moment to find her voice. She swallowed and dropped a quick curtsy.

  “Mr. Myrtle.”

  “Arthur, please.” Arthur took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Instantly Henriette’s fingers started tingling. Arthur glanced at her. “I’ve been meaning to say thank you for looking after me. You cheered me up no end, and I am forever in your debt.”

  Henriette felt her face going red and knew she was blushing.

  “It was nothing.” She murmured.

  “Our daughter is a kind-hearted person,” Mary said brightly. “She loves to help.”

  The look in Arthur’s eyes warmed. His smile was making Henriette’s stomach do a somersault.

  “She certainly is.” He murmured.

  Henriette didn’t know what he had done to make him suddenly more appealing, but she wasn’t sure she could cope with it.

  Arthur was getting embarrassed. The dinner party had been his idea, and he had invited most of the guests, but his family didn’t seem to realize a dinner party was meant to be an occasion where you were on our best behavior. John was drunk before the first guests arrived. Margaret and Susan joined in soon after. Now, after the dinner, everyone had relocated to the adjoining sitting area to talk in small groups. His family, by all indications, were indulging perhaps slightly too generously.

  Arthur didn’t know how to conduct himself. He had hoped he could influence his family to be gracious to their guests for once. But they couldn’t seem to comply with that, not even for their son. Evidently, they still believed he wasn’t good enough for their expectations.

  The last five weeks had been disquieting for them. They all thought he was lazy and ordered him to get up. Arthur kept pointing out that he had dislocated his collar bone and the doctor had put him on strict bed rest. His father had tried to pull him out of bed, but as soon as his hands felt Arthur’s shoulder squish and give way under his hand, he decided otherwise and left him alone. Those weeks had been miserable for everyone.

  The only highlight had been Henriette. She came to visit him every other day, even though she didn’t need to; but she insisted on keeping him company. Arthur could tell she still wasn’t overly fond of him, but she wanted to make sure he was recovering satisfactorily. Even if they just sat there and said nothing it was better than visitations from his own family. Arthur had begun to look forward to each time Henriette graced him with her presence.

  He wanted to thank her for her trouble, which was the reason they were hosting this dinner party, and now his family seemed to be doing their utmost to ruin it.

  Susan staggered past him, carrying a heavy decanter full of dark brown liquid. Arthur gently took it out of her hand and placed it on the table.

  “I think you’ve had enough already Susan.” He growled.

  Susan slowed up and glanced at him, blinking in surprise.

  “What’s the matter with you?” Her speech was a little slurred.

  “You’re acting like a fool, and you’re embarrassing me.” Arthur hissed.

  The other guests were brilliant and didn’t pay the drunken idiots Arthur called his family any attention, but it was starting to get uncomfortable. Arthur wanted to send his parents and sister to bed like children, but that wouldn’t curtail them.

  “Why have you turned so high and mighty?” Susan demanded. She jabbed him in the chest. “You didn’t care how I behaved before.”

  “Maybe because I’ve decided to grow up.” Arthur snapped back. “And you should, too.”

  Susan snorted.

  “If people can’t take who I am then they’ve got a problem, not me.”

  “I beg to differ.”

  “Susan’s eyes widened. She clearly hadn’t been expecting Arthur’s resistance. Then her eyes narrowed.

  “It’s because of her, isn’t it? You’ve changed because of that Smith girl.”

  “Not everyone is full of toxic comments and obnoxious behavior, Susan.” Arthur shot back.

  Compared to Susan, Henriette was like a breath of fresh air. She was sweet and kind, something Arthur hadn’t experienced much in his life and certainly not recently. Even though she had indicated previously she didn’t have feelings for him, Arthur was sure she had been softening over the past five weeks. That made him hopeful that something might be able to happen. And Arthur realized, with a start, he wanted something to happen. For the first time, he actually wanted to have a proper, respectful relationship with a woman.

  Henriette would be perfect for him. The only obstacle now was encouraging Henriette to realize that. She clearly wanted nothing to do with his family, and Arthur couldn’t blame her. He wanted to better himself and improve his behavior for her, but he wondered if it might now be too little and too late.

  Chapter 7

  Being Warned Off

  “Henriette.”

  Henriette looked up, settling back on her haunches. Marcus was entering the garden, his hat in his hands. She inwardly held back a sigh of frustration. This was the third time this week he had stopped by to ‘visit’ and hadn’t done much except sit and stare. Henriette had felt some discomfort as her old friend would barely say anything unless it was prompted by either herself or Mary. Robert sat back and could hardly contain his laughter.

  After the second time he had come for a ‘visit,' Henriette had cornered her father and demanded to know what was going on. Robert had denied any knowledge of anything untoward at the start but eventually conceded that Marcus had requested permission to court his daughter. As soon as the conversation took a turn towards that, Marcus was besieged with uncertainty and clammed up. Robert found it both amusing and frustrating because Marcus wasn’t making the most of the situation.

  Henriette had been surprised. It was evident to her that Marcus had feelings for her, but she thought he would always admire her from a distance because of his shyness. He probably anticipated that she would turn him down politely. While he was a sweet man, Henriette couldn’t see herself as a curate’s wife.

  But now he was visiting several times in a week. That was unusual in itself if it wasn’t for his lame attempts to begin an official courtship. Henriette had no idea what was going on. She didn’t mind spending time with Marcus, but she had a feeling that there was something under the surface that was upsetting him.

  Hopefully, she would get some answers today. She put down the trowel and stood, taking off her gardening gloves.

  “Good morning, Marcus.” Dropping the gloves on top of her trowel, Henriette made her way across the grass to him. “What are you doing here?”

  Marcus looked like he was about to lose his resolve again, but then he steadied himself and opened his mouth.

  “I saw you talking to Arthur Myrtle the night of his dinner party.” He said in a rush. “I thought you told me you would never speak to him again unless you had no other alternative.”

  Henriette had forgotten he was there. Everything got pushed into the background with John and Margaret Myrtle drinking themselves into a boisterous stupor and their daughter following close behind. Arthur had been embarrassed by their antics but had done his best to divert everyone’s attention. He worked diligently to hide their behavior since he was quite obviously ashamed, and Henriette felt sorry for him.

  She had found out from Mary, who did a bit of socializing, that the dinner party was originally Arthu
r’s idea. But his family clearly didn’t respect any of this and proceeded to get inebriated. Henriette found it distasteful but had supported Arthur when she could, distracting him from the situation and helping out as an alternative hostess.

  Marcus hadn’t said anything about this at the time. But now he was bringing it up? Henriette folded her hands in front of her.

  “We have an understanding.” She said succinctly. “He’s not actually that worse off compared to his sister.”

  Nobody was that immoral compared to Susan Myrtle. Marcus’ eyes narrowed.

  “You need to separate yourself from him.” He said suddenly.

  Henriette blinked. That she had not been expecting.

  “Why should I agree to that?”

  “He is grievous and should be pitied. His reputation is dreadful, and his family doesn't make his situation any more tolerable.” Marcus shook his head. “The reports I’ve heard about him are detestable. You’re a respectable woman, Henriette. You need to keep your distance from him.”

  Henriette was stunned. She knew Arthur was attempting to dispel the reputation his father had bestowed upon them. She narrowed her eyes at Marcus, who looked pleased and smug.

  “Why should you care?” She demanded. “Are you jealous? Not that you have any right to be. Arthur and I are merely acquaintances. And while he may not be a saint he doesn’t deserve to have someone defaming his character because of rumors.”

  Marcus was staring at her. The expression on his face was something Henriette had never seen before.

  “He’s really got you under his spell, hasn’t he?”

  “I beg your pardon? What spell?”

  “He’s an evil man and you’re overlooking all that.” Marcus shook his head in astonishment. “I know you like to find the good in everyone, Henriette, and that is admirable, but in this circumstance it is ridiculous.”

  Henriette felt offended. She had simply pointed the potential she had seen in Arthur Myrtle. Evidently, Marcus saw something different. He was beginning to sound insufferably jealous.