Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  The marquis had tried to ruin her reputation as a way to get back at the Denbrough family. Morgan had saved her but for how long? Surely the marquis had other plans contemplated. What of Ludlow; where was he? Where was Olivia? Were they safe together?

  “What are you thinking of?” Morgan asked. “Don’t be concerned, Charlotte, this will sort itself out in due course. This is the only favorable alternative.”

  “I…,” Perhaps, for a moment, Charlotte found herself tempted. After all, they had been friends once upon a time, and could friendship not be the foundation of a marriage? Part of her longed to accept him, especially as she remembered the way his topaz eyes had made her feel. But a larger, more sensible part of her, told her that this was despicable. The man was practically being forced into betrothment, and hasty marriages were never a viable course of action. Besides, there was the scandal with Ludlow, that could erupt at any moment.

  The door slammed open, and a redheaded woman with daggers in her eyes stormed in.

  “Morgan Eaglehook!” She declared. “You’ve made an absolute mockery of me.”

  “Alexandria.” The earl drew himself up. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  “No you didn’t, and so you made off with this, this little chit of a girl! What about the promise your uncle made to my father? You and I are meant to be wed, Earl Eaglehook. Don’t deny it!”

  “My uncle made that promise, not I.” The earl said firmly. “I’d ask you to kindly not make a scene, Alexandria.”

  “A scene!” She exclaimed. “Why Morgan, I thought you and I meant something to each other. How could you do this?” She leaned forward, and even from a foot away, Charlotte found her nostrils invaded by the woman’s perfume. Charlotte looked at the earl, who looked genuinely apologetic, but firm.

  “There’s nothing I can do.” He said. “I’m engaged to Charlotte, and as a gentleman, I can’t break my promise.” Charlotte heard it then, the briefest trace of regret in his voice. Her heart clenched. She could not allow him to do this. She would not allow him to sacrifice a happy marriage for her sake.

  Stepping forward, she said, “Alexandria, I beg your pardon.”

  “You may refer to me as Your Ladyship,” Alexandria said scornfully.

  “Alex,” There was a warning in Morgan’s voice.

  “No. She’s right.” Charlotte took a breath. “Your Ladyship. There’s been an immense misunderstanding. If you allow me to talk to the earl for a few minutes, I promise I can resolve this.”

  “Very well.” She looked at her suspiciously but then backed away.

  “Charlotte.” The earl turned to her. “Don’t get silly ideas in…”

  “You’re doing this because you feel indebted to me,” Charlotte said. “But I know that you and Alexandria have been spending together for months. Before I came to the ball, I heard rumors of how you two were practically engaged.”

  “Alexandria will recover.” He said. “There will be other suitors for her.”

  “But you do care for her,” Charlotte said. “Don’t you?”

  He hesitated, but his lip pressed together firmly. “That’s in the past. I will be a loyal husband, Charlotte, this I can promise you.”

  “I do believe that,” Charlotte said. “But I would hate to be the wife of a husband who is loyal not because he wants to be, but because his honor forbids him from acting otherwise. In other words, the kind of man who is married to one woman but in love with another!”

  “Love?” The earl laughed. “Love is a pretty word, Charlotte but I’ve found it’s far too often overused. Let’s just say that I seek companionship, and the two of us should find each other amiable company.”

  “I know you’re only doing this to pay back some debt you think you owe me,” Charlotte said. “So how about this, My Lord? If you help me find my brother, I will consider all your debts relinquished. You said that you can’t break your engagement, well then, I shall break it.”

  “Ludlow?” He frowned. “You want me to find Ludlow?”

  “That’s correct.” She said. “He’s run away, and our father is ailing. It’s critical that he be brought back.”

  “If I find him, you’ll consider my debt to you recompensed?” He asked.

  “I will.” She nodded.

  “You’ll break the engagement, and not say a word against me or my reputation?”

  “I will.” She said. “That’s a solemn promise. You’ll be free to wed who you like then, and I promise you’ll have nothing to fret about.”

  For a moment, the earl considered her words, and then, with a nod, he said, “I can’t accept that. What of you? I could not leave your reputation in disrepute.”

  “I’ll manage.” She said unhappily. “Having Ludlow back matters more to me than even my own reputation. I shall make my way to France, and create a new life for myself.” With unhappy eyes, she withdrew from the room without giving the earl a chance to reply

  Chapter 4

  The Chase Is Afoot

  The next few days seemed to fly by in a rush. Since the hurried announcement of their engagement, the earl had spent his time publicly meeting friends and, privately no doubt, trying his hardest to find Ludlow. As for Charlotte herself, she had spent her time tending to her father, whose ill-health had only become worse.

  “He will recover.” The Doctor said gravely as Charlotte sat by the bed, stroking her father’s hand. “With time, that is. Be careful, however, that he is not shocked by any sudden news. Neither good nor bad; it might be enough to send him over the edge.”

  Charlotte nodded. For this very reason, they had not divulged anything about her betrothal to her father. She looked at the shrunken form of the man she had always considered a giant amongst men and resisted the urge to cry in despair.

  “Don’t look so glum.” The Doctor smiled. “He will recover, that is a promise. Especially with the tender care he’s been receiving.”

  “Thank you, Doctor,” Charlotte said. “I appreciate your diligent efforts in helping him recover.”

  “He’s a great man.” The Doctor smiled. “Always helping those he can. Did I ever tell you he helped me marry my wife?”

  “No,” Charlotte said, startled.

  “Well, it’s true, I had no family, really, and her parents were reluctant to accept me. But when the viscount heard of it, he came down himself to talk to them and soon after, I was married! My darling Molly spent twenty good years with me before going on to be with the Lord, and it was all thanks to your father!”

  “Vouching for your character must have been easy.” Charlotte smiled. “I’m sure it was my father’s pleasure to help you any way he could.”

  “Ah, but I’ve heard tales that his daughter is of the same ilk.” The Doctor raised an eyebrow. “Or isn’t it true that you helped your maid Jane when she was in a spot of trouble not long ago?”

  “Oh.” Charlotte blushed. “It was nothing. Jane’s a wonderful girl. She merely needed some money for her mother’s medicines…”

  “And you complied.” The Doctor nodded. “Every week, there are at least three people in my clinic who tell me they couldn’t have afforded the medicine if not for the viscount’s kind daughter.”

  Charlotte blushed pink. “I hate it when people gossip.” She said. “I only do what any decent Christian would.”

  “Of course you do.” The Doctor smiled. “But decency is a rare quality. Well, I’ll be going. Good day to you, and your lovely Aunt Agatha.” He bowed as Aunt Agatha entered.

  Aunt Agatha blushed, and handed Charlotte a letter. “It’s him.” She said as she turned to escort the doctor out. There was little doubt who this him was. Charlotte felt her heart leap as she wondered if the earl had, in fact, discovered Ludlow.

  Her face fell as she read the first lines of the letter.

  My Lady,

  I wish I had better news to give you, but I do not. So far, we know that Ludlow and Olivia have fled to stay with acquaintances of hers, somewhere in France. Un
fortunately, we know little of their whereabouts. For now, I’m making some progress, with my inquiries and hope to find them soon. However, eyes are on us. As you can guess, the marquis was not pleased when Ludlow ran off with Olivia, and I’m being told his spies are actively trying to hunt them out. They’re also keeping a watch on my movements. Therefore, to help reduce suspicion, I propose that you and your aunt join me on this trip. I’ve invited a number of other friends too, and hopefully, everyone will believe that this trip is nothing more than an attempt to escape from England’s miserable weather.

  Warmest regards,

  Morgan.

  Part of Charlotte wished that Ludlow had been found already, yet another, more treacherous part of her wondered just what it would be like to travel to France. Her mother, Emily DuVille, had been French, and consequently, Charlotte was schooled in the language. Unfortunately, Charlotte knew next to nothing about her mother’s side of the family. Her father, the viscount, had whisked her mother away on the eve of her wedding in a scandalous yet romantic marriage that had been the talk of London for many a day. The DuVilles had subsequently refused to speak to their daughter.

  With a smile, Charlotte wondered if telling the viscount about Ludlow’s exploits might have the opposite effect from what they’d feared. The viscount had been rather a rake in his youth, but when he’d given his heart away, he’d given it fully. Even after their mother’s death, the viscount had pined for her and never quite recovered. Was Ludlow’s love made of the same cloth? Charlotte rather thought so, after all, why else would he risk incurring the wrath of the marquis in the name of love?

  Aunt Agatha, who had been let in on the secret, was now perusing Charlotte’s letter. With a little snap of the fingers, she said, “We must get packing at once, oh how I wish we had the money to buy you a few more clothes. Those rags of yours aren’t worth thinking about!”

  “Aunt Agatha, don’t get your hopes up, the earl is inviting me along as a helpful decoy. He has no intention of marrying me.” Charlotte said. “As soon as Ludlow is found and as we had agreed, I will break relations with him. I’m sure I can impose upon his resources to find a placement as a governess in France where my reputation is inconsequential.”

  “I’ve never heard such rubbish.” Aunt Agatha said. “He proposed to you willingly, and you’re rejecting the earl himself!”

  “If I don’t do this, the marquis will find Ludlow, and he will kill him,” Charlotte said, with anguish all over her face. “Is that incomprehensible, Aunt Agatha?”

  “Aye, I understand, however disagreeable I find it to be.” Her Aunt said gloomily. “How I wish your father were in better health. He was a rogue when he was young, but an excellent tactician. He would have known just how to treat that horrible marquis and how to conquer him at his own game!”

  “Well, unfortunately, we must depend on the earl to protect us from the marquis’ wrath.” Charlotte said, “We’re very lucky as it is, that he has offered us his help.”

  A sly smile crept up Aunt Agatha’s face. “Ah, but he offered it very eagerly.” She said. “Believe me, a man like the earl would not be so gallant did he not have some feelings for you. I think, my dear, that the earl is secretly harboring amorous feelings that will soon be revealed.”

  “It cannot be,” Charlotte said with absolute confidence. “My attractions pale in front of the beautiful Alexandria.”

  “Oh, Alexandria!” Her aunt grumpily crumpled the letter. “I’ve met women like Alexandria before. They make excellent mistresses and terrible wives.”

  “I’d rather not be a wife if it meant having to share my husband with another woman,” Charlotte said firmly. “A life of celibacy would suit me far better.”

  “It seems as though you’ve resigned yourself to one, too.” Her aunt said. “But my intuition says that the earl has a fondness for you, Charlotte and if you would only use your feminine wiles, we could have Ludlow back and arrange your marriage in one fell swoop.”

  “I will do no such thing, Aunt Agatha,” Charlotte said. “I have given him my word that I will break off my engagement with him. As soon as Ludlow is found, I will do it!”

  The footman appeared at the door, another letter in hand. “Beg pardon, My Lady.” He said, “A letter has arrived from the earl.”

  “Another letter for me?” Charlotte asked, astonished. “But surely the earl…”

  “It is for me, child.” Aunt Agatha snatched it from the footman. “It seems your gallant earl has had the foresight to send me a letter asking for permission.” A smile played on her lips. “Let’s see what he has to say.” Her eyes sparkled as she read the letter, then, without another word, or any kind of explanation, she walked away from the room, leaving a baffled Charlotte behind. What could the earl possibly have said to her aunt?

  Chapter 5

  The Earl’s Pleasure

  The earl had situated his friends on his property and offered them full use of an elegant villa located in the bustling port town of Dunkerque, a few hours north of Paris. While not as lavishly decorated as the Eaglehook estate, the ivy-covered villa had its own charms. It was situated on a working farm, with spotted cows, geese and the occasional pony wandering about its land. Charlotte and her aunt were given a suite in the left wing, overlooking a small pond where the sons of the servants would swim under the hot noon sun.

  Somehow, Aunt Agatha had found the money to procure a whole wardrobe of new clothes for Charlotte. Dressed in a silk taffeta gown colored a rich buttery yellow, Charlotte felt her heart beat a little faster as they walked to the main hall. The earl, who had been absent when they arrived, was now waiting for them. He looked impeccably handsome in tan pantaloons and a bottle green velvet jacket. A silk cravat rested against his neck, while his hair had been smoothed back, making him look less wild than he had at the party.

  It had been days since she had seen him and although she would never confide it to her aunt, the sight of him made her feel weak at the knees. His broad shoulders brought back memories of being held tenderly, and his sharp jawline reminded her of the kiss they had almost shared. A shudder went through her and almost immediately, he was aware of it. His eyes seemed to pin her into place, as they bored into hers. His lips tightened, and heat seemed to melt the color in his eyes from Topaz to gold.

  “My Lady,” He bowed stiffly to her and brought her hand to his lips. To her shame, Charlotte could not disguise the fine trembling that went through her as his lips brushed against her white lace gloves. A smirk flitted across his face, and Charlotte angrily wondered what he was thinking. Did he think her a fool? Very likely she was a fool, after all, the engagement was a sham, and she had absolutely no claim on the earl. Oh, she pined to herself; she was so weary of all the emotions running through her!

  “I trust that you are not excessively weary?” He asked.

  Her eyes widened.

  “From your journey, I mean?” He clarified.

  “Oh, I… No, My Lord, I’m at your service.” She said.

  A mocking smile lit up his face. “Are you sure?” He asked.

  Charlotte gasped. His question seemed benign enough, but the voice he had used; she remembered that tone all too well. It was the same one he had used in the stairwell. The nerve of the man! How could he even think that she would reciprocate! Worse, how could he send spirals of desire through her body, so that part of her wanted desperately to say that she was indeed at his service?

  “We’re ready to assist any way we can, in order to track Ludlow.” She said instead.

  “It’s my pleasure to help you with that.” The earl said. His voice immediately lost its playful tone and became serious. “In the last few days, my spies have tracked him to a villa some distance from here. It is owned by a well-known local family. Perhaps you have heard of the Vicomte Legrand?”

  “I have not,” Charlotte said.

  “He has a party planned a few days from now.” The earl said. “My spies have confirmed that Ludlow is hiding on the prop
erty and also that the marquis has wrested himself an invitation to the ball.”

  “Then we must go there too!” Charlotte said.

  “Indeed we must.” The earl said. With a smile, he added, “I will be glad to escort you, My Lady.”

  “Your Lordship honors me.” She said.

  “The pleasure and the honor is mine.” He said. “But I must insist on one thing, my name is Morgan. I will hear you say it, My Lady.”

  Charlotte colored. Saying his name felt far too intimate, and far too powerful. She had known him when they were children. Indeed she remembered the little boy he had been all too well. She could see the shadow of that boy in the mischief that lit up his eyes; yet even though they had played together as children, she could not forget the fact that he was far above her in rank and wealth alike.

  “Well, Charlotte?” Aunt Agatha was no more than ten feet away, yet even she did not hear the soft whisper in which her name was uttered. With just that, he made her feel as vulnerable as she had that day on the staircase. Once more, his eyes were roaming around her face, as if they possessed every inch of her.

  “Morgan, darling!” Alexandria rushed down the hallway, and the earl stiffened as she threw her arms around him.

  “Alexandria.” He said coldly. “I was not told that you were here.”

  “Oh, my brother Samuel told me that you’ve invited five of your friends here, and I thought it would be a lark to surprise you!” She exclaimed, batting her eyelashes. “You are delighted, aren’t you?”

  “Samuel is chaperoning you?” The earl looked around. “Where is he?”

  “We’ve both been out with the others all day, waiting for you to come back. Where have you been?” Alexandria asked. Her shrill voice made Charlotte winced.

  “Business, unfortunately, called me away from the pleasures of the villa.” The earl said. His eyes darted for just a second, settling on Charlotte’s, and then his attention was brought back to Alexandria as she rested her hand upon his lapel.