Regency Romances for the Ages

by Grace Fletcher

  “You can’t withdraw into yourself because Lord Neville isn’t here. He’ll come back.”

  “But he never said farewell before he left.” Diana protested. She knew she sounded whiney. “You’d think he would do that.”

  “Maybe he wasn’t able to.”

  “Then he could have sent a note. Anything.” Diana looked down at her hands, her fingers fidgeting around her handkerchief. “Now I don’t know what’s going on.”

  Eloise regarded her thoughtfully, a frown appearing between her eyes.

  “Are you sure it’s Lord Neville you’re upset about? Or the Duke of Bedford?”

  Chapter 5

  The Duke of

  Bedford

  D iana started, blinking up at her.

  “Why would I be upset at Bedford?”

  “Well, you seem to be more affected by him than Lord Neville. I thought…”

  “I hate that man.” Diana said defiantly. “He’s trying to make me his own by getting me to walk away from Lord Neville.” She gritted her teeth. “I won’t do it.”

  Eloise looked like she didn’t believe her.

  “It sounds like he’s more concerned about you than anything else.” She pointed out.

  “If he was concerned, he wouldn’t have been so mean about it.”

  “It simply shows that he cares. Not all men would try to look out for a woman’s welfare, especially when they barely know the woman.” Eloise paused. “I think Lord Neville is a nice man who would be good for you but I’m also looking at it from the duke’s side.”

  Diana bit back a growl. Eloise meant well, but it was starting to feel like she was being attacked for being childish.

  “He doesn’t need to look after me.”

  And he didn’t. Bedford had no invested interest in her, other than possibly toying with her. Diana just wished she didn’t feel like her heart was stumbling every time she looked at him, or that she felt a little warm whenever she thought about him. That wasn’t right, surely?

  Eloise sighed heavily and sat back.

  “Look, Mother, Father and I are going to Lady Latterly’s house for a ball tomorrow night. The invitation is for all of us.”

  Diana paused. Lucille Latterly was their neighbor and had just come out of mourning from her dear husband, whom Diana had been very fond of. She liked Lady Latterly and her balls were always fun. But Diana couldn’t find the enthusiasm.

  However, Lady Latterly might be a good distraction. She was still upset over losing her husband but she never failed to make Diana smile. Maybe that’s all she needed. She sighed and nodded.

  “All right, I’ll come.”

  ***

  Diana was beginning to wish she hadn’t said anything. She wished she was in her room. Suddenly, the room felt too small with all the people practically crammed into it. She was struggling to breathe.

  What Diana wanted to do was to go home. But Eloise had made her promise to stay for a while and Diana wanted to see how Lady Latterly was. She would stay for a little while and then beg to go home. Her parents would be happy she showed her face to the crowd again after being stuck in her room recovering from her coughing and raging fever.

  It wasn’t until they got into the dining hall that Eloise stopped, laying a hand on Diana’s arm.

  “Look who’s here.”

  “Who?”

  Eloise nodded towards the far side of the room. Diana looked and her heart sank. Bedford was there, talking to Lady Latterly. She was smiling up at him and looked genuinely pleased to see him. Bedford said something, and she laughed. Diana’s stomach tightened. Why did that make her feel awful?

  Diana looked away.

  “I wish he wasn’t here.”

  Eloise sighed.

  “He was only looking out for your welfare.”

  Diana grunted. Bedford might have been doing that, but it didn’t come across as that. It simply came across as him being jealous.

  Why was there a warm feeling in her stomach knowing that a duke was jealous and vying for her attention?

  “Miss Diana.”

  Diana’s heart jumped. She recognized that voice. She turned and saw Lord Neville walking towards them, smiling warmly at her. He was here. Two weeks after he disappeared from London, he was here at Lady Latterly’s ball. Diana couldn’t stop herself from smiling, but she did manage to stop herself from running to him.

  Instead, she dropped into a curtsy, remembering where she was.

  “Lord Neville.”

  Neville reached out and took her hands, bowing to her with a smile.

  “I’m so glad to see you again. I heard you were ill, forgive me for not coming to see how you were. I had a sudden business meeting that I couldn’t cancel.”

  Diana didn’t care. Suddenly she didn’t care why he had left abruptly. She shrugged and beamed at him.

  “I’m sure you had your reasons.”

  “Even so, it was rude of me.”

  “And I forgive you.” Diana held up a finger. “This one time.”

  Neville laughed. He did have a nice laugh.

  “Thank goodness for that.” He then indicated a nearby servant who was carrying a tray of drinks. “Would you like a drink?”

  “Thank you.”

  Neville went towards the servant and Diana was then aware of someone watching her. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. But she did, and she saw Bedford staring at her, leaning against the wall. A shiver went down her spine and Diana’s mouth went dry.

  It was just her luck that she had made up her mind on who she wanted to be courted by and yet someone else was making her weak at the knees.

  Forcing away the thoughts, Diana turned away and focused on Neville as he came back, his attention on just her. Everyone else seemed to fade into the background. Diana accepted the glass and took a sip.

  Maybe this evening would be better than she thought.

  ***

  Bedford didn’t want to see Diana with Neville. It left a nasty taste in his mouth. Price, Mrs. Price and Eloise had greeted him warmly but nobody pulled Diana away. Price had even declared he was glad Diana had taken an interest in a nice young man who had eyes only for her.

  Bedford didn’t like the fact he was competing for a woman’s affections with someone he believed was a fraud. And it shouldn’t have been difficult; he was a duke and Neville, if he was genuine, was a baron. It should have been easy to trump that but, clearly, the title didn’t seem to matter to Diana.

  It was painful seeing her talking and laughing with Neville so Bedford decided to make his escape and hide. Maybe having a few moments alone to gather his thoughts would help. It had been a very long time since he had competed with someone for a woman’s attention and he didn’t like losing.

  Bedford excused himself and made his way through the house, finally ending up in the library. Nobody was in there. Perfect. Bedford loved the library in his home; it was an escape. Even as a child he loved his books. It wasn’t something he would willingly admit to anyone, not at his current stage in life. It was his little private pleasure.

  Bedford browsed the shelves and found his favorite book. Maybe he could flick through a few pages before going back. Hopefully, by the time he went back, either Neville would have left or no one will have noticed he was gone so Bedford would be able to slip away without anyone being the wiser.

  He was just settling by the fire, which was roaring nicely in the hearth, when the door opened and Diana slipped in. She shut the door and leaned against it, eyes closing with a sigh. What was she doing in here? Bedford stood.

  “Miss Diana.”

  Diana gasped, her eyes shooting open. She stared at him in surprise before she remembered herself and dropped a curtsy.

  “Your Grace. I didn’t know you were in here.”

  “I noticed.” Bedford approached her. “What are you doing here? The powder room is in the other direction.”

  “I…” Diana sighed. “I just wanted to have a moment to myself and I t
hought the library would be free.” Then she frowned at him. “Speaking of which, what are you doing here?”

  “I wanted some time alone, as well.” Bedford gestured at the book in his hands. “Just a few minutes to gather my thoughts. Sometimes crowds are too much for me.”

  Diana looked like she didn’t believe him. She gave him a skeptical look.

  “You like to read?”

  “I do. A lot.” Bedford shrugged. “I like the adventures you can take just by going to the first page.” He held up in the book in his hands. “This is my favorite.”

  Diana took the book, her fingers barely brushing against his, and stared at the cover.

  “The Monk by Matthew Lewis.” Then she stared up at him. “Have you been spying on me?”

  “Why?”

  “Because this is my favorite book, too.”

  Bedford stared at her. He had had no idea. And Diana didn’t look like a woman who would read Matthew Lewis. He was very dark with what he wrote.

  “I thought you’d prefer romantic novels.” Then he winced when he realized what he had said. “That was a little presumptuous, wasn’t it?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Diana flicked through the pages, moving towards the shelves. “I do read some Jane Austen and a few romantic writers. But Matthew Lewis and Ann Radcliffe are preferable to me. Their novels are more appealing to me.”

  “You like to be scared?”

  Diana flashed him a smile and Bedford’s chest squeezed.

  “I think I like different.”

  Chapter 6

  Entry to a

  Private Club

  T his was the first genuine smile Bedford had received from her. He liked this familiarity between them. But he knew it couldn’t last long. Not with someone else hanging around in spirit. He folded his arms and raised his eyebrows at her.

  “Is that what you like about Lord Neville? Because he’s different?”

  The smile disappeared, much to his disappointment. Diana sighed and put the book back on the shelf.

  “Are you going to stop with that? It’s none of your concern.”

  “I don’t like the fact he’s latched on to you.”

  “He hasn’t latched on to me, as you call it.” Diana huffed. Her jaw tightened. “Would you stop treating me like a child?”

  Bedford could see they were going to get into an argument and knew he needed to back down unless he wanted Diana to storm out. This wasn’t how it was meant to go.

  Neville clearly had her attention in a hold far stronger than Bedford realized.

  “My apologies, Miss Price.” He bowed his head. “That was not my intention. I’m just concerned for you.”

  “You don’t need to be concerned.” Bedford saw Diana scowl. “Just because we share similar interests in literature doesn’t mean you know me.”

  “Really?” Bedford advanced on Diana, who stood her ground. He stood before her, barely touching her. “Because I know you wear your heart on your sleeve. That you may be shy but you’re not afraid to show your emotions.” He watched as Diana’s mouth fell open as she faltered. “You’re a studious, kind woman. Do you share similar interests with Neville or does he spend most of your time talking about himself?”

  Diana’s mouth opened and closed, her face going red. Bedford realized that he was right. It had been a shot in the dark but he had hit the target. Neville loved the sound of his own voice and Diana was only just realizing this. She swallowed audibly, looking everywhere but at him. Eventually, her eyes cast down to the floor.

  “I’d better go.”

  Bedford wanted to say something more but before he could form any words, or even form an apology, Diana was gone. And he felt very lonely.

  ***

  Bedford sipped at his brandy and grinned at Cambridge.

  “How is Elizabeth?”

  Cambridge grimaced.

  “Oh, goodness. Don’t ask.”

  “Why?”

  “Because she’s getting very flustered and taking it out on me.” Cambridge downed his drink in one go. “Who knew wedding planning could be hard work?”

  Bedford laughed. Cambridge was responsible for his younger sister, who was engaged to an earl and due to be married in a few days. Cambridge had expressed both regret at having to let his sister go and relief that she would be someone else’s problem; Elizabeth Moore was a headstrong woman, and they constantly butted heads, causing much amusement for Bedford when he was present.

  His thoughts were still on a woman he had known since childhood, someone he was very fond of, when Bedford turned towards the lobby. They were in the bar area of their London club and their position had full view of the foyer. He almost dropped his glass when he saw Neville handing his hat and cane to one of the valets, talking to him as if they were old friends.

  What was going on? The man didn’t have the prestige to get in their club. He couldn’t have bluffed his way in that successfully.

  “Bedford?”

  Cambridge was looking at him strangely. Bedford nodded towards Neville, who had just made the valet laugh over something.

  “Look. How did he manage to get in here?”

  Cambridge looked confused. He turned and saw Neville, turning back to his drink with a shrug.

  “You know the right people, they can give you access.”

  That was the problem. The club was supposed to be for the highest of nobleman and there was a specific code on how to become a member. Nobody had mentioned sponsoring Neville to bring him in and there hadn’t been any indication that they were gaining a new member. Bedford didn’t like it at all, not when his gut was saying the man was a con artist.

  Cambridge sighed.

  “Don’t look like that, Bedford.”

  “I don’t like him being here.”

  “Neither do I but we can’t prove that there’s something strange going on. We’re going to have to bite our tongues because if he is a genuine baron then we’ll be ruining his reputation.”

  Bedford knew his friend was right. Even then he was still scowling at Neville as he went into another room off the foyer and was greeted with many cheers and loud exclamations by the people gathered. Bedford knew his emotions towards Neville were mostly fueled by jealousy because of Diana Price. The man had the girl’s attention without even trying and Bedford seemed to be seen as the devil. It was a wonder Diana spoke to him at all.

  Bedford knew that Neville was a fraud, and he knew that the man was using Diana. But it was easier said than done getting Diana to believe it.

  The steward entered the bar from the library across the hall and went behind the bar, bowing his head at Bedford.

  “Same again, Your Grace?”

  “Thank you, Gorman.” Bedford pushed his glass across and nodded towards the burst of laughter that entered the room. “What’s going on in there? Sounds like someone’s had some good news.”

  “They have.” Gorman filled Bedford’s glass up and took Cambridge’s doing the same. “Lord Neville proposed to Miss Diana Price this morning, and she accepted.”

  Bedford had picked up his glass and was drinking from it when he heard Gorman’s news. He spluttered, the brandy going up his nose and spraying across the bar. Gorman jumped sideways to avoid the spray but his expression didn’t change. Cambridge slapped Bedford’s back as he coughed, trying to get rid of the burning and breathe again.

  It was a moment before he could breathe again.

  “She accepted?” He croaked.

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Gorman frowned. “Would you like a fresh drink? You look pale.”

  Bedford couldn’t say anything. He was at a loss for words. He had thought Diana was an intelligent woman who wouldn’t be taken in by a man like Lord Neville. But the opposite was true and now Diana Price was tying herself to a man who made Bedford’s spine tingle and his gut said things weren’t going to go well.

  The man was going to ruin her. And Bedford didn’t know how he was going to talk Diana out of it.

  **
*

  “I was thinking gold and purple for the wedding colors.” Diana said, holding up the two sashes for Eloise to see. She and her sister were in the drawing room going over wedding planning and Diana found herself getting into the full swing of it.

  Who knew wedding planning could bring on a new lease of life for her?

  “That looks like a good combination.” Eloise said approvingly. “What does Lord Neville say about it?”

  “He says that I can have whatever colors I want.” Diana tossed the sashes onto the table. “He says he’s just happy that we’re getting married.”

  It had taken Diana by surprise that she would be getting married in her first Season. Neville had shown that he was devoted to her, even with his sudden disappearances. Diana had lapped up the attention, knowing that this might be her only chance. Her future husband was kind, considerate and made her feel like a princess.

  So why did some place in the back of her mind tell her that she was making a mistake? That this was not meant to be and Diana was about to marry the wrong person.

  “Miss Diana.” One of their footmen had entered the doorway, bowing at the two sisters. “The Duke of Bedford is here. He wishes to speak to you but he doesn’t have an appointment.”

  “What?”

  Diana’s heart stumbled and missed a couple of beats. What was Bedford doing back here? The man didn’t know when to stay away.

  Diana wished he would. He was the reason she was having vague misgivings about marrying Neville. She didn’t want any doubts and Bedford was good at planting them. Eloise frowned at her sister.

  “Would you like me to send him away?”

  “No, he’ll only come back later.”

  It was best to deal with this now. Eloise nodded at the footman who left the room. She sat back with a frown.

  “I wonder what’s going on with him.”

  Diana snorted.

  “He’ll probably tell me that I can’t marry Lord Neville.”

  “Do you want me to stay?”

  Diana nodded. She had a feeling this was going to be an ambush and Diana didn’t want to be alone with Bedford. Not when the man made her weak at the knees and lightheaded whenever he looked at her.