Regency Romances for the Ages

by Grace Fletcher

  And then there was Emily. She was a little quieter but Glastonbury couldn’t help himself from being drawn to her. What he found was Emily was a down-to-earth young woman, aware of her own faults but kept herself in check. She was a lot more restrained than her cousin but Glastonbury saw her smile, saw her laugh and her contributions to the conversations were intelligent.

  Emily Hartley and Joyce Benson were very good company. Glastonbury was glad he had made this choice.

  But he wasn’t so happy with his mother. When he had decided on the dinner party, he had organized for Sir Anthony and his family to be present, along with the dowager duchess, his old friend George Loftus, the Earl of Taunton, and Taunton’s widowed sister Elizabeth, who was coming back into society after her mourning period. He hadn’t seen his friends in over a year and Glastonbury was eager to have them around him again.

  But the duchess wasn’t happy with this arrangement. She had tried to protest all day but Glastonbury ignored her. It was his evening and his guests; she didn’t get a voice in who was invited.

  However, she managed it regardless. Glastonbury was shocked when the guests had arrived and were in the library, having a glass before going into dinner, when the duchess walked in with a tall, beautiful woman with golden blonde hair and a radiant smile. She looked stunning, and the men ended up staring at her longer than was necessary. Then the duchess had declared that Lady Katherine Ryder had turned up and she couldn’t turn her away so the duchess had invited her to dinner.

  Glastonbury was upset about that. That made the table uneven. He also preferred to have people he liked at dinner, minus his mother. Katherine Ryder was the Earl of Hertford’s daughter and she may have looked like an angel but she was a mean, spoiled little girl underneath. Glastonbury had known her since they were four years old and Katherine Ryder’s behavior hadn’t changed at all. She was self-centered and materialistic.

  He was under no illusions as to why she was here, even though his mother begged for her to have some company. The duchess wanted Lady Ryder as her daughter-in-law. They were close friends, and the duchess kept talking about how beautiful Lady Ryder was and what she was up to. Glastonbury had mostly ignored it but his mother hadn’t got the hint at all.

  Dinner would have been awkward–seeing the one extra chair that had been put pointedly right next to Glastonbury didn’t help–but Taunton and Sir Anthony kept the conversation upbeat. They told jokes, stories of excursions and kept everyone laughing. Whenever Lady Ryder or the duchess started a conversation that was clearly to steer towards a boring topic no one wanted to discuss, Taunton was the one who steered it away.

  Even Emily joined in, much to Glastonbury’s surprise. She was quick-witted and stopped the situation from being uncomfortable. It was refreshing to see a woman holding her own against two bullying women.

  Glastonbury knew he would be smitten if he wasn’t careful.

  Dinner passed pleasantly enough and everyone retired to the library. Normally, the women and men split into separate rooms but Glastonbury had expressed it was a small party so there was no point. The duchess looked annoyed at this break from society rules but Glastonbury didn’t care.

  He could tell she wanted to scold him. She was waiting for a time to argue with him. So Glastonbury hung back, letting Sir Anthony lead everyone into the library, and waited for his mother to advance on him.

  “Glastonbury!” She hissed.

  “Mother.” Glastonbury folded his arms, ready for the onslaught. “What do you want?”

  His mother looked like she was about to explode.

  “How could you be so rude?” She snapped.

  “I may not be the best at hosting but I thought I was doing quite well.” Glastonbury shrugged. “No one has complained.”

  “I’m not talking about your pathetic party! I’m talking about with regards to Lady Ryder.”

  “You mean someone you invited without my permission and then insisted she stay because she could keep you company.” Glastonbury raised his eyebrows. “That might have carried some validity if you had sat with her at the table instead of putting her beside me.”

  “I put her beside you because she was shy and didn’t know anyone.”

  “She knew you.”

  “You know what I mean.” The duchess brushed this aside. “I invited her to dinner, and you ignored her. So did everyone else. That is rude!”

  Glastonbury sighed.

  “Mother, we went over this earlier today. I didn’t invite Miss Ryder and I’m not interested in talking to her. I never have been, not even when we were children, and never will want to talk to her.”

  Chapter 7

  Defended

  by the Duke

  “B ut…she’s eager to talk to you! I think you two would get along well.”

  “Why? We didn’t get along well when we were young. Why now?” Then Glastonbury saw the look on his mother’s face and he realized what she had been trying to do. “You’ve got her in mind to be my wife, haven’t you?”

  “She’s perfect for you!” The duchess protested.

  That was confirmation for Glastonbury. He felt sick. He had hoped his mother would never pull strings and try to force him to marry a specific a woman. Despite being his mother, they didn’t like each other, and the duchess had made it clear she didn’t care about Glastonbury’s choice of a future wife. Now she was blatantly trying to make sure she was involved in everything.

  “I beg to differ, Mother.”

  The duchess snorted.

  “Well, she’s certainly a better choice than either of those two girls.”

  “You mean Miss Hartley or Miss Benson? Did I say I was going to marry either of them?”

  “Your actions imply it.”

  Did he want to marry Emily Hartley? Glastonbury paused. He hadn’t given it much thought. He didn’t want to think about marriage for a long time. But it seemed like life had a way of moving up his timeline. And he didn’t like what the duchess was implying.

  “You’re on very thin ice, Mother. I allowed Miss Ryder to stay because I’m not a complete cad and I wasn’t about to cause a scene. But you are responsible for her. If I hear she’s done something I don’t like, she leaves.”

  The duchess’ mouth opened in protest but then she stopped and closed it. She swallowed and shook her head almost sadly.

  “I wish your father was here.”

  Glastonbury snorted and turned away.

  “If he was here, he would be telling you exactly the same thing.”

  ***

  Emily was enjoying herself. It was a pleasant evening, and she liked the company. The Earl of Taunton, Glastonbury’s friend, was a charming man and his sister Elizabeth was a loving woman. She was still a little sad over the loss of her husband but that didn’t lower the tone of the party.

  But one person did lower the tone, or tried to. Katherine Ryder. Emily had taken one look at her and knew they wouldn’t get along. She was beautiful, and she did have a lovely smile but there was a cruelty behind her eyes that sent a shiver up Emily’s spine. It was like looking at the Earl of Huntingdon in female form. Emily didn’t want to be in the same room as her.

  But she had no choice. Glastonbury had allowed her to stay and Emily had been unfortunate enough to sit opposite the woman on either side of the duke. But, to his credit, Glastonbury completely ignored her, barely even glancing at her. Emily had to watch as Miss Ryder’s demeanor went from smiling and pleasant to scowling and sullen. It was amusing and worrying.

  From the looks Miss Ryder kept giving her, Emily knew she would be getting the blame. Why she had no idea, but Emily knew she would feel the repercussions.

  An hour after going into the library, Emily slipped out and went into the powder room. After giving herself a moment to breathe and freshen up, Emily went back to the library. A few minutes to calm herself was enough to face the woman who seemed to be sucking the air out of the room.

  Emily turned a corner and almost walked into Mis
s Ryder. She side-stepped her and then back, looking up at the tall woman scowling at her.

  “My apologies, Miss Ryder.”

  She tried to step around her but Miss Ryder stepped with her, blocking her way. Emily attempted to get around her again but was stopped again. Stepping back, Emily sighed.

  “Is there something wrong, Miss Ryder?”

  The other woman looked her over with a sneer that made Emily feel like she had stepped in something.

  “I’m just wondering what the duke sees in you.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Well, you and Miss Benson have been invited here for dinner with your family. I was trying to understand what he finds attractive in either of you.”

  Emily flushed. How dare she? Her hands itched to slap her but Emily wasn’t about to deal with the fall-out.

  “That is none of your business.”

  Miss Ryder snorted. Then she looked smug.

  “He won’t be in your presence beyond tonight, I know that. And once we’re married, you won’t be permitted in the same social gatherings at all.”

  Emily felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. She swayed, feeling the blood rushing from her head.

  “You and His Grace are getting married?”

  “It’s a certainty.” Miss Ryder smoothed a hand over her hair. “We just haven’t published the banns yet.”

  “That’s because I’ve never asked you to marry me.”

  Emily jumped. Miss Ryder’s smile faded, her eyes widening. They turned and saw Glastonbury striding towards them. His face looked like thunder and Emily could feel the anger directed at Miss Ryder.

  Glastonbury towered over the woman, scowling at her. Miss Ryder dropped into a curtsy, dropping her eyes.

  “Your Grace.”

  “Also, Miss Ryder, I never asked you to be here tonight. I will not have you insulting guests I did invite.” Emily watched as Miss Ryder’s face went even redder. “I don’t know what lies you’ve been telling Miss Hartley, but it’s stopping now. I am at the end of my wits with whatever you and the dowager duchess were trying to concoct.”

  “But we never…” Miss Ryder tried to protest but Glastonbury raised a hand, her voice fading away.

  “Your carriage is waiting to take you home. And the next time you wish to see me, you must express it in writing and only I am allowed to let you enter my home.” Glastonbury stepped back, dropping his hand but the tension in his shoulders didn’t leave. “If you enter my home otherwise, you will not be permitted on my property again. Your father will be notified of your actions.”

  “But…” Emily could see the panic starting in the other woman’s eyes. She started to reach for her. “But, Your Grace…”

  “Go.”

  Just one word had Miss Ryder closing her mouth and looking like she was about to cry. She pouted and curtsied, scowling at Emily before hurrying away, swishing her skirts. Glastonbury turned to Emily, who was surprised at what had happened. Had she just had a duke standing up for her? That didn’t seem possible.

  “Are you all right, Miss Hartley?”

  Emily wasn’t sure how to answer that. She was confused. What had just happened? She swallowed and managed to give Glastonbury a slight smile, aware that he was waiting for an answer.

  “I’m fine.”

  She saw the tension leave his shoulders. He was still upset, but he looked a lot calmer than moments before. Emily frowned after Miss Ryder, whose voice she could hear complaining in the foyer.

  “Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh towards her?”

  “I don’t think so.” Glastonbury glanced down the corridor before turning back to Emily, giving her his full attention. “Mother invited her without my knowledge. She wants us to be married.”

  “I figured that out with what she was saying.”

  Emily was still shaken over Katherine Ryder’s declaration. Why was she still shaken? That part she couldn’t understand. She peered up at Glastonbury, feeling the need to ask a question she shouldn’t be asking.

  “Would you marry her?”

  Glastonbury scowled and snorted.

  “Whether or not Mother pushed us together? No to either. I’m not interested in being married to that woman or even conversing with her.”

  That made Emily feel better. But why?

  “Doesn’t she know that?”

  “She knows, but she’s just like Mother; she just doesn’t listen.” Glastonbury sighed. “I knew her when we were children and I didn’t like her then.”

  “And your mother knows this?”

  “She does.” Glastonbury leant against the wall. “Our relationship has never been good, however. I think she wanted someone she could mold and control when Father died. I wasn’t about to lie down and roll over for her. I wish things were different but, it is what it is.”

  Emily thought about her own mother, who was back in their home going through her mourning period. She loved her mother and cherished their close relationship. She couldn’t imagine hating the woman who had raised her.

  “I won’t pretend to understand but I won’t argue that point.” She gave him a wry smile. “Mainly because I don’t like the dowager duchess, either.”

  Glastonbury laughed. He threw back his head and laughed. Emily’s stomach warm and fluttered like she was housing butterflies. That was a laugh that made her body tingle.

  She was in trouble.

  “Emily?”

  Emily jumped. She had been so focused on the duke she had forgotten where they were and who she was with. Sir Anthony was coming along the corridor, looking at them curiously.

  Chapter 8

  Dismissing

  Lady Ryder

  “Y our Grace? Are things all right?”

  “Everything’s fine, Sir Anthony.” Glastonbury straightened up, giving Emily a sly wink. “I’m just pretending to be a knight in shining armor to your niece.”

  Sir Anthony grunted.

  “Considering I just saw Katherine Ryder storming across the foyer with a face like thunder, I can imagine.” Sir Anthony tapped tip of his cane on the floor. “We’re going to be heading home, Your Grace. Joyce is getting tired, but she’s too polite to say so.”

  Emily wasn’t sure if she was happy or sad about that. Happy that they were going home and she could sleep – she was tired herself – and sad she had to leave Glastonbury’s company. She had no right to take up all of his time but Emily liked what she had had so far.

  The duke called for their carriage and walked them into the foyer. Caroline and Joyce were already there, getting into their cloaks. Joyce looked like she was going to fall asleep on her feet. Sir Anthony glanced at his wife, who seemed to be hiding a smile, and turned to Glastonbury.

  “By the way, Your Grace, I want to show my daughter and my niece around London but I’m going to be incredibly busy. It seems a little unfair since it’s their first season and neither have been to London before. Do you know…?”

  “Do I know anyone who could show them around?” Glastonbury smiled. “I can do that for you.”

  Emily stared between them. What had just happened? What was her uncle up to? Something seemed to be passing between her uncle and the duke and Emily wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  “Really?” Sir Anthony raised his eyebrows. “If you’re sure?”

  “I’m sure. In fact, I’ll bring the Earl of Taunton along as well. He knows the city better than I do.” Glastonbury gave Joyce a pointed look. “I’m sure he’ll be delighted to help out.”

  “Thank you.” Sir Anthony looked at Emily. “If you don’t have any objections, Emily?”

  Emily wasn’t about to argue with that. If it meant being in the duke’s company for a little longer, she wasn’t about to pass up on it. She smiled and shook her head.

  “I don’t have any objections at all.”

  ***

  “Miss Hartley?” The Earl of Taunton held up a plate that still had some sliced cake left. “Would you like some m
ore cake?”

  Emily couldn’t help but laugh. She had had three slices already, two of them pushed onto her by the men. She and Joyce weren’t bothered about that – they did love their cakes – but it was like they were overdoing it. They were trying too much to get on their good side by tempting their sweet tooth.

  “Are you trying to get me fat, Lord Taunton?” She teased.

  “Me?” Taunton pretended to look offended. “I wouldn’t do something so awful.”

  Glastonbury hid his smile behind his teacup. Emily made a face at Taunton, making the man laugh, and sat back. The day had been passing with the four of them in high spirits. Glastonbury and Taunton had picked Emily and Joyce up from Joyce’s home and taken them for a ride in the park. They had then gone into a tearoom Emily had pointed out where they had been given a huge spread. The staff went all out to accommodate all of them.

  Glastonbury’s company was, as always, drawing Emily in. She found herself hanging on to every word and sharing what seemed like a secret smile with him when she thought no one was looking. He was paying her attention and Emily wasn’t about to argue.

  Maybe she had been a little too hasty about saying she wouldn’t find her dashing knight so early in her life. He seemed to be sitting right beside her.

  Joyce appeared to be of the same mind. Emily had noticed her cousin watching Taunton throughout the evening when Glastonbury hosted dinner, something Joyce had denied. But since setting out that morning, she always took the arm offered by the earl and stayed near his side. With his tall stature, jet black hair curling around his neck and cobalt-blue eyes, he was certainly an imposing figure.

  Emily could see Taunton was equally drawn to Joyce, and she wasn’t about to argue with that. Only the night before, she had worried that she was in competition with her cousin for Glastonbury’s affections. He had put them together and seemed to consider them a single entity. But now, after having another man involved in the group, there was a clear separation of them and each man focused on one woman.