Regency Romances for the Ages

by Grace Fletcher

  Emily wasn’t about to complain. It made her feel more at ease that she wasn’t having to compete with her cousin for one man. In the past, Joyce would come out on top.

  Now Emily wanted to be selfish.

  Joyce giggled and lightly tapped Taunton’s hand.

  “Don’t tease her, my lord. Emily just likes cake.”

  Emily shrugged, cutting into the remains of her cake with her fork.

  “Aunt Caroline is just a very good baker. You can’t just walk away from what she’s made without trying a little something.”

  “We got a little overweight as children, didn’t we?”

  Emily smiled.

  “But we were always running around, so it didn’t last long.”

  Glastonbury chuckled.

  “I used to love cake as a child. But I fell out of love with it within my first season. Everyone had to have cake on the menu and I started to hate it.”

  Emily glanced at the plate in front of him, still with half a slice of cake on it.

  “And now?” She asked, looking pointedly at it.

  Glastonbury grinned.

  “In small doses.” He sipped at his tea. “There’s always a thing as too much cake, Miss Hartley.”

  That look he gave her. Emily could feel her heart tripping over again. That smile made her legs go weak at the knees and Emily couldn’t catch herself. There had been a few times she had stumbled because her legs had given out and Glastonbury had had to catch her.

  That was typical of her. Swooning at the feet of the duke. Emily didn’t think she could get herself any more embarrassed. At least the duke hadn’t said a word about it, merely smiling at her and setting her back on her feet.

  She really was in trouble if she was swooning before a duke.

  Taunton grinned and shoveled some cake into his mouth. Then he looked over Glastonbury’s shoulder and his smile faded. He straightened up and coughed.

  “Watch out, Glastonbury. You’ve got company.”

  “Have I?” Glastonbury turned. His face fell, and he scowled. “Oh, wonderful.”

  “What is it?” Emily looked around. Her heart sank when she saw Katherine Ryder walking between the tables, clearly making a beeline to their table by the window. “What is Lady Ryder doing here?”

  “Following me, no doubt.” Glastonbury grumbled. “I thought I saw her carriage near Taunton’s house earlier.”

  “I think she’s expecting you to be worn down if she follows you around enough.” Taunton grunted.

  Emily didn’t like the sound of that. It had been four days since she had last seen Miss Ryder but that last meeting had been imprinted in her mind. She didn’t want to think about the beautiful, spoiled little princess who clearly thought she was entitled to more than she should have.

  “Following the object of your affections around and hoping it will wear them down into getting into a courtship?” Joyce shook her head. “I think someone forgot to tell her that’s not how you do it.”

  Taunton sniggered. Glastonbury fought back a smile but Emily couldn’t find the mirth in it. She just wanted the woman gone.

  Moments later, Lady Ryder arrived at the table. Pointedly ignoring Emily and even standing between Emily and Glastonbury, she dropped into a curtsy.

  “Your Grace.” Then she curtsied at Taunton. “Lord Taunton, good day.”

  Emily resisted the urge to push the infuriating woman over. She didn’t want to be faced with someone’s posterior.

  “Lady Ryder.” Taunton’s voice was cool. He and Glastonbury had stood to bow but had immediately sat back down. “What brings you here?”

  “I’m meeting my mother and a few friends for lunch. What are you doing here?”

  “We’re having tea with Miss Hartley and Miss Benson.”

  Emily didn’t need to see the woman’s face to see the surprise.

  “What? Why would you have tea with them? They’re nobodies.”

  Emily gritted her teeth. Across the table, Joyce stiffened. Glastonbury’s expression didn’t seem to change.

  “Because we want to, Lady Ryder.”

  Emily heard the dangerous tone. Clearly Lady Ryder did not. She lowered her voice to a whisper, but it was still loud.

  “You’re not… you’re not courting them, are you?”

  “It’s none of your business if I am.” Glastonbury stood, sweeping an arm away from the table. “Now, please, Lady Ryder, go to your group and leave us be. We do not wish to converse with you at this time.”

  Emily thought Katherine Ryder was going to faint. She swayed in front of her. Then her whole body stiffened before she curtsied and stalked away. Glastonbury sighed and sat, brushing crumbs off his sleeve.

  “I hope she leaves us alone. I don’t wish to talk with her any more than I have to.”

  “Same here.” Taunton frowned. “Why did she sound shocked at the idea that we might be courting?”

  Emily didn’t need to guess. Katherine Ryder wanted Glastonbury for herself and she was angry that he was paying attention to another man.

  While the thought of courting a duke, especially one like the Duke of Glastonbury, warmed her belly, Emily didn’t believe that would ever happen.

  It couldn’t. Could it?

  Chapter 9

  Lord Huntingdon’s Return

  E mily couldn’t believe how quickly the next month flew by. Both she and Joyce would look at each other and wonder if this was a dream. But it was real life.

  It was taking a while to sink in.

  The Duke of Glastonbury and the Earl of Taunton had taken them out on a regular basis. A few times they had gone for a ride and Taunton had even surprised them with a picnic on more than one occasion. They had gone to the theatre, where they got to sit in a box and have everyone whisper about them, wondering who the girls were with the duke and the earl. And when they had gone to balls, both men stayed by Joyce and Emily’s sides the whole evening, making them the talk of the night.

  Emily was sure she was going to wake up from this dream soon.

  She was in love. Emily didn’t need to decide if it was a simple infatuation or the real thing. She just knew. And that shocked her when she came to the realization not long before. It was a humbling thought. Something Emily hadn’t expected to happen for some years was happening now. Now all she could think of was Glastonbury and being in his company. She couldn’t think of anything else.

  Joyce seemed to be having the same thought about Taunton. He was all she could talk about whenever there was a lull in the conversation. It drove her parents to despair and made Emily roll her eyes but it was nice to see Joyce so happy. Sir Anthony had commented that while he hadn’t expected it to happen so early, he was pleased that his niece and his daughter were happy.

  Katherine Ryder appeared to have realized that things were not going to go her way. Emily hadn’t seen her since that day she tried to intrude on their morning tea in the teashop. It was like she had slunk away. Rumor had it she had gone home early because she was embarrassed.

  The only person Emily was worried about was the dowager duchess. She was rarely in Emily’s company but when she was–and never alone–she made it clear with her actions and her snide remarks that she didn’t like Emily. The duchess kept trying to refuse Emily to occasions that the duke would be at but her son pointed out that she had no say on the matter, which had his mother sulking in a corner.

  Emily knew she was plotting something. A woman like the Dowager Duchess of Glastonbury didn’t just sit back and let it go on if it was something she didn’t like; she did things herself.

  And it all came to a head, just as Emily knew it would. Glastonbury had sent for her, asking to see her privately before they went to the theatre that evening. Emily was excited and confused. Why did he want to see her privately? Did he want to walk away from her? Hardly if they were going to the theatre that evening.

  What did it mean? Emily was beginning to worry.

  Nothing seemed to be off when she arrived at Glas
tonbury’s house in Regent’s Park. The butler let her in and pointed her towards the morning room. Emily went into the room before she realized that the butler hadn’t looked happy. Then she saw the reason for his discomfort.

  The duchess was sitting on the couch by the fire, which was roaring brightly. She was talking to the Earl of Huntingdon. Emily pulled up short. She hadn’t seen the earl in over a month and that had been a relief; the man was awful and Emily didn’t want to be in his company if she could avoid it.

  He had kept away for five weeks. Glastonbury had told him he wasn’t welcome. So what was he doing here?

  The duchess looked up when she heard Emily gasp. She gave the young woman a prim smile and stood, smoothing her hands on her skirts.

  “There you are. I was wondering when you were going to get here.”

  Emily swallowed. She wanted to turn and run but it would end up all over London how she was rude to a dowager duchess. She curtsied, looking at the floor.

  “Your Grace, good day.” Then she gritted her teeth and gave Huntingdon a smaller curtsy, more like a bob. “Lord Huntingdon.”

  “Miss Hartley.” Huntingdon leered at her, sitting back and crossing his legs. He didn’t bother to stand. “You’re looking as lovely as ever.”

  Emily felt her face going red. She looked up and focused on the duchess, aware that she had to look like a trembling leaf under their glares.

  “What is he doing here, Your Grace? The duke said he’s not permitted on his property anymore.”

  “There’s been a misunderstanding.” The duchess gave Huntingdon a smile. “Besides, what he doesn’t know can’t hurt him.”

  Emily found use of her feet again. She began to back away.

  “I don’t think I should be here without the duke.”

  “We’re not going to hurt you, Miss Hartley.” Huntingdon stood and moved towards her, his leery smile never fading. “We’re just going to have a little… discussion.”

  That didn’t sound good. Emily turned to leave the room but Huntingdon blocked her way. He was standing too close. Emily backed up and realized she was trapped between the earl and the dowager duchess.

  “What do you want to talk about?” She asked.

  “We want to talk about how you’ve committing such a scandal gallivanting about with a duke.” The duchess said calmly but there was a hardened note to her voice.

  “What?” Emily turned and stared at her. “I’m not gallivanting about with anyone.”

  “Don’t play dumb, child. You’re seen out and about with my son on a regular basis. This has been going on for a month.”

  “What’s wrong with spending time with your son?”

  “You shouldn’t be in his company at all.” The duchess’ lip curled. “You’re a viscount’s daughter. A viscount! You’re nowhere near what Glastonbury is looking for in a wife. You would be laughed out of the church.”

  That hurt. Emily knew that was why she said it. It felt like she had been slapped in the face. The duchess’ eyes glinted, suggesting she knew it had hit where it hurt. Emily attempted to maintain her composure.

  “Who said this was going to end in marriage?”

  “You’re not stupid, Miss Hartley.” Huntingdon drawled. “Glastonbury wouldn’t be paying you this attention if he had no intention of marrying you.”

  “And that will never happen if I have anything to do with it.” The duchess declared. “My daughter-in-law will be a poised, beautiful woman who can give my son beautiful children. She wouldn’t be a dumpy, red-headed goodness-knows-what who thinks she can swoop in and marry a duke by batting her eyelids.”

  Emily felt sick. They were throwing insults at her in the hopes of breaking her down so she would run. And it was beginning to work. She blinked back the tears and tried to sound like she was still in control.

  “You’re accusing me of not being suitable for your son?” The thought of marrying Glastonbury warmed her but not much. Not right now. “Isn’t that for him to decide?”

  “Might as well give him a helping hand.” Huntingdon shrugged.

  What was he getting out of this? Emily didn’t want to know but she could hazard a guess. In his eyes, Emily had insulted and embarrassed him publicly. He wouldn’t have someone in the family if he could help it.

  Glastonbury had to know what was going on. He wouldn’t let his mother treat her like this, surely? Where was he?

  The duchess laughed sharply and turned away, effectively dismissing her.

  “Stop being a dreamer, Miss Hartley. You becoming the Duchess of Glastonbury isn’t going to happen. Go home and don’t come back.”

  The logical part of Emily knew she should stay and wait for the duke, listen to his side and be assured that he didn’t think the same way. But Emily couldn’t bear to stay in the dowager duchess’ company and having the Earl of Huntingdon this close made her feel sick. She needed to get out of there.

  It took only a moment to hail a carriage and Emily managed to get inside. It was then, as the carriage pulled away from the step, that she burst into tears.

  Chapter 10

  Grandmother’s

  Ring

  G lastonbury was in high spirits as he finished dressing. Emily would be here soon and they would head off to the theatre. There was a play Glastonbury was eager for Emily to see. Then there would be a surprise at the end, something Glastonbury had set up himself.

  One of the actors was more than happy to help as was the director. He was going to get them to help ask Emily to marry him.

  Glastonbury knew it was early, and he knew that his previous opinions about being too young to marry were well-known but he didn’t care. Emily Hartley was the one woman he wanted in his life and he wasn’t about to let her walk away.

  He was still in high spirits as he descended the stairs. Emily should be here now. She was a very punctual woman, sometimes even early. They wouldn’t have to wait long. But Emily wasn’t there. However, he could hear voices in the morning room.

  Glastonbury slowed up. He recognized his mother’s voice, happy and gay for the first time in weeks. And then he recognized the male voice that joined in with his mother. That was a voice he was not expecting to hear in his house.

  Huntingdon was here. The duchess knew he wasn’t permitted in Glastonbury’s home.

  Glastonbury stormed into the morning room. The duchess and Huntingdon were sitting on the couch, each holding a glass and laughing. His mother saw Glastonbury first and waved him over.

  “Son! I was beginning to wonder where you were. Would you like a drink?”

  “No, I wouldn't.” Glastonbury approached them, glaring at his cousin. “Huntingdon, what are you doing here? I thought I said you were not permitted in my home.”

  “He’s here to see me, Glastonbury.” The duchess said smoothly, patting the young man’s knee. “Am I not allowed guests?”

  “Not if I’ve said they’re not permitted already, Mother.”

  Huntingdon snorted.

  “A viscount’s daughter has permission to enter your house but a member of the family doesn’t? What sort of logic is that?”

  Glastonbury frowned.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Emily Hartley. You’ve allowed her to come here. Just like tonight.” Huntingdon scowled. “I’m family and I’m not allowed on the property but she is?”

  Something was wrong. They had mentioned Emily and they wouldn’t do it without good reason. Glastonbury felt the dread building in his gut.

  “What’s this about Emily?” He narrowed his eyes at his mother. “What have you done?”

  The duchess blinked.

  “What makes you think we’ve done anything?”

  She was very good at playing innocent. The older woman with big eyes could make it look like she had no idea what was going on. But Glastonbury was wise to the idea.

  “What have you done?”

  It only took a moment for the duchess to realize that her acting wasn’t going to sli
de. Her innocent look slipped, and she stood, huffing at her son.

  “She was here. Walking around as if she owned the place. Well, we put a stop to that.”

  She gave Huntingdon a smug look.

  “A stop to what? What are…?” Then Glastonbury realized what she meant. “You told her she wasn’t welcome?”

  “Well, it’s my house. You don’t want my guests coming here so I don’t want your ‘guests’ coming here, either.”

  She wasn’t even going to deny it? And the way she said ‘guests’ had Glastonbury’s blood boiling. He swallowed and was amazed at how level his voice was.

  “You are forgetting, Mother, that this became my house when Father died, not yours. And you do realize how ridiculous you sound?” He folded his arms, clenching his fists tightly. He was afraid he might start swinging at Huntingdon, who was watching him with a smug look. “You might have lost the chance of having grandchildren.”

  “What?”

  The duchess looked confused. Huntingdon was quicker to the implication. He sat up, staring in alarm at his cousin.

  “You’re not saying you want to marry her?” He sounded incredulous.

  “Yes, I am.” Glastonbury ignored his mother’s gasp. “I was going to propose later today. But because of you two, I might have missed the chance. I’ll be lucky if Miss Hartley wants to speak to me again.”

  The duchess was swaying. Huntingdon took her arm and guided her to sit. She was white as a sheet.

  “A viscount’s daughter becoming a duchess?” She gasped. She shook her head hard. “No. No, I won’t allow it.”

  Glastonbury snorted.

  “You speak as if you have a say in who I marry. I didn’t realize a duke still had to ask permission to marry anyone.” He glared at Huntingdon, whose expression said he was beginning to realize the gravity of the situation. “You, get out of here. If I see you in any of my properties again I won’t be responsible for my actions. You’ve done enough damage.”

  For the first time since Glastonbury had known him, Huntingdon slipped off the couch and hurried from the room without a word, barely looking at the duchess. She stared after him as if she wasn’t expecting him to bow down to her son.