***
Clementine had been confused as to what Ryan was saying but Ryan explained about Chester’s desire to confront Ann. Neither of them knew what was going to happen but Clementine was sure Chester would be showing Ann Calloway the door.
She hoped so. Ann was a sly woman; she could wrap anyone around her little finger. Although Ryan was certain that Chester wouldn’t fall for that. He was too smart to believe Ann Calloway and her lies.
Clementine knew that was true, but she was getting more and more nervous as she and Ryan made their way over to Chester’s home. She had faith in Chester for doing the right thing but there was still something at the back of her mind that she would walk in and find Chester and Ann Calloway in a clinch.
That would break her heart.
But the first thing they saw when they pulled up outside the front door was Ann Calloway charging out and down the steps, tears streaking her face. She stopped short when she saw Ryan helping Clementine out of the carriage. Giving Clementine a harsh glare, she then hurried over to her carriage and climbed in, the coachman snapping the horses to life and pulling the carriage away.
Clementine knew she should feel relief that the woman was gone and clearly pushed away. And the anger was there, especially after what Clementine had heard from her sister, but mostly she just felt sorry for Ann. She had been carrying a torch for Chester for a long time and now she was being rejected.
But that didn’t excuse her behaviour and the way she went about trying to get the Duke of Winchester to himself.
The butler let them in and Ryan was leading Clementine across the foyer to Chester’s study when Lady Winchester came out. She stopped and stared at Clementine, her face pale. Then she pursed her lips, gave her a curt nod, and walked away.
Clementine wasn’t about to address the countess’ impolite greeting. She was more concerned about Chester. Ryan touched her arm as they reached the door.
“I’ll be in the kitchens.”
Clementine gave him a smile and squeezed his hand.
“Thank you.”
Ryan nodded and walked away. Clementine knocked and entered. Chester was pacing about in front of his desk, running his hands through his hair.
“Not now, Radleigh…” He began, his voice fading when he turned and saw Clementine. Clementine gave him a smile, her hands fidgeting.
“Chester.”
“Clementine.”
Chester stared at her. Then he was across the room before Clementine could blink and kissing her, cupping her head in his hands. Clementine sighed and sank into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She could feel his heart pounding against her chest.
Then Chester suddenly pulled away, his hands sliding down her back, but he didn’t let go.
“Forgive me, Clementine. I shouldn’t have…”
“Don’t apologize for that.” Clementine kissed him. “And I should be the one apologizing. I treated you shamefully.” She bit her lip. “That is not in my nature at all and I feel awful for that.”
“I know.” Chester hugged her, burying his face into her neck with a heavy sigh. “You were blindsided. Ann Calloway sent that note and she was hoping you would turn me away so she could have me to herself.”
It made sense that Ann would have written the note, even if her logic was skewed on that would have her eventually become the Countess of Winchester. But the knowledge she had had help settled heavily in her stomach. Clementine pulled back and stepped out of Chester’s arms. He was not going to be pleased. Chester looked perplexed.
“Clementine? What is it?”
Clementine took a deep breath. She was still trying to understand it herself.
“Ann Calloway did write the note. But she didn’t send it. She gave it to Maisie.”
“Maisie?” Chester drew back as if he had been slapped. “As in your sister Maisie? Why was she involved in this?”
“That’s the saddest part.” Clementine swallowed. “Maisie’s infatuated with you as well. Has been since we all met each other again. I don’t know what Miss Calloway did exactly, but she got Maisie to believe that if she helped split up apart, then she would have you to herself.”
“What?” Chester was still looking confused. “She’s a child! And how would that work if Ann wanted me for herself?”
“I don’t think she wasn’t thinking clearly. She was jealous that I had something she wanted.” Clementine sighed. “She confessed this to me after Ryan told me about you and Vincent Calloway. She didn’t realize that Miss Calloway only said that to get her on side and Maisie was going to be cast aside once she helped Miss Calloway succeed in her machinations. That woman played Maisie like a puppet.”
And Maisie, immature and young as she was, had fallen for it. Clementine was angry at Maisie’s involvement and anonymously delivering the note but she was also sorry for her. Maisie had wanted to be at Chester’s side that badly she was taken in by a deal to get rid of her sister.
The whole plan was making Clementine’s head spin.
Chester sighed.
“Where is Maisie now?”
“Jethro is helping her to pack. She’s going to stay with a cousin in Wales for a while.” Clementine shrugged. “Jethro thought it would be best that we’re not around each other for a while.”
That hurt the most. Clementine had thought she and Maisie were close but Maisie had almost jeopardized her relationship with the man Clementine loved. She wasn’t sure if it meant Maisie truly hated her or she had been misguided.
Right now she didn’t want to find out.
“I wish it hadn’t come to this, Clementine.” Chester said quietly.
Clementine swallowed and went into his open arms, resting her cheek against his chest.
“So do I.” She looked up at him and smiled. “But I’m happy that I know you’re not a murderer. I can withstand the scandal if you can.”
“So you believe me now?”
“I do.” Clementine kissed his chin. “Ryan talked some sense into me. He’s a good man.”
“I know that part. Which is why he’ll be my best man.”
“Best man?” Clementine raised an eyebrow. “Is there a wedding happening?”
Chester grinned.
“Will you marry me, Clementine Cowell?”
Clementine couldn’t stop smiling.
“I’ve wanted you to ask me that for ten years.”
Chester laughed and kissed her forehead, still smiling.
“Better late than never, then.”
*** The End ***
The Duke & the
Enigmatic Dorothea
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Chapter 1
An Engagement:
T he waiters scrambled around, moving at a flourished and steady pace to ensure no guest had an empty glass in hand. Dorothea fixed her dress another time as she tried to hold on to Lord Julian Barrett’s every word. Despite being the centre of attention at such extravagant parties, every weekend, on the arm of Lord Julian Barrett, Dorothea still felt shy under the scrutinizing stare of those they were dining with. She preferred solitude over the recognition she was bound to receive, with her partner’s status and popularity in the ton. The summer tea party was being held at the Barrett Residence, in the astounding back garden, with the flowers blossoming and enhancing the beauty of the grounds. Built on Upper Seymour Street, the Barrett Estate was by far one of the finest and most architecturally exquisite residences on the whole street. Children played in the corner, tended to by their nannies, while women and men chatted and mingled as the waiters set up the table for tea. Anyone would feel lucky to have been invited by the esteemed and famous Julian Barrett to this summer party, however Dorothea only felt dejected and bored.
Dorothea felt unsettled, the sunlight making her feel light-headed and dizzy. A bit under the weather, Dorothea had been hesitant to attend the tea party, wanting instead to stay home and rest. This was her choice for spending time, most of the
time. However, upon her father’s insistence she had accepted Julian’s invitation though she knew she had little choice in the matter. At the angelic age of twenty-one, with beauty and grace that beguiled passers-by, Dorothea was sought out by many suitors. Nonetheless this did not mean Dorothea had any choice in deciding whom to court and spend time with, the decision was made for her by her father. Dorothea loved her father and respected his words, opting to do as he told her without hesitation or refusal from her part. Lord Julian and Dorothea had been courting for quite some time. An esteemed friend of her father’s, Dorothea was obliged to indulge in this despite her lack of interest in him. They did not share any interests or hobbies, with a stark difference in opinion and age hanging between them. Her father had requested that she do this for his happiness, as Julian was an investor in her father’s cotton business, which was going through a tough time financially. Though her father tried to hide it, Dorothea knew they would near bankruptcy soon if Julian pulled out his investment. With her father’s failing health a cause for worry for poor Dorothea, she tried to do her best to keep him in high spirits and happy. He had, no doubt, been a devoted father, and Dorothea could not find it in her heart to displease him.
“I dare say, you look a little pale, Dorothea darling,” Lord Julian said, snapping her out of her thoughts. “Did you not eat properly?”
“Oh, I’m only a bit under the weather, Lord Barrett,” Dorothea said, smiling warmly. “I’ll be all right.”
She couldn’t deny, although she would’ve preferred to be with someone her age or a bit older, Lord Barrett did pay a lot of attention to her. Any other girl in her place would’ve been more than giddy to be there, courted by one of the most influential and richest men in London. Dorothea however, was not one of them. Her heart was unsettled by his attention, something he had bestowed upon her since she was but only sixteen years old. Dorothea could see this attention had a part to play in the entitled attitude he treated Dorothea with. He had long believed she would do as he told her. Not wanting to upset her father over such a petty reason, Dorothea indulged in being a trophy Lord Barrett loved to parade around. Although respected by all and someone who portrayed a decent demeanour, there was something amiss about Lord Barrett. Perhaps, it was his belittling conduct with Dorothea’s gullible father, Samuel or his sometimes crass attitude towards those who worked for him and below him.
More than that, it was his self-righteous conduct that bothered Dorothea to no end. Having been born and brought up in London, Dorothea was more than accustomed to the customs and way of living of the ton, her own upbringing part of the upper class society. Dorothea was raised with the thinking that any good young girl’s obligation to her family was to be besotted by a fine, capable suitor and for them to be brought together by matrimonial union.
“I know what’ll cheer you up, darling,” Lord Barrett said in a confident tone. He took Dorothea’s arm in his hand and led her to the patio. He took a glass of wine from the waiter and held it up, signalling the guests to quiet and turn towards them. Dorothea blushed as all attention turned towards them.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining me this afternoon. You see, this afternoon is quite an important one as I have an announcement to make,” Lord Barrett announced and brought Dorothea closer, with his arm snaking around her waist lightly. Dorothea wondered what the announcement was, Lord Barrett hadn’t mentioned anything earlier on. “The beautiful Miss Dorothea Cavendish and I are proud to announce our engagement.”
Dorothea snapped her head in Lord Barrett’s direction. She did not remember having discussed any such idea with him, yet here he stood announcing their engagement without her consent. The guests broke out in applause and raised their glasses for a toast. Dorothea plastered a smile on her face, but on the inside, her heart was crumbling with the notion of becoming Lord Barrett’s wife.
***
Nathaniel Peel, the young and handsome Duke of Rutland raised his glass along with the other guests to congratulate the newly engaged standing on the patio. He smiled, noticing the unconvincing smile that was etched on Miss Cavendish’s face. The thought of a woman not wanting to be in Lord Barrett’s company intrigued Rutland as he had never seen it happen before.
“I think Miss Cavendish isn’t as excited as a bride-to-be ought to be on the announcement of her engagement,” Rutland said to his companion, Rachel Amherst. His eyes focused on the delicate and pretty Miss Cavendish as she went around meeting the different guests waiting to congratulate her.
“One would expect a bit more reaction, I suppose,” Rachel Amherst said, turning to smile at Rutland. “Duke Rutland, why the sudden interest?”
“Merely observant, Miss Amherst,” Rutland said, rolling his eyes. Rachel was his good friend and the only woman he invited along for such events if he couldn’t attend alone. Their relationship was amicable, without any romance involved, which is what Rutland preferred. As Duke of Rutland, he had many responsibilities and duties, with barely any time to be spared for courtship or meeting women. Regardless, Rutland wasn’t easily captivated by women. However, Dorothea Cavendish, with an angelic face and innocence about her, made Rutland want to keep turning in her direction to get one last look. The way she carried herself, with a soft grace, made Rutland feel intrigued and evoked a desire to get to know her.
Rutland could see she was not happy about her engagement with Lord Barrett, her smile pretentious and not heartfelt. Rutland knew it wasn’t his place to meddle or wonder any such thoughts, deeming it her private affair. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty, she was no doubt quite attractive. Yet she was also engaged, and Rutland pushed away his wayward thoughts, knowing better than to pursue a woman already committed and betrothed to another man. He focused on mingling with the other guests, yet his gaze kept falling on the intriguing and fetching Dorothea Cavendish.
Chapter 2
A Virtuous Daughter:
S amuel Cavendish sipped his evening tea as he looked out towards the front garden.
“Is there anything I can fetch you, sir?” the housekeeper, Mrs William, asked.
“Another blanket, perhaps,” Samuel said, his voice raspy. The winter always left his health staggering as it passed, leaving him to recover for months after. It was his ailing health that was the cause for his absence at the tea party where his only daughter’s engagement was going to be announced. Samuel wondered how Dorothea would react and regretted not telling her earlier before she had left to attend the luncheon. He had known she would refuse to attend if she knew the purpose for which Lord Barrett had hosted this luncheon. He felt bad for letting Dorothea take the fall for his mistakes and misdeeds, but he had no other choice.
Lord Barrett had set his eyes on young Dorothea ever since she had blossomed into the beautiful young woman she now was. Samuel had no say in front of Barrett, even if his demands were outrageous and concerned Samuel’s only daughter. His hands were tied in front of Barrett, hence when he had asked for Dorothea’s hand in marriage, Samuel had been unable to say no. It had been more of a demand than a request or question, with Samuel having no say in it. He had agreed, knowing the consequences would be severe if he had refused the proposal.
Samuel was a good man with a good heart. Yet sometimes life leads us into situations that call for drastic, sometimes even wrong, measures, and that is what had led to Samuel being indebted to Barrett for his entire life. If Lord Barrett hadn’t gotten Samuel out of the messy scandal he had fallen into, Samuel wouldn’t be where he was right now. Regardless, Samuel was not a fool and he knew Lord Barrett had helped him out for his own profit rather than out of a good gesture of humanity. Nonetheless, Samuel now was indebted to him and shackled into saying yes to all his demands, no matter how outrageous and atrocious. Samuel wanted to ensure his daughter was provided for if something were to happen to him, and indeed something was happening to him, for he was closer to death each day that passed.
Samuel was dying, his health taking a turn for the worse
this past winter. If Samuel hadn’t agreed to Lord Barrett marrying Dorothea, he would’ve pulled out of his investment into their business and Dorothea would’ve been left broke and uncared for. Samuel knew how the ton functioned, and that his daughter would’ve been labelled an outcast without any suitors wanting to marry her. The thought of his dear Dorothea, alone and uncared for, chilled Samuel’s heart and left him breathless with fear and anxiety. Hence, he had taken this decision to ensure she would be happy and protected when he couldn’t protect her himself. Samuel was aware of Barrett’s character and his lackings, but his rich, historically sound and influential background made up for it.
If time had been kinder, Samuel would’ve worked to fix his mistake and be freed of the shackles Barrett had put around his wrist so many years ago. But time was the one thing Samuel did not have and could not afford to lose. Hence, with a heavy heart he had permitted Barrett to marry dear Dorothea. Samuel wondered if she’d give him a chance to explain or refuse to look at him once she came home. His daughter was dutiful and chaste, always obedient towards him. She never said no to any of his requests and Samuel knew she wouldn’t refuse his last request of her.
***
“How was the luncheon, dear?” Samuel asked as Dorothea arrived back home. She took off her coat and handed it over to Mrs Williams before heading into the common room. Her face carried a forlorn expression, tinted with subtle annoyance. Samuel understood the announcement had been made.
“Papa, do you love me?” Dorothea asked, her voice conflicted and torn.
“Of course, my love,” Samuel said, perplexed why she’d ask that. “That’s a silly question.”
“I am trying to understand why people who love us are the ones to hurt us, Papa,” Dorothea said, her hurt evident in her voice.
“Dorothea…” Samuel started, but Dorothea cut him off.
“No, Papa. You know you should’ve told me before,” Dorothea said. “I had a right to know.”
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