A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Ayles, Abby

  She put the cape over one arm and held the hat and cane in the other. She went to the third door on the right, passing the curving staircase that would take a visitor to the bedrooms upstairs.

  “He is in his study, your Grace. I’ll announce you.” She opened the door and poked her head in to see if the master was in the room. “My lord? His Grace, the Duke of Cardinal, is here to see you.”

  Duke Cartwright raised one hand, looking up at the young maid over his eyeglasses. “Tell him to come in, please, Mary.”

  The girl went in the room and held it open for Duke Colbourn, who passed by her with a curt nod.

  “Thank you, Mary,” he said in a low voice. She colored again, lowered her eyes and nodded. She was out the door and closing it behind her just moments later.

  Duke Colbourn looked at Duke Cartwright, who had stood up and was holding out his hand. “Hello, Duke Colbourn. I trust your trip was a good one.”

  “It was, thank you, your Grace. How has your day been?”

  “Productive, for the most part. Please sit.”

  Duke Colbourn sat in a chair closer to the window. The Duke of Norrend came around his desk and sat in another chair that faced Duke Colbourn at an angle.

  “Tell me,” Duke Cartwright said, “how is your mother faring? A fine woman, she is. I was saddened to hear her condition has not gotten better since the death of your father.”

  “It has been four years, my lord,” Duke Colbourn replied. “And I fear she will never recover. I am glad that she chooses to continue with her social life but I miss her smiles. I would do all I could to make them come back.”

  “I am sure you do your best, Colbourn. It is a matter of the heart that we cannot fathom. I must admit, I fear the day I will lose my beloved, Louise, though she is a bit difficult at times.”

  The men smiled at each other.

  “Women are a conundrum,” Duke Colbourn said, shaking his head. “I have not met one yet that has struck me to be less than extremely complex.”

  “Complex, yes, for all of womankind. Difficult? Louise would fit in the latter category. There is a difference.”

  “I have no experience to use as examples to debate with you on that fact, Sir. I will bow to your superior knowledge.”

  Duke Cartwright laughed. “I am glad you have come, Sir. I do hope you plan to attend the ball at the Conservatory this evening.”

  “I heard of it and have brought the appropriate attire,” Duke Colbourn replied. “I am looking forward to it. I do not believe I have been in this area before to attend such an event. I believe it will be quite a lot of fun.”

  “I do hope so. I insist you ride with us. There is no need for you to attend solo. I have opened my home to you and am obligated to ensure you are entertained, as well as satisfied with our business dealings.”

  Duke Colbourn nodded. So far, the reputation of Duke Cartwright held strong. He was a decent man, intelligent and well-spoken.

  Duke Colbourn could tell they would become friends. Perhaps he would learn from the duke, since the man was twice his age. “That is excellent, my lord.”

  “Shall we take a look at the paintings I have in storage now?”

  “I would certainly like that.” Duke Colbourn felt a jolt of excitement pass through him. Duke Cartwright was a man who liked to get things done right away. That was Duke Colbourn’s kind of man.

  He stood up and followed Duke Cartwright to the door. Before they got to it, it was opened and a young woman ran in. Her dark blond hair was pulled back in two braids. Some of the strands had strayed from the braids and were curling around her face.

  She halted in place. He noticed when her hazel eyes moved to him. He was somewhat taken aback by her beauty. She had glowing skin, small dark pink lips, high cheekbones, a tiny button nose. She was the ultimate beauty.

  In all the paintings he had ever seen – and he’d seen quite a few – Duke Colbourn had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life.

  He stood back, waiting for Duke Cartwright to introduce him to this lovely young woman. All the women he had encountered who had their fair share of beauty had turned out to be ugly inside. Greed, jealousy, and lust were abounding. He was not that type of man.

  He looked at the young woman, scanned her body from head to toe, wondering if she was ugly on the inside. From her face and form, it could not be told. He thought of her as angelic from the moment she stepped into the room.

  “Duke Colbourn, allow me to introduce my eldest daughter, Miss Annabelle Cartwright.”

  Duke Colbourd took Annabelle’s outstretched hand, bent at the waist, and gave the top of her glove a kiss.

  “Charmed, I am sure.” He turned to look at Duke Cartwright.

  “You have no need for beautiful paintings, my lord. You have a lovely beauty right here in your home.”

  The Duke of Norrend smiled widely, turning his eyes to his daughter. “She is a lovely girl, you are right. And a beautiful soul, as well.”

  Annabelle laughed, covering her mouth for a moment. “Oh, Father, you do flatter me. That’s why I love you so much. Well, it is not the only reason.”

  The three of them laughed, the first time that Annabelle would hear the sound of Duke Colbourn’s joy.

  She liked it very much.

  * * *

  Do you want to read more?

  Click on the link below!

  https://amzn.to/2O2bUHt

  The Tales of Haskett’s Manor Preview

  Introduction

  Miss Antoinette Byrd feels ready to marry. As her friends and cousins find their happily every afters, she dreams of the day her own handsome husband will meet her at the end of the aisle. Finally, her parents, who have been hesitant due to her immaturity and rebelliousness, agree to let her see some suitors.

  Antoinette is immediately won over by Duke Alexander Godwin, a man who has it all. He is handsome, incredibly wealthy, a Duke, and one of the bravest, wittiest, most charming men she has ever met. Every minute by his side feels like she is being swept up in a fairytale romance about princes and princesses.

  And yet, her parents keep her options open with other suitors. Antoinette is at first unsure why they are not locking down Duke Godwin as soon as possible, but as time goes by she begins to realize that, however dreamy Duke Godwin is, they have very little real chemistry. In fact, of all her suitors, one seems to shine brighter than the rest... But is he the right man for her?

  In the midst of Christmas celebrations, the return and near loss of a dear childhood friend, a threat to her family's wealth, and her sister's marriage hitting a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, Antoinette feels pressured to make her choice. And deep down, she knows that the choice she most wants to make is one that would break her parents' hearts. But choosing the wrong suitor would break hers.

  Chapter 1

  Mary and the Duke of York, Christofer Haskett’s wedding was a sight to behold. The rich scent of early autumn roses, the joyful bridesmaids' dresses, the delectable food, the fine music, and, of course, the handsome groom and the beautiful bride and they embarked on a journey of self-discovery and family together. It was enough to make Antoinette's heart flutter.

  She was proud she had helped her cousin win over a perfect suitor and find joy in marriage. Now, if only she could do the same...

  As she danced with yet another very interested young man, she glanced over at her parents who were, as always, paying her no attention whatsoever. How was she supposed to find a husband when her parents would not even narrow down her list of suitors, let alone pick one or two for her to consider? Having an older sister and an older brother, she had known she would probably marry later than others her same age. Her sister was married, her brother was betrothed and away in India on a pilgrimage, and still, the months went by and Antoinette twiddled her thumbs in anticipation. She was beginning to feel a little like a beef joint which had been left over from the night before, sliced and just carelessly left on the table alongside breakfast. When were her
parents going to show some real interest in her marriage?

  The man in front of her must have been speaking. His lips were moving. She could barely hear what the young man was saying over the noise of her own thoughts. This would not do.

  As the pace of the dance changed, and the eligible young men and women traded partners, Antoinette slipped away to where her parents were having an animated discussion with Baron and Baroness Fitzroy—the parents of her childhood friend and current pen-mate Lucy.

  Antoinette curtsied. “Good afternoon, Lord Fitzroy, Lady Fitzroy.” They nodded and greeted her back. “Well, mother, what did you think of him?” she asked.

  Her mother shook her head a little. “I'm terribly sorry, dear. I have no idea whom you are referring to.”

  “The young man I was dancing with, a young Master Garvey,” she elaborated.

  “Oh, of the Suffolk Garveys? How was he? Was he nice?” her mother continued in a friendly tone of voice.

  Antoinette felt herself internally scream, but pressed her lips together and smiled politely to not offend the company. “I am not sure. I would very much like your guidance, perhaps your opinion.”

  “You just dance away, my dear, you are still young. If any young man takes your fancy we can meet his parents later,” her father added in a tone of voice which suggested he thought he was being helpful. He wasn’t.

  Antoinette nodded. “Of course, father.” She curtsied again and walked up to where the couples were dancing, quietly waiting on the sidelines for an eligible man to ask her to dance with him.

  This was ridiculous. There had to be thirty, maybe even forty, single young men dancing. Not to mention the few dozen standing and observing. Considering many were friends of Duke Haskett's, there was a rich selection of handsome, wealthy, high-status men, all of whom would make excellent husbands to someone. So how would she know who would make the most excellent husband for her?

  She sighed and looked at the standing crowd, neck craned up, smiling faintly as she attempted to make eye contact with someone, anyone, who wished to dance. She did not know the faintest thing about marriage, or how one went about pairing a couple. And yet her parents seemed to be casting her out to find her own husband, not taking much interest in the whole affair. She wished they would just pick a man who would fit her well, allow them to court, and then—should all go to plan—she could be married in a few months as Mary was.

  Mary, the great sceptic who had been scared her chosen suitor would not be appropriate for her or meet her needs. Mary, the just-married bride, dancing with said suitor right now. If even someone who had been as nervous as her cousin could happily marry this way, Antoinette felt she would enjoy fantastic success.

  Finally, her eyes locked with those of a tall man with chocolate brown hair and shining, sky-blue eyes. He smiled a knowing smile and weaved his way through the crowd to where she was. Antoinette felt a sense of relief, and slight excitement, as the dance ended and he extended his hand to her.

  “May I have this dance?” he asked, bowing slightly.

  “You may,” she replied, placing her hand in his and half-curtsying.

  As they walked out to the sound of the next dance beginning, Antoinette resolved to make the most of her situation. If her parents truly weren't going to show any initiative, then it was up to her to learn some names and vet the candidates. Hopefully if she could talk to her parents tomorrow with a few specific men in mind, the whole process could begin.

  “I am Miss Antoinette Byrd, daughter of Lord and Lady Byrd,” she said, smiling. “How do you do, strange man?”

  He let out a surprised laugh. “My, you are a bold one. And a funny one. I am Alexander Godwin,” he replied.

  Antoinette paused briefly. She knew that name from somewhere. “The Duke?” she asked with a slight gasp. “Alexander Godwin, the Duke of Hamilton?” she asked again.

  “The one. Why do you look so surprised?” His smile showed that he was slightly amused. “It's perfectly natural for one Duke to know another, is it not?”

  “I have heard little of you, Your Grace, but I expected you to be older,” she replied without thinking. The heat rose to her face. “I do apologize, I spoke without thinking,” she added hastily.

  “Indeed. An awful trait in a woman, don't you think?” he asked.

  “An awful trait in any person, Your Grace.” Antoinette tried to sound as polite as possible. She never did like the men who spoke in a way that suggested that impoliteness or rashness is forgivable in men. Having been raised alongside both a brother and a sister, she was of the firm belief that although men and women played different parts in society, neither should be rude if they could possibly avoid it.

  “Indeed,” the Duke replied. From his expression, she could see he could not think of what to say next.

  “I am assuming from Your Grace's invitation to dance that Your Grace is still single?” Antoinette said, in an effort to revive the conversation.

  “Oh yes, Miss Byrd, for now,” he said with a soft smile. She was beginning to see that he was not quite as bold as she had initially assumed. And yet, his slight sheepishness was not entirely off-putting.

  “And why would a man of Your Grace's status be struggling to find a wife?” she continued.

  Antoinette cringed at her words.

  “Quite the forward one, aren't we?” he replied with a slight laugh. “I suppose I am not a Duke of enough status, or social presence, to attract many proposals. And yet my standards are too high to have been met thus far,”

  “Quite the conundrum,” Antoinette replied with a sharp smile. “If one does not meet many people and does not find someone worth marrying among those one does meet, then one may stand to remain unwed one's entire life...”

  “A much less terrifying prospect for a man of wealth and status than for a young woman, I assure you.”

  “And yet Your Grace is still here, dancing with an unattached young woman.” Antoinette's eyes locked with Duke Godwin's. She knew she was giving him a flirty look, or at least that’s what she hoped she was giving him through her flushed face…she was prepared to take her chances. She could always feign ignorance if he accused her of being too forward. Life was always given to those who took chances.

  She spotted a slight flush of red on his cheeks and broke eye contact swiftly. Look too little and you are cold. Look too long and you are unladylike. In the middle was the scale of what was appropriate, and Antoinette always felt that gazing as long as was possibly appropriate would be the best way to capture a man's interest.

  Duke Godwin cleared his throat. “I am dancing with young women I like,” he explained. “Just because I can remain unwed does not mean I am committed to the idea.”

  As the dance ended, Antoinette wanted to set the next part of her plan in motion. She was not particularly enjoying being the one managing the technical and logical aspects... but if her parents weren't going to, then it would be up to her, wouldn't it? She curtsied and smiled at Duke Godwin.

  “If Your Grace truly does like a simple young woman such as myself, perhaps he would wish to meet Lord and Lady Byrd?” she suggested.

  Duke Godwin looked a little surprised, but also pleased. It seemed as though Antoinette's forwardness was feeding his ego. She wasn't sure if she liked—or disliked—this yet.

  “Very well, I shall meet the parents of the simple young woman,” he replied with a laugh, following her closely as she made her way to where her parents were still talking to the Fitzroys.

  She curtsied again. “I would like to introduce everyone to His Grace Alexander Godwin, the Duke of Hamilton.”

  Antoinette looked on eagerly as her parents finally engaged, greeted him, asked him a few questions about himself and finally incorporated him into their animated conversation with the Fitzroys—which apparently was about the true purpose of Christian Mission. She felt relieved and wondered whether she should attempt to weigh in on the matter and impress Duke Godwin.

  But she did not know eno
ugh about Duke Godwin to even begin to impress him. If he knew much less than her about the subject he would be insulted. Should he know much more than her, he would not be impressed. It was too difficult. She would have to rely on her parents to win him over and persuade him that she would make a wonderful wife.

  However, as the minutes flew by and another dance ended, the conversation continued to be about Christian Mission. Antoinette felt that they were treating Duke Godwin's presence as a mere attempt at mingling with some higher class people, rather than vetting a potential suitor. She felt the frustration rise. Should she ask him back to the dance? No, that would look frivolous. She knew she needed to join in, and she listened carefully for a point where she could.

  “I simply cannot see how any amount of peaching could possibly begin to address the lack of faith and natural Godliness in these people,” Baron Fitzroy finally interjected, shaking his head. It was just the break in the conversation Antoinette needed.

  “I do not believe there is any such thing as a person who lacks faith and Godliness,” Antoinette replied.

  Duke Godwin glanced her way and smiled lightly again, as though welcoming her back to the conversation. “How so?” he asked.

  “We are all made in God's image, are we not? We are all people, are we not? If we did not believe these people were capable of Godliness, then we would not be making an effort to convert them,” she explained. “One cannot make gold out of stone, or a Christian out of a dog.”

  “But who is to say that they are Godly?” Baron Fitzroy contested. “Being a person and being Godly are two different things, surely.”

  * * *

  Do you want to read more?

  Click on the link below!

  http://abbyayles.com/AmB009