Dreaming of You

by Jennifer McNare

  So this was the woman he’d been hearing so much about, Gavin realized. Damn but Edward had the right of it the other night, she was a beauty. However, unlike Anastasia’s dark, sensual beauty, this woman’s features were more classically beautiful, like the delicate perfection of an exquisite English rose. Also unlike Anastasia, Lady Edgington possessed an unmistakable air of innocence he found both surprising and refreshing, for the faint blush on her cheeks and the slight waver in her voice were both quite telling. It seemed somewhat at odds with her widowed status, but perhaps it was simply because her late husband had kept his young bride tucked away in the country, sheltered from the audacious and oft-times outright licentious behavior of Society. Regardless, he found her apparent artlessness captivating.

  Pulling his gaze from her lovely countenance, he turned his regard to Lady Wexley. “Would you ladies care to join us on our tour of the gardens?” he asked politely.

  “Thank you, Your Grace, but no. I am afraid that we’ve only time for a brief stroll along the terrace,” Penny informed him. “Lady Edgington has promised the next set to Mr. Darby.”

  “I see.” Mentally congratulating Andrew on his good fortune, he turned his gaze back to Melody Cavendish. “Well then, if your dance card isn’t entirely full, perhaps I could persuade you to take a turn about the dance floor with me later this evening, Lady Edgington.”

  Suddenly Melody was inordinately thankful that she had deliberately left the last dance of the evening open. “I would be honored, Your Grace.” Melody nodded her ascent. “I believe the final waltz is yet unspoken for.”

  “The final waltz it is then.” With a polite bow to Penny and Lady Edgington, he turned his attention once again to his sister. “Shall we?” he asked, offering Natalie his arm.

  Once Melody and Penny had made their way onto the terrace and had moved out of hearing distance of the other men and women who were enjoying the night air, Penny squeezed Melody’s arm, her voice dropping to just above a whisper. “I do believe you have gained yet another admirer,” she proclaimed, her expression pleased. “If I weren’t madly in love with Henry I fear I would be pea-green with envy.”

  “He is quite handsome, isn’t he?” Melody whispered back, fearing that she was blushing once again.

  “My dear let us be honest, the Duke of Rutherford is a great deal more than handsome; he is gorgeous as sin. He is also devilishly charming, which has made him exceedingly sought-after by all of the eligible, and ineligible, ladies of the ton. Not that he seems to mind overmuch,” Penny added with a grin.

  Melody’s brows raised a fraction. “Is he considered a rake then?”

  “I daresay that in his younger years Rutherford was a bit of a rogue, but now that he has ascended to the title he appears much less eager to tarnish his reputation with the scandalous pursuits he might once have enjoyed, or at the very least he is keeping his amorous activities notably more discreet.

  “Well, in any event, I am sure that he was only being polite when he requested a dance.”

  “Oh, I would not be so sure of that at all,” Penny replied with a knowing smile. “I saw the way he looked at you.”

  Melody’s eyes widened. “The way he looked at me? Whatever do you mean?”

  “Let’s just say…that if you are discontented with your current marital status,” she said, referring to their prior conversation, “you would be hard pressed to find an admirer more desirable than Rutherford.”

  “Honestly Penny,” Melody scoffed. “He requested a dance, not permission to court me.”

  “Not yet anyhow,” her cousin teased, as they continued their leisurely stroll. “But one never knows what the future holds.”

  It was only then that Melody realized that her attention had been fixated so raptly on the duke’s remarkably handsome face, that she had scarcely paid particular notice to the sound of his voice.

  “Lady Edgington is quite lovely, is she not?” Natalie asked in a deceptively ingenuous voice, as she and Gavin walked along the smooth gravel path that led to the Middleton’s rear garden.

  “Indeed.” Though Gavin wholeheartedly agreed, he kept his tone deliberately blasé, fairly certain he knew where their conversation was heading.

  “I daresay she is even more beautiful than Countess Petrovich, wouldn’t you agree?”

  And there it was. Gavin cast his sister an amused, sidelong glance. “You needn’t continue disparaging poor Anastasia my dear; I assure you that I have no pressing desire to surrender my bachelorhood to her or to anyone else for that matter, despite you and mother’s never-ending pleas for me to take a wife.”

  “Well that is certainly a relief. Regarding Countess Petrovich that is,” Natalie clarified. “As to your present lack of interest in taking a wife however, now that is another matter entirely. Though that garish Russian is hardly a suitable candidate to become your duchess, you simply cannot remain a bachelor forever, Gavin.”

  “Nattie, you know I adore you, but if you persist with this topic of conversation for even a moment longer I shall immediately rescind my offer to serve as your escort for the remainder of Pennworth’s absence,” Gavin replied drolly.

  “You wouldn’t!”

  “I will.”

  Natalie regarded her brother through narrowed eyes.

  Gavin fought to keep his expression unflinching.

  “Fine,” she said with a huff a few seconds later, her lips forming an aggravated moue as they continued their walk along the graveled path.

  After her and Penny’s return to the ballroom, Melody had refocused her attention and once again listened with thoughtful consideration to each male voice that she heard, secretly hoping to hear that singular voice that would transcend time and take her back to those magical afternoons at the cottage. She had struggled so valiantly to keep the memory of his voice from fading over time, but she now feared that it may have been a futile effort. Bombarded with an abundance of possibilities as the night had worn on, none had taken her back to that long ago time, and in truth, the plethora of voices had quickly begun to merge and overlap within her mind. Sadly, if she heard it now, she couldn’t be sure that she would even be able to distinguish it from all the others that now intermingled within her thoughts.

  With Penny having gone off in search of her husband, Melody stood alone for the moment, once again lost in thought as she listened with half an ear to the handful of conversations flowing around her. Then, pulling her from her silent musings and bringing her swiftly back to the present, came a voice from behind.

  “I believe this is our waltz, Lady Edgington.”

  Melody froze. The simple phrase sent an odd little shiver racing down her spine. She knew who it was of course, for she had promised the final waltz to the Duke of Rutherford. But with her back turned, the sound of his voice sounded… achingly familiar. No, don’t be ridiculous, she silently chided in the next instant. Of course his voice sounded familiar, for she’d heard it earlier that evening, she reminded herself.

  Turning, Melody tried to hide her sudden discomposure, as well as her blatant admiration as she was once again confronted by the Duke of Rutherford’s superbly crafted features. Good heavens, she’d seen attractive men before, but none quite so remarkably handsome as he was. Surely that was what had her so befuddled all of the sudden. Dazzled as she was, her mind was simply playing tricks upon her. “Indeed it is,” she murmured, taking his hand. Despite the gloves that kept their skin from touching, she felt her breath quicken as she placed her hand in his, and an odd, unfamiliar sensation unfurled in the pit of her stomach as his fingers closed over her own. It was nearly as disconcerting as it was unexpected.

  “So, My Lady, are your finding Town life to your liking?” Gavin asked as he guided her out onto the floor and into the midst of couples making ready for the final dance of the evening.

  There it was again, that deep, rich tone, so much like the one in her memories. Or was it? No, surely not. Mentally shaking her head, she once again discounted the notio
n, for she didn’t believe for even a moment that Charles would have been so daring as to abduct a man with a title as lofty as the Duke of Rutherford’s. More likely than naught, it was his charming personality and undeniable physical appeal that had her suddenly comparing his voice to that of the handsome lord who stood before her now. “I am indeed, Your Grace, though I admit that it is quite a change from life in the country.”

  “Is this your first visit to London then?”

  “It is,” Melody nodded, smiling somewhat sheepishly. “I fear I have lived a somewhat secluded existence up until now.”

  He’d assumed as much. “Although London does have its amusements, I have always been partial to my time spent away from the hustle and bustle of Town,” Gavin replied honestly. “For me, there is nothing quite like the clean fresh air and pristine beauty of the English countryside.”

  There it was again, that sense of familiarity she felt as the pleasing tenor of his voice mingled with the opening strain of the Viennese waltz. Oh stop it, you ninny! She fought to keep her thoughts focused. “As much as I appreciate the serenity of Edgington Manor, I admit that London’s amusements do hold a rather tantalizing appeal for me at present, for this is in fact the first time that I have traveled more than a stone’s throw from the small village where I was born and raised.”

  “Well then, My Lady, I wish you a most pleasant adventure as you acquaint yourself with all that the city has to offer,” Gavin said with an engaging smile, as they began to move in time with the music. Perhaps he would seek to assist her in familiarizing herself with some of the more enjoyable amusements London had to offer himself, he mused. It was a tantalizing notion and definitely worth considering, for as much as he enjoyed Anastasia’s company, by mutual agreement they were free to seek their pleasures where they may, and the lovely Countess of Edgington had certainly piqued his interest. Strangely though, as he led her through the beginning steps of the waltz, he couldn’t help thinking that there was something oddly reminiscent about her soft spoken manner and delightfully ingenuous demeanor. If he didn’t know better, he might have thought that they had met before. But of course that was impossible, for he would never have been able to forget a face like hers.

  They finished the remainder of the waltz in companionable silence, and once again Melody felt inordinately grateful for the countless hours she had spent with the dance instructor, for Gavin Montrose was a wonderful dancer. Unlike the majority of her dance partners that evening, he moved with an inherent grace that made her feel as if they were practically floating across the expansive marble floor. Thoroughly enjoying herself, she felt oddly disappointed when the music finally came to an end.

  As Gavin led her from the dance floor and over to where Lord and Lady Wexley stood conversing with another couple on the far side of the room, he inadvertently caught his sister’s eye. Natalie’s calculating and slightly smug expression suggested that it was going to be a long carriage ride home.

  “Thank you, Your Grace,” Melody said as they reached her cousin’s side and the duke released her gloved hand, her voice wavering slightly as she looked into his captivating green eyes.

  Gavin’s smile was genuine as he returned her gaze. “It was entirely my pleasure, Lady Edgington.”

  “Good evening, Rutherford,” Henry Dunham greeted, forcing Gavin to redirect his gaze.

  “Wexley,” Gavin nodded in greeting. “How are you this evening?”

  “He is presently despondent, Your Grace,” Penny teased. “For I have managed once again to lure him from the card room.”

  “And just when I was about to empty Fitzsimmons pockets,” Henry bemoaned, though his expression was lighthearted.

  “Well at least your lovely wife allowed you to enjoy a game or two,” Gavin responded, his own expression wry. “Natalie threatened to box my ears if I so much as stepped into one of the card rooms this evening.”

  “Ah,” Henry nodded, “filling in for Pennworth are you?”

  “Indeed. My sister is insistent that I squire her about in her husband’s absence, and her social calendar is lamentably full.”

  “I heard that,” Natalie said as she approached her brother’s side. She swatted his shoulder playfully and then linked her arm through his. “Honestly, Gavin, must you act as though serving as my escort is such a trial? I fear you will soon crush my poor ego beyond repair.”

  “Hah,” Gavin snorted, “as if such a thing was even remotely possible.”

  Natalie rolled her eyes. “In any event, I shall not pain you for a moment longer you cad; for I am ready to bid the Middleton’s goodnight.”

  Gavin’s features brightened considerably, much to his sister’s obvious annoyance. “Well then, ladies, Wexley,” he said nodding to each in turn. “I shall bid you all a good evening.” Though his eyes lingered for a moment on Melody Cavendish’s lovely visage, he refrained from making further comment. If he did decide to pursue a relationship with the lovely young widow, it would be best to do so without an audience, especially when that audience included members of both of their families.

  “Yes good evening; and it was so lovely to meet you, Melody,” Natalie said, smiling warmly. “And Penny, you must give dearest Edward a kiss for me,” she said as she and her brother turned to go.

  “I shall.”

  Through the cover of her lashes, Melody watched as the duke and his sister moved away.

  “Henry, I think perhaps we should take our leave as well,” Penny said, and then turned her gaze to Melody. “If that is alright with you, Melody.”

  “Oh yes of course. And you were quite right, Penny; I do believe these late nights are going to take some getting used to.”

  Penny nodded in understanding. “Yes, but you needn’t worry, you are sure to adapt before long.”

  “Yes, I imagine so.”

  As Henry moved ahead to summon their coach, Melody and Penny slowly made their way toward the front of the house. As they did, Melody couldn’t help noticing that the Duke of Rutherford and his sister had stopped a short distance ahead to converse with another couple. The man was a handsome fellow, though certainly not as good-looking as the duke, but it was the woman who drew her eye. She was beautiful, stunning really with her dark hair and vibrant coloring. Her features were striking and slightly exotic, but what most caught her attention, was that even from a distance the woman seemed to exude an air of discernible poise and self-confidence as she leaned into the duke, placing her hand casually upon his arm as they spoke.

  “Penny, who is that?”

  “Who? Oh her,” Penny said, following her gaze. “She is Countess Anastasia Petrovich. She was widowed just over a year ago, and has just recently arrived in London. Her father is a Russian nobleman, but her mother is English, the eldest daughter of the Earl of Hawksford. And he,” she said, indicating the gentlemen with her, “is her cousin, Lord Bellmont, Hawksford’s heir.

  “She is beautiful isn’t she,” Melody murmured, as she watched the duke and his sister move away from the other couple a few moments later.

  “Yes, I suppose so,” Penny replied absently as she scanned the crowd around the pair. “Ah, there’s Henry.”

  As Penny urged her forward, Melody cast one last glance at the Russian countess and couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy at the woman’s incredible beauty and obvious self-assurance. In comparison, she must seem woefully unsophisticated to a man like Gavin Montrose. It was a rather disconcerting feeling.

  Once his coach was brought to the front of the house, Gavin was quick to usher his sister down the front steps and into its waiting depths. Although she had been cordial when they had inadvertently come upon Anastasia and Lord Bellmont on their way out, her manner had quickly turned frosty when she’d noted the countess’ unabashed familiarity with his person. Though she was presently biting her tongue, he wasn’t sure how much longer she would be able to keep from voicing her displeasure aloud.

  Stepping up onto the lowered step, he was about to follow Natalie ins
ide when something caught his attention, and an instant later sent his thoughts skittering backward in time. It was the soft, lilting sound of a woman’s laughter. He froze, listening for a moment, and then quickly turned his head in the direction of the sound, feeling an odd chill run through him as he did. His gaze swept the surrounding area and landed upon the trio descending the Middleton’s front steps. Though no longer laughing, Lady Edgington’s amusement was still evident as Penny Dunham leaned to whisper something into her ear. He stared, transfixed.

  “Gavin, whatever are you doing?”

  He started, and then turned to see his sister eyeing him curiously from within the coach. “What?” He gave himself a mental shake as he struggled to pull himself from the past and back into the present. “Er, it’s…nothing,” he said, though he couldn’t help but cast one last lingering glance at Lady Edgington as he stepped up into the vehicle. “I thought someone might have called my name,” he dissembled as he settled onto the plush velvet seat, “but I fear I was mistaken.”

  A moment later the door was closed, the footmen took their positions and the coachman called to the horses. As the heavy conveyance lurched forward and then moved into the flow of traffic on the street, Gavin nodded and murmured unintelligibly as he listened with half an ear to Natalie’s diatribe regarding Countess Petrovich’s audacious behavior. His thoughts were elsewhere. It had happened before of course, a moment when the sound of a woman’s voice, a laugh, or even a smell had reminded him of her, but those moments occurred with much less frequency nowadays, having become more and more intermittent as the years had gone by. And yet, here he was once again thinking of her, and this time is was the lovely Melody Cavendish, Lady Edgington who had brought her to mind.