A Lady’s Choice: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Book

by Fimch, Fanny

  “I see you are relieved the dance is ending, Lady Wentworth,” Lord Archibald said. “May I say before we part, you have certainly changed since the beginning of the season. We are halfway through and you have still not chosen a husband. I was informed that you needed to marry at the end of this season and offered myself to the duke and duchess to prevent any harm to the family.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What do you have to offer my family, Lord Archibald? You are but an artist cared for by an aging patroness and you are not wealthy. The only reason a woman should marry you is if she loves you. And I do not love you, my lord. I am sorry but I do not and I will not.”

  “You will learn to love me.”

  Emma shook her head. “No, my lord. I will not. It will not happen.”

  “I suppose we will see.”

  She continued to shake her head. “No. We will not see. I have chosen a husband. It is not you.”

  The music ended and she curtsied to him quickly. She did not care if she left the dance floor unescorted. She wanted to get away from him as quickly as she could. She would not say another word to him until their next dance and even then, he would be lucky to get anything out of her.

  Her fiery anger made her steps quick as she left him behind. She heard him say something but did not stop walking until she reached Camilla, the Duke of Rabney and the Duke of Lox, who were standing together near the punch bowl, clear, small oval cups of reddish-orange liquid in their hands.

  The Duke of Lox saw her coming and immediately turned to the bowl, picking up a cup for her.

  He handed it to her when she was close enough.

  “You look tired already, Lady Wentworth,” he said. “Have you been sleeping well?”

  Emma gave him a pursed-lip look. “Your grace, I have not been sleeping well. I have been isolated from those I love, even my father. But I shall not complain. I am not in isolation at the moment. I must learn to enjoy the moment.”

  She blinked at Camilla, who was giving her a wide-eyed look.

  “What has gotten into you, Camilla? Why do you look at me thus?”

  Camilla grinned. “I… did not expect that response from you. I am glad you are choosing to enjoy the moment, rather than dwell in the misery of the recent past.”

  Emma snickered softly. “You, my dear, have no clue how troubling the last three days have been. It does make me appreciate those around me so much more.”

  “That is refreshing,” the Duke of Lox spoke up just before drinking the remainder of his drink in one small gulp.

  “Have you many more ladies to dance with, my lord?”

  Emma looked at Camilla when she asked the Duke of Rabney her question. She was brash and bold for asking such a thing. Was she trying to find out who her competition was? Emma could tell by the look on the Duke of Rabney’s face Camilla had nothing to fear.

  When he spoke, he confirmed her suspicions. “The Duke of Lox and I have obliged ourselves to several young ladies who were having trouble getting their dance cards filled. We do not wish to see any young woman left to sit on the sidelines.”

  Emma remembered seeing Lady Christian sitting in the chair during the first dance and dancing with her cousin in the most recent one.

  “Why is Lady Christian having such trouble filling her card?” she asked. “She has a pretty face.”

  “Her face is not the problem, Lady Wentworth,” the Duke of Rabney answered her. He leaned a little closer by bending at the waist and said, looking directly in her eyes. “I think that is something you already knew, is it not? Her face is pretty but her looks will fade in time. A respectable gentleman will not consider only the features and their attractiveness. He will also consider how attractive her character is.”

  “That is not speaking well of your cousin, my lord,” Camilla said, looking up at him.

  He gave her an accepting look. “Unfortunately, I speak the truth. Of the gentlemen Lady Christian has been acquainted with so far, none of them have found her behavior attractive. It would help her cause if she would let go of the Duke of Lox and her idea of marriage with him. It will not happen. Especially not now.”

  Emma could not help smiling when the Duke of Rabney rested his eyes on her when he spoke.

  Chapter Thirty

  On Camilla’s advice, Emma danced with Lord Archibald the second time without speaking to him other than to utter polite responses to whatever he said.

  It was bad enough that dancing with him twice would give everyone the impression there was more between them than there was. It would add to the terrible rumors already swirling. Emma was sure that was what Lord Archibald wanted.

  She did not let him bait her into an argument, even when he mentioned that the Duke of Lox looked very comfortable dancing with Lady Christian.

  She had to admit it bothered her some, but she was comfortable that the Duke of Lox was interested in her and that was all she needed to know. She would forego any bad thoughts she had of him and concentrate on being the proper lady for the rest of the dance. She felt that if she could get through to the last dance, when she was back in the arms of the Duke of Lox, she would consider the evening a complete success.

  When the final dance arrived, she felt the same sensations when he came to escort her to the floor. Neither of them missed a step through the dance, moving together perfectly.

  Emma could feel herself glowing when the dance was over. As they walked from the floor, she looked over her shoulder at him. “It seems this ball was much faster than the others.”

  He nodded, leaning slightly to speak to her. “I have found many in the past to be long and boring. This one was not.”

  They went toward the Duke of Rabney and Camilla, who were standing with her parents near the dressing room door. They appeared to be waiting for their turn to go in and fetch their hats and coats. Camilla looked over to see them approaching. She had a troubled look on her face and instinctively turned toward Emma.

  “Emma!” She came toward her cousin, holding out one hand. Emma took it and let Camilla pull her closer. “Your father has sent word. He wishes to speak to the Duke of Lox tonight.”

  Emma’s eyebrows shot up. “He does?” Her throat constricted. Was her father ailing so much that he felt the need to put this to right himself before it was too late? Did he even realize what was going on?

  “He did ask you about the duke when you visited with him, did he not? I recall you saying he did.”

  Emma nodded. “Yes, he asked me if the Duke of Lox was a prospect for me.”

  “You did not respond, did you? You told him you were under the impression he would soon be betrothed to Lady Christian.”

  Again, Emma nodded. “Yes, that is what I told him.”

  “Well, you know that he is not. And Lord Archibald is not and has not been courting you. He has not called on you these last three days, has he?”

  Emma and Camilla went to the dressing room door when it opened and slipped through. The Duke of Rabney stood by with the Duke and Duchess of Cooksey while his lordship filled the Duke of Lox in to what had happened.

  “I suppose he waited until the end of the ball for a reason,” Emma said softly, casting questioning eyes at Camilla. “Do you think he was hiding this from the duchess?”

  Camilla pulled in a breath. “I do not know, Emma. But my father and mother were instructed to come along, as well as the Duke of Rabney.”

  Emma frowned. “This is a very strange turn of events, would you not say?”

  Camilla nodded. “Yes, it is very strange. But my fear is that your father knows he will not live for much longer. I do not want to lose him either, Emma. He is my favorite uncle.”

  Emma’s frown turned to a smile that was barely there. “He is your only uncle.”

  Camilla returned her grin. “If I had more uncles, he would be my favorite.”

  Moments later, they left the dressing room ready to head back to Corning Manor. Emma obtained permission from her mother to ride with the Fieldings. As sh
e passed Katherine, Emma leaned in and gave her sister a peck on the cheek.

  “I do hope you have enjoyed tonight, Katherine,” she whispered. “You do look so lovely, even now.”

  Katherine smiled wide at her sister. “Thank you, Emma. Your idea for my hairstyle was widely accepted. I do believe some of the other girls will begin doing their hair this way. I have the privilege of being the first because of you.”

  Emma was delighted she had gotten her sister a little extra attention. “I will see you at home.”

  Katherine nodded, watching as Emma and Camilla walked toward the front doors.

  The Duke of Lox was as surprised as Emma when the Duke of Cooksey told him he was to meet with the Duke of Corning that night.

  “Is he not very ill?” he asked. “I have inquired there for three days and was turned away.”

  “The duchess has been keeping a close eye on him,” the Duke of Cooksey replied. “I am afraid she has been very restricting with visitors, even for her daughters. If he is asking for you now, there must be a good reason.”

  “I would think so,” the Duke of Lox agreed. “Lady Wentworth mentioned the medicine he has been taking has made him sleepy nearly all the time. Do you think it strange that he has taken such initiative?”

  “I think it stranger that the duchess has taken the initiative to isolate him from his friends.” The duke’s voice dropped in a manner that made it impossible for anyone to hear him except for the Duke of Lox and the Duke of Rabney, who were closest to him. He glanced at each of them. “I do know that Emma has been his steady companion, whether he has been asleep or not.”

  “She is devoted to her father,” the Duke of Lox observed. “It is an admirable trait.”

  “My wife, the duke’s sister, is beside herself with worry. She has been unhappy with the Duchess of Corning because she has not given permission for my wife to see her brother.”

  The Duke of Lox frowned. “Is there anything that can be done to stop this? I have heard a rumor that Lord Archibald has made arrangements with the duchess for Lady Wentworth’s hand in marriage.”

  Duke Fielding narrowed his eyes. “No, your grace, Emma will not marry Lord Archibald. Not if her father has anything to do with it. Nor would I allow such a travesty. The young woman’s feelings for Lord Archibald are plain and clear to see on her face.”

  The Duke of Lox nodded, feeling relief that he was not the only one who saw it. “It pleases me to hear you say that.”

  “It is my hope that tonight the Duke of Corning will make it clear to his family who Emma will marry.” Once again, the duke’s eyes settled on the Duke of Lox. They smiled at each other.

  * * *

  The group traveled in separate carriages to Corning Manor. Emma could not help her feelings of apprehension. Her father had specifically asked for the Duke of Lox and the Duke of Rabney. She could not fathom what he would want to speak to them both about. If it was only about her hand in marriage, would he not just ask for the Duke of Lox? Why both of them?

  She posed the question to Camilla, whispering quietly so that the Duke and Duchess of Cooksey, who were holding their own conversation on the other side of the carriage, would not hear.

  “Perhaps he is unsure which one you are in love with?” Camilla replied, just as quietly. “Perhaps he wants to make sure the man his niece plans to marry is as worthy as he requires?”

  “Father has no say in who you marry, Camilla,” Emma giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. Her cousin smiled.

  “If my uncle objected to the Duke of Rabney, he would tell my mother and that would be it. My mother would always listen to her brother when it came to important decisions. She has told me as much just in the last few days. She does speak of him often, Emma, more than you would realize.”

  “I suppose if I had an ailing brother, I would speak of him often, too.”

  “I wish I had a female sibling to feel that way about.”

  Emma pretended to be shocked and hurt. “What am I?” she asked.

  “You are not my sibling,” Camilla said warmly. “But you are the closest thing I have to a sister. So, I do know how it would feel. Because if I lost you, my dear Emma, I would be beside myself with sorrow.”

  “I know that Katherine is my sister,” Emma said. “But she is not related to me by blood. At least you are my cousin. So, we are more like sisters than cousins. I would not know what to do without you in my life, Camilla.”

  Camilla reached over and took one of Emma’s hands, which were folded in her lap. They both held on, Emma squeezing Camilla’s hand a few times.

  “Tell me about the dance tonight, Emma. I am ashamed that I did not have a great deal of time to talk to you. How did our plan work with Lord Archibald? I see you survived through the dance. Did he taunt you?”

  “He tried. He always taunts me in one way or another. I just chose not to respond to it the second time. I did the first time. He had me quite upset.”

  “I noticed your face was very angry. I do not think you would have asked me about it if it had not bothered you so much.”

  “It did. I was very good for the second dance, though. I just kept in mind that the last dance would be with the Duke of Lox and soon, I would not need to attend the balls unless I was accompanied by the Duke of Lox. When that happens, perhaps the others will stop asking me to dance. The Duke of Lox can fill up my card.”

  Camilla giggled. “That will cause quite a scandal.”

  “Not if we are courting.”

  “You have high hopes that your father will put an end to this farce with Lord Archibald,” Camilla said confidently. “I can tell.”

  “I am hoping so.” She looked across the carriage to the duke and duchess, whose eyes were on each other. He was holding her hand and talking in a low voice. “I suppose you have nothing to worry about with the Duke of Rabney. Your father has already given him permission for your hand, has he not?”

  Camilla’s smile radiated from her pretty face. “He has. I am very happy and excited.”

  “Of course you are.” Emma squeezed her hand again. “And I am so happy for you. When it is my turn, I know you will be happy for me.”

  “Oh yes, I will! And I know it will be the Duke of Lox. Oh, Emma!” Camilla sighed dramatically. “We are so lucky. We are blessed. We have the two most handsome men in London this season!”

  Emma matched her smile. She turned her eyes out the window, looking at the stars dotting the jet black of the night sky. Her feelings were mixed inside her. She was happy for Camilla and the Duke of Rabney. She was hopeful for herself and the Duke of Lox. But she was worried about her father and the knowledge that he would soon depart from her made her heart ache terribly.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  The Duke of Lox and the Duke of Rabney followed behind the carriages that carried the families to Corning Manor. They rode beside each other in silence, passing through the quiet streets of London. It seemed everyone had settled in for the night. The few people still out on the road were walking quietly, hands in pockets, hurrying to their destinations.

  Somewhere in the distance, a high bell tower rang out the hour. The Duke of Lox did not realize it was so late. He wondered how the Duke of Corning could possibly be awake at that hour, especially after spending three days in a medicine-induced sleep. Would he have his wits about him? Would they be able to hold a conversation with him?

  The Duke of Lox could not help wondering how he would be able to comfort Emma if and when her father died if there was no arrangement set between them. It was good timing that the Duke of Corning had asked them to come meet with him, even if it was late at night. If the old man felt the timing was right, it had to be right.

  His chest tightened as they approached Corning Manor. Emma was probably worried to distraction, wondering how her father could be faring and why he would request their presence at that late hour.

  “Baldwin.” The Duke of Rabney’s quiet voice sounded loud in the peaceful night. “Did you se
e the look on the Duchess of Corning’s face when the Duke of Cooksey said we had been summoned?”

  The Duke of Lox looked at his friend. “I am afraid I was not looking in the woman’s direction. Did she seem surprised?”

  The Duke of Rabney nodded. “Completely surprised. It was a bit of a delight to see. Lady Fielding has been talking about the Duchess of Corning for three days. She has been quite upset at being denied access to Lady Wentworth.”

  “I have a feeling you are not a fan of the Duchess of Corning.”

  “She acts very suspiciously. I know the mothers of the debutantes are anxious to find a husband of good standing for their daughters. But the Duchess of Corning seems to work against her daughters in that matter. She spread a rumor that I would be asking for Miss Katherine’s hand in marriage. It was a complete fabrication. Now she has spread the rumor that Lord Archibald is to marry Lady Wentworth when we both know that is also a fabrication.”

  The Duke of Lox nodded. “Lady Wentworth told me herself this evening that is was false.”

  “Why is she sabotaging her daughters?” The Duke of Rabney sounded genuinely perplexed.

  “I do not know.”

  The two men fell silent again, just as they passed through the front gate to Corning Manor and headed up the path. They slowly dismounted, waiting for the ladies to go inside before them. The Duke of Cooksey began a lengthy conversation with the Duchess of Corning, directing her and his wife into the parlor as if he was the owner of Corning Manor.

  “Your grace.” Gertrude glanced up at the Duke of Lox but did not hold his gaze. “If you will please follow me. The duke is waiting for you.”

  “I will wait here for you, Baldwin,” the Duke of Rabney said.

  Gertrude glanced up at him. “His grace requests your presence as well, sir.”