Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel
Page 30
“Might you not want to see if you wish to see me again after this afternoon?”
“I already know that I do,” he said, and then pointed ahead. “Our lunch is awaiting us. Shall we?”
They rode up to a tent that had been erected by the side of the lake. A gentleman was directing two serving footmen as Felton and Louisa dismounted.
“You must excuse me,” he said. “I must use my crutches on this uneven ground.”
“No, let me assist you,” Louisa said, offering Felton her arm and steadying him as he walked carefully forward. She helped him sit in his chair and Hodge immediately came forward pouring them each a glass of champagne as Louisa took her place at the table.
“What a beautiful location for lunch. Does your family often come here?”
“Only me, I am ashamed to say. My father would think such activity to be frivolous.”
“He sounds as though he is unhappy.”
“I do not think he even knows what happiness is.”
“I feel sorry for him.”
“But let us not dwell on my sorrowful family. Tell me more about you. You mentioned teaching. Is that something you will be doing soon?”
“Not just yet. I have not found any open positions and I do not want to be a governess.”
“I believe I asked you that already.”
At that point, the footmen began serving lunch—a filet of cold salmon with a light mayonnaise, asparagus, boiled potatoes with mint and raspberry fool for after.
As they ate and chatted, Louisa felt a warm glow enveloping her. It was not only the delicious food, nor only the lovely summer’s afternoon, it was also the affection she was beginning to feel for Felton. He was more interesting, thoughtful, and intriguing than she had ever imagined would be possible. But, of course, she surmised, he could not be feeling the same toward her. She was not nearly socially smart enough to be considered anything other than a casual friend.
“Would you care for a stroll by the lake?” he asked.
Louisa laughed. “Oh, yes? With crutches?
Then he laughed. “I keep forgetting. No. Not the best idea. But please do not let me stop you. There are many fine views around that side of the lake.”
“Thank you, but it would be rude of me to abandon you while you are such a pathetic invalid.”
That barb made him laugh. “Oh, the cut of the knife…”
“I think you enjoy being injured—just a little bit. It must infuriate your father and elicit sympathy from almost everyone else.”
“Caught out.”
“However, I shall be ever so kind and continue to offer you my assistance until you have fully recovered.”
He nodded. “Then perhaps we might return to the Abbey. I would be happy to show you around the house and you can see what little art we have. My ancestors were much more interested in hunting for game than hunting for art.”
“And you hope to rectify that?”
“I do. Once the resources of the dukedom are mine, I intend to make the Abbey a showcase of aristocratic excellence.”
The footmen had brought the horses forward and they assisted Louisa into her saddle as Felton managed to mount his horse alone.
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Also by Emma Linfield
Thank you for reading Dangerous Games of a Broken Lady!
I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, may I ask you to please write a review HERE? It would mean very much to me. Reviews are very important and allow me to keep writing the books that you love to read!
Some other stories of mine:
The Dukedom of Deception
The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess
The Redemption of the Scared Duchess
An Unusual Lady for the Tormented Duke
The Enigmatic Governess of Buford Manor
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Also, if you liked this book, you can also check out my full Amazon Book Catalogue HERE.
Thank you for allowing me to keep doing what I love!
Emma Linfield
About the Author
Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!