Heart of a Marquess: Regency Romance (Gentlemen and Brides)

by Joyce Alec

  Lady Emma grasped at nothing but air, and—with another scream—she staggered forward, unable to reclaim her balance, and fell headlong into the lily pond.

  “Emma!” Lady Perrin exclaimed, as her niece emerged, spluttering from the pond. “Are you all right?”

  Charlotte grasped Withington’s hand. “Oh, goodness,” she whispered, seeing some of the other guests emerging from the French doors. “It appears someone heard Emma’s screams.”

  Lord Kinsley hurried over, his face etched with concern as he helped Lady Emma out of the pond, assisted by Lady Perrin. “Good gracious!” he exclaimed, as Lady Emma began to shiver. “Whatever happened here?”

  Charlotte saw Lady Emma look all about her, seeing the rest of the guests all coming towards them, staring at them in astonishment. Humiliation pulled at her expression, her hands covering her face in embarrassment.

  “I am delighted to announce that Miss Richardson and I are now betrothed,” Withington said, suddenly drawing attention away from Lady Emma. “I was just now discussing the matter with Lady Perrin and Lady Emma when the lady slipped and fell in. It is, after all, quite dark, and she simply missed her footing.”

  “I had best take my niece back indoors,” Lady Perrin said at once, seeing Emma open her mouth to say something. “I think that once your parents have arrived back home from their honeymoon, I shall request that you come stay with me for a prolonged period of time, Emma. I think there is a great deal I can teach you.”

  Lady Emma let out a long wail of dismay but was led away by Lady Perrin, who ignored her cries completely. The other guests stared at her, open-mouthed, adding to her mortification.

  Charlotte let out a long breath, relieved that the matter was finally over. Lady Emma could become a charming young lady, if she rid herself of the malice and spite she carried with her. Charlotte was certain that Lady Perrin would be more than able to aid her niece in that matter.

  “Betrothed, you say?” Kinsley exclaimed, drawing back Charlotte’s attention. “Goodness, that was swift! My hearty congratulations!”

  “I thank you,” Withington replied, as the other guests began to offer their own compliments. “The night air is a little cold, however. Shall we return to the ballroom?”

  Kinsley grinned, slapping Withington on the back. “We shall offer a toast as well, for you both!” He turned back to his guests and began to encourage them back inside, leaving Charlotte and Withington to wander inside together.

  “I believe you have your permission then, Withington,” Charlotte murmured, as they walked inside.

  “I do indeed,” came the reply, as he paused and caught her hand. “And I meant what I said, Charlotte. The sooner we can marry, the happier I will be.”

  Charlotte smiled, slipping one hand up around his neck as she stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “As will I,” she murmured, as his lips found hers. “And I shall be all the happier knowing I am marrying a man who loves me and whom I love in return.”

  “I love you with all my heart and soul,” he replied, his eyes filled with nothing but truth and light. “You shall make me happier than I have ever been, Charlotte. Thank you.”

  THE END

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  Love Light Faith

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  Thank You!

  Thank you for reading this book! Avid readers like you make an author’s world shine.

  If you’ve enjoyed this book, or any other books by Joyce Alec, please don’t hesitate to review them on Amazon or Goodreads. Every single review makes an incredible difference. The reason for this is simple: other readers trust reviews more than professional endorsements. For this reason, we rely on our readers to spread the good word.

  Sending you endless appreciation, plus a little love, light and faith!

  About the Author

  Joyce Alec grew up in Colorado and graduated from college with a degree in business. After developing a passion for books, she spent countless hours reading a variety of genres, but fell in love with sweet, historical romances. Joyce’s passion for reading eventually cultivated into a love for writing, so creating Regency-era tales of love is a dream come true for her.

  After planting her roots in Florida, Joyce found another passion: the ocean! In her free time, you can find Joyce at the beach with a big floppy hat, flip-flops, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She lives in the Sunshine State with her prince charming and wildly vivacious son.

  Bonus Content: Regency Romances

  Regency Romances

  Text Copyright © 2018 by

  Caroline Johnson & Eleanor Swan

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  First printing, 2018

  Publisher

  Love Light Faith, LLC

  400 NW 7th Avenue, Unit 825

  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

  Part I

  A Heart’s Rescue

  By Caroline Johnson

  1

  England, 1843

  Eliza smiled and held out her dance card, bestowing a gracious smile on the gentleman in front of her. She curtsied, nodded, and smiled some more, grateful that her card was almost full. At least then he could not hound her as he had done these last few days. Letting out a breath, she turned her eyes to the dancing.

  "Ah, Miss Williams," a voice said in her ear. "I see your dance card is not quite full. Let me rectify that."

  Numb, Eliza allowed the odious man to grasp her wrist before writing his name on her dance card in one of the few remaining spaces. A waltz, no less. He looked at her, all charm and smiles, dropping a short bow before walking away, glancing back at her with a look of triumph.

  “Oh no,” Eliza whispered to herself, dropping into a nearby chair. “Oh no…”

  “Are you quite all right, my dear?”

  It was her mother.

  “Yes, Mama, yes of course. I just felt a trifle warm; that is all.” She smiled brightly, attempting to push aside her fear and trepidation. She knew she could not share her burden with Mama.

  Her sister danced past her, looking overjoyed at her partner’s attentions, but Eliza knew it was nothing more than flirtation. At least she’s enjoying herself, Eliza thought grimly. Sophie had no idea about the horrific situation Eliza was in – not that she would be of much help.

  “Miss Williams, shall we take to the
floor?”

  It was Lord Stockton. He had signed up for the quadrille, and Eliza was relieved to see him. He has been showing me particular attentions lately, Eliza thought, seeing her mother's beaming smile as she watched Lord Stockton escort Eliza to dance floor.

  “Are you quite well, Miss Williams?” Lord Stockton asked as they prepared for the dance. “You seem a little distracted this evening.”

  “Do I?” Eliza asked, gazing to the left of his shoulder. "I feel a little fatigued, that is all. I am sure."

  Lord Stockton said nothing, dancing the quadrille in silence. Once it was over, he tucked her hand under his arm and escorted her to an empty chair.

  “Would you like some ratafia, Miss Williams?” he asked, his face clearly concerned. She smiled in response, trying to ignore the sight of Lord Penn approaching her.

  "Indeed, Lord Stockton. Still, I should much rather come with you, if you please?"

  Surprised, Lord Stockton did as she requested, allowing her to place her hand on his arm as he escorted her towards the refreshments. However, she was not to make her escape; the firm hand of Lord Penn grasped her arm.

  “Miss Williams! Surely you cannot have forgotten that this is to be my dance?”

  Lord Stockton, dropping his arm, turned about to face Lord Penn.

  “Ah, Lord Penn, how do you do?” He executed a short bow. “Indeed, I would not deny you your chance to dance with Miss Williams, but only on the promise that you will return her to my side once the dance is over!" He chuckled, turning to Eliza. "Miss Williams, I will have refreshments waiting for you upon your return."

  Bowing again to Lord Penn, he left her alone. Eliza closed her eyes briefly. Lord Stockton was not to know, but she desperately wished he had not been so much of a gentleman. Had he demanded that she take some refreshment, she might have been spared this dance with Lord Penn.

  “Shall we?” he smirked, his eyes triumphant as he took her hand. Resisting the urge to tug it away from him, Eliza allowed him to lead her onto the floor. Odious man! He had chosen the waltz specifically, she was sure. The feelings of his arm around her waist made her shiver as she determined to remain silent, no matter what he said.

  “Have you considered my proposal, Eliza?”

  Her eyes flashed. She had not given him permission to use her given name. He laughed.

  “I can tell that you have. You will see that there is no way out, my dear. You must acquiesce, despite how much it may pain you. You will let me know when I am to take collection of the item? I cannot wait to hold it in my hands!”

  Eliza bit her lip, refusing to speak a single word, despite the retort that pressed against her lips. She stared straight ahead, willing the dance to come to an end.

  “I will hear from you soon, Eliza. Very soon, I imagine.” He bowed, escorting her from the floor and back to the waiting arm of Stockton, bidding them both farewell. Eliza was not surprised. He had fulfilled his purpose of coming here tonight; there was no need for him to stay.

  “Did you enjoy your dance, Miss Williams?” Lord Stockton asked, handing her a glass of ratafia.

  “I did,” she replied shortly, wishing she could tell Stockton the truth, but knowing she could not. Lord Penn had made it very clear that she would be forever ruined in the eyes of the ton, should she breathe a word to anyone. She did not know how he would achieve such a thing, but she had no doubt that he would.

  Lord Stockton cleared his throat.

  “I was wondering, Miss Williams, if I would be permitted to call on you tomorrow? Perhaps a drive through Hyde Park?"

  Eliza looked up at him quickly, realizing with a smile that he was blushing slightly. The poor man. She needed to put him out of his misery.

  “Of course, Lord Stockton. I should like that very much.”

  “I am glad to hear it,” Lord Stockton replied, a smile crossing his face. “I shall call for you at precisely three o’clock.” Seeing Eliza’s mother approaching, he bowed and took his leave, leaving Eliza feeling both excited and happy, Lord Penn’s words completely forgotten.

  "My dear!" her mama called, sailing over and taking both of her hands in her own. "I see Lord Stockton has been at your side on several occasions this evening."

  “Yes, Mama,” Eliza replied, in a quieter tone. “He is coming to call on me tomorrow at three o’clock. We are to go driving in Hyde Park.”

  “Oh, my dear! How delightful.” her mama gushed. “Lord Stockton is a wonderful man, and I am sure would make an excellent husband. Rich too! You shall be set for life.”

  “Slow down a little, Mama,” Eliza laughed, patting her mother’s hand. “It is merely a drive in the park, not a proposal of marriage.” She bore her mother away to the refreshments, trying not to wonder what it would be like to be Lady Stockton.

  2

  Anthony Russell, the Earl of Bessington, relished the cool mornings. He could be himself, with no one around to spot him, to enquire after his health or to debase themselves in order to earn his favor. Ever since his father's death a few months earlier, Anthony had found his new responsibilities both wearying and frustrating. There was so much to do that he barely had time to go for a ride; there was always a tenant to take care of, accounts to go through, or debts to pay. He had barely known his father, but was not in the least bit surprised to find that he had left mountains of unpaid debts that had almost critically wounded the estate. It had proved to be much harder work than he had anticipated, but it seemed the estate was finally beginning to turn a profit. And, of course, his mother had organized a house party to celebrate, as if they needed to fritter away money on such frivolities.

  She had not taken his criticism well, promising, at least, that he would not have to make much more than one or two appearances. At least that was a relief. He wandered through the woods that surrounded the estate, appreciating the little things, such as the dewdrops on a spider’s web and the colorful toadstools that littered the path. His valet would have a fit when he returned to the house, but Anthony didn't care. His loose shirt, trousers, and old boots were all he required for an early morning walk, the sense of freedom overwhelming his senses. This was what he needed. This was his relief.

  Eliza only half-listened to her mother and sister's eager chatter, her wish that it would not last for the entire journey going unanswered. They would be pulling into the Bessington estate in a few moments, and Eliza could not wait to escape the confines of the closed carriage. Her mother, who was old friends with the Dowager Countess of Bessington, had been vastly excited to receive her friend's invitation to the house party, and, having been asked to arrive one day early before the other guests, instantly made all the preparations—much to her husband's amusement. Eliza's father had opted to remain at home, citing business affairs that required his attention. Lord Stockton would also attend the house party, much to Eliza's delight. Their carriage drives had become a regular occurrence, and Eliza was sure there was a proposal of marriage in their future. To her utmost dismay, she had also been told that Lord Penn would be attending, shuddering as she remembered the letter he had sent.

  “My dear Miss Williams," it had read. "I am delighted to inform you that I, too, shall be attending the Bessington house party. What a pleasure it shall be to spend such a prolonged length of time with you. By now, I am certain that you have seen the sense in my proposal. I shall expect you to bring the Williams necklace to the house party and, at the end of the week, it shall be given to me and remain in my possession. If you do not, you know what the consequences will be. Speak to anyone of this matter, and you shall find yourself ruined in society’s eyes, and what will Lord Stockton think of you then?”

  Eliza stared out of the carriage window, focusing on preventing any tears from falling—not that Sophie or Mama would notice. Lord Penn had her firmly in his grip, and she could see no way out. He wanted the Williams necklace, the family heirloom that was only worn by Mama on very special occasions, and would, one day, be passed to her. It was made up of jade, diamonds,
and rubies and was the family's safety net. Lord Penn had courted her a long time ago, but both Eliza and Sophie spurned his advances, much to his displeasure. It now became clear that Lord Penn was determined to have the Williams necklace, and unless she could find a way out, he would get it. If she did not give it to him, he would call in her father's debts, which would ruin the family entirely. They would lose everything: their home, their social standing, and their chances to make an eligible match. However, Eliza knew that if she did give him the necklace, Mama would be heartbroken and her father furious.

  She thought back to the night her father had come home, blazing drunk and shouting about Lord Penn. He had accused him of cheating at cards, one of the most dangerous and dishonoring accusations against a gentleman. Of course, there was no evidence of Lord Penn’s cheating, so the family had tried to quieten him immediately, knowing the scandal that would ensue should Lord Penn hear of their father's remarks. However, Eliza began to think that her father had been correct in his statements, for she was sure Lord Penn would stop at nothing to possess the Williams necklace.