STEALING A LADY’S HEART
TAMMY ANDRESEN
COPYRIGHT
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Copyright © 2016 Tammy Andresen
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.
Published by Tammy Andresen
TITLES BY
TAMMY ANDRESEN
Lily in Bloom Series
Seeds of Love
Lily in Bloom
Other Books
Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart
Midnight Magic
Coming in September 2016
The Golden Rules of Love
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to my daughters. There is such magic in fairytales and their telling. May you always find wonder in it.
STEALING A LADY’S HEART
CHAPTER ONE
Cumbria, 1812
The Fairfield boys had scattered to the four winds. More precisely, their father, Baron Fairfield, had sent each of his four sons to learn a trade. The baron grew poorer by the day. Should his house fall to ruin, his sons would have something to fall back on, a means to support themselves and help reestablish his title.
Everyone, but the baron himself, knew that it would take more than his sons learning a trade to save his barony. It would take a miracle.
All was not lost for the Fairfields, however. For miracles don’t always happen suddenly. Sometimes they creep along, winding their path with the course of men. And they stay with the men who are truly worthy.
So it happened on May the 25th, the year 1812, that the four Fairfield Brothers made their way home. Each returning from a different direction. Each having traveled a different path. Each bringing a different skill from his new trade. Each reaching the final crossroad before their home in Cumbria at the exact same moment.
It was astonishing to come upon one another in such a way after four years, but Graham, the third brother and the handsomest in that rugged, manly way, recovered first.
“You have all gotten fatter and uglier,” he chuckled good-naturedly as he climbed off his horse. His brothers did the same and they embraced as they laughed, hugged, and teased one another.
William, the oldest, was also tall and broad but more serious and less handsome. He was second to speak, “It is good to see all of you but we should head on to Father’s house.”
Thomas, the second brother and Nickolas, the youngest, agreed and the brothers started up the long drive to their father’s home, Harlington Manor, talking and laughing as if they had never parted.
The men approached the large, crumbling manor. Their father appeared on the balcony. “My sons, the four winds have blown you back to me,” their father called with delight.
And indeed the winds had. And not just for a happy family, but for a purpose.
“Just in time. The King Regent’s beloved cousin is passing through on her trip to Scotland. We must entertain her along her journey and your presence will make this stop all the merrier,” Baron Fairfield called before disappearing from view.
The four sons waited for their father on the drive, but worry now marked each of their faces. The manor was in even more disrepair than when they had left. It was hardly fit to entertain the upper crust of society. Not to mention, the cost of such a visit, even for a few days, could be expensive if the lady was particular.
But to refuse the Prince Regent would be unheard of and so there was nothing to do but help their father prepare.
Baron Fairfield stepped out the massive front entrance as the wagons full of gifts began pulling into the circular drive. Each son would bestow items he had earned from his trade onto his father.
William had studied under a great huntsman. He had brought wagons of pelts and cured meat to feed the family. The pelts could be used or sold and would bring a nice sum to the manor.
Thomas, the second son, had studied in the art of building. He could now fashion anything out of wood or stone. Wagons of lumber began rolling up the drive and Thomas would begin the arduous process of repairing the crumbling manor.
Graham had studied under a locksmith. He could fashion a safe with the most sophisticated of locking mechanisms and he could pick the most complicated of locks. Men of his trade were sometimes associated with thieves because of their skills but Graham had studied with a man of honor. Only a single wagon rolled up for Graham to gift his father. In it was a large safe of the best quality. “It is for all the riches we will yet acquire Father,” Graham assured the patriarch of his family.
His father slapped his third son on the back. “Truly, it is a blessed day that brings you all back to me.”
His final son had studied with a merchant. Nickolas Fairfield had learned the ins and outs of negotiating for goods and spent most of his time in ships seeing to the transport of merchandise. Wagons of items from all over the world began to arrive.
Baron Fairfield laughed with delight. The few servants who remained began unloading the goods. The four sons, not afraid of hard work, began to help.
* * * *
When the work was done, the family sat down to a meal. It had been prepared in a hurry but was filled with delights that had rarely been seen in Cumbria. As the hungry men ate their fill, they turned to conversation.
William spoke first. Never one to linger over words, he was direct and to the point. “Who comes to visit, Father, and why have they traveled so far north?”
“Lady Charlotte Beaumont, first cousin to the Prince Regent and daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. She is favored among her family both for her position and wealth and her great beauty. I am sure she is accustomed to the finest life has to offer. I hope she will not mind our humble offerings.” The baron grimaced slightly. “Her dear friend has married a Scot, or so I have been told. Lady Beaumont travels to see her friend who is about to deliver her first child. Her stay should be brief.”
Graham cocked a jaunty grin. “A beauty, huh? This gets more interesting.” He grabbed an apple and took a large bite as he lounged in his chair.
His father gave him a stern look. Despite the absence, he knew his son well. Graham had always been handsome and very popular with the ladies. “She is a maiden, and a favorite cousin of the Prince Regent. You will mind your manners. That goes for all of you.”
Nickolas rolled his eyes. “You only need give the warning to Graham. I have heard of Lady Beaumont. The richest and most noble men press for her favor, but she refuses to choose a husband. She will not be interested in any of us.”
“You know of the lady?” Thomas turned to his youngest brother. Nick tended to be shy.
“Of course, Tom. You can’t be in London and not have heard of Lady Charlotte. Woven hair of gold and eyes blue as the sea. Rosy red lips and as sweet as the summer dawn. She is also well known for her work in orphanages and soup kitchens. She is said to be as beautiful as she is fair. I haven’t actually met her, but she is on the tongue of every man in London and beyond.”
The baron’s grimace had turned to a full scowl. “How are we ever going to entertain such a lady?”
Will patted his father on the back and spoke quietly, “We will do the best we can. How long do we have until she arrives?”
“Less than a fort
night, depending on the weather,” the baron sighed.
Tom stood, squaring his lean shoulders. “We will begin first thing in the morning. We should get a good’s night sleep. Tails of our adventures will have to wait for another day.”
The brothers agreed and headed to their old rooms. Tomorrow, the work would begin.
* * * *
Charlotte Beaumont sat atop her dappled white horse. Her father would have preferred she ride in the carriage, but she couldn’t abide it. It was hot and dull. Her chaperones, because her father insisted she have two, talked incessantly. It was also, in her opinion, more dangerous. She was clueless to the world around her in that carriage. It made her feel like a pheasant waiting to be shot and roasted.
She didn’t blame her father. Most men would think a lady should ride in the carriage. Certainly Lord Bolton, the gentleman she had just visited, would think that it was necessary.
Her father had insisted that she stop and stay with aristocrats along the journey. He said it was for her protection, but she was no fool. Each of her stops had included eligible and acceptable men for marriage.
She knew this was the only reason her father had allowed her to visit Elizabeth; he was trying to marry her in the process. He reminded her constantly that she was almost one and twenty and should be married. Although he had been unusually insistent recently, almost as though he was possessed.
The visit with Lord Bolton had been particularly painful. He was full of praise, of course. “Your hair is like spun gold. Your eyes are like the sea. Such a small waist you have compared with…” He had let his words fall off but she could see the lust in his eyes. She tried not to roll her own. She had heard it so many times, it had lost meaning to her.
She knew she was beautiful. Big blue eyes that tilted up at the corners. She had a straight nose and full lips. Her jaw was a little strong for a woman but her high cheekbones mostly hid it. Her breasts that were almost overlarge for her waist and her hips flared out suggestively. Honestly, Charlotte found her looks to mostly be a curse. Between her beauty and the title her husband would inherit, men rarely left her alone. It was so difficult to sort out who truly cared for her and who just lusted after her or her title or both.
It wasn’t that she was opposed to marriage. Look at Elizabeth―she had fallen madly in love with a Scot, and now she was having his child. Her letters glowed with happiness. Charlotte wanted what her friend had. She wasn’t going to marry for less than love. Unlike many titles and estates, her father’s was not entailed which meant she was free to inherit it. She didn’t need a husband or a male relative.
With all that said, she had met a few men she had considered as suitors. Men she at least thought she could grow to love. But six months ago, that had all changed. She couldn’t explain it and it was particularly troubling. It almost felt as though she had been cursed. If a lady could believe in that sort of thing.
She had first met him at a dinner party held by the Earl of Winthrop. Allister Bard, the Marquess of Huntly had singled her out almost immediately. He walked straight up to her and looked her over from top to bottom. There was something sinister in the way his narrow beady eyes traveled over her. His greasy black hair was slicked back and pulled into a ponytail at the nape. He was tall and broad but the set of his shoulders was rigid and angry. His thin lips were set into a hard line. There was no softness about him.
“You are Lady Beaumont, cousin to Ewan MacPherson?” The Marquess’ eyes narrowed and his lips thinned even more. She shivered at the sound of his voice.
“Y-Yes. It is a p-p-pleasure to meet you,” she stuttered out.
He smiled slightly, twisting his face even further. Charlotte felt herself cringe. “You’ll do,” he spoke softly, almost to himself. Then he turned and walked away.
He had made her shiver in fear. She would risk being trapped by any man to avoid the Marquess of Huntly. She shivered again despite the heat. The Marquess had continued to pursue her over the last year making her increasingly uncomfortable. No wonder her father had arranged these visits.
Now she was to stay in the home of the Fairfields. Not one but four eligible brothers lived at the manor. They must be hideous to all still be unwed. The house was set to ruins which meant that their father would surely want to match her with one of the brothers.
Her own father would approve. He wouldn’t have arranged the visit if he didn’t. He must be getting desperate or he wouldn’t be suggesting sons of a poor baron for her suitors. Her close relationship with the prince regent meant that her husband would be accepted by society.
Charlotte came to a crossroads. The sun was setting to her west. Night would fall soon. Her two servants riding with her, stopped just behind her. There was a sign for the Fairfield Manor, but it was pointing the way she had just come. Her eyebrows furrowed. Her thought was to head north but she had no way of knowing if that was the right path. Should she take the wrong one, she could be stuck in the woods for the night.
Suddenly a fierce gust of wind whipped the still summer air. The sign began spinning around its post. Around and around it went until slowly, it creaked to a stop. The sign now pointed due north. The wind had slowed to a gentle breeze that tickled her cheeks after a long day in the saddle. It seemed almost delighted with its own antics. Charlotte laughed at the absurdity of a moving sign but somehow, it seemed right to be guided by the wind. She kicked her horse forward.
STEALING A LADY’S HEART
CHAPTER TWO
The Fairfield men stood in a line. Charlotte could see them as she came up the long drive.
One man stepped forward. She could only assume this was the Baron of Fairfield but from this distance it was difficult to tell.
“Welcome to Harlington Manor,” his voice boomed over the courtyard.
Charlotte paused for half a second when she heard the baron speak. It was a rich, deep masculine voice. The kind that instilled confidence and support. She knew the baron wasn’t successful but his voice didn’t match with a man who was failing. She moved closer to the men and glanced behind the baron. The four men standing behind him all looked like specimens. Tall, strong, and broad-shouldered, each man stood with his legs shoulder-width apart, hands clasped in front of them.
It suddenly occurred to her what all her other suitors lacked. This display of masculinity was impressive, and Charlotte felt her insides flutter. She knew these gentlemen had been sent to work and it showed in the strength of their shoulders. They stood silently, assuming the mantle of strong capable men. So many of the men in her class were preening arrogant fools.
She drew closer. The baron reached for her hand and she accepted, stepping down from the horse. His smile was warm. “We are honored to have you as our guest, Lady Beaumont.”
She bowed her head, dropping in a slight curtsey. “The honor is mine Baron Fairfield.”
“May I introduce you to my oldest son, Lord William Fairfield.” He gestured towards the first man in line.
“Will, my lady. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” He gave a single nod to emphasize his point.
Charlotte nodded her head in return. She was surprised that he was so informal. Most aristocrats were droning on and on about their titles. He was not exactly handsome, but he was not unpleasant to look at either. He had rich dark hair and eyes. Broad and strong, his features were a little flat but there was warmth in his gaze and not the kind that made her uncomfortable.
“It’s nice to meet you, Will.” She smiled a little at the informality.
The baron turned her attention to the next man. “My second son, the Honorable Thomas Fairfield.”
“Tom,” he chuckled softly as he nodded.
Her smile grew, “Pleasure Tom.” He was a more slender man although more handsome. His face was thinner but his smile was pleasant.
“This is my youngest son, the Honorable Nickolas Fairfield, or Nick.” The baron slapped his fourth son on the back.
“It is an honor, my lady.” Nick swept into a deep
bow with a twinkle in his eye.
Charlotte broke into a full grin and she nearly laughed out loud. “The honor is mine.”
“This is my third son, the Honorable Graham Fairfield.” The baron gestured toward the last man in line.
The smile died on Charlotte’s face. He was the best of all his brothers. Tall and broad he had warm brown eyes that danced now with amusement. His dark hair softly curled around his ears, rustling slightly in the breeze around his firm, strong jaw. His straight nose lent him the air of an aristocrat. His lips were full and softly curved in a smile. “P-Pleasure.” She actually stumbled over the word. Charlotte felt her cheeks growing pinker.
The cad laughed and cocked one eyebrow. “My lady.” He bowed slightly but it seemed to mock her even as his eyes drank her in.
Her lips pursed. She straightened her shoulders. Charlotte had never allowed a man to unsettle her like this and she found it irritating. How dare he laugh at her? Charlotte glared at him with open hostility. Shaking her head, she turned back to Baron Fairfield.
“Let us go inside. You must be tired and hungry after such a long journey.” The baron gestured toward the front door.
“That sounds lovely.” The baron took her arm and Charlotte turned away from Graham, purposefully avoiding his eyes. Instead, she looked toward the crumbling manor. Repairs were being made but Charlotte wondered if it would be enough to save the place.
Not that she minded, although some ladies would. She had never cared for material items. She often felt most comfortable when at the orphanage in plain clothes or out in the country where she knew she wasn’t being watched.
Even if all that weren’t true, she already liked the family. She could certainly forgive them hard times. They were warmer and more masculine than any man she had met in a long time. Well, she liked them all except for Graham. His cocky manner irritated her. She couldn’t believe she had stuttered in front of him. It was ridiculous. He was obviously used to women fawning over him. Why, he was probably a rake.
Stealing a Lady's Heart: A Regency Fairytale (Fairfield Fairytales Book 1) Page 1