by Abby Ayles
She shook her head, her smile growing ever wider. “He asked me to dance, and I accepted only out of politeness. I admit, I was rather rude to him. I was out of spirits and tired, but he kept up his smile and complimented me over and over again. I could tell he was interested in me, but I didn’t know how this man who looked little more than a boy could be mature enough to be a suitable husband.”
Annette smiled. “It’s difficult to think of Father without a beard!”
“It’s even difficult for me, now!” Her Mother paused, then continued the story. “Though I did not know it at the time, my father had already invited the Earl of Rutmont—your grandfather at the time—to dinner at our estate. I was surprised when, a few days later, I saw your father at the dinner table. He greeted me cheerily and talked to me, wanting to know about my life growing up in France. He laughed a lot, and I thought he was witless.”
Her eyes looked wistful, recalling things past. “As he pursued me, we spent more and more time together. Soon enough, I looked forward to our outings. I realized that his laughter lifted my spirits. He hardly ever wore a frown. He grew better at speaking French, simply so he could talk to me more, and eventually he asked me for my hand in marriage, as we stood on the bridge over the brook on my father’s estate.”
Annette smiled at the story, which might as well have been a perfect fairytale. It was one Annette wanted for herself. She wanted to be won over just as her mother had, even if she was a little more open to receiving gentlemen than her mother had been at her age.
“Your turn will come soon,” her mother assured her with a warm smile. “Yes, very soon.”
Chapter 3
Annette would never get tired of the luxurious splendor she saw all over London. Even after an entire week of balls, tea parties, dinners, and the like, she was still astounded at the grandeur that awaited her in all the prominent estates.
She found herself amazed once again at an evening gathering at the end of her first week in London. Her host, the Duke of Portland, smiled at her.
Annette suddenly realized how impolite she was being and dipped into a curtsey. “Forgive me, Your Grace, I was admiring your beautiful decorations. This really is a most enchanting place.”
“It is simply wonderful, Your Grace,” her mother agreed.
“Lady Rutmont.” The duke greeted her with warm familiarity. “It has been such a long time.”
“Too long, my lord. May I present my daughter, Lady Annette Whitlock?”
“A pleasure to meet you, my dear. I have been friends with your father since we were boys. I trust he’s well?”
“Very well,” Annette replied.
“Very good. I do hope you enjoy the party.” He turned to greet the next guest, as Annette and her mother continued inside.
Annette caught a glance from a familiar pair of eyes from across the room. Lord Huddington smiled and immediately crossed over to her, bowing as he reached her.
“Lady Annette, it is so good to see you again.”
Annette studied Lord Huddington, conscious of what her mother had said about him being smitten with her. He looked as cheerful as he had on the night they had first met.
“It is good to see a familiar face here already, my lord.” She dipped into a curtsey.
“I noticed you have become particular friends with Lady Julia, as well; I have already seen her hereabouts tonight.”
Annette noticed her mother turning to someone else, leaving her and Lord Huddington to converse alone.
“I am glad to hear it! She has become a good friend already.”
“And how are you finding London?”
“It is different from home, to be sure, but I find the atmosphere here rather invigorating. There is so much happening in London, whereas in the country the important goings on are seldom, and not very interesting.”
Lord Huddington smiled. “It is true. I must admit, however, that it is the country I prefer. London has its merits but give me the hills and a horse to ride any day, and I am a perfectly happy man.”
“You are interested in horses, then?”
“I like to ride, certainly. I enjoy exploring the countryside when I am not involved with business.”
Annette considered his conversation pleasant, but there wasn’t much more to it. He answered in all the right ways and was perfectly open and honest, but Annette felt there was something she would want in a suitor that was distinctly missing.
Music started up from the adjoining ballroom. Lord Huddington met her eyes. “Would you care to dance, Lady Annette?”
Remembering what a wonderful dancer he was, Annette decided not to disappoint him. Besides, she might as well see what happened. Her mother had said that spending time with someone was the way to fall in love.
“Yes, I would very much like to.” They went into the ballroom and danced to the slow rhythm of the music. Annette wondered if she would feel the anxiety creeping up in her, the feeling of butterflies from dancing with such a perfect, distinguished gentleman, but her emotions remained flat. It was a pleasant dance, but she didn’t feel anything special.
“I enjoy this particular style of music very much,” Lord Huddington said as they danced.
“I prefer faster tempos, but I do like dancing to this style of music, simply because it allows you to talk rather than try to catch your breath.”
Lord Huddington chuckled. “Having danced both kinds with you, I can confidently say you are an excellent partner, no matter what kind of dance it is.”
Annette felt a blush creep into her cheeks. “You’re too kind, my lord. If it wasn’t for you leading, I might not be so elegant.”
Following the dance, Lord Huddington remained by her side. He introduced her to some friends he knew, and then Annette talked to Lady Julia for a little while. However, Lord Huddington found her again, and they resumed their conversation.
He spoke intelligently and was interesting to listen to, but Annette simply couldn’t shake the feeling that his words lacked something, some kind of passion or emotion in the things he spoke of. Yet he was impeccably polite and listened attentively to anything she had to say.
At the end of the night, as people were leaving, Lord Huddington approached her one last time, his manner a little hesitant. “Lady Annette, may I call on you soon?”
Annette watched his hopeful expression. She had no definitive reason to give why he shouldn’t call on her. While she enjoyed his company, there was just not the kind of excitement she would have expected in her own fairytale suitor. Still, her mother had said to give things time, and there was no harm in that.
“Yes, you may.”
Lord Huddington grinned. “I look forward to seeing you soon then, Lady Annette.”
“And I look forward to seeing you, too.”
They parted, and Annette found her mother. They went out to the carriage together and her mother spoke first.
“I saw you spending time with Lord Huddington for most of the evening.”
“Yes, I enjoy his company.” Annette paused. “He has asked to call on me.”
Her mother laughed and clapped her hands together. “Oh, my dear! That’s wonderful!”
Her enthusiasm made Annette smile. “I am looking forward to getting to know him better.”
“I can already see you two get along so well. Only one week, and you have already found a suitor. I always knew you would excel in finding a husband, Annette.”
“He is not my husband yet, mother,” Annette reminded her. “As you have told me, I want to spend time with him and let love grow.”
“Of course, my darling.” She clasped Annette’s hand in hers. “I am excited for you, which is why I sometimes get carried away. I always knew you would find a wonderful husband, but I don’t want you to think it needs to happen so quickly, despite what I’ve said.” She smiled. “I trust you will find the right man, and I think it was wise to allow Lord Huddington to get to know you better.”
Annette was warmed by her mother�
�s faith in her. “Thank you, Mama.”
Annette looked out of the window and thought of Lord Huddington. Despite having told him he could call on her, she was still uncertain if he was the man she would marry. As much as she liked his manners and his company, she knew that she wasn’t in love with him.
At least not yet.
***
The following day, Annette’s mother insisted they go to a tearoom to celebrate Annette’s early success. They walked to one close by and took their seats at a table in joyful spirits.
“Now that your first week in London has passed,” her mother began, after taking a sip of her tea, “what do you think of it all?”
“I am enjoying it immensely, Mama.”
Annette smiled, thinking of the many people she had met and the different places she’d been. “It’s perfect! The only thing that seems to be missing is…”
She paused, her thoughts turning to Ben. She had thought of him often during the past week, despite the constant distractions. She kept thinking about what he would do if he were there by her side. She wondered if she’d dance with him and constantly be chiding him on how to act.
“You miss Ben, don’t you?” her mother asked, understanding in her eyes.
“I was hoping to have seen him by now,” Annette admitted. “It’s been so long, but it’s almost as if it’s even harder knowing that we will meet soon. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“I’m sure you’ll see him soon enough. I expect he will be surprised at the fine young lady you’ve become.”
“I doubt he’ll notice.” Annette chuckled. “This is Ben we’re talking about.”
“Yes, and, as you said, he hasn’t seen you in years! He probably still thinks of you as the little girl he played with in the garden. But you are both very different now.”
“Not so different, I hope. I keep hoping that when I see him things will be the same as they always were.”
But her mother was right. It had been nine years, and both of them had grown up. A small part of Annette feared the close friendship they had shared would not last forever.
After tea, they started on their way back to the townhouse. As Annette and her mother chatted, an exclamation suddenly sounded just in front of them.
“Dear me, is that Annette?”
Annette looked up to see Eliza, Ben’s sister, walking toward them with a bright smile. Judging by the beautiful gown and matching bonnet she was wearing, Annette had no doubt she had married well.
“Eliza!” Annette exclaimed. Though she had never been very close with Ben’s sisters, she had always appreciated their company and advice. “How good it is to see you after so long!”
“It has been far too long! And Lady Rutmont, I have not seen you since my wedding.”
Lady Rutmont nodded. “I cannot believe so much time has passed since then! You are living in London now?”
“Yes, with my husband, Lord Kinsley. We have been settled here for a year now, and I find I like living in London so much better than the country. However, I will say that Longford has its merits, and I do miss it.” She turned her attention to Annette. “Are you here for the season?”
“Yes, it has been wonderful so far. I’ve met more people here than I’ve known my entire life.”
Eliza laughed. “I remember that all too well. I imagine you already have a suitor, or you will have very soon, with the way you talk so easily with people. If only Ben were the same,” she sighed. “We really don’t know what to do with him. He cannot find a lady to court because he simply does not know how to act. He will surely benefit from being in your company again, Annette. I hope you will help him when he comes.”
Annette lit up. “Ben is coming here?”
Eliza’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes! I received a letter from my mother just this morning saying that they arrived back at Longford earlier than expected. They should be coming to London within the next week.”
Annette’s heart soared. Ben would be here in less than a week! She would finally see him again after all this time.
“Please tell me you’ll help him,” Eliza continued plaintively. “He needs direction, and for some reason it only works when it comes from you.”
“I will certainly try my best.” It took every ounce of self-control she had not to simply jump up and down. She had already been excited about the rest of the season, but now that excitement was compounded, as she pictured Ben at her side. While most people had found his lack of social skills offensive, Annette had always found it amusing and endearing.
“Thank you. My family owes you our sincerest gratitude. I do hope to see you again soon!”
They said their farewells and Eliza was off. Annette grinned at her mother.
“That was good of you to offer to help poor Ben. I’m afraid his manners haven’t improved much in the years you’ve been apart.”
“Of course, I’ll help him. He’s my best friend.”
She felt as if she could finally breathe a sigh of relief. After all this time being away from him, all this time wondering if their friendship would still be the same, she was finally going to see Ben again.
A Message from Abby
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed every page and I would love to hear your thoughts whether it be a review online or you contact me via my website. I am eternally grateful for you and none of this would be possible without our shared love of romance.
I pray that someday I will get to meet each of you and thank you in person, but in the meantime, all I can do is tell you how amazing you are.
As I prepare my next love story for you, keep believing in your dreams and know that mine would not be possible without you.
With Love,
About Starfall Publications
Starfall Publications has helped me and so many others extend my passion from writing to you.
The prime focus of this company has been – and always will be – quality and I am honored to be able to publish my books under their name.
Having said that, I would like to officially thank Starfall Publications for offering me the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful, hard-working team!
Thanks to them, my dreams – and your dreams — have come true!
About Abby Ayles
Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented “Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time!”
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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