by Joyce Alec
“What say you, Mama?” Lucy asked drily. “Shall you write to her this very moment?”
She had not expected her mother to take to her suggestion immediately, but to her surprise, Lady Withington stood up in a flurry of skirts and practically rushed from the room, saying something about how it was an excellent notion and she would press her note into Lord Caldwell’s hand before he left.
Clearly, her mother had not realized that she had left Lucy and Lord Caldwell completely alone. Even as a betrothed couple, this was not entirely seemly.
“Well,” Lucy murmured, suddenly unsure as to where to look. “I think you have my mother in the palm of your hand, Lord Caldwell.”
“She appears to be quite delightful,” he replied, leaning forward in his chair. “But I am not sorry that she has left the room, for it gives us some time to speak freely.”
Lucy’s stomach swirled with sudden nerves. “I do hope you are not regretting our scheme, my lord.”
His surprise was evident. “No, not in the least!” he exclaimed, his dark eyes searching hers. “Are you?”
“Not at all,” she responded, aware of just how quickly her heart was beating. “My mother has never been so delighted, as you can see!”
His eyes lit with humor. “Neither mine,” he said, his lips quirking into a smile. “It appears you have done what so many other ladies could not, according to Mama. She is utterly besotted with you, even more than I am!”
Lucy managed a smile, her breath catching as she took in the warmth in his eyes, the easy smile on his lips. Had he meant such a sentiment, truthfully? Or was he simply playing the part?
“I must confess I was a little surprised to hear that Mama wished to throw an engagement ball for us both, but given the circumstances, I was unable to do anything but agree.” Lord Caldwell’s hand reached for hers, his fingers brushing her skin. “I do hope you are not upset.”
Jolted by his touch, Lucy felt tension ripple through her body, making her more than aware of just how close he was to her, despite being in an entirely separate seat.
“You believe I might be upset over a ball, my lord?” she asked, hating that she was a little breathless. “It is quite the contrary, I assure you.” She gave him a tight smile, relieved when his fingers left her hand and he sat back in his chair.
“I am glad to hear it,” he replied quietly.
Lucy, deciding to be honest, lifted her chin. “In truth, my lord, I have had very little attentions from my parents who, as you were aware, practically wrote me off. Since yesterday evening, that has changed entirely! My mother is insisting on a trousseau and even a few new gowns for our betrothal period.” She shook her head as a slightly sad smile crossed her lips. “I cannot remember the last time mother was so willing to spend both time and money on me.”
Her words trailed off, her eyes leaving his only to land across the room, focusing on nothing in particular. Her mother’s attentions would die away again the moment Lucy’s engagement came to an end, and Lucy knew she would feel the loss keenly. For the first time in many years, she felt as though there was nothing of ill-feeling or frustration between herself and her mother. It was a feeling Lucy realized she truly appreciated.
“You must make the most of this then, my dear,” Lord Caldwell said gently, his words intruding on her thoughts. “Your mother may give her sympathies towards you for some time after our engagement comes to an end. Now that she knows you have the ability to catch the eye of a man who is, one day, to become a marquess, she will not push you towards Lord Hutton again.”
Lucy frowned, remembering the strange conversation she had heard taking place between her parents only earlier that afternoon.
“I do not believe Lord Hutton is entirely thrilled with our betrothal,” she said wryly. “I heard my father talking earlier.”
Lord Caldwell snorted. “I care very little for what Lord Hutton thinks,” he muttered darkly. “And whilst I will admit that the man is not used to being refused what he wants, I am delighted that I have saved you from his clutches.”
At that very moment, the tea tray arrived, preventing further discourse on the matter. As Lucy prepared to pour the tea, her thoughts would not leave the discussion she had heard previously. She knew very little of Lord Hutton, but if what Lord Caldwell said was true, then they would have to take care around the man. Not that she intended on seeing him again, but if he was going into partnership with her father—even without her hand as part of the deal—then there was a chance she might be introduced to him at some point in time.
Lord Caldwell cleared his throat and accepted a cup from her gratefully. “Perhaps we ought to get to know one another a little more,” he suggested, smiling at her. “After all, when someone asks me about my betrothed, I think it would be best if I knew the answer to their questions. Otherwise, I do not give the impression that I am a man in love!”
Laughing softly, Lucy felt her cheeks warm as he grinned at her, the butterflies not entirely gone from her belly. If only he were not quite so handsome, then she might not feel such unsettling things. “I think that would be a welcome idea, my lord,” she said before delicately taking a sip of her steaming tea. “Although I must warn you that you may find some of my answers unconventional.”
To her surprise, he let out a loud laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckled.
“Lady Lucy,” he said, “that is precisely why I think you are so well suited to me, even if this is all a sham. I have never had any interest in the run of the mill, finely dressed, and slightly vacuous young ladies of the ton. Instead, I have sought to find someone who is, by all intents and purposes, a little less ‘run of the mill.’ In short, my dear, I find your unconventionality a truly desirable trait.”
“Oh,” Lucy murmured, wondering why she struggled to find words to form any kind of reply. “Then I am relieved, Lord Caldwell.”
“Shall I begin?” he asked, settling back in his chair. “Why don’t we start with your favorite novel of late?”
6
“Should you like to go for a drive this afternoon, Lady Lucy?”
Lucy looked up at Edward and graced him with a smile. “Yes, I believe so.”
The drive would be their first outing as a newly betrothed couple, and Lucy could already feel the swirl of nerves settling in her stomach. This was the third time Lord Caldwell had called upon her at her parents’ home, but as yet, they had not taken any kind of outing outside of the four walls.
“Wonderful,” he replied, smiling at her. “The phaeton is just outside.”
Within a few minutes, Lucy found herself in the phaeton, fully aware that she would be spotted by a great many people within society. Thankfully, the phaeton meant that she did not have to bring her maid with her, something she was greatly relieved over, for it meant that she and Lord Caldwell could have a free conversation, which was something she was growing to appreciate.
“How are you, Lord Caldwell?” She glanced up at him, catching the swift smile that crossed his face.
“I have been thinking, Lady Lucy. Now that we are betrothed, I think you may call me Edward, if you wish it."
That was quite proper, but still, Lucy felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Then you may address me simply as Lucy,” she murmured, wondering why she felt such a rush of pleasure when he spoke her name.
“Lucy,” he said, smiling at her. “That is such a lovely name. And may I compliment you on your attire. I believe I was overcome by your beauty when I first laid eyes on you this afternoon!”
She laughed. “We need not pretend that much! No one else can hear what you are saying.”
To her surprise, he did not laugh, but rather held her gaze for a moment. “I mean every word, my dear Lucy,” he said quietly. “You are a beautiful creature and I am glad to have you on my arm.”
Lucy swallowed and spoke not another word, as she did not know what to say. This was meant to be a pretense, after all, although surely it did not matter if he complimented her
on her appearance. It was not wrong if he found her desirable. In the same way, she thought him handsome.
“I have embarrassed you now,” he said, breaking the sudden awkwardness. “I do apologize. It must seem quite strange to you to accept such compliments from a man you barely know, even if I am meant to be your betrothed.”
“In truth, Edward, I very rarely receive any kind of compliment,” she replied with honesty, “so I am, perhaps, less used to accepting them with grace. I thank you for your kind words. Mama has insisted on practically an entirely new wardrobe, and only this morning I found myself at the modiste for a final fitting!”
He chuckled then, his tones rich and warm. “It is amazing what an engagement can do to one’s parents, is it not? My own mother has smiled at me a great many times since I first announced our news. Indeed, I cannot remember the last time she was so enamored with me!”
Lucy joined in his laughter, appreciating his wit. “But you must tell me, Edward,” she said, growing a little more serious. “Why have you never married?” At his surprised look, she colored but continued on bravely. If they were to pretend to be betrothed, she believed she ought to know. “You are handsome and titled, so surely there must have been some young lady who caught your eye at some point.”
Edward looked at her again, just as the phaeton turned into Hyde Park. “I suppose that is true. Many young ladies have caught my eye.” He shook his head and gazed across the park. “But in truth, Lucy, I do not wish to marry someone who cares only for balls and fripperies.” His eyes flicked to hers. “I believe I have spoken to you of such a thing before. If I am to marry, I want a wife with whom I can have a pleasant and engaging conversation, as well as someone who will be an excellent hostess and can fulfill the duties required when the time comes for me to take my title.” He threw her a quick smile. “Perhaps I am too severe with my requirements, but as yet, no one has met my standards.”
Lucy felt her heart sink into her slippers, but she forced a smile onto her face. “Mayhap you will meet someone very soon, Edward. Maybe even before our betrothal comes to an end! I have heard it said that a newly engaged man often draws more ladies than ever before.”
He scrunched up his features with distaste. “I should not care for any woman who did that kind of thing,” he replied firmly. “A betrothal signals the start of a serious attachment, not one that can simply be given up for someone—or something—new.”
She raised her eyebrows, surprised to hear such an opinion. “I believe many men take on a mistress,” she murmured quietly. “It is almost expected, is it not?”
Frowning, Edward shook his head. “Not for me, Lucy,” he said. “When I marry, I will make my vows with the utmost seriousness, committing myself to one woman for the remainder of my life. I know such a stance is almost laughable, but I intend to stick with it.”
“You astonish me greatly,” Lucy murmured, both surprised and delighted to hear the words from his lips. “I had not expected a gentleman with such a title to have your attitude. Even my own father…”
She trailed off, shaking her head to herself as she was reminded of the lack of love shown between her parents, and how her mother had told her on more than one occasion that any husband should be expected to have a mistress.
A gentle hand touched her own, startling her from her thoughts. “What hopes do you have for matrimony, Lucy? You will not accept a man who intends to take a mistress, I think.”
Laughing, Lucy smiled up at Edward. “No, indeed not!” Her smile became a little dreamy, her gaze wandering across the park as she glanced at all the other carriages. “You may call me ridiculous, Edward, but I hope for love. I have seen the kind of marriage my parents have, one where there is no affection between them whatsoever. I do not want the same for me. I desire love, but I suppose I will have to settle for affection.”
“Do not ever settle, Lucy!” Edward exclaimed, grasping her hand suddenly. “You cannot, I beg of you. Stick to what it is you desire and know that it is within your grasp.”
Her entire body buzzed with awareness as he looked into her eyes, the fervency in his expression making her breath catch in her throat. He did not look away, did not drop her hand, and small explosions began to go off in her head. Without warning, he leaned closer, and she could feel his breath mingling with hers.
Was he about to kiss her? She had never been kissed before, closing her eyes with a welcome expectation.
“Ah, Caldwell!”
A voice had Edward jump back into his seat, his back ramrod straight as he turned to speak to another gentleman sitting astride his horse.
“Brownly,” Lucy heard him say, finding herself a little dazed. “May I present my betrothed, Lady Lucy Donoghue. Lady Lucy, my dear friend Lord Brownly.”
“Betrothed!” Lord Brownly exclaimed, doffing his hat and smiling at her. “How wonderful. May I offer you both my sincere congratulations.”
Gathering herself, Lucy managed to smile up at him. “I thank you, my lord. It is a most happy state.”
“I am sure it is,” Lord Brownly said, his eyes twinkling at her. “I dare say your mother must have been in alt with the news, Caldwell?”
The gentlemen both laughed aloud, making Lucy smile with a genuine happiness. It was nice to see Lord Caldwell so relaxed, so at ease with someone who seemed to be a genuine friend. She allowed the conversation to wash over her as the two gentlemen talked, realizing anew just how little she knew of her betrothed. She knew nothing of his friends, of his hobbies, or even whether he preferred port over brandy.
She supposed that this was the case with many engaged couples, but it did not sit right with her. Even if this was a pretense, which was soon to come to an end, she found that she wanted to know more about him. Just as a friend, she assured herself, denying the spark of heat she had felt between them just a few moments earlier.
“What do you think, my dear?”
Edward’s question made her start, and, flushing, she dropped her eyes. “I must beg your pardon, my lord. I did not hear your question.”
“Too busy daydreaming of your wedding day, no doubt,” Lord Brownly interrupted, smiling at her. “That is just as it should be, of course. I was simply asking if you would care to join me for dinner next week? It is just a few friends, of course, nothing overly grand. I am sure we shall have some musical accompaniments and the like after dinner. Perhaps you might grace us with a song, Lady Lucy?”
Her flush deepened. “I confess that I am not particularly skilled when it comes to such a thing, Lord Brownly, although I would be happy to be an avid listener.”
“Then you will come?” he asked, placing his hat back on his head. “I would very much like to get to know the lady my friend has so obviously fallen head over heels for!” He gave her a wide smile, clearly unaware of just how unsettled his words had made her.
“I would be delighted to attend,” she managed to reply, twining her fingers together so as not to betray her emotions. “I thank you for the invitation.”
Nodding to Lord Caldwell, he said, “A week from today, then.”
Lucy watched him ride away, just as Lord Caldwell picked up the ribbons and began to continue their way around the park. They rode in silence for some minutes, as though neither of them knew what to say.
“I hope I did not embarrass you just then,” Lucy murmured, feeling more than a little self-conscious. “I know ladies are meant to be masters of the pianoforte and spend their time practicing the arts, but I confess that I have never shown much interest in such things.”
Turning to face her, Lord Caldwell gave her a wide smile, which sent yet more butterflies to her stomach. “I should not be embarrassed by you in any regard, I think, Lucy. You are quite wonderful.”
Heat crept up her spine and into her cheeks. “You do not mind?”
He shook his head. “No, of course not. Although I must confess myself a little embarrassed that I did not know you preferred to listen over performing.” With another shake of hi
s head, he glanced at her. “I have enjoyed our conversations over the last few days,” he continued, his hand reaching for hers for just a brief moment. “We are meant to be engaged, and I believe one should know things about their betrothed. I believe I know more about you now than I did only a few days ago, yet I feel as though there is so much more for me to discover!”
Lucy smiled, delighted that he had put into words the exact sentiment she had been feeling. “I agree, Edward. Although I will admit that I find myself quite at ease with you already. It is as though we have been friends for a very long time, even though I have only known you for a brief period.”
“I feel exactly the same way,” he murmured, studying her for a moment longer. “Perhaps we should take one of the quieter paths within the park, instead of following society’s routes. We might then have a little more privacy to talk.”
“That would be wonderful,” she said softly.
He did not reply but simply took the phaeton further into the park, turning to the left and then to the right until they were almost entirely alone. Lucy sighed happily to herself, feeling entirely safe with Edward and knowing that they were about to have a most enjoyable conversation together. It seemed that he was an extraordinary man.
7
“There,” Lucy’s maid smiled, looking down at Lucy’s hairstyle. “I think you are ready, miss.”
Lucy smiled and got to her feet, walking over towards the full-length mirror in the corner of the room. What she saw utterly astonished her.
“Good gracious!” she breathed, taking her reflection in. “I look quite…”
“Beautiful, miss!” the maid interrupted, clapping her hands together and beaming at her.
“You have done a wonderful job,” Lucy murmured, running her hand down over her new gown. “Thank you.”
The maid bobbed a curtsy, although Lucy could see the blush in her cheeks at Lucy’s praise. “Is there anything else, miss? Remember you have your necklace laid out for you on the dresser.”