Gentlemen and Brides: Regency Romance Collection

by Joyce Alec

  “Nonsense,” her mother said shortly. “You will appreciate every moment of it, Lucy. It will be all about you and Edward.”

  Thinking that she liked that idea even less, Lucy braved a smile and sat back with an inward sigh. She supposed that her mother was right, in some regard. She would be a marchioness one day, and society would expect her to, at least, be visible. Attention would follow her wherever she went.

  Marrying Edward means your life will change entirely, she reminded herself, her stomach rolling with an instant anxiety. Are you prepared for that, Lucy?

  It was not something she had considered before, knowing that their engagement was to be nothing more than a pretense of short standing, but now that it was real, now that an actual wedding would be planned, her future appeared entirely changed.

  You will be a marchioness, said the little voice in her head. The title will be heavy with responsibilities. You will not be able to hide in the shadows or keep to the corners of the room any longer. Everyone will want a piece of you.

  Swallowing, Lucy gnawed on the side of her lip, letting her mother’s monologue wash over her as she thought. She had been so caught up with Edward’s kisses and the deep affection she had for him that she had not once considered what it would mean to actually marry the man.

  Looking over at her mother, Lucy remembered what she had promised herself before she had ever met Edward: she would not marry without love.

  Edward had promised her that.

  Her life would change, that was without doubt, but would it be worth it to have Edward by her side, knowing that he loved her more than anything else in the world? They had so much in common, and Lucy knew she would never again find a man like him; someone who found her love of knowledge and desire to further herself as an estimable quality. No other man of a high status would think such a thing, for even her own parents had referred to her as a ‘bluestocking’ in such a condescending tone that it had ripped into her very soul.

  Could she manage all the changes that came with marrying Edward, in the hopes that the love she hoped they would share would overcome all the obstacles in their path?

  Her thoughts were broken by her father walking, unexpectedly, into the room.

  “Lucy!” he exclaimed, looking somewhat surprised to see her. “I thought you would be abed still.”

  “And I thought you would be in your study, Papa,” Lucy replied, not getting up to greet him.

  After what had occurred the prior night with Lord Hutton, she felt her father was responsible for promising her to him without even asking her permission. In addition, she wondered how Lord Hutton had known she would be dining with Lord Brownly.

  “It is just as well you are here, for I have something to ask you,” she said, trying to conceal her anger.

  “Oh?” he asked, distracted for a moment by the tray of pastries in the center of the table.

  “Lord Hutton was at the dinner last night.”

  Lucy watched through slightly narrowed eyes as her father froze for a moment, the pastry halfway to his mouth.

  “When I say he was at the dinner,” she continued, “what I meant to say was that he attempted to join us, although I cannot quite work out how he knew I would be there with Lord Caldwell.”

  Her father shrugged, although he would not meet her gaze. “Mayhap Lord Brownly told him.”

  “I doubt it,” Lucy declared. “Lord Brownly does not care for him. You will be quite surprised when I tell you what Lord Hutton wanted, I am sure.”

  Her mother cleared her throat and shifted in her chair, glancing uneasily between Lucy and her father. “What did he want, Lucy?”

  “Me.”

  Lucy pursed her lips and stared at her father, refusing to remove her unrelenting gaze from him.

  “What can you mean?” her mother gasped, her hand at her heart. “You are engaged to Lord Caldwell!”

  Lifting one eyebrow, Lucy glanced at Lady Withington. “He told Lord Brownly—and then Lord Caldwell—that apparently I had first been betrothed to him, and he was currently attempting to procure a Special License so that we might marry immediately.”

  “Oh, no,” her father whispered, his face going sheet white as he dropped into a chair. “No, Lucy, he did not.”

  “Yes, he did,” she firmly responded. Lucy was glad to see her father’s reaction, hoping that he might tell her all since she was not meant to know any of it. “Father, I don’t understand what is going on. What did you say to Lord Hutton?”

  Lord Withington sighed and shook his head. “You will hate me, I am sure, but I had promised Lord Hutton your hand. You were to meet him the very night you became engaged to Lord Caldwell. If I had known that you were interested in another, then I would never have done such a thing.”

  “Did you tell him where I was?” Lucy questioned.

  “No,” he assured her. “I did not. Unfortunately, it appears that Hutton is not a man who gives up easily. He wants what he wants, and is used to having every one of his wishes fulfilled. That includes your hand in marriage.”

  Lucy swallowed, and she steadied herself to speak her following words. “Am I that disappointing a daughter, Father, that you would push one of your potential business partners on me, even though he is even older than you? Do you truly care for me so little that I was simply to be used to further your partnerships?”

  The Earl of Withington could not answer, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

  “I do hope you have sorted this mess out, Father,” Lucy finished, rising from her seat as gracefully as she could. “I want you to make it quite clear to Lord Hutton that I owe him nothing. I will never be his, and he is not to come near me again.”

  Her father gave a swift, jerky nod, and on seeing it, Lucy swept from the room.

  9

  The next few days were quiet, although Edward came to call her every day. The preparations for the ball were well underway, and Lucy found herself rolling between excitement and terror. Her mother had sent her to the modiste on at least four separate occasions, ensuring she would be the best dressed young lady the ton had ever seen. Lucy had to admit that the gown was the most beautiful thing she had laid her eyes on, not that she would let her mother know that. She supposed she would have to get used to wearing the latest styles and fashions soon enough, realizing that she did not find the idea altogether distasteful.

  “Lord Caldwell.”

  The butler opened the door and announced her betrothed, making a flush of excitement rush through Lucy’s frame.

  “Oh, goodness!” she exclaimed the moment he stepped through the door. “What on earth has happened to you?”

  Edward was sporting a spectacular black eye, and Lucy was sure she saw a lump on his jaw. Rushing over to him, she grasped his chin and gently turned his face to her.

  “Nothing serious,” he promised, wincing slightly as her fingers carefully probed the bump. “Just taken a bit by surprise, if I’m honest.”

  Lucy guided him to a chair, ringing the bell for tea before sitting down next to him, ignoring the need for a maid. “Who did this to you?”

  He gave her a tight smile. “I want to keep this from you, but I know you will get it from me anyway. I am afraid that Lord Hutton is the man responsible.”

  “Lord Hutton?” Lucy gasped, wondering how the elder gentleman had managed to strike Edward and leave him in such a state. “How? Why?”

  A slow flush crept up Edward’s face. “As I said, it was something of a surprise. I was walking home from White’s last evening, and a fellow struck me as I rounded the corner. In fact, the first blow almost blinded me, which was why he got another in there.”

  Lucy began to shake with anger, her fingers digging into her skirts. “I told my father to deal with the man! I wish to goodness he had never made such a promise to Lord Hutton!”

  Edward shook his head. “He is a man with a poor reputation, for he is known to get his way no matter what.” His jaw worked for a moment, as though he wanted to say m
ore but was forcing himself to keep his mouth shut.

  “What is it?” Lucy asked softly. “Please, Edward.”

  He turned to her, his eyes worried. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but I am sure he attempted to push me in the way of an oncoming hackney. Thankfully, he is not as strong as me. I managed to stop him, but still…”

  Lucy went completely still, her eyes widening as she took in what Edward had said.

  “I know you do not know Lord Hutton well,” Edward continued, as though trying to justify the claim he had just made. “But there is a reason he is disliked within society. He has a shrewd mind, but with it comes a cruel streak that pushes him to do whatever he can to get what he wants.”

  “Has he killed anyone before?” Lucy whispered, her cold fingers finding his.

  He shook his head. “Not that I know of.” Sighing, he dropped his shoulders “Perhaps I am being quite ridiculous and mistaking the entire situation.”

  “Then why else would he strike you?”

  Shrugging, Edward looked down at her, his battered face making her wince inwardly.

  “Who knows? Mayhap because I would not give him what he wanted, which was to back out of our engagement so that he might marry you himself. He was simply relieving himself of some of his frustrations.”

  “Or perhaps we have underestimated his threat,” Lucy murmured, lifting her hand to press lightly along his bruised face. “I cannot understand why he is so determined to marry me!”

  “Because he always gets what he wants, or what has been promised him,” Edward said heavily. “You do not know him as I do, Lucy. He will not simply let this slide. He sees it as a slight, I believe, so he is doing whatever he can to correct that.”

  Lucy felt heat rush to her cheeks. “My father seemed disturbed when I told him about what had occurred at Lord Brownly’s dinner.”

  “It may be that he did not fully know the man’s measure,” Edward mumbled. “Do not hold him in such low esteem, Lucy.”

  Wanting to protest, Lucy opened her mouth, only for a knock to come at the door, followed by the maid with the tea tray… and her mother. It seemed their conversation would have to wait until another time.

  “Promise me you will be careful, Edward,” she murmured just as her mother sat down.

  He found her hand and squeezed it gently. “Of course,” he replied, looking deeply into her eyes. “Nothing will come of this, I am sure. Do not worry so.”

  Lucy tried not to let anxiety swirl around her heart, but found she could not quite manage to do so. Instead, she simply let her mother talk whilst she thought on all that had occurred, wondering if there was any way Lord Hutton was going to be able to ruin her wedding plans.

  “And the engagement ball is going to be a wonderful occasion,” her mother chirped, her gaze focusing on Lucy, who tried her best to smile. “It is but two days hence and I confess that I am more than a little excited!”

  “Of course you are,” Lucy agreed, not feeling even the least bit excited. “I am sure it will be wonderful, Mama.”

  “Thank you for everything you have done,” Edward interrupted, patting her hand. “Now, if you will excuse me, I was hoping to take Lucy out for a short walk.”

  His eyes warmed as he studied her, making her smile. Evidently, he was aware of just how much she was affected by what he had just revealed to her. She loved that he could tell that about her, and that he was looking to care for her needs.

  “A walk would be just the thing, I think,” she murmured, getting to her feet and smiling at him. “Shall we go?”

  Two days later, Lucy was still not at ease with all that had happened. Lord Hutton had not made any further appearances or attempted to hurt Edward further, but the gnawing sense of unease that coiled within her made her increasingly anxious.

  Even as she gazed at her reflection, now clad in the most beautiful gown she had ever owned, with pearls sparkling in her hair, Lucy could not muster up much enthusiasm. The ball would be wonderful, she was sure, but she would not be able to enjoy it until she was sure Lord Hutton would not show up unexpectedly.

  Edward had assured her that the footmen would be doubly on their guard and that Lord Hutton would not be permitted to set foot on his grounds. However, Lucy’s nerves still stretched taut. Murmuring her thanks to the maid, Lucy picked up her reticule and made her way down to the drawing room, where she found her father pacing the floor. He stopped the moment she entered, his eyes widening slightly as he took her in.

  “My goodness,” he exhaled, putting down his glass of brandy and coming towards her. “I barely recognized my own daughter! You are looking lovely tonight.”

  “Thank you, Papa,” Lucy replied, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “You are quite resplendent yourself.”

  “And now it seems we are left waiting for your mother,” he said, walking back over towards the brandy. “Although that comes as no surprise.”

  Lucy snorted inelegantly. Her mother was known for taking her time when it came to her appearance, and the engagement ball of her only daughter was going to be an occasion where she could really shine.

  “Lord Caldwell is a good man, Lucy,” her father continued, not quite managing to look at her. “I am glad for you. I… I also wanted to apologize for pushing Lord Hutton towards you. It was meant for your good.”

  Shaking her head, Lucy refused to accept those words. “No, Father. It was meant to be for your good. Do not attempt to soothe your guilt by pretending you meant for me to have a happy life by Lord Hutton’s side. Surely you can admit that.” Her voice grew stronger as she let the tension she had felt for some time flood through her words.

  Her father sighed, his shoulders slumping. “There is no hiding the truth from you, Lucy, is there?” He shook his head, sighing heavily. “I should never have said anything to Lord Hutton. At the time, I thought he would be a good business partner and, in many senses, he still would be. That is one of my biggest failings, Lucy. In all my years of business, I have never truly considered a man’s character before joining with him in partnership. When it came to Lord Hutton, I took the same approach. Had you not announced your engagement to Lord Caldwell, I believe I would now be insisting that you marry him—and what utter folly that would have been!”

  Taken aback by her father’s honesty, by the guilt that ravaged his features, Lucy sat down carefully, making sure not to crumple her dress.

  “What do you mean, Father?”

  Pulling his kerchief from his pocket, Lord Withington mopped his brow before continuing.

  “I have discovered that Lord Hutton is not a good man, Lucy. When I told him of your engagement, he was furious.” Swallowing, he glanced at her before returning his gaze to a point above her head. “It now appears that he is not used to being denied what he has been promised.”

  “Father!” Lucy exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror. “He has not hurt you, I hope?”

  He let out a strangled laugh. “No, not yet. His threats have become more and more violent, but in letter only. I do not believe that he will carry through with what he says. However, I must confess to being somewhat more vigilant these last few days.”

  Her heart sank into her slippers. “Father, Lord Hutton assaulted Edward, and Edward believes that he was attempting to push him in front of an approaching carriage!”

  Her father did not seem in the least bit surprised, only more apologetic. It did not make Lucy feel any more at ease. “I am sorry, Lucy. He is a man possessed, it seems. Hopefully, when you are married, he will give up the chase and find something—or someone—new on whom to focus his attentions.”

  Lucy suppressed a shudder. “God help whoever that is,” she murmured, squeezing her hands together tightly at the thought. “Father, promise me you will be careful. I cannot help the feeling that Lord Hutton has malicious intentions he intends to carry out. I just do not know when or where.”

  “Of course I will be,” he assured her, coming towards her and bending to take her hands. Lucy was
shocked to see the tears glistening in his eyes, realizing that her father was, possibly for the first time in his life, truly repentant. “Can you forgive me for my hand in all this, Lucy? I know that I have been in the wrong.”

  Her throat constricted, and, for a moment, Lucy could not get the words out. “Yes, Papa. I forgive you.”

  His lined face crumpled, and getting to his feet, he walked away from her and back towards the fireplace.

  10

  “Lucy!” Edward exclaimed, catching her hand the moment she stepped out of the carriage. “You are utterly breathtaking.”

  Lucy’s heart skipped a beat and she took him in, seeing the way his gaze warmed with heat as he studied her.

  “Truly exquisite,” he breathed, leaning a little closer.

  Her stomach tightened as his head lowered and he caught her lips with his for a brief moment, his hands settling around her waist. She forgot all about Lord Hutton, about her father’s confession and subsequent apology. There was only Edward.

  “I wish we could remain like this,” he whispered in her ear, one hand reaching up to catch her chin. “But I believe Mama is waiting for us. I must apologize that my father is still out of the country on diplomatic business, although he has written to me to let me know he is equally thrilled about my impending marriage.”

  “I am glad to hear it,” Lucy said softly. “Although you are right when you state that your mama—and my parents also—will be waiting for us.” She laughed quietly as he let out a soft groan of frustration. “I do not think the ball can begin without us.”

  Edward sighed heavily but did not release her. “Then let me say to you now, Lucy, that my heart is filled with love for you.” His voice softened as he gently rested his forehead against hers, and Lucy felt her breath catch in her throat. “I have fallen so deeply in love with you that I cannot bear to think of being apart from you. Our marriage cannot come soon enough.”