The Townsbridge's Series

by Sophie Barnes

  “You do?”

  “I cannot imagine why no one else would. She’s the red poppy in the field of white daisies, the flame that burns brighter than all the rest. She has energy and a will stronger than any other I’ve ever encountered.”

  “A characteristic that tends to get her into trouble.”

  “Which is why she ought to marry as quickly as possible, so she can get settled. Preferably with a man who will love her for who she is while offering guidance.”

  “And you wish to be that man?”

  “I do,” Robert said. “More than anything.”

  Roxley gave him an odd look. “She matters to you. That much is clear. But how can you possibly guarantee love after only two days in her company?”

  Robert wasn’t quite sure. He knew he harbored strong feelings for her, but he wasn’t yet ready to call it love. He cleared his throat and told her father, “Because I cannot stand the idea of being apart from her for one moment – of having to leave her here and not see her for several days, of not being able to hear her voice and sense her presence, of having to dine without her while wondering what she’s up to – if she is getting herself into trouble – of wishing she’d simply be there to favor me with a smile.”

  His breath caught. Good God. He loved her already. It was the only explanation for how he felt. Not that he understood it one bit. He’d have thought it took longer to develop such deep emotion and yet, perhaps because they had known each other for as long as they had, she’d only had to grow up in order for him to lose his heart to her completely.

  Baffled, Robert gave his head a shake.

  Roxley drank some coffee and set his cup aside. “I must confess I’m shocked. But I suppose if your intentions are as pure as you profess, it could work. As long as she is willing.”

  When the viscount raised one eyebrow in question, Robert said, “I think she could be, in time. As it is right now, I’m not sure she knows how she feels about me.”

  “I see. So what you’re requesting is a chance to meet with her – to further your acquaintance with her, so to speak, in the hope that she might come around to your way of thinking?”

  “Exactly.”

  “Hmm… I’ll need to know the state of your finances, Darlington. Not that I would let money or the lack thereof stand in the way of a happy union. We’d find a way around that if necessary. But I hate surprises, and I would like to make sure you’re not simply after her dowry.”

  Every muscle inside Robert clamped tight like a vice. He clenched his fists, but there was no getting around this. “My father left a substantial debt. I’ve managed to clear most of it over the course of the last year.”

  “By selling off property and art?”

  “You’ve been following my activities, I see.”

  Roxley snorted. “It was in the papers.”

  “My own personal income has taken time to secure. It’s not as large as I’m hoping it will be in a couple of years from now, but it is enough to provide a comfortable life for Athena without touching her dowry.”

  “How much are we talking, exactly?”

  “Two thousand pounds per annum.”

  “Not an impressive sum, I’ll grant you that, but not a terrible one either. Returns on an investment?”

  “Indeed. I bought shares in a couple of businesses based in New York. They were small when I met with the owners on that trip where Bethany and I were introduced, but have since begun to grow. Apparently, there’s a future in agriculture and steel.”

  “You don’t say,” Roxley mused.

  “I’d be happy to show you the pertinent papers and ledgers when you come for dinner.”

  Roxley slowly nodded. “All right.”

  “All right?”

  “You have my permission to court Athena. Whether or not Charles will give you his is an entirely different matter.”

  Robert stared at Roxley. He wanted to say that Charles owed him, but the truth of the matter was, he didn’t. Not really. Not enough to allow his former friend to romance his sister. Definitely not without Robert making an effort to patch things up between them first. “Would it be possible for me to speak with Charles before I go?”

  “I’ll ask,” Roxley said. He stood and left the room.

  When he returned, it was with a furious looking Charles Townsbridge in tow.

  “Of all the things I feared you might do to retaliate,” Charles said without bothering to offer a greeting, “this is beyond the pale.”

  “It’s good to see you too,” Robert said. “And just to be clear, I do not seek to court your sister to get back at you or at her for what happened.”

  “Court her?” Charles fairly exploded. He swung his gaze toward Roxley. “What the hell is he talking about?”

  “I did not have a chance to mention that part yet,” Roxely told Robert. “With regard to retaliation, Charles was referring to your holding Athena hostage for the sake of compromising her reputation, as he believes to be the case.”

  Of course he would. Robert pressed his lips together. “I care for her, Charles.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Frankly, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t,” Robert snapped. “Have you not met your sister? Do you not realize how wonderful she is?”

  Charles opened his mouth, then closed it again. He scratched the back of his head. “You’re ten years her senior.”

  “I am aware of that.”

  “It’s unnatural,” Charles grumbled.

  “Your mother and I have eleven years between us,” Roxley said.

  Charles knit his brow and glared at his father. “Not very helpful.”

  “No. What would be helpful,” Roxley said, “would be for you to set aside your protective instinct toward Athena and give Darlington a chance. After all, you did steal his bride.”

  “Which is precisely why I’ve reason to be suspicious about him suddenly wanting to court my sister.” Charles looked at Robert. “You never showed that sort of interest in her before.”

  Robert choked on the air he was breathing and sputtered slightly. “Good lord, she was only fourteen the last time I saw her. Making advances was the furthest thing from my mind, not simply because I was otherwise engaged but because it would have been utterly inappropriate.”

  “Duly noted,” Charles said after a moment’s thought. He took a deep breath, expelled it, and finally took a step closer to Robert. Extending his hand, he said, “I’m very sorry you had to find out about my affection for Bethany on your wedding day. It was wrong. I ought to have told you sooner. Please forgive me, Robert.”

  Clasping his hand, Robert gave it a firm shake. “Of course.”

  “Thank you.” Charles took a deep breath, then asked, “Shall we call for Athena to join us so you can make your intentions known?”

  “I’d rather not,” Robert said. He glanced at Roxley. “Your father can explain my reasoning. I believe he agrees with it. As for myself, I really ought to be heading back if I’m to reach home before it gets dark.”

  “Very well,” Charles said. “I’ll walk you out.”

  Robert took his leave of Roxley and went to collect his greatcoat, hat, and gloves. His horse was readied and he stepped out onto the front step together with Charles.

  “I’m glad you came,” Charles said, then winced. “I’m glad you brought Athena back safe. I’m also glad we had a chance to talk and, I hope, become reacquainted with each other. But you should know that if you harbor any ill-will toward my sister, if you hurt her even the slightest, I will hunt you down and break every bone in your body. Is that clear?”

  “Perfectly,” Robert told him calmly. Swinging himself up into his saddle, he collected the reins belonging to the horse Athena had ridden, and started his homeward journey.

  Four consecutive days of sunshine had melted most of the snow, allowing the evening out at the assembly hall to proceed as planned. Standing to one side with Sarah and Sarah’s husband, the Duke of Brunswick, Athena sipp
ed her punch while watching the country dance in progress. The happy couple had suffered through a rough patch immediately after their wedding and had only been reunited two weeks before joining the rest of the Townsbridges at Foxborough Hall.

  “You’ve been unusually quiet since your return from Darlington House,” Sarah said. “Eloise tells me she saw you perched on the windowsill by the stairs this morning.”

  “I was admiring the view,” Athena said.

  “For someone who has always been in constant motion, I find that curious.”

  Athena sighed. “To be honest, I have not been feeling well lately.”

  Sarah immediately frowned. “Heavens, you should have said something.”

  “I don’t believe it’s anything serious, so I saw no reason to worry anyone, but I am beginning to think it would have been best for me to stay home in bed this evening.” As it was, a general sense of malaise gripped her body, leaving her with an uncharacteristic feeling of despair.

  “Perhaps you ought to sit,” Sarah suggested. She helped Athena toward a chair. “Does your head pain you?”

  “Not really.”

  “Your stomach then?”

  “Possibly.” It certainly didn’t feel as it should. Or maybe it was a spot above her stomach that was the problem. Her lungs perhaps, or her heart? She dared not think there might be an issue with either.

  “Would you like to return to Foxborough Hall?” Sarah asked.

  “And ruin everyone’s evening by cutting it short?” Athena shook her head. “Absolutely not. But it might be wise of me to stop drinking this punch.”

  She set her glass aside. Something disagreed with her, that much was clear. The question was what. Hopefully not the beginnings of a cold, or worse, influenza. She clasped her hands and proceeded to watch the dancing. She’d engaged in a few herself – one with each brother and the last with Brunswick. No other gentleman had invited her onto the floor. Instead, they studied her from a safe distance like timid puppies regarding an unpredictable kitten.

  Another set began. Music swirled through the air, drifting up under the ceiling where pine garlands wrapped in red ribbon were strung in honor of the Yuletide season. Couples skipped and twirled. Laughter and chatter mingled with the sort of joyfulness she was wont to welcome. Instead, she wished herself elsewhere – somewhere far away from all the irritating happiness.

  “Good heavens,” Sarah said at the very same moment Athena decided to step outside for some fresh air. “Did you know he would be here?”

  “Who?” she asked, her stomach squeezing tight in anticipation of whom her sister referred to.

  “Langdon. I mean, Darlington. He just arrived and…he’s coming this way.”

  Athena stood, her heart pounding with the wild pace of a thousand galloping horses. Her stomach fared no better. It felt like it housed a swarm of butterflies. She glanced in the direction Sarah indicated and instantly sucked in a breath. Sure enough, there he was, handsomer than he’d been four days prior. How was that possible? She did not know and she did not care. All she could do was feel the rush of joy pouring through her while he strode toward her.

  “Miss Townsbridge,” he murmured as soon as he reached her. “I trust you are having a wonderful evening?”

  “Indeed, my lord.” Her face grew hot, her insides hotter. What on earth was happening to her?

  “Lady Brunswick,” he said, addressing Sarah next. “Felicitations on your recent marriage.”

  “Thank you.” Sarah gestured toward her husband. “Have you met the duke before?”

  “Indeed I have not,” Robert said. He shook Brunswick’s hand. “A pleasure.”

  “Likewise,” Brunswick said. “I’ve heard a great deal about you. Especially during the last few days.”

  Robert nodded and turned back to Athena. “I’m hoping you might be willing to partner with me for the next set.”

  “I, um…” Her lungs didn’t seem to be working properly. She was having trouble catching her breath. And yet, there was no denying the pure delight he’d instilled in her by asking. So she forced herself to say, “Yes. I’d like that.”

  Appreciation lit his eyes. The edge of his mouth lifted. “Excellent.”

  Her brother, Charles, danced past with Bethany, and for a panicked moment, Athena feared an impending altercation. But rather than scowl in response to Robert’s presence, Charles acknowledged him with a tilt of his chin before moving on past. Perhaps then they’d already had a chance to speak when Robert was last at Foxborough Hall? If so, Charles hadn’t mentioned the encounter.

  “I think I’m beginning to figure out what might be ailing you,” Sarah whispered close to her ear.

  “Really?” Athena met her sister’s gaze and was instantly caught off guard by her secretive smile. “What’s your theory?”

  “I think it might be best if you figure that out on your own,” Sarah said with a smirk.

  Irritated, Athena prepared to argue that logic when Robert drew her attention. “How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

  His voice was low and sensual. Awareness rippled through her. “Four days.”

  “Is that all?” He leaned in slightly, brushing her arm with his sleeve. “It feels like weeks. Months. Perhaps even years.”

  She turned her head just enough to meet his gaze. The fire there stole her breath and weakened her knees. Surely he could not mean what she thought he meant. It wasn’t possible. She wasn’t the sort of person a man would miss, but rather the sort he’d be eager to get rid of. Wasn’t that what he’d wanted from the beginning? To get her out of his house as quickly as possible?

  Yes. But later, after failing to accomplish that, they’d talked. And as they’d become reacquainted, something had changed. He’d forgiven her. More than that, he’d seemed to accept her.

  No. What she’d witnessed was greater than acceptance – a genuine appreciation for her as a person. And while he might have chastised her on occasion, he’d never tried to change who she was. Instead, he’d told her he liked her.

  Before she was able to figure out what all this meant, he was leading her onto the dance floor. She took her position across from him, her mind a muddle of contradiction. And then the music was playing and somehow her feet were moving in accordance with the rhythm. A hand caught her waist and spun her around. Heat seared the skin beneath her gown at the point of contact. She drew a shuddering breath and did her best to remain upright.

  “You look stunning this evening,” Robert murmured, his eyes snaring hers with intense focus. “No other woman compares.”

  A fluttery feeling spiraled through her. She couldn’t speak, could barely think. She certainly had no chance in hell of returning the compliment with panache. And then she lost her opportunity completely as they were forced to switch partners and move in opposite directions. When she returned to Robert’s side, he asked if she still liked roast duck, preventing her from returning his praise without risk of sounding utterly daft.

  “I do,” she said instead. “It’s still my favorite food.”

  “Along with sugar-glazed potatoes and boiled apples filled with red currant jelly?”

  A smile curved her lips. “You have a remarkable memory, my lord.”

  “I’ve been reflecting,” he said with a wink that nearly caused her knees to give way.

  They were swept apart once more and before she’d managed to gather her wits, the dance was ending. Robert clasped her hand, spun her gently around one last time, and guided her into her rightful place before stepping back. The final notes faded and he gave her a bow, then led her from the floor in silence.

  When they reached the periphery, he drew her toward a vacant corner and raised her gloved hand to his lips. “Until we meet again, Miss Townsbridge.”

  He was gone before she remembered to breathe.

  Chapter 6

  Everything had been perfectly thought out. Robert made sure of it. He’d personally overseen the dinner arrangements, ensuring Athena
would be seated directly to his left and her mother to his right. After their dance the other evening at the assembly hall, he’d scarcely slept a wink. He’d been horribly nervous and unsure when he’d arrived. After all, it would be clear to anyone paying attention that he’d come solely to dance with her. And yet the moment he was in her company, he had relaxed and found the right words. Whether or not she knew it, she had responded to his flirtation with rosy cheeks and an uncharacteristically timid smile. Both allowed him to hope.

  “Is the duck to your liking?” he asked Athena once she’d had a chance to savor the food.

  “It is delicious.” she assured him, her gaze not quite meeting his while she ate a bit more. Her low voice and high color, however, told him she wasn’t indifferent. Something else was causing her to shy away. Perhaps the dawning realization that they could be more than friends?

  “I believe it is your favorite,” Lady Roxley said.

  “It is.” Athena set her knife and fork aside and reached for her glass. She took a sip and, without another word, continued eating.

  “How fortuitous,” Lady Roxley said. She gave Robert an assessing look, added a wry smile, and swiftly changed the subject.

  Half an hour later, Robert had been fully informed of the Townsbridges’ plans for the rest of the holiday season. They would depart for London three days hence so they could return in time to attend the yearly Christmas concert at the Theatre Royal. Christmas itself would be celebrated at Townsbridge House with a large family dinner and a variety of games. According to her ladyship, New Year’s Eve was generally spent there as well, but this year they intended to head to Vauxhall and watch the firework display. Provided the weather permitted, of course.

  “Tea has been prepared in the parlor,” Dartwood announced once the meal was over.

  Athena leapt to her feet, nearly knocking over her chair in the process.

  “Dear me,” her mother exclaimed. “Do be careful.”