London Temptations: Historical Regency Romance Collection

by Joyce Alec

  “He is here,” Lady Devonshire said with a slightly raised voice, her hand tight on Prudence’s arm. “Now, I shall make sure to walk a little behind so that you might speak in peace. You need not fear that I shall impinge on your conversation with Lord Stoneleigh.”

  Relieved, but unwilling to say anything further—anything that might encourage her mother—Prudence pasted a smile on her face and stepped forward, her heart thumping furiously as she saw Lord Stoneleigh come down from the carriage, his eyes meeting hers.

  “Good afternoon, Lady Prudence,” he said warmly. “Lady Devonshire. It is a very fine day indeed. I think we shall enjoy our short stroll around Saint James’s Park.”

  “I am certain we will,” Lady Devonshire replied as Prudence took Lord Stoneleigh’s hand as he helped her into the carriage. “I am sure it will be an excellent afternoon indeed.”

  “Your mother is remaining a few steps behind, Lady Prudence.”

  Prudence allowed herself a small smile, glancing over her shoulder and seeing her mother smiling broadly. “Indeed she is,” she agreed softly. “I suppose I should tell you the truth, Lord Stoneleigh, for you have been so willing to agree to my very odd demands.”

  Lord Stoneleigh chuckled. “It is not odd at all, Lady Prudence. There is nothing a gentleman likes more than to walk with a beautiful lady on a warm summer’s day.”

  She blushed at this but did not look at him. “You are kind to say so, Lord Stoneleigh, but there is something of great importance that I must speak to you about.”

  “And it is to do with the death of Lord Yardley?”

  Nodding, Prudence dared a glance up at him and saw the serious expression that had crept into his features. His jaw was a little tight, his brows low over his hazel eyes. Evidently, he was more than willing to listen to her.

  “Lord Yardley came to speak to me, only a few moments before he was knocked down by the carriage,” she began, aware that her voice was already breaking with emotion. “He gave me something and told me that I was to keep it hidden without mentioning it to anyone else. And, within a few minutes, I found myself doing precisely what he had asked me not to do.”

  Lord Stoneleigh seemed to understand at once. “Because you spoke to me about it.”

  Shame crept up on her. “I did,” she agreed. “I was in a great deal of turmoil over what I had seen, and I did not keep a guard over my mouth as I should have.”

  “That is nothing to be ashamed of,” Lord Stoneleigh replied, glancing down at her. “Given what you saw, I am not in the least bit surprised that shock and fear overtook you.”

  Prudence shook her head, dropping her gaze from his face. “Everyone keeps insisting that it was a mere accident, but I cannot allow myself to believe it. I am certain that it was a deliberate act that took Lord Yardley from this earth.” No sooner had she finished speaking than Prudence realized what she had said—and wondered precisely what Lord Stoneleigh thought of such a statement. Hurriedly, she tried to return to the subject at hand. “But that does not matter, I suppose. I only sought to ask you to keep what I said to yourself.” Swallowing hard, she looked up at him again, seeing the frown that lingered on his face as he glanced down at her. “That is all I wished to say.”

  Lord Stoneleigh said nothing for a few minutes as they walked together in silence. Prudence’s stomach was roiling with a swell of tension, fearful that Lord Stoneleigh would refuse, would demand to know what was in the package, and would, in fact, turn out to be something of a cruel fellow. Her fears were not founded, however. Instead, she found herself listening to his gentle tone as he spoke to her, as he offered her more than she had ever expected.

  “I will, of course, do as you ask, Lady Prudence,” Lord Stoneleigh began, “but I will confess to being somewhat intrigued by what has occurred.” A small sigh escaped him. “I am aware that the incident has been called nothing more than an accident, but I think I am inclined to consider that it might not have been so, not after what you have told me about this strange parcel and his eagerness for it to remain hidden.”

  Prudence let out a slow breath, surprised that she felt relieved instead of wary. Was she so willing to simply believe Lord Stoneleigh’s good intentions?

  “In addition, Lady Prudence, I fear that you may well be in danger,” Lord Stoneleigh continued, his voice now grave with concern. “If Lord Yardley was attacked, as you believe, then there must have been a reason for it. Perhaps that reason is to do with what he gave you to protect.”

  A shiver sent gooseflesh all over Prudence’s skin. “There were so many people over him when he was knocked down,” she murmured, remembering how people had swarmed to Lord Yardley. She had presumed that they were doing all they could to help him, but what if their intentions had been something more? “Could it be that one of them was looking for what he handed me?”

  There came a short silence, during which Lord Stoneleigh considered what she had said and then slowly began to nod. “I think that is a wise thought, Lady Prudence,” he agreed quietly. “I will not pry, however. If you wish for my help, I would be glad to give it—but this is entirely your decision.” Hesitating, he caught her gaze as she lifted her eyes to his, and Prudence was a little astonished to see the fervor in his face. “I will not press you to allow me in, to permit me to know as much as you do. However, I am offering to come alongside you and to seek the truth about Lord Yardley’s death. And, in a way, perhaps protect you from meeting the same fate.”

  Prudence turned her head away, suddenly overcome by all that she saw in his expression. There was an eagerness to help her, she was sure of it, and yet it was all very sudden. She had barely known the gentleman for two full days and yet now he was offering to do all he could to help her? Was it truly that he had a kind and willing heart, or was there more to his intentions?

  What if he was involved in Lord Yardley’s death? The thought was a shocking one and she stumbled, making Lord Stoneleigh reach out to catch her arm, helping her to steady herself again.

  Embarrassment hit her as she glanced up at him. “I thank you, Lord Stoneleigh.”

  To her surprise, he did not let go of her arm for a moment, his hazel eyes searching her face as though he wanted to make certain she was well.

  “You have been through a great ordeal, Lady Prudence,” he said, his fingers lifting from her arm as he dropped his hand to his side again. “I cannot imagine what emotions must torment your soul at this moment.”

  Prudence found herself sighing heavily, for his words had pressed directly against her heart and reminded her of all that she now felt.

  “Indeed,” she murmured, still looking away from him. “It has been a heavy burden upon my heart. Lord Yardley was, in many respects, a gentleman that I respected. He cared for my cousin very dearly and I am certain that the affection he showed her in the months before her death was genuine.” Her expression softened as memories overtook her. “He loved my cousin Mary. I am certain of it.”

  “It sounds as though he was the best sort of gentleman,” Lord Stoneleigh replied quietly. “Which, I confess, makes me question all the more what he had become involved in.”

  It was a question that Prudence herself had been considering over the last two days. She dared another glance toward Lord Stoneleigh and saw how his brows furrowed and his jaw tightened as he let his thoughts continue to run through him. The urge to tell him everything, to allow him into her private considerations, began to overtake her. Could she truly continue along this path alone? What if Lord Stoneleigh was correct and she was in danger? There was a risk in telling him, yes, but was it one she was willing to take?

  “Lord Stoneleigh,” she began slowly. “I fear trusting you.”

  Lord Stoneleigh’s brows flew upwards as he looked at her sharply.

  “I am afraid that, if I should tell you all, you might, in fact, have differing motives from what you currently present.”

  Understanding cleared Lord Stoneleigh’s shocked expression. “You are worried that I am
somehow involved.”

  “I am.”

  Lord Stoneleigh considered this for a moment, then nodded. “That is understandable. And a wise thought, Lady Prudence.” Lifting one shoulder, he gave her a half-shrug. “If it is any consolation, were it not for the fact that I had come across you in the way I had done, I would, by now, be making my way back to my estate.”

  Prudence frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Again, Lord Stoneleigh shrugged. “I had grown tired of London—and yes, I am aware that it has only been a few weeks since the beginning of the Season, but I was determined to return home. I was making my way to my friend’s townhouse, in fact, knowing that he would try to convince me to remain in London.”

  “But he did not succeed?” Prudence found herself asking, wondering why a gentleman such as Lord Stoneleigh would wish to leave London before the Season had even truly had a chance to begin. “Are you still to leave London?”

  Lord Stoneleigh laughed and, to her surprise, Prudence found herself smiling in response.

  “I am afraid he did not succeed, Lady Prudence, but your mother, however, has.”

  She looked at him in surprise. “My mother?”

  Nodding, Lord Stoneleigh chuckled as he glanced over his shoulder. “In insisting that I come to dinner, I have found myself forced to remain in London. And, if I am to tell the entire truth, I have discovered my interest piqued by what occurred, Lady Prudence, as well as by what you yourself have told me. Therefore, it seems that I shall stay in London for as long as you require me.”

  Wondering if she would be able to speak to this Lord Claverhouse and discover whether this was the truth, Prudence looked up at Lord Stoneleigh again. “And if I decide not to speak to you of what I know?”

  Lord Stoneleigh shrugged. “Then I shall return to my estate,” he replied with a small smile. “I shall not pressure you or force you to tell me everything. This is entirely your decision. I merely offer you my support and my help, in the hope that you will accept it. I fear for your safety in dealing with this alone.”

  Prudence let out a long, slow breath, considering things carefully. Lord Stoneleigh had been very kind to her thus far, had helped her when she was nothing more than a stranger to him. Now he was continuing with such kindness by offering himself as a confidante, as someone she could rely on as she struggled to comprehend all that had happened with Lord Yardley. Either she could allow herself to trust him, given what she knew of the man, or she could choose to ignore his offer of help out of fear and, thus, continue alone in this dilemma.

  She had to allow her courage to come forth, to choose to find support even if she was not entirely certain of him. Her choice would be proven right or wrong in the end, no matter what she decided.

  “Then I should be glad of your help, Lord Stoneleigh,” she found herself saying as Lord Stoneleigh’s lips curled into a smile. “You are correct. To continue alone in this matter is not something that I wish to do.”

  Lord Stoneleigh nodded, his eyes holding hers as their steps slowed. “I promise to do all I can to help you, Lady Prudence,” he said quietly. “Might I ask if you have opened the parcel Lord Yardley gave to you?”

  She hesitated, knowing that this was the first step in her need to trust another living soul with what Lord Yardley had given her. “I—I have not,” she told him honestly. “I have been too upset, perhaps too afraid to do so.”

  “That is quite understandable,” Lord Stoneleigh told her. “But if you are to find out more, if we are to come closer to some sort of understanding, then I must suggest that you do so at once.”

  Swallowing hard, Prudence tried to smile but found herself too anxious to do so. “I will open it the moment I return home,” she told him. “And I shall send a note to you about what I have found.”

  To her surprise, Lord Stoneleigh shook his head fervently. “Pray do not,” he begged. “For a note can be intercepted. Far better for us to speak in private—or at least, as privately as we can.” His smile returned. “Are you to attend Lord Heseltine’s ball tomorrow evening?” Seeing her nod, he offered her his arm and she took it, beginning to walk alongside him again. “Then perhaps we might dance together there, Lady Prudence?”

  Realizing what he meant, Prudence found herself nodding, her heart feeling a little less anxious now that she had someone to confide in. “I would be glad to, Lord Stoneleigh,” she said, looking up at him. “And thank you.”

  4

  It was with a great swell of relief in his chest that Felix accompanied Lady Prudence and Lady Devonshire back toward his carriage. The knowledge that Lady Prudence now trusted him and that she had taken him into her confidence was both something he appreciated and something he swore to honor. Lady Prudence would have nothing but his loyalty and his sheer determination to do whatever he could to both help and protect her.

  He could not quite state where such an emotion had come from, but it remained in him regardless. Any other gentleman might merely have thought of Lady Prudence as someone who was in need of help, and then easily set any further thoughts of the lady aside. But that was not so for Felix. For whatever reason, Lady Prudence and her present difficulties were not something that Felix could ignore. There was a desire within him to be of aid, to remain alongside her in her troubles, when no one else could. Had she not told him of this strange parcel, then he might have thought nothing of it and merely left the acquaintance where it stood, but given what he knew now, there was no choice for him but to do what he could to help her.

  “Do you have any further engagements for the rest of the afternoon, Lord Stoneleigh?”

  Felix smiled warmly at Lady Devonshire. He was rather grateful that she had walked behind both himself and Lady Prudence in the way she had done, for it had meant that their conversation had been both private and of some duration.

  “I have no other engagements, Lady Devonshire, save for a card game this evening,” he told her.

  “Then you must come to take some refreshment with us before you depart,” Lady Devonshire said, her eyes wide with evident astonishment that he had no other places to go to. “Whilst it has been very pleasant to walk in the sunshine, it has been rather hot. I am sure you will not refuse a refreshing glass of lemonade?”

  Felix hesitated, glancing at Lady Prudence, but saw that she was staring out of the window. It was very obvious that Lady Devonshire was delighted with the fact that Felix had paid attention to her daughter—even if she did not know the true reason for such attention—but he did not want to continue to give Lady Devonshire the wrong impression. When this particular matter came to an end, there would be nothing further that either he or Lady Prudence required of each other.

  But, then again, perhaps he would be able to see this mysterious package for himself, should he be willing to attend.

  “I would not wish to overstay my welcome,” he said carefully, but Lady Devonshire laughed and waved a hand.

  “You would not be overstaying, Lord Stoneleigh, since it is I that have invited you,” she declared, sitting back and casting a quick glance toward her daughter. “And since you have nothing to keep you from us, I shall promise to make certain that you receive the very best lemonade and some wonderful cakes and the like to ensure you are not fatigued after your walk in the heat.”

  Felix inclined his head. “You are very kind, Lady Devonshire,” he said, aware that Lady Prudence’s cheeks had begun to turn a gentle shade of pink. “I will not stay too long, however.”

  “Any time you can spare will be more than enough,” Lady Devonshire said with a contented smile. “I am certain that my daughter will be very glad indeed to keep you company.”

  Lady Prudence threw him a look that told Felix she was rather embarrassed by her mother’s eagerness. “But of course,” she answered calmly. “A glass of lemonade sounds lovely, Mama.”

  Lady Devonshire looked all the more satisfied. “Then mayhap you will wish to take it in the gardens—under the shade, of course.” She smiled to herse
lf and then looked out of the window. “It has been a very fine day indeed.”

  “You must forgive my mother’s eagerness.”

  Felix chuckled as he sat down in a waiting garden chair, finding himself contented to be in Lady Prudence’s company for this prolonged length of time. “Pray do not become anxious, Lady Prudence,” he told her. “I consider your mother’s approval of me to be a very generous attitude, given that she does not know me particularly well.”

  Lady Prudence sighed and shook her head, sitting down opposite him. “My father does not push me in the way that my mother does,” she said, a little sadly. “He is content to remain at home or go about his business, trusting that I shall find my own path. My mother, however, is continually pushing me in one direction or the next, encouraging some things and discouraging others.” Her fingers fluttered across her brow. “It can be a little trying.”

  Felix did not say anything to this particular remark, looking steadily at Lady Prudence and taking her in. She was, he realized, a very beautiful young lady. Her emerald eyes were all the more vivid in the sunshine, her very dark hair now free of the bonnet she had worn. With her gentle sloping nose and curved cheeks, she appeared very elegant in almost every single one of her movements. Little doubt, then, that her mother would be seeking an excellent match for her daughter. Lady Prudence was both beautiful and the daughter of an earl, which meant she had excellent prospects—even though it appeared that she herself had no particular eagerness to pursue them.

  “I have done it again,” Lady Prudence sighed, rubbing one finger across the bridge of her nose. “How foolish of me.”

  Frowning, Felix sat a little further forward in his chair. “What do you mean, Lady Prudence?”