London Temptations: Historical Regency Romance Collection

by Joyce Alec

  “Swinton?” Lord Crampton asked, when Lord Swinton did not say a word. “What is it about Lord Astley that has you so eager for him to court your daughter? Lord Wiltshire might be just as good as a match, if not better. I confess to only knowing a little of the fellow, but he is certainly an excellent gentleman. He has worked hard and has shown great determination. From what Lady Crampton has told me, he is very attentive to Lucinda and shows great eagerness to continue his courtship. Lord Astley, on the other hand, appears to be of a darker character than that of Lord Wiltshire, although I cannot speak of his financial status. If your daughter has a preference for one gentleman over another already, then I cannot understand why you would force such a possibility to come to a close.”

  Sending up a silent prayer of thanks that both Lord and Lady Crampton had come to discuss such matters with her father, Lucinda set her teacup down and laced her fingers together, her tension still mounting. Was her father about to demand that she forget entirely about Lord Wiltshire? She had no doubt that, should her father allow her to choose, she would immediately consider Lord Wiltshire first. There was no promise that he should court her, or that such an acquaintance would lead to an engagement, but she hoped desperately that it would be so, given all that Lord Astley represented.

  “Lord Astley is, as I have said, an excellent gentleman,” Lord Swinton said vaguely, seeming less than eager to express the truth to any of them. “It is my desire that Lucinda accept him.”

  Lady Crampton leaned forward in her chair. “Did you make the same decision for your son, Swinton?” she asked, her voice low and steady, yet holding a gentle threat that Lucinda’s father seemed to recognize. Lucinda felt as though she might faint, such was the tension crackling between them all, knowing full well that any mention of her brother, who was already married and settled and preparing for the birth of his first child, was not a subject that Lord Swinton liked to discuss.

  “My son made his own choice,” Lord Swinton growled angrily, “as well you know.”

  “Then why should you not permit the same for Lucinda?” Lady Crampton asked with a gentle shrug, sitting back in her chair as though the matter was at an end. “You allowed him to choose a suitable lady and he did so, much to your contentment. I believe what they hope will be the heir is due to be born very soon.” Her head tilted to one side. “I believe that Lucinda can make an excellent choice also—and indeed, shall be able to do so given that two viscounts are both vying for her attention.”

  “I quite agree,” Lord Crampton said decisively, as though it was his decision to make. “Lucinda will make her own choice and use her most excellent judgment to decide wisely. That is not to say that she will not be introduced to Lord Astley, but that should one or the other ask to court, or beg leave to ask something more…” he gave her a warm smile, which helped Lucinda to breathe a little more easily, “then she is permitted to decide whether or not she will accept him. You need only agree to her decision, Swinton. That is all.”

  “And I will decide upon one of them, certainly,” Lucinda added, a little breathlessly. “There is no fear of that, Father.” It was something of a risk to state such a thing, of course, for she had no promise that things should work out the way she now desperately hoped with Lord Wiltshire, but it was a risk she had no other choice but to take.

  Lord Swinton let out a long and heavy sigh, running one hand over his eyes. For whatever reason, he had declined to tell Lucinda the truth as to why he was so eager to have her wed to Lord Astley and for that reason alone, Lucinda was all the more disinclined toward the gentleman.

  “Very well,” he grated as Lucinda closed her eyes in relief before being forced to blink back tears. She could not display such emotion in front of her father. “But you will accept Lord Astley’s acquaintance, Lucinda. I shall not hear of you turning him away again.”

  Lucinda nodded fervently, even though she knew that what he had stated was most unfair, given that she herself had not been the one to turn him away. Her aunt lifted an eyebrow but, thankfully, did not attempt to correct her brother, evidently as glad as Lucinda that the matter had been agreed upon.

  “I shall take my leave now,” Lord Swinton said, rising to his feet and barely glancing at his sister before turning to the door. “Good afternoon.”

  “Good afternoon, Father,” Lucinda managed to say. “I will see you again this evening, I hope?”

  He turned back to face her, his eyes dark and his mouth in a thin line. “You will see both myself and Lord Astley at the soiree,” he stated, his unspoken demand more than apparent. “Good day to you all.”

  The moment he left the room, Lucinda put her face in her hands and cried. Her whole frame shook with emotion, her eyes burning with tears as Lady Crampton came over at once to comfort her. Lord Crampton, after harrumphing a few times and stating that he thought Lord Swinton a most rude gentleman and that he was sorry for Lucinda’s distress, soon took his leave, leaving Lucinda and Lady Crampton alone together.

  “It is with relief, I assure you,” Lucinda sniffed, accepting Lady Crampton’s handkerchief in place of her own damp one. “I was truly afraid that he would demand that I step away from Lord Wiltshire entirely and, in turn, accept Lord Astley.” Her vision still a little blurred, she looked at her aunt, who was nodding sympathetically. “I know that there is nothing of significance between myself and Lord Wiltshire as yet, but I must hope that in time—”

  “I am quite sure of his intentions, my dear,” Lady Crampton replied encouragingly. “You need not worry. Your father, for whatever reason, seems quite set on Lord Astley but we have managed to persuade him to give you the choice. And I know what you will decide already, I believe.”

  Lucinda managed a watery smile. “I shall have to do as he asks as regards Lord Astley, however,” she said, swallowing hard. “I will have to accept his attentions for a short time.” Her eyes rounded as a sudden fear caught her heart. “What if Lord Wiltshire believes that I am more interested in Lord Astley?”

  “You will tell Lord Wiltshire the truth,” Lady Crampton said gently, her hand over Lucinda’s. “I will be there with you also, to confirm all that you say. He will understand, Lucinda, I am sure of it. There is no need for any fear.”

  “I must hope so,” Lucinda whispered, her tears subsiding. “It had all been so wonderful and now it appears much more complex.” Her eyes lifted to her aunt’s. “I do not even want to be introduced to Lord Astley, but I know I must do so.”

  Lady Crampton nodded. “Yes, you must,” she said without hesitation. “But nothing more need come from it. I am sure all will be well.”

  Trying to gain some of the confidence that was in her aunt’s voice, Lucinda took in a deep breath and blew her nose carefully. At this evening’s soiree, not only would she have to be introduced to Lord Astley, but she would also have to explain what had occurred to Lord Wiltshire. Would he understand? Or would he think her no longer worth his attention? Their acquaintance had been so brief and now she was to go to him with this strange explanation about her father and his intentions for her.

  I can only pray he will not turn from me at once, she thought to herself as Lady Crampton poured a little more tea into each of their cups. There is so much for me to lose if he does.

  6

  “I am afraid it is not I who can tell you much about Miss Williams, Lady Warren, but rather Lord Wiltshire here. I believe he hardly removed himself from her company at the ball.”

  Phillip glared at Lord Hoskins, who, much to his frustration, merely lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug, grinned, and turned away, leaving Phillip to stand and face the enquiring eyes of both Lady Warren and her daughter, Miss Telford.

  “Yes, indeed, I did spend a good deal of time in Miss Williams’ company last evening,” he said, by way of explanation. “Lord Hoskins was acquainted with both her and her aunt last Season and I thought it only polite to acquaint myself with them also.”

  “I see,” Lady Warren murmured, glancing at her d
aughter. “But Lord Hoskins was with you during the entirety of your conversations with the lady?”

  A small sense of satisfaction immediately began to drift around Phillip. “Indeed he was,” he said quickly, “but I confess that he shows no particular interest in Miss Williams, if that is your concern.” Seeing the glint come into Lady Warren’s eye, he continued on with a grin. “In fact, I am sure that he is determined to find a lady of his own during this Season, for he has mentioned marriage on occasion recently, but I am quite certain it is not to be Miss Williams.”

  Lady Warren smiled, looking across at her daughter, who had gone a delicate shade of pink.

  “Wonderful,” she said, reaching for Phillip’s hand and pressing it for a moment, as though he had given her the most wonderful of gifts. “Thank you for informing me, Lord Wiltshire. It is very good of you.”

  Phillip pressed one hand to his heart as Lady Warren stepped away. “But of course,” he murmured, his smile still lingering as he saw the lady practically drag her daughter in the direction Lord Hoskins had gone only a few moments before. Lord Hoskins had attempted to make something of a joke out of the situation but now, it seemed, Phillip had the upper hand. No doubt Lord Hoskins would find himself dogged by Lady Warren, whose daughter appeared to be quite taken with him. The news that Lord Hoskins was considering marriage would travel through society within the following days, he was sure, and it would bring Phillip great satisfaction to see it.

  “Lord Wiltshire?”

  Turning quickly, he set eyes upon the one lady he had been waiting to see.

  “Miss Williams,” he said, bowing low for a moment before straightening, looking back at her. “How excellent to see you this evening. Might I say that you look very lovely indeed.” His smile and his compliment brought a slight flush into her cheeks and the tiniest of smiles to her lips although, Phillip noted, it did not quite reach her eyes.

  “Good evening, Lord Wiltshire.”

  Phillip started, realizing with shock that he had not even noticed Lady Crampton, who stood next to Miss Williams with a knowing smile on her face. Phillip felt embarrassment climb up into his face, making him all the more mortified when she dropped into a quick curtsy and he realized at once that he had not bowed to her either.

  “Lady Crampton,” he stammered awkwardly. “Good evening.”

  “Good evening,” she said again, her eyes twinkling. “Now, I think I shall go and fetch a glass of champagne. Do excuse me for only a few moments.”

  Phillip winced as Lady Crampton stepped away, wishing he had not been so distracted by Miss Williams so as to have missed Lady Crampton entirely.

  “Do not worry, Lord Wiltshire, she does not take any offence,” Miss Williams said with a small smile. “I am a little flattered, I think.”

  Her eyes were bright as she watched him, her smile making his heart lift and his embarrassment shed from him.

  “I am very glad to see you again, Miss Williams,” Phillip replied fervently. “I do hope you enjoyed last evening?”

  “Very much,” she said softly. “And I must thank you for the flowers you sent. That was a very kind gesture on your part.”

  “I could not find any that would match your beauty, Miss Williams,” he found himself saying, meaning every word but astonished at the boldness with which he spoke. “I was glad to have sent them.”

  She smiled. “We would be very happy indeed for you to call tomorrow afternoon, Lord Wiltshire,” she continued quickly, “but before such a thing occurs—and indeed, before this evening is even at an end, I must tell of you of something that has occurred.”

  Phillip frowned, seeing the strain that had come into her features, her smile gone completely and a small note of urgency in her voice.

  “Yes?” he asked as she glanced around her. “Is something wrong?”

  Miss Williams smiled and shook her head, but it was gone again in a moment. “Nothing is wrong, Lord Wiltshire, no, but my father has placed something of a heavy burden upon my shoulders. It is one that I wish you to be informed of, but I shall not express any expectations or the like.”

  A note of warning sounded in Phillip’s ear, but he remained silent, gesturing for her to continue.

  Miss Williams drew in a long breath and closed her eyes for a moment before she began. “Might I ask if you recall the gentleman that approached last evening? The one we thought so very poorly of?”

  “How could I forget such a face?” Phillip replied wryly. “He did not come back to your side again for the entire evening.” He shook his head, his gaze drifting across the crowd as he remembered just how badly the gentleman had behaved. “If he had been eager for your acquaintance, then I am sure that he would have found a way to be introduced to you properly, Miss Williams.”

  She did not smile at him but, nodding slowly, let her gaze drop to the floor. “My father is most eager for us to be introduced, Lord Wiltshire,” she said softly. “The gentleman in question is one Lord Astley who is also a viscount. For whatever reason, my father thinks very highly of him and wishes to do what he can for both my and Lord Astley’s future.”

  “I see,” Phillip replied, a thick line forming between his brows as he frowned hard, looking down at the lady. What was she trying to tell him? That she could not prolong their acquaintance? The very thought was like a painful kick to his stomach, but he knew that he would have to accept whatever she said, despite his own eagerness. “I presume that you are, therefore, interested in the acquaintance?”

  “No, no, indeed not.” The swiftness of her response, the way she spoke with such force, and the way her hand reached out to grab his all spoke of a fervent emotion that she simply could not contain. Phillip looked down at their joined hands for a moment, feeling his heart begin to race. She was not about to turn away from him, then. There was more to this than he had first thought.

  “No, Lord Wiltshire,” the lady said softly, seemingly reluctant to let go of his hand for she held it still, despite the fact that she might very well be seen by others within the room. “That is why I have come to speak to you. My father, you see, has demanded that I become acquainted with the gentleman, despite my own reluctance to do so.” Dropping her head, she let go of his hand and let out a long breath. “I do not wish to speak out of turn, but my father has his reasons for such a request and will not, I am afraid, turn from it. It was all my aunt and uncle could do to insist that I not be forced into matrimony.”

  “Matrimony?” Phillip repeated sharply, the very idea striking at his mind like a hammer blow. “Do you mean to say that your father wishes you to wed Lord Astley?” The thought was a monstrous one. Whilst he did not know much about the gentleman, he thought the man rude, ill-tempered, and more than a little improper in his manner toward both Lady Crampton and Miss Williams. To have Miss Williams wed to a gentleman such as that would be truly terrible, like the darkness trying to tie itself to the light.

  “That is what he wishes, yes,” Miss Williams said slowly, a tiny smile pulling at one side of her mouth. “But my father has been convinced not to force me into such an arrangement. I am, it seems, permitted to make my own choice but I must still acquaint myself with Lord Astley regardless.” She lifted one shoulder, her smile now a little wry. “I believe my father hopes that, in the acquaintance, I will be convinced of his suitability and will agree to the engagement.”

  Phillip moved a little closer, wishing that her hand was still in his. “But you will not,” he said, the words a little forcible but the hope clear in his heart. “You cannot surely—”

  “That is precisely why I have come to speak to you, Lord Wiltshire,” she interrupted gently. “I wanted you to know why I must be acquainted with this gentleman and why you might see me in his company these next few days. It means nothing, I assure you, but I must do so else I risk bringing the wrath of my father down upon my head.” The light in her eyes dimmed for a moment. “It took a great deal of convincing for my father to release his intention of marriage between myself
and Lord Astley. I dare not provoke him further.”

  A coil of tension slowly released itself from Phillip’s chest as he realized what she was saying. It was not an acquaintance that he needed to concern himself with, it seemed, although if he had not heard such a thing from her, then he would have been both confused and a little upset to have seen it. “I am very grateful to you, Miss Williams,” he said as she looked back up into his face. “Thank you for informing me of what has occurred. You have saved me a good deal of heartache and confusion, I believe.”

  Her smile lit up her features and sent a swell of warmth into his heart. “I am glad I had the opportunity to do so, for I should not like you to have any misconceptions, Lord Wiltshire,” she said softly. “I should not like to lose your acquaintance.” Her eyes searched his face for a moment. “You will still come to take tea tomorrow afternoon, will you not?”

  The question in her eyes, the quiver of uncertainty in her voice made him want to embrace her, to hold her tightly and to reassure her that he had not lost a single modicum of interest, but that now he felt nothing less than an eagerness to be in her company again. Instead, he had to satisfy himself with a small bow, reaching for her hand and holding it tightly for just a few moments.

  “I shall not be chased away by the dark grimace of an ill-mannered gentleman,” he promised her as Miss Williams smiled, a hint of color coming into her cheeks. “Of course, I shall come to take tea with you tomorrow. I have had nothing but that particular thought resting on my mind for some time and I am very much looking forward to being with you then.”