London Temptations: Historical Regency Romance Collection

by Joyce Alec

  Lady Crampton laughed softly. “Such things are rare, but they do occur,” she said, pressing Lucinda’s arm. “You are very blessed indeed to have found a gentleman who feels an affection for you already. Most young ladies are not given such an opportunity.”

  Lucinda wanted to state that she did not think Lord Wiltshire had anything so important as an affection for her but found the idea so wonderful that she found she could not. A happiness that she never experienced before began to fill her heart and she forgot entirely about Lord Astley. All she could think of was Lord Wiltshire and the wonderful emotions that poured into her heart and soul whenever she was in his company. Tomorrow would be yet another opportunity to do so and she could hardly wait for it to arrive.

  “My lady?”

  Lucinda rose to her feet just as Lady Crampton did the same, reaching out for the card that the butler held. Her heart was pounding already, her palms a little sweaty as she awaited the arrival of Lord Wiltshire.

  “Lord…Astley,” Lady Crampton said slowly, turning a sharp gaze toward Lucinda. “He is present at the moment?”

  The butler nodded. “He made to come in at once, my lady, but I was quite firm.”

  “I am sure you were,” Lady Crampton replied with a wry smile. “And quite justified as well, of course. You know very well that we do not always accept unexpected visitors.”

  “Especially when we are already expecting someone to call,” Lucinda murmured, feeling somewhat deflated as she sat back down in her chair. Lord Wiltshire was due to call at any moment but now, with Lord Astley present, what was it they were meant to do? Her father had been quite insistent that Lucinda accept the acquaintance but surely that did not mean she had to be ready to greet him whenever he chose to call?

  Lady Crampton sighed heavily and ran one hand over her eyes. “We will see him but only for a few minutes,” she said as Lucinda frowned. “If Lord Wiltshire arrives, as we expect, please beg of him to wait for a few minutes but do inform me of his readiness to call upon us. I shall make certain that Lord Astley does not linger.”

  Lucinda let out a long breath and slowly began to nod. “Very good, Aunt,” she murmured, realizing that, despite her reluctance to see Lord Astley, it would be best to entertain him for a few minutes. Not that such a meeting would come to anything, of course, for he would soon see that she had intentions toward another gentleman entirely. She could only hope that he would not take the fact that he had only a brief time with them as cause to grow angry with her again.

  And I pray that Father has made him aware of what has been agreed upon, she thought to herself, pushing herself to her feet and brushing down her gown for a moment. The butler departed quickly and then returned to announce Lord Astley, who stepped into the room without even waiting for the butler to finish. His hands were clasped tightly behind his back, his shoulders lifted, and his dark hair sweeping low across his forehead. He did not smile or even bow toward them but rather only dropped his gaze to the floor for a moment.

  Lucinda caught her breath and glanced at her aunt, who was, she noticed, a little red in the face. Such a display of ill manners was more than Lucinda had expected from even Lord Astley. She knew, of course, that he was not a gentleman inclined toward doing as was expected but rather chose to do precisely what he wished regardless, but even still, to refuse to bow toward the lady of the house was utterly reprehensible.

  “I am sorry, Lord Astley, but we cannot entertain you for long,” Lady Crampton said in a crisp, clear voice. “Perhaps if you had thought to inform us of your desire to call upon Miss Williams and I, we might have been able to arrange a suitable time.” She spread her hands. “As it is, we are expecting another afternoon caller.”

  Lord Astley said nothing, turning his gaze toward Lucinda, who simply held it without allowing it to shake her. Lord Astley was a very intimidating character, but she would not permit him to use such strength against her. No, instead, she would think only of Lord Wiltshire and what happiness awaited her in being in his company again. Neither she nor Lady Crampton sat back down again and, indeed, Lady Crampton did not gesture to Lord Astley to sit down with them, clearly attempting to encourage him to depart very soon indeed.

  “I am afraid we cannot offer you tea or refreshments, given that there would be no time to partake,” Lady Crampton continued, a little more firmly. “You understand, of course.”

  “You are set against me, then, despite the wishes of your father and, I am sure, were she still present, the wishes of your mother.”

  A cold hand grasped Lucinda’s heart at mention of her mother, making her wonder what her father had said of the late Lady Swinton. Knowing full well that she would speak sharply if she did not compose herself, Lucinda considered quietly for a few moments before deciding to speak with great honesty and clarity. “Lord Astley, this news was thrust upon me only two days ago,” she said without hesitation. “In the interim, I have found myself eager to be in the company of another gentleman and he with me also. Therefore, you cannot expect that I should simply drop such an acquaintance in order to encourage your attentions, Lord Astley.”

  “Besides which, I do not think your characters would at all suit,” Lady Crampton added, in a most decisive fashion. “For one thing, my niece is more than aware of propriety and expected manners which, it appears, you are not.”

  A small exclamation left Lord Astley’s mouth, but he did not turn to look at Lady Crampton. Instead, he continued to hold Lucinda’s gaze. She had to admit that he frightened her, his dark expression seeming to mold itself to her mind.

  “There was an arrangement made between Lord Swinton and me,” he said, directing his words still toward Lucinda. “I do not consider that agreement to be annulled.”

  “Then I am sorry for you,” Lucinda replied steadily, “for it will be as has been agreed between myself and my father, Lord Astley. He has permitted me the choice and I fully intend to make it.”

  Lord Astley smiled then, a wolf baring its teeth. Lucinda shuddered and looked away, but Lord Astley was not yet finished, it seemed.

  “I shall have what was agreed upon, Miss Williams,” he said in a low voice, and the hair on her arms stood up straight, fear plunging into her heart. “You may think that there is a choice for you in this matter, but I can assure you, there is not. You will agree to my courtship in the end, I am quite certain of it.”

  There came a scratch at the door and Lady Crampton immediately called for the butler to enter, relieving Lucinda of the burden of replying to Lord Astley.

  “Alas, Lord Astley, it seems that our time with you is come to an end,” Lady Crampton said firmly, coming to stand next to Lucinda. “We have our expected caller, I am afraid. If you will please excuse us.” She spread one arm out toward the door, her expression one of anger whilst Lucinda did her very best to keep her composure and not give any indication of the fear she felt.

  Lord Astley glared at them both for a moment, only to let out something of a dark chuckle before turning away. He said nothing more but quit the room abruptly, and Lucinda let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes tightly for a moment as she struggled to catch her breath.

  “Do not permit him to frighten you,” Lady Crampton said firmly. “He comes to intimidate, to try and force you to wed him in fear, but you must not give in.”

  “What does he mean, do you think?” Lucinda whispered, trying to regain her composure before Lord Wiltshire entered. “Does he mean to threaten me in some way? It is more than just attempting to frighten me?” She turned terrified eyes to her aunt, who merely shook her head and smiled gently.

  “There is nothing more to him than bluster,” Lady Crampton replied, her words decisive and sure as she took Lucinda’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I have seen such gentlemen before. They are well used to getting what they wish for without having to put in a particular amount of effort, since they have learned how to threaten a person without ever actually doing anything at all.” She let go of Lucinda’s hand and turned
back to the door. “Now allow your heart to lift free of its worries. Here comes your beau.”

  8

  Phillip did not know when he had last felt so happy. The last sennight, he had called upon Miss Williams daily and she had always been delighted to see him. Only yesterday they had taken their first walk together through Hyde Park, with Lady Crampton in tow, of course, and he had found himself truly considering what it would be like to be wed to the lady. He found her more than wonderful in all aspects, for her character was one of kindness and sweetness, even though she had lived for some time under the strain of her father’s heavy-handed ways.

  He smiled to himself as he considered what they had spoken of. No longer was there just a mere acquaintance between them. Now, there was a growing intimacy, for they spoke of their lives, their difficulties and their joys. He knew of Lord Swinton and the struggle that Miss Williams herself had. He knew of her happiness in being granted permission to reside with Lady Crampton for a time, and of her fear that her father might yet demand that she go toward Lord Astley.

  That, however, was something Phillip did not intend to allow to occur. The longer he spent in her company, the more determined he was to make her his own. The desire to make her his bride grew with every day that passed, until he could think of nothing else.

  “You have not listened to a word I have said, I would wager.”

  Startled, Phillip jerked visibly, seeing Lord Hoskins’ rather frustrated expression.

  “I do apologize,” he said as they walked toward White’s. “I was attempting to listen to you but what you spoke of was so very dull that I found myself quite bored.” Chuckling, he ignored Lord Hoskins’ dark look as they passed under a watery street lamp. “Come now, surely you will permit me to be so. I have a good many things on my mind at present, which I am certain you yourself will understand.”

  Lord Hoskins sighed heavily, shrugged his shoulders, and then, finally, replied. “If you are to talk of Miss Williams again, I shall not permit it,” he said as White’s came into view. “You have spoken of her almost every day now and at great length, I might add.”

  “That is something that ought to be expected, when one is so caught up in the thrills of affection for another,” Phillip replied, not taking offence. “You must know just how much I care for Miss Williams. I find that I cannot go even an hour without thinking of her.”

  Lord Hoskins sighed audibly, making Phillip all too aware that he was apparently finding this discussion something of a trial.

  “You shall find it so yourself one day, I am sure,” Phillip continued as they mounted the steps to enter White’s. “And when that day comes, I shall remind you of just how easily frustrated you were when I myself was in such a position.”

  This made Lord Hoskins laugh and he turned his head to grin at Phillip. “Very well, very well,” he conceded with a wry smile. “You have convinced me. Although I can only hope that I shall find someone who is just as lovely as Miss Williams.”

  Phillip could not disagree with this, thinking that there was no one to whom Miss Williams could compare, and remained silent as they entered the establishment and immediately ordered brandy from one of the footmen.

  “I shall not be content in your company this evening, if you are to continue speaking solely of Miss Williams,” Lord Hoskins said dryly as they wandered through the club in order to choose a place to seat themselves. “I might very well join Lord Rutherford and that unruly lot.”

  Knowing full well that his friend would do no such thing—for he was a creature of habit and always enjoyed a quiet drink or two at White’s before he began to consider joining a larger group or playing a game of cards—Phillip only shrugged, keeping his smile to himself. Lord Hoskins sighed again, ran one hand over his eyes, and then selected a quieter part of the room where he and Phillip might sit.

  “Promise me you will not only discuss her,” Lord Hoskins begged as they sat down together, waiting now for their brandy to arrive. “I must be permitted to talk of something else.” He tilted his head and studied Phillip. “You are very fond of her, that I know, but you must decide what you are to do next, rather than simply talk about her many wonderful qualities ad nauseum.”

  “I have decided,” Phillip replied quietly, seeing how Lord Hoskins’ eyes rounded. “But, as you have said, there is nothing here that you wish to discuss so therefore, I shall not bring up such a subject.” The footman arrived with their brandy and Phillip took it with a smile, seeing the way Lord Hoskins had already begun to frown.

  “Excellent, excellent,” he murmured, raising his glass in Lord Hoskins’ direction. “Now, what is it that you want to discuss this evening?”

  Lord Hoskins grimaced and then shook his head. “You are being deliberately obtuse now, Wiltshire,” he said as Phillip grinned. “You must now, of course, tell me what it is you have decided as regards Miss Williams.”

  Phillip shrugged. “Only that I have decided to ask her to become my wife,” he said as Lord Hoskins’ mouth fell open. “You need not look so shocked, Hoskins. Surely the fact that I have discussed her with you many times these last few days would make my intentions obvious?”

  “I am not astonished but delighted.” Lord Hoskins replied honestly, a slow smile beginning to spread across his face. “When we first came to London, I confess that I did not even imagine that such a thing would be and now here you are, telling me that you are soon to be engaged.” He grinned at Phillip, looking more than a little pleased. “I am very glad for you. I am certain that she will accept.”

  “I thank you,” Phillip replied, before his brow furrowed and his smile faded a little. “I cannot be certain that Lord Swinton will be as accepting, however. He is still quite determined that I am to leave Miss Williams to Lord Astley.”

  “But that is not what the lady herself wishes, as you yourself have told me,” Lord Hoskins replied, shrugging carelessly. “And she is permitted to make her own choice, is that not so?”

  Nodding slowly, Phillip took a sip of his brandy and considered for a moment. “That is what has been said, yes,” he agreed quietly. “But Lord Astley appears quite determined to continue on with Miss Williams regardless. He has been at her side at almost every ball and every soiree, has called on her daily, and has done all he can to convince her to accept him.” His brow furrowed all the more as a flash of anger ran through him. “He is being quite unreasonable, and I am sure his determination comes from the fact that he has never often been refused something he desires.”

  “Mayhap,” Lord Hoskins replied with a wave of his hand. “But that does not matter. Nothing matters save for the fact that you wish to wed Miss Williams and she, of course, will accept you.” He grinned. “And I shall be the very first to congratulate you, when such a thing occurs.”

  Trying to take on some of Lord Hoskins’ carefree confidence and telling himself that he need not worry about Lord Astley, Phillip nodded slowly and then threw back the rest of his brandy.

  “Another?” he asked, and Lord Hoskins chuckled and nodded. “Now, where is that blasted footman?”

  Standing up, he looked all about but did not see one. Murmuring to Lord Hoskins that he would be back in a moment, Phillip made his way through the establishment in search of someone. White’s was rather quiet this evening, save for the small crowd of gentlemen playing cards with Lord Rutherford at the helm. Waving a hand in greeting, Phillip continued on his way until he found his quarry. Quickly stating what he and Lord Hoskins wanted, Phillip turned around to make his way back to Lord Hoskins, only to be stopped by another footman.

  “Lord Wiltshire, there is a message for you.”

  “Oh?” Phillip held his hand out, expecting it to be given to him. “Who sent it?”

  The man shook his head. “What I mean to say is, there is a gentleman wishing to speak to you outside, Lord Wiltshire. He did beg to step inside but, of course…” He trailed off, reminding Phillip of the rule that only the very best of gentlemen were permitted membership.
He frowned, thinking that it was rather frustrating to have to step out of doors to speak to someone, given both the lateness of the hour and that he was very eager indeed to have his second brandy.

  “Did he give his name?” Phillip asked, but the footman shook his head. Sighing heavily, Phillip took his leave and made his way toward the door, pushing it open, stepping outside, and making his way quickly down the stone steps.

  He could see no one. The night was already dark, and the dull lamplight did nothing to illuminate the street.

  A frown began to form on Phillip’s brow as he peered into the gloom. Whatever was going on? Just who had wanted to speak to him and why had they then gone to hide themselves away?

  “Did someone wish to speak to me?” he called, his voice echoing down the quiet street. “Hello?”

  There came no answer. All the more frustrated, Phillip muttered darkly under his breath and turned away, ready to return to White’s—when something moved in the shadows.

  It hurled itself toward him and, instinctively, Phillip braced himself, turning to his left and putting his hands up for protection. The man, however, had a good deal more speed and weight than Phillip and knocked him easily to the ground, his breath pushed from his body.

  And then, the figure was gone. Phillip was left alone, lying on the ground with no real understanding of what had occurred. His mind began to whirl with questions as he looked all about him, trying to see where the person had gone and wondering if they intended to come back again, but they were nowhere to be seen. The shadows remained high, however, and Phillip pushed himself cautiously to his feet… only to realize that there was something warm running down his side.