Regency Romance Collection

by Bridget Barton

  “Right, that’s Aunt Agatha’s comforts all dealt with.” Stuart said as he blundered back into the room. Gabriel would have given anything for just a few more moments alone with her.

  Chapter 6

  As Evelyn sat in the vast drawing room at Horndean Hall, she noted how, once again, she felt herself most uncomfortable. It wasn’t the room itself, which had been most tastefully done. Everywhere was a pale blue, the color of duck’s eggs, with the scrolled edges framing the wall panels all picked out in glorious white. The immense drapes which hung about the great windows were all in white too, making the space so light and bright. The couches were all identical, each one covered in a velvet which was a slightly deeper blue than the walls. The armchairs had been upholstered in a heavy calico in cream and dark blue, the fabric of which was an intricate Toile de Jouy depicting hunting scenes.

  The couches were really rather comfortable, far better than Evelyn’s family had at Gorton Hall. And yet, despite the physical comfort, Evelyn felt even more at odds than ever.

  In truth, she had never been comfortable inside the walls of Horndean Hall. There was something about the occupants and the relationship between them that unsettled Evelyn, although she could not have said why.

  “How lovely you looked at the Borden wedding, dear.” Prudence Cunningham, the Duchess of Horndean, turned to look at Evelyn. Something about her searching gaze told Evelyn that the compliment was no more than a platitude. Prudence hardly regarded her at all, and Evelyn thought it quite likely that the Duchess would not have been able to recall any of the details of Evelyn’s appearance at the Borden wedding at all.

  “How kind, Duchess,” Evelyn said, all her breeding and mechanical manners issuing forth. “I thank you.”

  “Indeed.” The Duchess said, a little coolly.

  Evelyn knew very well that the Duchess had no real feelings for her one way or the other. Like so many mothers of titled men, Evelyn had been chosen by the family for her suitability in terms of her own title, but she herself was of little consequence. In truth, she wondered if Prudence Cunningham was the sort of mother who wanted the right wife for her son and no wife for her son all at once.

  “And I enjoyed the wedding very much.” Evelyn added, simply for something to say when the conversation seemed to have died altogether. How on earth would Evelyn manage to live at Horndean Hall when she was finally married? Richard had sat quietly letting his mother and sister do all the talking, almost as if he were entirely bored. In truth, he had never paid Evelyn a great deal of notice, except to look her up and down in a rather ungentlemanly way. No doubt all that he required in a wife was beauty and silence. Evelyn shuddered involuntarily.

  “I do hope you’re not coming down with something, Evelyn dear.” Eleanora, the elder of Richard’s two sisters, said waspishly. “I should not like to fall ill myself on account of whatever it is you have.”

  “I have no illness, Eleanora,” Evelyn said and bravely attempted something like a warm smile. “I just felt a little cold, that is all.”

  Evelyn did not like Eleanora one bit. Although at three and twenty, she was the same age as Evelyn herself, Eleanora talked to Evelyn as if she were just a child. Looking very much like her father with her dull brown hair and blue eyes, Eleanora certainly had inherited her personality entirely from her mother. Both Prudence and Eleanora seemed perpetually dissatisfied with life and everyone in it and were never embarrassed to openly disparage others, even if they were in the company of new acquaintances. They both had a tremendous air of self-entitlement and never altered their manners or comments to suit their company. As far as both women were concerned, they were Cunninghams and the Cunninghams were the most powerful and important family in the North of England.

  “But still I should like you and I to take a turn about the lawns. You will just have to wrap up warm.” Eleanora said and gave Evelyn a look which made her feel instantly anxious.

  “Well, if Richard does not mind.” Evelyn said, hoping that her fiancé might put up some objection and finally be of some use to her.

  Richard simply looked up and shrugged. He could not have cared either way. In that moment, Evelyn despised him. He never did or said anything to keep her good opinion of him and Evelyn was finally realizing why that was. He had the same sense of entitlement; he did not have to win her over, she was already his. Why should he bother to get to know her? Evelyn felt almost as if she were less than nothing to him.

  Evelyn thought back to her afternoon having tea with Stuart Penhaligon. The Duke of Calgarth had been interested in every word she uttered. Not only that, but he had been keen to seek her opinions in various subjects. How very engaging to be in the company of a man who did not think you as having importance equal to that of a hat stand. Not to mention Gabriel Farrington’s handsome face and mesmerizing eyes. Also, Evelyn felt rather sure that their meetings had been somehow orchestrated as if the Duke of Calgarth had particularly wanted her company. In truth, Evelyn had not yet decided whether she should be flattered or suspicious. She would give it greater thought when she had time alone.

  “Shall we go?” Eleanora barked and rose to her feet. Evelyn leaped to her feet also.

  For a moment she felt sure that Eleanora had read her thoughts and seen the Duke of Calgarth there. Of course, she knew that was ridiculous, but she had a very good idea that the two families were far from being allies.

  The two women stopped in the entrance hall long enough to wrap their cloaks about them. Eleanora had not spoken one word to her as they made their way outside and into the crisp fresh air.

  Eleanora seemed almost to be marching, she was walking so fast. Evelyn found herself suddenly having to try to keep up with the taller woman.

  “An acquaintance of mine saw you at an afternoon of tea and bridge.” Eleanor said, making her statement sound rather more like an accusation.

  “Presumably at the home of my old friend Amelia Merriweather.” Evelyn said, fighting to keep the annoyance she felt from showing itself in her voice.

  In truth, Evelyn was furious. If her fiancé’s sister was keeping a check on her movements, Evelyn would certainly have something to say about it.

  “Indeed,” Eleanora said as she turned her rather dead looking blue eyes upon her. “You spent much of the afternoon in the company of the Duke of Calgarth, did you not?”

  “Yes, he was partnered with my cousin for bridge. So?” Evelyn tried to remain defiant, although her mouth had gone a little dry with fear.

  “You will not do so again.” Eleanora’s tone was entirely menacing and Evelyn was stunned by it.

  “I beg your pardon?” Evelyn tried to sound affronted rather than defensive.

  And yet, why should she not speak with Gabriel Farrington? What business was it of Eleanora’s?

  “You surely know of the feud that exists between our families. You dishonored my brother with your behavior. You will not do it again.”

  “How dare you speak to me that way, Eleanora! I am going back into the house and you can keep your opinions and instructions to yourself in future.” Evelyn was furious.

  “If you do not heed my words I shall inform my mother of your transgression.” Eleanora seized Evelyn’s arm and held her fast, pinching the skin painfully.

  “Release me this instant!” Evelyn said as she twisted and turned under the larger woman’s grip. “And how have I transgressed, pray tell? You are making things up.”

  “I am awfully good at making things up, my dear. If I tell my mother what you have done, then you will be all the sorrier for it. You would not disrespect one of her sons and live without consequence. She will terminate your engagement and blacken your name for several counties. You will never have a prospect of marriage anywhere in England if I tell her that you have been consorting with our enemy.”

  “Consorting? You are being perfectly ridiculous.” Finally, Evelyn pulled free of Eleanora’s grasp, but she did not leave. She knew she would be better armed for hearing everything tha
t the vile creature had to say, threats and all.

  “You will not speak with Gabriel Farrington again; nor any of the Farrington family. I give you this one warning. If I hear of it, I shall tell the Duchess and she will make you sorry you were ever born. She will shame you and your entire family without a second thought. Do not cross me and do not cross my mother. Heed my words, Evelyn, for your own sake.” Eleanora spoke the last in a gentler tone, almost as if she were giving Evelyn nothing more than kindly advice.

  Something about the duality of the woman made Evelyn suddenly want to strike her. She did not want Eleanora to make any attempt at friendship, for they would never be friends; not now, not ever.

  “I should like to go back to the house now.” Evelyn said with a practiced smile.

  She did not want to verbally agree to Eleanora’s demands. She could not. Something about saying it loud would diminish her. But neither did Evelyn want to lock horns with Eleanora, for she truly believed that she and her mother could behave in a most evil way and without remorse of any kind. Smiling her acceptance was the only way out as far as Evelyn could see. She needed to be away from the awful woman and have time to gather her thoughts and think about what must be done.

  “Yes, it’s turned rather cold Evelyn, dear.” Eleanora said, all kindness and smiles as she gently linked her arm through Evelyn’s.

  As they walked back to the house, Evelyn could still feel the skin of that same arm smarting as the bruises began to develop.

  Chapter 7

  The two weeks that Gabriel had spent watching Evelyn’s comings and goings from Gorton Hall had truly paid off. He had quickly discerned that she rode out into the rugged, perpetually windswept countryside several times a week, and always in the mornings. She went always for an hour, and no more, and the only thing that Gabriel had not been able to discover what any sort of the pattern to it. She did not have particular days of the week on which she rode out, so Gabriel had been forced to lay in wait for her for three mornings straight, hoping that she would appear.

  On his fourth day, Gabriel had not been disappointed. He had once again waited patiently in Tangletree Wood, having seen her ride in that direction on every one of her morning excursions. Of course, he had not followed her into the wood on any other day, not wanting her to realize that he had kept her under scrutiny and had watched out for her habits.

  When first he heard the sound of approaching hooves, Gabriel had drawn his horse back a little from the path through the woods, concealing them both somewhat behind the heavy bracken. However, he had watched the pathway from his vantage point and gave a great sigh of relief when he saw that it was indeed Evelyn who was approaching.

  Evelyn looked truly beautiful, wearing a velvet gown in a deep shade of green with a matching cloak and bonnet. Her hair had come a little free from its moorings at the back, and great shiny chestnut tendrils swung about her shoulders. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were bright from her ride across the open, windswept moorland. Evelyn had clearly ridden her horse hard, and Gabriel could tell she was breathing rather heavily. The chest and shoulders seem to be rising and falling rather fast, and something about the sight of her almost doubled Gabriel’s pulse.

  Finally, just moments after Evelyn had gently trotted by on her horse, Gabriel came out from his hiding place and began to follow.

  Her horse immediately sensed something behind him and began to prance a little. Gabriel quickened his pace, keen to be at her side before her horse began to misbehave.

  “Good morning, Lady Godfrey.” He said, in a bright and cheerful way.

  It came as no surprise to him that Evelyn looked startled to see him there. What he had not been expecting, however, was that she should look afraid.

  “Duke.” She said, rather shortly. “What on earth you doing here?”

  “I was just out for a ride, my lady.”

  “I don’t believe you.” She said, and turned sharply in her saddle to look over her shoulder.

  Once she had looked over her shoulder, Evelyn began to look all around her.

  “My lady, what is troubling you? Who are you looking for?” He said, realizing immediately that the young woman had assumed she was being followed.

  “I’ll ask you again, Sir, why are you here?” She looked back at him and held his gaze for a second only before resuming her surveillance of the entire area.

  “Alright, I shall not go on with my charade of just happening upon you. I must be honest, my lady, and tell you that I was particularly hoping that you would come by.”

  “And why was that?” She said, not even bothering to look at him this time.

  “Because I find I rather like your company.”

  “But I am engaged to be married, Sir, and I cannot be seen with you.”

  “Why, what had happened?”

  “Why should something have happened? Are not all engaged ladies inclined to be exclusive to their fiancé?”

  “Not to this extent, my lady.” He said, and tilted his head a little, trying to force her to look at him.

  Evelyn did not bother to respond, but once again turned in her seat to see if they were being followed. Gabriel found that, more than anything, he wanted to get to the bottom of it all. It rather struck him that Evelyn was truly afraid, and he wanted to know the source of that fear. Of course, he felt certain it was in connection with the Cunninghams as a whole, but he wanted to know specifically what had occurred. Who and what had frightened her so?

  In that moment, Gabriel realized that he felt something for Lady Evelyn Godfrey, and he certainly saw her as more than simply a means by which he would punish the Cunningham family. In truth, all he wanted on that morning was to simply protect her. The feelings he had for her had been building since their first meeting, and he knew it. After their afternoon tea at Harbury Hall, Gabriel had found himself unable to think of anything but Evelyn. Worse still, he seemed to have laid the feud firmly to one side.

  “My lady.” He said, trying to gain her attention to no avail. “Evelyn.” On hearing her name spoken, finally, she turned to look at him.

  “Forgive me, Sir, but either I must leave or you must. I cannot be found here with you, I simply cannot.”

  “Please, at least, tell me what or who has put you in all this state. I do not want to leave here today without knowing.”

  “And what good can come of you knowing, Sir? There is nothing you can do about it, so I would be doing no more than simply satisfying your curiosity. Now, I beg you would release me.”

  “I understand that you are uncomfortable here, but please just follow me for one moment into the cover of the bracken where at least we can talk without you perpetually looking around.”

  “I see no point.” Evelyn said, and her fear was making her short-tempered.

  “Please, Evelyn, please.” Finally, Gabriel was able to look into her eyes. For a moment, hers softened, the fear replaced by something else. In his heart, Gabriel rather hoped that what he could see in her eyes was a little of something he was beginning to feel in his own heart. “Please, just follow me. Just for a moment.” He beseeched.

  “Alright. But please understand that I can only remain but a few short moments.” Evelyn said, and obligingly turned her horse to follow him deeper into Tangletree Wood.

  Gabriel led her so deeply into the wood that, in the end, they were almost picking their way through the bracken and branches.

  “Is this far enough, my lady?” Gabriel asked. He was keen for her to be able to relax if only for a few moments.

  “Yes. I shall stay just a moment or two. Please say what you must say and release me, Sir.” Although her tone was short, Gabriel was pleased to see that she no longer looked about her for any sign of a witness.

  “Who do you think is following you?”

  “I do not know. In truth, I could not say that I am being followed as such.”

  “But you have reason to believe you might be followed. Why?”

  “My fiancé’s sister has
discovered that I spoke with you at the home of Amelia Merriweather.”

  “So?” Gabriel said although he knew well the ramifications of what she was saying.

  “I am sure you are perfectly well aware. You need not waste time, Sir, for I finally realize how very deep and dark this feud must be. In truth, I always thought it a simple dislike. I never expected for a moment that I would be threatened so on account of it. And it is not just myself under threat, by my family are too. And so, I am sure you will understand why I shall have to shortly leave you and beg that you never approach me again. I would beg that you never once look my way nor smile at me if you see me. Please behave as if I do not exist. In truth, I feel I do not so it should be easier than you might think.”

  “Good Lord!” Gabriel said, his hackles rising. “Tell me exactly the threat that was issued and by whom.”