by Ella Quinn
“I think the pearl necklace and earrings will be enough for the service.” She was already wearing a turquoise and diamond bracelet from Louisa. Rothwell had given her a beautiful gold butterfly broach set with emeralds and diamonds that had been in their family for centuries.
Greene took a pearl and emerald necklace Lucinda had never seen before from her jewel box. “Where did that come from?” she asked.
“Lord Elliott, my lady. He brought it earlier this morning and gave it to his grace.”
She fought back the tears of joy that threatened to spill over. She would not cry today, no matter what kind of tears they were. “I cannot imagine anything lovelier.”
Just as her maid had clasped the necklace around her neck, a knock sounded on the door. Greene opened it, and Arabella floated into the bedchamber. “I shall not hug you; you look too beautiful, and I would not wish to muss you.” She handed Greene a small package. “Something borrowed.”
Lucinda and Arabella had decided to support each other at their weddings. Yet due to Gerald’s plan to leave for Dover early the next morning, Arabella and Quorndon would wed directly after Lucinda and Gerald. Louisa had suggested a joint wedding breakfast be held at Rothwell House.
Once Greene had affixed three pearl-tipped pins into Lucinda’s hair, she handed her friend a cameo broach. “Something new.”
“Oh, this is perfect!” Arabella leaned over carefully and bussed Lucinda’s cheek before pining it on her bodice.
Louisa entered the room and smiled. “You both look beautiful. However, if you wish to be married today, we must leave. Miss Marlow, could you give us a moment?”
“Yes, your grace.” Arabella floated back out of the room.
There was only one dark cloud on the extremely sunny day: Lucinda’s mother hadn’t spoken to her since the betrothal. “Mama?”
“She has accepted the marriage and will be present.”
“How did you do it?”
“We discovered that Quorndon is not in as good financial condition as she had believed. In fact, even if he had not fallen in love with Miss Marlow, she is a much better choice for him. Her father is extremely wealthy, and her dowry is equally large. Not only that, but Lady Quorndon let it slip that Miss Marlow has a head for figures that Quorndon does not.” Louisa raised one brow. “You mother did not at all like the idea that she had been so deceived in the man.” This last part was said so exactly like Mama would have said it that Lucinda could not stop herself from laughing.
Her sister-in-law slipped an arm through hers. “I would let the matter go. By the time you return from your wedding trip, all will be well again.”
Lucinda entered the side door of the church followed by Arabella. Gerald was dressed in a dark blue jacket and breeches, but his waistcoat was embroidered with flowers and vines that matched the trim on her gown. Clever man. He was the most handsome gentleman she had ever seen. And he was hers.
Gerald stood with Quorndon and the young clergyman in front of the altar at St. George’s church as Lucinda made her way to the altar. Sun filled the large windows lining the walls, illuminating her as she strolled toward him. Or was it that she sparkled so brilliantly that she would have brightened the church had it been raining? “She is exquisite.”
“Yes, indeed,” Quorndon breathed.
Only then did Gerald notice Miss Marlow. The lady could not hold a candle to his Lucinda, whose yellow silk gown trimmed with embroidered flowers hugged her legs as she walked toward him—legs that had been wrapped around him and would be again.
Rothwell slapped Gerald on the back as he went to Lucinda. “Not long now.”
Only a minute later, they were saying their vows. Her voice was firm and strong as she promised herself to him. Finally, the clergyman pronounced them man and wife.
Joy filled his heart as, finally, she was his.
AUTHOR NOTES
The Regency was a time of great change in attitudes about marriage. Many in both the older generation and the younger believed love matches were messy and undignified. Still, there were those who yearned for love in their marriages. It was a conflict that would continue for another century.
Not much was known about dementia or other mental disorders. Therefore, they were considered embarrassments to families at best and avoided thing to be avoided at worst. It would not have been unusual for a parent or guardian to object to marriage if one party had mental problems in the family.
About Gerald Elliott’s title: I didn’t plan for him to be Earl Elliott. In fact, it was a bit of a shock when I realized what I’d done. Calling him Lord Elliott in one book and then mentioning that he was an earl in another…these things happen when one is not paying good attention to secondary characters. There are very few earls who are not “Earl of Placename,” yet there are some. The most famous is Earl Spencer. The title was first Baron Althorp, then Viscount Althorp, and finally Earl Spencer.
I hope you loved Lucinda and Gerald’s story. Those of you who read The Marriage Game series will have recognized the mention of Lady Serena and Lord Beaumont from The Seduction of Lady Serena. Also Lords Huntley and Wivenly and Mr. Kit Featherton are still running around as bachelors. For those of you who haven’t read The Marriage Game, all the books can be found on my website, www.ellaquinnauthor.com.
PREVIEW
Even the Worthington least likely to wed may find her perfect match…
Marriage has worked out quite nicely for her older sisters, yet Lady Augusta Vivers is certain it would end her studies in languages and geography, and stop her from traveling. But when her brother thwarts her plan to attend the only university in Europe that accepts women—in Italy—she is forced to agree to one London Season. Spending her time at parties proves an empty diversion—until she encounters the well-traveled Lord Phineas Carter-Wood. Still, Europe awaits…
Phineas has studied architecture all over the world, yet Augusta is his most intriguing discovery yet. How can he resist a woman who loves maps and far-off lands? But her longing for all things foreign hinders any hope of courtship. When he learns her cousins have offered her a trip to Europe, he secretly arranges to join their party—for he is determined to show Augusta that a real union is a thrilling adventure of its own. And when their journey is beset by dangerous obstacles, he gets far more opportunity than he bargained for…
Please turn the page for an exciting sneak peek of
Ella Quinn’s next historical romance
BELIEVE IN ME
coming soon wherever print and e-books are sold!
CHAPTER ONE
March 1818
Worthington House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair
“Italy!” Her brother’s bellow could probably be heard in Berkeley Square. Possibly even further.
From her position on the sofa, Lady Augusta Vivers stifled a sigh. She refused to allow her posture to sag or disappointment to show on her countenance. She had known her campaign to attend the University in Padua was not going to be easy. Perhaps she should have started her scheme earlier, or given her brother a hint to temper his shock.
“It is not as if it is some unknown place in South America or Africa,” she pointed out calmly.
“Where on earth did you come up with such an… idea?” Her mother’s faint voice pierced the deadened air.
“I wish to further my studies,” Augusta said, trying not to sound exasperated. Why else would she want to go to university? Not only that, but it would allow her to see a little of the world she had been studying. “As educated as Miss Tallerton and Mr. Winters are, they have reached the end of what they can teach me. For the past few years, I have been corresponding with professors in Europe and taking lessons from visiting scholars, hoping to be able to learn more.” In fact, her thirst for knowledge had grown to the point that she needed to attend university as much as she needed food or air. “Yet it has become clear that the o
nly way I am going to succeed is by studying with experts. For that, I must attend university.”
“But, my dear,”—her mother paused for a moment, as if to gather her thoughts—“do you not wish to wed?”
Of course she did. Just. Not. Now. “I do not recall anyone asking Charlie if he was forsaking marriage simply because he was attending Oxford.” She turned her gaze back to Matt. As her guardian, he was the final decision maker. “If I were a boy, you would allow me to go.”
“You’re fair and far off there, my girl.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I might consider Paris, but Italy is too far away. If anything were to happen,”—this time he wiped his hand down his face—“we would not be able to get to you in time. I doubt if there is even an English consul or vice-consul there.”
“The closest consul is in Venice, only twenty-two miles to the east.”
“Augusta.” Grace’s gentle voice was a sharp contrast to Matt’s exasperated tone. “Is there not a university that will accept women closer than Italy?”
Augusta shifted on the sofa so that she faced her sister-in-law next to her and smiled. “There was one in Holland, but it was reduced to a college, like Eton, and is just now attempting to regain its status as a university.” Trying to ignore the worried look in Mama’s eyes, and the tick in Matt’s jaw, Augusta focused on Grace, who appeared to be the only helpful person present. She might also be able to persuade Matt. “Padua is also the only university that has an excellent reputation and will award a degree to a female.”
Her sister-in-law nodded. “I see.”
“My dear.” The corners of Mama’s lips tipped up weakly. “You did not answer the question about marriage.”
“I see no reason to rush into matrimony. Grace did not wed until she was four and twenty.”
There was nothing to be said to that, so silence fell again. The only comforting thought was that Matt had not actually said no.
The room was so quiet she could hear the birds chirping outside, and the thumps of someone running on the floor above. The muffled sound of someone coming down the corridor had them all turning their heads.
A knock came, and Walter, age seventeen, another of Grace’s brothers and Augusta’s best friend, poked his head in the study. “Not a good time? I’ll just take myself away.”
“Wait right there.” Matt’s commanding voice stopped Walter’s retreat. “What do you know about Augusta’s plans to attend university?”
“Er”—he slid her a quick glance—“only that she’s been planning it for several months.” One of Matt’s brows rose. “It not as if she’s doing anything untoward. Don’t we all support ladies being educated?”
Augusta flashed Walter a grateful smile. Her mother groaned, Grace’s lips twitched, and Matt slapped his palm against his head.
Mama’s husband, Richard, Viscount Wolverton, who had been lounging against the fireplace, straightened. “When does the term begin?”
“Not until September.” Did his question mean she might be allowed to attend? “I brought it up now because I have done all I can do without final permission, and there is the month it will take to travel to Padua.”
“September,” Mama chirped brightly, a relieved look on her face.
Oh, no. Augusta was not going to allow them to end the conversation. “My other point in mentioning it now is to save you from the expense of a Season for me.” Of all the girls in the family, Augusta was sure she was the only one who did not care if she formally came out. “If I am going to attend university, there is no need for me to be on the Marriage Mart.”
“I think it’s too late for that,” Matt grumbled.
Augusta barely kept her jaw from dropping.
“What he means”—Grace held out her hands to Augusta, taking her fingers in a reassuring grip—“is that most of your gowns have already been ordered. Aside from that, if Matt and your mother agree that you should attend university, you will benefit from having been out.”
“Yes, indeed,” Mama said quickly. Augusta had the feeling her mother was praying she would decide to marry and forget about continuing her studies. “My dear, Grace is absolutely correct. Acquiring a bit of Town bronze is essential for one’s…development.”
Augusta scanned the other faces in the room. None of them looked happy. If she refused, they would not take it well. She could continue with her plans and arguments for university while she was attending social events. “Very well. I agree to a Season.” Augusta speared her brother with a look. “That does not mean I have given up attending university.”
His lips thinned as he nodded. “We will continue the discussion later.”
“You should know”—she took a breath—“I have contacted Cousin Prudence Brunning and asked if she would be willing to be my chaperone.”
Matt’s dark brows drew together. “Who?”
“You would not remember her,” Mama said with an airy flutter of her hand. “She is the daughter of Martha Vivers, who married George Paine, a rector. Prudence is a few years older than you, and a widow. Her husband was in a Calvary unit and died when he was in the colonies.”
“Indeed.” Augusta was glad her mother remembered Cousin Prudence. “She traveled with him through Spain, therefore she is used to foreign places.” By this time Matt was staring at Augusta as if she had grown another head. “She also speaks Italian.”
“Naturally. Why else would you contact her?” He closed his eyes for a moment, as if in pain. “You’ve given me a great deal to think about.”
Augusta squeezed Grace’s hand and rose. “Thank you for listening to me.”
A series of nods and tight smiles answered her. When she reached the corridor, Walter had been joined by the twins, Alice and Eleanor Carpenter, age fifteen, and Augusta’s sister, Madeline, also fifteen.
Alice put a finger to her lips as Eleanor grabbed Augusta’s hand.
“Come,” Madeline whispered. “We can hear them talk from the antechamber in the other room.”
They hurried her into a seldom-used parlor and opened a door to what reminded Augusta of a butler’s pantry, except instead of dishware and silver, the shelves were filled with ledgers, paper, pens, and bottles of ink. How had she not known this was here?
“You must be very quiet,” one of the twins said softly.
“Matt, you cannot possibly be considering allowing her to travel to Italy!” Mama’s voice came clearly through the door. “It would have been kinder of you to have told her no.”
There was a clink of crystal and a few moments of silence before Matt responded, “In my opinion, she deserves the opportunity to follow her desire for more education.”
“Yes, but not in Italy.” Mama sounded almost frantic.
“Patience, calm yourself,” Richard said. “If he allows her to go, you know as well as I do that he’ll ensure she is well protected.”
“Matt,” she said again. “Do you not remember what happened to Caro Huntley?”
“Who is Caro Huntley?” Madeline whispered. Augusta and the others shrugged.
“Who is Caro Huntley?” Richard asked.
“Lady Caroline Martindale, a friend of mine,” Grace responded. “She was living in Venice with her godmother when a Venetian nobleman decided she should marry him. Huntley married her to save her from him.”
“I am sure she thought she was safe,” Mama pointed out.
Augusta wanted to groan. Leave it to her mother to remember a story like that. Well, she would make good and sure she was not trapped into marriage. At least not before she had her diploma.
“Come, my love,” Richard said. “Let’s leave poor Worthington to try to figure this out. Let me know if you need any help.”
“Thank you. I will.”
The door to Grace’s study closed, and without any warning at all the door to the antechamber opened and the twins tumb
led into the study. Augusta would have fallen as well if Madeline hadn’t been in the way to stop her fall.
Matt eyed them as the girls picked themselves up from the floor. “I trust you heard everything, or is there any part of the conversation you would like to have repeated?”
“I’d like to hear more about Caro Huntley,” Alice said.
“Not now, sweetheart.” Grace grinned. “Augusta, we will continue to look at ways for you to continue your studies.” Her sister-in-law rose. “Come, it will be time for tea shortly, and Charlie should be here soon.”
“Matt?” Madeline asked. “How did you know we were listening?”
“You’re not as quiet as you think.” He lightly tugged one of her braids. “Go on. I’ll see you in the morning room.”
For the second time, Augusta left the study. “I suppose it could have been worse.”
Walter fell into step beside her. “He could have refused to listen.”
“My mother is going to be a problem. She will probably throw every gentleman she finds into my path.”
“Not everyone.” Walter grinned. “They have to be eligible.”
“There will still be too many of them.” She wanted to groan. “At least I’ll be prepared.”
* * * *
At a warehouse near the London docks, Lord Phineas Carter-Woods surveyed the numerous boxes he’d brought back from Mexico. “The ones marked in red will go to Elsworth.” That was the bulk of them. “Have the rest sent to my brother’s house in Grosvenor Square, and make sure they aren’t put in the attic.”
“Yes, my lord.” Boman, Phinn’s general factotum, signaled to one of two carters waiting for instructions. “Have you decided when we’re leaving again?”
That was going to be tricky. “I hope to be on our way to Europe in a month, but I’ve promised my brother I’ll look around for a wife. We’ll take it as it comes, shall we?”