A Lady To Redeem A Rakish Lord (Historical Regency Romance)

by Lucinda Nelson

  * * *

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  It was a cold day for the Christmas fair, but not too cold to the point of it being uncomfortable. It was almost evening time and sun hung low in the sky. A few fluffy clouds could still be seen in the sky. There was a long line of people coming near the gated entrance that lead to multiple tents. People were becoming increasingly excited and impatient as they took a few steps forward every so often. Faint music could be heard from beyond the tall gates with the occasional sounds of laughter and cheers suddenly piercing the air. In Ophelia’s hands was a basket of food items that they had brought to eat once they had reached the bonfires that would be lite as the night arose.

  Once they were past the gate, they could see the multiple tents that held food, luxury items, fabrics, clothes, toys for children, and entertainment that attracted many families. Ophelia watched as children ran around with their new toys or ate some type of sweet treat. A few others were dragging their parents to see the puppet show, the exotic animals that were on display, mummers’ plays, and a few magicians. There was even a play getting set up about Father Christmas, which attracted some of the adults. Musicians played their music and people danced in groups merrily.

  She laughed. The fair was always fun, but the night was always the most interesting part, as there would be bonfires and lots of merriments within the adult’s circles. Several tents were set up specifically for them.

  “I think we should go to where the adults are,” said Ophelia to her mother. They had been standing at a tent for a while now watching the happy children.

  “I love seeing all those little ones,” said Emily.

  “Then maybe you should stay,” Ophelia joked but Emily sent her a scowl. Together, the three left the place to move to the adult’s area which was further in.

  * * *

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington.

  “Oh my goodness!” Rebecca cried excitedly as they moved from one section of the fair together. They had just gotten to the fair and saw many different events happening at different tents.

  “Do you think we should check the magic show? I have always loved that,” pleaded Rebecca.

  Christopher was not listening for he was busy looking out for Benjamin.

  “Christopher!” his sister called out again and this time he looked at her.

  “What are you looking for?” she demanded. “Please do not tell me that Ben is around this corner. I will be greatly displeased.”

  Christopher sighed. “Surely sister, you do not hate him that much. Is there not anything he can do to make you tolerate him?”

  Rebecca stubbornly shook her head. “No! There is nothing he can do. I simply find him intolerable and I do not trust him one bit.”

  Christopher sighed. “You do know that I am a man and I do not require your permission to befriend anyone, even if you are older than me.”

  He could see the hurtful look that passed over his sister’s face and he immediately regretted it.

  “I apologized for that, sister. What I mean is that…”

  Rebecca did not wait to hear the rest. She simply stormed off and was immediately lost in the crowd.

  “Rebecca, come back!” he shouted and then turned towards his footman who was standing behind him. “Find Ben and take him to our tent.”

  The footman bowed and left while Christopher went in search of his sister.

  * * *

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  The adult’s area was not as crowded as the children’s but it was all the same. There were several shows happening at the same time that was meant for a more mature audience.

  “Why do not we go and see what’s happening there,” said Emily, pointing to a gathering of few people not to far off.

  “What are they doing?” asked Ophelia’s mother.

  “I think it’s a magic show,” replied Ophelia, watching from afar.

  The man in the middle was bringing a hat out of a cat and the audience was clapped.

  “It is indeed a magic show. Why do not we move closer,” suggested their mother.

  Excitedly, the two ladies gathered their skirts with their hands and rushed towards the tent. Ophelia had her mind focused on the man performing the show and was not looking at where she was going. She bumped into man who seemed to be going in the opposite direction.

  The next thing she knew was that her went basket flying out of her hand and she lost her balance. Before she could hit the ground, a steady arm supported her and instead of seeing the auburn sky, she was staring at the most handsome face she had ever seen.

  His blonde hair was cut shorter at the sides while falling in loose curls on top of his head. Along his jawline and high cheekbones was a thin layer of facial hair which gave him an even more dashing appearance. His nose was sharp and pointy and his eyes were the shades of blue with specks of silvery pattern.

  She blushed as she realized he was staring at her. As a matter of fact, her mother and Emily were staring at both of them. She flushed in embarrassment and mumbled some words before the man lifted her to her feet. Immediately, he saw to the scattered things on the ground and began picking them up. She glanced at Emily who could not stop giggling.

  * * *

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington

  He had been so busy walking and searching for every blonde with a blue bonnet who he thought resembled his sister that he had not bothered to look at where he was going before bumping into someone.

  He had managed to catch a woman before she could hit the ground. While he helped her back to her feet, he could not help but stare at her.

  Her hair that peaked from under her bonnet was jetty black and her symmetrical face was almost white except for the slight pink on her cheeks. She was staring at him with so much intensity that he was afraid the lady might die of shock. Her lips were the reddest pair of lips he had ever seen and he was mesmerized by them.

  She seemed to be mumbling some words which snapped him out of his daze. He stood her up right and made sure she was well-balanced before tending to some of her things that were lying on the ground. Finally, he picked up the half wrapped food items and realized most of them were either dirty or spoiled.

  He lifted the basket and faced the three ladies. One of them looked older than the other two, possibly their mother or aunt. The other woman looked to be the same age as the woman he had caught just a few moments ago. He was confused and slightly embarrassed as he saw the amused looks on the two women’s faces.

  “My lady,” he started, removing his hat while grappling with the basket in his other hand. “I sincerely apologize for my clumsiness. I was in a haste to catch up with my sister who is very angry with me and I was not looking at where I was going. I do hope you are not injured in any way for if you are, I will not hesitate to host you so that my phsyician can take a good care of you. And about your basket, I do apologize for that to. Please,” he said, looking up to the other woman and lady standing by. “You are all invited to our tent. We can sit and watch the proceedings of the fair from there since it is pitched upon a hill. I daresay it will give you a better view of the events. And once the cold comes as night falls, we can keep warm in there.”

  None of the ladies spoke at first, but then, the one he had bumped into came forward, took her basket from him and the stepped back.

  “Thank you very much sir,” she stated sheepishly. Your apologies are accepted but your invitation will be declined, I’m afraid. We will manage on our own.”

  “We insist,” said a voice behind him and he was surprised to see his sister whom he had been looking for. Clearly, she must have seen everything that happened. Still, he was surprised that she would support him in this.

  * * *

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  Now, Ophelia was confused. Who was this lady that was now coming forward to meet her?

  “We insist,” she said with a smile. “Please, allow my brother and I to make up for his clumsiness.”
<
br />   Before Ophelia could deny their request any further, her mother quickly stepped forward. “Well, if you insist. My daughter and I, and Lady Emily would be glad to join you.”

  “Great!” said the man’s sister. “Please come with us.”

  Ophelia could not believe that her mother had done that. She did not want to impose on to these people, whom they barely knew. She shook her head in protest, but Emily dragged her along behind their hosts.

  Chapter 4

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  “Oh! This is going to be the best Christmas fair ever!” Emily whispered behind her as they entered the tent.

  The older man who opened the tent for them was given instructions from the gentlemen. The man then turned to the guests to introduce their hosts.

  “May I introducing the Lady Rebecca Crampton Egerton and his lordship, Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington.”

  Surprised, Ophelia and the others curtsied. Ophelia was about to say something, but her mother tapped her from behind, as if to command her not to speak. So, she kept quiet. Mrs. Campbell then introduced herself, Ophelia and Emily to the Viscount and his sister.

  “We are honored that you have invited us to your tent my lord and lady,” said Mrs. Campbell.

  Lady Rebecca smiled. “You are most welcome. Please sit and enjoy yourselves.”

  Although she had protested beforehand, she was glad that they had come to the tent. It was fascinating seeing all the things that the nobles had brought. Those of nobility had set their tents together on the opposite side of the fair, making it seem like a completely different fair happening at the same time as the main one. She remembered always passing near the area at pervious Christmas fairs and wondered what they could be doing that was different from the rest of the fair.

  Here, there were fine foods and drinks that only the wealthy could afford, entertainment, and extravagant décor that displayed a person’s wealth at each tent.

  It was quite obvious that there was a great class difference between Ophelia and the Viscount and his sister. One could only dream of being invited to be amongst the upper crust of society. Earlier, Ophelia wanted to respectfully ask the Viscount why he did not introduce himself earlier and why he would associate with them since they were of a lower status, but her mother had stopped her from talking. Perhaps I was being foolish to want to ask those questions when his lordship has been a gracious person, she thought. It will not matter once the Christmas fair ends. With that resolve, she stopped over thinking the situation and began to relax.

  * * *

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington

  Christopher couldn’t stop looking at Ophelia for the rest of the night. He wished he could speak to her freely and get to know her better but knew it wasn’t acceptable to be so candid with her. It had been a while since he had been the company of women who had no interest in bedding. Other than her beauty, there was something about Ophelia that caught his eye. The way she carried herself and the responses she gave when asked a question. She had seemed tensed earlier but had now relaxed herself. Lady Rebecca did most of the talking with their guests with Christopher chiming in from time to time. They were all getting along smoothly.

  Sometime later, his servant who had been sent to find Benjamin had returned and whispered to him that his friend could not be found. Christopher decided not to worry about the whereabouts of his friend, convinced that he would show when he wanted. Right now, his main focus was on Ophelia and he wished for the fair to not end. He did not want to say goodbye to her yet.

  The night had come and the bonfires where set ablaze. Although there was dancing earlier, this was the time when the nobles and the common people came out of their tents to dance together around the bonfires. Christmas carols and music were also sang and played for all to enjoy.

  “Why do not you go ahead and ask her to dance with you?” Lady Rebecca whispered softly behind him as she got to his side.

  He looked at where Ophelia sat. She was busy talking and laughing with her friend and mother.

  “I do not know if she would accept,” he replied. “She does not strike me as the dancing type, and she has not fawned over my wealth and title. Maybe she is just nervous. Or maybe I am the one who is nervous. It is truly refreshing. I really like her and wish to know her better dear sister.”

  Lady Rebecca smiled, excited that her brother had shown a genuine interest in a woman. “Perhaps dear brother, you should just ask her to dance to get the nervousness out. Afterall, this is the Christmas fair where we all come to have fun regardless of status.” Christopher took a deep breath and began to walk towards Ophelia.

  But in that moment, Ophelia and Emily stood from their seats.

  “Are you leaving so soon?” asked Lady Rebecca.

  “Yes, we are my lady. It is a long journey home and we wish to get there before midnight,” Mrs. Campbell replied. Both Lady Rebecca and Christopher looked disappointed.

  “We are grateful for your hospitality and kindness, my Lord and my Lady,” said Ophelia while curtsying.

  “Just when we were having a good time and getting to know each more. I wish you could stay longer,” Lady Rebecca said with a tone of disappointment.

  “Well, allow us to see you off to your carriage,” Christopher offered hoping to spend more time with them.

  “That would not be necessary my lord,” replied Ophelia with a smile. “Thank you for everything.” They curtsied to both of them before leaving.

  After this they had left Christopher sat down, disappointed that he did not have to dance with Ophelia.

  “What if I never see her again?” he asked his sister who only smiled.

  “You normally have no trouble approaching women. I am surprised at how much you are taken by her, brother but fret not. I am certain that fate shall bring you two together once again. It is, after all, a joyous Christmas season.”

  Christopher looked at his sister with surprise and then smiled. “Oh, bless your optimism dear sister.” She patted his hand and they continued to watch the people dance around the bonfires.

  * * *

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  “He really is a good gentleman Ophelia. Did you not see the way his lordship was looking at you throughout?” asked Emily as they walked.

  “I saw nothing,” Ophelia lied.

  “He might make a good suitor. Do you not think so Mrs. Campbell?” Emily asked Ophelia’s mother.

  “Surely. I was impressed by his tender apology and his kind gesture. I would not be surprised if by tomorrow, we receive a letter from them,” replied the mother.

  “Mother. They do not know exactly where we live, and we are of a lower class than they are. Surely, he would prefer to marry a woman of equal status. Also, why did you stop me from talking after they were introduced to us, mother?” Ophelia asked.

  “You were going to ruin all the chance of them getting along with us. I was not going to allow that. It’s not every day that we of middle class get to converse with the nobles,” replied her mother.

  “I only wanted to ask questions considering our status difference. True, we are not poor, but we are not nobility either. What was their motive? Were they showing us true kindness or was it all a ploy to pity us,” Ophelia asked with a look of worry. “It would not be the first time that has happened.”

  “You are overthinking things, dear child. This night was truly a gift and you had fun as well, replied her mother as they continued on their way. Suddenly, out of nowhere, someone grabbed Mrs. Campbell’s purse and began to run away with it.

  “Oh! My purse! Thief!’ she screamed along with the girls.

  “Where?” asked a man close to them. They pointed at the lad who was running away from them. They were no longer in the crowded area so it was easy to identify the running lad.

  “Stay here, I shall be right back,” said the gentleman who ran after the thief.

  “Oh dear!” started Ophelia’s mother in a panic. “That purse contains the f
are that will take us back home.”

  “Let us hope that the kind sir will find it for us,” Emily said to her and they waited for some time. Shortly after, the man came back but his hands were empty.

  “I am so sorry. I could not find him,” he said out of breathe.

  “Oh dear! How do we get home now?” lamented Mrs. Campbell.

  “Perhaps, we should go back to the kind gentleman and his sister. Surely, they would be willing to take us back home in their carriage,” Emily suggested quietly to Mrs. Campbell.

  “I can take you home in my carriage, if you do not mind,” said the gentleman.

  The three women exchanged glances.

  “Do not be afraid, my name is Benjamin Gibbs,” said the man. It was quite dark, but Ophelia could see he was a handsome man with slightly wild shoulder-length hair and a well-built body. “I am from Westborough. I was supposed to find my friend but I could not find him, and now I must go home. But I do not mind having to take you back home before going back to Westborough.”