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

by Lucinda Nelson

  “Well, thank you kind sir. We shall be more than grateful if you could do this for us,” said Mrs. Campbell with a sigh of relief. “I am Mrs. Campbell and this is my daughter, Ophelia and her friend, Emily.”

  The girls curtsied while he took a bow.

  “Now, come with me. My carriage awaits,” he said and they followed.

  * * *

  The Campbell’s Cottage, Havenswood.

  “Thank you so much sir,” Ophelia said as she climbed out of the carriage. “We are very grateful,” added Emily. They had arrived home safely thanks to Mr. Gibbs and his coachman.

  “Do you and your coachman care to come in for a spot of hot tea?” asked Mrs. Campbell.

  Ophelia could not believe her mother would invite him in considering how late it was.

  “I am certain that the gentleman would like to return home soon,” Ophelia quickly said.

  “As much as I would love too, I must take my leave. It was a pleasure being in the company of such beautiful ladies such as yourselves,” he said with a slight bow. “Have a pleasant evening.”

  The gentleman climbed back into his carriage and was on his way much to Ophelia’s relief. She was exhausted and wanted to go to bed.

  * * *

  “Two suitors in one day,” Emily whispered into her ear as they laid in bed that night. Emily had decided to sleep over since it was late upon their return home.

  “They have not even proposed to me yet. Why call them suitors?” Ophelia asked Emily in annoyance. However, she blushed thinking about the idea.

  “Because I could see that he likes you just like his lordship,” she replied while looking at the ceiling.

  “Well, I think not,” Ophelia replied.

  “So, why do you think he offered to give us a ride to Havenswood when Westborough is on the other side of Eltonwood?” Emily asked.

  “Because he is a kind gentleman?” asked Ophelia wishing Emily would stop the conversation.

  “That is true, but he gave you his full attention on the ride home. I am sure he was enthralled by your beauty,” Emily retorted. Ophelia had not noticed this on the ride home. Her mind was elsewhere at the time. Emily turned to her side to face Ophelia. “If you were to choose one man between his lordship and Mr. Gibbs, who would you pick?”

  “Neither!” Ophelia replied and adjusted her pillow. “Goodnight, Emily.”

  She chuckled as she heard Emily cursing under her breath before finally giving up.

  Before Ophelia slept that night, her mind drifted off to the two gentlemen she had met. She smiled at each memory but smiled more when she recalled how she had almost fallen and Christopher had caught her.

  Each time she thought about it made her stomach flutter. In that moment, it was just the two of them and no one else. Even while she had sat under the camp, she had found herself stealing glances at him occasionally when he was not looking and twice, they had caught each other’s eyes. It made her feel more excited than she had ever felt before.

  Finally she sighed. It was a beautiful moment which had not lasted long enough. She actually wished they had gone back to the Viscount and Lady Rebecca to ask for help in regards to getting home instead of accepting the offer from the kind gentleman.

  She also remembered that during their journey home that Mr. Gibbs had said something about looking for his friend and his sister while at the Christmas fair. He was from Westborough and Lady Rebecca had mentioned that they were also from there during their conversation. What were the chances of them all knowing each other?

  “Emily?” Ophelia called out to her friend but Emily was fast asleep so she let her be. Perhaps, everything was just a coincidence. Still, she could not help but think about Emily’s last question. If there was a chance for her to choose anyone between the two, it would be Christopher.

  * * *

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington.

  As he got into his room later that night, he could not stop thinking about everything that had happened. The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He had met several ladies before, but none had ever made him feel the way Ophelia was making him feel. He had never met a woman like her before.

  He recalled how they had caught each other’s eyes twice from across the tent and each time, his heart did a double flip. He still regretted not having asked her to dance at the bonfire.

  Even shortly after they had left, he had thought of following them, at least to make sure they got home safely and possibly ask to start a correspondence between them, but Rebecca had only laughed at him.

  He sighed. For once, he was glad that Benjamin had not shown up at that time. He was certain that if he had shown up, his sister would not have given him that much support, thinking he would exhibit rakish behavior towards Ophelia and her friend. Tomorrow, he thought, I will recount everything to Benjamin.

  Chapter 5

  Barrington’s Estates, Westborough, England.

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington.

  The next couple of days that followed the Christmas fair had Christopher busy. During Christmas time, his father would always host his business associates in his home.

  Due to his father’s illness, Christopher had to take charge of his father’s duties. Lady Rebecca had also gone home since her husband had returned. However, there was hardly a day she would not come to visit her brother and her parents.

  Christopher was busy writing the last correspondence letter when the door opened and Benjamin came in. They had not seen each other since the last time at the gambling hell. Christopher had been too busy to visit him as well.

  “Thank God you are here,” he said as soon as he saw Benjamin. “Why didn’t you come for the fair a few days ago?”

  Benjamin frowned. “I did come. I didn’t see you,” he replied, walking to a chair next to Christopher. “I thought we were supposed to meet.”

  “Yes,” replied Christopher. “I have to apologize for that as I got carried away by the most beautiful thing.” he said, pausing in his work and leaning back.

  Benjamin laughed, looking at him. “What happened? Maybe I could also share my own experience with you.”

  Christopher laughed. “I am certain that your experience would not have been as interesting as mine.”

  “Try me,” Ben replied, sitting down.

  “I think I met an angel, or maybe she was a fairy. It is difficult to say. Elfish. Exotic. All in one lady. She was like something out of the most beautiful dreams, Ben.” Christopher said. “Together with her friend and her mother,” he continued as he recounted what happened that night at the fair.

  * * *

  Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury

  Benjamin frowned as his friend finished recounting all that had happened at the fair. As far as he was concerned, Christopher had failed to find him because he found a lady whom he was attracted to. And this lady and her company sounded similar to the ones he had taken home.

  “I think we have a similar story,” replied Benjamin. “Because I met a lady too.”

  Christopher was more surprised and laughed out loud. “Really? Do you know her name? Mine is Ophelia. I have never heard of a name more beautiful.”

  When Benjamin heard this he paused.

  “What did you call her again?” he asked.

  “Ophelia,” Christopher replied.

  “And she was with her mother and her friend?” Benjamin asked further just to be certain that they were talking about the same woman.

  “Yes,” replied Christopher. “You should have seen her, Ben. She is indeed a ravishing lady. I think she has stolen my heart.”

  Benjamin sighed. He could see that they were talking about the same woman. As a matter of fact, he had purposely decided to take them home instead of getting them their own carriage because he was attracted to the dark-haired lady. He was going to tell his friend all about her and how he had decided to plan a visit to her home again.

  “So, tell me about this lady of yours,
” Christopher said. “I cannot wait to hear everything about her.”

  Benjamin smiled. “You can forget about her. She is not so important,” he gave a nonchalant reply.

  Christopher frowned but then shrugged. “Well, I cannot stop thinking about her ever since I met her, Ben. I think this is the woman I would love to spend the rest of my life with.”

  Benjamin raised his brows. “How can you decide such a thing so quickly? You only just met her,” he asked.

  “Because I am in love with her, Ben. I cannot explain it. Do you believe in love at first sight?”

  Benjamin smiled. That was exactly what had happened to him.

  “No, I do not,” he lied.

  “Then you cannot understand what I’m talking about,” he replied and went back to the letter he was writing.

  “So when is the ball taking place?” Benjamin asked changing the subject.

  “In the next two days,” Christopher replied. “Are you going to be around?”

  Benjamin thought for a while. “I might but I am not so certain.” He stood up giving Christopher a smile. “I have to go.”

  “So soon?”

  Benjamin nodded. His plan earlier was to invite Christopher with him to visit Ophelia’s house but now, everything had changed.

  “I have some things to take care of. I shall see you in the night,” Ben said. He bid his friend farewell as he took his leave.

  When he got out and closed the door behind him, he shut his eyes. He and his friend were in love with the same woman.

  * * *

  Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington

  About an hour after Benjamin had left, the door opened again and Lady Rebecca stepped in.

  “You are still here,” she said on seeing her brother. “Are you not done dispatching the letters?” she asked, coming to meet him.

  “There remains just one more letter. To the Campbell’s cottage,” Christopher replied.

  “Campbell?” asked Lady Rebecca. “Is that father’s trusted merchant?”

  Christopher nodded. “Indeed, he is. It has been a while since he visited from Havenswood.”

  “Havenswood?” Rebecca asked. “Isn’t that where Ophelia came from?”

  Christopher looked at his sister with eagerness. “Are you quite certain?”

  “Yes, I am. She mentioned it during our conversation.”

  “Perhaps, he might be acquainted with the fair Ophelia,” said Christopher excitedly.

  “Perhaps. You can ask him about her once he comes to the dinner.”

  “Yes. Father did say to invite him and his family to the party.”

  “Of course, the more the merrier,” said Lady Rebecca before grabbing a seat.

  Christopher continued with his writing but stopped as he realized his sister was looking at him suspiciously.

  “What is the look for?” he asked.

  “I do hope that what happened at the previous party will not repeat itself, brother.”

  Christopher frowned. He could not understand what his sister was talking about.

  “What happened?” he finally asked.

  “Those ladies that got into a quarrel because of you could have caused a scandal.I want you to be serious if you are truly interested in Ophelia.”

  Christopher laughed as he recalled what happened during last year’s event. He had mistakenly invited two ladies to the party. He was having an affair with both of them at the same time. He didn’t mean to invite them both, but the first one had said she might not be able to make it so he had invited the other. However, both of them showed up and caused a tug of war of him. In the end, he had to run away from the party and never heard from either lady again.

  “I am really serious about Ophelia,” he said to his sister.

  “I do not trust you, Chris! You are such a scoundrel when it comes to women! Ophelia is a decent lady and I would hate you if you end up breaking her heart.”

  Christopher smiled. “I promise you, sister. I love her and I will prove it to you.”

  “Good. I want you to prove it.”

  * * *

  The Campbell’s Cottage, Havenswood.

  Miss Ophelia Campbell

  Ophelia hastened her pace. Her ears twitching at the northern direction. It was the first time hunting alone, with Charles, her cousin. He had spent the morning teaching her how to hunt a rabbit. Now, he sat waiting for her by the stream which she had left behind minutes ago. She desperately wanted to impress him by catching a rabbit on her own.

  Even while growing up, Charles had once confessed his love for her, but she saw him more as a brother than as a lover.

  He was the son of her father’s brother and was only three years older than her. He had been her confidante and companion since she was three years old. He knew of her obsession for a special kind of love. He was also responsible for all her unlady-like behavior like hunting. Her mother was not around which gave her the chance to go hunting with Charles.

  She pulled the string of her bow while holding the arrow in the other hand. She could feel the familiar tightening at the base of her arm. It was a cold yet sunny day, causing her to squint to try and reduce the light from her eyes. Puffs of air escaped her lips as she focused on her prey.

  She felt a quick movement by her left and she held her breath, just before turning quietly. She could spot the little animal hiding behind a dry log of wood lying on the ground a few inches from her.

  She inhaled deeply and quietly just as Charles had taught her, and then, she released the taut pull of her arrow. It shot out through the air with a whooshing sound. Her eyes followed the arc until she heard the tiny squeal that made her realize that her deed was done.

  She screamed excitedly. She just had her first kill. However, the triumphant feeling was short-lived for a cold feeling of guilt washed over her immediately. Quietly, she murmured a silent prayer.

  Even though all the meat she had been eating had suffered the same fate, though not by her hands, she still felt sorry for the little fellow.

  “What is it? Do not tell me you are feeling guilty,” Charles said coming up behind her.

  “Well, I am,.Does that make me a bad hunter?” she asked.

  “Not quite so,.It only shows how little, your gut is,” Charles joked and Ophelia scowled at him. She watched as he walked forward to pick up the dead rabbit.

  “First kill! Great,” Charles said. “Well, I think we’ve had enough fun for today. You need to quickly go back home before your mother comes back.

  Ophelia looked disappointed. “Do not tell me you are leaving so soon. Why? It is rather too early to do that?”

  Charles frowned. “I would not want your mother to be angry with me. She would think I am responsible for all your unlady-like behavior.”

  Ophelia shrugged. “Well, who else will get blamed for if not you?”

  He laughed. “So, now you are saying I am responsible for it?”

  “Maybe,” she replied and then decided to change the question. “Why were you not at the fair yesterday?”

  “I wanted to come but father and I had to do some things. What happened? Did you finally meet the love of your life?” he joked, sitting on a large stone.

  Ophelia smiled. She knew he was teasing her, but he had no idea how close he was to the truth.

  “I met two men actually,” she explained to Charles and narrated all that happened at the fair to him.

  “But do you think there is a chance for you to see either of these men again?” asked Charles.

  “I do not know, Charles,” she replied. “Mr. Gibbs knows where I live but his lordship does not. I have a feeling that Mr. Gibbs might show up again to our home.”

  “But you do not really want him to be the one who shows up, do you?” asked Charles.

  Ophelia shook her head. “No, I do not, but at the same time, there is no chance for us to meet again,”she said, referring to Christopher.

  “You know what I always say,” Charles said as he stood up
and walked to her. “If you both are meant to be, then you shall meet again.”

  Ophelia smiled at the thought of that but somehow, she knew it might not happen.

  * * *

  When Ophelia got back to the cottage later that night, she went to see her father. He had come back a day after the Christmas fair, but he had been spending most of his time in his room, sleeping.

  “Is he going to be alright?” she asked her mother who was tending to him.