Games of Desire for Lady Hellion: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Olivia Bennet

  “Captain Huxley?”

  He turned to find his third mate, Willard Smith, approaching him.

  “Yes?”

  “Looks like a storm’s on the horizon, sir,” Mr. Smith announced. Theodore turned in the direction of the third mate’s gesture. There were dark clouds gathering in the distance.

  “Then we’ll need to prepare. Batten down the hatches, Mr. Smith.”

  “Aye, Captain.”

  Together, they headed for the helm. As he walked, Theodore yelled to his men, causing a mass outbreak of movement all over the deck. There was no time for him to brood over the problems of his past life. He had to focus on the here and now. The lives of everyone aboard the Petonia depended upon him.

  “Come, Mama,” Celine murmured, holding up the spoonful of gruel to her mother’s lips. “You need to get your strength up.”

  Slowly, her mother opened her mouth, accepting the spoonful. Celine used a handkerchief to wipe away the small bit that came out through her lips.

  Lady Rexham smacked her lips. Her face sagged on the left side, but she was still able to speak. Recently, she had progressed to using a cane when she walked. This gave Celine hope that her mother was getting better.

  “Why have you not been to any balls of late?” Lady Rexham asked. “Please tell me that you’re not staying in because of me.”

  Celine cringed, then sighed. She would need to tell her mother everything, eventually. Because of her mother’s illness, she had spent the past few weeks avoiding any discussion of the ball at Grimshaw Manor.

  “At the ball the Grimshaws threw, Lord Tremaine was seen touching me inappropriately when he was drunk,” she said. “He stepped on my gown, which resulted in it tearing open, and Lady Broadesmere saw everything and brought it to the attention of everyone during dinner. My reputation has been ruined. Ever since, no one has invited me to any of their parties or luncheons or teas. No one has come to call on me.”

  Celine felt hopeless. It wasn’t her fault! However, in the past few weeks since, she had been completely shut out from all polite society. Not even quiet old Lady Gilles had taken pity on her. Luckily, Leon hadn’t abandoned her. He was turning out to be the same friend that he had always been.

  “Perhaps it’s time for you to visit your aunt, in Maryland,” her mother suggested. “You can return our mother’s locket to your Aunt Felicity.”

  She was referring to a family heirloom, belonging to her mother’s family. After securing his oldest daughter’s marriage, Lord Syrinia had taken his son Avery and his younger daughter Felicity to the Americas, where they had purchased land and begun a business in Maryland. When Lady Felicity had parted ways with her older sister, she had given their mother’s locket to the newly-minted Lady Rexham, to keep safe and to remember her by.

  “I think you’re right, Mama.” Some time away from the ton would give Celine a chance to repair her image. She knew of a few disgraced ladies who had done something similar. They went away to America, where they spent a few months with family there. When they returned, they were welcomed back by the ton with open arms. Once Celine returned, she could try finding a husband, as tiring as it seemed to begin all over again.

  Her mother smiled, patting her hand.

  “I feel like all is hopeless, Mama,” Celine said, setting aside the bowl and spoon. “I can’t seem to find a husband. By now, I’d thought that I’d have found someone to marry.” She pulled a face. She had wanted to be married long ago. Unfortunately, no gentleman was looking for a wife who was so stubborn. Guaranteed, there would be a spat between Celine and her intended, after which he would end the courtship.

  Her mother reached out, using her good hand. “The course of true love never did run smoothly.”

  “Quite right, Mama.”

  “Perhaps you’ll meet a gentleman in America.”

  “Perhaps.” It was a thought.

  “Though, I hope not,” Lady Rexham murmured. “I would miss you too much.”

  Celine smiled, reaching up to smooth back her mother’s gray-threaded auburn hair. She doted on both of her parents. She wished, for their sakes, that she could turn back time. To undo the damage that Lord Tremaine had caused.

  The next day, Celine and her mother had gone down to the drawing room, to discuss their plan with her father. Together, they figured that they could convince him. Celine felt hopeful. The idea of sailing to America seemed exciting. A fresh start would do her good. She had never met her Aunt Felicity nor her Uncle Avery, though she had read their letters to her mother. Celine was curious to get to know them.

  Her mother entered, moving laboriously while leaning on her cane. Once she had settled down on the settee beside her husband, she smiled at Celine.

  “Papa,” Celine began, smoothing her skirts as she began to tell him what she and her mother had agreed upon the day before.

  “Yes, sweetling?” he asked, setting aside the newspaper he had been reading. He smiled at her kindly.

  “Mama and I were talking yesterday.”

  “Oh?” He glanced over at his wife, smiling and taking her by the hand. Then, he looked expectantly at his daughter.

  “We’ve come up with a solution for my problem.”

  He frowned. “Which is that?”

  “Oh, Papa! Really! The problem of my exile from the ton,” she explained. “And, well—my inability to find a husband.”

  “Pray tell, what is it?” he asked, raising his eyebrow.

  “Mama and I believe that I should go to America, to visit Aunt Felicity and Uncle Avery in Maryland.”

  Her father blinked in surprise. Clearly, the thought had never occurred to him. Celine waited, folding her hands in her lap. “You’re joking,” he said, at long last.

  “No. Not at all,” Celine assured him. Her mother gave him a reassuring smile, as he looked at her, perplexed.

  “Absolutely not,” he said. “Do you know how dangerous it is?”

  “I’d be perfectly safe,” Celine insisted.

  “She needs some time away from the ton,” her mother added. “It’s worked for Lady Mary Forstall.”

  “She’s even found a husband, not four months after her return,” Celine added.

  “Absolutely not!” he snapped. “It’s utterly reckless. Coming from you, Beverly, who should know the dangers of sailing!”

  He made a chopping motion with his hand. “No. There’s another way. I know it.” He nodded to himself. “There is. There’s another way.”

  “Well, let me know when you find it,” Celine murmured, then excused herself. Her throat had tightened painfully. She stepped out and into the hall, her vision blurring as tears filled her eyes. She covered her mouth with her hand as hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

  The thought of journeying to see her family in Maryland had given her hope. Now, it was dashed to the floor, in a million tiny shards.

  As she stood there, she could hear her mother, on the other side of the door.

  “Why can’t she go, John?” she asked.

  “Because I think I may have found her another solution,” her father replied. “One which wouldn’t send her to America. I’m just waiting to hear back. Any day now, Beverly. I know it’s going to work.”

  I don’t know what to think of that but I don’t like how it sounds.

  Chapter 2

  Upon Theodore’s arrival in Southampton, he sent a letter to his friend. He handed the letter to the man working at the post office, along with a coin, to pay for postage.

  He found himself tugging on his own beard as he walked back out and onto the street. Theodore wasn’t often anxious, yet whenever he returned to British soil, there was always the chance that he might be recognized.

  Arriving back at the Petonia, Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, along with their daughter Sybil, were walking down the gang plank, little Sybil’s hand in Mrs. Williamson’s. The little girl walked with a bounce in her step, which caused her blonde curls to bounce.

  She curtsied to him.


  “Good day, Lord Captain,” she said.

  “Good day, Miss Sybil.” He swept his hat downward as he gave her a deep bow, watching as her blue eyes sparkled. She was small for her age, a little sickly. But she was a happy child. He pulled out a coin. “How about you go and find yourself a treat at the confectioner’s? It’s just down the street, if your mother says it’s fine?”

  “How kind of you, Captain.” Mrs. Williamson smiled.

  “Thank you, Captain,” Sybil said, accepting the coin. She was a well-behaved child.

  “Hurry back, Miss Sybil,” he said, as the small family walked all of the way down. “Perhaps, I can show you how to steer the ship.”

  Sybil grinned excitedly, gripping her mother’s hand. Theodore watched as the family moved off and into the crowd. They were going to be aboard until the Petonia arrived in Boston. As he watched, he idly considered what he had just agreed to.

  He was going to marry. He hoped that she would adjust well to life on the ship. He didn’t know how much longer it was going to be.

  Theodore loved life on the sea. On the Petonia, he was free. He walked up and onto the deck. He paced, staring out at the sea. It was a sunny day, and the sun sparkled on the water.

  Overhead, gulls wheeled and called out to one another. A cool sea breeze ruffled his hair. Once they arrived in Brighton, he would meet his new wife. He had no idea what to expect. But after all, he had nothing to lose.

  Celine knocked on the door to her father’s study. She was nervous. He had sent for her, giving no explanation. Her heart thudded in her chest. She reached up to touch her hair, which Regina had just neatly coiled and pinned up, curls framing her cheeks.

  “Come in,” he called from inside.

  Celine opened the door, peering in at her father. “You wanted to see me?” It was dimly-lit, with the curtains open just a bit to let in a little light.

  “Yes, my sweet. Come, sit down.” Her father was beaming at her as he gestured toward the chair opposite his big, mahogany desk. Celine sat, wondering what the good news was. He hadn’t been so clearly pleased in a few months. She smoothed her gray muslin skirt, then folded her hands. She realized then just how her downfall had affected him. It caused a gentle welling up of love toward her father.

  “I’ve found a solution to your problems,” he assured her.

  “Do tell, Papa.” She beamed at him. This was a relief, for Celine couldn’t think of a blessed thing. Particularly after his negative reaction to her plan to go to America.

  “I’ve been corresponding with an old friend of mine—Lord Eddington. He’s been away from England, following the death of his first wife. He’s on his way here, to Tunbridge Wells.”

  “How does this improve my situation?” Celine asked, recalling distantly that she had met Lord Eddington and his wife. She had been blonde and thin. He had been tall, good-looking, not very talkative.

  “He’s agreed to marry you,” her father informed her.

  Celine could only stare at him in horror. Her father, clearly thinking that her surprise was happy in nature, continued onward.

  “Given, I didn’t mention that your reputation had been ruined, nor would he have known, since he’s been travelling. I told him that it was due to your unusual character that you have been deemed unsuitable for a match by most well-to-do folk. And, your slim prospects are finished now.” He paused, waiting for her to speak.

  “No.”

  He frowned. “Why not?”

  “I cannot marry for anything less than love.” Celine knew—the only way for her to be happy was to marry a gentleman who loved her enough to put up with her obstinacy.

  “You’re running low on options, my dear,” he said. Concern was etched into his features.

  “I’m fully prepared to wait,” she told him.

  Her father folded his hands on top of his desk as he frowned thunderously. “Celine, I am your father. It’s my duty to make sure that you are taken care of. This is how I’m doing it. Lord Eddington is an honorable gentleman, who will provide you with a comfortable and respectable life. You cannot do better. You must do as I say.”

  “Papa!” she sobbed, tears springing to her eyes. “You know why I haven’t found a suitable husband! How could you?”

  His face closed down. “Celine. There’s no going back. He’s already agreed and is on his way to Tunbridge Wells.”

  “But there are rumors that he killed his wife,” she said. “How could you ask me to marry him?”

  He held out the letter. Celine stared at the folded letter, the direction written in a slanting script. She shook her head, then stood up, her hands balled into fists at her sides.

  “You can’t make me do this. I’ll never marry him,” she snapped.

  “I can, and you will. It’s final.” To his credit, he did seem sorry for forcing her into it, though he was remaining firm.

  Tears streaming down her cheeks, Celine left, running down the hallway to her room. She couldn’t believe that her life was closing around her. The unfairness of everything that had occurred, starting with the night of the ball at Grimshaw Manor, was overwhelming. Now, she was going to be married to a gentleman who she barely knew.

  He’s going to hate me, just like all the others. This time, there will be no ending it. We’ll be stuck with each other. Till death us do part.

  The next morning didn’t dawn any brighter. Celine had spent the entirety of the night sobbing in her room. By the time she went down to breakfast, she had dark circles under her eyes, and her face was red and chapped.

  Her father took one look at her, then shook his head. He ate quickly, saying nothing to her.

  She sipped her cup of tea in silence. Her father continued to read his newspaper while he ate. Celine could feel him watching her over the page. He finished his breakfast not long after.

  Celine heard her father grumbling to himself as he left the room. Soon, she heard the sound of her mother’s cane as she came down the hall.

  “Thank you, Minton,” her mother said, as the butler opened the door for her, then he rushed to pull out her seat.

  Celine glanced at her mother, who smiled at her sympathetically. She held out her hand, and Celine took it. She looked at her mother, hopefully.

  “I have spoken to your father,” she began. “I have read the letters from Lord Eddington, as well.”

  “Mama,” Celine begged. “Please tell him that I cannot do this. You yourself have said it—I cannot marry a gentleman who does not love me.”

  “Celine, you must promise me that when Lord Eddington arrives, you will say yes to his proposal.”

  “Mama!” Celine had never felt so betrayed in all her life. She stared at her mother in shock.

  Her mother pressed her hand gently. “Listen to me, my sweet daughter,” she said, waiting until Celine nodded. “My health is not what it was. Your father and I just want to see you safely married.”

  Tears falling down her cheeks, Celine nodded, unable to speak while her mother went on.

  “Your reputation is in tatters. This gentleman has agreed to marry you. You will never get another offer as good as this. Celine, you must promise me.”

  Celine swallowed. She knew that her mother was unwell. She knew that her father believed that he was doing the best that he could. She sniffled, nodding. “I promise, Mama.”

  “Good,” her mother said, relaxing. She patted Celine’s hand. “Good.”

  “So, I am getting married to a gentleman that I barely know,” Celine finished. Leon’s brow was creased in concern. He reached out, taking her hand.

  “My darling friend,” he said. “If you truly do not want to get married, then I shall help you get out of it.”

  “Truly, Leon?” she asked. Celine had secretly hoped that Leon would offer her help.

  “For certain!” he said, then leaned in, whispering so that they were not overheard. “I know of a ship, docked in Brighton right this moment. Soon, she will leave for America. I can make sure that the both o
f us will be on it. Just one word from you and I will ensure it happens.”

  Celine wiped at her cheeks, sighing with relief. “Leon, you are too good of a friend by far.”

  “Well, I cannot have you wed to a gentleman that you neither know nor love.” He raised a brow, waiting for her answer.

  “Yes, a thousand times, yes!” Celine covered her mouth with both hands and then laughed.

  “Good. I will go and book us passage,” Leon said, standing up. “The Petonia leaves tomorrow, in the morning. So you’ll need to meet me, out on the road toward Brighton, tonight at three of the clock. We’ll both board, then be on our way to America.”

  “Both of us?” Celine asked, suddenly realizing that he meant to come with her.

  “Of course. I want to see you to America safely. The only way that I can do that is if I go with you. We can pose as brother and sister.”

  “Oh, Leon. Thank you.” Celine stood, taking both of his hands in hers. She didn’t know how she’d gotten so lucky.

  “Anything to keep you happy, my dear friend. Not to mention, this is an excellent chance for me to visit another friend, who has been living in Boston. Two birds, one stone, so to speak.”

  He put on his hat, and then strode purposefully from the room. Celine gathered herself. She had to pack, and to plan. She also had to steal the locket, from her mother’s room, to bring to her Aunt Felicity.

  For the first time in months, Celine felt as though she were alive. Her pulse raced, and hope soared within her. There was no time to think. She just needed to act, before it was too late.

  Want to know how the story ends? Tap on the link below to read the rest of the story.

  https://amzn.to/2EiJRnn

  Thank you very much!

  Also by Olivia T. Bennet

  Thank you for reading Games of Desire for Lady Hellion!

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