Risking it All for a Lady's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Aria Norton

  “How is your leg, Nash? I am happy to see you walking. 'Tis a miracle.”

  “No, not a miracle, but hard work. I must go.”

  Nash did not wish to discuss his leg within the hearing of his father. He did not want the man to know how hard he had worked to be able to walk again, the pain he had endured just to prove a point to everyone. Also, he had wanted to walk again for Freddi, to one day ask for her hand in marriage.

  Nash had not forgotten about her, not for a moment. But it seems that she has forgotten about me. He had wanted to amass enough money to make her proud, to come to her as a successful self-made man who she could be proud of. Nash was not in the position to propose to her just yet, but he had needed to come back home only to see that she was all right.

  Now that he knew she was well, he could return to France and continue his work. He had not given up on her yet, and he doubted that he ever would. She may be angry with me now for whatever reason she has cooked up in her mind, but I shall return and take her as my wife, that is a promise.

  “I hope that you will come and see us again, Nash. This house is not the same without you.”

  He smiled sadly. “We shall see, Stepmother. Take care.”

  Nash squeezed her hands before leaving her, walking straight out of the house and into the sunlight. It had been stifling in the house, but here he could breathe easily. He could never return to Blackmore and live here, never again.

  His father had made sure of that. I am no longer that young boy who was at the mercy of his father, I am a man who is forging his own destiny. I shall not return to the ways of the past, they have served me no purpose other than to cause pain. The sooner everyone understood that, the better.

  Chapter 3

  Freddi was escorted out by the butler, and none too politely either.

  "It would be better if you did not darken these doorsteps again," the man said. "We do not hire your kind here."

  “My kind? Sir, please, I do not understand what it is that you mean.”

  “Perhaps your former employer could enlighten you.”

  “Lord Blackmore? It is you that I am seeking employment from, sir.”

  The butler stared down his nose at her. “Insolent girl! You were dismissed from your previous position for unspeakable activities on your part. It is a wonder that Lord Blackmore kept you as long as he did! It is fortunate that your parents never came to know of the calibre of daughter they had, or they might have died from shame, may their souls rest in peace.”

  The man was taking this a step too far. How dare he speak of her parents and seek to taint her reputation with such words? Freddi could not comprehend the thoughts in the butler's head, but she did know that she did not deserve any of this.

  “You are mistaken, sir. My parents have always spoken about me with pride and with good reason. I have never done a despicable act in my life!”

  “Do you think that anyone would believe a girl such as yourself? Miss Dunn, it is best that you leave now or I shall have you thrown off this property, the decision is yours to make.”

  Freddi felt her nose grow hot as she struggled to keep her tears in check. This was the fourth day already, and still, she had not found employment or a place to live. Each potential employer had turned her away for the same reason, and yet she was not aware of this reason.

  She walked away from the man, looking at no one as she left Kingsmead Estate. Where was she to go now? Freddi had spent the last four days seeking employment wherever she could find it, but her efforts were in vain as each person chased her away from their homes. Not one would give her a reason, only telling her that her character left much to be desired.

  “I have been a stellar employee, I have never given anyone cause for worry. What has happened that they would treat me so unkindly?”

  Freddi felt like a leper that no one wished to go near, and it was a terrible feeling indeed. Not even Caroline had been able to help her as their staff was complete. Someone must have said something about her, but who? How else could everyone she sought work from turn her away? Alfriston was not a large town, it was easy for word to get around, and it seemed that a bad word had been spoken of her.

  It was not so long ago that everyone had a good word for me, and now it seems that no one wishes to speak to me.

  The one name that seemed to come up frequently was Lord Blackmore. Had he possibly said something about her? But he has not left the estate in some days. Freddi walked a little further until she could walk no more. The blisters on her feet were protesting, and she was parched. She looked for a place to sit, spying a crudely made bench nearby.

  Hobbling over, she noticed a few stares from the town's people, but when she raised her hand in greeting, they quickly looked away. Frowning, she reached the seat, sitting down with a sigh. A familiar figure appeared around the corner of the workshop, whistling a happy tune. She groaned when she realised that it was Duncan heading her way.

  I cannot get up again to run, I have only just sat down! Please, do not let him bother me for I truly do not have the patience this day.

  She put her head down, watching him from the corner of her eye. To her surprise, not only did he not look her way, but he also crossed the road to walk on the other side.

  That is strange. I should feel relief, but I do not. It seems as though he were avoiding me. Freddi decided to call out to him. “Duncan!”

  The young man paused, almost turning around, but he seemed to change his mind and walked even faster.

  What on earth! What bee has crawled into his hat? He is quite near running away!

  Had he also heard something about her? It seemed likely. Goodness, the man that always bothered me no matter how many times I rejected him is the one running away from me today! What a peculiar change of events. Freddi looked around her, seeing the town quite deserted if but for a few people walking in and out of shops. Each and every one of them avoided eye contact with her, keeping their distance. Perhaps it was somewhat amusing at first, but now it is positively alarming! What has happened?

  This must be the work of Lord Blackmore. I would not put it past him to besmirch my name to gain some sort of revenge against me. This has not happened by chance, and it coincides with him ending my employment.

  Yes, it was undoubtedly him. Freddi imagined that he had sent one of his men to taint her name among the town's people, closing the doors of employment in any other household.

  “Wretched man! Is it not enough that I have recently lost my parents? He wishes to see me suffer, I know it.”

  Freddi listed all that had happened to her, her voice cracking but she forged ahead.

  “Mama and Papa left me, Lord Blackmore has asked me to leave, I drove away my childhood friend out of anger, I cannot find a job as Lord Blackmore has made sure of it, and the town's people refuse to speak with me.”

  Which of those was the worst out of the lot? It was difficult to choose. I might as well be dead as well for all the good that living will do for me.

  “My dear, what a surprise to find you here.”

  Freddi started at the voice, taken aback by the fact that someone was speaking to her. She looked up, seeing Mr Down standing before her.

  “Mr Down. How are you?”

  “Well, now that I have seen you. What are you doing here, my dear? Is it your day off from Blackmore?”

  Could it be that he does not know what has happened? It seemed that all of Alfriston was aware of her dismissal, how was it that he did not hear of it?

  “I am afraid not, Mr Down. But if it is all the same to you, I would prefer not to speak of it.”

  The older man nodded. “Yes, of course. Sit there a while, I shall bring you something to drink.”

  “Would you? You are kind, Mr Down.”

  Freddi watched him disappear into his workshop, glad that someone had spoken to her kindly. Will he treat me thus once he discovers the lie that people are unjustly holding against me? Perhaps not as the man had known her since she was a l
ittle girl. Mr Down was one of the town's cobblers, a good man in his fifties. He had often come to Blackmore Estate to do work there, but strangely that had come to a stop quite suddenly.

  The man had also been a good friend to her father, often coming to the cottage to speak with him. Freddi was fond of him as a woman would be fond of an uncle for he had always behaved well towards her. He had come to her parents’ funeral, paying his last respects and speaking a few words to her afterwards. Freddi could not remember what he had said for she had been numb that day, her mind still reeling in shock that she had just laid her parents to rest.

  He will have said a few lovely words about them, I am sure. He is a good man, Papa would always say so.

  It did strike her as odd that he had not been to the cottage in quite some time, perhaps a year or two. Or was it more? This has never occurred to me before, why should I think on it now? He may have been busy, or perhaps I simply did not see him come to see Papa as I would have been working in the house.

  There was likely a reasonable explanation as to why the cobbler had ceased to come to the cottage; Freddi would not put it past Lord Blackmore to have forbidden the man from entering his gate. Such a man is he, always given into sudden rages. 'Tis no wonder that Nash would not return home. Nash. Had he left yet? He had been heading to the house, perhaps he would stay for a day or two.

  “Here you are, my dear.”

  Freddi jumped, nearly knocking the cup out of Mr Down's hand. She had not heard the cobbler approach her, had she been so absorbed in her thoughts?

  “Goodness! I am dreadfully sorry, Mr Down, I did not hear you.”

  The man smiled, revealing a few missing teeth. “Do not fret, my dear, I am well-known to have a soft foot. Drink up, I would not want you to faint from thirst.”

  Freddi brought the cup to her mouth, gulping down the liquid. It was not cold, but it would do. She drank halfway, dabbing at her mouth when a little droplet escaped her lips. Lowering the cup, she encountered the intense stare of the cobbler.

  “Thank you, Mr Down, it is wonderfully refreshing.”

  “No need to thank me, my dear, 'twas nothing. Have you finished?”

  “Not quite. Do you need the cup?”

  He shook his head. “No, no, I was merely asking.”

  Freddi found herself shrinking back into the bench when the man sat down beside her, resting his hands on his knees. I do not know why I feel uncomfortable, but his nearness is alarming. He remained quiet for some time, only staring out at the sky. Freddi looked there as well, seeing nothing. What has grabbed his attention so? Mr Down turned to look at her, his eyes unsettling.

  “My dear, are you not fearful of living alone?”

  “I do not think so, Mr Down. I have not given it much thought.”

  “It is terrible that you will no longer have your home.”

  She sighed. “I see that you have also heard of my predicament.”

  “Yes, my dear. What a horrendous thing that man has done! You have served him faithfully for so many years, as have your parents, but he has not taken any of this into consideration. How dare he tell you to leave your home?”

  “He is well within his rights, Mr Down, Blackmore Estate is his. You are aware that a servant has no voice in the decision of his or her Master.”

  "Men like him must be brought to task! But what can a simple cobbler like myself do? I am hardly a match for a powerful man such as he is."

  Mr Down was quite right. No one would be able to stand up to Lord Blackmore; he was not a man to be trifled with.

  "I would never ask such a thing of you, Mr Down, this is my cross to bear, and I shall deal with it."

  The man gave her a sympathetic smile, patting her hand. The sensation of his palm touching the back of her hand was not a good feeling at all. Freddi moved her hand away, using the same hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. The man paused, frowning slightly. What do I say? He does not look impressed. He was trying to offer comfort, but I cannot help how I feel. Her discomfort level was rising by the minute, and she wished to be gone.

  “'Tis a shame that I cannot wear the full mourning garment, Mr Down. I can only wear this ribbon, but I know that my parents would not mind such a trivial matter. It is the heart that one should look at.”

  "Too true, my dear. However, if you feel that you wish to wear full mourning attire, I would be happy to purchase it for you."

  “Oh, no, Mr Down, that would surely be too much.” She quickly stood up. “I must leave, but I thank you for the refreshment and a kind word- it is much appreciated.”

  “Do not hurry, my dear, sit a while longer.”

  The cobbler patted the seat beside him, sending her into a panic. No, Frederica, do calm down! This man will do nothing to you. Freddi ignored her instincts and sat down, keeping to her end as much as possible. I cannot comprehend my strange reactions to Mr Down, he has never hurt me.

  “I know that you are looking for work, Frederica. Have you managed to find employment?”

  “Not yet, but I am still hopeful.”

  “A young woman such as yourself should not have to deal with the world alone, my dear.”

  “But I must and I will, Mr Down.”

  “I insist that you call me Richard, my dear.”

  Freddi blinked. “Mr Down?”

  “No, not Mr Down, but Richard. We have known each other for many years, and you are no longer a little girl but a beautiful young woman.”

  “Well, I, I...”

  What should she say? How should she respond? Goodness, he has caught me unawares with his request.

  “I see that you are a bit taken aback, but you shall soon get used to it.”

  She smiled, the movement tight. “Yes, I am sure.”

  Mr Down leaned back on the bench, stretching his arms out. His shirt strained against the bulge of his stomach, his buttons on the verge of popping. Goodness, he best stop that or we shall both be embarrassed. Thankfully, he put his arms down, his poor shirt receiving much breathing space.

  “What if you should not find employment?” he asked.

  “I shall cross that bridge when I come to it.”

  "It is always best to look to the future and plan for it as best you can, Frederica. I am a planning man myself." He raised his hand, setting it perpendicular to his face. "I set a goal, and I work towards it with a singlemindedness not seen in young men today." Mr Down gave a bark of laughter, placing his hand back on his knee. "I suppose that we cannot expect women to be the same, am I right? Women are meant to be taken care of and keep a home to take care of their family."

  Freddi found that she did not like his comment, she did not like it at all.

  “Not all women are the same. Some require a man to take care of them, others are able to take care of themselves.”

  “Nonsense, my dear. All women are taken care of by either a husband or the male of her family. You cannot take care of yourself, it is best that you marry.”

  Freddi grit her teeth. 'Tis men such as he that keep women from reaching their full potential. She bit back a retort, remembering that he was her elder and an old friend of her father’s.

  “It was lovely speaking with you once again, but I find that I must go home. There is still much to do before I leave Blackmore Estate.”

  “Just a moment, Frederica, I would like to present a solution to your problem.”