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

by Aria Norton

  “Freddi? You seem bothered by something. Perhaps trying on these dresses will put a smile back on your face again.”

  Freddi looked helplessly at Nash. “But Nash, I do not wish you to waste any money on me.”

  “Pish, posh, do not worry yourself about that, I assure you that I am fine.”

  Mrs Tallman chuckled. “Lord Salisbury, she will make you a wonderful wife! Look how concerned she is about your state of affairs, most women would jump at the chance to have new dresses without a thought to the purse strings.”

  Most women are not pretending to be engaged. I see that I shall not win this round. Mrs Plume, the dressmaker, stood silently by, watching the interaction between them.

  “Very well. Which dress do you think will flatter the most?”

  “I have always been partial to white, Miss Dunn, but the pink would also be a lovely choice. Which do you prefer, Lord Salisbury?”

  He stood up from his chair, coming to stand where the dressmaker had laid out the dresses.

  “Something lovely, soft, and feminine will look stunning on Freddi. I daresay all the dresses will be marvellous, but let us start with the pink one. Mrs Plume, do you have accessories to match the dress? Perhaps a bonnet or shawl?”

  “I do believe that I have a lovely bonnet, my Lord. One moment while I fetch it.”

  "My Lord," said Mrs Tallman. "Let your lady fit the dress before you add accessories, yes? She must feel confident in it, or else it is pointless. Come, Miss Dunn, I shall help you to the dressing room."

  As the chaperone escorted her to the room, Freddi sent up a prayer of thanks that she had on her best undergarments. The others had been patched up so many times that it was embarrassing. Once in the room, Mrs Tallman's chatter intensified.

  “What a wonderful fiancée you have, Miss Dunn, or may I call you Frederica? It is a lovely name, although it does not sound of English origin. Perhaps German? Are you part German? You may call me Edwina, I rather like the sound of my name.”

  This woman would drive anyone mad, but she means well enough. Mrs Tallman helped her into the dress, securing the laces at the back.

  “Thank goodness that we do not have the cumbersome corset, it was a necessity in my day. But you, my dear, have a lovely figure, you wouldn’t need it even if it were still fashionable. Although I daresay that it shall make its way back into our wardrobes soon enough. Too many women’s waists are extending at an alarming rate.”

  Freddi made no comment, for her mind was occupied with confusing thoughts that rendered her silent. I do not know how to feel about all of this fuss. So many things have to be taken care of just to keep up with this farce of an engagement. Nash had paid for everything thus far, from the carriage ride to their lodgings, and now these dresses. I am not comfortable knowing that my presence is costing him a pretty penny, if only he had left me behind. Freddi came to attention when her chaperone gasped.

  “What has happened, Edwina? Are you ill?”

  The woman's hands were clasped before her, her eyes misty. “What a vision you are, Freddi. This dress appears to have been made just for you.”

  Frowning, Freddi stepped in front of a floor-length mirror. There, standing before her, was a woman she did not recognise. Oh my, I look quite different. It is said that clothing does not make a man, but clearly, a dress makes a woman. Freddi the maid was gone, and in her place was a woman who looked good enough to be on the arm of a man like Nash.

  “Come, my dear, let us show you off to your intended.”

  A wave of mild anxiety came over her. What would Nash think about her? Would he approve? Edwina led her out of the room, announcing her to their small audience. Freddi did not immediately look at Nash; she kept her gaze averted.

  “Mr Salisbury, is your fiancée not the most beautiful woman in all of England? You have chosen well.”

  When Nash said nothing, Freddi looked at him. His gaze was trained on hers, unmoving. She bit back a smile, pushing a wayward tendril away from her face.

  “Nash? Does this dress please you?”

  “You look simply amazing, Freddi,” he breathed.

  Freddi found it more difficult to hide her smile this time, so she let it be.

  “See how radiant she is, Lord Salisbury,” said Edwina. “There is no doubt in my mind that you are a couple in love.” She sighed. “Such young love is a gem to find.”

  Nash did not bother to hide his admiration, and she could see that he was not pretending. Freddi looked away as she felt her heart race, so overwhelmed was she by his reaction. He affects me so, I can hardly breathe. Freddi's mother had once told her that when she fell in love, she would know it by five things. Three of them would be physical reactions; namely damp palms, a racing heart, and a constant need to blush. The last two involved a need for approval from the man she loved and a need to always be near him.

  Freddi was experiencing all of this and more, wiping out any doubt that she might have had concerning her feelings for Nash. I love him, I genuinely love him. She may be a fool for doing so as they had no future together, but the heart could not be reasoned with. I shall cherish the time we shall spend together, and when we part ways, I shall always have these memories with me. Edwina broke the silence, her cheerful voice filling the room.

  “Perhaps we can try another dress, Lord Salisbury?”

  Nash cleared his throat. “Yes, yes, another dress.”

  “Splendid! Come, my dear, on to the next one.”

  Freddi was pulled into the room, but she could not help but look behind her, her eyes locking with Nash’s. Does he feel the same way?

  ***

  Nash could not be certain of how Willoughby would receive them. To make matters worse, he was going there with Freddi beside him, claiming her to be his fiancée. Willoughby is a stickler for propriety and rank. He believes that like should be with like, and Freddi is a maid. No, she used to be a maid, but she can be so much more. Her intelligence surpassed many of the women within his own circles, and it was not fair that one woman without a clue in her head could be favoured more than a woman with so much to offer the world. I have all the confidence in the world that she will pass as a lady, but what if I should be the one to say something wrong? I have not seen him in some time, I do not know if he will receive us. After all, he was no longer the heir to the Blackmore Estate, he was a working man. Many people were aware that Lord Blackmore had taken away his son's inheritance; that was social suicide in some circles.

  “What a lovely day this has been,” Edwina commented. She leaned closer to Freddi. “I must say that your beauty has certainly silenced your fiancé, Freddi. I have not heard a squeak out of him all morning.”

  Whether or not the woman intended for him to hear her, Nash did not know, but she was partly right. He had been bowled over by Freddi's transformation. He had always believed her beautiful, but seeing her in the soft pink dress had only enhanced her loveliness.

  Nash wished to take her to the best eating establishment in London just to see her wear that dress again, but that would depend on the success of the investigation. Edwina had helped Freddi choose a few more practical dresses, one of which she wore now.

  “We shall reach Lord Curtis' manor in a little while,” he put out.

  Nash noticed how Freddi's hands tensed when he said that. She is nervous. She, too, understands that our lie must not be discovered. Willoughby would have received his letter already and should be prepared for their arrival. All too soon, they drew up to the gate, and a guard immediately came out to meet them.

  “Good day,” Nash greeted. “Lord Salisbury to see Lord Curtis.”

  “My Lord, Lord Curtis informed me of your arrival. Please, go through.”

  That was a good sign. Nash thanked him, driving the hired open-roof carriage in. All the expenses were beginning to add up, and he did not know how much farther his money would take him. I hope that Willoughby is able to help me, or I shall embarrass myself before Freddi. Soon, they were escorted into the
drawing-room where Willoughby sat, with his friend standing up when he saw them.

  “Nash! It is good to see you again, old friend.”

  Nash was encouraged by his friend's warm greeting. “And you, old fellow. It has been too long.”

  "Indeed, it has." Willoughby looked to his side. "And who are these beautiful women?"

  Nash could hear Edwina's giggle, but Freddi remained silent, her face giving away nothing.

  “Willoughby, allow me to introduce you to my fiancée, Miss Frederica Dunn, and her chaperone, Mrs Edwina Tallman.”

  “Pleasure to meet you both, although I must say that this has come as a surprise, Nash. I did not expect to find you engaged so soon after returning to England.”

  Nash did not falter at the hidden question; he had come prepared to answer anything that his friend might throw at him.

  “Freddi and I have known each other for many years. It was always my intention to return home and take her as my wife.”

  Willoughby raised his eyebrows. “Indeed? That sounds like a sweet love story in the making. Come, sit down, we have much to discuss.”

  Nash helped Freddi and Edwina to a seat, settling on one close to where Willoughby sat.

  “Refreshments are needed,” said Willoughby. “Would you care for some tea?”

  "Tea would be lovely, Lord Curtis," Edwina answered. "And I must say what a splendid home you have."

  “Thank you, Mrs Tallman, your compliment is much appreciated.”

  “Oh, please, do call me Edwina?”

  “Very well, Edwina.”

  If I did not know any better, I would think that Edwina is quite taken by Willoughby. She is a married woman, she had best keep her distance. Nash hoped that he had chosen the right woman as a chaperone; he did not want the wrong sort influencing his sweet Freddi.

  "While the women have a spot of tea, do you think that we could go elsewhere to talk?"

  “Yes, of course,” Willoughby agreed. “Right this way.”

  As Nash passed Freddi, he noted how rigidly she sat in her chair. I know that she is afraid that we shall be found out, but Willoughby seemed reasonably happy to see us. Perhaps he had believed our lie. He entered Willoughby's study behind him, shutting the door firmly. They both sat down, the leather chairs welcoming their weight.

  “So, you shall soon be a married man, old friend? How did this come about?”

  “Freddi is my childhood sweetheart, and I thought it time to marry her.”

  “Oddly, I have not heard anything about your engagement. Does your father know about it?”

  Nash could see that he would have to tell Willoughby something of their circumstance, but not all.

  “My father does not approve of her, Willoughby, and that is why I have come to London with her.”

  Willoughby sighed nodding. "I thought as much. You have a challenging journey ahead of you, Nash, but I am happy for you. I can see that you both love each other, I only hope that your love can withstand the trials ahead."

  "Nothing will keep me from Freddi, nothing. I have lived for many years without her, I shall not do so again."

  "Good, good, keep that determination- you will need it. If there is anything that you need from me, you let me know. I would like to help both of you make your marriage a reality."

  That surprised him. “Truly?”

  “Yes. Now, tell me about this matter concerning your father. I am sorry to say that I am not surprised that someone would wish to take their revenge in such a way. Lord Blackmore has not been the most upright of men in the business realm.”

  "I know. It did not take me long to find out precisely what people felt about him. The problem is that I have yet to meet someone who would actually send those death threats. That is why I am in London, as I believe that I might find some answers here."

  “Do you have any leads? We must start somewhere.”

  “Yes. Do you know Lord Cecil Ayles?”

  Willoughby nodded. "I do not think that there is a Londoner who does not know him. Does your father suspect him?”

  “No, but I cannot rule him out either. Apparently, he and my father had a duel some years ago, but he did not tell me the nature of the duel. All I know is that Lord Ayles lost to my father."

  “Do you think that the man seeks revenge after all these years? I know Lord Ayles rather well, and I cannot imagine him doing such a thing. He is a gentleman through and through.”

  Could Willoughby be right? Was he about to embark on another wild goose chase? I cannot know until I see him.

  "I only wish to speak to him, then I shall see if he indeed poses a threat to my father. I wish to leave no stone unturned, Willoughby, my future depends on this. My father has promised to return my inheritance if I am able to solve this matter for him. I must succeed for Freddi's sake; she deserves to only have the best."

  “She means so much to you?”

  “More than life itself.”

  Willoughby smiled. “It has been a while since I have seen a love as pure, selfless, and strong as yours, Nash. Does Freddi feel the same way?”

  Nash did not answer right away. Did she feel the same way about him? All evidence pointed to it, but she had yet to say anything to him. Neither have I, but that does not change how I feel about her. To show love is more important than to feel it, as feelings are so fickle.

  “Yes, she feels the same way.”

  “That took you a while to answer. Why is that?”

  “It would have been easy to give an immediate yes, but saying that you love someone is not enough. Rather, I began to think about the way she treats me, how she cares about me. I think of all the times we have spent together, and how well we suit each other. That means more to me than merely saying 'I love you.' Freddi does love me because she has shown it, and that is all the confirmation I need.”

  Although it would be nice to hear her say it. Perhaps one day, preferably soon.

  “You are fortunate, indeed. Well, there is still time to make a trip to Lord Ayles. He will likely be at home as he hardly ventures out anymore. It is terrible of me not to have called on him in so long, but I shall kill two birds with one stone today. Are you prepared to go?”

  “You would take me today?”

  “That is the plan. The women can stay behind while we make a trip to his manor, I do not think that we shall be too long. Lord Ayles, thankfully, does not waffle when he speaks, he always gets to the point.”

  “That suits me even better. I still would like to spend some time with my fiancée while we are in London.”

  Willoughby nodded. “That is understandable. Come, let us be on our way, or would you like something to drink? I apologise, I did not think to offer you some wine or brandy.”

  “Perhaps a little wine to toast to the success of the mission?”

  “You have read my mind, Nash.”

  Willoughby poured the wine, tapping his glass with Nash's. “To true love, justice, happy endings, and revived friendships.”

  “I second that,” said Nash.

  As he drank the wine, Nash wondered how Freddi was faring. I wish that I could take all her worries away, I hate to see her anxious. The success of the investigation would be sure to put a smile on her face, he just hoped that seeing Lord Ayles would not be a great waste of his time.