Lord to Love Again: A Sweet and Clean Regency Romance

by Grace Sellers

  Caroline didn't expect to see Wolfolk at Howsham when they arrived there. She had no idea where he might have gone, but she doubted he put himself in her sphere after their last encounter. She hoped not anyway. She hadn’t needed to be reminded of her place in life, certainly not by him. She knew it all too well and was aware she would return there shortly.

  The sun was growing low in the sky as they turned into Howsham’s long drive. Caroline gently jostled Nelly awake as they approached, and then Nelly, in turn, woke Sutherland, finally having to shake him rather hard before his red-rimmed eyes opened. He mumbled something incoherent before he finally opened his eyes.

  “Are we there yet?” he said, wiping the back of his hand on his chin.

  “Soon,” Nelly said and smoothed his cravat. Caroline smoothed her skirts and tucked back frizzing wisps of hair on her head.

  Through the window glass, Caroline saw figures gathering on the lawn in front of the house. She guessed it was Lady and Lord Stanwyck and their children to greet them. It looked like a few guests joined them, as even from a distance, she could see a motley crew of people. Good lord, she hoped the entire household hadn’t been marched out on the lawn. That would just be embarrassing, considering the reason Nelly left was so scandalous.

  She eyed them as they got closer. Lord Stanwyck was there. Lady Stanwyck, too, looking neat and pretty in a sprigged muslin dress. She carried her plump baby in her arms and held hands with one of her younger children. Other various children chased each other on the lawn, shadowed by maids and nurses.

  Caroline took in all the people on the lawn and breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't see Nelly's mama anywhere, thank God. Perhaps luck was on their side, and they had beat her, after all.

  Nelly, too, craned her neck in the window, clearly trying to see the same thing.

  “Do you see mama?” Nelly whispered.

  “No.”

  No Wolfolk either, Caroline noted.

  Nelly grasped Sutherland’s hand tightly. “Mama’s not here yet,” she said gratefully.

  The carriage crunched to a halt in the drive, and a footman opened the door and lowered the stepping stairs.

  “Finally arrived!” someone called out cheerfully. Caroline thought it was Lord Stanwyck. “Miss Featherton! Miss Holland! And is it Mr. Sutherland? What a surprise!”

  Nelly exited the coach first. Caroline was still scanning the faces for Nelly’s mama. She didn’t see her. Relief washed through her as she took the footman’s hand and stepped out of the carriage. Lord and Lady Stanwyck smiled at her, and Lady Stanwyck pulled her in for a brief embrace.

  “So happy you’re all back,” she said. She turned to Nelly and took her hands. “We were so worried.” The young girls gathered around Nelly to admire her dress, and she smiled, happy to have them as an audience. Lady Stanwyck’s sister, Alice, even brought out Jezebel, the baby squirrel on a leash. “Look how we have trained her!” she said as the squirrel crawled up on her shoulder.

  Caroline exhaled with relief. Her hosts were friendly and seemed pleased to see them. They even contained the scandal by returning with Sutherland in tow. She allowed herself to smile at the children's antics and the way everyone spoke over each other, heartily greeting one another. Even Louis the dog was there, shedding red fur on her skirt and bounding around them. Howsham looked beautiful in the evening light. Candlelight twinkled through its stout windows.

  Then movement caught her eye as a couple descended the main stairs of the hall to her right and came toward them. She expected more friendly faces and happy greetings, but everyone around her stilled and grew quiet. She turned toward the advancing couple.

  Her throat caught.

  It was Nelly’s mama moving slowly across the grounds on Lord Wolfolk’s arm.

  Caroline's stomach plummeted.

  Nelly’s mama was here.

  The air went out of her lungs.

  “Mama!” Nelly shrieked and ran to her, embracing her.

  “My dear.” They hugged, and her mother cupped her face in her hands. “You have grown!”

  To her credit, Nelly pinkened. “Oh mama, it's only been a few weeks.”

  Mrs. Featherton smiled satisfactorily. “A mother knows when her child has grown. Even the smallest amount.”

  Lord Stanwyck stepped forward to introduce Nelly's mama to Mr. Sutherland. She eyed him curiously, her gaze sweeping over his slightly rumpled travel clothes.

  “Madam,” he took her hand. “It is the greatest honor meeting you.” he bowed dramatically and brought her gloved hand to his lips. “Please forgive my slovenly traveling appearance.”

  Caroline stopped herself from rolling her eyes.

  Then, to Caroline’s surprise, Wolfolk stepped forward.

  The Silent Earl was talking. Voluntarily.

  “Mr. Sutherland was a member of my regiment during the war,” Alexander said to Mrs. Featherton in his baritone voice. “He saved many lives.”

  “Another war hero?” Mrs. Featherton said, simpering like a girl. “It is my pleasure.” Her smile dimpled just like Nelly’s.

  Wolfolk ignored Caroline, which she pretended not to notice. She wasn’t surprised, but as always when she was in his presence, his height, his broad shoulders, his crop of curling black hair—essentially all the things that made him him—affected her. It was as though he altered the very air she breathed. She couldn't ignore him. Her body wouldn't let her.

  Finally, Mrs. Featherton’s gaze fell to Caroline. Her smile faded, but she nodded to her.

  “Miss Holland,” she said curtly, taking Stanwyck’s arm, and turning away.

  “Do show me more of Howsham, please,” she said in a girlish high voice.

  When everyone turned away, Caroline finally exhaled.

  Wolfolk had made a point of not looking at directly Caroline, but now that everyone was going into the house, he made an excuse to Mrs. Featherton and pulled Caroline to the side. He needed to speak with her as soon as possible.

  “Miss Holland, may I have a word?”

  She turned, swallowed, and made her way to him. He was again struck by the color of her eyes in the sunlight. Somewhere between grey and blue. He needed to stop noticing attractive details on her.

  “How long have you been here?” she whispered.

  He smiled at her practicality. She wasted not a moment.

  “I arrived only just before Mrs. Featherton, but we have been able to convince her that you and Nelly are returning from a simple trip to see Beverly Ministry with Mr. Sutherland. Lord and Lady Stanwyck are aware of the circumstances. They, of course, are going along with the story.”

  Carolyn exhaled in a long breath. She looked uncertain.

  “Nelly’s mama believes that?”

  “She has no reason to believe otherwise, and the only guest who knew was Mrs. Ruffalo and her friend, and she understands what's at stake for Miss Featherton.”

  Caroline's nodded and touched a hand to her forehead, then smiled a little.

  “I’m amazed,” she said. “Speechless, really.”

  Her reaction pleased him, but he schooled his face not to show it.

  “Sutherland must marry Miss Featherton. That is the condition on which everything hinges.”

  “Yes, of course. Does Mrs. Featherton know this?”

  Wolfolk shook his head.

  “No, but the groundwork is being laid. Thanks in large part to Lord and Lady Stanwyck.”

  Carolyn nodded again.

  They entered Howsham’s great hall together, their foot fall's echoed on the marble floors as the others disappeared into the drawing room. Then her brow creased again.

  “I must thank them,” she said. “ And you.” She looked at him earnestly. “ I'm not sure why you've done all this for us.”

  For you, he thought but didn’t say.

  “Miss Featherton’s life shouldn’t be ruined due to her and Sutherland’s actions. She is young but not irredeemable.”

  Caroline blinked, and for a mome
nt he wondered if she was all right.

  She looked down at where she was twisting her hands. Maybe she was still furious with him. Not that he could blame her. When she looked up at him again, tears gathered in her eyes.

  Had he said something that made her cry again? His stomach tightened.

  “Are you unwell?”

  “No,” she said quickly. “I'm just grateful for what everyone's done. I'm not sure how we can repay it.”

  He cleared his throat carefully. “No one wanted Miss Featherton’s reputation ruined by Sutherland.”

  “Yes, of course. You don't like him, do you?”

  Alexander pressed his lips together to avoid answering for a moment. “We go back a long time. I believe we've seen the good and bad of each other.”

  She studied him carefully. “That's a magnanimous answer.”

  He shrugged half-heartedly.

  “Despite what philosophers say, battle is not always the best showcase for a man's character.” Then more quietly, he added, “And sometimes things happen quite unexpectedly.”

  Carolyn nodded thoughtfully. They had reached the foot of the great mahogany stairs. A maid hurried past them.

  He marveled again at her face, her lips’ perfect cupid’s bow. It stung his heart for a moment, but he brushed it away.

  “Thank you,” she said and touched his sleeve briefly. Then she stepped ahead of him up the stairs.

  “It was nothing,” he answered to no one, fingering the sleeve where her fingers had been moments before.

  Caroline’s personal items had been moved, she noticed. The bed she slept on was neatly made, but several, unfamiliar trunks were placed next to it. Hanging from the wardrobe was a big, lacy, yellow, multi-ruffled dress. A monstrosity, really.

  Where were her things?

  A maid passed by.

  “Mum, your personals are in the small bedroom upstairs. Mrs. Featherton wanted to share her daughter’s room.”

  Caroline felt her mouth twist but fought it.

  “Yes, of course. Thank you.”

  The maid curtsied and left the room.

  Small bedroom upstairs? That didn't sound promising.

  She trudged upstairs to the floor that was mostly servants’ quarters. The wood on the staircase lost its glossy paint and became plain and natural. That was logical, there was no reason for painted wood for servant’s quarters. This is where she belonged, she reminded herself. But then she had been enjoying the perks of her companionship with Nelly for some time now. And Nelly's mother was now here.

  The room was small and sparse with a small, low bed and worn, simple desk. A window overlooked the green park below. No shiny door knobs or sparkling vases holding fresh flowers here. She sat on the bed and wondered if she would be fired or if Wolfolk’s efforts would stave it off. She should feel grateful towards him, and if she were honest, she did, but a part of her still felt dismayed. How could he shift from kissing her to reminding her of her place in the same instant? Maybe that was how aristocrats’ brains worked, but hers certainly didn't. She remembered the way his lashes touched his cheeks and his warmth as he closed his eyes to kiss her and shivered. How could she feel such longing and such derision for one person at the same time? She pictured his handsome, severe face and swallowed her exasperation. She wanted to hate him, but she couldn't. She had to admit he'd done considerable service for Nelly and her.

  She just wondered why.

  After dinner, the men and women separated into different rooms, and Caroline followed the women to a drawing room where a fire roared in the hearth. Despite the season, the evening was cool again, and the hearth radiated a welcome warmth. At dinner, Nelly's mama had said little to Caroline but sent cool looks in her direction. Mrs. Featherton had been seated next to Sutherland and hung on his every word. Nelly also was delighted by his colorful stories and humorous anecdotes. He retold the story of saving them from the highwayman several times at Wolfolk’s expense. Besides Caroline, only Wolfolk was silent and observant throughout most of the meal.

  There in the sitting room, she was seated next to Lady Stanwyck and Nelly, who was going into great detail about the new ribbons she needed.

  “We will go to town tomorrow and find all the ribbons you need, Cornelia,” Nelly's mama told her, patting her arm. “Now that you have someone here to help guide your tastes.”

  At that, Lady Stanwyck slanted a look to Caroline and seemed to bite back a smile.

  “The stores in town may not carry the selection of London’s shops, but it should suffice for your needs,” Lady Stanwyck said.

  Mrs. Featherton smiled. “I certainly hope so,” she said, picking up another lemon tea cake from the tray. “You know, when I arrived yesterday and was told Nelly had traveled to Beverly with her companion and a gentleman, I was quite surprised, but then Wolfolk assured me it was all very well chaperoned and proper, and I was not so perturbed. Wolfolk is a very nice man, but I had no idea that his land was in such dire financial straits. His home is entirely entailed and cannot be sold. Originally, I was hoping he and Nelly might take to each other, but now, knowing the state of his home, I am glad they did not.” She smiled knowingly and put the tea cake in her mouth.“That is the problem with some nobility. They cannot keep up with their expenses. Shocking, really.” Her eyes widened dramatically.

  Mrs. Featherton shook her head again. “Sounds as though Wolfolk’s next bride needs to be flush with cash as her money will go into his estate. I do feel a bit sorry for the lady who’ll marry him,” she said as though she never plotted with Caroline to land him for Nelly.

  Lady Stanwyck turned to include Caroline in the conversation.

  “How did you enjoy the Beverley Minster?”

  Caroline swallowed and cleared her throat. “It was very nice.” She, of course, had never laid eyes on it. “Very impressive.” She took a quick gulp of tea so she couldn’t say more.

  “Yes, Wolfolk told us all about it,” Lady Stanwyck said and nodded at Caroline pointedly. “He said everyone quite enjoyed themselves.”

  Caroline knew that Lady Stanwyck knew they hadn’t gone to the Minster in Beverley, but she was boosting the story’s credibility by repeating it, and she was grateful for it.

  “Yes,” Caroline said and wracked her brain for details to share. “We found a lovely inn in a village nearby. It was pleasant.”

  “That’s what Wolfolk said,” Lady Stanwyck said.

  Lady Stanwyck studied her. Caroline felt the gaze and looked down at the teacup in her hand.

  “I need more tea. Anyone else?” She stood up and moved briskly to the tea cart and took a long time pouring and stirring her tea, hoping the conversation would be forgotten quickly.

  After several minutes, she was joined by Lady Stanwyck, this time by herself. Mrs. Featherton was across the room in conversation with Nelly and another woman. Lady Stanwyck allowed a servant to pour her another cup of tea.

  “Seems as though no one suspects Nelly’s jaunt with Sutherland,” Lady Stanwyck said, smiling outwardly and speaking quietly.

  Caroline inhaled slowly. She knew Lady Stanwyck’s help had been crucial for selling the story to Nelly’s mama. She also knew any hint of the truth could ruin both Nelly and her.

  “Yes, and I am quite grateful for all your help, Lady Stanwyck. I’m not sure I can ever thank you enough.”

  “You needn’t thank me,” she said and smiled kindly. “I have done almost nothing. It has all been Wolfolk’s doing. He came up with the story and worked hard to convince others”.

  Caroline fought to process what Lady Stanwyck was saying. “Why would he do that?”

  Caroline looked up from her lap at Lady Stanwyck, who studied her face carefully.

  “My only guess is that he did not want to be considered for Nelly, thus is allowing Sutherland to play the hero and upstage him. He has also praised your behavior to the hills,” Lady Stanwyck said.

  Something caught in Caroline’s throat, and she felt she couldn’t swallow
.

  “I suspect he did not want to marry Nelly. Perhaps he has feelings for someone else.”

  Caroline stopped, pulse pounding. Lady Stanwyck’s social graces were so smooth and effortless that she was able to have a private conversation with Caroline and still smile and nod pleasantly at the other ladies in the room, which she did now. Caroline couldn't help but admire her.

  “I know you may be leaving soon. But I thought you should know,” she said quietly while setting down her teacup.

  21

  After dinner, Wolfolk enjoyed his brandy with the other men and was grateful that Stanwyck did most of the talking. Still, he felt satisfied that he had arranged things so they reflected well on Caroline, Nelly and even Sutherland, despite their secret near elopement. He and the Stanwyck's agreed that no one needed to know the truth about it.

  After the men left the library, Stanwyck suggested he and Wolfolk privately enjoy another brandy before retiring to bed. Wolfolk went to pour another glass, but Stanwyck waved him off.

  “I’ve a bottle of cognac in my personal cabinet in the hall. I hide it there so John doesn’t pilfer it. Fifteen is too young for the good booze,” Stanwyck said with a wry smile.

  Alexander nodded.

  A knock on the door surprised both of them.

  Stanwyck opened it. It was Sutherland looking rather sheepish.

  “Eight. You wanted to speak. Come in.” Stanwyck moved out of the way so Sutherland could enter. Stanwyck looked at Alexander. “You don't mind, do you?”

  Alexander shrugged and shook his head. “Not at all.”

  He did mind and was disappointed to see Sutherland back in their inner sanctum, but he said nothing.

  “I'll grab the cognac,” Alexander offered, hoping Sutherland would speak briefly and be on his way.

  Stanwyck nodded. “It’s in the cabinet just outside the door upper shelf.”

  Alexander stepped out of the room and to the dark cabinet across from Stanwyck’s office, a hidden spot under the main staircase. One had to enter the space several feet and let one's eyes adjust to the darkness to be able to view the cabinet. Bloody good hiding place, really.