The Trouble With These Gentlemen (The BainBridge - Love & Challenges) (The Regency Romance Story)

by Jessie Bennett

  Her uncle shook his head back and forth, putting both large hands on her small shoulders. “That will not be necessary, my dear. As the executor of the will and knowing my brother the way I did, I will insist that the clause be overlooked. I think it is what your father would have wanted. I’ve spoken to the bankers about it and they have agreed to see it my way.”

  Anne Marie blinked. “I will be able to keep father’s money when I turn 21?”

  Her uncle smiled. “Yes, my dear. You will.”

  Anne Marie pulled in a deep breath. “Oh, uncle! Thank you! But you have not even met James yet. How did you come to this decision?”

  “I did some research on this Ellingham family. There is not much to be found but what I did find gave me the impression they are good, hard-working people. I am impressed with them. In addition, Duke Cornwall gave him an excellent reference. Apparently, he saved the life of one of the Duke’s sons some years ago.”

  Anne Marie smiled.

  “I want to meet him. Take me to him, if you would. I am anxious to meet my future nephew-in-law.”

  Anne Marie’s smile turned into laughter as she once again threw her arms around her uncle’s neck. “Oh, Uncle! Thank you. You have made me so happy!”

  He pulled away enough to look into her eyes. “I will make sure this young man is the one who keeps you happy, my dear. Or he will have me to deal with.”

  Anne Marie released her uncle and, still laughing, pulled on his hand, leading him back out into the lobby to wait while she fetched the man who had taken her heart and, she was sure, would forever keep it safe and sound.

  THANK YOU

  for reading my book and

  I hope you have enjoyed this story as well.

  “BOOK 7 - THE GENTLEMAN’S IMPOSSIBLE TASK” is a standalone story.

  If you have enjoyed reading this book, “The Trouble With These Gentlemen” so far, I believe you will be interested in checking out “Book 7 - The Gentleman’s Impossible Task”.

  Accustomed to the darkest side of humanity, Inspector Sam Worthington is tired of seeing dead bodies. But when Countess Annette faces the brutal death of her husband, both of them find themselves relying on each other to catch a killer. But can they do so before more blood is shed?

  Can love bloom after tragedy strikes…?

  An Intelligent Detective…

  Accustomed to seeing the darkest side that humanity has to offer, Inspector Sam Worthington, nephew of Duke Shawn Worthington, is tired of seeing dead bodies. Convinced life doesn’t have to be as grim as his work would imply, Sam is certain that an extended absence in Fairbanks is exactly what he needs... until his retreat turns him toward another case, and beautiful sorrow-filled eyes…

  A Heartbroken Widow…

  Tormented by the shattered hopes of a lost future, Countess Annette is grief-stricken over the brutal death of her husband. Left to shoulder the burden of the earl’s lands and titles alone, Annette is determined to see to her duties with her chin held high. But when her heart is captured by Sam Worthington, Annette is torn between the betrayal of her late husband’s memory and the understanding that she still has more life left to live…

  An Impossible Case to Crack…

  With time running dangerously short, Sam and Annette find themselves relying on each other to catch a killer.

  But can they solve the case before the murderer strikes again?

  Or will they discover that no matter how hard they try, nothing will stop the bloodshed?

  I have enclosed a preview of “The Gentleman’s Impossible Task”.

  Check it out below…

  It is currently at $0.99

  CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW

  CHAPTER ONE

  SAM WORTHINGTON COMES TO VISIT

  Worthington Manor, Fairfield,

  England – 1829

  Shawn and Elizabeth, the Duke and Duchess of Worthington, were expecting a visitor. Worthington Manor bustled with servants, cleaning and polishing, carrying flowers and linen and clean silverware, making the place ready for their new guest. The son of the duke's youngest brother was arriving later in the afternoon.

  As the son of the youngest of the Worthington family, Samuel did not hold a title and, as luck would have it, he did not want one. He said that titles carried too many responsibilities and would keep him from his true calling, which was investigating crimes.

  Sam had solved many crimes in his time. It seemed a strange occupation to his uncle, but he had an exceptional talent for it. In fact, Sam had confided in him a great secret: he had been invited to assist as an inspector at Scotland Yard. He worked under a pseudonym, which suited him well. As the son of a peer, he could not have worked openly, but he seemed to prefer being out of the limelight in any case. He was a brilliant young man in his early thirties and had never married – mostly, his sisters liked to say, because he never went to any dances. He was always observing people and writing down what he had seen at the end of the day as a record. He had started doing that in his early teenage years and had never found events, dances, and balls worth his time.

  Shawn, waiting on the steps with his wife, recalled a conversation on that very topic. When his mother, Shawn's sister-in-law, was trying to introduce Samuel into society at fifteen, he had simply replied, “It’s a waste of my time, Mother. There are so many things that interest me. I’m not in line to be king, am I? I'll never have any title at all. I desire to make my name in another way. My mind is made up.”

  And so it had been. Over fifteen years had passed, and Samuel was still perfectly happy as a bachelor. His mother had not given up until he was eighteen years old, a thought which still made Shawn chuckle. She had bewailed the fact daily, saying that Sam's incredible good looks and fine mind would be lost forever if he did not find a bride and have a family. Sam had simply given her a gentle smile.

  “It’s all right, Mother.” He had consoled her with a hug and the same words each time. “If I find the right woman, I will settle down. I promise you that. Just let me find her on my own.”

  He had made many friends over the years, most of them based in London but some who had sought his advice in solving thefts and other crimes all around the kingdom. He had made a few enemies, too, along the line – mostly those whose criminality he had exposed.

  Shawn and Elizabeth were pleased Sam wanted to spend a holiday with them.

  They stood out on the front porch, watching as the carriage came closer. The dust thrown up by the horses’ hooves made a cloud behind the carriage.

  Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling when she saw the look of anticipation on her husband’s handsome face. “You are excited, aren’t you, my love? How long has it been since you’ve seen him?”

  Shawn smiled. “He was a child the last time I saw him in the flesh. But, as you know, I have kept all the newspapers, going back to the first time someone wrote about him and his achievements. As Monsieur Sentinelle, of course.”

  “Of course. But he should be proud of it. He solves crime.” Elizabeth used a voice that was extremely admiring, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

  “Yes. He certainly does.”

  Elizabeth's face was tranquil, and Shawn squeezed her hand. Their marriage had been strong from the very beginning and now she was the proud mother of two and still glowing with health. She slid her arm through his elbow and they stood together, watching as the carriage turned into the long gravel drive to the front of the manor and came to a stop before them.

  Shawn looked through the window, feeling eager to catch a glimpse of his youngest nephew.

  A young man was sitting forward in the seat, leaning casually on the door with one arm, his face framed by the window. He had a thin mustache and sandy brown hair swept back from his face. He removed his hat as he swung the door of the carriage open, hopping out before it had completely come to a stop.

  “Uncle Shawn!” he cried out, swinging both arms out to the sides. “Aunt Elizabeth!” He took a few steps forward, then l
owered himself into a sweeping bow. “I do apologize! Your grace, your grace,” he nodded to them both in turn, “please forgive my informal greeting!” He was grinning lopsidedly up at them, at once exuberant and shy.

  “Samuel! Come up to join us! We don't stand on ceremony here.” Shawn walked down the steps toward his nephew and they gripped hands and then embraced. Sam turned to Elizabeth, bowed again and kissed her outstretched hand.

  “I am enchanted to meet you at last, Aunt.”

  “It has been too long, Samuel. Come in and refresh yourself. We have so much to discuss! We must discover all that’s happened in the past fifteen years,” Shawn said.

  “Has it been that long, my lord? I must say I am shocked. I feel as if I saw you a year ago or so. You have not aged at all!”

  Shawn threw his head back and laughed. “Thank you, young man. You are very good at flattery, and you know flattery is a good way to get things you want.” His eyes twinkled.

  “I would never dare, my lord. My words are sincere.”

  The three of them went into the foyer, where Sam stopped and stared around him. “Uncle Shawn, you have impeccable taste. I am impressed. It looks vastly different from what I’m used to.”

  “What are you used to, Samuel?” he asked gently.

  “I am going by Sam these days, Uncle Shawn.” Sam gave him a large grin. “I have a small cottage on the West End.”

  Shawn turned to him, suddenly concerned. “You are not in need of money, are you? I would be glad to—”

  Sam laughed, interrupting his uncle, who couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, no, Uncle. I am not in need. I make a good wage, actually, and often have generous donors who want me to solve something for them. I prefer not to have too much living space to take care of. I am generally at the office or on foot, hunting through the streets.”

  Shawn held out one hand. “Please follow me to the drawing room. We will be comfortable there. Would you like a drink?”

  “Yes please, Uncle. Whatever you enjoy.”

  “I am very interested in hearing about your adventures, Sam. I know they must be much more exciting than anything that goes on here in Fairfield.”

  “That could be true, Uncle,” Sam said frankly. They all laughed.

  Sam entered the drawing room and went immediately to the window on the other side of the room. It was huge, stretching from the ceiling to the floor, long velvet drapes held back by gold ties on either side. It was a gorgeous autumn day beyond the windows. The gardens – so wide and verdant they made Sam blink – stretched out under bright sunshine. It was a day borrowed from summer.

  “This is a wonderful time of year, don’t you agree?” Sam asked, looking over his shoulder to his uncle and aunt. Both smiled at him.

  “Yes, it is.” Shawn had produced a decanter and two glasses from a cabinet. He lifted the bottle and poured out a red liquid, handing one glass to Sam.

  “Thank you, Uncle.” Sam went to the nearest chair, a high-backed red velvet cushioned seat with legs intricately carved.

  “How have things changed for you since you were granted your... um... position?” Elizabeth sat on the chaise-lounge with her hands in her lap.

  Sam looked at her with a surprised look on his face and then turned toward his uncle.

  Shawn chuckled. “I told your aunt, Sam. I trust that did not break your confidence in me?”

  Sam swallowed hard, then turned to the duchess. She was smiling at him fondly.

  “I am very proud of you, Sam. Combating crime in London is something of which you can be very proud.” She patted his hand gently.

  Sam felt himself blush and was surprised to feel a lump in his throat. “Thank you, Aunt. And you asked about my work. I am really on holiday now, in between leaving the old building and going to a new one. I have not yet had enough experience of the Yard to know how it will be different from my own ways. But I spoke to Sir Robert and he said—”

  “You spoke to Sir Robert Peel? That must have been an exciting moment for you!” Elizabeth looked impressed. Sir Robert Peel’s act of creating the London police force had provided the first adequate means to combat crime in London. The position of authority Sam had received was indirectly thanks to Sir Robert, and it was clear that he admired the man hugely.

  “It was exciting to meet him, yes,” Sam admitted with a smile. He looked out through the window, scanning the beautiful clear sky. “I am anxious for a holiday from all the action. I am glad the act passing through Parliament has given me these weeks. I need time to reflect on my life and my career.”

  “Have you discovered anything during those reflections?” Elizabeth asked, smiling gently.

  “Oh, no, not yet. I’ve only just started this particular investigation.” He grinned. “The investigation into the deepest inner parts of Samuel Worthington.”

  The three chuckled.

  Shawn cleared his throat “What do you… or did you, rather, have to contend with while you were working alone?”

  Sam’s eyes drifted to the ceiling as he searched his memory. “Theft and espionage in the main, Uncle. That was the most of it.”

  “Have you had to solve any murders?” Elizabeth asked, leaning forward with an anxious look on her face.

  Sam lifted his eyebrows. “Unfortunately, yes. I have seen four cases of murder and several attempted murders in the last ten years.”

  “You’ve been doing this for longer than that, haven’t you?” Elizabeth leaned forward and took the glass of wine her husband was handing her. “Thank you.”

  “I have, though I had not made a name for myself before 1820. So, it is only nine years and seven months since I have been regularly involved. It has been quite adventurous.” He chuckled. “It was my good friend, Nigel, who introduced me to that. Do you remember Nigel, Uncle? He mentioned that he worked with you when he visited Fairfield?”

  “I seem to recall something like that.” Shawn nodded. “It was... perhaps five years ago?”

  “Yes, that’s correct. He has been my friend for many years. We were at Cambridge together.” Sam grinned at the memory.

  “He spoke highly of you when he was here,” Shawn said.

  “We are good friends. And it was him who referred members of the Ton to me whenever a crime needed to be solved. I can thank him for my career now.”

  They all sat quietly a moment.

  “I’ve heard stories about you saving people, too. In more ways than one,” Elizabeth mentioned.

  Sam shrugged. He was well-built and very handsome, and Elizabeth could not help but think that if he set his sights on a woman, he would not have any trouble winning her heart. “I do what I can with this time I have on earth. I may not have a title but I can leave a legacy of kindness and justice after me.”

  Shawn nodded. “That is wise statement, young man. You must have done well at Cambridge.”

  Sam grinned. “I would say I was fairly hopeless, Uncle. Or so the dons informed me. I’ve learned a great deal more over the years. A lot about human nature and instincts. I have been observing people all my life. I sometimes feel I can see the intentions of others within moments of meeting them.”

  “Are you always correct?” Elizabeth tilted her head to the side, intrigued by her young nephew.

  Again, Sam smiled, lighting up his face up and making it more handsome than it already was. “I would say I am right nine times out of ten. And in my defense, for the other one in ten, I have at least pointed the investigation in the right direction. A few times I have truly misjudged someone the villain. But mostly, I have been correct in my observations.”

  “So lovely.” Elizabeth clapped her hands softly. She could not help herself and continued with a sly grin. “Do you think you will be able to attend any of the balls and parties we have planned? I’m sure there are many dances for your evening if you chose to attend.”

  “And a lot of ladies, too, Aunt?”

  “Perhaps.” Elizabeth giggled.

  Shawn outright laughed, shaking his h
ead and giving his nephew a knowing look.

  Sam answered while laughing, “I will tell you... as I told my mother, Aunt Elizabeth. When the right woman comes along, I will surely know it.”

  Elizabeth joined him in laughter. “Are you not in search of a bride, even now, young sir?”

  “I am, your grace, but only to the extent that if I meet someone in the dance, I will take time deciding if she is the one.”

  “You may not have the luxury of making that decision, young man,” Elizabeth said, still giggling.

  “Oh? And why not?”

  “Because sometimes love hits like a storm that you cannot avoid.”

  He shrugged. “I am not sure I would prefer one way over the other – the slow discovery or the sudden surprise. For my part, I am satisfied with my life. I wake up every morning happy to be alive.”

  “That is wonderful to hear, Sam. We have made up a bed in the east wing for you for while you are here in Fairfield. I trust it will be to your liking? My husband says you are an early riser.”

  “That sounds lovely, Aunt Liz. Thank you.”

  “Not at all, young man. We are glad to have you here!”

  CHAPTER TWO

  DINNER AT WORTHINGTON MANOR

  The dining room at Worthington Manor was lit with soft candlelight, gleaming off the silverware and the silk-papered walls. Sam crossed the threshold to where his uncle and aunt were already standing at the window, marveling as he did so at the restrained luxury of the room.

  “Good evening, Uncle. I am sorry if you were waiting?”

  “Not at all, nephew. We just arrived ourselves. I trust you had an exciting afternoon?”

  Sam pulled a face. “I was very glad to have an uneventful time.” He sat down in the chair offered to him beside his uncle. “I’ve been exhausted by the past months and all I can think about is not having to think about anything.”