The Wild Passion of an Eccentric Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Emily Honeyfield

  Simon looked up at her, their eyes locked, and then he quickly looked away. Emilia didn’t think much of it, for that was something that she often did as well, for the sake of not staring at him.

  “You are most welcome into our home,” Dominic said, bowing towards Kingsley.

  “The honour is mine,” Kingsley said, looking to Emilia with a twinkle in his eye. Yes, the artist knew all about their little charade, but just as she wasn’t going to tell Kingsley’s secret, so she was not going to tell his. “It’s quite charming,” Kingsley added, and Emilia watched as a little frown came to Rose’s lips. Rose didn’t want the home to be charming to the artist; she wanted it to be absolute perfection.

  “Do come in and sit before supper is served,” Emilia said, wishing to play the host. She was the lady of the house, after all. She wanted to show Simon that she was adept at hospitality and graciousness. But why? Emilia was not his true fiancée. Why was she so concerned with such things?

  Simon bowed his head to Emilia but didn’t reply with words. Instead, he walked towards the nearest chair and sat himself, staring into the fire. Was something amiss? Emilia was overjoyed to see him, but Simon seemed distant at best. Perhaps it was only in her imagination, and she wished that Simon’s enthusiasm would match her own.

  “Hard at work today?” Dominic asked, seating himself, as well. Rose placed herself on the ground before the fire, and Emilia came behind her father’s chair, placing her hands gently on the back of it.

  “There is some work that I have been focusing on,” Kingsley said, sinking into the chair as though he were carrying the weight of the world.

  “He is being modest,” Simon said, looking towards Emilia’s father. “Kingsley is completing a remarkable landscape with a majestic rainbow.”

  “Is it true?” Rose asked.

  “It is,” Kingsley said with a nod of the head.

  Emilia immediately wondered what it might be a replica of. Surely, there was only one artist that Kingsley copied from. She had so many questions. After making that one replica, would he begin work immediately on the replica of that replica? Where in the world would those copies go?

  Emilia looked at Simon once more, their eyes met, and yet again, he turned away. Her heart sank again. It was an all-too-plain reminder to Emilia that the plan was still in place; she was not Simon’s fiancée, and Emilia should temper her hopes. It was a painful reminder, indeed.

  After some pleasant conversation, mostly about the subject of art and Kingsley’s methods for creating the perfect brush stroke, Clyde entered the parlour to announce that dinner was being served. Suddenly, Emilia found that she didn’t have much of an appetite.

  What a mix of emotions filled her breast. Simon was all that she could possibly think about. The encounter in the studio would never leave her memory, but she was convinced that she’d need to spend the rest of the evening clearing her mind and reminding herself of the true nature of their relationship.

  “If you would all be so kind,” Dominic said, getting up from his chair and putting out his arm to show the guests the way. As Emilia walked out of the room, she noticed that Simon came to her side to escort her. Oh, it raised her hopes yet again! Emilia gave Simon a polite smile, and he returned the gesture.

  The dining room was looking better than it ever had before. Clearly, the servants had been informed that a prominent guest was dining with them that evening and acted accordingly. There were fresh flowers in the vases and new tapers in the candelabra that was positioned in the centre of the table. As a centrepiece, colourful, fragrant fruit was placed in bowls. The Spencer family was not rich, but the embellishments of their home were always tasteful and well-placed.

  She watched her father slowly amble into the dining room. It had been days since he needed his rolling chair. The physical transformation was not complete; there was still an ill look to him, and his walk was slow, but Emilia had not seen her father this happy and healthy in some time. Was it her engagement that brought him new strength?

  Certainly, it was not the rheumy weather. Usually, such rainy weather caused Dominic’s health to decline even further. And so, it remained a mystery as to why there was such a drastic change. But Emilia was so in the throes of love, it had never fully occurred to her until that moment.

  Simon pulled out Emilia’s chair, and she was seated. After pushing her into the table effortlessly, Simon walked around to the other side so that he would be placed just across from her. Emilia enjoyed this vantage because she liked to see the expressions upon Simon’s face throughout the meal. She delighted in his smile. When something pleased him, it pleased her, as well.

  The soup course was served immediately, and from the look and smell of it, Emilia knew it to be the chef’s famous creamed carrot. During such dreary weather, Emilia found the soup course to be a remarkable comfort. Taking one sip, Emilia’s appetite returned and so did her hope, for when she looked up to see if Simon approved, he was smiling warmly, yet again. That was confirmation that perhaps it was a fit of contemplation that had led to his earlier coldness.

  Emilia didn’t know too much about men, but one thing that she had been informed of was the fact that when something is weighing heavily on a gentleman’s mind, it is very difficult for him to think of much else. She wished to know what was troubling him. In fact, Emilia wished that Simon would share all of his cares and concerns with her.

  “Capital,” Kingsley said, also showing admiration for the soup. Hot, crusty rolls accompanied it, as did fresh butter. Emilia enjoyed watching Simon butter his roll. She contemplated how silly it was that when one was seemingly in love, nearly everything that the other person did was fascinating in some way.

  The main course was served next, already plated. Considering that the Spencer house had so few servants, the servants that they did have needed to prepare everything in the kitchen and have it ready to serve.

  If it were a richer household, servants would come out and serve each dish separately. Were it anyone else, Emilia might be embarrassed about this fact. But Simon put her so at ease, and was not of high birth himself, that she knew there would be no judgement on his part.

  While the conversation continued, mostly between Dominic and Kingsley, men of a similar age and disposition, Emilia could feel Simon looking at her, and she did her best to conceal the smile of enjoyment that threatened to come to her lips. Looking across at him, she could see that Simon was, indeed, looking directly at her and mouthed the word, “Beautiful.” Emilia’s head was spinning. He did not need to mouth more for Emilia to interpret that he was speaking of her.

  How was it that even though Simon had called her beautiful in the past, it still felt new every time that he expressed it? What would it be like to be married to a man that told you each and every day that you were beautiful? Emilia didn’t need to spend more time considering it for Simon would not be the man that she would marry. She’d need to remind herself of that fact again and again.

  Dominic gently tapped his knife upon his glass to gain the attention of the entire room. All heads turned, and that was when Emilia noticed something remarkably strange. There was one empty seat at the table. This was not surprising considering that the table naturally sat six, but what was odd was that the place was set for dining. That was when Dominic spoke.

  “I neglected to make a formal toast before the meal began,” Dominic said. “My appetite was too strong! Something that I have not said for quite some time. But I wished to state just how happy it makes me to see my lovely daughter Emilia engaged to Simon James, assistant to the great Sir Gregory Kingsley,” Dominic said with a smile, and Kingsley and Simon bowed their heads humbly. “And this success only makes me want to reach for greater heights,” he added, turning towards Rose. “I must admit that I was thrilled when Lord Pendergast, Duke of Westmoreland, began to court Emilia. And now, I’m painfully thrilled to discover that the gentleman wishes to court our Rose. He shall be joining us for pudding.”

  A shudder of
fear ran down Emilia’s spine. She turned to Rose and saw a look of horror on her face, then turned to Simon and saw the same. That was when the door to the dining room opened, and Lord Pendergast entered with a grin upon his lips.

  Chapter 18

  Simon knew that he had to take action but was unsure of the proper kind. The very image of Lord Pendergast standing there filled him with rage. Should he challenge the fellow to a duel? Every muscle in his body wished to, yet he knew that it was merely about waiting for the proper time.

  “Good evening,” Lord Pendergast said, seating himself at the table. As he did so, the tables were cleared, dessert was being served, and coffee and tea were poured. Simon watched as Lord Pendergast leaned back in his chair, a smug smile of satisfaction on his face.

  “Good evening,” Dominic said warmly. “I’m sure you know of Sir Gregory Kingsley, and his apprentice, Simon James.”

  “I know of the famous artist, yes,” Lord Pendergast said, nodding towards him. “And of his assistant.”

  It was a barb. That much was plain. Simon wasn’t going to puff out his chest or show any indignation. He’d sit there and take it like a man. In fact, he wished to show the Duke of Westmoreland as little emotion as possible.

  “We’re delighted that you could join us,” Dominic went on.

  How was it that the father was the only one that was blind to Lord Pendergast’s true nature? Kingsley did not speak, and that informed Simon that his master was well-aware of the hidden villain within the duke. Rose and Emilia looked terrified, and it pained Simon to no end to see it.

  “Good evening, Emilia,” Lord Pendergast said, turning towards her. “You’re looking fetching.” Simon was enraged again. “As do you, sweet Rose.”

  Simon wished to pick up the table and fling it. He was immensely surprised by the physical instincts that he was keeping at bay.

  “Good evening,” Emilia said politely, but Rose would not speak.

  “I trust that business has been going well,” Dominic went on. “The Duke of Westmoreland couldn’t join us for the entirety of the meal,” he said to the others, “but we’re honoured to have him at this hour.”

  “Yes, there was business to attend to,” Lord Pendergast said. “But all has gone according to plan. I thank you for your patience.”

  Silence followed as Simon clenched his jaw and tried to control himself. He was unsure for how long he could hold out.

  “We’d wait for days on end,” Dominic said.

  How was it that the wool was entirely pulled over the man’s eyes? Perhaps Dominic was impressed by Lord Pendergast’s wealth and standing. Of course, he’d make a successful match for Rose, but clearly Dominic did not understand the duress that the duke caused when he was courting Emilia. The father didn’t know of the lies and deceit. Had he known, he would have never invited Lord Pendergast into his dining room. And he would approve of what Simon wished to do to the fellow with his bare hands.

  “It’s always my priority to dine with pretty ladies in attendance,” Lord Pendergast went on. “But sometimes business affairs can muddle one’s priorities.”

  That was it. Simon didn’t know how much more of it he was going to stand. The very fact that he called Emilia and Rose ‘pretty ladies’ set him on edge. As far as Simon was concerned, the man sitting across from him didn’t deserve to be in any lady’s presence. What Simon also noted was that seeing the Duke of Westmoreland seated beside Emilia only made matters worse.

  Seeing the physical proximity between the two only reinforced Simon’s anger and helped him to recall all the details that Emilia had told him. Never before had Simon felt jealousy sparked by mere physical proximity. There was a fiercely protective part of his nature that was being activated.

  “I do hope that we can dine again on another occasion,” Lord Pendergast went on. “Or might I say, on several occasions.”

  That was not only innuendo, but Simon concluded that it was a threat.

  “If any one of the ‘pretty ladies’ requests your company, that is,” Simon said, and he was aware of the fact that it came out more bitingly than he had intended. He could feel all eyes turn to him, but the smug smile remained on the duke’s lips. Yes, he seemed the type of fellow that enjoyed a good challenge. Simon could see it clearly. Although Simon was never one for confrontation, if he needed to engage, then he would do so.

  “Simon, would you like some brandy?” Dominic said, clearly changing the conversation. “And Sir Gregory?”

  “That would be lovely,” Kingsley said, no doubt requiring a stiff drink in the midst of the tension in the dining room.

  “None for me,” Simon said, knowing that the drink would instantly go to his head and fearing what he might do. He didn’t want to make a scene, especially with Emilia and Rose in his company.

  “Lord Pendergast?” Dominic asked.

  “Yes, brandy is in order,” the Duke of Westmoreland said, and Simon could feel that the duke’s eyes were still on him. It was perceived as a direct challenge and threat. But Simon concluded that if they needed to settle the matter as men, it would have to be at a more respectable time.

  For some time, they sat and chatted, but Simon noticed that Rose and Emilia were not saying a word. This troubled him, and it was a sign that he could not ignore. If their dispositions had softened since Lord Pendergast’s arrival, then it might have put him more at ease. But considering that they still seemed frightened and unwell, Simon knew that action would need to arrive quicker than expected.

  That was why when dinner was concluded, brandy had been drunk, and pudding had been consumed, Simon called Lord Pendergast aside to the saloon whilst the ladies retired.

  “A word,” Simon said, standing tall.

  “With me?” Lord Pendergast quipped.

  “The same.”

  As Simon waited for Lord Pendergast to pass him so he could follow behind, he locked eyes with Emilia and saw that same fear in her eyes, but also a questioning look. As if she didn’t know what Simon was going to do.

  Nodding his head to signify that everything would be all right, Emilia turned to go. He watched her for a moment as she went, hoping that she might soon return to her state of peace. But considering that Lord Pendergast was now courting her sister, Simon thought that perhaps Emilia might never get over her fit of nerves until the business was concluded.

  Watching her safely walk up the stairs, Simon turned towards the saloon and entered, finding Lord Pendergast in front of the fire, twirling his pocket watch in his hands.

  “Speak,” Lord Pendergast said.

  “We need to talk of Rose and Emilia,” Simon said, cutting right to the chase.

  “And what of them?” Lord Pendergast asked. It was clear that the tyrant knew what Simon was implying, but he was merely trying to act aloof.

  “Stop this business at once. I advise you.”

  “Stop courting Rose?”

  “That is exactly what I mean.”

  “Because you’re angry that I was courting Emilia?” Lord Pendergast asked with a smile.

  “I am not angry that you were courting Emilia. What makes me angry is what you did to her.”

  “I was perfectly honest with her.”

  “You were not.”

  “And what? Would you have me apologize?”

  “In fact, I would. But I know there’s no world in which that will happen.”

  “Then I guess that you estimate my character correctly. I would never do such a thing.”

  “I’m of the opinion that you’re a scoundrel, but being a gentleman, I will merely say that you lack judgement.”

  “Funny. My business partners seem to think that I have plenty of healthy judgement.”