The Spinster's Guild : A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset

by Rose Pearson

  “I am terribly sorry to interrupt!”

  Lord Havisham jerked, stumbled, and pulled Amelia forward as the sound of a gentleman’s booming voice filled the ballroom. She let out a yelp of pain, with Lord Havisham only just managing to catch her and hold her steady before she tumbled to the floor.

  “Oh, I do apologize,” the gentleman said, coming a little closer to them with a broad smile on his face. “I thought to call upon you, Lady Amelia, and was informed you were at Lady Smithton’s residence. I hope you do not mind, Lady Smithton?”

  Amelia tried to catch her breath, bracing herself against the burning pain in her leg that fired up into her side. Lord Havisham had been doing very well, and she had been starting to let go of the tension that had otherwise filled her, only for it all to go very wrong indeed. Lord Havisham kept one hand about her waist and together, they walked slowly back towards Lady Smithton, who was glaring angrily at Lord Montague. Lord Montague did not appear to notice, however, looking directly back at Amelia with a broad smile settling on his face. His eyes strayed to Lord Havisham’s hand at her waist and then the slowness with which they both walked, and something like understanding began to filter into his expression.

  “Oh.” Lord Montague cleared his throat, putting his hands behind his back and lowering his head, clearly aware now that he had caused a good deal more upset than he had had first been aware of. “Are you quite all right, Lady Amelia?”

  She could not speak at first, such was her pain. She did not want to gasp with the agony of it, nor betray herself with a tight word or two. Lady Smithton must have realized she was struggling, for she stepped forward and gestured wildly towards Lord Montague.

  “First of all, Lord Montague, you cannot march into my house and demand to see someone who is visiting here as my guest,” Lady Smithton exclaimed as Lord Havisham leaned down to ask Amelia quietly whether she needed to sit down. “And secondly, I do not expect you to shout towards Lady Amelia, given you have just interrupted something of great importance.”

  Amelia, hating she had to show such weakness in front of Lord Montague, nodded towards Lord Havisham, who immediately led her away from Lady Smithton to ensconce her in a chair at the side of the room. Feeling the relief almost the moment she sat down, Amelia lifted her chin and looked back at Lord Montague, even though she knew quite certainly her face was a little red. He was the one at fault, she told herself. Therefore, she had nothing to be ashamed of.

  “I do apologize, Lady Smithton.” Lord Montague looked more than a little embarrassed, with his face downcast and his expression almost mournful. “It is only that I have not seen Lady Amelia for some time, and I did wonder if—”

  “I have been at a few social occasions,” Amelia interrupted before Lady Smithton could speak. “But perhaps they are not the sort of occasions that would interest you, Lord Montague.” Much to her surprise, Amelia saw a dark expression flicker across Lord Montague’s face, feeling immediately embarrassed that she had brought about such a change in his manner She had not meant anything by the remark, thinking back to how he had left Lord Burton’s soiree rather quickly and had not seemed to enjoy it. “I—I merely meant—”

  “I have been sorry not to see you at any of the social gatherings I have attended,” he said briskly as though to throw aside her previous remark. “And I have not been able to forget your wonderful performance at Lord Burton’s soiree last week. I must hope you will be able to do so again when you attend my small gathering which I am having on Tuesday next week.” So saying, he plucked something from his pocket and, coming towards her, handed her the small, neat envelope with the red seal at the bottom. Looking up, she saw him hand one to Lady Smithton also, before looking at Lord Havisham with a slight awkwardness. “You—you are invited also, of course, Lord Havisham,” he said, stammering a little. “I fear I have left your invitation at home.”

  Amelia could not help but smile, seeing Lord Montague had, in fact, not had any intention of inviting Lord Havisham but could not refuse to invite him now. Lord Montague caught her eye, seeing her understanding and her mirth at the situation and, much to her surprise, tilting his head to regard her a little more. Blushing with his regard, she saw a slow smile catch the corner of his lips, his eyes beginning to twinkle as he looked back at her.

  She blushed all the more, embarrassed at her reaction to him and putting it down to the fact that Lord Montague was, of course, a fiendishly handsome gentleman. His shock of light brown hair swept over his brow, his square jaw, Roman nose, and broad shoulders giving her the impression of strength and fortitude. His eyes intrigued her, for they were a mixture of greens and blues and yellows, all swirling together and mixing with one another. The look shared between them reminded her swiftly of what she had witnessed passing between Lord Havisham and Lady Smithton, and such was her own embarrassment to be thinking of such a thing that she turned her head away, breaking their locked gaze.

  “You are very kind, I am sure,” Lord Havisham said, taking the attention away from Amelia’s red cheeks. “I should be very glad to attend. Lady Smithton, you will permit me to take you in the carriage, I hope?”

  Lady Smithton did not smile, her jaw set as she turned her sharp gaze onto Lord Havisham. Amelia winced inwardly, realizing Lady Smithton had not been as determined as Lord Havisham now was to accept the invitation.

  “Capital!” Lord Montague boomed, his voice echoing around the room once more and making Amelia’s skin prickle with the awareness of his presence. He could command a room, she was certain of it, for he indeed commanded all of her attention. Her heart began to soften towards Lord Montague, forgiving him quickly for his lack of thought as he had marched into Lady Smithton’s ballroom and announced his intentions. He had not known she would be rehearsing the waltz with Lord Havisham. And besides which, not only had he been kind enough to bring her an invitation to his planned soiree, but he had also complimented her, yet again, upon her musical performance. She recalled how he had come to her at Lord Burton’s home and had spoken to her so kindly about how she had played and sang. Perhaps there was a goodness in him not everyone was permitted to see.

  “I have Lady Beatrice arriving very soon,” Lady Smithton said, having now finished glaring furiously at Lord Havisham. “I am afraid I shall have to ask you—”

  “I have tarried on your kindness long enough,” Lord Montague replied, bowing quickly towards Lady Smithton. “Particularly when I did not have an invitation to call upon either of you.”

  “Indeed,” Lady Smithton murmured dryly, glancing towards Amelia as Lord Montague came a few steps closer to her. Amelia felt her heart quicken as he bent low, bending at the knees so that he might look up into her face.

  “I am truly sorry for disturbing your dance and for causing you pain,” he said, his expression a little troubled. “I did not intend to but, as Lady Smithton has pointed out, I ought not to have made such a noise when I first entered the house.” He bowed his head low for a moment before lifting it. “I do hope you can forgive me.”

  “But of course,” Amelia replied quickly, her heart slamming into her chest as he touched her fingers with his own. Lord Havisham had moved closer to Lady Smithton and was now talking in hushed tones, leaving Amelia and Lord Montague to speak without being overheard. “It was unintentional, I know.”

  He appeared relieved, although his smile was a little despondent. “You are very understanding, Lady Amelia. I do hope you will consider performing on the pianoforte, as you did at Lord Burton’s? It would be the most marvelous part of the evening; I am quite certain of it.”

  She smiled but looked away, feeling anxious about doing so but knowing it would be only polite to agree. “I will consider it,” she promised, making him beam at her as though she had given him the greatest of gifts. “Thank you again for your kind invitation.”

  Lord Montague nodded, thanked her, and removed his hand from hers, allowing Amelia to breathe properly again without feeling the tightness in her chest that his
presence had brought. She watched him carefully as he made his farewells to Lord Havisham and then to Lady Smithton, apologizing once again before walking from the room. Amelia allowed herself a small smile, looking down at the invitation in her lap and thinking Lord Montague was, in fact, quite the gentleman. She had heard a whisper or two about him but had never once given him much consideration, given she knew him to be a man who sought out only the very best ladies for his company. And yet now, it seemed, he wanted to join him for his soiree, wanted her to be present as one of his guests! The very thought filled her with joy.

  “Lady Amelia?”

  She looked up at once, pulled away from her thoughts by the stern face of Lady Smithton and the angry-looking Lord Havisham.”

  “Yes?” she asked, fearing she had done something wrong, although she could not imagine what it was. “Have I behaved inappropriately?”

  “No, no, not at all!” Lady Smithton exclaimed, pressing down on Amelia’s hand gently. “No, it is only that we feel must speak to you about Lord Montague.” Her eyes were serious, although her expression was gentle. “He was very kind in bringing these invitations to us all, of course, and we are now to attend his gathering, given Lord Havisham has agreed to it.” At this, she threw Lord Havisham an irritated glance, which Amelia finally understood meant she was annoyed with how he had gone about the matter. She had wanted the time to consider the invitation and the gentleman who had brought it, but instead, Lord Havisham had agreed without question.

  “Lord Montague has something of a reputation,” Lord Havisham said, sinking rather heavily into a chair next to Amelia. “He is not the sort of gentleman you should consider.”

  Amelia’s heart began to sink from its heights of joy and happiness before beginning to make its way down to the depths of her spirits. Lord Montague had been very kind to her, had he not? He had done nothing but compliment her, speak well of her, and had been generous with his invitations to his soiree. What was it about him she ought to become aware of?

  “He has a penchant for making improper advances to young ladies,” Lady Smithton said quickly as though wanting to hurry the explanation. “I cannot think it wise for you to become too closely acquainted.”

  “I see,” Amelia replied, looking from Lady Smithton to Lord Havisham and then back down to the invitation in her lap. Her heart was sinking all the more now, given she had felt herself react strongly to his presence, aware he had managed to nudge at her interest. She had thought him handsome, had felt her heart quicken at his smile, and now was being told what she thought of him was not his true character. She had guessed him to be a popular gentleman, given his looks and, no doubt, his wealth, but she had never once considered him to be a rogue. It just proved to her she had not made a wise assessment of Lord Montague. Apparently, there was a good deal more to him than she had thought.

  “He will want to converse with you, of course,” Lady Smithton said, throwing a warning look towards Lord Havisham. “Someone will remain with you throughout the evening so that you are never alone with Lord Montague to engage in conversation.”

  “I am quite certain I can manage to converse with him,” Amelia replied, a little confused. “I do not need any particular assistance in that matter.”

  “Of course,” Lord Havisham interrupted, “but Lord Montague has a way of speaking that seems to encourage people to do what they have never once intended.” Looking a little embarrassed at having to speak so openly, he shrugged one shoulder. “Young ladies who would never even dream of stepping away from their mother or their guardian to be alone with a gentleman have been found to do precisely that. Lord Montague can be very persuasive when he wants something, Lady Amelia.”

  Amelia shook her head, sighing inwardly. “I can hardly think he is interested in doing so with me,” he said, seeing Lady Smithton’s immediate frown. “I am sure there is another reason he has invited us to his soiree.”

  “And why should he not consider you, Lady Amelia?” Lady Smithton asked, her voice rising steadily. “You cannot think that just because you have a limp, Lord Montague would not choose to pursue you for sport?” She arched one eyebrow, and Amelia felt her mouth go dry, thinking of how Lord Montague had touched her hand as he had bent down to speak to her. He had been very attentive and seemingly very considerate, but mayhap, this was precisely because of what Lady Smithton was suggesting, although Amelia could not quite bring herself to believe it.

  What was worse, however, was Amelia now felt a little blush creeping up her neck and into her face as a jolt of pleasure ran through her. Lord Montague had been very charming indeed, and she had reacted to him very strongly. Perhaps, she considered, feeling her stomach swirling with a mixture of nervousness and delight, she had been taken in by his charm, which it seemed he was well used to using to get what he desired. As much as she ought to feel horrified by his lack of gentlemanly intentions and as much as she ought to desire to remove herself entirely from his presence, Amelia found she felt a good deal of delight and appreciation that Lord Montague considered her either beautiful enough or charming enough for him to set his sights on. She had been introduced to other gentlemen this last week, of course, but not all of them had reacted to her as Lady Smithton had hoped, for some made it quite obvious that they noticed her limp, whilst others were rather dull and staid. Lord Montague was neither boring nor showed any particular interest in her limp, save to ask her if she had recovered from her stumble. He was the only gentleman who had made Amelia’s heart quicken merely by allowing her eyes to rest on his, the only gentleman who had caught her interest thus far.

  But you cannot allow yourself to do so any longer, she told herself sternly, as Lady Smithton’s attention was caught by the arrival of Lady Beatrice. You must do your best to separate yourself from Lord Montague, no matter what he seems to desire from you.

  Letting out a long breath, Amelia settled her shoulders and gave Lord Havisham a quick smile, seeing him sigh heavily as Lady Beatrice and Lady Smithton continued talking. Lord Havisham was to dance with Lady Beatrice now, in order to help her improve her steps, and Amelia had the distinct impression he did not particularly enjoy doing such a thing. And yet, he did them regardless, simply to help her as well as to aid Lady Smithton.

  That, she told herself, watching as Lord Havisham rose to his feet, is a gentleman who is truly committed and determined. Although, whether it was that he was committed to ‘The Spinsters Guild’ or to Lady Smithton, Amelia could not quite make out.

  “I think I must hope I will be able to find a gentleman with as much devotion as Lord Havisham,” she commented quietly as Lord Havisham led Lady Beatrice to the floor, allowing Lady Smithton to resume her seat.

  “Devotion?” Lady Smithton replied, glancing towards Amelia before turning her head back towards Lord Havisham. “Yes, Lord Havisham is very involved with us, is he not?”

  Amelia bit her lip, unsure whether or not she should press the matter but choosing, in the end, to do so. “He is, yes, and I have been very grateful for his help, but I do not think it is for our sake that he is so willing.” She saw Lady Smithton’s cheeks begin to color a gentle pink, seeing she did not turn back to look at Amelia. “In that regard, Lady Smithton, I think you are fortunate, indeed.”

  Nothing passed between them for a moment or two, and Amelia began to fear she had said more than she ought, only for Lady Smithton to sigh, smile and look back towards Amelia.

  “Yes, I suppose I am very blessed in having Lord Havisham’s willing presence here,” Lady Smithton murmured, a small smile tugging at one corner of her lips. “And you are quite correct to state that he is devoted, Lady Amelia. It is something I have perhaps become used to, and so I am grateful to you for showing it to me once more.”

  A little relieved, Amelia said nothing more but smiled at Lady Smithton before returning her gaze to Lord Havisham and Lady Beatrice. She herself could not hope for a gentleman to care for her in the same way she suspected Lord Havisham cared for Lady Smithton, but a
t the very least, she might begin to hope she could secure a gentleman who would be devoted to her and to their marriage. A gentleman who would not turn away from her and chase after others, as she knew Lord Montague would do. She had to be prudent and yet hopeful at the same time, but any thought of Lord Montague could no longer be entertained. That, Amelia knew, was what was expected of her and what was wise—even if the thought of his smile sent her stomach tightening deliciously all over again.

  Chapter Seven

  “Thank you, Lord Montague, for your very kind invitation!”

  Oliver sighed inwardly but forced a smile to his lips, not having any particular interest in the company of Lady Greenacre but knowing it had been a wise thought to invite her. Being the wife of the Marquess of Greenacre, it gave his little gathering some pomp, something that would be talked about by others in the days to come.

  “I am very sorry your husband is unwell,” he said, bowing over Lady Greenacre’s hand. “Do you think he will recover soon?”

  Lady Greenacre laughed merrily and waved a hand. “Of course he will,” she replied, her eyes twinkling. “It is just his gout. You know very well that excess is the cause of such a malady and therefore, Lord Montague, I cannot help but think he has brought it on himself!”

  Oliver nodded, murmured something about hoping Lord Greenacre would once more be able to join society, and then waved Lady Greenacre in. There were a few more guests still to greet.

  “Lord…Davidson.” His lips pressed together hard as Lord Davidson walked into the room, his eyes darting about the room whilst a cold smile flattened his lips. “You were not invited, I do not think.”