by Vikki Vaught
Table of Contents
Dedication:
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
About the Author
Lost Pleasures Found
by
Vikki Vaught
Lost Pleasures Found
© 2016 Vikki Vaught
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of the Publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Published and printed in
United States Of America
Dedication:
This has been such another exciting journey for me. Lost Pleasures Found is my first novel and near and dear to my heart. I’ve learned a great deal over the last five years and wanted to revise this book using my better writing skills. For my readers who loved the original version, you will find a much more cohesive story, yet, it still has the same wonderful love story between Henry and Melody.
As always, I want to thank Tammy Souch, my editor and formatter. Her special touches make my books so much better. I also want to thank my awesome team of beta readers: Donna Salzman, Karen Henderson, Linda Levine, and April Renn. Your great feedback helped immensely, as always.
My heartfelt thanks goes to readers everywhere, for your willingness to give me a chance by reading my books. Last, but by no means least, I want to thank my husband for putting up with me when I’m lost in my world of books.
Thank you for reading Lost Pleasures Found, the first book in my Montgomery Family series. Look for my next book, Miss Millington’s Dilemma, in 2017. This is the first book in my new series, The Lake District Brides. Reviews are the lifeblood of authors. If you enjoyed my story, I hope you will take a few minutes and write a review. Fellow readers will appreciate your words of wisdom.
CHAPTER ONE
Late July 1814
Lord Henry Montgomery strolled from the overcrowded ballroom to get away from the deafening noise and sweltering heat. Pulling a cheroot from the inner pocket of his jacket, he put it between his teeth. Before he lit it, a vision in saffron yellow caught his eye. She stood with her back to the balustrade, eyes closed. His breath hitched as he took in the sight of the beautiful young woman. A gentle breeze blew tendrils of her golden locks across her heart-shaped face. Her cupid’s bow lips were slightly parted, and her pert little nose was turned up toward the heavens.
A frisson of desire swept through him and stirred his dormant male urges. It had been an age since he’d had a woman, having recently returned from helping guard Napoleon Bonaparte on the Mediterranean island of Elba. The goddess before him managed to accomplish that feat when the courtesans of Paris had left him cold, and yet, she must be an innocent, young miss.
As he walked toward her, he straightened the cuff of his jacket. He stopped in front of her and gazed into her incredible sherry-colored eyes. “I know I shouldn’t converse with you; I must ask…why have I never seen you before?”
Her cheeks blushed to a lovely shade of rose. “I’m sorry, sir. I shouldn’t speak with you. After all, we have never met.”
He took a step closer, but not close enough to frighten her away. “You look so lovely standing here against this glorious moonlit night. Your beauty…it leaves me breathless.”
Her eyes widened, resembling a startled doe. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
He bowed and took her dainty, gloved hand in his, then brushed her knuckles with his lips. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Henry Montgomery. May I ask your name?”
She hesitated. “M-melody…but I shouldn’t. We have not been introduced.” Her sweet, melodious voice had his heart skipping a beat. “I must return to the ballroom, before my aunt realizes I’m missing. Excuse me, sir.” She moved around him and hurried toward the French doors leading back to the ballroom.
He called after her. “Wait, who is your aunt? How can I find you again?” She paused, possibly tempted to turn back to him, he hoped. Then she stepped through the terrace doors and disappeared from sight.
Following on her heels, he entered the ballroom and caught a glimpse of her moving through the crowd. He stood in the doorway and allowed his eyes to drink in his vision of beauty. He’d never imagined anyone could be so lovely. As she hurried around the perimeter of the dance floor, she tucked a lock of her golden hair into the mass of curls tumbling from her top knot.
While he watched her, he noticed her slightly plump figure. Her curves were in all the right places, just the type of woman who had always attracted him. An air of innocence surrounded her, and it made him want to protect her with his life. It surprised him that he was having such strong feelings for someone he had only met moments ago. He had to find someone who could formally introduce them.
After he lost sight of her in the crowd, he searched the room until he located her again, standing with Lady Walton, a friend of his mother’s. He made his way across the room and walked over so she could handle the introduction.
Flashing what he hoped was an inviting smile, he bowed. “Good evening, it’s a pleasure to see you. Thank you for inviting me this evening.”
Simpering with pleasure, Lady Walton met his gaze. “So pleased you could attend, Lord Henry. I assume the rest of your family has departed for the country?”
He boldly looked over at his enchantress, then glanced back at Lady Walton. “They have. Unfortunately, I missed seeing them before they left. Could you please introduce me to your lovely companion?”
“It would be my pleasure. Miss Canterfield-Smyth is visiting her aunt, Lady Helton, for the season.” Smiling at the young miss, she added, “Let me introduce you to Lord Henry. He’s one of the Duke of Sanderford’s sons.”
She curtsied and gazed up at him with her entrancing eyes. In the candlelight, he could see flecks of green in them. “It’s lovely to meet you, Lord Henry.”
He bowed low. “At your service, Miss Canterfield-Smyth. Would you have room for me on your dance card?” The thought of holding her in his arms while they danced had his pulse racing.
Her lovely lips turned up in a smile. “I happen to have this dance free, my lord.”
“Excellent.” He took her hand in his, and a shock of electricity ran up his arm. Slightly disconcerted by his strong reaction to her, nonetheless, he led her onto the floor as the orchestra started playing the early strains of a waltz. Putting his arm around her waist as she placed her hand on his shoulder, they began to move to the music. As they floated across the floor, they gazed into each other’s eyes, and everyone else on the dance floor disappeared. He only had eyes for her.
He cleared his throat. “You’re even lovel
ier in the glow from the candles than you were in the moonlight.” While he held her in his arms, his loins tightened. He could usually control his impulses better. Trying to take his mind off his arousal, he murmured, “I’m pleased you were free for this set. You are a graceful dancer.”
“Thank you, my lord,” she demurred. “I love to waltz.”
Smoothly executing the turn, he continued to engage her in conversation. “I wish it was not so close to the end of the season. I would certainly like to further our acquaintance. Perhaps you are free tomorrow afternoon around four? I would like to take you for a drive.”
She looked up at him. “I would be delighted. Have you met my aunt, Lady Helton?”
“I’ve not had the pleasure, but I know where she resides.” When the music trailed off and the dance ended, a sting of regret ran through him. He did not want to let her go. Releasing her, he escorted her back to Lady Walton, who was standing with another woman of middle years.
She whispered, “Let me introduce you to my aunt so you can ask her permission for our drive tomorrow.”
They came to a halt in front of the woman standing next to Lady Walton. “Aunt Miriam. I would like to introduce you to Lord Henry.” She turned toward him. “My lord, Lady Helton. Aunt, he’s asked me to go driving with him tomorrow afternoon.”
The aunt beamed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Henry. I have met your parents on several occasions.”
He bowed over her aunt’s hand. “The pleasure is all mine. I promise, I shall take good care of your niece tomorrow.”
“I’m sure you shall,” she replied.
After chatting for a few minutes, Henry turned to his dancing companion and bowed. “Thank you for the lovely dance, Miss Canterfield-Smyth. I look forward to our drive. Please excuse me, ladies, I’m due to meet some friends of mine in the card room, so I shall take my leave.” Then with a smile, he turned and left the ballroom.
A promising beginning. She seemed to be as interested in him as he was in her. Amazed at this, but intrigued that an innocent could catch his eye, he made his way to the card room. Yes, he looked forward to their drive with great anticipation.
* * * *
While Melody stood with her aunt, she barely listened to her conversation with Lady Walton as she played her dance with Lord Henry over in her mind. She could not get over how handsome she found him. She did not normally think men were beautiful, but this one definitely fit that description. He was a big man—at least six feet—with broad shoulders. Unlike most of the gentlemen she had met so far, he did not need to pad his jacket. Thinking of him caused an odd flutter in her stomach.
Aunt Miriam turned to her. “I do believe you have caught Lord Henry’s eye. He appears to be interested in you. He would be an excellent match.”
Exasperated, she wanted to roll her eyes and tried to hide her irritation with an even tone of voice. “It’s too soon to be speaking of a match, Aunt. The heat is stifling in here. Is it too early to leave?”
Her aunt smiled indulgently. “Not at all. I will have my coach brought ’round while you get your wrap.”
After they entered the carriage, she settled against the seat. Distracted by her encounter with the handsome young lord, she almost missed her aunt’s comment. “Melody. Are you listening to me? I asked you if you’re excited over meeting Lord Henry. He is such an attractive young man.”
She sighed while shifting in her seat. “I wish you would not keep on about this. As I mentioned earlier, it’s too soon to be talking of a match, goodness, we only met an hour ago. I know you want me to meet someone and fall in love, but it takes time to form an attachment.”
“I only want you to be happy, and there seemed to be an instant attraction between the two of you. Even though Lord Henry is a second son, he’s still in line for the title.” Her aunt beamed at her. “You could end up a duchess. Regardless, it would still be an excellent match for you and in your first season. Your parents would be so pleased.”
She hated to see her aunt get so excited over this, but it would not do any good to tell her to stop. Aunt Miriam acted this way every time an attractive gentleman showed any interest. For the first time…she was interested. She hoped her aunt was right about Lord Henry, but she would never tell her that. Then she would truly start dreaming of wedding bells.
As they entered the house, she turned to her aunt. “I think I shall retire for the night. See you in the morning.”
Aunt Miriam patted her on the arm. “Good night, my sweet girl. Pleasant dreams.”
When she entered her bedchamber, her maid was waiting, and soon Millie had assisted her into her night rail. After her maid left and she climbed into bed, her mind drifted to Lord Henry. As they were dancing, gooseflesh ran up and down her arms as he held her. What would it be like to have someone like him love her? Could he be the one for her?
She’d never felt such attraction to anyone as she did toward Lord Henry. Well, it was too soon to be thinking of love. After all, she had only met the man a couple of hours ago. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep with visions of the attractive man roaming around in her head.
The next morning, she awoke feeling refreshed and slightly giddy over seeing Lord Henry. She wondered if he had thought of her, but being a practical young lady, she refused to dwell on her upcoming drive with him. This was probably a passing fancy, and soon she would forget about him. She was not going to woolgather all day like some silly young girl.
After all, even though this was her first season, she was twenty. She had more important things to do today than lie around daydreaming. Even though he showed interest last night, it did not mean it would continue.
Melody arose and went through her morning ablutions. She picked out her favorite day dress, a white linen gown with a pink sash tied below the bodice, and she adored the deeper pink rosebuds embroidered around the hem and the neckline. Millie helped her don her apparel, arranged her hair, and soon she was ready to start her day.
She was due at St. Mark’s Orphanage at ten o’clock, and she looked forward to playing with the children. Spending time at the orphanage was quite enjoyable, and it was such a worthwhile cause. She also planned to go by the bookseller to see if the new Minerva Press novel had arrived yet. Being an avid reader, she enjoyed reading more than most activities. Once she started a good book, the story would so enthrall her she found it hard to put down.
After she entered the breakfast room, she selected her usual toast with cherry preserves and a cup of hot chocolate. She looked longingly at the pastries, but since she wanted a slimmer figure, she passed them by.
If Lord Henry preferred the tall, slender, pale blondes she’d met this season, he could not be serious about her. After all, she was none of those things. She was too short and round to be in fashion. She needed to stop thinking of him. This wasted valuable time. But goodness, he was so handsome.
Of course, being handsome was not everything. A person’s character was more important. Good looks would fade over time. Sitting at the table, she ate her meal, determined to keep her straying thoughts away from the man.
Miriam entered and filled her plate. “Are you going to the orphanage today? I think you’re spending far too much of your time there. On your way back, remember to go to the dressmaker and pick up your new riding habit. It will be ready today.”
She sat her cup down. “Oh, goodness, Aunt Miriam, I forgot about that. What time do I need to be there?”
Aunt Miriam took the seat across from her. “By noon, and don’t be late. You need to give yourself plenty of time to get ready for your drive with Lord Henry. I’m so pleased he’s shown an interest in you. You want to make a good impression on him this afternoon.”
“Yes, Aunt Miriam.” Although her aunt meant well, she wished she would not go on so about the man.
“He’s in the Army you know,” her aunt told her, “and fought in the war with France. I’m so glad the war is finally over, and that awful Bonaparte is safely locked away.
I wonder what Lord Henry will do now that it has ended?”
“He mentioned that last night,” Melody said. “He’s on an extended leave and will join his family in Surrey soon. After his leave is up, he will return to his regiment in Canterbury. He also mentioned he plans to sell his commission in the near future. How do you know so much about him?”
Her aunt looked knowingly at her. “Oh, I have my ways. I know all about his family. After all, they are very good ton. His father, the duke, is extremely prominent in the House of Lords, and their family dates back to William the Conqueror. However, your family is just as respectable, if not as prominent. Yes, indeed, this would be a fine match for you, my girl.”
She had to keep in mind that her aunt only wanted the best for her, so she kept any trace of irritation from her voice. “Aunt. Please don’t get your hopes up. I’m sure nothing will come of this. After all, I’m not a great beauty. I’m a simple country girl. I’m certainly not going to get too excited at this point.”
The footman entered and bowed. “Excuse me, my lady. There is a delivery for Miss Canterfield-Smyth.”
“What is it, Charles? Do you know who the delivery is from?” she asked.
“It’s a bouquet of yellow roses. I believe the livery belonged to the Duke of Sanderford, ma’am. Where would you like me to put them?”
“Bring them in here, of course. Oh, this is wonderful.” Beaming at her, her aunt clasped her hands together. “I told you he was interested.”
Charles returned with the bouquet and set it beside Melody. “Oh my, they are certainly lovely. I’ve never seen such beautiful roses, but I’m still not getting too excited. After all, I only met the gentleman last night. I’m sure he does this all the time, and it doesn’t mean anything.”
Aunt Miriam gave her a triumphant smile. “I still say it’s a good sign, and I, for one, am going to enjoy watching how this all comes about for you.”
