Lady Ellingham and the Theft of the Stansfield Necklace: A Regency Romance

by Rochester, Miriam

  Felicity raised her eyebrows and sighed, it was not as if she did not want to find an eligible husband but she thought by now, that she must have met most men on this year’s circuit and she had not met anyone with whom she could imagine sharing the rest of her life.

  Lady Ellingham could almost read what she was thinking and admonished. ‘You know Felicity you are far too particular and you are not going to meet anyone if you continually go about like a hoyden and presenting yourself as a blue stocking.’

  Felicity raised her eyebrows and grimaced. ‘Alright mother I will attend.’ Anything to distract her mother from the endless subject of marriage, so at 8pm promptly Felicity and her mother, gracing the arm of Richard, found themselves in the threshold of Almack’s assembly rooms in King Street. It was not particularly the place Richard wanted to find himself either, but as his mother constantly reminded him, it would not hurt him to be looking for a wife himself; after all he had the obligation to provide the Earldom with an heir. Richard however, unlike his sister did not complain, for he knew it was his duty to provide his ungrateful and obstinate twin with an escort.

  Descending from the carriage, Felicity had overcome her feeling of tiredness and looked radiant at the prospect of an evening of dancing. She loved to dance, it was one of the only reasons she could tolerate the London season with equanimity. She wore a beautiful violet blue gown of crepe with a low square neckline and puffed sleeves. It was trimmed with silver rosettes and the skirts fell in rich flounces to her feet. To finish the ensemble she wore a pair of silver grey lace gloves that reached to her elbow. The colour of her dress was particularly complimentary as it brought out the colour of Felicity’s deep violet blue eyes, by far one of her best features.

  On entering the Assembly rooms, the first person Felicity saw was Lord Alex Sheraton. She had never seen the Marquis at Almack’s before. The last time she had seen him, she was dangling from the painful grip of his powerful hands and staring into his very angry black eyes. She knew she must see him again at some point but not quite so soon and all of a sudden, she felt very vulnerable and exposed. Goodness, what if he recognised her! She tried to convince herself that her apprehension was needless. After all, at the time she was wearing a huge black silk scarf wrapped tightly around her face, so it was not possible that he could have identified her. So why did she feel so very vulnerable as if she was the only person in the room.

  Felicity quickly raised her fan to her face, bent her head towards Richard and whispered. ‘Goodness Richard, Thorndale is over there. I have never seen him at Almack’s before, what do you think he is doing here?’

  Richard shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Very much the same as everyone else I suppose. Maybe at long last he is hanging out for a wife, so remember my warning Felicity.’

  Felicity nodded, Richard could rest peacefully she thought acerbically. For reasons of her own, she certainly did not want to court the attention of Lord Alexander Sheraton. Exposure would be deadly.

  Felicity mingled and it was not long before she found herself surrounded by suitors, each wanting to claim her hand for a country-dance. She soon forgot the discomfort of having seen Thorndale, besides which he had disappeared into the crowds. Felicity was able to leave her qualms behind her and became carried away in the mood of the evening.

  Felicity could not have realised how wrong she was, when earlier in the week, she had voiced the opinion that Lord Sheraton had never looked in her direction. Thorndale had indeed noticed her for who could not. It was only because the Marquis had until recently, been entangled with the complication of Emily that he had decided not to approach the beauty. Circumstances had changed however and Thorndale had resolved to remedy the matter, so his presence at Almack’s was no coincidence.

  Felicity was thirsty. She had just danced a lively polka with an agreeable young man who had dutifully returned her to her mother. The Countess was sitting at the perimeter of the ballroom chatting with her friends Mr and Mrs Haswell, so Felicity decided to go in search of some lemonade without a chaperone.

  She was just making her way to the refreshment room when she felt a large presence at her shoulder. She turned around to find herself staring at the silver grey satin waistcoat of a large imposing man. She looked up and froze with dismay as she saw the handsome face of Lord Alex Sheraton smiling down at her. Not caring at all for the whims of society, he did not find it necessary to seek an introduction; at the very least, she would have expected one of Almack’s patronesses to introduce him.

  Disposing with etiquette, he spoke. ‘Lady Ellingham, may I have the pleasure of the next dance.’ A tremor went through her and she could not decide whether it was fear or desire. Emily was right, the man was certainly handsome. She had never seen him so close up and his near proximity sent an unfamiliar shiver up her spine. His dark brown hair, which looked almost black in the light of the candles, was skilfully styled in the Brutus and he wore his sideburns long, which lent him a rather rakish look. His black coat was immaculate and fitted his broad shoulders to perfection and the absence of pins fobs and seals only added to his countenance. His only adornment was a diamond pin in his lily-white cravat, which was arranged in the intricate waterfall. He was obviously older than her, perhaps 28 or 29 and the extra years gave him a decided air of maturity.

  When she did not answer, he raised his dark brows in enquiry. She stood mesmerized; he was obviously waiting for a reply and she stood there looking like a startled rabbit. At close quarters, the man took her breath away but she managed to gather her wits. She must remember that this man was dangerous; moreover, his conduct with Emily was irreprehensible and placed him beyond reproach. Felicity snapped to her senses and recalled her brothers’ advice.

  ‘I am sorry Lord Thorndale but my dance card is full.’ Felicity watched him as he weighed up her reply. It was almost the truth but she was sure he did not believe her. He gave her a most perceptive smile. ‘Ah so you know who I am do you? But doing it much to brown my dear, I am not so easily gulled.’

  Felicity was astonished that the man had dared to contradict her. It was certainly not the behaviour she should expect from a gentleman but there again Thorndale was no ordinary man. According to her brother, he was not overly concerned about the opinions of others and if he wanted something, he would do what was needed to acquire it. Well he was wasting his time with her she thought to herself as she gathered her wits.

  ‘Do you dare to call me a liar sir? I am affronted.’

  Thorndale just laughed. ‘Oh it is a ladies prerogative my dear but if you are in so much demand perhaps you can show me your dance card.’ Thorndale watched as she tightened her grip on her reticule. ‘I thought so,’ he grinned unabashed. ‘But I will succeed in my quest madam I always do, a waltz perhaps, if not tonight then perhaps another.’

  Felicity was torn, she was annoyed at his arrogance but on the other hand, her treacherous heart wanted to accept. She was strangely attracted to him and she was annoyed at the realization. She wanted to know what it would feel like to be held in his arms, to feel the heat of his body close to her own, yet at the same time she was incensed by his impertinence and his self-assurance. In the end, her impetuous streak betrayed her. ‘I shall never dance with you sir! Ever! You are a...’ She hesitated searching for a tactful word. She could hardly call him a thief and her sentence hung in mid air.

  ‘A what?’ he enquired curiously. Her words escaped her and before she knew it, she blurted out cryptically. ‘A David!’

  Thorndale looked momentarily perplexed. ‘A David?’ Felicity defiantly raised her head. ‘Do not pretend to misunderstand me sir. You know exactly what I mean.’

  As Thorndale came to an understanding, he frowned. ‘Do you mean King David in the bible, as in the story of David and Bathsheba?’

  Felicity gave an affirmative nod. ‘Exactly Sir!’

  ‘As far as I am aware ma’am I have never taken another man’s wife at least not knowingly and I do not intend to do so. What do you mean
by it?’ he demanded.

  Felicity sniffed. ‘Perhaps not sir but you fail to consider the whole of the account.’

  Thorndale’s humour was beginning to desert him. ‘Remind me my dear please do.’

  ‘If you read your scriptures as often as you should you would know. It is not for me to remind you,’ she blurted out already regretting her rash words.

  Thorndale’s face looked dark. ‘Oh I know the account well enough,’ he countered. ‘I am not as ignorant as you would have me. The prophet Nathan likened David to a rich Farmer who owned flocks of sheep. Yet the farmer took the only sheep of a poor neighbour to slaughter for a feast, but I fail to understand your application. Are you calling me a thief madam?’

  Felicity bit her lip and remained silent. She had not intended to let the conversation get so out of hand but her impetuous heart had led her into trouble again and she bit her lip in self-admonishment. Her face told him what he wanted to know. ‘I do not know how you have come by such an erroneous impression of me My Lady but you are under a serious misapprehension.’

  Felicity turned to walk away but his hand shot out, grabbed her forcefully by the arm and detained her. She felt the strength of his touch, which was not for the first time and trembled for she knew she had said too much. ‘Kindly explain yourself madam,’ he demanded.

  At that moment, Richard walked toward them. At most times, Richard was a nuisance but at this moment, she was thoroughly glad to see him. He stepped up just in time to catch Thorndale’s last words. ‘Good Lord,’ Richard muttered to himself, what indiscretion had Felicity committed now.

  Richard looked critically at Thorndale’s hand still clutching Felicity by the arm and gave Thorndale a fixed stare. ‘I think you should unhand my sister sir,’ he instructed calmly. Thorndale dropped her arm and addressed Richard. ‘I think Sir, that you should learn manage your women, your sister’s accusations are intolerable.’ Richard turned to Felicity demanding an explanation but she just stood there silent.

  ‘Very well,’ Thorndale resumed. ‘Your sister deems to call me a thief. If she were a man I would call her out.’

  Richard stepped in front of his sister. ‘If my sister calls you a thief, she must have good reason. I would suggest that if you have any grievance you take it up with me.’

  Thorndale gave Richard a pregnant stare. ‘Very well, I shall spare you the glove lest we draw attention to ourselves for people are already beginning to look this way, but I do demand satisfaction. Name your friends sir.’

  Felicity’s eyes widened in disbelief at this unexpected development. What had she done? She stepped forward. ‘No Richard,’ she implored. ‘Do not accept!’

  Although Richard had automatically defended his sister out of loyalty, he was angry with her and spoke harshly. ‘Stand back Flick, you have done enough.’ He turned back to Thorndale who was clearly amused by Felicity’s distress even though it was self-inflicted. ‘I shall ask Jeremy Leighton to act as my second sir. You will find his direction in Mount Street.’ Thorndale acknowledged. ‘I know his direction I will send my man Giles Kavanagh to wait on him. Choose your place and weapons sir.’

  ‘I will meet you on Hampstead Heath at 6am, The South Wood at the back of Kenwood’s Pond. I have a suitable pair of Manton’s if that is to your satisfaction.’ Thorndale nodded. ‘As you wish, my man will be inspecting them anyway. I will see to procuring a doctor.’

  Richard gave Thorndale a stiff nod. ‘Then if you will excuse me I shall be off to make my preparations.’ Richard grabbed his stunned sister by the elbow and propelled her back into the ballroom. ‘Well this is a fine mess Flick, I hope you are satisfied. I do not know exactly what you said to the man but I did warn you. We need to find mother and make our excuses. I am escorting your home!’

  Felicity did not argue but stood meekly as Richard spoke to his mother. ‘Mother Flick is feeling unwell I am taking her home.’ The Countess looked concerned and a little disconcerted. ‘Oh dear Flick you do look pale, I hope it is nothing serious.’ Felicity blanched but managed to give her mother a weak smile. ‘I shall be fine mama, it is only a headache.’

  The Countess looked undecided. ‘Richard I am not quite ready to return home yet, it is still early. Will you be returning to collect me?’ Mr Haswell stepped forward. ‘Do not worry Lealholme, my wife and I will see your mother safely home, you need not worry for her safety.’

  Richard gave Mr Haswell his grateful thanks and just about dragged Felicity out of Almack’s and into their waiting carriage. The carriage pulled away. Richard sat opposite Felicity anything but amused. He sat upright with his arms folded across his chest and addressed his sister. ‘Well now we are alone would you care to explain?’

  Felicity looked stricken. ‘I am sorry Richard, it just came out and I certainly did not expect it to turn out as it did. The man is a monster. He just brings out the worst in me.’

  Richard was angry. ‘That is the trouble with you Felicity, you do not think, it always just comes out. Really Flick you will be the death of me.’ Felicity blanched. It was an expression Richard often used when exasperated with her, but in this particular instance, it could turn out to be literal. ‘Richard,’ she replied. ‘There is no need to meet Thorndale, just let me apologise.’

  ‘What!’ Richard retorted. ‘He will think I put you up to it and believe me a coward.’

  ‘But please Richard I will explain everything, he need not think you so.’

  ‘No Felicity it is too late for that. The meeting will go ahead as planned and mind you, you are not to say anything of this to mother.’

  The short carriage journey soon ended and Richard dropped Felicity off unceremoniously at Upper Brook Street. He ordered the Coachman to continue on to Mount Street hoping to find his friend Jeremy Leighton at home. To his frustration, Jeremy was not there so he climbed back into the carriage and ordered him on to St James Street where he expected he would find him in one of the clubs. Jeremy’s favourite haunt was Brooks so he made that his first port off call.

  Richard was in luck. Jeremy was there seated at one of the Faro tables. His friend greeted him with a welcome smile. ‘Why Richard you have come to join us. I thought you were escorting your sister to Almack’s tonight.’

  ‘No Jeremy I am unable to join you this evening but I do need to speak to you on an urgent matter. Can you spare a moment?’ Jeremy noting Richards serious expression responded, ‘Certainly Richard just gave me a moment and I will finish off here.’

  Richard waited patiently while his friend finished his hand, paid his debts and bade farewell to his company, and the two ventured out into the street. Once out into the fresh air Richard turned to his friend. ‘I am sorry to have dragged you out in the middle of your game but something urgent has come up and I need your assistance.’

  ‘Anything Ricky old boy, always willing to oblige.’

  By the time they reached Mount Street Jeremy was in full possession of the facts and he felt no hesitation in obliging his friend, however he was puzzled. ‘Is your sister sure of her facts. Thorndale has his faults but I find the accusations astonishing and impulsive as she is, it is not like her to hurl accusations of such a nature without reason.’

  Richard frowned. ‘No I do not understand it, but you know what she is like and she is quite adamant that she is right.’

  Jeremy enquired. ‘An apology is out of the question then? You know Ricky I must try to encourage it.’

  ‘Good Lord Jeremy yes,’ he expounded. ‘Felicity is eager to apologise but I have forbidden it.’

  Jeremy frowned, and you have chosen pistols did you say? That is not good Ricky old boy; you should have picked swords for I have seen the man shoot a wafer out at 30 yards.’

  Richard grimaced. ‘You don’t have to remind me. I am a fair shot myself but I do not fool myself that the odds are even. It would hardly have mattered; I hear the fellow is a fine swordsman as well.’

  Jeremy gave his friend a reassuring pat. ‘We are going to have to hold
out for a longer distance if we are to come about. Did you say his second is Giles Kavanagh? I know the man; he is fair. I think I can get him to agree to a longer distance. I will try to hold out for not less than 50 yards, a little irregular perhaps but that way you may both have a chance of coming off unscathed. One more thing Ricky, did you get the impression that Thorndale was wishing to make it a killing matter.’

  ‘I don’t know Jeremy. I hope not, however I cannot take the fellow for granted, the charge is serious and he is a damned unpredictable fellow. I will leave you now. I need to get some rest if I am going to be fresh at 6 o’clock in the morning. Pick me up at 5.30am and make sure you do not sleep in.’

  Richard returned home to Upper Brook Street. It was not quite 11 o’clock and his mother had not yet returned home. He made his way upstairs and gently knocked on Felicity’s door to see if she was still awake. Felicity was sitting in bed looking quite pale. He had never seen her looking so forlorn and he knew the reason, this time she had gone too far and the stakes were high.

  Richard sat on the bed and took her hand. I have come to say goodnight Flick and assure you that all will be well, these things rarely end up in a killing, but if anything should happen tomorrow do not blame yourself. It is as much my fault as yours as I could have handled things differently. I saw him lay a hand on you and it raised my temper, so there was no way I was going to back down. I will not deny that I would have preferred you had left things unsaid but it is done now. Before I go tell me, have you evidence to prove your accusation?’