a glorious
christmas
of
forgiveness
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Copyright © 2019 by Grace Fletcher.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Contents
Chapter 1 Skating With the Earl
Chapter 2 Lady Freya’s Visit
Chapter 3 Lord Coventry
Chapter 4 The Scandal
Chapter 5 A Late-night Visitor
Chapter 6 Lisa’s Confession
Chapter 7 The Second Scandal
Chapter 8 A Wonderful Christmas
Chapter 1
Skating With the Earl
"The earl is here," Maria muttered, as she squinted at something through the window.
Inese's heart skipped a beat, and she almost dropped the boot that she was just about wearing.
Without even realizing it, she moved to the window to get a better look at him. Watching his footman open the carriage door, she felt her heart flutter strangely. A warm feeling that she didn't even know she was capable of rushed through her.
Just standing there at her window, watching him, a thousand and one thoughts fluttered through her mind, and all of them had this man in them.
"He will be expecting you now, my lady," Maria reminded her that she had a more important thing to do besides gazing at an Englishman.
She made her way downstairs to meet him.
He was studying a piece of art when she got to him and so engrossed was he that he didn't notice her presence.
"My lord," she finally said after watching him for about a minute.
Bedford whirled around at the sound of her voice, and he looked almost relieved to see her.
"Miss Strupule," he said, smiling, "I was afraid you might have changed your mind about going skating with me.
Inese smiled. "I gave my word, and we Germans always stand by our word."
"Most definitely," he nodded, "and you Germans have quite a number of talented artists too," he gestured at the painting.
"I see you've acquainted yourself with our art collection," she said, moving closer even though she was in one of her plainest dresses and she had no cosmetics on her face.
"Indeed. Your family's collection is quite a beautiful one."
"Thank you. My father said that pieces of art by German artists remind him of home, so he never let any opportunity go without procuring yet another. His private art collection is quite impressive, I assure you."
"He has such a good eye. We should take our leave now."
Just about time, Inese thought. She had never gone skating before, and she was ecstatic about this.
As they got to the carriage, Bedford turned towards her, and for a moment his gaze was riveted on her face. He was just about to say something but was startled when a toy flew out of the open door of the carriage and hit him square in the shoulder before clattering to the ground.
Bedford sighed in exasperation.
"Miss Strupule, please. I'm really sorry about that," he said before sticking his head into the carriage and muttering words she couldn't decipher.
"Your nephews, I believe?" Inese asked. He had told her a lot about the little boys, and she couldn't wait to meet them.
"You are correct. They insisted on following me for afternoon skating today even though I promised them that I would take them at a later date. I would perfectly understand if the throwing of things has put you off, they can be quite a handful," he looked both anxious and remorseful.
"I would love to go skating with you and your nephews too. I bet they are an adorable pair," Inese replied.
She had quite a thing for children, and they often warmed up to her.
Bedford looked relieved. "Are you sure you would be comfortable with them and their antics? I can take them back to their mother if you want."
"I'm sure."
"I'm glad. I expect we will all have an enjoyable time today. I also brought an extra pair of skates since you said you've never gone before."
Inese smiled. "You are being too kind, Sir. However, I must warn you that I have not the slightest idea what to do on skates."
Bedford opened his arms wide. “I’d wager you would find my nephews and me agreeable teachers."
"I promise to be an agreeable student then."
Bedford opened the door to the carriage and Inese looked apprehensively into it. Two boys were seated side by side on one of the benches in the carriage, and they were both regarding her with curiousty.
Bedford addressed them. "We have a guest, young men and I trust that you will be on your best behavior. Any disagreeable actions from you, and I will take you both back home."
The boys looked at Inese again.
Bedford offered his hand to Inese and helped her up. He took his seat beside her on the bench, his shoulder pressing against hers. The boys continued to stare at Inese.
Bedford signaled to the driver, and the carriage set on.
"Miss Strupule, may I introduce you to my nephews, Master Crawford, and Master Eustis."
Inese put up a friendly smile and put out her hand. "How do you do, young Masters?"
Eustis took her hand smartly and shook it firmly.
"It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madam."
Crawford also took her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam."
"But Uncle, who is she?" Crawford asked.
"She is Miss Strupule, the daughter of Master Strupule, who is the German ambassador. Also, she is my friend."
"Wow!" Crawford said, obviously impressed.
"Can you be my friend too, madam?" Eustis asked, "I like friends. I have lots of them."
"That would be delightful. I would be your friend if you would be mine."
They were soon at the park. As soon as the frozen pond was in view, the boys became increasingly impatient. It took quite a while for Bedford to get the boys into their skates, but once they had them on, off they went sliding around and occasionally colliding with other skaters.
"Pardon me, but I must really ensure that they are safe," he said as he quickly strapped on his own skates and handed Inese hers.
She sat on a bench and watched him skate over to where the boys were. He pulled them close and seemed to be having a conversation with them.
Inese used the opportunity to look around the park. The park had few people in it, and she could even see a young couple twirl each other around as though on a dance floor.
When Bedford seemed to be satisfied that the boys wouldn't be crashing into anybody, he skated back to her.
"Ha-ha! I see you have not donned your skates, madam," Bedford said to her.
"I don't know how."
He raised his brows. "That sounds more like an excuse."
"It's not an excuse," she started to protest, but when Bedford narrowed his brows and gave her a dubious look, she sighed, "maybe a bit."
He smiled at her and stepped up onto the bank. He kneeled before her and gestured to her foot. "May I?"
Inese
lifted her skirts to reveal her boots. Bedford put his hand under her ankle and lifted her foot up. He placed the flat surface of the skate against her sole then lowered her foot and strapped the skate into place before repeating the same process with the other foot. He finally stood up and held out his hands.
Inese began to rise to her feet, afraid that she might fall anytime. However, she stood up easily. All seemed to be going on well until she tried to move her foot, faltered, and grabbed his outstretched arm to right herself.
Bedford laughed.
"It will be much better on the ice, I assure you," he said.
He moved onto the ice and held out his hand. Inese, however, stood rooted to the spot, suddenly nervous as she thought about a thousand and one things that could go on wrong.
"Just put a foot on the ice," Bedford admonished her.
Inese shook her head. "I don't think I can do it." She felt wobbly and unsure of herself, and she was almost sure that if she lifted her foot, she would lose balance.
"Put your hand in mine," Bedford said reassuringly.
Inese leaned forward as far as she dared yet she couldn't quite reach his hand. "Perhaps I should learn to skate some other..."
Bedford suddenly stepped up, grabbed her, and lifted her onto the ice. Inese cried out with alarm. Bedford slid backward with the force of her weight, and she instinctively threw her arms around his neck.
Bedford chuckled and put her on her feet smoothly, his firm grip on her back to steady her.
Inese, however, didn't feel steady, and she held on to his arms. They started sliding, facing each other and moving farther out onto the ice. Her legs were both locked, and while other skaters swirled around them, she could not move her legs.
Bedford's nephews soon appeared on her right side, almost colliding with her in their haste to reach her. Inese couldn't help but cry out with alarm again.
"Shall we hold your hands, madam?" Eustis asked. A mischievous smile spread on his face while he skated in a circle around them.
"I've got her. Thank you," Bedford said before Inese could even say a word, "Madam, you don't seem as gracious and light as you always were at the ball, could anything be the matter?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as they skated.
"Trust me, I would give anything to be at the ball at this very moment," Inese said.
"You should be moving your feet," Crawford said as he squatted to look at her feet.
"Like I said earlier, I will be her instructor," Bedford said to the boys.
As Bedford moved backward, he moved his legs wide apart and then he brought them together again. The motion gave him just enough momentum to move slowly along a straight line.
"It seems so easy," Inese cried out, "yet my ankles will never hold me."
"I have seen your ankles, and they look quite strong. They will hold you, I assure you," he said reassuringly.
Inese looked up, but that was her undoing because one of her feet suddenly slipped. She cried out in terror as she slid into Bedford's chest.
"Perhaps, you would do much better if I let go of you," Bedford said.
"No, no!" she exclaimed frantically, "I do not want to know how to skate anymore."
"You do," Bedford countered immediately.
"I do not," she shook her head, "I lost all my passion for it just now. I would be happier if I just watch you and the other skaters while I sit on a bench."
Bedford didn't seem to hear her because he said. "Right now, I'm going to hold your arms out so that you can... "
"No, no!" she exclaimed frantically.
"I will not let you fall," he reassured her.
For the first time, Inese stared into those eyes. She often found it hard to trust people, and not even her parents did she trust absolutely. However, standing there and staring into his eyes, she felt different. She felt like she could absolutely trust him.
Reluctantly, she released her tight hold on him. He held out one of her hands, and then the other. He then smiled warmly.
Inese looked down.
"Don't look at your feet. Look at me then push with your right leg."
Inese did as he had instructed her.
"Wonderful!" he exclaimed. "Now, do the same with the other."
She tried it yet again and gasped with excitement.
"I'm really skating," she cried, ecstatic.
"Don't forget to always look at me," he told her, "you can now skate all by yourself, aye?"
"No!" Inese exclaimed, but it was too late.
Bedford had already let go of her hand. Frightened, Inese started to whirl with her arm in panic. Before long, she began to lose her balance. Bedford got behind her and put a hand on her back to help steady her.
"Slow and steady," he breathed against her.
This seemed to calm her down, and she soon found her balance again. When she finally did, he let go of Inese completely.
The feeling was ecstatic, and Inese couldn't help but laugh out loud. She was actually gliding, her arms out for ballast and her legs wide apart. She couldn't believe it. She had always wanted to learn to skate, and now, it was a dream come true for her. She gave another laugh of joy, and it almost threw her off balance. She was, however, quick to regain her balance with a little more frantic whirling. She continued to skate, pushing with one leg and then the other.
She was so caught up with this happiness that she didn't realize in time that she was heading straight for a group of people who had their hands linked. She panicked when she realized that she had no idea how to turn.
"Inese, turn to the right," Bedford shouted, having noticed what was going on.
"I have no idea how to do that!" she exclaimed, her voice frantic from panic.
"Turn to the right!" he said yet again as though he couldn't hear what she had just said.
The group was so engrossed with their skating and had no idea that a skater who had lost control was hurtling towards them. She was just a few feet away, and she would have collided with them if Bedford hadn't grabbed her at the last minute and turned right.
Inese heaved a sigh of relief. She could not even begin to imagine what could have happened to her if he hadn't been fast enough to come to her rescue. She could have been injured or worse.
When he finally guided her to the shore, he sat down, laughing. "Are you okay?" he asked, still laughing.
"I think I am," Inese shrugged.
"I can see that," Bedford said and continued to laugh.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Miss Strupule, you might be the best dancer in the whole of Europe, but, you, madam, are the most wretched skater in all of Europe."
Inese sulked. "I guess we have you to blame for being a terrible teacher then. You could have instructed me on how to stop and turn."
"Well, I planned on doing that, but you waited for no instruction before you started skating around," he said. "Now let us teach you how to stop and turn.”
Inese groaned. She thought she was done for the day, but alas, her teacher was having none of it. Inese was just getting up to her feet when she felt a pair of small hands grabbing her skirts.
"Madam, race with us."
"Race with us please, Madam."
Bedford's hands fell away from hers, and her eyes widened as she thrust her arms out to balance herself.
Crawford took one of Bedford's hands while Bedford held out the other to Inese. "Be prepared, madam. We have been challenged."
Inese improved over the next hour. Her entire body, however, ached from exertion. When she could take it no longer, she begged to be allowed to sit at the shore, and they obliged her.
She was soon joined at the shore by Bedford, and they both sat, watching the other skaters.
"So, did you enjoy the experience?"
"It was...” Inese couldn't quite get the perfect word for what she felt as she skated, "it was refreshingly thrilling."
She turned to look at him and felt a sharp pain in her muscles. She hissed with pain.
"I'm sorry," Bedford looked concerned, "I didn't warn you about that. It will pass, but you will feel the pain from the physical exertion for a while."
"Thank you very much, Bedford. I've always wanted to skate ever since we were in Germany, but my father never agreed to it. According to him, it was way too dangerous a sport for his daughter to venture into. He finally gave me the permission to go skating because you talked to him. For that, I'm really grateful."
"You just called me Bedford?" he said and looked pleasantly surprised.
"Yes. Do you have any objection to it?"
"No," he shook his head, "not at all. My close friends and family call me that. I thought you should know."
Inese smiled. "I take that to mean that you consider me a close friend then?"
Bedford also broke into a smile. "I believe that is right."
He turned his gaze back to the skaters, and she did too. The boys were presently trying to outrace each other, but they have managed not to collide with anybody so far.
"We might just practice skating some more so I can master my moves perfectly well," Inese said and made to stand up.
Another wince of pain brought her sitting back on the bench. Her hips and legs were on fire.
"Oh, No!" Bedford groaned, "I should not have allowed you exert yourself so. Your father would probably call for my head now."
Inese laughed.
"Trust me, you can do no wrong in my father's eyes."
"I certainly hope so," he said.
Inese couldn't help but smile again as she put her hand in his while he closed his fingers around her hand and helped her up.
Chapter 2
Lady Freya’s Visit
"Lady Freya Bradley," the butler announced at the door of Inese's salon.
"Thank you," Inese replied and rose to her feet as Freya walked in into the salon.
"Freya!" Inese said, happy to see her friend.
"Inese," Freya said happily.
Freya was one of the few friends that Inese first made when her parents moved to London, and they had remained friends ever since. She was a beautiful lady with striking gray eyes and beautiful red hair.
"I'm sorry to hear that you were under the weather for a while," Freya said.
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