Love in the Moonlight: A Regency Romance All Hallows' Eve Collection: 7 Delightful Regency Romance All Hallows' Eve Stories (Regency Collections Book 6)

by Arietta Richmond

  Or

  Read the Short Read Novella volume

  The Mad Heiress Meets the Duke ~ Part 1 of 4

  Only $0.99

  A Sweet

  Regency Romance

  A Bonfire to Remember

  Kelly Anne Bruce

  Copyright this story: - Kelly Anne Bruce

  Chapter One

  “Anna!” Georgina cried, turning and pointing at a green silk gown in the shop window. “This gown would suit you so perfectly.”

  “I already have a dress for the All Hallows’ Eve Ball, Georgina,” Anna reminded her, as she scanned the gown.

  “You don’t have one for the Bonfire Ball, though, do you?” Georgina said, her eyes flashing with mischief.

  “No, I do not.” She turned away, trying to hide her dismay. “I must admit that it would be wonderful to have a new gown for the Ball in London, but Mama thought it best if I purchase something once we are in town.”

  Anna did not add that she would be unlikely to be purchasing any such gown in London, or anywhere else, as there simply was not the money for her to do so. Georgina frowned.

  “I do wish you were staying here, in Bristol, attending our Ball. It will be the first time since we came out that you have not attended - and it won’t be the same without you.”

  Anna smiled wanly. Georgina had been griping about her decision to attend the Society event for months.

  “I know, and if I could be in two places at once, I would be. However, Mama has arranged for me to stay for a fortnight with the Crawfords, and it is too late now for me to say no.”

  Anna tactfully did not mention that she did not wish to do such a thing.

  “Ugh,” Georgina said contemptuously. “I cannot imagine anything worse than spending an entire fortnight in town with the Crawfords. I simply don’t know why you want to befriend them. They are such horrid girls. And their brothers are no better.”

  Anna shook her head.

  “They are not as bad as you think.”

  Georgina turned away. Anna knew that Georgina did not understand, and did not want to. Anna was usually so docile, so eager to do her friend’s bidding, but despite Georgina’s best efforts, she had failed to change Anna’s mind.

  “I want you to be here with us, Anna, that’s all. You’re my best friend. What will I do with you gone on such a special day?” Georgina said, turning back and taking Anna’s hands in hers.

  Anna grinned.

  “You shall be the belle of the Ball, and can have free pick of every eligible bachelor in the county without myself or the Crawford girls getting in your way,” she joked, wishing to lighten the mood, and though she knew that her allowance would probably never stretch far enough for her to purchase the delightful ballgown, with its full skirts and delicately embroidered bodice, Anna knew that it would at least serve as a distraction from Georgina’s griping. “Now, I want to look closer at this dress. You are quite right, it would suit me perfectly.”

  The pair laughed and entered the shop. Nan, the dressmaker, came around the counter and greeted them warmly.

  “Good day to you Lady Anna, Miss Georgina.”

  “Good day, Nan. I do hope you are well,” Anna said, smiling as Nan bobbed a small curtsey.

  “I am,” Nan said. “How can I help you both on this fine and sunny morning?”

  Anna nodded towards the gown in the window. Nan laughed.

  “I have known you since you were this big, Anna,” She indicated a height at her knee. “And you have always been drawn to any green dress I ever brought before you.”

  “Yes, I suppose I have. It does go with my hair so beautifully,” Anna said, absent-mindedly curling one of her rich auburn ringlets around her finger, wishing that this exchange truly could lead to her becoming the proud owner of such a beautiful gown.

  “Would you like to try it on?” Nan asked.

  Anna nodded eagerly, and waited while Nan fetched the gown from the window.

  “Shall you be wearing it to the Smithwood’s Bonfire Ball?” Nan asked innocently. Georgina huffed. Anna turned and frowned at her friend.

  “She isn’t coming to our Ball, Nan. She’s going to London with the Crawfords,” Georgina said, her tone bitter and resentful.

  Anna squirmed, feeling uncomfortable – as she always did when this subject came up. Discretely, Nan took the gown into the fitting room at the rear of the store, leaving the two girls alone.

  “You just don’t understand, Georgina,” Anna blurted. She had been polite over this matter for too long, and Georgina’s constant pouting was irritating beyond measure. “You have been to London, for an entire season in fact. I’ve never been further from home than Bath, and this may be my only chance to do so. I might meet a fine gentleman, who might wish to marry me. I have been out for four seasons and not so much as a single proposal. I am not like you. Papa may be an Earl, but we have very little money. I am no beauty like you, either. My options are limited. You must know that.”

  “I know you have not found anyone to suit your taste,” Georgina said, taken aback by her friend’s outburst.

  “I have not had anyone show an interest long enough to decide whether they are to my taste, Georgina,” Anna said. “You are the one who has declined suitors because they were not good enough for you. I think that from time to time, you forget that my life is not exactly the same as yours.”

  Georgina lowered her gaze.

  “You are right, of course,” she admitted. “I think of us as being inseparable, and probably do forget that what happens to me doesn’t always happen to you. My darling friend, can you forgive me for being so selfish and vain?” Anna grinned. Georgina may have her faults, but she was always able to admit to them once they were pointed out to her. “Of course, I want you to have the chances I do, Anna. But, I must confess that I would rather you be happy than married to a wealthy man, just because he is handsome. The reason I only had one Season in town was because it was all so tediously dull, the men insufferable bores, or out and out rotters.”

  “And you think that the Crawfords will be a bad influence on me,” Anna said, knowing the lack of regard Georgina held for the family.

  “Well, I know that it is unlikely that a fortnight in their company would change someone as sweet as you, but I do fear that you might be blinded by the glamour of their lives. I know that you are good and kind, and it would take far more than their influence to change you, but I could not bear it if you started behaving like the Crawford girls, with their noses in the air looking down on all of us.”

  “You need not fear that I will have my head turned by them,” Anna assured her friend.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, dearest Anna. Please forgive me. I know you would not. I am just jealous. I can’t help it. I am not jealous of what the Crawfords have. I am jealous that they will have your company, that they might take you from me, and I don’t want that to happen!”

  Anna rested her hand on Georgina’s arm and patted her softly, having known all along that this was what had been fuelling her friend’s objections.

  “No one will ever take your place Georgina. We have been friends for too long. We are practically sisters!”

  Georgina smiled and giggled.

  “You only say that because you have no sisters. My sisters and I aren’t very close. In fact, they are constantly getting on my every nerve!”

  The two girls laughed together and embraced.

  Nan returned from the fitting room, looking relieved to see that the two friends had made up.

  “Would you like to try the gown now?” Nan asked politely. “I must confess, Lady Anna, I made it with you in mind, so it should fit. You haven’t grown terribly much, have you?”

  Anna shook her head, giving Nan an amused look. Unlike Georgina, with her fulsome figure, Anna was rail-slat thin, but it did not worry her overly much. Anna looked back at Nan.

  “I will try this on, Nan.” She turned her eyes to her friend. “If you would, please, excuse me.”

&
nbsp; “That is why we came in,” Georgina teased.

  Anna nodded, and followed Nan into the fitting room. The room was brightly lit and held three full-length cheval glasses, so that you could see yourself from the front and sides. Anna had, in the past, been a little uncomfortable gazing at herself for so long, and in such detail, whilst Nan pinned and tucked her gowns, but now her own reflection held no such fears for her. She had accepted that she would never be the beauty that Georgina was, but she did possess a quiet prettiness, despite her vivid curls.

  The gown fit her perfectly. Anna gazed at herself in the mirrors, and gasped.

  “Nan, it is so beautiful,” she cried.

  “I am so glad you like it, Lady Anna. Whichever Ball you attend, you will most certainly catch all eyes.”

  The bell above the shop door clanged loudly, alerting them to the arrival of new customers.

  “Do you mind if I leave you for a few moments?” Nan asked.

  “No, you should go. I can change back into my clothes and bring the gown through for you,” Anna said. She would be glad of a few more moments to admire herself.

  As she twirled in front of the mirrors, wishing that she could, indeed, purchase such a gown to wear, she thought about her upcoming trip to London. She could not deny that she was nervous, the fortnight could possibly change her life forever, and she couldn’t help but fear that there would be many people who might not understand why she felt she had to do such a thing.

  The green silk swished delightfully as she turned. Anna couldn’t help but feel beautiful, and allowed herself to drift into romantic fantasies. She imagined the tall, handsome figure of Crispin Crawford rushing towards her, overcome with passion when he saw her enter the ballroom, whisking her up into his arms and kissing her with tender passion.

  But, the sound of voices in the shop brought her back to reality. She shuddered when she thought of her foolishness. Not wanting to tear the gown or leave marks upon the delicate silk, Anna quickly slipped it off and pulled on her old sprigged muslin gown. The worn fabric-covered buttons at the back were a little fiddly to manage alone, but she did her best. She looked at herself in the mirrors once more, saddened by the dowdy figure she made. She doubted that any man would ever look upon her with desire in his eyes.

  Anna paused before entering the shop. The Crawford sisters were at the counter. Georgina stood by the window, scowling at their backs.

  “There was a gown in the window, this morning,” Honora was saying to Nan. “I should very much like to be fitted for it.”

  “It would be the perfect gown for her, for the Bonfire Ball in London,” Clementine added. “Of course, we intended purchasing something new from the fashion houses in Town, but it is always a good idea to have something else, you know – just in case.”

  Anna couldn’t help but feel upset, on Nan’s behalf. She knew that the Crawford girls were utter snobs, but to be so demeaning to Nan’s beautiful gowns to her very face was just rude. She would have been more than proud to wear the beautiful gown, if only she could have afforded it.

  Anna glanced over towards the window, where she could see that Georgina was gritting her teeth. Anna watched as Georgina moved closer to the Crawfords, but could not bring herself to do the same.

  She knew she should stop her friend, but she also wanted Georgina to give them a piece of her mind for being so unkind to Nan.

  Georgina took another step closer and said loudly, “It was a beautiful dress, wasn’t it? Anna is being fitted for it right now. I am sure that none of the dressmakers in London has the touch and eye of our Nan. We are so blessed to have her, aren’t we?”

  Clementine and Honora turned, their mouths open, like carp, Anna thought mischievously. Clementine raised her eyebrows.

  “Anna is being fitted for this dress? Well, it is of no matter, she would want Honora to have it. After all, it will suit Honora much better than her. Anna will be glad to find something else, I am most sure.”

  Georgina shook her head.

  “The gown suits Anna’s coloring perfectly, and will look much better on her than on Honora. And even if that were not the case, Anna was here first and therefore the gown is hers.”

  Honora snorted impatiently.

  “Anna can choose another dress. I’m sure this one would look much better on me. She will understand that.”

  Georgina frowned.

  “That is not fair, Honora. Unlike you, and your sister, Anna doesn’t have several dresses to choose from. She wanted this one and she’s being fitted for it.”

  You are very rude girl, Miss Georgina Smithwood,” Clementine spat. “If Honora wants this dress, she will have it.”

  “Or Anna could stay here, instead of going to London with you,” Georgina said.

  Anna was surprised at Georgina’s tone. She had expected her friend to unleash a tirade upon the Crawford sisters, but she was so calm, so serene. Anna knew that she should step in, she could not afford the gown, and so Honora was welcome to purchase it, but it fascinated her to see the interaction between the three women.

  Georgina had always said that the Crawfords acted differently when she was around, that behind Anna’s back they could be vindictive and cruel – and they were certainly showing that now.

  Anna’s position gave her the perfect view of the exchange. Clementine raised her eyebrows.

  “Yes, she could, of course remain in Bristol,” she drawled. “But I don’t think she will choose to stay here to attend a trivial small-town Ball with all the same people she sees week in, week out, when she could be in London with us.”

  “Why did you invite her?” Georgina asked curiously.

  “She is much less rude than you are, Georgina, for a start,” Honora said, her answer unusually evasive.

  “It’s not our fault that Anna would rather spend a fortnight in London than here with you, Georgina.” Clementine said firmly.

  “Girls!” Nan said her face stern. “Enough.”

  Honora lifted her chin up and gave Nan a haughty look.

  “I want that gown, Nan, and if you do not wish for my family to frequent your dress shop anymore, we can always take our business elsewhere. Of course, if we do that, we will take all of our friends with us and you’ll be left with…” she glanced at Georgina as if to say Nan would be left with the rabble.

  “Exactly what are you trying to insinuate, Miss Honora?” Nan asked. “Now, there is no need for all of this nonsense. I’m sure that something can be worked out. I have a similar dress in a different color that you can purchase, Honora. In fact, I think that dress suits you far better than this one does.”

  Honora shook her head.

  “I do not want another dress, Nan. I want the green silk.”

  Unable to remain hidden any longer, Anna made her way into the store.

  “Whatever is going on? You all look so cross.”

  Chapter Two

  Georgina was disgusted by the way that Honora and Clementine changed their behaviour as Anna entered the room. They were suddenly sweet and doting.

  “Anna, darling! How are you?” they cried, and both of them laughed and pressed kisses to Anna’s flushed cheeks.

  “I was just mentioning to Honora how lovely she would look in that green gown,” Clementine said, taking it from Anna’s arms. “Don’t you think it’s the most beautiful one you’ve ever seen?”

  Anna paused, her eyes wide. Georgina could see that Anna was seriously considering giving up the gown. Georgina wanted Anna to stand up for herself, to buy the dress, to discard her plans to go to London with these two conceited women and stay with the people who were truly her friends. It was wrong that this pair of vain fools should have such a hold over her dear friend.

  “I… I do think it’s beautiful, yes. I was just being fitted for it,” Anna admitted shyly.

  Clementine cut her off, lifting both hands and placing them firmly on Anna’s shoulders.

  “Oh, that is wonderful! You are just about the same size as Honora. I�
�m sure that you can find another dress to wear, Anna.”

  Clementine turned to Georgina, unable to keep the sneer from her face.

  “Do you know about Brook House?” Clementine asked. “Oh, well, I suppose you don’t, do you? You haven’t been to London in simply ages. It’s the home of Ernest Cassel. He’s the private banker to the Prince Regent. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Prince Regent was in attendance at the Ball. Wouldn’t that be ever so exciting, Anna? You simply don’t want to miss that. You want to look your absolute best, too.”

  “Anna would look her absolute best in that green dress,” Georgina said, her voice steely.

  Clementine raised her eyebrows and put one hand over her mouth innocently.

  “I’m sure that Anna can find a better dress. Why, Honora simply must have this gown. You do understand, don’t you, Anna?”

  Anna looked forlorn. She lowered her head and pressed her lips together.

  “Of course, she must,” Anna said softly, and moved to hand it over to Honora.

  “No!” Georgina exclaimed, standing between them. “You cannot let them have your dress, Anna. You were here first. Honora doesn’t even know if it fits her or not. It is your gown, Anna.”

  Honora scowled at Georgina.

  “I’m sure that if Anna wants to join us in London, to attend the Ball at Brook House, she will agree that I should wear this dress. It’s only fair, since we are treating her to an entire fortnight of soirees and Balls, card parties and suchlike, in such a grand place.”

  “I am sure that Honora will look lovely in the dress,” Anna’s voice was low and she didn’t raise her eyes, instead she thrust the gown at Honora and rushed from the store. Georgina hurried after her.

  “I do not understand you, Anna,” Georgina said, unable to stop the angry words as they walked along the street.

  “I do not want to have the same dress as Honora,” Anna said, softly. “And I want them to be happy. I can find another gown.” But Anna would not turn her face and meet Georgina’s eyes. Anna was keeping something from her, and Georgina hated that her friend felt unable to confide in her.