by Kira Stewart
Her Secret Duke
A Clean Regency Romance
Tales of Bath
Kira Stewart
Copyright ©2018 by Kira Stewart. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic of mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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And don’t miss the other Tales of Bath:
Better than a Duke
The Duke’s Rose
Dukes, Officers & Scoundrels
Her Secret Duke
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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10.
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12.
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14.
15.
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20.
21.
1.
“Now, Charlotte, my dear, do try and smile.”
Mrs. Thompson sighed, as she escorted her daughter, Charlotte, through the Assembly Rooms to attend her very first Ball. The poor girl could not help being plain looking, but a smile would make a huge difference. Isobel Smythe had been a very plain looking girl indeed, and yet she had somehow managed to marry herself an Earl, and now she was Lady Tewkesbury.
“And do try not to scratch, dearest, it is most off-putting. Try and be graceful like Roberta Malvern. Do look how she attracts the young gentlemen of the room, like moths around a flame. Now, we must go and say hello. Perhaps Roberta will introduce you to some nice, young men?”
Charlotte Thompson peered out into the room. Without her spectacles, she could hardly see a thing.
“All of that reading has done you no good, Charlotte, no good at all. You have weakened your eyes, and now you peer about like a little mole. Now, come, let us join the Malverns.”
It was true. Charlotte was quite short sighted, and was quite the bookworm. The young girl tried to do as she was bid, and tried to smile and not to scrunch up her eyes or scratch herself. It was hard work, trying to be a young lady, yet try she must. The young girl had been looking forward to her first dance for many months, yet now it was finally here, and she had grave misgivings. She knew that she was not as pretty as most of her friends, that her hair was plain and mousy and hung limply around her shoulders, even though her mother had spent many hours that day, trying to get the lusterless locks to curl. It had never mattered before that she had been known in her close circle of friends as ‘sensible Charlotte.’ In fact, she had always worn that accolade as a badge of honor, rather than seeing it in the negative.
She had always been proud to be known as having her nose in a book. Better that, than to be discussing the latest hat, or giggling over the red-coated officers. Yet tonight, she had started to doubt herself. What if she never found herself a husband, would she end up an old spinster like one of the characters in the books she read? She hoped not.
Roberta Malvern was extremely beautiful, but she was a kind girl and Charlotte had never been jealous of her friend. Tonight, she looked breathtaking in an emerald silk gown, the color of her eyes, and her golden blond hair fell in perfect ringlets to frame her face. The fine young gentlemen blushed and smiled around her, eager to amuse the girl, and each make his presence known, each one hoping for a dance that evening.
“Roberta, my dear girl, how lovely to see you.”
Mrs. Thompson bustled both Charlotte and herself into the middle of the group, pushing aside some of the young men, so her daughter could be centre stage.
“Well, is this not jolly? Now, Roberta, you must introduce us to these fine young men.”
Charlotte could feel herself blushing immediately. Her mama was too forward, and she felt embarrassed to be suddenly thrown into the limelight. Roberta embraced her young friend warmly, and one-by-one, introduced the young men. They all bowed very politely, but Charlotte could see that they only had eyes for Roberta. The orchestra, now that their fine-tuning had finished, struck up for the first reel, as the Master of Ceremonies announced the first dance.
Mrs. Thompson clapped her hands with glee.
“My, my, it is time for the first dance. Now, come along, you young men, do not be shy. Dear Roberta and Charlotte are both eager to dance with you handsome gentlemen. Ah, if I was only eighteen again. Now, I must go and find Mr. Thompson. I will leave you young people to dance.”
Poor Charlotte had never felt so embarrassed. It was obvious none of the young men wanted to dance with her, as they vied for Roberta’s pretty hand. When her friend finally accepted the request of a very tall and handsome officer by the name of Peter Beaumont, she could see the shoulders of the other young men visibly droop.
Eventually, a rather spotty red-faced youth stuttered and stumbled in front of her, and eventually found the words to ask her to dance. His name was Edward Pierce. He was hardly her knight in shining armor, but at least she had a dancing partner. Unfortunately for Charlotte, it was a lively Scottish Country dance, the ‘Duke of Atholl’s reel. The music seemed to bring the young man to life, but unfortunately, Edward did not dance well. His big boots kicked clumsily at her heels, as he swung his partner in the lively jig.
“Is this not a g … g … grand dance, Miss Thompson? Does it not make you feel alive?”
Before she had chance to speak, poor Edward had attempted one of the more complex moves, and tripping over his ankles, almost fell upon the floor.
“Oh I do b … b … beg your pardon, Miss Thompson. I am not too familiar with these dance steps.”
Charlotte glanced around her, more embarrassed for herself than her dancing partner. To make matters worse, she could see her mother whispering gleefully to her dear papa that her daughter at long last had a dancing partner. The poor girl was glad when the reel was over. Perhaps in some circumstances, it was better to be a wallflower, after all?
“Was that not a gay dance, Miss Thompson? Thoroughly enjoyable? Perhaps you will do me th … th … the honor of another?”
The young man stuttered, his florid cheeks now more than ever flushed with the exercise, his eyes bright and quite wild looking.
“I thank you, sir, but I am afraid that you have quite tired me out. I think I need to sit down and to rest for a while.”
“Then please let me escort you to a chair, and perhaps I can fetch you a drink of punch, or perhaps some refreshing orgeat lemonade?”
Would she never get rid of the young man?
“A drink of lemonade would be most beneficial after such a dance, but I fear I must join my dear mama, sir. I see that she is looking for me.”
“Then I shall fetch you a cup of lemonade and bring it to you?”
Poor Edward was eager to impress and he would not be easily dissuaded.
“Charlotte, dear, how was your dance?”
“It was fine, Mama.”
The girl pulled a face.
“Well, do not look too disappointed, my dear. I know he is only a young officer, but it is a start. Now, let us walk around the room to see who we know and who we can be introduced to. There are bound to be some local nobility here. I am sure w
e shall find you a more suitable dancing partner than that young officer.”
“But Mama, must we? I was hoping to sit down after the last dance, and I really think dancing is quite overrated.”
Mrs. Thompson was quite shocked.
“Overrated, my dear girl, what on earth can you mean? And you shall certainly NOT sit down. I do not know what is wrong with young people today. When I was your age, I could not dance enough. And neither will you find a husband sitting down, Charlotte. Now, come along and take my arm.”
Reluctantly, Charlotte took her mother’s arm. It was no use arguing. Slowly, they pushed their way through the overcrowded room, Mrs. Thompson eager to introduce her daughter into society.
“Oh, my dear, look who is over there. It is the Langtons, Thomas and Henrietta. Such a charming, young couple. Come, let us go and speak with them. Thomas Langton is quite wealthy, you know, my dear. I am sure he is very well connected.”
“But Mama, we barely know them. Do you think that we should?”
For once, Mrs. Thompson hesitated.
“You are quite correct, for once, Charlotte. Come, I will get your dear papa to introduce us. He is acquainted with Mr. Langton through business.”
Henrietta Langton was quite a beauty. Her flame red hair was fashioned in the latest style, and with her pale delicate features and green eyes, she attracted admirers wherever she went, which only served to make poor Charlotte feel even dowdier. Yet the young woman was gracious, and smiled generously at the young girl. There was but a few years difference in their ages.
“And how are you enjoying the dance, Miss Thompson?”
Her mother was quick to reply for her.
“Oh, Mrs. Langton, you would never believe it. Charlotte wanted to sit down. She thinks that dancing is quite overrated. Now, what do you think of that? Do you know I think she would rather have her nose in a book? What a silly girl she is, would you not agree?”
Henrietta Langton smiled at the girl.
“I am afraid in this instance, my sympathies lie with Miss Thompson. I agree with Charlotte, although I do like to dance, I would prefer to be reading the latest novel. Now, what do you say to that, Charlotte?”
The girl’s eyes lit up, whilst her mother could hardly believe her ears.
“Surely you cannot mean that, Mrs. Langton. Surely you jest?”
“I am deadly serious, Mrs. Thompson. Is that not right, Thomas dear? You see, Mrs. Thompson, books formed a great part of our courtship, is not that right, dearest?”
Thomas Langton smiled lovingly at his wife.
“That is correct, Mrs. Thompson. We first met through our love of literature, and that was when dear Harvey was just a girl. In fact, she once even wrote a story for me.”
The young couple laughed gently together, sharing an intimate joke. Their love and devotion for each other was obvious. Poor Mrs. Thompson was left quite speechless.
“You must come to visit us, Charlotte. We have an extensive library, and it would lovely to have someone to discuss the latest novel with. Now, what do you say?”
“Of course, she would be delighted, Mrs. Langton. Of course, I myself love to read. I was only joking about dear Charlotte here. I have always said that reading is a healthy pastime, is not that right, Mr. Thompson? Always providing that the material is not too stimulating, that is. No good filling a young girl’s head with nonsense. No, I think that a light romance is just the thing. I have even been known to read one or two myself. My gracious, how hot it seems to be in here. Come, my dears, I think it is time for refreshments.”
Charlotte and Henrietta Langton smiled knowingly at each other, as they linked their arms together. It would be the start of a great friendship.
“Oh, Mr. Pierce, I had quite forgotten about you!”
The awkward young officer almost spilled the contents from the two glasses of lemonade he was carrying, as he collided with the group on his way back to find Charlotte. Mrs. Thompson batted him away with her fan, as if he were a wasp.
“Careful, young man. This is my new silk dress, and I do not want it ruined! Be careful where you walk, sir.”
The young man blushed to his roots, stuttering with embarrassment.
“I am most d … d … d … d … dreadfully s … s … s … sorry, ma’am. Please, a … a … allow me.”
Taking a rather crumpled handkerchief from his pocket, he attempted to hand it over to Mrs. Thompson, whilst at the same time, trying desperately to hang onto his two glasses, which only served to make matters worse. The lemonade slopped from one of the glasses, and a large wet spot soon appeared on the skirts of Mrs. Thompson, much to her consternation.
"You stupid, incompetent boy!”
The poor officer looked frightened for his life.
“If you will allow me, madam, Sir Harvey Lloyd at your service.”
Where he had suddenly appeared from, Charlotte could not say, but suddenly, there he was.
With a sweeping bow, a grey whiskered and rather dapper older gentleman, produced a pristine white handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket. Handing it to Mrs. Thompson, he also managed at the same time, to remove the two glasses from the young officer’s hands, before any more damage could be done.
“There, ladies. I hope I have remedied the situation. Now, madam, if you could hold the handkerchief to your skirts for just a moment, it will soak up most of the liquid. It is not too bad, I think. I would say more refreshments are called for. Now, if you ladies would do me the honor of accompanying an old man to the Refreshment Rooms, I will order fresh glasses, and as for you, young man, take my advice and try not to upset the ladies in the future. I believe this is yours.”
Picking up the crumpled handkerchief from the floor, he handed it back to the open-mouthed youth.
“Now, ladies, shall we?”
The group moved away, leaving poor Edward Pierce standing alone, his face scarlet with embarrassment.
Sir Harvey Lloyd was a well dressed man in his mid-sixties. He had made his money overseas, and was now a very rich man, indeed. Mrs. Thompson was delighted with his acquaintance.
“Is Mrs. Lloyd with you tonight, sir?”
The old man looked grave for a moment, the twinkling eyes sober for a second.
“Alas I am a widower, ma’am. My wife has been dead these last five years. I do miss her, but life goes on, Mrs. Thompson, life goes on. We used to dance here regularly when we were young. Ah, the place brings back happy memories, indeed.”
“Perhaps you would like to dance with Charlotte, sir? She has danced only once this evening, and it will do her good.”
Charlotte could see her mother’s train of thought. As soon as the man had mentioned he was a widower, she had seen her mama’s eyes light up. Not only was he a widower, but he was very rich.
“I am not sure that such a lovely young woman as your daughter, would care to dance with an old man like me. Surely, there are plenty of young officers who she would rather dance with.”
“Of course, she would like to dance with you, sir. It would be an honor. Is not that right, Charlotte?”
The poor girl had no choice, but not that she minded too much. There was something she had immediately warmed to in the old man. Indeed, he rather reminded her of her grandfather.
“It would be a pleasure, sir.”
Sir Harvey Lloyd was an excellent dancer, and it came as quite a relief after her last partner. He was attentive and patted her arm affectionately as they took their places.
The next dance was the Borrowdale Exchange, a lively reel involving the changing of partners.
Charlotte slipped down the line of dancers, surprised at the agility of her older partner. At the end of the line, he swung her around with the vigor of a man thirty years his junior, before they passed on to a new partner. For the first few moments, Charlotte did not look at her new partner. She was busy catching her breath, but the first thing she noticed, were his strong hands upon hers.
She looked up immediately, to fi
nd his bright blue eyes staring down at her, and she blushed immediately. There was something unsettling about his gaze that made her feel uncomfortable. No doubt he would have once been considered a handsome man, but now a scar ran the full length of one side of his face. He visibly winced as her gaze fell upon the deep ridge in his cheek, and he quickly looked away. Charlotte wondered what had caused such a wound, and she too looked away, not wanting to embarrass the man.
“I am sorry, if my disfigurement causes you offence.”
The poor girl was taken aback by the bitterness of his words.
“It does not offend me, sir, I can assure you. Why should it? I am offended that you think me so shallow as to judge a person by appearances.”
It was now his turn to be surprised and his blue eyes softened a little.
“I am sorry if I offended you. The war has made me a little bitter perhaps.”
“It is a war wound, sir? You should be proud of your battle scars fighting for King and country.”
The man smiled wryly.
“Not many people see beyond the scar, I am afraid.”
His eyes softened, as he swung her gently around, and within a moment, he was gone again, and a new partner took his place.
2.
“A penny for your thoughts, my dear?”
Charlotte was deep in thought, as Sir Harvey Lloyd escorted her back to her group.
“I was just wondering who that young man was who I was dancing with?”
Sir Harvey Lloyd narrowed his eyes.
“Which young man do you refer to, my dear? Perhaps I know him.”
The girl looked around, but the man had gone.
“He was a man in about his thirties, dark hair and …”
“Did he have a scar across his face?”
The old man frowned.
“Yes, that is him.”
“Hmmm, I saw you talking to him. A rather sorry tale, I am afraid, but so true of so many young men now. I am not sure of the particulars, but as you can see, he was injured in battle, and now he makes a poor civilian. I hear he has turned to drink and gambling, not that he has much money to do either with. I suppose he was once a handsome man, but the war has robbed him even of that. Yes, I am afraid that his is a tale of woe.”
