by Jenni James
Oh! Of course. Where were her manners? “Please, have a seat. I will ring for tea.”
He chuckled. “Lady Lamb, er, Lacey, unless you are famished, let us go somewhere. It is a lovely day, and I think a bit of a walk would do us both good. Also, as you can see, I came an hour earlier than is fashionable. I fear if we stay in the home a minute longer, several gentlemen will be clamoring at your door.”
“Mine?” Was he mad? “Whatever for?”
“Because, my dear, those who were at the Stanthorpes’ last night could not but help getting a glimpse of you. I had hoped to make it before the throng.”
“You have lost your mind, Lord Compton—Alistair—if you believe that any young pup will come knocking about my door. Not only am I much too old to be considered marriageable, but I have yet to truly speak to any of them.”
As if on cue to some ridiculous farce, Pantersby arrived with a missive.
“My lady, this was brought to the door just now. A servant of a young gentleman—Lord Althorpe—wishes to take you round Hyde Park at four. His man is awaiting your response.”
Compton had the audacity to laugh, though he was kind enough to walk to the other side of the room while she responded. “Good heavens. Tell him thank you, but I am previously engaged.”
Pantersby glanced at the tall man in the corner and then winked at Lacey. “Very good, my lady.”
As he left, Compton turned round and asked again, “Shall we?”
She grinned at that knowing face and answered simply, “I shall fetch my bonnet directly.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE:
It was a very rare spring day with the sun shining so brightly. Wrapped head to toe in delightful green flounces and embroidered white dots, Lady Lacey Lamb could not have looked prettier, and the matching parasol and bonnet only added to her adorable figure. Her arm was wrapped snugly through the handsome Lord Alistair Compton’s, and many a head turned back to see them smiling and engaged in witty conversation so early in the afternoon.
Gabblemongers who were at present with the latest gossip stopped in wonder as the two passed by, nodding and smiling as if they did not have a care in the world.
However, that was far from the case. Indeed, Lord Compton was at that precise moment, as they walked aimlessly toward Grosvenor Square, eagerly sharing with his attentive partner Lord Stanthorpe’s words of him joining Parliament.
“And what are your thoughts about this?” Lacey asked as her hand clung tighter to the sleeve of his coat. “Is government something that interests truly you?”
Compton glanced down at those hopeful eyes and felt his chest swell with the thought that this dear lady might come around. “Indeed, it was at one time. It held the chief of my thoughts for several years of my youth.”
“And now?” she asked.
“I do not know. It has been so long since I have pushed that part of my life away, I have not gone back until recently. Very recently. Or rather, I was pacing my rooms until six this morning pondering on the realities of such an adventure.”
“May I ask which side you supported once upon a time?”
He looked away and grinned bashfully. “I am afraid to say it was . . . I presume the exact opposite of your desires.”
“No!” She gasped and laughed, causing several more heads to speculate on them both as they passed by a large shop. “You are a Tory!”
“I was a Tory. I am nothing at the moment. Some days, I do not know where to turn my head. However, I do not understand how you could be as wealthy as you are, and a viscountess, and yet, be a Whig.”
Lady Lamb shook her head in amazement. “If I can use my fortuitous opportunities to help others, I will always do so. My rank does not matter as a daily issue is concerned, though if it can be an example to another, I am glad for it.” She halted and turned toward him. “You cannot possibly believe in the slave trade, as others do.”
“I did at one time, but I have since grown and seen the humanity that my father tried to snuff out from me. It is one of the reasons why it was so easy for me to leave the idea of politics behind.”
“Do you not realize the good the Whig party is attempting to bring to the people of England? Why, even now children’s labor is being investigated, and they are currently writing up laws that will allow the government to help the poor and uneducated.” She shook her head in disgust. “The Tories have only ever thought of themselves. Afraid to advance forward and allow the people to govern the kingdom. It will always be a hierarchy in their minds, and they do much to attempt to keep it that way.”
“Your passion does you credit. I have learned more from you during this short time we have been acquainted than I have ever learned in my life.”
“I do not wish to force anyone into beliefs of mine. I would much rather you searched within yourself and found a suitable fit.”
“I am not so easily swayed as to jump into the opinions of the first lovely lady I meet. However, you are wholly good. With such a supreme example of charity that you naturally exude, I cannot deny that your presence and thoughts are utterly life-changing. Last night as I was contemplating this rather unexpected shift in my existence, I came to the conclusion that if all men and women had your desires, England would be exceptionally strong and just.”
She blushed and looked away. “You flatter me, my lord.”
“It is more than flattery, I assure you. It is how I truly feel whenever our paths cross and I am once again uplifted by your faith and kindness.”
“I am not the only soul with such thoughts and actions. My servants tell me you have spent time speaking with them. Does that not prove that you are above reproach as well?”
“Hardly!” he snorted. “Nay, do not over-romanticize my actions into painting me anything other than black. Have you forgotten that I am the man tactless enough to place your name in the betting books at White’s?”
She paused in front of a shop window and stared fully at him. “I have not forgotten, but I am quickly forgiving that action.”
His heart began to thump strangely. “Lady Lamb, are you in jest?”
“Sir! You would make it seem as if you did not believe a word that came out of my mouth. Yes, I am pardoning you. You are not fully absolved, but it will come soon, I am sure.”
“You have made me a very happy man.” When she blushed once again, he changed the subject. “So, we have seven more events to attend. Are you looking forward to tomorrow at the Vauxhall Gardens?”
“I have never been, but I have heard they are diverting. One of my brother’s friends mentioned that they have a fireworks display every night.”
“’Tis true.”
“Now that I long to see.” She took a deep breath and stepped forward, Compton quick to join. “Will your friends like me overly much?” she asked.
Compton realized she must know full well they would be attending Vauxhall with the very men who were present when he placed his bet. “Lord Hamson, Lord Atten, and Lord Perceval are amongst your foremost supporters. They have—all of them—removed their money from mine and placed theirs on your counter bet. They also spend a good deal of time pressing me into admitting I am in love with you.”
“They do?” Her eyes were wide, and her mouth sweetly opened.
In fact, if they were not walking down the street this very moment, he would have swept her in his arms and kissed those lips. Compton cleared his throat. “Yes, which I deny as best I can. It is getting much more difficult, though.” He glanced her way and then back out into the street. Grasp what she would make of that admission.
“It is?”
He could see her darling smile peek out the corners of her mouth, but when she ducked her head, the pesky bonnet hid her face too much. He decided that was enough gentle prodding for the day. There was much for her to contemplate—from the seat in Parliament, to the Vauxhall Gardens, and then the admission of reply to his companions. For the rest of their time together, he completely kept all heavier subjects off limits and al
lowed the two of them to enjoy each other’s company so that by early evening when he went into her kitchens and said goodnight to the puppies, there was nothing but blissful conversation and perhaps—with a bit of luck—a moment or two when the gel wondered how she had ever gotten on without him there.
Compton whistled as he took his hat from Pantersby and skipped down the steps of her home. Today he had decided to walk. He needed something to clear his head from his frantic heart. Perhaps he was interpreting it all wrong. Perhaps he was not winning her at all, but whatever transpired, he found it was worth the risk, for he truly was never jollier than he was with her.
As he strolled past White’s, Compton took a few steps backward, and then without ceremony, entered the gentlemen’s club. Very calmly, he strode to the betting counter and asked to have his name and bet removed. He paid the fine and relinquished the rest of the money to be sent back to those who had bid for him. Then he very cheekily wrote in large letters, placing another bout of his own money upon Lady Lamb’s bet, announcing to the ton that she had most perfectly and fairly won.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR:
The very next day, Compton sent a letter round to Lord Stanthorpe, requesting to speak to him about a seat in Parliament. After a fretful morning of deliberating if the man had only said such things to him to be kind, he received his answer—to meet at his office in the Palace of Westminster that very day at three.
“My lord, I have never seen you in such high fidgets as this,” Terrell chastised as he placed Compton’s best day suit upon his shoulders. “You act as though your very life depends upon this meeting.”
“It does, Terrell. My whole very existence rests on what will happen within the next hour or so.”
“Well, it is no wonder, for you have ruined three cravats with all of your apprehension. I will now need to wash and starch them all over again.”
The last thing Compton wanted to discuss was his neck cloths. He reached over, grabbed the man’s arm, and took a deep breath. “Tell me I am not a fool.”
Terrell paused a moment and clutched Compton’s other arm. “You are not a fool. You are a man who is recalling who he once was. And, my lord, may I say how proud of you we all are? The staff and I have been very excited to see such changes in you.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. You have always been a good man, and now you have an opportunity to demonstrate it.”
He shook his head. “No, Terrell, I have been a wastrel of a man who buried my head in the sand and cared not for anything but myself for far too long.”
“You were a man in mourning.”
“Allow me to own what I was. If it was mourning, I was indolent enough to enjoy the frivolities of the essence of woe and not what I should have been doing—living life. Nay, I have been hiding, and I am extremely grateful to have finally woken up, so to speak.”
“Do you feel that way, as though you have become awake after a long slumber?”
“Yes. Precisely that. And it is a marvelous feeling.”
Lord Stanthorpe was true to his promise, and the discussion went as well as Compton could have hoped. The workplace had its own set of doors that allowed for privacy. The room resembled that of a large study one would find in a stately manor in the country. It was lined with ancient books on shelves that looked to be hundreds of years old, with patriotic artwork from around Europe and England.
They did not have an opening for him in the House of Lords just yet, but Stanthorpe was keen on placing him there within the year, especially after speaking with him and hearing his newly founded Whig tendencies.
“There are other lords who speak for the Whigs, but I would like to see more, as there have been a few Tories recently who have been openly berating the changes happening in England. They want life returned as it was ages ago, but it will never be that way again. It cannot go back or I fear England will fall. This new direction is giving our nation her morals once again, and increasing awareness in other countries as well.”
“Others? Do you mean the other colonies we own?”
“No, I am speaking of the Americas, who rightfully thrust England out.”
“I do not fully understand your meaning. What are the Americans to do with the Whigs?”
“They looked to the Whigs as heroes, and at one point, before becoming patriots, called themselves such.”
“Fascinating.”
“My hands are tied as the Speaker. I am the middle ground, but mark my words, if England is to abolish slavery, the Americans will follow suit, and can you imagine the joys that will come of such a thing? The lives those people can finally reclaim and press forward with a future and hope for themselves?”
Compton felt a little overwhelmed. “You speak as Lady Lamb does.”
He leaned back in his chair. “Well, as you leave, I will hand over a list of newspapers, books, and pamphlets to catch you back up to snuff with the rest of the world.” He leaned over and patted Compton’s shoulder. “And share them with your Lady Lamb. I am curious to hear what her words would be on such subjects.”
“I most certainly will.”
“Remember, Lord Compton, I would ask you to attend our meetings as an observer most diligently. I would that you came often and studied our ways. I have hopes to present you to the House of Lords before the season is up as we retire a few of our seats this year. Some of our members have become much too old, and this is the perfect year for you become a part of this great government.
“Hopefully, by next year, you will be grafted in without issue. Look about you. See where change is needed, and watch how these ideas and others are being presented to Parliament so you are prepared to bring up your own causes. Though there are a few appointed seats, I fear yours will need to be voted in. I implore you to be present, be active, and introduce yourself and speak to as many of the lords as you can.”
Compton nodded, his chest already becoming much lighter at the prospect of being able to assist others. All at once, it was as if he had a voice again, as if his life mattered, and he was of a greater purpose than he could imagine. “Thank you so very much for giving me this opportunity. I feel as though the dreams of my youth are coming back once more.”
Stanthorpe smiled. “It is a marvelous ability to do what one has always wished to do rather than what one has been told he must do. In your case, you are a very fortunate man indeed. I trust that you will succeed and go farther than you can expect at this moment.”
“Your support means the world to me.”
“Nay, I am only opening a door. The support of your wife will be what propels you forward. You do plan to wed her, do you not?”
“Will you tease me about Lady Lamb each time we speak?”
“Quite possibly, though perhaps if you were to marry, I would not feel so inclined to do so.”
So caught up in reading what Lord Stanthorpe had sent home with him, Compton just about forgot the time and would have missed Vauxhall Gardens with Lady Lamb if it were not for his butler.
“My lord, were you not planning an evening out?” Johnson asked as he knocked upon the study door.
Compton dropped the pamphlet on his desk and jumped up. “Yes! Thank you,” he said as he rushed out of the study. “Terrell!” he shouted down the house. “Terrell! I need my blue coat—quickly!”
The ever-faithful Terrell had his clothes previously laid out. “You are a god!” Compton grinned as he swiftly began to change.
“Well, I have always known my worth, my lord. It is nice to see that you have finally recognized it as well.”
“Cheeky.” He laughed as a new white shirt was slipped over his broad shoulders. “Thank you. There are times when I would not be alive if it were not for you.”
“Undoubtedly.” Terrell sniffed as he began to button up the waistcoat.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:
The Vauxhall Gardens were unbelievably beautiful, and Lacey could not fathom how it was that she had been in London in the past and yet had never seen t
hem. There was a stage with performers, and little paths that took one on whimsical adventures and the like. The whole of the grounds were an endless possibility of entertainment and wonder. If she had spent three nights there, she doubted she would have seen everything the park had to offer.
With its many people and sometimes crowded paths, it was nice to sit down and have a small respite of tea and scones at the tea shop in the park grounds. Lord Compton’s friends were agreeable, and the young ladies who accompanied them were affable as well, but it was Lady Perceval Lacey enjoyed most.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” that lady asked as she sipped her tea.
“Oh, so very much! I had not an inkling this place would be so dreamlike. I wonder at how much time it took to build the little huts and decorations along the paths.”
“I do not know, but it has been here forever, and entertained several people for years.”
“It must have been a modern marvel, I am sure.”
“It is a modern marvel still!” Lady Perceval chortled. “Wait until you see the fireworks. Then you shall truly be amazed.”
“Oh, I hope so.”
Lord Compton leaned appallingly across her plate and snitched a bit of jam that had fallen. And then asked matter-of-factly, as if he had done no such thing, “There is still half hour or so before the fireworks commence. Could I tempt you to take a turn around the gardens for a few of those minutes?”
Lacey took the last sip of her tea and then answered, “Of course. Please excuse me, Lady Perceval. It appears this scamp would like to take me away.”
She laughed. “Not at all—there is no excuse needed. Enjoy yourself. I promise, he improves the longer you know him.”
Lacey smiled. “Well then, that may be a relief.”
“I can hear you both perfectly well,” he said as he took her hand into his. Compton maneuvered them away from the table and the prying eyes of all present.
