The Disappearance of Lady Edith (The Undaunted Debutantes Book 1)

by Christina McKnight

  “You think a hasty marriage across the border will stall the gossips?” Luci narrowed her glare on him.

  “If that does not stop any whisper of scandal, then I am certain the trio of you can say…” He tapped his chin in thought. “Have a letter posted in the London Daily Gazette to clarify the circumstances surrounding Edith’s hasty marriage to a man more handsome than any lord in decades. You can also reassure your readers that though I am a sturdy man, I am not, in fact, as strong as an ox nor as arrogant as a London dandy.”

  “I believe I compared you to a Greek god—Adonis—not oxen.” Edith leaned away from Triston and stared up into his molten cocoa eyes, his humor evident in his smirk.

  “My dear Lady Edith, you still possess the skills of a snake with your lightning-quick ability to persuade.” He pulled her close once more, this time, bringing his lips to hers.

  Not caring that both of her friends gasped in surprise, Edith pushed herself ever closer to Triston, not daring to allow him room to pull away from her. She’d allowed him to send her away once, and they’d almost lost each other. It would not happen again.

  “I suppose we do owe you our sincerest gratitude for assisting us in finding Edith; however, let us keep in mind she would not have been taken had it not been for you, Lord Torrington.”

  Edith released Triston’s lips long enough to laugh. “That is the best you will get from Luci, my lord. I would take it as a ‘thank you’ and move on.”

  “I think I will take your advice.” He brought his hands to cup her face, his thumb lightly grazing the spot where she’d been hit. “Oh, and I intend to have that blasted tree removed from my father’s London drive.”

  “Just because you have proven yourself worthy, does not mean we will stop our pursuit of Lord Abercorn—and other men who think to cause women harm.” Luci leaned back in her seat, tugging a portion of their wrap back from Ophelia.

  “I cannot stop any of you from this course; however, I will caution you against writing any piece that is not solidly grounded in facts.”

  “You will not demand we stop?” Ophelia asked.

  “Of course, not,” Triston replied. “My dear sisters happen to enjoy the Mayfair Confidential column greatly. I will not be the cause of their displeasure. Now, I pose the question once more: where do we go from here? I can instruct my driver to London, or on to Scotland.”

  Edith’s heart spiked as she waited for her friends’ responses.

  “You truly mean to wed Edith?” Luci asked, eyeing him closely.

  Even Edith felt a measure of uncertainty under her friend’s intense stare.

  “If she will have me, yes. However, I prefer a more traditional approach than a Gretna Green wedding.” He turned to Edith once more. “If you will have me, and your parents agree to our match, I would insist on a proper betrothal and a large wedding—as quickly as possible. Unless you prefer Gretna Green, that is.”

  Her heart fluttered once more, and Ophelia sighed dramatically.

  “And what if my parents object?” She would not share with him that her parents would never object to a match Edith wanted. “What then?”

  “It will be my turn to kidnap you!”

  “Oh, Lord Torrington, I think you may have convinced me noble men exist, after all,” Edith sighed. “And love is certainly possible.”

  “Love?” Luci hissed as if saying the very word burnt her tongue.

  Edith pulled back and stared across the carriage at her dearest friends. “Yes, love. We must remember, no matter how much we long to discover what truly happened the night Tilda fell down those stairs, we cannot forget to find our own happiness. She would have wanted that for all of us, far more than spending our lives reliving her passing and never moving forward to secure our own futures.”

  “You expect me to easily forget that Abercorn caused the demise of our friend?” Luci asked. “To act as if it didn’t happen and go on enjoying the endless soirees and nights at the opera, all while my heart is heavy and burdened?”

  “We will never forget Tilda.” Ophelia nodded.

  Edith knew Ophelia risked Luci’s wrath if she openly agreed with Edith.

  “I am not asking you to forget—or stop keeping a close eye on Abercorn—however, we can also seek our own futures in the process.” Edith needed her friends to understand that while they were all burdened with grief and guilt over Tilda’s death, that did not mean their hearts should be closed off to finding their own paths in life. “Please, just consider the possibility that we can continue helping others remain free from the clutches of evil scoundrels, but also find our own peace with life.”

  “I will do everything in my power to help,” Triston offered. “I will contact Bow Street and have Abercorn followed until we learn if he is responsible, or the trio of you are satisfied he poses no threat to others.”

  “That is very kind of you, but far too kind. We cannot put you at risk.” Tears threatened to fall, but Edith held them back. “We have issue with Abercorn, not you. I cannot ask you spend your resources to help us.”

  Triston already lived in a boarding house under the weight of his father’s generous allowance. She could not ask him to spend coin he did not possess; however, he would have rightful use of her dowry if they wed.

  “Edith,” he sighed. “I care very deeply for you—your well-being and that of Lady Lucianna and Lady Ophelia—therefore, I would not be an honorable man if I allowed you to continue without offering assistance. And because my sisters have set their sights on the trio of you. I promised no harm would come to any of you.”

  “It seems your life is full of domineering, undaunted women, determined to continue along their chosen paths, Lord Torrington,” Ophelia offered with a laugh.

  “I would have it no other way.” He placed another kiss on Edith’s forehead. “But I will request something in return.”

  Luci’s brow rose in question. “I assumed as much.”

  “I expect both of you to speak fondly of me to Lord and Lady Shaftesbury.” He winked. “I have my own path in mind, and I am determined to bring Lady Edith along, as my wife.”

  Epilogue

  London, England

  February 1815

  The evening was exactly as Edith had always dreamed it would be: the musicians played each piece to perfection, the ballroom was decorated in lovely shades of pink and gold, the chandeliers above the crowded room glowed with light, and everyone was enjoying their evening of merriment, celebration, and revelry to honor Lady Edith Pelton’s betrothal to Lord Torrington.

  Especially the besotted groom and his wife-to-be, as they twirled about the dance floor.

  Triston’s hold was a bit too tight to be proper, but not so close their betrothal would commence with talk of scandal.

  Besides, no one dared speak of any indecent activities if the Mayfair Confidential column had yet to comment on it. And the London Daily Gazette’s gossip column had advertently allowed slip that Lady Edith Pelton, with her dearest friends in tow, had suffered a devastating carriage accident on a darkened route outside London after they’d snuck from their homes for a midnight excursion. If the dashing Lord Torrington hadn’t happened upon the stranded women, they likely would have been set upon by thieves or, worse yet, wild beasts. Furthermore, it was stated any other man would not have had the brute strength to lift the back of the carriage high enough for their driver to replace the broken wheel.

  Ophelia had giggled openly as she’d written that portion of the column.

  Thankfully, Edith had been present to see Triston roll his eyes heavenward and chuckle at the obvious mention of his immense proportions.

  Even now, swirling around her family’s townhouse ballroom, Edith felt tiny in his arms as he towered over her.

  Imagine her parents’ shock when Triston had asked for Edith’s hand in marriage only a fortnight after their return from Essex—or as Lord and Lady Shaftesbury still believed—her night stranded alongside the dark road outside London.


  “Your smile shines brighter than a million candles, my love,” Triston whispered, pulling her to his side as the musicians played the final note. “Our lives will never know a moment of darkness as long as you are near.”

  “You are a shameless flirt, my lord.” Edith smiled up at him, placing her hand upon his arm as they departed the dance floor and made their way toward Luci and Ophelia. “Whatever am I to do with such a man?”

  “Keep him close at all times,” he teased.

  Edith and Triston both nodded a greeting to the Marquis of Downshire as they passed, Pru and Chastity keeping close to their father’s side.

  “Has his melancholy lessened?” Edith whispered, smiling at Triston’s father as they moved on.

  “I fear he may never recover from Esmee’s betrayal. He loved her deeply, even though we all knew her to be flawed.” Triston slowed his pace. “However, he was relieved to learn that she was not with child in the end. He has settled a property and allowance on her, and Esmee has agreed to never return to London if Father does not turn her over for her crimes. In return, my father will handle all her medical needs in the future.”

  “That was kind of him,” Edith said. “Does your father not wish to seek a divorce?”

  He shook his head. “Sadly, or maybe thankfully, he has declared he does not intend to wed again.”

  “I think you gained your kind heart from him.”

  “A short month ago, I would have adamantly disagreed with you; however, upon recent introspection, I believe that to be true. I also believe I love you as deeply as he does Esmee.”

  “Which I can never think to be an objectionable trait.” She risked a glance up at him. “Especially since that is what led you to me.”

  “To be candid, it was your undergarments that caught my eye long before I knew the beauty of your long, golden locks, amber eyes, and quick wit.”

  Edith swatted him with her free hand. “My lord!”

  “But in all fairness, I have come to realize I love and adore you…almost as much as the sight of your knickers!” Triston’s deep chuckle echoed through the room, drawing envious stares from lords and ladies alike.

  “You are certainly lucky I love you in return…and can overlook your outrageous comments.”

  Ophelia and Luci motioned for them to follow as soon as they were almost upon them, before turning quickly and hurrying out onto the terrace.

  Edith was helpless to do anything but trail the pair out the doors and into the refreshing night air. The moment she and Triston stepped over the threshold, Luci and Ophelia rounded on them.

  “You will never guess who arrived only moments ago!” Ophelia nearly sang in delight.

  “Who?” Edith inquired. She’d compiled the guest list and handwritten the invitations herself.

  She made to look back into the ballroom to search the crowd for anyone who didn’t belong.

  “Do not look,” Luci hissed. “He is coming this way, and he is certainly angry!”

  “I can only imagine what trouble you ladies are embroiled in now.” Triston scrutinized the woman. “However, this night belongs to Edith and me, and I will not have anything distracting me from her beauty and our future happiness.”

  With a grand flourish, he twirled Edith back toward the ballroom, his hand firmly at the small of her back, and guided her straight to the dance floor, giving her no opportunity to glance about to see who was headed for her friends on the terrace.

  And it suited Edith marvelously as there was nothing she wanted more than to keep her attention on Triston.

  Her friends could care for themselves for this one night.

  “Triston,” Edith sighed, relishing the warmth of his hold on her as they joined the other dancers’ motion.

  “Yes, my dearest ray of sunshine.” He pulled her a few inches closer, and Edith allowed it. They were to be wed, after all, and who cared what gossip started now.

  “Why do you call me that?” Edith bite her bottom lip when he smiled—that mischievous grin she’d come to adore.

  “Do you remember the first time we met?”

  “How could I forget, my lord? You saw my knickers before you knew my name.” To Edith’s great surprise her face did not flame with shame at the thought of her skirts tossed over her head due to her fall from the tree.

  “Well, before I was afforded the handsome sight of your underpinnings, it was the reflection of the noonday sun off your golden hair that caught my notice.”

  “So, you are saying if I had my hood drawn, we might have never met?” she asked.

  “My love.” He shook his head as the final chord of music rang through the room. “Let us not ponder that possibility for then who would have been close to notice the disappearance of Lady Edith?”

  “Perhaps there would have been no disappearance if…” Edith allowed her voice to trail off as Triston tucked her into his side once more and moved off the dance floor.

  “Thankfully, there are only a few who know of your disappearance at all.” He guided her toward a grouping of potted ferns, changing course when Lady Prudence and Lady Chastity came in to view. “My, my, Lady Edith, my dear sisters are determined to keep a close eye on you—however, I find myself in need of a kiss.”

  “Then you are lucky we did meet because I know the perfect place.” Edith didn’t hesitate before continuing through the potted ferns and along the wall, exiting out the servant’s door that lead to the back staircase. “Come…”

  The Undaunted Debutantes Series

  Don’t miss out on Lady Lucianna and Lady Ophelia’s stories!

  Three innocent debutantes must work to solve the mysterious death of their childhood friend. With undaunted determination they pledge to not only expose the man responsible for their friend’s tragic death on her wedding night, but to also uncover other unscrupulous men of the ton who would jeopardize the future of other young women.

  The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna (Book Two)

  Lady Lucianna Constantine, a quick-witted hellion, has no doubt who is responsible for the murder of her dear friend—and she will stop at nothing from exposing his transgressions, and those of every despicable man in London. Though her two dearest friends were unwilling to point a finger at the dastardly man, Lucianna has witnessed the cruelty of London’s Beau Monde her entire life…starting with her own father. She is more than willing to singlehandedly take down every vile man that crosses her path. However, what happens when a most honorable man discovers Luci is the abhorrent woman who ruined both his life and stripped him of his rightful future?

  The Misadventures of Lady Ophelia (Book Three)

  If only Lady Ophelia Fletcher—quiet, reserved, with her nose always stuck in a book—had witnessed the death of her friend that fateful night. Now she writes a column, Mayfair Confidential, that she uses to expose men with unsavory pasts to make amends for holding her tongue the night her dear friend was murdered. She is more than willing to never call attention to herself. But when a handsome stranger arrives to meet with her father, Ophelia can’t help but do a little investigating for her own benefit. At last, Ophelia has stumbled upon an adventure of her own—but does she possess the skills necessary to solve the mystery without the assistance of her friends?

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  The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna

  The Misadventures of Lady Ophelia

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  About the Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes.

  Her books combine romance and mystery, exploring themes of redemption and forgiveness. When not writing she enjoys trying new coffeehouses, visiting wine bars, traveling the world, and watching television.

  @CMcKnightWriter

  ChristinaMcKnightWriter

  www.christinamcknight.com

  christinamcknight.author@yahoo.com

  Author’s Notes

  Thank you for reading The Disappearance of Lady Edith

  (The Undaunted Debutantes, Book One).

  If you enjoyed The Disappearance of Lady Edith,

  be sure to write a brief review at any retailer.

  I’d love to hear from you!

  You can contact me at:

  Christina@christinamcknight.com