Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  But now he didn’t need to. George was here, and Erasmus could not conceal his affection.

  “I was under the impression were going to send a message ahead of you advising of your arrival.” He said, ushering George towards the sofa.

  “I was going to, but things got a bit hectic.”

  George flopped down and stretched out his legs. His soiled clothes looked a stark contrast to the pristine cushions, but Erasmus didn’t care. His cousin was home. George slanted an eyebrow at him.

  “Does this mean you’re dismayed with me for not warning you in advance that I was arriving?”

  “No, of course not.” Erasmus backtracked a little when he saw George’s disbelieving look. “Well, I am a little annoyed because I would’ve had your room made up already.”

  “Stewart said the maids would get on to it right away. I can handle a few more minutes until they’re ready.” George yawned. “Although I’ll be glad to get some sleep. I’m exhausted. And there’s much to do tomorrow.”

  Erasmus went over to his desk and picked up his brandy glass, taking a sip.

  “I hope you’re not going to be causing trouble.” He warned.

  “Causing trouble? Me?” George snorted. “Come on, Erasmus; I’m over one-and-twenty. I’m not a little boy anymore.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Erasmus grunted. “But you know what you’re like when your ‘friends’ are around. You end up drinking more than you should and getting into trouble that could ruin your naval career.”

  Before George had been packed off to the navy, he had been getting himself into all kinds of mischief with other wealthy young men who thought causing havoc was a great way of spending their free time. They were from young, affluent families, so they had no obligations to concern themselves with. Consequently, George had been disowned and cut off from his immediate family, so the only one who was in his life was Erasmus. Even Erasmus’ parents had washed their hands of him, much to their son’s chagrin.

  It was only when George’s foolishness nearly cost him his life that Erasmus managed to get through to him. That frivolous behavior was not going to happen again.

  George sighed.

  “My career is safe as far as my superiors are concerned. I can’t say the same about my life with the wars on right now, but my profession is entirely satisfactory.”

  “Indeed,” Erasmus grunted. That would be his money gone to waste if George threw that away. “What are your intentions?”

  “My fellow sailors and I were going to visit Marcus and Mary Grandston tomorrow evening.” George yawned again. “Anthony is eager to see his parents again, and he said his mother was so delighted to see him she wanted to throw a party. It’s going to be a lot of fun, apparently.”

  “That’s good.” Marcus and Mary Grandston were lovely people. And Erasmus remembered Anthony. George couldn’t go astray there. “Just be well mannered.”

  George huffed.

  “Oh, stop treating me like a little boy. I’m going to be respectable. Join us if you desire and be my chaperone.”

  Erasmus was agreeable to chaperoning, just for his own peace of mind, but he was disinclined to go to yet another party. He had a quota of events he would go to, and he kept that to as few as possible. He didn’t want to leave the house if he could possibly avoid it. This disinterest in socializing and mixing with the gentry was causing him to be thinner and paler than before. Erasmus was sure George had noticed his dreadful change in appearance from three years prior, but he didn’t care. He sighed.

  “I assume I can trust you.”

  George’s eyes narrowed at him.

  “When are you going to stop brooding?” He asked. “You seem to possess a selfish disdain for others.”

  Erasmus growled. George had found out about his parents passing away while overseas and knew that Erasmus had withdrawn from practically everyone. But, even after two years, it was a sensitive subject; Erasmus wasn’t going to revisit it again.

  He downed his glass and left the room without another word.

  Chapter 3

  That First Glance

  “Maggie!”

  Maggie turned. Mary Grandston was coming through the throng of people towards her, a glass in each hand and a big smile on her face. Maggie wondered how many drinks she had consumed already. True, it was after dinner, but Lady Grandston looked like she had imbibed more than a few.

  She couldn’t blame her; her son was home safe and sound, and this was a celebration.

  Maggie bobbed a curtsy as Lady Grandston approached.

  “Lady Grandston.”

  The older woman, still quite handsome at three-and-forty and sporting thick russet-coloured hair that was piled up on her head, threw back her head and laughed. In the throng of people, she didn’t draw any attention.

  “Don’t be silly, dear. Call me Mary. Here.”

  Maggie took the glass of champagne offered and took a sip. While she loved parties she wasn’t too keen on consuming alcohol; it didn’t sit well with her, so she downplayed it as much as possible. She was enjoying this party and so resolved this would be her only drink.

  “This is a lively evening.” She commented

  “It always is with sailors.” Mary took a big gulp and looped her arm through Maggie’s, taking her for a walk round the edge of the room. “Are you enjoying yourself? I saw your aunt displaying a natural merriment and energy.”

  Maggie laughed. Sarah did have a habit of doing that. And she seemed to be enjoying the attention of the sailors more than Maggie did. Maggie loved the male adulation and found that they were more interesting to talk to than the women wanting to discuss fashion and gossip. Adventures galore emanated from their tales and Maggie adored adventure.

  “I am completely enjoying myself; I’m just having a rest for a moment.” She shrugged. “I’m not used to the fast pace. It’s been a while.”

  “I understand,” Mary said sympathetically. Then she grinned and squeezed Maggie’s arm. “You know a sailor would be a good husband for you. They bring in a relatively good income, and you get some status being the wife of a sailor, especially one with a high rank.”

  Maggie knew exactly what was going on. Lady Grandston was trying to set her up with one of the men in the room. Lovely as she was, she was just like everyone else when it came to marriage; they wanted to marry the girls as early as possible, even if they weren’t their own blood. Maggie had told Sarah not to even consider it as she was disinclined. Her aunt agreed and was willing to keep away from the subject for a year or two. Maggie knew if she left it too long she wouldn’t be marriageable. How anyone at three-and-twenty could be too old was beyond her.

  But she kept a smile on her face to resist the urge to say something she would later regret.

  “I don’t know about that, Mary.” She said. “Besides, I’m too young for marriage.”

  “You’re nineteen, dear. That’s perfectly acceptable for getting married.”

  “That may be.” Maggie shrugged. “It is impossible for me to accept restrictions.”

  “Of marriage?”

  “Restrictions for women in general. Many things in life prevent us from doing what we truly desire, and it gets more pronounced with marriage.” Maggie toyed with her glass, looking everywhere but at Mary.

  In a split second, she expected Mary to chastise her for being so silly and that she had to abide by the laws of society and marry. Several other women in the room had scoffed at her inclinations. Mary smiled and patted her hand.

  “I completely understand, my dear. I was a bit like you when I was your age.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. But I settled down once I met and fell in love with Marcus. He keeps me grounded in the real world.”

  “I’d consider you one of the fortunate ones,” Maggie said warmly. She liked Marcus Grandston, who was a lovely man, and thought they were a good match. She sighed. “But I don’t want to be kept grounded. I have both my feet firmly on the floor already. I want to b
e able to do what I want within reason and not have my husband chastise me because I did something that doesn’t conform to the rules.”

  “Does that happen often?”

  “Yes, I believe I it does. I want someone to love me for who I am and not because it is simply a mutually amicable arrangement.”

  That was perhaps an unrealistic expectation, but Maggie didn’t think so. Most men it seemed to her, didn’t want a woman to do anything other than look pretty on their arms and produce heirs. That life wasn't for Maggie.

  She wanted more.

  The next day Maggie woke with a slight headache but was not the worse for wear. After having a quick breakfast with Auntie Sarah, her aunt had expressed a desire to have some currant buns. They had a local bakery down the road that was apparently very friendly and prepared the most delicious baked goods in Bath. Maggie needed some fresh air and offered to go herself.

  Sarah was entirely correct. The baker and his wife were pleasant and warmed immediately to Maggie. They spoke for a few moments before Maggie bought the buns and left the bakery. Turning to walk back to her aunt’s house, Maggie suddenly collided with a hard body when they tried to step around each other.

  “Oh, miss, I’m so sorry. Maggie?”

  Maggie looked up. A tall dark-haired young man in clothes that smelt strongly of fish stood before her. His hair looked like he had just woken up and there were a few crease marks on his cheek. It made him look adorable.

  She blinked.

  “Lieutenant Patterson.”

  She remembered George Patterson. He was a young man and a friend of Anthony Grandston’s. Mary had introduced them with enthusiasm and Maggie had found most of her evening taken up talking to George. Something between them had seemed to come together quite naturally, and Maggie found herself enjoying his company. He was a little older than her and certainly more world-wise but there was a twinkle in his eye that was infectious.

  “Please, it’s George.”

  “George.” Maggie grinned as she looked at the crease marks. “You don’t look any worse for wear this morning. You and your friends were in fine form last evening.”

  George grimaced.

  “I’ve got a bit of a headache, but I’ll survive.”

  Maggie laughed.

  “I hope your cousin didn’t castigate you.”

  George had mentioned he was staying with his cousin, the Duke of Gloucestershire, in his townhouse further down the road. He had joked that his cousin was a stickler for rules in his house and had told him in no uncertain terms to behave himself.

  “I was quiet when I came in. I don’t think he even noticed.”

  “He sounds like a right old bore.”

  George shrugged.

  “He’s a bit broody, but he’s tolerable. And he’s just turned seven-and-twenty, so he’s not exactly old.”

  Maggie laughed.

  “That feels old to me. And he still sounds like an old bore.”

  “Well, we get on fine as long as I’m not too troublesome. Which can be a lot to expect but it’s understandable.”

  Maggie didn’t think he was troublesome. He was, in her opinion, the most interesting person at the party. There wasn’t that spark between them Maggie had hoped to feel, that tingle of attraction that said something more than mere appreciation for the other was apparent. But it just wasn’t there. Maggie could see George would be a very devoted friend, however, and she would certainly take advantage of this new relationship.

  She patted his arm.

  “You’re fine. I don’t think you’re troublesome at all. In fact, I found you most entertaining.”

  George smiled and bowed.

  “I’m happy you thought I was, my lady.”

  Maggie laughed. Then the laughter was cut off abruptly when she saw someone standing on the other side of the street. He didn’t move, merely stood on the opposite side, staring across the road at them. He was tall with blond hair in untamed curls but kept in attempted order close to his head. Broad shoulders, slim but muscular body dressed in finery that said he was substantially more than a typical gentleman; the man was imposing. And his eyes seemed to be like black holes; his attention focused on Maggie.

  Maggie felt a shiver go down her back. She didn’t know what that meant, but she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He had her rooted to the spot.

  After a horse and carriage had gone past, he came striding across the road towards them. His attention turned from her to George, his expression a dark scowl.

  “George!” He snapped. “What’s the meaning of this?”

  George jumped at the mention of his name. But then his surprise cleared, and he shrugged with a smile.

  “What is your concern? I’m just having a conversation with a lovely young lady.” He turned to Maggie and swept a hand to the newcomer. “Maggie Colster, this is my cousin Erasmus Poltyne, Duke of Gloucestershire.”

  Maggie couldn’t stop herself from staring. Standing beside her the duke was even taller and seemed to tower over her. She had to crane her head back to look up at him. Then she remembered her manners and dropped into a simple curtsy.

  “How do you do, Your Grace?”

  “Miss Colster.” But the duke barely glanced at her. “George, come away now.”

  “Pardon?”

  Now George was looking confused.

  “Now. I won’t ask your again.” the duke glared at him. “Or politely.”

  Now Maggie was beginning to feel annoyed at his dismissive attitude towards her. He may have been a duke, but that didn’t mean he could treat her this way. She wasn’t having any part of it.

  “What’s so grievous concerning me that we can’t converse?” She asked stiffly. “I’m not undesirable, am I?”

  For a moment the duke looked a little put out. But the mask was back on, although he did give her a slight nod of acknowledgment.

  “It's not my intent to be disrespectful towards you, Miss Colster.” He said curtly. “This discourse is in regard to my cousin and me.” He glared at George. “Now.”

  George sighed. He looked as displeased about the confrontation as his cousin did. He touched Maggie’s shoulder as he went past.

  “I beg your leave, Maggie.”

  “Certainly.”

  Maggie watched them go. She was fuming. The Duke of Gloucestershire was a rude, disobliging man, and Maggie most decidedly didn’t like the way he had treated her. So why was she looking at him, unable to look away, as he walked off?

  Chapter 4

  The Shaken Duke

  Erasmus was fuming. Not only had George gone against what he said he would do and gotten himself very drunk, but he was also now talking to random women in the street. Both of these things had happened before and had landed him in trouble. Erasmus wasn’t about to let that happen again.

  He reached his carriage, and the footman put the steps down, stepping back just as Erasmus clambered into the cab. He sat down and waited. A moment later George climbed in and sat opposite. His cousin looked upset, his face a little red.

  Erasmus waited until the footman had put the steps in and closed the door. A moment later the carriage started moving.

  “What were your intentions?” He demanded angrily. “I said you weren’t to be left alone with young ladies.”

  George groaned.

  “Is that what this is about? Come off it, Erasmus. I’m not a rake.”

  “I remember a time when you were.”

  “When I tried to be. I was eighteen, and disrespected myself and others.” George huffed. “Besides, Maggie isn’t a stranger. I met her at Anthony’s last night. She’s Sarah Colster’s niece.”

  “Sarah Colster?”

  Erasmus remembered Sarah Colster. She had been a friend of his mother’s and was a funny, sweet spinster lady. He had been quite fond of her in his younger years.

  He had no idea she had a beautiful niece. When he had first seen Maggie Erasmus, he had to stop himself from staring. Petite with curves in the right pla
ces, her hair was several shades lighter than George’s and dark eyes like his own. They were big and round and showed her emotions. She was beautiful, no doubt about it and Erasmus had felt his chest tightening when their eyes locked.

  She wasn’t Lucy. No one could replace Lucy. But Erasmus couldn’t help himself.

  George grinned.

  “Maggie’s a very accomplished young woman. She’d be a perfect fit for you.”

  “What?” Erasmus was glad he was sitting down, or he would have fallen over. Had he been that obvious? He frowned at his cousin. “What do you mean by that? I don’t even know her.”

  “But the look on your face suggested you’d like to.” George looked smug at the thought of catching his cousin out. He sat back and crossed his legs. “She’s carefree and fun, but she’s also level-headed, which is a rare quality these days. She could balance you out most favorably.”

  Erasmus was a little thrown. He hadn’t realized he needed balancing out. And to be cognizant that George had noticed him staring at Maggie Colster wasn’t good; George wouldn’t let him hear the end of it. He glared at him.

  “I have no desire to marry anyone, George.” He growled. He was beginning to feel put out that he had started to tell George off for his behavior and now the tables had turned. “And I’m not going to be set up with your matchmaking. I see no occasion for that.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Really.”

  “Because from the way you acted when I was speaking to Maggie, I’d have to say you looked jealous.”

  Erasmus was glad there were shadows in his carriage so George couldn’t see him flushing. Had he been jealous? Erasmus would have to be dying before he conceded this.

  “I wasn’t jealous.” He said stiffly. “How can I be jealous of a complete stranger talking to you?”

  “Well,” George was still smirking, “Sometimes it takes just once.”

  Erasmus snorted.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  They didn’t speak for the rest of the ride. But Erasmus began to have his doubts. Could he be enamored after only one meeting? It hadn’t happened right away with Lucy; that fondness had developed over time. Erasmus had never before felt such a physical and immediate attraction for anyone.