Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  “I thought I might acquiesce to another invitation. It’s not polite to turn everyone down, is it?”

  “Oh, really?” Sarah raised her eyebrows, a knowing glint in her eye. “Or is there another reason?”

  Erasmus paused. Sarah Colster was a shrewd woman. He could never lie when she was present; she saw through him immediately.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Don’t play coy with me, Erasmus. I’ve seen you looking at my niece more than anyone else in the room. You’re like a brooding admirer.”

  Erasmus had hoped that nobody had noticed. If Sarah had perceived his intentions then surely, everyone else had. He sighed and looked down.

  “I’m that obvious, am I?”

  “To me you are.” Sarah spread her hands. “I’m an observer, so I notice these things. But I don’t think anyone else has.”

  “No, because they’re all focused on Maggie.” Erasmus cast another look at Maggie, who was talking to George and laughing at something he had said. “She’s the belle of the ball.”

  Even though George had mentioned several times that he considered Maggie as a younger sister and he would never be competition, Erasmus couldn’t help feel a stab of jealousy whenever he saw them together.

  Maggie wasn’t his. Why was he feeling possessive of her?

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if someone requests to court her shortly,” Sarah said slyly. “She’s beautiful, intelligent and good company for anyone. She’d be a very suitable wife for someone.”

  That statement had Erasmus’ demeanor stiffening.

  “Is she thinking of marriage?” He tried to sound nonchalant, but from the expression on Sarah’s face, she didn’t believe his reaction.

  “She says she’s not ready yet, and that marriage restricts a woman more than when she’s single.” Sarah grinned. “But maybe, if she had the right incentive…”

  “Is that a hint?”

  “Maybe it is.” Sarah rolled her eyes. “If you’re interested, make your claim now.”

  Erasmus sighed. He wanted to do that more than anything. But he had seen the men hanging around Maggie. It was a throng. There was no chance of getting through that.

  “How can I do that, Sarah?” He asked hopelessly. “I’ve been out of practice. And have you seen how many men she has around her? I wouldn’t get a look in.”

  “Don’t fall at the first obstacle.” Sarah scolded, rolling her eyes. “Try and try again. You’re the duke here.”

  “What’s that got to do with it?”

  Sarah chuckled.

  “Since when has a lot of admirers stopped a duke from getting the woman he wants?”

  Chapter 8

  Taking That Step

  “May I have this dance?”

  Maggie looked up. The duke was standing by her chair, holding a hand out to her with a smile. God, his smile could charm angels down from the heavens, Maggie was sure of it.

  She frowned at him.

  “I thought you said you didn’t dance.” She accused.

  Erasmus’ eyes twinkled.

  “And I thought it was rude to not answer a question directly.”

  “Impetuous.”

  But Maggie took his hand and stood. It was then she realized that this was the first time they had touched properly. The only other time they had physical contact had been when he had held her back after nearly walking off the edge into the gorge. When she had kissed his cheek, he hadn’t touched her at all. His hand was soft and very, very warm and sent tingles down the length of her arm.

  As they made their way to the dancefloor, Maggie was aware of all eyes on them. A change had come over the duke in the last half hour, and he had made his way around the room as if he owned it, talking to several people as he proceeded. A lot of mothers had cornered him, and Maggie could only guess they were trying to secure a marriage for their daughters, but Erasmus simply smiled at them and carried on. A few he had turned down directly when they persisted.

  Maggie wondered what they would all do when the duke eventually found a new wife.

  The duke took her into his arms for the waltz and the music started. Maggie was expecting her toes to be trodden on and was pleasantly surprised to find that he was an excellent dancer. He glided around the dance floor and was light on his feet. Maggie felt as though she was floating away; none of her other dance partners, not even George could dance like this.

  It took a moment after the dance finished for Maggie to realize that they had stopped. She stepped back and stared at him.

  “You’re a remarkable dancer.”

  The duke laughed. Maggie wished he would be in good spirits more often.

  “You sound surprised.

  “I thought you said you weren’t a good dancer.”

  “I didn’t say I couldn’t dance. I only said I don’t dance.”

  Then Maggie remembered they were in the middle of the dancefloor and everyone was staring at them. She took the duke’s arm, and they walked off the dance floor. Then she turned to him with a frown.

  “What’s with the sudden change of disposition? Not that I don’t like this new you, by the way, but I couldn’t get you to dance with me as a way of saying thank you for rescuing me the other week.”

  “You like me like this?” the duke puffed out his chest. “You prefer me like this?”

  “I prefer you without the inflated ego, but yes, I do.”

  Maggie blushed furiously, aware that she was dangerously close to being disrespectful and she needed to succumb before she embarrassed both of them. She focused her attentions on the duke. Something was up, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  “What’s going on, Your Grace?”

  “I don’t know.” The duke shrugged, but his eyes twinkled. “Maybe because I’ve finally found my soul mate and that has loosened me up.”

  “Soul mate?” Maggie stared. “What do you mean?”

  But he didn’t explain himself. He brought Maggie’s hand up to his mouth and kissed the knuckles, his lips brushing over her skin. Maggie bit back a gasp as the touch tingled up her hand and along her arm. It was an exceedingly simple gesture that caused her to have goosebumps.

  “You’re a lovely dancer, Maggie.”

  It took a moment for Maggie to realize that he had said something. Swallowing, Maggie managed to smile as she stared at him.

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  The duke’s expression warmed, and something flicked behind his eyes. Maggie tingled, and the warmth seemed to spread out through her entire body. This was utterly unexpected; she had felt a certain amount of attraction to the duke from the start, but this was something else entirely.

  She wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.

  “I’d better take my leave.” The duke lowered his hand but didn’t step back. “I told myself not to linger, and I don’t want you to lose your admirers.”

  Suddenly panicked, Maggie grabbed his hand.

  “I’d prefer you to stay.”

  The duke stared at her hand over his. Then he looked up at her. He smiled and brushed his fingers across her jaw.

  “I’m glad you feel that way, but I’ll open up the field and make it equitable to all.” Then he lowered his hand and stepped back, giving her a bow with his eyes never leaving her face. “Goodnight, Maggie.”

  Maggie stared at his back as he walked away. She knew everyone had been watching them, but she didn’t care. She just wanted the duke to come back.

  Erasmus couldn’t keep himself from thinking about Maggie. Even after he left the ballroom, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Something had happened when they had been dancing, and Erasmus didn’t want to lose that. But he also didn’t want to monopolize her if she didn’t want his attentions, so he had stepped back. It wasn’t easy, but Erasmus didn’t want to be seen as the possessive type.

  However, the tension he had felt before he asked Maggie to dance had come back. He was now convinced that Maggie had the ability to calm him
down and keep him grounded. When she wasn’t close by giving him her attention, the tenseness came back. There was only one way that would go away completely and Erasmus knew what he had to do.

  He wasn’t about to let the woman he had fallen in love marry someone else. Not when she was inadvertently beginning to make him open up. She had to become his wife. Erasmus had to express his interest and soon, or risk losing her love forever.

  Erasmus decided to organize a picnic on his estate. George helped out, and Erasmus told him of his plan. Sarah also chimed in when Erasmus told her what he wanted to do and soon they had everything in full swing.

  When the day arrived, Erasmus found himself getting apprehensive as he watched Maggie mingle with the rest of the guests. Everyone seemed to befriend her, even the snooty earl’s daughters. There were two, in particular, Rachel and Sarah, apparently making eyes at the duke to get his attention. But Erasmus ignored them; he was interested only in Maggie.

  He didn’t get a chance to talk to her for the first two hours, and his tension began to build up. It was not enough just to see her, Erasmus couldn’t relax. It was uncomfortable, but he had to be patient. There would be no rushing this.

  Finally, Maggie managed to get near him. As soon as she was close by Erasmus felt exuberant. Maggie’s face was flushed with joy, and her eyes were sparkling. She looked even lovelier than before.

  “This is a beautiful picnic, Your Grace.” Maggie declared. “You really have done something amazing.”

  Erasmus grinned. He had much to smile about since Sarah had told him to pursue Maggie and claim her.

  “I’m pleased you are enjoying yourself.”

  “I always fancy a pleasant outing, especially a picnic.” Maggie winked. “And the company isn’t so displeasing, either. It’s good to see you smiling and finding pleasure.”

  Erasmus couldn’t stop himself. And he didn’t care. He put an arm around Maggie’s shoulders and hugged her to him.

  “I guess someone’s brought me out of my dark mood.”

  From the look on Maggie’s face, she was surprised he had made such a bold move in public, but she was also delighted that he had done so. Maybe this wouldn’t be so difficult after all.

  He glanced towards the trees behind them.

  “Listen, Maggie, let’s go for a walk. I want to…”

  “Oh, a walk?” A squeal emanated from them.

  Erasmus turned and groaned. Rachel and Sarah, the two sisters who had been trying to solicit his attention all day, sidled up to him. Rachel latched onto one arm, and Sarah virtually bumped Maggie out the way to take his other arm. Rachel beamed up at him.

  “I love walks!”

  “Let’s all go for a stroll.” Sarah declared a little too loudly.

  Erasmus’ heart sank as everyone started murmuring about how lovely it would be to go for a walk. Then George spoke up, as he approached Erasmus.

  “I think, ladies,” He said smoothly as he neatly detached both women from Erasmus’ arms, “My cousin wanted to go with Miss Colster on his own. It was not an open invitation to anyone else.”

  Erasmus gave George a satisfied smile, and George winked back.

  Rachel pouted. “Oh, leave us be,” She snorted. “The duke doesn’t want to socialize with Maggie Colster.” She sneered Maggie’s name.

  Erasmus glared at her.

  “Actually, Erasmus does desire to spend some time with Miss Colster.” Then, aware that everyone was silent and watching them, he turned to Maggie. She was standing a little way off, pale but her head high. He held out an arm. “Come on, Maggie. George can assume duties as host.”

  Maggie hesitated. Then she took his arm. Erasmus knew everyone was watching them leave and wished that the girls hadn’t made such a fuss about; he would rather have just slipped quietly away without a commotion. As it was, they had to walk as calmly as they could until they disappeared down the path. Chances were the others would be talking about what they would be up to, but Erasmus didn’t care.

  Chapter 9

  Finally Conceding

  Maggie had been very embarrassed and insulted when the little opportunist Sarah, shoved her away from the duke as if to claim him. But George and Erasmus had managed to move both Sarah and his sister away before the duke publicly turned his back on them. That might not have been a good idea; their parents were very wealthy gentry and could cause severe consequences for the way he treated their daughters. But she was also confident that Erasmus would put them in their place.

  From her experience, one never argued with a duke.

  When she had been at the picnic, Maggie had been aware that Erasmus looked very tense, almost in slight distress. Then as she joined him, the tension seemed to lessen a little. Now as they walked away from everyone else and into their own little world, the strain disappeared completely. A smile was returning, and he was looking as relaxed she had ever seen him.

  She liked this side of him. Erasmus was an enigma, but Maggie loved it.

  When they were finally out of sight Erasmus slowed their pace down. They were in a small clearing, the grass thick and soft under their feet. Maggie turned to him.

  “What’s bothering you, Your Grace? Why did you want to talk to me?”

  Erasmus swallowed. He took her hands and sat her down, settling on the grass beside her.

  “Erasmus?”

  “I’ve wanted to talk to you all day,” Erasmus stretched his legs out. “But we’ve been surrounded by people the whole time.”

  “I did notice you were anxious.” Maggie tucked her legs beside her, her hands in her lap. “But if you want to talk to me why didn’t you ask to see me alone?”

  “I guess I would’ve lost my resolve.”

  “Whatever do you mean?” Maggie was getting confused. Erasmus wasn’t making himself clear. “To do what?”

  “This.”

  Erasmus sat up and tugged her gently towards him. Maggie found herself falling into him and opened her mouth in a startled squeal, which was silenced when Erasmus kissed her. He started off firm but gentle, but it was already causing Maggie to melt. His lips were soft and molded against hers. She sank into his arms as Erasmus pulled her across his lap, and passionately kissed her again and again.

  Maggie had no idea what to do. She had never been kissed before. She could only cling onto his shoulders and kiss him back, letting him lead. And her whole body felt the kiss.

  She didn’t want it to end.

  When Erasmus finally pulled away, finishing with small, gentle kisses before pulling back and resting his forehead against hers, Maggie wanted to drag him back. But she was having a hard time getting her breath back. She swallowed and gulped in air.

  “My goodness!”

  “Have I overstepped the mark?” Erasmus was breathing heavily. “I know this isn’t proper, but I just couldn’t contain myself any longer.”

  Maggie couldn’t help but giggle.

  “I haven’t been proper for years. Except in this sense.” She added quickly. “I don’t want to go around saying I’m…”

  Erasmus chuckled and kissed her again.

  “I know what you meant.” He whispered.

  Maggie’s hands clutched at his shoulders. She could feel them shaking.

  “Why are you kissing me, Your Grace?”

  “It was either that or be completely unintelligible in what I wanted to say.” Erasmus shifted Maggie, so she sat beside him, one arm still around her. “Doing that calmed me down, would you believe? I know now I’ve got your full attention.”

  “You’ve always had my attention.” Maggie cupped her hand over his jaw. “But what does this mean? I don’t want to presume anything.”

  “Remember I told you I’d found my soul mate?”

  “Yes.”

  “I meant it. I have found my soul mate. She’s vibrant, she’s funny, and she loves gothic novels.” He winked. “The woman of my dreams.”

  Maggie blinked. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

&n
bsp; “I’m your soul mate?” She asked faintly.

  “You are.” Erasmus kissed her forehead and hugged her close to his side. “I’ve entirely fallen for you, Maggie. I didn’t know what it meant in the beginning. My love for my fiancée was so different compared to this. I had no idea what to with the feelings I had for you. It was utterly enraptured when I first caught sight of you.”

  In spite of herself, Maggie giggled.

  “You were quite imposing yourself.”

  “My apologies.”

  Erasmus sighed as he stroked her hair.

  “I’ve come to realize I can’t mope around forever. That’s not fair to anyone. I’m attempting to say that I do want a family but I only want one with you. No one else. I know we haven’t even begun a courtship, but I’ve seen how many admirers you’ve got and I just…”

  Maggie didn’t want to hear him talk anymore; she had heard enough. Erasmus loved her. He wanted to have a family with her. Inside she was dancing about in joy. She tugged his head down and kissed him. It was just a simple, firm kiss and it silenced him. Erasmus moaned and leaned into her, but Maggie pulled back with a grin.

  “I know you just,” She teased. She stroked his cheek. “And if that was a proposal of marriage, I accept.”

  “You do?”

  “I do.” Maggie kissed him softly. “George figured it out not long ago. I like dark, brooding men. And I love one particularly dark, brooding man; and he’s right here in front of me.”

  The smile that spread across Erasmus’ face was magnificent. He pulled her to him and kissed her more thoroughly, enough to make Maggie’s head spin. When he raised his head again, they were both breathing heavily. Erasmus gulped.

  “Do you want to go back to the others?”

  Maggie didn’t want to, but she knew it was inevitable.

  “We’d better; otherwise, they’ll send out a search party.”

  “I’m sure George would divert them.”

  “Knowing him he’ll be the one to grab a front seat.”

  Erasmus laughed. He stood, pulling her up with him. Then, with one final kiss, they walked back to the picnic, this time hand-in-hand.