Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  He wasn’t moving.

  Everything seemed to stop as everyone turned to see what happened.

  “Michael!”

  The earl hurried forward. Cherry snapped out of her trance and passed her glass to her uncle. She pushed past the dowager countess and Isabella, joining Lucy as she tried to tug her brother away from the fire. They managed to pull him away and onto the carpet, Derby kneeling beside them to roll Michael onto his back. Michael’s eyes were closed and there was a cut open on his forehead, which was starting to bleed heavily.

  Lucy began to cry.

  “What’s wrong with him? Why won’t he wake up?”

  Derby looked at a loss, cradling his only son. Cherry didn’t want them to become a spectacle and Michael needed tending to. She touched Derby’s arm and took charge.

  “Lord Derbyshire, would you take your son up to his room.” She said briskly. Then she looked around and saw the butler near her uncle. “Mr. Bass, get someone to fetch the doctor.”

  “Very good, Miss Hammortree.”

  Bass put the tray of drinks down and hurried away.

  Isabella grunted rudely.

  “Trust children to mess this evening up.”

  Lucy grimaced and started to stand but Cherry grabbed her arm. Isabella wanted a reaction, and she was going to get it if Lucy didn’t get her temper under control.

  “Focus on your brother, not her.” She whispered.

  Lucy didn’t look happy about it but she subsided, giving Isabella a wide berth as her father carried Michael out of the room.

  ***

  The doctor arrived promptly. He shooed Lucy and her father out of the room, allowing Cherry to stay. Neither father nor daughter looked happy about it but they did as they were told.

  Michael woke up shortly after the doctor arrived and began to cry. The wound on his forehead had taken a chunk of skin off and was still bleeding a great deal. The doctor was brisk with his ministrations and bandaged the boy’s head. Cherry stayed with Michael and held his hand as Michael sobbed quietly. Her heart ached for the boy.

  The doctor, while not amiable with his bedside manner, was very efficient. He was in and out in less than half an hour, citing he had an emergency he needed to get to. Cherry wasn’t sure if she believed that but didn’t argue, saying she wouldn’t delay him by reporting to Derby; she would do that herself.

  Seeing the earl as he had been with Michael, pacing with worry tensing his body, Cherry had wanted to go to him and hold him, let him know it was all right. But that wasn’t proper whether she was a governess or a marquis’ daughter. There was a time and a place for all of that and that wasn’t now. Not with their current standing.

  After checking with Bass, Cherry found Derby in his study sitting by the fire with a glass of brandy. A young man Cherry had never seen before was sitting opposite him. From the complexion and similarities in facial structure, there was no doubt this was a younger brother. But instead of the smile that Derby gave her, this man elicited a scowl that was so vicious Cherry was startled. She had never felt clear distaste before an introduction except with Isabella Velazquez. This was new.

  Derby stood and went to her, touching her arm.

  “How’s everything going up there?”

  Cherry felt the warmth of his hand even through his gloves. It tingled up her arm, and she struggled to focus on his words.

  “The doctor just left.” She swallowed. “He had another call to attend to, but he’s finished with Michael, who should be sleeping now.”

  “Good. And how’s Michael?” Then Derby remembered he had a guest and turned. “Oh, this is my brother, Mr. Peter Fontaine. This is Miss Cherry Hammortree, my children’s governess.”

  Cherry curtsied but Mr. Fontaine didn’t get up. He simply nodded his head curtly and scowled at her. Cherry felt Derby tense beside her, knowing he had spotted the rudeness, but she diverted back onto Michael.

  “Michael had a cut on his head and that’s been tended to. He also says he feels sick, which the doctor says is a normal reaction after an incident like that. He suspects Michael may have a concussion so someone will have to sit with him throughout the night. A few days and he’ll be fine.”

  Derby’s body relaxed as he let out a heavy sigh.

  “Thank God for that.”

  Cherry hesitated. Should she say what Michael had been saying the whole time the doctor was wrapping his head in bandages? She wasn’t sure. But she went for it, anyway. Derby would know sooner or later and he might be resentful that she didn’t tell him sooner.

  “He has also mentioned that someone pushed him and that’s why he fell.”

  Derby blinked.

  “Michael said that?”

  “Yes. I know he’s not a clumsy child and there wasn’t anything for him to trip over. If he had fallen or tripped, it also wouldn’t have left such a deep wound.”

  Derby’s face paled. But Peter Fontaine snorted rudely and sneered at her.

  “Sounds like you’re trying to get yourself out of responsibility, Miss Hammortree.”

  Chapter 7

  C herry felt her hackles rise. What had he just said?

  “Pardon me?”

  “Well, my nephew got hurt, and he was in your care.” Mr. Fontaine shrugged. “Sounds like you’re trying to cover for your incompetence.”

  Cherry floundered. Where was this coming from? She had never been neglectful of her charges and this man had never met her. Where did he get off saying something like that to a complete stranger? She would never hurt Michael.

  But Derby came to her aide before Cherry could gather herself for a retort.

  “Peter’s that is enough.” He glared at his brother. “Miss Hammortree was not responsible for Michael’s accident.”

  Peter snorted and said something under his breath that Cherry didn’t quite catch. But she was sure he was disagreeing with the earl. Feeling she was about to be in the middle of an argument, Cherry curtsied abruptly and turned away.

  “I must go, my lord.” It was either that or throw something at the young man’s head. “I need to check on Lucy before I go back to Michael.”

  It was all she could do not to charge back and slap Mr. Fontaine for his remark. Where did he get the idea that she had been neglectful?

  Cherry could only guess.

  ***

  Derby was startled and angry. Peter was accusing Cherry of being at fault for Michael’s accident? He had only arrived in the last half an hour and had been with Derby for most of that time. Whenever Cherry was brought up Derby spoke about her in glowing terms.

  Peter seemed to have come to a completely different conclusion. And Derby hated it when people jumped to conclusions.

  He rounded on his brother as Cherry shut the door.

  “What on earth, Peter? What was that about?”

  Peter shrugged. He looked unashamed of his actions, which was unlike him.

  “Well, she’s the governess. One of the servants. Michael was under her care. It proves for not a very good servant.”

  Derby gritted his teeth. To him, Cherry was more than a servant.

  “If he got hurt because somebody pushed him then they are at fault.”

  “You believe her about that?”

  “I do. Miss Hammortree is someone of impeccable character. She wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

  Peter sneered at him.

  “Sounds like she’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

  “That’s enough.” Derby shook his head. “What’s got into you? You’re normally so genial with the staff. Now you’re sitting there intent on blackening her name.”

  Maybe the war in France had riddled his brain. Peter may have been a decorated officer in the army but he was certainly not acting like a gentleman. Derby glowered at him.

  “What’s got into you? You’ve never met her and you’re treating her lower than my staff.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about her already from Isabella.” Peter puffed out his ch
est as he glared back. “She says the girl’s not very good at her job but you’ve had your head turned.”

  That was it. Peter had been listening to Isabella. Derby was aware that Isabella and Peter had written to each other while Peter was abroad. Isabella had done it because she wanted Derby to be jealous and propose. Peter was besotted with Isabella and believed anything she said.

  Wait, Cherry had turned his head? Had she? Derby hadn’t realized.

  “Miss Velazquez doesn’t like any other women around. She also doesn’t understand that I will never, ever marry her.” He saw Peter’s eyes flash when the mention of marriage came up. “Cherry Hammortree is a hard-working woman and the children love her. Would you like to carry on insulting the niece of the Marquis of Yorkshire? I think he’s still in the house and I’m sure he would love to hear that two members of his class are attempting to ruin his beloved niece’s good name.”

  That was when he saw Peter falter. He may not have met Cherry before but he knew the Marquis of Yorkshire. Yorkie was very much liked and Peter was no exception to that. And Yorkie would be angry with what was being suggested. Now Peter was making the connection in his head.

  Derby shook his head. This was not how it was supposed to happen. Peter was supposed to return home on leave, stay for a few days before he went to his own home in Doncaster. Now Derby wanted to send his brother on his way for his behavior; he wouldn’t have him here if he was going to be disrespectful to Cherry.

  The door to the study opened as Derby turned away from Peter, who was looking very uncomfortable.

  “Derby!”

  Derby turned and saw Isabella hurrying towards him. He grabbed her arms before she got close and held her away as he scowled at her.

  “How many times have I told you not to call me that?” He snapped.

  “But it’s your name!”

  Derby let go of her abruptly and stepped back. “Don’t call me something so personal. You don’t get to do it.” He shook his head and rubbed at his eyes. It was getting late and Derby wasn’t interested in having a conversation with this woman. “Look, Miss Velazquez, just get out. It’s time for you to go home and I’m not dealing with you now.”

  “But your mother said I could stay!” Isabella protested. “She said it was late and I wouldn’t have to worry about going home.”

  “I know, I saw the trunks being taken to one of the guest rooms. Don’t worry, all of them are back on your coach and they’re ready for when you leave.” Derby pointedly looked at the clock. “Which is now.”

  Isabella’s face went white. Peter stood and glared at his brother.

  “Why are you always so rude to Isabella?”

  Derby growled. He wasn’t dealing with these two.

  “Peter, if you don’t want to spend all night going home I suggest you be quiet. I’ll let you stay one night after your disgusting behavior and that’s it. My house, my rules.” Then he turned back to Isabella. “You know what I’ve said, Miss Velazquez, about you staying here. I will not allow it. No matter what my mother says, you are not staying here tonight or any other night.”

  Isabella’s mouth dropped open. Then she was pouting.

  “She said I could stay.” She whined.

  “My mother is not in charge here. I am.” Derby stepped around her and walked towards the door. “Go. Bass will see you out. Peter, your room should be ready but don’t bother to unpack.”

  He could still hear the protesting as he shut the door.

  ***

  “I don’t want to go to sleep.” Michael whined. “I want to go outside.”

  He tried to get out of bed but Cherry caught him before his feet hit the ground and bundled him back into bed.

  “Don’t be silly. You have a fever still and you need to rest.”

  Michael didn’t look happy about that. He hit the sheets with his hands.

  “I’ve rest for all of it. I want to go out!”

  Cherry sighed. They had been over this for the past few hours.

  “You were in bed for just a day after hitting your head two weeks ago. You’ve only been back in bed for the last two days. There was a two-week gap in between so you can’t say you were resting for all of it.” She pressed a hand to his forehead, which was burning and the perspiration stuck to her hand. “And you’re not better.”

  She had had a difficult time convincing an eight-year-old boy to stay in bed for even a day after hitting his head, but at least Michael went to bed earlier than normal because of his headaches. Then things seemed to be better until he caught a fever the day before yesterday. Derby was having none of Michael’s protests about going to bed after he threw up all over the dining table in the middle of lunch.

  There was a lot more complaining and crying from Michael but not as much as before; his fever was rising again. Cherry settled him down and promised to speak to the cook to bring him some strawberries and cooled cream for his throat. Michael mumbled a thank you before closing his eyes and slipping off into a fever-induced sleep.

  Cherry felt the exhaustion hit her as she left his room. She loved Michael, but he was a handful. But Cherry didn’t complain; she knew Michael was at that age where he was going to be a little wild and he would grow out of it.

  Lady Derbyshire thought otherwise. She was annoyed at Michael’s vomiting and implied that it was intentional. Derby had scolded his mother for her remarks but Michael had been in earshot and heard it all. Cherry even heard Michael whisper to Lucy that he will make sure he’s near his grandmother next time he wants to be sick.

  It was sad when grandchildren disliked their grandmother.

  Chapter 8

  C herry was still in her own thoughts as she went down the stairs. Her stomach was growling, reminding her she had just missed lunch. Maybe the cook would let her eat something in the kitchen. She often did and Cherry was grateful for that. She was startled out of her thoughts when she saw Isabella Velazquez in the foyer; her cloak being taken off by one of the footmen before they bowed and walked away.

  What was she doing here? Cherry was sure she had heard the earl tell his mother that Isabella wasn’t allowed back. She slowed, keeping her distance.

  “Miss Velazquez. I thought you had returned home.”

  “Lady Derbyshire said I could come back.” Isabella preened her hair, which was now cut to the latest ladies’ fashion in ringlets about her head. “That things have been straightened out with Derby and I’ve been allowed to visit again.”

  Cherry didn’t believe that. She had a feeling Lady Derbyshire had gone behind her son’s back again. But she kept her composure and responded coolly.

  “Well, I’m sure Lady Derbyshire will be delighted to see you. I believe I saw her on the back terrace earlier.” She stepped off the stairs and turned towards the library. “If you’ll excuse me?”

  “You’re not welcome here, Miss Hammortree. Do you know that?”

  Isabella’s words stopped her before Cherry had taken half a dozen steps. Cherry stopped and silently cursed herself for giving in to the barb. She was just trying to antagonize her. Cherry turned and saw Isabella watching her with something between a smirk and a scowl.

  “The only people who have objected to my being here are yourself and Mr. Fontaine. Neither of those were taken very kindly by Lord Derbyshire if I recall.”

  She still remembered the way Derby had dressed his brother down the next morning when Peter attempted to snub Cherry at breakfast and imply still that she was the reason Michael had fallen. And she had heard Derby tell his mother at the same meal that Isabella was not allowed back as she was poisoning the family into believing a lie.

  Isabella huffed.

  “Blood comes before servants, Miss Hammortree.”

  Cherry couldn’t help herself, she laughed.

  “I think respect comes before blood, Miss Velazquez.”

  “You’d pick respect over your parents?”

  “After what they’ve done to me, absolutely.” Cherry raised an eyebrow. �
�Have you forgotten who I am and who my uncle is?”

  Cherry didn’t like name-dropping her uncle but if someone was disrespectful towards her, she was not above doing it to remind them who she was. And from the look on Isabella’s face, she had forgotten who Cherry’s family was. But she recovered quickly and sneered.

  “You’re just as bad as rest of the marquis’ family.”

  “I’d like you to say that to the marquis himself.”

  Cherry turned away, aware that not curtsying was disrespectful, and walked away. She heard Isabella call but ignored her.

  ***

  Derby had been in the morning room going over Mrs. Dobbins’ duties for the week when he heard Isabella come in. What was the woman doing here? She knew she was not permitted into the house again.

  Then he heard Cherry’s voice and Isabella’s comment about nobody wanted Cherry there. Derby tensed. That was not true at all. The staff loved Cherry and wanted her to stay. The children loved her and had stood up to Lady Derbyshire when she tried to suggest they should let her go.

  And Derby wanted her to stay. The past five weeks with Cherry in his life had perked Derby up more than he would admit. He felt lighter, not as melancholy as before when he was in mourning. Henrietta wouldn’t have wanted him to mourn her forever and to allow him to move on but Derby hadn’t been able to do it. He just couldn’t.

  But now Cherry was here and Derby wondered if he could really move on now. With Cherry. Henrietta would have liked her. And the fact the children loved her made it easier.

  One of these days when Derby had everything sorted and Isabella Velazquez well and truly out of his life, he would approach Cherry about changing her position. Now was probably not the time… but soon. Derby was sure of it.

  Once Derby had finished with Mrs. Dobbins and gone out into the foyer, Isabella had disappeared. The house was huge and Derby wasn’t about to chase her all over the place telling her to leave; that could be left until later. Let her think she had won and then throw her out of the house. Some of the footmen would have fun with that.

  But he could find Cherry and check she was all right. Derby found her in the library. She was sitting on a couch by the lit fire, reading a book. There was a pile of books beside her, most of the titles Derby recognized as Michael’s. He stood in the doorway and watched Cherry as she read. She looked so serene, so composed.