Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  Chapter 6

  Unexpected Visitor

  “Morning, my lady,” Anne said as she drew the curtain apart.

  Theodosia squinted as the brightness of the day hit her eyes. “Morning, Hanna.”

  “Did you sleep well?” the lady asked.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you,” Theodosia replied. She had fallen off last night while going through one of the books she had found on the table. It was a surprise to her how deeply she had slept. Back at home, she never slept like that. She felt good and relieved.

  “There is a hot water waiting for you in the tub. Your food is ready and Lady Barton would like you to get ready. It appears you both will be spending quality time together,” she said with a smile.

  Theodosia returned the smile. “She seems to be a nice person.”

  “Oh! You mean Lady Barton?”

  Theodosia nodded.

  “Yes, she is. She is a delightful woman and not only her, I daresay if you get to know my lord very well, you will see that he is a wonderful man as well. You are indeed lucky to be with him.”

  Theodosia smiled, hoping that Hannah was right.

  “How long have you been working here?” she asked Anne, who was now arranging the room.

  “This is my fifth year. Lady Barton found me in the woods and she raised me here. Being her handmaid is a little way of showing my gratitude to her and my lord.”

  “What about their parents? What happened to them?” Theodosia asked but then stopped. “I apologize if I am asking too many questions.”

  “Oh! The apology is unnecessary, my lady. About their mother, according to what I heard, she died months after giving birth to my lady. The earl passed away months ago. He was terribly sick.”

  Theodosia was sorry to hear this.

  “It’s alright, my lady. Whatever question you may be having, I am certain that Lady Barton would be more than willing to give you a reply. Now, your water waits before it gets cold.”

  ***

  Lord Barton was on his way to her room. Since he woke up that morning, he had been busy rehearsing what he would say upon seeing her. He was determined to make her comfortable around him. If he would be spending the rest of his life with her, then they needed to become friends as soon as possible.

  While he approached her door, the door opened and Hannah came out, in her hand was a tray. In the tray was a cup.

  “Morning, my lord,” she said with a curtsy.

  “Morning, Hannah,” he grumbled. “Is our guest awake?” he asked.

  “Yes, my lord. She is.”

  “Good, you can go.”

  Hannah gave a slight bow before leaving.

  When he got to the door, he knocked, and the door opened by itself.

  “Come in quickly, Hannah, I need help with my ties.”

  Barton was surprised. The lady’s back was turned towards him and her dress was undone. He shut his eyes even though he could already see her underwear.

  He debated on telling her who he was or walking away quietly. Finally, he sighed and held her steady by the waist before carefully pulling the ties.

  “Thank you very much,” she said, turning around quickly, and when she saw who it was, she went white all of a sudden.

  “Do not be alarmed, my lady. I…” he stuttered, unable to find the right words.

  She quickly bowed. “I apologize my lord, I thought it was Hannah.”

  “It is alright, no need to be ashamed. I was only come to see how you are doing. I am happy to help. There is no need for you to be embarrassed,” he reassured her, but the lady was clearly embarrassed again.

  ***

  Theodosia couldn’t believe what happened. They were both standing in front of each other and she wished she could just vanish right there. How didn’t she know that it was not Hannah? Besides, why should she be horrified when he was still going to marry her after everything? There was no need to be ashamed just like he had said. Wait, was he also thinking what she was thinking? Great!

  The door opened and Luanne came in.

  “Perfect! You are dressed,” she said before seeing her brother. “My lord, I hope all is well?”

  “Oh! Yes, yes. I only came to check on her, I shall be on my way,” he said, mumbling all the words together. Theodosia couldn’t help but think perhaps, the Earl was as embarrassed as she was. He opened the door and left.

  Luanne threw her a curious look. “What did I miss?”

  Theodosia knew she could trust her so she told her the truth. “I thought he was Hannah, I never knew he was the one.”

  Luanne burst into laughter having heard all that happened. “Oh! That was the most hilarious thing I have ever heard in a while. You should know that my brother has never been with a woman before.”

  “He hasn’t?” Theodosia asked, a bit surprised.

  “Well, he had several ladies in the past who were swarming around him, but he never picked any. He was too busy being a good child to our father, he never had the time to be in a good relationship with any. Therefore, all these are new to him. You must forgive him if he makes you a bit awkward.”

  Theodosia nodded. “I understand. So, I’m told that you and I are going somewhere?”

  “Oh! Yes, I hope you will love it. We are going on a picnic. I really want to get to know you. From there, we shall go the Opera where my brother will be joining us.”

  Theodosia smiled. “It has been a while since I last went on a picnic or to an opera.”

  “Well then, you are in the right place. First, let us go eat our breakfast, today will be fun-filled for you.”

  ***

  Indeed, Luanne was right. They had gone through half of the town together where she showed her all the things she needed to know about the town. Finally they settled in a park to have their little picnic.

  It was late in the afternoon and everywhere was cool. There were people having nice times around their park. The two ladies were sitting at the foot of a tree.

  “So, my brother thinks you are afraid of him,” Luanne stated after a while.

  Theodosia colored but adjusted. She was getting used to Luanne. “I am not really afraid of Lord Barton, I am just embarrassed.”

  “Embarrassed?” Luanne asked, “why would you be?”

  “The state of everything. My father gambling me off, he must think I was desperate for a man.”

  “Nonsense. My brother is not someone like that at all. Still I daresay, if you get to know him, you would like him a lot.”

  Theodosia smiled. That was the second time she would hear that.

  “Tell me about your father,” Luanne said to her.

  Theodosia frowned. She hadn’t expected that. “My father?” she asked.

  “Yes, you seem really surprised.”

  “Well, no one has ever asked me to tell them about my father before, hence my surprise.”

  “With the way you just spoke, I can tell you are not really fond of him,” Luanne stated.

  Theodosia smiled. “My father and I are not what you would describe as being close. We do not see eye to eye on most things. I am sure you can see that already or I wouldn’t be here.”

  Luanne smiled. “I am sorry about that. What about your mother?”

  “She is well.”

  “What did she do about the whole thing when she heard of what happened?”

  “My mother could do little; after all, he is her husband. Nevertheless, she is looking out for me.”

  Luanne reached for her hand which she squeezed firmly. “I assure you, we are going to be a great family. You know I have always wanted a sister, and now that you are here, I am certain that we shall be best friends.”

  Theodosia smiled. “I am happy to hear that. I have always wanted a sister too. I shouldn’t hate him so much, he has after all given me one thing I have always wanted—a sister.”

  “And a husband,” Luanne stated with a smile but Theodosia only colored. This made Luanne laugh.

  “I still find it really strange,�
�� Theodosia stated.

  “That is because you are not yet used to him and that reminds me of the opera. Quickly into the carriage before we miss it.”

  The two ladies hurried towards the carriage which had been waiting for them all along.

  ***

  Theodosia climbed down the carriage with the help of John, the carriage-man. It was already dark and she could see people were walking into the big hall.

  While she waited for Luanne, she saw the Earl walking towards her. Of course, Luanne had said he would be joining them.

  Luanne finally climbed out just when the Earl got to her.

  “My lady,” he greeted her with a bow.

  “My lord,” Theodosia replied with a little curtsy, while avoiding his gaze. The memory of what had happened earlier that day flashed in her memory.

  “I am afraid, I will not be joining you, Theodosia, my brother will be your company for tonight. I think the two of you need quality time together.”

  Theodosia couldn’t believe her ears, she could also see the surprised look on the Earl’s face but before he could say anything, Luanne was already riding away in the carriage, waving at them.

  Chapter 7

  Getting Along

  Barton cursed silently under his breath. His sister had played a fast one on him. After a moment, he turned to the lady beside him and extended his hand.

  “Well, I guess it will be just you and I for tonight my lady. Shall we?”

  She nodded and placed her hand into his. Together, they walked into the hall.

  ***

  As the music came to an end, everyone in the hall stood up and began to clap, including Theodosia. She had never been to an Opera before and it was a wonderful experience.

  “I hope you enjoyed your day,” asked Barton on their way home.

  “Very much, my lord, I certainly did,” she replied. All through their home, she had been very quiet, thinking about all the things she had seen that day. She couldn’t help smiling to herself, it was really a great day she had.

  “You must have really enjoyed yourself, you wouldn’t stop smiling,” he said.

  This surprised her and she couldn’t help but blush. “I am sorry, my lord.”

  “Nonsense,” Barton said half-smiling. “It pleases me that you enjoyed the show. Have you ever been to the Opera before?”

  She shook her head. “Not once. This would be my first time.”

  He looked surprised. “You don’t say. Nevertheless, it is the start of many things. I assure you, every day will be a day to look forward to.”

  She smiled and nodded. She liked how he was trying to be nice to her, it was beginning to make her relax. She shivered as the cold weather was getting into her skin and she wrapped an arm around herself.

  “Here,” he said, removing his jacket and covering her with it.

  “You don’t have to,” she said, surprised by his sudden gesture.

  “I have to,” he replied.

  “Thank you.”

  Barton returned her smile. He was glad that at least they were able to talk even if it wasn’t too much. He glanced out though the window of the carriage. It had grown immensely darker, and the weather had really changed.

  “Seems it’s going to rain,” she said, looking out the window as well.

  “Yes.”

  “How long till we get home?” she asked.

  “It wouldn’t be long. Are you afraid of getting wet?” he asked jokingly.

  She stared at him and then looked away, blushing. He had never met a beautiful lady who blushed often like her.

  “I am not afraid of getting wet, my lord,” she replied.

  “Well, then, we shall see,” he added with a chuckle.

  Minutes later, the carriage came to a halt. It was already pouring by the time they got to the house. Some of the servants came to meet them with umbrella.

  “Can you walk?” he asked as he opened the door of the carriage.

  “Of course, I can,” she replied, standing up. There were servants behind him, holding several umbrellas above his head. He turned to them and said something which she didn’t hear as a result of the rain. After that, he extended his hand to her and as she took it and was about to climb down, she missed her step and instead fell into his waiting arms.

  “Are you feeling well?” he asked as he held her in his arms.

  “Yes, I am. I can walk now,” she said, trying hard not to blush.

  “Well, I don’t mind carrying you inside,” he replied with a chuckle.

  “Oh! No! You do not have to,” she replied, but it was already too late. He was carrying her in his arms while she clung tightly to him, putting her arms around his neck. The servants were behind them, holding umbrellas above their heads.

  Theodosia smiled and rested her head against his muscled chest. She had never been this close to any man in her entire life. She could smell every part of him and it was filling her with this rosy glow. She felt warm to her toes. Probably she needed to close her eyes to enjoy it more.

  Barton lay her carefully on her bed while his sister watched. It was a surprise how she had slept so quickly before he could enter the house.

  “She must be so tired,” Luanne said behind him.

  “I suppose so,” Barton replied, pulling the blanket over her. While he did this, he couldn’t stop looking at her lips. They were the pair of reddest lips he had ever seen.

  “She is beautiful, isn’t she?”

  He snapped out of his thoughts as he recalled that his sister was in the room with him. She was now standing beside him, looking down at Theodosia.

  “Did you enjoy your day with her?” she asked again.

  “Yes, I very much did. She was a good company. Albeit, she said so little but it was enough,” he said and turned to her. “Sister, I shall say goodnight now.”

  ***

  That night, before he slept, Barton kept going through everything that happened that day. He had never had a more fulfilling day. He enjoyed every moment he spent with Theodosia and he looked forward to more. Carrying her had not been in his plan but when she had slipped, he feared she would injure herself and he decided to carry her.

  He could still remember how he had felt carrying her in his arms. His chin was deeply buried in the locks of her hair as she clung to him. It was the most beautiful feeling which he never wanted to end. He had purposely taken his time taking her in so that the moment could last and the next thing was, she was sleeping in his arms.

  He smiled when he recalled seeing her eyes closed as they got in. Her breathing was peaceful and shallow. Looking down at her in her room was like looking at a beautiful picture…

  Okay, enough of that. He said to himself, he needed to sleep.

  ***

  Theodosia woke up to find her maid bringing her a plate of bread and butter along with a hot cup of tea. She yawned, stretching her arms towards the ceiling.

  “Morning, my lady,” said Anne, her new maid who reminded her so much of Sophie.

  “Anne, what time is it?” she asked.

  “Some minutes after nine, my lady,” Anne replied, setting the tray on her laps.

  She gasped. “Nine? I slept that long?”

  Anne chuckled. “You do not remember?”

  “Remember what?”

  “Lord Barton brought you in last night, you fell asleep in his arms.”

  Theodosia choked on her tea and began to cough.

  “Oh, I am so sorry,” Anne said, handing her a napkin.

  “Thank you,” Theodosia said, coughing some more and wiping her mouth.

  She asked again, just to be certain.

  “Yes, my lady,” Anne replied, half-smiling. “You look embarrassed.”

  Theodosia inhaled. Embarrassed was not the exact word. How would she ever face him again?

  “I do not think you should be embarrassed, my lady. He was happy doing it,” Anne said with a smile before excusing herself.

  Theodosia couldn’t believe her ears.
All of a sudden, it was beginning to come back to her. The strong scent of his cologne, the warmth of his body, the closeness…she remembered everything. She remembered how she had closed her eyes and tried to imagine how it would feel and the next thing she knew was she was waking up in her bed.

  She threw her hands over her face! Almost the same time, a knock sounded on the door.

  “Theodosia, are you awake?”

  She recognized Luanne’s voice. “Of course, do come in.”

  Luanne came in. She looked fresh and beautiful in her green muslin gown.

  “How are you doing this morning?” Luanne asked with a smile. “We couldn’t talk last night.”

  Theodosia managed a smile. “I drifted off, I am sorry about that. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Luanne chuckled. “Nonsense, I daresay you must have found my brother’s arms so comfortable. No one would blame you.”

  This made Theodosia blush some more but Luanne only laughed.

  “So, how did you enjoy the opera? Tell me you are not cross with me for leaving you last night.”

  Theodosia smiled. “I forgive you. Besides, your brother was really a gentleman. I enjoyed his company.”

  Luanne clapped her hands excitedly. “Wonderful! Exactly what I wanted to hear.”

  “I still cannot believe that I did that. I hope he is not angry with me.”

  Luanne frowned and shook her head. “Of course not! Why would he be angry with you? I have never seen him so excited like he was when he carried you. I think he also enjoyed it and you are indeed such a lucky woman,” she teased while Theodosia only laughed.

  Now she was getting comfortable and no longer as embarrassed as she had earlier felt. Maybe things would be better after all, Theodosia thought.

  ***

  Barton sat in his study, busy writing some things down in the papers on his table. There was a knock on the door.

  “You can come in,” he said without looking up. Anne came in with a tray which she placed on the table. In it was a cup of tea which she brought out.

  “Thank you, Anne. What about my sister?” Barton asked.

  “She is with Miss Theodosia,” Anne replied, and Barton raised his brows.

  “Oh, she is finally awake?”