Regency Romances

by Grace Fletcher

  “Perhaps she has already, brother.”

  They both froze, darting their eyes to the door as it slowly creaked open to let the duke in. He was accompanied by four armed guards, Cornelia, Kolb, Lydia, and Martha. Duchess Elizabeth was beside herself. She cringed towards Edward in fright, trying to put herself between him and Durham.

  “Mother, you would still care for him, despite all the many years of troubles to keep him from harm’s way?” Durham whispered, unable to believe his eyes. Edward wasn’t exactly as he had remembered him. He had grown long hair and beard and seemed to be a bit shorter than usual, or perhaps it was he that had grown taller in the fifteen years he had last seen him.

  “Just let him be.” Duchess Elizabeth muttered. “It isn’t what you think…or what Lady Clinton might have told you.”

  “Oh, that you speak of a better suitor for her, than I would ever be…or perhaps that I have got an older brother suited to be the duke?”

  Durham spoke with so much hurt, Duchess Elizabeth winced in pain. She tried to keep her voice steady, but tears had welled in her eyes. She had only done everything she had done because she loved Edward. She loved the duke too, but she couldn’t always choose who she loved the most.

  Durham was now staring at Edward who stared right back, grunting under his breath. “How long have you been back in the duchy, brother?” Durham asked.

  “Since Father’s demise,” Edward reluctantly responded. “And I am glad he died before he could make you as heartless as he was.”

  Durham flinched at his words. “You blame him for your ways?” he asked.

  To this, Edward let out a wry laugh. “You were with him all the years I was gone. Do you think he hadn’t robbed some part of him unto you? You would order my death now, knowing what my existence would do to your stake as the duke of Durham. It is what he would do. It is what I expect you would do. Do not pretend it has crossed your mind since you found out from the Lady Clinton, or from the gardener our mother framed before he could mention that he had seen me around the manor before.”

  Edward had decided to let the cat out of the bag and everyone turned to Kolb with curious glares. The old man frowned, obviously unaware of why he was in a cell in the first place.

  “I—I saw you?” he stuttered.

  “Aye. You were always by those flowers of yours and walked into the passageway one evening to find me slipping out of the house. You didn’t know who I was?”

  Kolb shook his head to which Edward threw back his head and laughed erratically. “You see, Mother,” he whined. “We worry unnecessarily about a man who doesn’t even know who I am and what I had done.”

  Duchess Elizabeth was torn between asking him to shut up and asking Durham to show them mercy. There was no use infuriating the duke when they could explain what they had done and why they had done it.

  “Mother, I know everything you have done,” Durham said as if he could read her mind. “And there is no punishment more deserving than death–Edward speaks of this already, albeit without regretting it. I have been to the house where you have kept him all this while and should you be surprised how I got to know where it is, the last carriage men to bring coal to it were hired by me.”

  Duchess Elizabeth stood up straight, frozen to her position. “How—how?”

  “You keep stealing tons of coal before it is processed and you think no one would notice? You shouldn’t have taken the manor’s carriage to the house either. I have the man to thank for every piece of information about whom you have been seeing.”

  He knew almost everything already. Duchess Elizabeth closed her eyes, really wishing she was somewhere else. She fell to her knees when Durham finally added the words, “I know what you have done to Thomas and Andrew from the barn and stable too, Mother. You had Edward keep them tied beneath the house for a month. Did he tell you he beat them just to keep the day lively for himself?”

  Edward was grinning while everything crumbled around her. He stepped away from her and sat on the bed, already giving in to whatever fate waited for them.

  Staring pitifully at him and then at his mother, Durham finally turned on his heels and glanced at Lydia, Martha, and Cornelia who seemed equally frightened by the drastic decision he might have to take. He wasn’t going to become his father when he could make a better decision that solves everything. “Take them into the dungeon for now,” he instructed the guards. “Then you will escort both of them to my mother’s home in Cumberland where they shall live the rest of their lives, ripped of their ties to the duchy…or to the Garnett bloodline.”

  He walked out of the room without uttering another word. It was heart-breaking to find that those that had betrayed him were his blood and flesh.

  Behind him, Cornelia and Martha wrapped their arms happily around Kolb who obviously was back to his freedom.

  ***

  “So, Edward had so many debts to pay because of his way of life and the dowager duchess had to fake his death to solve the complications between him and his debtors?”

  Durham was walking alongside Lydia as they made their way to her carriage. He still couldn’t believe a lot had happened between them and she had stuck to him as a friend.

  “Yes,” he replied to her question. “I have to admit doing so had saved Father from paying back a lot of debt.”

  “But he would have to pay now, wouldn’t he?”

  “He would. It was why they stole so much coal, hoping to get enough to begin payment. Getting him married to Lady Clinton might have gotten them access to some money your father had left behind for you as well. When all was done, Edward would make it known he was alive.”

  “And then claim his right to your position as the duke.”

  It was the only piece of the puzzle he didn’t like to talk about, along with the fact that his brother was a worthless man who enjoyed ruining everything, in so far he derived pleasure from it. It was the same with his father, only that he cared more about the duchy than he cared more about himself.

  “Thank you, Lydia,” Durham finally whispered, turning to smile at her as they neared her carriage.

  She smiled at him back and hugged him. “About what I said at the dinner party….”

  “I should apologize for my behavior…” he interrupted, but she stopped him by placing her palm on his chest.

  “You should listen, Your Grace,” she said.

  “I have loved you for as long as I could remember and while it hurt to see that you don’t feel the same way, I think I feel more fulfilled knowing you will always choose whoever could make you happy. With the judgment you made about your mother and brother too, I expect you will rule beautifully.”

  With that, she kissed him on the cheek and made her way into the carriage while he considered her words.

  He could choose whoever would make him happy–someone he truly cared about–and he could think of no one else. He turned towards the house to find her waiting for him, standing on the pathway that led into the house. He walked towards her with a smile.

  “Your Grace,” Cornelia curtseyed as he stopped a few inches from her.

  “Do you think you could grow to love me, Cornelia?” he asked without tearing his eyes away from hers.

  She froze but only for a second before she looked at him with so much love in her eyes. “I could, Your Grace,” she whispered.

  “I know it is unheard of,” he said, “but I have fallen for you, and for your beauty and wish it were but the same with you.”

  She blushed, averting her eyes to her feet, but he closed the distance between them and held her head up. “A lot has happened, but I love you, Cornelia,” he said. “I am sure of it.”

  It took forever of watching her eyes stare into his in search of certainty before she finally whispered. “I love you too. I do!”

  They were the most soothing words he had heard in a long while. He pulled her towards him and smashed his lips against hers, sealing their love.

  “It is Christmas eve,” Cornelia sai
d once they broke their kiss.

  “Is it supposed to be a special day?” he asked her.

  “Aye,” she kissed him again. “I had hoped to celebrate the day I was brought to Father ten years ago today, but now I will celebrate being in love with the kindest man I had ever met.”

  It was the promise of forever between them.

  “Marry me, Cornelia,” he moaned happily.

  *** The End ***

  a glorious

  christmas

  of

  forgiveness

  Regency Romance

  Grace Fletcher

  Chapter 1

  Skating With the Earl

  "The earl is here," Maria muttered, as she squinted at something through the window.

  Inese's heart skipped a beat, and she almost dropped the boot that she was just about wearing.

  Without even realizing it, she moved to the window to get a better look at him. Watching his footman open the carriage door, she felt her heart flutter strangely. A warm feeling that she didn't even know she was capable of rushed through her.

  Just standing there at her window, watching him, a thousand and one thoughts fluttered through her mind, and all of them had this man in them.

  "He will be expecting you now, my lady," Maria reminded her that she had a more important thing to do besides gazing at an Englishman.

  She made her way downstairs to meet him.

  He was studying a piece of art when she got to him and so engrossed was he that he didn't notice her presence.

  "My lord," she finally said after watching him for about a minute.

  Bedford whirled around at the sound of her voice, and he looked almost relieved to see her.

  "Miss Strupule," he said, smiling, "I was afraid you might have changed your mind about going skating with me.

  Inese smiled. "I gave my word, and we Germans always stand by our word."

  "Most definitely," he nodded, "and you Germans have quite a number of talented artists too," he gestured at the painting.

  "I see you've acquainted yourself with our art collection," she said, moving closer even though she was in one of her plainest dresses and she had no cosmetics on her face.

  "Indeed. Your family's collection is quite a beautiful one."

  "Thank you. My father said that pieces of art by German artists remind him of home, so he never let any opportunity go without procuring yet another. His private art collection is quite impressive, I assure you."

  "He has such a good eye. We should take our leave now."

  Just about time, Inese thought. She had never gone skating before, and she was ecstatic about this.

  As they got to the carriage, Bedford turned towards her, and for a moment his gaze was riveted on her face. He was just about to say something but was startled when a toy flew out of the open door of the carriage and hit him square in the shoulder before clattering to the ground.

  Bedford sighed in exasperation.

  "Miss Strupule, please. I'm really sorry about that," he said before sticking his head into the carriage and muttering words she couldn't decipher.

  "Your nephews, I believe?" Inese asked. He had told her a lot about the little boys, and she couldn't wait to meet them.

  "You are correct. They insisted on following me for afternoon skating today even though I promised them that I would take them at a later date. I would perfectly understand if the throwing of things has put you off, they can be quite a handful," he looked both anxious and remorseful.

  "I would love to go skating with you and your nephews too. I bet they are an adorable pair," Inese replied.

  She had quite a thing for children, and they often warmed up to her.

  Bedford looked relieved. "Are you sure you would be comfortable with them and their antics? I can take them back to their mother if you want."

  "I'm sure."

  "I'm glad. I expect we will all have an enjoyable time today. I also brought an extra pair of skates since you said you've never gone before."

  Inese smiled. "You are being too kind, Sir. However, I must warn you that I have not the slightest idea what to do on skates."

  Bedford opened his arms wide. “I’d wager you would find my nephews and me agreeable teachers."

  "I promise to be an agreeable student then."

  Bedford opened the door to the carriage and Inese looked apprehensively into it. Two boys were seated side by side on one of the benches in the carriage, and they were both regarding her with curiousty.

  Bedford addressed them. "We have a guest, young men and I trust that you will be on your best behavior. Any disagreeable actions from you, and I will take you both back home."

  The boys looked at Inese again.

  Bedford offered his hand to Inese and helped her up. He took his seat beside her on the bench, his shoulder pressing against hers. The boys continued to stare at Inese.

  Bedford signaled to the driver, and the carriage set on.

  "Miss Strupule, may I introduce you to my nephews, Master Crawford, and Master Eustis."

  Inese put up a friendly smile and put out her hand. "How do you do, young Masters?"

  Eustis took her hand smartly and shook it firmly.

  "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance, Madam."

  Crawford also took her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam."

  "But Uncle, who is she?" Crawford asked.

  "She is Miss Strupule, the daughter of Master Strupule, who is the German ambassador. Also, she is my friend."

  "Wow!" Crawford said, obviously impressed.

  "Can you be my friend too, madam?" Eustis asked, "I like friends. I have lots of them."

  "That would be delightful. I would be your friend if you would be mine."

  They were soon at the park. As soon as the frozen pond was in view, the boys became increasingly impatient. It took quite a while for Bedford to get the boys into their skates, but once they had them on, off they went sliding around and occasionally colliding with other skaters.

  "Pardon me, but I must really ensure that they are safe," he said as he quickly strapped on his own skates and handed Inese hers.

  She sat on a bench and watched him skate over to where the boys were. He pulled them close and seemed to be having a conversation with them.

  Inese used the opportunity to look around the park. The park had few people in it, and she could even see a young couple twirl each other around as though on a dance floor.

  When Bedford seemed to be satisfied that the boys wouldn't be crashing into anybody, he skated back to her.

  "Ha-ha! I see you have not donned your skates, madam," Bedford said to her.

  "I don't know how."

  He raised his brows. "That sounds more like an excuse."

  "It's not an excuse," she started to protest, but when Bedford narrowed his brows and gave her a dubious look, she sighed, "maybe a bit."

  He smiled at her and stepped up onto the bank. He kneeled before her and gestured to her foot. "May I?"

  Inese lifted her skirts to reveal her boots. Bedford put his hand under her ankle and lifted her foot up. He placed the flat surface of the skate against her sole then lowered her foot and strapped the skate into place before repeating the same process with the other foot. He finally stood up and held out his hands.

  Inese began to rise to her feet, afraid that she might fall anytime. However, she stood up easily. All seemed to be going on well until she tried to move her foot, faltered, and grabbed his outstretched arm to right herself.

  Bedford laughed.

  "It will be much better on the ice, I assure you," he said.

  He moved onto the ice and held out his hand. Inese, however, stood rooted to the spot, suddenly nervous as she thought about a thousand and one things that could go on wrong.

  "Just put a foot on the ice," Bedford admonished her.

  Inese shook her head. "I don't think I can do it." She felt wobbly and unsure of herself, and she was almost sure that if she lifted her foot, she
would lose balance.

  "Put your hand in mine," Bedford said reassuringly.

  Inese leaned forward as far as she dared yet she couldn't quite reach his hand. "Perhaps I should learn to skate some other..."

  Bedford suddenly stepped up, grabbed her, and lifted her onto the ice. Inese cried out with alarm. Bedford slid backward with the force of her weight, and she instinctively threw her arms around his neck.

  Bedford chuckled and put her on her feet smoothly, his firm grip on her back to steady her.

  Inese, however, didn't feel steady, and she held on to his arms. They started sliding, facing each other and moving farther out onto the ice. Her legs were both locked, and while other skaters swirled around them, she could not move her legs.

  Bedford's nephews soon appeared on her right side, almost colliding with her in their haste to reach her. Inese couldn't help but cry out with alarm again.

  "Shall we hold your hands, madam?" Eustis asked. A mischievous smile spread on his face while he skated in a circle around them.

  "I've got her. Thank you," Bedford said before Inese could even say a word, "Madam, you don't seem as gracious and light as you always were at the ball, could anything be the matter?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement as they skated.

  "Trust me, I would give anything to be at the ball at this very moment," Inese said.

  "You should be moving your feet," Crawford said as he squatted to look at her feet.

  "Like I said earlier, I will be her instructor," Bedford said to the boys.

  As Bedford moved backward, he moved his legs wide apart and then he brought them together again. The motion gave him just enough momentum to move slowly along a straight line.

  "It seems so easy," Inese cried out, "yet my ankles will never hold me."

  "I have seen your ankles, and they look quite strong. They will hold you, I assure you," he said reassuringly.

  Inese looked up, but that was her undoing because one of her feet suddenly slipped. She cried out in terror as she slid into Bedford's chest.

  "Perhaps, you would do much better if I let go of you," Bedford said.