Regency Romance: Winning The Indecisive Duke (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Romance Fiction)

by Jessie Bennett

  “You may call me whatever you like, Stella. As long as you are there to help me.”

  They both laughed.

  “You wouldn't be without help,” Stella laughed lightly. “You have a real help on hand in the shape of your future husband. He is the one who saved you from drowning after all. I shudder to think…”

  “Hush. Do not think of it,” Elizabeth said abruptly, lifting one hand to interrupt her friend. She used the same hand to run her fingers through her long hair, pulling it from the bun it was put in before she went to sleep. “I am sorry, Stella, but the mere thought pains me. We will not speak of it again.”

  It was not just the terror she had lived that pained her, but the loss of her sister. Alexandra had not recovered from the depths of madness to which that night had driven her. Her parents had, with a heavy heart, sent her to their residence at the seaside where she was confined with the care of her own personal maid. They hoped she could live out her days with whatever solace she could find, there below the blue sky at the shore. There was no harm for her to come to there, by her own hand or any other. And she could not harm her sister again. Elizabeth had recovered from the terror, and all she could feel for Alexandra was compassion.

  In the back of her mind, Elizabeth remembered the night of terror. But she also remembered looking up at Daniel’s face in the flickering lantern light, wondering how he could be so handsome and so worried at the same time.

  “You have a wonderful new husband, my lady. Your adventures are just beginning. I know it. It’s not my place to say really, but I know it. You will be happy now. You will always be happy.”

  Elizabeth smiled wide. “It is always your place. I have told you that before. And in this, as you almost always are, you are right, Stella. With Daniel by my side, I will be happy. Always.”

  It was the life she had always dreamed to have, but never believed would happen for her. It had.

  THANK YOU

  for reading my book and

  I hope you have enjoyed this story as well.

  “The Earl’s Unexpected Journey of Love” is a standalone novel with at least 250 pages.

  If you have enjoyed reading this book so far, I believe you will be interested in checking out “The Earl’s Unexpected Journey of Love”.

  This book will be focusing on Lady Juliette Ellingham, daughter of the duke of Worcester and her unexpected meeting with Lord Joshua Hershey, Earl of Swansea when an unforeseen event bashes their ship onto the sea, Juliette is forced to face the realization that some things are far more dangerous than her pride. Stranded on a desert island, with none other than the Earl of Swansea himself, Juliette is faced with an impossible decision.

  Can the raging tide of mistrust be calmed by love?

  A Pressing Expectation…

  Expected to marry by the rules of social propriety, Lady Juliette Ellingham, daughter of the duke of Worcester, is well aware that her choices have left a sense of urgency within her widowed father. Despite the genteel and pious nature of her existence, Juliette is certain of nothing more than her hesitation to marry simply to satisfy his expectations.

  An Unexpected Meeting…

  Devoted to her father’s work as a missionary of faith in Africa, Juliette has no qualms with assisting him before she is consumed by the matter of settling down in a fine marriage. Yet no one could have prepared her to encounter Lord Joshua Hershey, Earl of Swansea. The Earl is aloof, observant. And the most tantalizing man she has ever met. What’s more…

  She doesn’t trust him…

  A Dangerous Journey…

  But when an unforeseen event bashes their ship onto the sea, Juliette is forced to face the realization that some things are far more dangerous than her pride. Stranded on a desert island, with none other than the Earl of Swansea himself, Juliette is faced with an impossible decision. Put aside her mistrust…. or risk the survival of everyone involved.

  Can Juliette survive the perils of the island and her own uncertainties?

  Or will her mistrust of the Earl of Swansea jeopardize both their chances?

  I have enclosed a preview of “The Earl’s Unexpected Journey of Love”.

  Check it out below…

  It is currently at $0.99 (around 250 pages).

  CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW

  CHAPTER ONE

  JULIETTE

  1820 – Worthington Manor

  Fairbanks, England

  “Have you spotted anyone you don’t know yet?” Shawn Montgomery, Duke of Fairbanks, teased his wife, Elizabeth, nudging her with his elbow where she stood beside him. She gave him a big smile.

  “As a matter of fact, I haven’t. Have you?”

  Shawn laughed and shook his head. “No. It is always exciting when I do, though. It’s fun to meet new people.”

  “And make new investments.” It was Elizabeth’s turn to tease. She rolled her eyes at him when he smiled innocently back after her comment. “I know you,” she continued, “and every man you meet is a key to new investments. I may not know the ins and outs of your accounts, but I do know they are always on your mind.”

  Shawn shrugged, looking sheepish. “I wish I could say differently, my dear, but I simply can’t. You are right.”

  They both laughed again.

  At that moment, Shawn heard a soft voice behind him.

  “The food tonight was absolutely delicious, your grace.”

  He turned his head to respond, and he found himself looking out over the ballroom. He moved his eyes down and saw that the Lady Juliette Ellingham stood before him, looking shy and very pretty. He bent slightly and extended his hand to her. When she took it, he brought it to his lips.

  “Lady Juliette, you are looking lovely tonight. Thank you for the compliment. I will graciously accept it on behalf of my cook and staff. Thank you.”

  The young girl blushed and smiled at him. He grinned back. She is a beauty, he thought. A man who captured this girl’s heart would be a very blessed man. She was short compared to Shawn – almost a foot shorter – but then, he was a tall man himself, standing six foot four. Juliette was dressed in a pale green gown that fit her perfectly, as though it had been sewn directly on her. Her long strawberry blond hair hung in soft ringlets over her shoulders, reaching her low-cut bodice. She was small and slender, but curvaceous in a way that stirred the blood. Shawn admired her for a moment before turning to his own beautiful wife.

  “Elizabeth, dear, look who has come to say hello.”

  A delighted look crossed her face and she smiled wide. “Juliette! I have not seen you since your debut! How have you been, my dear?”

  “I am well, my lady. And you?” the girl asked softly.

  “Very well, thank you. You are enjoying the ball thus far?”

  “Oh yes. Very much.”

  “So glad to hear that, my dear. Why don’t you join me?” Elizabeth held out one hand towards some elegantly-carved chestnut-wood seats, set near the refreshments table. “We must sit and talk a while! I want to hear all of your adventures! Have you found a beau?”

  Juliette giggled and blushed as she walked with Elizabeth to the table. “Oh no, your grace. I have been much too busy.”

  “Busy?” Elizabeth raised a delicate brow.

  “I have been engaged in charitable works,” Juliette said shyly, looking at her hands. “I aided the Holy Sisters at Saint Andrew's Hospital, and also my father.”

  “Your father?”

  “Yes! Papa has been traveling to Asia and other parts of the world, giving relief and ministry there. I have been assisting him in preparations for his missions.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “That is admirable, my dear. Your father is much respected for his charitable work. And his daughter, too, is admirable.”

  Juliette blushed. “Papa is a fine example. He says we are blessed in worldly goods, and we have a holy obligation to relieve suffering wherever we find it.”

  “This is true, Juliette. But that makes it no less admirable that a young lady
would choose to follow such a path.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Juliette said quietly.

  At that moment, a footman passed them, bearing drinks on a tray.

  “Would you care for some refreshment, my dear?” Elizabeth asked, lifted one finger to beckon to the man.

  “Your grace,” he said, bowing low and lowering the tray so the ladies could make their selection. Elizabeth lifted a glass of champagne and noticed her guest hesitating.

  “We have lime cordial, if you would prefer, my dear?”

  “Yes, please,” Juliette said shyly.

  “Lime cordial, if you please?” Elizabeth said to the footman, who bowed low.

  “Of course, my lady.”

  Elizabeth turned back to Juliette. “So, you have not found a proper suitor yet?”

  “No, my lady,” Juliette said, taking the cordial and sipping it gracefully.

  “Your father has not made any arrangements?”

  “No, my lady.”

  “Well, that leaves you with a world of possibility!” the duchess smiled. “And I can tell you, there is nothing like marrying for love. Choose wisely, of course, my dear. But choose someone you will come to love, or with whom you will be well contented.”

  Juliette let her eyes settle on the Duchess, wondering what the older woman was thinking. She looked wistful as she spoke, and Juliette considered what she knew of her past. The duchess had married Shawn Worthington from love, and their care for each other was as well-known as the story of their meeting. Their three children were adored by both mother and father, and the duke and duchess were never seen together but that their closeness was remarked on. To see Elizabeth looking sad made Juliette question why.

  It is not my place to wonder such things, she rebuked herself silently. She looked down at her hands, hoping the duchess had not noticed her speculative look.

  “What is the matter, my dear?” Elizabeth asked kindly. “You seemed deep in thought. I hope I did not worry you.”

  “No, your grace,” Juliette said softly. She hoped her cheeks had not turned red, but was fully aware that they most often did when she was embarrassed.

  It was not only that she had been speculating about the marriage of the duke that she felt embarrassed: she always felt uncomfortable when the subject of marriage was raised. She rebuked herself for not yet having made any progress in that direction. She was in her twentieth year, and she knew it was her father's wish to see her settled within the next year. What is wrong with me? she thought, sadly. I should be less fussy.

  Nothing she could do could remedy the fact that she had not yet met a good man. Most young men Juliette met seemed shallow and uninteresting, and she found that, while they did not satisfy her expectations, she could not satisfy theirs, either. With a strong mind and clear ideas, she found the role of flippant socialite constraining, but that was all the men of her acquaintance seemed to expect her to be: when she tried to raise a topic deeper than plays or parties, they seemed to become uncomfortable. She hated it, and avoided socializing as a result.

  “I did not mean to distress you,” Elizabeth said gently. She laid a hand on Juliette's arm, who turned to her.

  “You did not distress me, your grace,” Juliette said quietly. “I was simply wondering if I shall ever...” she paused, “...ever meet a suitor who would win my regard, and I his. I wish to please my father and wed, as soon as possible, but I have never found a man with whom my heart connects as you suggest it should.” She looked down at her hands, feeling wretchedly embarrassed.

  Elizabeth nodded. “I can fully comprehend your predicament, my dear. I would like to help, if I may?”

  “Oh, you needn’t trouble yourself, my lady. I am…” Juliette demurred

  “Nonsense. I will help if I can. Do you think I would make poor choices?” she asked, eyebrow raised.

  Juliette had to giggle. “Oh of course not, my lady. You have a wonderful husband and I know you would make a good choice for me. But I am just…” her voice trailed off.

  Elizabeth over-rode her protests. “It’s settled then. We will speak of this next time, when I invite you to dinner to meet a proper young man.”

  Juliette giggled. She found her mood had lifted somewhat since she confided her worry, and was glad she had such a kindly confidante in the Duchess of Fairbanks.

  CHAPTER TWO

  THE TRIP

  Elizabeth watched the ballroom, considering what Juliette had told her. She was already turning over ideas: the young lady was a rare beauty and a good woman, and she longed to see her settled and happy. As she scanned the dancing couples, she noticed a tall man crossing the room to join them. She smiled as he approached, and Juliette had clearly noticed him as well, for she leaped to her feet.

  “Father!” she greeted him, curtsying prettily. He patted her on the arm, smiling at Elizabeth.

  “Daughter!” he said fondly. “You have found good company, I think? Greetings, Duchess! It seems an age since I saw you. How do you fare?”

  A tall, ruggedly-handsome man with a serious face and a grave voice, Neville Ellington, duke of Worcester, had always seemed a pleasant character.

  “I am well, my lord,” Elizabeth smiled, curtseying. “It is a pleasant surprise to see you. Your daughter and I had just been discussing your good works.”

  He smiled brilliantly, and Juliette smiled back. “My daughter has always been my strongest advocate,” he chuckled. “And she is a gift. She encourages me and cheers me even in times of greatest opposition.” he patted his daughter's hand again.

  “That is good to hear, my lord,” Elizabeth responded, smiling. She noticed Juliette's eyes shifting from her father to a young girl who stood across the room, and frowned slightly at the worried look that crossed Juliette's face on seeing her. She turned to the girl, who was already looking up at her shyly.

  “Your grace, Papa, I must excuse myself.” She curtseyed to them both. “I think I will go and speak to Marie. She looks distressed.”

  “I do hope not,” Elizabeth said. “This is supposed to be a joyous occasion.” As she said it, the wistful note returned to her voice, and Juliette glanced sideways at her, again wondering what had caused it.

  “It is, my lady,” Juliette said gently, and mentally rebuked herself for prying once again. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and listened to her father's next words.

  “I worry for Marie. She is a dear, sensitive soul, and it is not like her to be so sad.”

  Juliette nodded. “I shall go and speak to her, Papa.” She curtseyed once more and withdrew, crossing the room quickly to where her cousin stood. Around them, the voices of the guests rose and fell gently and the orchestra played a sweet sarabande that mingled with the talk and the scent of perfume.

  “Marie! Cousin,” Juliette smiled at the younger girl. “It is a delight to see you here.”

  Marie swayed slightly and Juliette saw her very discreetly push herself straight up again on the table behind her, using only one hand. When she caught sight of Juliette, a profound look of relief flooded her face. “Juliette,” she breathed. “You must help me! I need to find a place to rest my feet. I must lie down.”

  Juliette was distressed to see the usually-lively Marie brought so low. “Do you not wish to return home?” Juliette asked, reaching out and taking her arm. “You should not stay when you are feeling ill! Is your father here?”

  “I came with Barbara.” Juliette nodded at the mention of Marie’s twin sister. “Father is away on business. The carriage will only return later for us, and I feel awful...”

  “Come with me, Marie. I will take care of you.”

  The good thing about being close to the Duchess of Fairbanks was the fact that Juliette knew the interior of Worthington Manor very well, having spent many happy hours here when her father visited the Duke. She knew the guest-suite was on the second floor of the manor, and gently guided Marie out of the soaring double doors of the ballroom and to the hallway beyond.

  Once ups
tairs, Juliette led Marie very gently to the doors of the Lilac room and the large quilted bed. She supported the younger woman as she slipped off her dancing-slippers, swaying as she did so.

  “Here you are, Marie. You get some rest. I am sure everything will look brighter in the morning,” she encouraged.

  “There’s nothing really wrong, Juliette.” Marie’s words were slightly slurred. “I am feeling all right, I really am. I…I think I may have just had too much to drink at the ball.”

  “I think you are right. And it will be all right after you get some rest,” Juliette said kindly. A lively and irrepressible sort, Cousin Marie was liable to try anything once. Juliette was not wholly surprised by her current predicament, and could not find it in her heart to judge the younger girl.

  “Thank you for taking care of me, Juli. You are a sweet cousin,” Marie whispered.

  Juliette brushed back a few strands of dark hair that had fallen into her cousin’s eyes. “You are a sweet cousin, too, Marie. And there is no shame in taking a little too much wine. It just reminds us to be more cautious next time. It’s a lesson learned, yes?”

  Marie snuggled into the blanket. “Yes, it is. I will definitely try harder next time.”

  Juliette sat back and watched her cousin's slow breath as she fell into a heavy sleep. She wondered briefly how many drinks Marie had consumed and vowed that she would never approach such excess. Her cousin was pale and clearly in physical and mental distress. It did not seem worth the agony.

  She walked back down the large hallway, stopping several times at portraits that were hung on the wall, showing the previous dukes of Worthington, the current duke and duchess with their children. Further along the hallway, the ancestral portraits gave way to still-lives, and, right at the end, more modern paintings: landscapes, the duke hunting, and an exotic scene – turbaned horsemen riding in a desert, sand sifting up into the air as the wind caught it, the arid landscape a mass of greys and golds around them. Juliette felt her imagination captured by the picture.