A Prude Maiden for the Earl (Regency Romance) (Regency Tales Book 8)

by Regina Darcy

  Colette bit her lip. “Adrianna, it’s Lord Billingham. The maids are all aflutter. They believe he’s come to curse the house.” Adrianna’s mouth dropped open. Her hands moved toward her unruly hair. Colette caught that gesture and sprang into action. “Let’s get you ready.”

  With help from Colette and several maids, Adrianna managed to look passable by the time she made it down the stairs. They had wrangled her dark hair into a bun, held it up with some glimmering, pink pins, and shoved her into a pale pink gown. She didn’t know why she’d made such an effort to clean up, though. The Earl was probably just stopping by to scold her for their previous quarrel and her foolish near-drowning incident.

  By the time Adrianna reached the bottom of the stairs, she was so nervous that she wanted to turn straight around and run back to her room. Instead, she forged through and found Lord Billingham waiting in her parlour. Colette and the staff had all made sure to make themselves scarce by this point.

  Adrianna and Lord Billingham greeted each other stiffly, and then both sat down on opposite sofas. Outside, it began to rain. The droplets drummed softly on the windowpane.

  “Thank you for saving my life,” she said.

  “Of course, Miss Carson,” he said, rather formally. Her heart sank. From his tone, he might as well be there to sort out some business regarding the tenants.

  Conversation stalled after that, so Adrianna offered the Earl some tea, which he accepted. This allowed them to delay conversation a bit longer.

  Finally, Lord Billingham sighed. “I came here today… I came because I owe you an explanation.”

  Adrianna held up her hand. “I would like to tell you that I have been wrong about your cousin. Mr Danvers makes Colette happy. The more I learn about him, the more I can see that he is a chivalrous, kind-hearted, hardworking young man. I can’t in good conscience continue to deny this couple’s happiness.” Adrianna continued, ignoring a barely muffled shriek of happiness from the eavesdropping Colette in the next room. “I’d also like to say that my behaviour today was unacceptable. I had no right to barge into your home and accuse you of such horrid things.”

  “Miss Carson, I can’t say I blame you for any of this,” Lord Billingham said. “I haven’t given you much reason to trust me, at all. I would very much like to try to establish some trust between us, however.”

  Adrianna nodded, her dark eyes wide as she set down her teacup.

  “First, let me tell you about the night I left England seven years ago,” he said. “Do you remember that final party, before I vanished?”

  Her thoughts flew back to that frigid December night.

  “Yes. We danced together.”

  A small smile crossed his lips. “We did, indeed.” He sighed. “After the party, I found my father simmering in the billiards room. I remember, he looked mad, pacing back and forth before the blaze he had going in the fireplace. Do you recall those youths who harassed you at the dance?”

  She shuddered. “Unfortunately. You—you helped me. You shoved them away.”

  “My father didn’t take kindly to that. He was indebted to one of their father’s. I had embarrassed him, he said. Then, he went off. He started talking all about evicting our tenants. He began accusing me of all sorts of vile things — like being the reason for my mother’s passing. She died giving birth to me, you see.”

  Adrianna shook her head. She did not know what to say. Lord Billingham’s eyes still looked pained by the memory.

  “I recognise that I’d been a hell raiser,” he said. “I would readily admit that. At that point, I had spent too much time making merry and fighting and drinking and flirting, there was no denying it. I had been an exceptionally shallow and stupid young man in those days. But something snapped within me during that final argument with my father. I was not the one who had gambled away the estate in fits of drunken excess. I was not the one who had consistently mistreated the tenant farmers and long-suffering servants.” Lord Billingham grimaced. “I don’t remember anything after that.”

  “What do you mean?” Adrianna asked.

  “Apparently, my father cracked me in the head with a fire poker. Just like Ivan the Terrible, mind you.”

  Adrianna covered her mouth with her hands and gasped.

  “I am sorry, Miss Carson. I don’t mean to distress you.”

  She reached out and took his hand. “Please, my lord, I am just horrified for you. Tell me what you need to say.”

  “My father forced the servants to dump my unconscious form in a ditch on the outskirts of the estate. Somehow, I survived that night, awakening half-frozen and frostbitten with a splitting headache and a woozy feeling that lingered for days afterwards. I spent a few days recovering at a local inn. After that, I made my way to the nearest port and signed on for the first voyage out of England. As luck would have it, there was a ship headed out to India around that time that was looking for a few extra hands. I left the country with nothing.”

  “It’s a miracle you are alive,” Adrianna whispered. “How could your father do such a thing?”

  “He was a violent man. I like to believe he regretted it. He never did evict all the farmers, as he threatened to. In my heart, I like to think he was waiting for me to return, that he was confident that I’d come back and resolve the crisis.” Lord Billingham squeezed Adrianna’s hand. “He never could have anticipated a force of nature like you. You accomplished what none of us Billingham’s have been able to do over the course of a hundred years — take care of our people.”

  “It was my pleasure to help,” she said.

  “Your generosity and spirit sustained this place while I was barred from returning to England, due to the war,” he said. “But I will be able to support my people from here on out. You see, I am not a pauper, as you suspected. I earned a fortune in India, accumulated from a great variety of trades and ventures. It wasn’t easy to obtain, of course. I gained and lost that money many times over, during the course of my adventure. Still, it all turned out fine in the end. I partnered with a talented spice merchant in India. It’s his sister that has been staying with me. Her name is Alice. She will be residing with me for a few days, while she awaits her brother’s arrival from India. I am simply her guardian until my business partner arrives.”

  “My lord, I am so happy to hear that.” Adrianna had never felt so relieved in her life. Things at the Billingham estate were not doomed, after all. What’s more, Lord Billingham himself was no longer an irresponsible fop. “So you won’t have to sell all your art, after all?”

  “Certainly not! Nor will the tenants have to be forced off their land. In fact, I am about to implement lower rents and fees across all of my properties.”

  Lord Billingham and Adrianna sat there for a moment, nodding pleasantly and sipping their tea. A moment of silence passed.

  “Miss Carson, tell me truthfully…” Alexander looked quite nervous. His leg began to twitch as he sat there, staring at his hostess. “Would you see me as… as making for a good husband?”

  Adrianna blinked. “Oh, certainly, my lord. Especially now that I know all of this about your journey — I believe you would make a fine partner for some young lady.”

  “Forget some lady,” he said, laughing. “Don’t you understand, Adrianna? I want you.”

  “Me?” Her teacup rattled dangerously on its saucer. She set it down on the table, to avoid dropping it altogether. “What do you mean, me?”

  “What do I mean? I mean I want to marry you.”

  “Surely, you jest.”

  “Jest!” Lord Billingham cried. “Adrianna — Miss Carson — you are extraordinary.” He furrowed his brow. “Are… would you not be interested in having me as a husband, then? Is that what it is?”

  Adrianna shook her head. What was she doing? She was allowing her fear to get the best of her once again. She was allowing all of those old voices that told her she would never be married creep back into her life.

  She knew one thing for certain — she wanted t
o be with Lord Billingham and he wanted to be with her.

  “I would like very much to marry you,” she said, fiercely.

  Lord Billingham breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s very good, then. Because I love you. I… I actually love you very much. Adrianna, you take my breath away.”

  “I love you too,” Adrianna whispered. She felt like she was about to cry and that her heart was about to flutter out of her chest. She felt powerful and about to melt at the same time. She stood up and looked straight into his eyes. “Kiss me.”

  He rose, took her face in his hands, and kissed her on the mouth. Their kiss lasted a few moments before they broke apart.

  When they did, Adrianna sank back down to the couch smiling. “That—yes, I can certainly see the appeal of that.”

  EPILOGUE

  In the end, the two couples agreed to not spring for a double wedding. Their styles were far too different and it all worked out. As Aunt Lydia said, they were able celebrate two parties instead of one.

  Jason and Colette preferred to conduct their nuptials in a big cathedral in London. It had been a spectacular affair, with heaps of flowers, a beautiful chorus, and a large wedding party.

  Adrianna could admit that her eyes welled up, seeing her sister so happy with her new groom. Colette’s eyes had sparkled as she and Danvers twirled and spun around the dancefloor.

  A few months later, Adrianna and Alexander wed in the local county church. It was a small, intimate affair. Once the beaming bride and groom emerged from the church, Billingham’s local tenants had followed them back to the latter’s estate, cheering and clapping the whole way. What followed was truly one of the most memorable and fantastic balls the county had ever seen at Billingham Hall, thrown to celebrate the newlyweds. Laughter and music finally returned to the once gloomy estate.

  The house had been crowded with family, friends, and well wishers, but as the couple danced together, it was as if they were the only ones there.

  The next day, Adrianna woke early. After kissing her sleeping husband on the forehead, she made her way down the winding staircase and arrived in the ballroom. The place was littered with odds and ends — mostly wedding presents and a lost shoe or two — but it was more beautiful than ever to Adrianna.

  She drifted over to the front door and swung it open. She looked out over the rolling, green fields. In distance, she could see the Carson estate. Jason and Colette were splitting their time between the large country mansion and Danvers’s property in London. They were one of the most popular new couples to grace the capital city. Adrianna enjoyed living so close to her sister. Plus, she was happy to see the family home more lively than ever — Colette and Jason truly knew how to throw an excellent ball.

  Adrianna was surprised to hear the clopping of hooves as the Danvers’s jolly red carriage hurtled toward her door. Adrianna smiled was as if they could hear her thoughts. The couple was sitting up front, with Danvers driving and his blushing new bride clinging to his arm. Several months ago, Adrianna would have cringed to see them displaying their affection publicly. Nowadays, it gave her great joy to see two of her favourite people so happy together.

  Colette waved her lace handkerchief at Adrianna. “We’ve come to bid you adieu, sister!”

  “Take care of her, Mr Danvers,” Adrianna said, her tone teasingly stern. “Do not let her act too silly upon the dance floor.”

  “Heaven forbid!” Jason exclaimed, winking at Adrianna. “I believe I will prove to be a most adept chaperone, Lady Billingham. Colette will never leave my sight!”

  “You had better be,” Adrianna warned. “Or I will surely report your irresponsibility to your esteemed cousin.” She raised her eyebrows. “Or, even worse, I will send Aunt Lydia after you.”

  Colette pretended to gasp, then descended into a fit of giggles. “We will miss you, Adrianna. Come visit us in London soon! Your Earl must be reintroduced to society! Everyone wants to know all about the mysterious nobleman returned from abroad.”

  “Indeed,” Jason agreed. “My cousin is the talk of the town. As are you, my lady — the wealthy heiress who single handily supported an earldom. Where is my cousin, by the way?”

  “Still dead to the world, I’m afraid.”

  “Ah well. I suppose I gave that puffed up aristocrat enough of a goodbye last night,” Danvers grinned. As Billingham’s best man, he had delivered a lengthy, at times moving and at times hilarious, rum-fuelled speech during the ball.

  Adrianna waved away their teasing. “I will miss you both. We will absolutely try to visit as soon as we can. In the meantime, have a wonderful time in the city.”

  Danvers helped Colette out of the carriage so she could embrace Adrianna once more. Then, the Danvers returned to the carriage and, with a final wave, clattered off down the road. Adrianna waved until the couple had disappeared over the horizon.

  Adrianna looked back down on the rolling lush land beneath the bright blue sky. Thanks to the Earl’s successful venture in India, the estate was thriving. The surrounding farmers were making a full recovery from the economic downturn. Lord Billingham’s newfound wealth would ensure that those that were dependent upon the Billingham estate would never struggle again. The Earl of Billingham had proved to be a far more just, responsible leader than his father. Additionally, Lord Billingham even had enough money to begin hiring new servants, providing the local townsfolk with new opportunities to advance.

  In return, those that lived around the estate truly adored Lord Billingham and his new wife. It was as if joy had returned into the county once more, now that all was well at the once-gloomy Billingham Hall.

  She smiled. This was her home now. She could scarcely believe it. She felt so happy that she almost became anxious — as though she was about to wake from the sweetest dream.

  “Lady Billingham?” Adrianna turned around to see the Earl approaching her. His eyes were sleepy and his hair still tousled. He wrapped her in his arms. “What woke you so early, my dear?”

  “I’m afraid I’m going to wake up at any moment,” she confessed. “This is all too good to be true.”

  “And how is that?” he teased.

  Adrianna smiled and moved closer. “A perfect home. A dashing husband.” Lord Billingham nodded, solemnly. “A beautiful life. This feels like a dream.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I’m afraid it’s not all completely perfect and beautiful.”

  “No?”

  “Certainly not. You see, I gave the servants the day off.”

  “How generous, my lord.”

  “Indeed. However, in that case, it looks like we may be cleaning up this mess ourselves.” He gestured back into the somewhat cluttered home.

  “I would like to counter with a different suggestion,” Adrianna said.

  With that, Lord Billingham scooped his new bride into his arms.

  “Tell me all about this proposal, Adrianna.”

  “We could clean. Or, we could sit around and you could show me just how wonderful kisses are, again?”

  “I would prefer the second choice.”

  “As would I.” She snuggled closer. “So kiss me.”

  “It would be my pleasure, my lady.”

  He kissed the back of her hand, as he had done so many nights ago at the ball. He kissed her on the cheek. Then, their lips touched, gently.

  Everything was going to turn out just right, after all.

  The End

  BONUS CHAPTER 1:

  MESMERISING THE DUKE

  ONE

  The candles in the drawing-room of Sheperton Manor glittered as brightly as the jewellery worn by the ladies dancing beneath it.

  Despite the almost illicit nature of the activity being undertaken in the house’s gaming rooms, the ballroom was filled with a fair number of the ton, searching for some entertainment in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Those not indulging in a spot of dancing with one fair lady or another, were busy gambling in the nearby rooms.

  Their hostess, Lady Arch
er, had once been a well-to-do dowager, but had fallen on hard times after several gambling misfortunes. But, being ever the entrepreneurial woman, she had taken her penchant for card games and made it into a minor business. An activity that would have warranted her exclusion from polite society.

  But the ton were addicted to a good game of cards.

  When Lady Archer had first thrown such a vulgar event, it had been quite the scandal in their local community. However now it was seen as the height of decadency to have attended such a gathering. Known through the county for her gambling soirees, she had turned misfortune to fortune, which had to be admired.

  Her gaming gatherings differed in that both women and men could attend, and dancing and socialising was a must. Of course she did charge an entry fee, which was collected ever so discreetly on arrival.

  How popular these soirees were could be witnessed by the merriment of the attendees as they swirled across the ballroom to the strains of the Viennese Waltz. It was well known that most of the women attending were some man’s wife and probably another man’s mistress. Or aspiring to be one or the other. This was especially true during her masquerade balls, during the month of love. It was this very event that would draw the most reluctant rake to the countryside. At these times, every sensible matron would remain at home, keeping a close eye on their charge.

  Yes, Lady Archer’s was a place for decadent amusement but one gentleman looked conspicuously bored and unmoved by the merriment. His very presence was such that the eyes of almost every woman kept returning to his imposing figure. This scrutiny could have been due to his stature, but more likely than not it was due to the man himself. Douglas Montgomery, the Duke of Staffordshire, commonly referred to as Monty by his friends.

  He was not only tall, but also extremely handsome. He had a reputation of leaving a sea of broken hearts wherever he went. Despite this, matrons with aspirations to move up in the world, would not hesitate to throw their daughters at him. Unfortunately for him, this was a frequent occurrence. His reputation did nothing to dissuade them from coveting the title of Duchess for their daughter.