Thinking of her mother she looked down at the book on her lap and laughed. Beatrice was quite sure that her mother would be rather angry that not only was Beatrice reading but that she was also reading an adventure tale.
It made little sense to her that she would find so much enjoyment in doing something that would anger her mother. Beatrice had always been careful to follow her mother's instructions to the letter. It had been harder as of late since it seemed no matter what Beatrice did her mother had been upset with her anyway. Perhaps that was why she found such great amusement in her harmless but wayward pursuit.
It had been a stroke of good luck for Beatrice that prompted her stay at Castborough. Mother had needed to go back to their country home but did not want Beatrice to miss social events in the middle of the Season. Henrietta had spoken to Lady Castborough about Beatrice staying with them. Mother had only been too happy to allow it if only to brag that her daughter had been personally invited to stay at Castborough. The woman had been doing everything she could to make Beatrice more popular with the social elite, much to Beatrice’s chagrin.
Thinking about her mother made her suddenly feel restless. She set the book on the settee beside her before getting up to walk to the windows. She had barely reached the window when the door to the drawing room opened and the room seemed filled with people.
Beatrice smiled at the few people she recognized. Henrietta came in next, her arm linked through the arm of a man Beatrice had never seen before. It was clear that he was related to Henrietta’s brother, Matthew, but that is where the resemblance ended. He was much taller than Matthew and where Henrietta’s eldest brothers had blonde hair this man had darker hair. It was a bit longer that what was fashionable but Beatrice thought it suited him. She wondered if perhaps he was an uncle or a cousin.
Henrietta led the man straight to Beatrice. "Beatrice, you will never guess who has arrived," Henrietta said.
Beatrice shook her head smiling at her friend. "I could not even begin to guess."
Henrietta laughed. "This is my brother, Charles Repington."
"Oh!" Beatrice exclaimed remembering Henrietta talking about how worried she had been while he was fighting the war on the Peninsula. It seemed to explain a lot to her as well as he had the appearance of a young man but his demeanor was much more mature. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Henrietta has spoken of you often."
Charles grimaced and then glanced over at Henrietta. "I am unsure if I should be flattered or not."
Henrietta gasped in mock horror. "I have no idea of what you are speaking."
"I assure you," Beatrice spoke up quickly. "Your sister has spoken quite highly of you."
"That is a relief. I would hate to think that you thought ill of me upon our first meeting."
He was smiling down at her and Beatrice had to collect herself in order to reply. "Of course not, Lieutenant. Welcome home."
"Thank you," he said with a slight nod. "That is quite kind of you."
Beatrice was unsure how to respond but need in its have worried as someone suddenly called out in a deep voice. "Charles!"
They all turned to see that Lord and Lady Castborough had joined them in the drawing room.
"Mother, you look as lovely as ever." Charles crossed the room and embraced his mother.
His mother dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Charles dear, you are being too kind. I am merely happy that you are here."
"Of course, Mother where else would I be?"
"Yes, indeed," his father said with a raised eyebrow. He smiled quickly, though. "Welcome home, Charles, my boy."
Beatrice watched as several emotions seemed to flicker across Charles' face. He shook Lord Castborough's hand and appeared most sincere when he said, "I am quite happy to be back. Thank you."
Beatrice could almost appreciate Charles' conflicting emotions. While watching Henrietta and her family she was happy but also rather envious of their large family and how close they were. She, herself, had two older brothers that she hardly knew, born to her father's first wife.
She rarely saw her father and when she did it was awkward and uncomfortable. He and Mother no longer got along and much of their time together was spent arguing. She had long wished for a family like Henrietta had and regretted, even more, the fact that soon she will be forced to return to London and face her mother once more.
Find out more about Charles’ story, A Hero Returns.
http://kellyannebruce.com/books/charles-the-repington-chronicles/
About Kelly Anne Bruce
Kelly Anne Bruce has loved the Regency era of English culture since her teenage years. The country estates, London city happenings, and lovely wardrobes are part of the allure.
But the people of that time are what draws Kelly in. The hierarchy in society is fascinating. A sense of pride in who they are and where they come from matters even if the person isn’t from nobility. Their concern over propriety while behaving less than properly gives plenty of opportunities to tell a tale.
Kelly Anne is an American, married to an Englishman. They live in Cambridge, which happens to be her favourite city in England. Their two cats and a dog run the household remarkably well!
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Also By Kelly Anne Bruce
Want to find more sweet and clean Regency romance stories from Kelly Anne?
The Jilted Earl
The Duke’s Heart
Their Second Chance
The Duke’s Big Surprise
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The Wayward Heir Page 8
