Regency Romance: Loving The Reluctant Viscount (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Regency Romance & Mystery)

by Jessie Bennett

“Why have you not chosen to stay at Worthington Manor? Surely you need a place to stay that will not cost you any money or labor.”

  “I never labor, Em. And I was not invited to stay there. The Duke did not mention it to me before I left last night.”

  Emiline frowned. “That is peculiar. Duke Worthington always offers a room to his traveling guests. You didn’t manage to cause suspicion, did you?”

  Steven shook his head. “No. I’m sure that I didn’t. But he did not offer and I do not invite myself anywhere.”

  Emiline snorted. “You have invited yourself into many places you were not wanted.”

  “What is this? You are being crass. Do you want the dress?”

  “I do.”

  “Then you will be respectful. Go back in there and get your fitting. I will be waiting out here when you return.”

  Emiline turned to do as she was told. She glanced back at him before going through the curtain that separated the rooms. He had taken a seat next to the window, pulling a pipe from his pocket.

  Before Emiline could return from the fitting room, Steven left the dress shop, seeing Abraham Montgomery stepping into the restaurant across the street. He crossed the dirt road and went into the restaurant, spotting Abe as he sat at a table and spoke to the serving girl. He moved smoothly to the table and sat down as if he had been asked to do so. Emiline’s words immediately came to mind when Abe looked up from his lap and saw him. The look on his face told Steven he was confused and didn’t know whether he wanted the company or not.

  He was correct in his assumption. The night before had not given Abe the best impression of Lord Miner and his face showed it. He smiled, nevertheless.

  “Lord Miner. It is a pleasure to see you.” He lied.

  “Lord…” His face flushed as he struggled to remember Abe’s last name.

  “Montgomery.” Abraham supplied, leaning forward slightly. “Duke Montgomery.”

  “Your Grace.” Steven nodded. “Forgive me. I am not very good with remembering names.”

  “Understandable.” Abe responded. “Also, you consumed a great deal of alcohol last night. I am surprised you are up and moving today.”

  “It is the afternoon. I was not readily available for conversation until after the twelve o’clock hour.”

  Abe nodded, feeling a bit more comfortable with Steven. He appreciated when men were up front with him. He did not care for people who were not straight forward.

  “How long will you be visiting Fairbanks?”

  “I have not yet decided.”

  “What brought you here?”

  Steven wondered if he should say he followed Emiline and Allan to the vast English countryside. He decided against it. He did not want his relationship with Emiline to be revealed before it was time. He had his doubts there would ever be a good time, considering the nature of their association.

  “I am traveling across England. I have just come from the United States and will next travel around Europe to Switzerland, Russia and other countries I have yet to see.”

  “You must be well-known in some places. Where are you from originally?”

  Steven began a long string of lies, unwilling to give Abe the honest details of his sordid past. Very little had changed in his behavior and demeanor since his 17th birthday, when he had begun a life of thievery and crime. It had only been three years since Emiline had come into his life and joined him. He’d spent the fourteen years before that committing crimes by himself.

  The two men talked over a late lunch and several bottles of ale. Steven knew Abe was honest with his words, revealing much about his good character. So much, in fact, Steven almost felt bad about being so dishonest. But not bad enough to tell the truth. He didn’t want anyone to know who he was, other than his name. Almost everything he told Abe, however, had a bit of truth in it. He’d revealed that he had come from the United States, which was the last place he and Emiline had been to. He told Abe he was in importing and exporting. It was a play on what he truly did, stealing artifacts from countries all over the world and selling them to collectors of various goods. The only men who knew what he truly did were those that bought the stolen items.

  It would be counter-productive for them to reveal his crimes.

  By the time their conversation had ended, Abe had invited Steven to the Worthington Manor for a friendly card game. Steven was more than glad to oblige. The more time he spent in the Manor, the greater his chances would be of speaking to Janelle.

  She was the key to the prize.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE ELEPHANT

  THE ELEPHANT

  Elizabeth watched as the guests arrived one by one. The sun was just getting ready to set. Streaks of color crossed the sky above, creating a majestic masterpiece. Teddy stood next to her, the proper gentleman at four years old. One of his hands was clutching her skirts as he watched the carriages pull up.

  Shawn came out of the manor and walked to stand by her side.

  “Are you feeling all right, Liz?” He asked in a low voice. She looked up at him and smiled.

  “Yes, Shawn. Do I not look all right?”

  “You look beautiful as always.” He leaned to give her a kiss on the cheek.

  She looked back to the carriages as Allan got out of one and held his hand out to help Janelle step down.

  “It looks like your sister has spent the day with the Viscount. I wonder how that went.”

  “I’m sure they had a lovely time. She looks pleased. Do you know where they visited today?”

  “I know that Lord Gray went to see some of the properties that are up for purchase. He started out early this morning.”

  “I do hope he has chosen to stay here. He is a gentleman. And I believe Janelle is interested in him.”

  “It does look fairly obvious.”

  They smiled at each other.

  “What do you think of his sister?” He asked.

  “Emiline is a strange character. I am unsure of her.”

  “I feel the same. Perhaps tonight we will get to know her better. It has only been one day. You cannot find out a great deal about someone in one day.”

  “I beg to differ.” Elizabeth kept her voice low as their guests approached. “One day can change one’s entire perception of another. Hello, Allan. Janelle. I do hope you have had a good day today.”

  As the couples greeted each other, Elizabeth looked past them to see Emiline stepping down from a carriage that Steven had also arrived in. She was surprised to see Abe stepping down from the same carriage. Emiline was carrying a large parcel wrapped in paper and held together with a string. The four waited for the three of them before the group went into the house.

  The men separated from the women when Shawn offered brandy to them and they went into the study. Emiline, Janelle and Elizabeth walked to the library, where they sat in a semi-circle.

  “Would you like something to drink while we wait for dinner?” Elizabeth asked.

  “I would love a refreshment.” Emiline asked.

  “What did you purchase today? That is surely a dress from Persinger’s, Miss, is it not? I have purchased several beautiful gowns from there.”

  Emiline laid the paper-wrapped parcel on the mahogany table that sat between the chairs they were sitting in and began to loosen the string. “Yes, it is from Persinger’s. It is the loveliest fabric.” She fought the urge to tell them Steven had bought it for her. Despite her longing for him, it was obvious Steven was using her for what he could get from her. She held out hope that his feelings would become stronger in time and perhaps they would expand their relationship beyond the terms he had set for it.

  “Oh, that is beautiful!” Janelle exclaimed upon seeing the dress. “I am so envious.”

  “You should get one made for yourself.” Emiline smiled as Janelle fingered the fabric, her eyes wide. Janelle shook her head.

  “I am not due for a new dress for several months.”

  “You ar
e restricted?”

  “I do not have my own money at this time. My mother and father continue to pay my way until I am married.”

  Emiline nodded. “I understand.”

  “I hope you will wear this at the next ball. I look forward to seeing you in it.”

  “Why thank you, Lady Dowling.”

  Emiline looked up in surprise when the door opened and a young servant girl came in with a tray carrying drinks for the three women.

  “My lady, here are the drinks you asked for.”

  “Thank you, Nancy.”

  “Yes, my lady.” The girl set the tray down on the table next to the dress. Emiline watched her face. She was also eyeing the gown. The look of envy on her face made Emiline feel a strong sense of satisfaction. She had Steven to thank for that. She planned to make everyone jealous when she went to the ball dressed in such a fine outfit.

  “You may go.”

  “Yes, my lady. Dinner will be served at 8 this evening.”

  “All right.”

  Nancy turned to go out, taking one last glance at the gown before going.

  “I saw you get out of the carriage with Lord Allan Gray, Janelle.” Elizabeth said, handing her sister one of the glasses. “Did you spend the day with him?”

  “Only the afternoon.”

  While the sisters chatted, Emiline looked around the room. She didn’t see any elephants. She didn’t expect that the priceless artifact would have been moved to Worthington Manor but it would have been much more convenient for her and her partner if it had been. She hadn’t yet seen the inside of the Dowling Estate. It would be more difficult to gain access to what they were looking for and would take some time to find but she was willing. She wondered to herself if there was a way to get an invitation to the home without giving away her scheme.

  “Miss Gray, have you spoken to your brother about the lands he looked at today? I wonder if he might have chosen one.”

  Emiline shook her head, lifting her glass and taking a sip. “He hasn’t spoken to me yet. If he spent this afternoon with Janelle, surely she would know better than I.” She gave the young woman a smile.

  Janelle nodded. “I think he will purchase Duck’s Row.”

  Emiline wondered how much Duck’s Row was being sold for and how Allan intended to purchase it when they had no money. Steven had a lot of money but he was not the one trying to buy land. He wasn’t interested in doing anything other than what he was doing.

  In the study, Steven was thinking along the same lines as his counterpart. He had thoroughly scanned the room but there were no elephants to be seen. He listened to the conversation of the men as they talked about the land Allan had looked at that day.

  “The orphanage is important to me, Lord Gray.” Shawn was saying. “If you choose to purchase Duck’s Row, it goes along with it and the care of the place will fall to you.”

  “I understand, Your Grace. Many people have told me that today.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, I went there early this morning, it was the first place I stopped at, to be honest with you. I went back this afternoon with Janelle to get her opinion. Little did I realize she was well-acquainted with it and the children who live there.”

  “Janelle has been volunteering her time there since I had it built.”

  “It is well taken care of. You are to be commended. The children seem quite happy with the establishment and with Mrs. Bell.”

  “They are. I make sure of it. I do not want them to grow up thinking no one cared about their well-being.”

  “I had the opportunity to see a few of the orphanages in the United States while I was there.” Allan sat down with a glass of brandy and took a sip. “There is only one I can recall that was as well-kept as yours, my lord.”

  “Thank you for the compliment. On the other hand, how sorry to hear that the Americans are not taking stock in the care of their children.”

  Allan nodded. “It is very different there. There seems to be more hustle and bustle. Working people that speak quickly and use words I am unfamiliar with. Their customs, though like ours in Australia and yours here in Britain, are what set them apart from the rest of us.”

  “I agree.” Shawn turned to Steven, who had taken a seat near the large window and was staring out. “Lord Miner, have you ever been to the United States?”

  “Yes, I traveled there.” Steven nodded. “I find it to be just the same as Allan has described. The people vary in their personalities. Some are trustworthy. Some are not.”

  “From where did you start your travels?”

  “I was born in Belgium.” The young lord replied. “I left home at a very young age and began my travels.”

  “Do you have any plans to settle down?”

  “I am unsure at this point. I have not yet found a woman I want to marry.”

  “You have spent the day with the Viscount’s sister, I noticed. Could she be the one?”

  Steven noticed when Allan glanced at him through narrow eyes. He smiled at the Viscount. “Do not concern yourself, Lord Gray. Duke Montgomery and I happened across the lovely Lady as she was coming from a dress shop in the town. We gave her a ride back in the Duke’s carriage. Thank you for that, my lord.” Steven nodded his head at Abe, who nodded back.

  “It was my pleasure, my lord.”

  “I wonder if I should worry, Lord Miner.” Allan asked in a teasing voice. “You are a stranger to us.”

  “You are a stranger to Miss Dowling at this point, as well, lord. What say you?”

  Both men laughed.

  “I say we will need to spend more time with the ladies before we make decisions as to the strength of their characters.”

  “You know your sister better than anyone, I might say,” Steven continued the game that only he was playing. “What is your opinion of her and whether I should court her?”

  “I have no opinion that can influence such a matter.” Allan shook his head. “I try not to be judgmental of others until I get to know them better. I had a mind that you might be after the lovely Janelle. If this were the case, I would protest. But as it stands, I will dismiss the notion until I am given reason to consider it in further detail.

  “Does Miss Janelle spend a great deal of time here at the Manor, my lord?” Steven asked, hoping his question wouldn’t be too forward. He did not want anyone suspecting he was involved with the woman and lying about it.

  Shawn answered him. “She does. As the only sister who is not married, she finds it comforting to stay here in the Manor, rather than going out of her way for a man she clearly cannot trust.”

  There was a moment of silence before Abe spoke up. “And she deserves that kind of man. One who will be charming and good to her. She has been through it with a few gentlemen. You quickly rounded them up and booted them out, didn’t you, Shawn?”

  The Duke nodded. “As a Duke, I have the right to have them banished from the kingdom. In lieu of that, I simply tell them to leave Fairbanks. It is a vast long terrain but there are plenty of nearby areas that one might desire to settle instead of here.” He looked at Allan. “I do hope you decide to stay in Fairbanks, my lord.”

  Allan nodded. “I am seriously contemplating it. This is beautiful land. I was told that today was a rare day of sunshine, however. Does it rain here quite often?”

  “Quite.” Shawn nodded. “But we would be happy to have you stay with us for as long as you need to. You may take your time deciding.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.”

  “And your sister is welcome to stay, as well.”

  Steven watched the exchange, wishing there was a way to invite himself to stay in the Manor. His small rented room felt like wasted money to him. Sometimes, he suspected he would rather be living on the streets than in such as small area.

  He waited. But he was not invited to stay.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENT

  A NIGHT OF ENTERTAINMENTr />
  With full stomachs, the group retired to the study once more. At the dinner table, Shawn had announced a surprise was in store for his guests.

  “With the upcoming holidays, I thought it would be entertaining to bring in a theatre group to perform for us. They will be arriving shortly and will set up in the study to perform a play for our benefit.”

  Elizabeth reacted with raised eyebrows and a bright smile. “Shawn! You did not tell me you were planning this.”

  He shook his head. “I first had the idea for a special occasion for you, my darling. But now we have many guests to share it with.”

  Elizabeth lifted one hand to him. He took it and placed a soft kiss on her fingertips. “It warms my heart to see you smile, lovely Elizabeth.”

  Emiline watched the exchange with a strong sense of jealousy. She couldn’t help looking at Steven, wishing he would feel that kind of love for her. She knew she would feel it for him and it would only get stronger, if only it was returned. She kept her eyes on his face. He looked bored. He chewed on a chunk of bread, only glancing at the Duke and Duchess as they talked. After staring at his plate for a lengthy period, he finally looked up at her, as if he knew she was watching him. She gave him a pleading look.

  His jaw clenched and he rolled his eyes slightly. He went back to chewing, staring at his plate. Emiline dropped her eyes and tried to remain smiling. The internal battle she was fighting was going to break her eventually, she just knew it. She was filled with anxiety, masking it with a façade of normalcy. She painted on a smile when it was appropriate and participated in events whether she wanted to or not. Inside, she was tied in knots.

  The study was rearranged so that one side would serve as a stage for the actors and musicians while the group sat on the other side, watching. Comfortable chairs had been set in proper places, allowing each person to easily see the “stage”.

  Elizabeth took her seat and watched where their guests went to sit. It was interesting to see how people paired themselves off, not realizing someone is observing. She noticed that once Janelle was seated, the men gravitated toward her chair. Abe sat next to Emiline, since she was left to her own devices, looking somewhat slighted. Her eyes remained on her brother and Steven. There was no trace of a smile on her face.