Extraordinary Devotion: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (When Love Blooms Book 3)

by Rose Fairbanks

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Also by Rose Fairbanks

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  More from Rose Fairbanks

  Extraordinary Devotion

  When Love Blooms 3

  A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation

  Rose Fairbanks

  Extraordinary Devotion

  Published by Rose Fairbanks

  ©2017 Rose Fairbanks

  Early drafts of this work were posted online.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without permission in writing from its publisher and author.

  Several passages in this novel are paraphrased from the works of Jane Austen.

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to characters, whether living or dead, is not the intention of this author.

  Also by Rose Fairbanks

  Jane Austen Inspired Fiction

  The Gentleman’s Impertinent Daughter

  Letters from the Heart

  Undone Business

  No Cause to Repine

  A Sense of Obligation

  Love Lasts Longest

  Once Upon a December

  Mr. Darcy’s Kindness

  Sufficient Encouragement

  Renewed Hope

  Mr. Darcy’s Bluestocking Bride

  Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Joy

  Paranormal Regency

  Cinderella’s Phantom Prince and Beauty’s Mirror Anthology

  Regency Romance

  The Earl’s Bluestocking Bride

  Kissed by a Lord

  Chapter One

  Richard Fitzwilliam hauled himself up on his saddle. He had joined the army to fight Napoleon. Tonight, he had fought his countrymen. A few of the private guards were wounded but, truth be told, the insurrectionists had few guns. Fortunately, a bullet only grazed Darcy. The other wounded men were the unfortunate recipients of projectiles.

  Wickham’s rash actions leading to his death surprised Richard and he shook his head. These were mad times indeed if he had been called to fire upon his countrymen and defend a mill. Apparently, Wickham went mad and tried to open the mill door, allowing the intruders entry. As it would have caused more death, Richard’s batman incapacitated Wickham. An excellent marksman, his aim proved deadly.

  Richard could not mourn Wickham’s death. However, it was not the sort of battle he signed up for. Wickham was crazed, not a military threat to Britain. Now that Richard had reported to the local General, he was given permission to direct his mount back to London where Belinda awaited him.

  The thought of her warmed his soul. Moments ago, he left Lundell Castle where Darcy and Elizabeth now stayed. Having seen far more gruesome wounds than Darcy’s — his own included — Richard had little real concern for his cousin. However, seeing Darcy’s new wife’s devotion to her husband had Richard longing for his own woman.

  This assignment could not have come at a worse time. It fell on the very day he was to marry the most beautiful and kind-hearted lady in the kingdom. Other officers might have been able to get out of the duty, but Richard’s family was far too connected to the potential riot. His father was Lord Lieutenant of the militia for West Riding of Yorkshire, where Huddersfield was. Darcy had a stake at the mill. Viscount Arlington, Richard’s brother, stayed in London attempting to dissuade lords and MPs alike to be lenient to what they saw as potential revolt.

  The country held on by a thread, lest the insanity that infected France two decades ago spread across the channel. Richard may not have joined the army out of deep patriotism, but he knew his duty. Additionally, his honour would not allow him to be the weak link which might have prevented the chaos of a civil war. Perhaps that was conceited to think, but so many of the other commanders had no understanding of battlefield tactics. They also had no integrity or loyalty to anything but their own pocketbooks.

  Now, although Richard had planned to resign his commission, he knew he would keep it until the threat with these frame-breakers ended. Richard blew out a deep breath to keep his mind off the pain in his leg. Each jostle from the horse’s gallop intensified the ache. A carriage would have provided more comfort, but it would have slowed his progress.

  Years ago, he had sworn to himself he would never love again. He had also vowed to never take a wife while serving in the military. He had not counted on meeting Lady Belinda Crenshaw. All his plans for life altered the minute he first felt her in his arms. Richard grinned as he recalled the accidental collision which set his world spinning.

  To speed his route to her, he would change horses frequently. Truman would retrieve Lady Luck on the morrow. Some extra coin ought to see her well looked after at the coaching inn. Richard knew he could obtain the best animal each proprietor could offer with through the same means. Other men would slow as their body ached but after years of far worse discomfort, Richard could press himself. What would take his father and the others almost three days to travel, Richard could accomplish in just over one. He would hire a chaise for the last leg of the trip and rest for a few hours until reaching Town.

  Then, bright and early the next day he would approach Belinda’s house, pull her into his arms as he declared his undying love and refuse to let her go until she became his wife. Their licence was still valid and there was no reason to wait. His mother had already hosted a lavish wedding breakfast for Arlington and Anne. Therefore, he did not worry about denying her the opportunity to play mother of the groom.

  As Richard rode, he practised the perfect words to say to the lady who had not just thawed his frozen heart but set it aflame. He had nothing to offer her. She deserved so much more than a mere second son with little fortune and a high probability of an early death. She had already grieved the loss of one man. Who was he to lay claim to her heart?

  Their engagement came about after their mothers witnessed them in a passionate embrace under the mistletoe near Christmas. However, Belinda had conquered the walls of his heart weeks before. Only fear and pride had delayed admitting to himself — and her — that he loved her. Leaving her behind while he faced battle, even if it barely warranted the name, gave him courage. Seeing Darcy and Elizabeth’s pure love for each other gave him hope. If Darcy and Elizabeth could overcome all their misunderstandings, be free of Wickham, and reconciled with her father, then surely Richard and Belinda could achieve happiness.

  One day later, as his rented chaise rolled toward his father’s London townhouse, Richard stretched his leg. Forcing himself on a horse for so long had not been his wisest decision, but there would be time to rest afterwards. Fortunately, he was now attached to General Vyse in London to provide an account of the “situation.” He would have to frequently travel between London and wherever the Bays remained, but it would allow him to see Belinda.

  Arriving at the house well after midnight, the butler hid his surprise at seeing Richard at the late hour. Despite bathing at the last inn, he remained in a rumpled state. Instead of seeking out his chambers, Richard chose to pilfer his father’s study, where the Earl kept the best spirits in the house. Upon entering, he recognised a curved form reclined and asleep on a sette
e.

  Belinda.

  Richard’s lips curved up in a soft smile. He should have known she would have insisted on waiting for him in the house. It appeared she had not been able to sleep and had returned to the library in her dressing gown and night shift. Richard’s eyes appreciatively lingered on her form for a moment before quietly walking to her side and sitting on the edge of the cushion. Gently pushing back a loose tendril, he kissed the place where it had touched her skin.

  “Richard,” she breathed and searched for his lips.

  Happy to acquiesce, even if she only dreamed of him, he could not contain his moan when their lips met. As always, his body had a visceral response to her. He felt the moment she awoke. Pulling back, he saw her deep blue eyes glimmering with unshed tears and unsaid words on her lips.

  “I am here, love,” he said soothingly. “I have returned. Hale and hearty as ever.”

  Instantly, Belinda threw her arms around him and launched herself in his lap. Ravenously she clutched his head to hers. Richard had hardly expected such a homecoming but had no intention of rebuking her. When she finally pulled away from his lips and allowed them both to breathe, her words shocked him.

  “Make me yours. This very instant.”

  *****

  Some while later, Richard kissed Belinda good night before checking the hall to be sure it was empty. Not that he should fear for her reputation. They would wed on the morrow.

  Actually, Richard had not managed to discuss that. After her sweet demand, very little was said. Well, anything of substance, that is. No matter, she was staying in his parents’ home, and they could make plans in the morning. When his head hit his pillow, a sleepy grin diffused over his face.

  He awoke with a start to the voices of his valet and father. When he rose from his bed, he instantly regretted the movement. Stars fluttered before his eyes, and he jerked to one side as though pushed.

  “What the devil?” he muttered under his breath as his visitors intruded on his privacy.

  “You are awake!” Truman said with some surprise.

  “As you see.” Sleep still fogged his brain, and it felt a good deal like being hungover. Something about this made no sense.

  “Should we send the physician back?” the Earl asked.

  “I am entirely well,” Richard said with a yawn and stretch that caused his head to pound again.

  The Earl shook his head. “Son, when you sleep for two days, you are not well. What on earth could have made you push yourself in such a way?”

  Belinda. Richard stood, fighting through the aching in his body. He had slept for two days after their night together? She must be out of her mind with worry.

  “Has anyone told Belinda?”

  His father and valet exchanged a look. For a moment, neither one of them would meet Richard’s eyes.

  “Has something happened to Belinda?” Richard pushed past the mute pair and approached the door, determined to find her.

  “She is gone,” his father said. “You will never see her again.”

  Chapter Two

  Lady Belinda Crenshaw stared out the carriage window. The road from London to her family estate near Harwich, Essex was rocky and in disrepair, and she felt it in every bone of her body. A single tear trickled down her cheek. She had shed all of its sisters.

  How could her parents treat her this way? They knew Richard was a colonel in His Majesty’s Army when they accepted — even promoted — his suit. Their marriage would be delayed only a matter of days due to his service in the North. Anyone with sense would understand that; no matter what the newspapers reported. She most certainly was not abandoned at the altar!

  For that matter, if her reputation were, indeed, in rags would not bringing the gentleman in question up to scratch be the only way to recover it? Instead, she was being sent away as if she had caused a scandal.

  The morning after what was supposed to have been her wedding day, the shrieks of Lady Crenshaw woke her. Belinda arrived in the breakfast room still in her dressing gown. Her nearly catatonic mother gesticulated at the crumbled newspaper she had dropped to the ground. What Belinda read shocked her but she did not immediately ascertain the seriousness of the charge.

  Somehow, the paper reported that Richard and Belinda had not wed. He was last seen travelling North. It noted that Arlington and Anne had married but insinuated that Belinda was impure and hinted at her past attachment. Later, she overheard servants whispering about their hasty engagement and alleged clandestine encounters. When her father came home from his club and had called her mother into the study, Belinda knew she would have to take matters into her own hands.

  Richard had vowed to return to her as soon as he could, the very minute the conflict had ended. Knowing the frame-breakers would attack in Yorkshire on Tuesday, meant he would likely arrive back in London on Friday. In the late hours on Thursday evening, Belinda awoke her trustworthy maid, and they took a hired hack the few streets to Fitzwilliam House. There, the butler opened for them. Belinda set her maid to work on him. In the end, he found it strange but not worth alerting his mistress, who had slept very little of late due to the concerns in the North and planning her son’s wedding.

  Belinda’s only scheme was to wait. Either Richard would arrive, or her parents would notice her absence and assume her location then fetch her. What happened was a miracle.

  As if by fate, Richard arrived a few hours later and found her sleeping in the library. Then, they shared the most exquisite reunion. Belinda blushed in memory of their intimacies and lovemaking, but she could not repent it. Not for one minute. Especially if it might be the last she ever saw of Richard Fitzwilliam.

  Do not think like that, she told herself. He would come for her. Belinda had no doubts of Richard’s fidelity and devotion. Even now, he might be pursuing her carriage. He would meet them at the final coaching inn, just when it seemed most dismal. After a tender embrace, they would hire a new transport and head for Gretna Green.

  Belinda almost allowed herself to hope in the dream. However, her dreams had been shattered before. She had no faith in rescues from a charming knight. She only had faith that Richard would not give her up so long as he believed her affections resided with him.

  If only he knew how I loved him. Belinda had never expressed the words. They never seemed to have the adequate amount of time alone together but surely he would know. She had pledged to marry him and gave him her virtue. He would understand what she had been too afraid to voice.

  Even as she thought it, a concern pricked in the back of her mind. For much of what constituted their courtship, she had declared love for the now deceased Captain Rogers. Additionally, Belinda had claimed she would never love again.

  Belinda squeezed her eyes against the thought and tried to focus on the swaying of the carriage. Instead, an even more significant fear came to mind. Why had the paper reported Richard abandoned her? Who would have even known? And was it connected to whatever was troubling the Fitzwilliam and Darcy family? Mere nights ago, Lady Fitzwilliam was deeply troubled as she hosted an engagement dinner for her sons.

  A knife sliced in Belinda’s heart as she considered the injustice of the world. She was honourably betrothed! Many of Society’s greatest had been in attendance. Did they all now doubt Richard’s intention to marry her based on his absence? Or could they all trust the gossip of the paper that declared her soiled goods? Among the guests that evening had been people her parents and the Fitzwilliams counted as friends. Were they so quick to believe the worst?

  Belinda already knew the answer to that just as she knew there would be little chance of a reprieve from this latest injustice. Her first love had died at sea after her parents’ refused their blessing. Now, the man her parents had previously championed, they despised so much as to blacken her name just to free her of him.

  Just before reaching the last coaching inn on the three-day journey to Harwich, Belinda fell asleep. When she awoke at the site of her childhood-home-turned-prison, she ack
nowledged she had been correct. No rescue had come, and they had well passed the point of dismal.

  If Richard did not arrive soon, she would have no choice but to give up hope. Still, it burned in her heart. As she fought to keep it alive, she chose not to ask how much of that beating organ was turning to ash under a flame quickly running out of fuel.

  *****

  Richard struggled to lift his head from where it had fallen the night before. Abnormally loud footsteps in the hall reverberated in his head more piercing than a cannon blast, confirming he had over-indulged in spirits the night before. The large quantity of whiskey he had drunk the night before was enough to numb his mind for a few hours and to pay the devil this morning. However, nothing had been sufficient to make his heart forget. Belinda. Gone forever.

  The steps stopped outside his door, and then it swung open. Richard cringed, praying whoever broke his solitude would have enough mercy to be quiet.

  “They sent me, Rich,” James’ gentle voice boomed in Richard’s ears.

  “Come to tell me to get over her?” Richard eased himself up slowly.

  “No,” James replied.

  “Our parents should go to the devil.”

  “Perhaps things are not as they seem?”

  “No?” Richard nearly yelled and regretted it as cannons went off in his head again.

  When he had calmed, he explained matters to his brother. “While I am off on duty for Father, Belinda’s parents persuade her to break our engagement. Father knew they disapproved and did nothing to stop it. She was in our house the night I returned, desperate to be away from her parents but Mother turned her over to them the next day while I was ill. Upon my recovery, Father has nothing to say but that I shall never see Belinda again. I rode to her house, and her parents refused my entry. I do not know if she is even in London.”

  Richard reached for a bottle and frowned to find it empty.