Once Upon A Regency

by Samantha Grace

  The entry hall was crowded with people waiting to climb the curved staircase. The ladies’ gowns covered the colors of the rainbow and every shade in between. The gentlemen wore subdued black, gray and navy coats with their dark trousers, leaving their personalities to show in the fabric of their waistcoats. None of the assemblies she and Mama had attended were anything close to as grand as this.

  Music came from somewhere upstairs, and it seemed forever before Cassandra discovered the source. The hall where the guests gathered had her breathless. The raised ceiling above the white marble floors made the room appear twice as large. Veined alabaster columns lined the walls, and alcoves in the walls held statues. Above it all on one of the short walls was a minstrel’s gallery.

  So enraptured was she, Cassandra bumped into an elderly woman. “Pardon me, ma’am.”

  The woman patted Cassandra’s arm. “I understand, my dear. I was much the same the first time I visited Clayton House. You’ll never see the likes of it again.”

  Agnes squeezed her way to Cassandra’s side. “This ball is such a crush. It always is. This is the most coveted invitation in all of Staffordshire.”

  Imagine being invited year after year to a ball like this. The idea delighted her. To mingle with these people, and dance with the young gentlemen. Nothing could be grander.

  Pulling Cassandra to the side near one of the columns, Agnes began to point out various people. As her gaze swept the room, Cassandra noticed Lord Spalding speaking to a tall, slender red-haired young lady. “Who is that with your brother?” she asked.

  “Lady Venetia. Her father and ours have been partners in their plantation for years, since before we were born. She’s a pretty girl, isn’t she?”

  She was striking. She was everything Cassandra wasn’t. Her hair was such a rich shade of auburn, not washed out like Cassandra’s. And her height, nearly as tall as Lord Spalding’s shoulder. Every move she made was graceful, delicate.

  “Papa intends that Spalding marry her. He’s been nagging Spalding for two or three years now, but Spalding says he isn’t ready. I don’t think he wants to marry her, but he’ll eventually do what Papa wants.”

  A tight fist squeezed around Cassandra’s heart at the news. How silly of her. She knew she’d never marry Lord Spalding, even if it weren’t for Lady Venetia. Cassandra was a nobody who knew nothing of her family. She drew in a deep breath and forced herself to look somewhere else.

  Agnes grabbed her arm. “Come, I’ll introduce you to Lady Venetia. You’ll love her. She’s the sweetest girl.”

  Of course she was. Lady Venetia was perfect. Just the sort of woman to be a future countess.

  “Ah, there you are,” Spalding said when he spied them. “Lady Venetia, you know my sister of course, and this is Miss Franklin.”

  “How lovely to meet you, Miss Franklin. Lord Spalding was just telling me how you saved his life. We are grateful to you.”

  “Thank you, but I believe it’s the sailors who hoisted him onto the lifeboat that are responsible. They saved me, too.”

  “I’m happy to put that night behind us,” Spalding said. “Let’s enjoy the evening ahead of us. Are you dancing, Miss Franklin? If you have an open dance later in the evening, I’d be pleased to stand up with you.”

  A rich male voice spoke from behind Cassandra. “I’ve reserved the first dance,” said Lord Nathan, bowing to everyone in their small group. “I hope you ladies are all well.”

  His greeting struck Cassandra odd, as if he’d deliberately left Lord Spalding out of the wish.

  “We’re quite well, thank you,” Agnes said. “How can anyone not be when we visit Clayton House. I do hope all your brothers will be dancing tonight.”

  “Lord Joseph, in particular, I presume? He’s here somewhere. Mother would never allow one of us to miss the ball.”

  Agnes giggled. She hadn’t mentioned having an affection for Lord Joseph, but it was clearly so.

  “Miss Franklin, I missed the first dance, but will you allow me to stand up with you for the second?” Lord Nathan offered his arm.

  “Of course. This one is yours.”

  He led her through the crowded space where guests watched the dancers. Everyone bounced about so gaily in steps Cassandra recognized, but she’d never seen so many people dancing at the same time. She’d never realized how small Savanna-la-Mar was until tonight.

  “What do you think of our home? The estate has been in the family for more than three hundred years. It’s a bit much for me, but my elder brother will be the one to inherit, so it’s not something I’m concerned about.”

  “I can’t imagine living somewhere like this. Even Fenwick Abbey is grand. England is a beautiful place.”

  “Are you here for a visit? How long will you stay?”

  “I’m here to stay. Well, not here in Staffordshire.” She explained about the search for her great aunt and uncle.

  “I hope you find them, even though it will take you away from us. I must take advantage of the time you’re here. Come riding with me tomorrow afternoon.”

  “I don’t ride. I never learned. I don’t imagine it’s something I would take to quickly.”

  “You’re not afraid of horses, are you?”

  “No.”

  “I’m pleased to hear it. I enjoy spending time with them more than I do most people I know.”

  Cassandra noticed the direction all his comments appeared to take. He needed to spend time with her, and wanted to know where their enjoyments agreed. He couldn’t be interested in her, so he must have some other motive. She was even less suitable for a duke’s son than an earl’s. Still, Lord Nathan’s smile warmed her, and his attention was quite flattering. Somehow it made her not notice how much time Lord Spalding spent beside Lady Venetia.

  “We’ll go out for a drive in my curricle, then.”

  “I doubt Lady Fenwick will allow that.”

  “We’ll take the barouche, then with the top down. Your maid will come with us.”

  “I can’t see how she’d object to that. I shall ask her for permission.”

  * * * *

  Spalding nodded absently to whatever Lady Venetia said. She and Agnes had been speaking nonstop since Miss Franklin left with Lord Nathan. Now that Miss Franklin was dancing, he’d lost sight of them. As his lips thinned and his hands tensed, he reminded himself Lady Venetia deserved his full attention.

  Lord Nathan wouldn’t try anything untoward in his own home. Or would he? His reputation bordered on scandalous, although much of that could be only in the minds of the gossips. Spalding had heard a false story or two about himself, so he had to allow for Lord Nathan’s possible innocence.

  “Lord Spalding, this is our dance, isn’t it?” Lady Venetia put her hand on his sleeve to attract his attention.

  “Forgive me, yes. We’d best hurry before the dancing starts.” He and Lady Venetia took spots at the end of the two lines of dancers and joined in the steps. From there he couldn’t see Miss Franklin.

  “You’re distracted this evening, Spalding.”

  He jumped on the first excuse that came to mind. “My nerves haven’t recovered from the shipwreck.”

  “I feared that was the problem. Doesn’t being at home help?”

  Being near Miss Franklin was the real problem. Perhaps he should travel to Gloucestershire to see what he could learn about Miss Franklin’s family. The distance would allow him to put her from his thoughts.

  When their dance ended, he brought Lady Venetia to her mother, and after a few minutes of polite conversation, he managed to escape. Agnes danced down the center of her group, Lord Joseph beside her. Matilda stood with Mother and a few ladies, but he didn’t see Miss Franklin. She didn’t know anyone else. Surely she understood the necessity to be chaperoned at this sort of gathering. Jamaica might be more relaxed in the behavior expected of a young lady, but it wasn’t uncivilized.

  Strolling casually, he nodded in greeting to those he recognized and paused to talk to the elderly Mr
s. Bingley and her sister. Talk was a polite word for the exchange. The two women were hard of hearing to begin with, and the added noise of the people and music made for a nonsensical exchange.

  He caught a glimpse of Lord Nathan slipping out one of the side doors. Spalding’s temper heated. He followed as quickly as he could.

  The door led to the servants’ stairwell, a shadowy, narrow space with a landing at each level. Where would Lord Nathan take a woman to seduce her? The upper floor in this part of the house likely held servants’ quarters, which led Spalding to descend the stairs.

  He slowly opened the door on the floor below, which appeared to be a sitting room. A single candle burned on the mantle above the empty fireplace, leaving most of the room in shadow. Spalding listened for voices.

  Someone grunted in the corner, a distressed, panicked sound.

  “Who’s there?” he called. He was torn between marching over there in case it was Miss Franklin, or remaining at a distance to preserve the dignity of some other woman.

  “Lord Spalding.”

  “Miss Franklin? What are you doing down here? It’s not wise to wander away from the ballroom.”

  “I was showing her my butterfly collection.” Lord Nathan stepped into the light, his smirk stirring Spalding’s rage.

  Miss Franklin hurried to Spalding’s side adjusting her bodice and her hair. “I hadn’t realized how far from the others he planned to take me.”

  “How far, exactly.” His hands tightened into fists. “How dare you, you bastard.”

  Lord Nathan stepped back, holding his hand up. “I did nothing you haven’t done many times, Spalding.”

  “I’ve never disgraced an innocent. As she is under my family’s care, it’s my privilege to defend her against cads like you.” Spalding jumped at Lord Nathan and landed a heavy blow on the man’s jaw. Shaking his hand, Spalding returned to Miss Franklin and tucked her hand to his side. “Let me return you to the ballroom.”

  Knowing they couldn’t be seen returning together by the side door, Spalding took her into the dimly-lit hallway. “Let me help you.” He tugged her sleeves back up over her shoulders and pinned a flower back into place.

  “There, no one will suspect a thing. When we reach the main hall, turn to your right. You should see a footman or a maid moving about. Tell them you’ve lost your way and ask for directions to the withdrawing room. There will be a mirror there and you may check your appearance before returning to the ballroom.”

  “Thank you.” Rather than the voice of a fainting miss, Miss Franklin’s held back anger. Every day brought some new side of her to light, each more delightful than the last.

  “Perhaps I should have left you to handle Lord Nathan on your own. You might not have needed my help after all.”

  “I’m grateful you came when you did. His hands moved too quickly to stop him. I shudder to think what might have happened.”

  Spalding’s anger flared again. “Don’t mention this to anyone, not even Agnes. I promise to be more watchful when we’re in a large group such as this. No one else should bother you, but one never knows.”

  “I do not need a watchdog, Lord Spalding. While I appreciate your concern, I’m able to take care of myself. Admittedly, I was foolish this time, but it won’t happen again.” Her eyelids narrowed and her chin rose. “I recall one other time I let a gentleman kiss me. I’ve learned my lesson now.”

  She spun away and hurried down the hallway.

  MASQUERADING AS A MISS

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  A week later, Spalding chalked the end of his billiards cue in the game room of their neighbor’s home. A few young men sat smoking nearby, and several more played cards rather loudly.

  “Your guest is quite lovely,” Lord Joseph said. His brother, Lord Nathan, had the decency not to attend this afternoon gathering.

  “She is. And quite naive. I’d appreciate your assistance in keeping your brother away from her.”

  Lord Joseph shook his head as his ball missed the corner pocket. “You know you don’t need to ask. I wish Father would send him away. Take another tour of the Continent. Travel to the Colonies. Anywhere he cannot bring shame to the family name.”

  Spalding knew Agnes was quite taken with Lord Joseph, but wasn’t sure if the young man returned her affections. If he did, Spalding would happily encourage the match. The younger brother had none of the faults Lord Nathan did.

  Knowing he couldn’t hide in the game room much longer, when their game ended, Spalding replaced his cue on the rack. Lady Venetia was outside with the other women, and he should pay her some attention.

  She was everything a man could want in a wife. Agreeable, well spoken, and very pleasant company. The only thing lacking between them was passion. He’d never once had the urge to even kiss Lady Venetia, much less explore her body.

  On the other hand, Miss Franklin drove him mad with wanting. He often found himself trying to recall the exact scent of her hair. He had no problem remembering the feel of her in his hands. The softness of her kiss, her eagerness to further their embrace. Yet no one knew for certain she had any connections. She could be a very unsuitable match.

  He didn’t care. His only wish was to love the woman he married. Yet he had the title to think of, the earldom to keep respected in others’ eyes. Miss Franklin would do well as a countess, he was certain, but if they discovered she was illegitimate or worse, he could bring shame upon his family.

  Once she left Fenwick Abbey, he could get past his growing feelings for her and move ahead with marrying Lady Venetia. It’s what his parents wanted. It’s what was best for the earldom.

  But was it best for him?

  In the garden, Spalding found the two young ladies strolling together. He groaned inwardly. How could he shower attention on Lady Venetia in Miss Franklin’s presence? He called to them as he approached.

  Lady Venetia spoke first. “Lord Spalding, I was just telling your guest that my mother knows of a family named Franklin who live near Gloucester. She’s written them to enquire of a possible relationship. Perhaps they are cousins. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Her pleasant expression showed she meant the sentiment. She wasn’t one to be jealous or spiteful. That was just one more thing that made her so suited to be a countess.

  “I’m eager to hear the response,” Miss Franklin added.

  He was torn, to be honest. He’d be happy for her to find her family, but dreaded the idea of her leaving. “Yes, that would be wonderful to hear.”

  The three of them continued to walk down the path. Lady Venetia waved at three young ladies under a tree. “Do you mind, Miss Franklin, if I visit with some friends? Lord Spalding can take you to his sisters.”

  “Do go on. I’ve enjoyed talking with you.”

  Lady Venetia ran off.

  Miss Franklin watched her go. “She’s a lovely girl, isn’t she? I wish I were as thoroughly nice as she is.”

  Spalding laughed. “Not many people have such an honest kindness, I agree. Yet your strength is what helped you survive all you’ve been through these past weeks.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve yet to see Lady Venetia fight off a rakehell.”

  Miss Franklin gasped. “We’re not to speak of that, if I recall. And I imagine no man would think to disgrace her in that way.”

  Lady Venetia’s kindness wasn’t what kept the rakes away. For all her good qualities, she failed to inspire passion. He’d yet to hear any man say anything untoward about her, and he doubted that was because of the understanding between their two families.

  He changed the subject. “Are you making many friends?”

  “Everyone is very kind to me.”

  “But you wouldn’t call them friends.”

  “I can’t explain it. I don’t feel…complete without knowing who I am. I feel awkward allowing others close to me because of it. What if my father was a highwayman? Or if he simply refused to marry my mother?”

  “You can’t let that cloud your life at the moment. No one will s
uspect you of attempting to raise your standing in Society should some scandal appear in your mother’s past. Your aunt will likely tell you your mother grieved so severely she couldn’t speak her husband’s name once he died.”

  She didn’t answer. He wished there was a way to erase her fears and allow her to enjoy herself completely.

  Out on the lawn, a group played bowls, laughing gaily. He motioned toward them. “Do you play, Miss Franklin?”

  “I never learned.”

  “I shall teach you. It’s quite simple.”

  They joined in the game. When Miss Franklin’s turn came, Spalding demonstrated how to toss the ball. Then he handed the heavy black ball to her, stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her to guide her swing. The heat of her body burned his where they touched. He knew he should move away, but he couldn’t. No one could object to his teaching her to play bowls.

  They weren’t alone. His intended was somewhere nearby, as was his mother and many of the biggest gossips in the area. Most importantly, he knew she didn’t love him.

  Just as the ball left Miss Franklin’s hands, he realized where his thoughts had gone. He didn’t love her…so why did it matter what she felt? He should be grateful she hadn’t grown attached to him, as that would leave her to recover from his absence when she found her aunt.

  She stepped away from his embrace and offered him a stiff smile. “Thank you. I believe I can throw the next one on my own.”

  He nodded. “Just be certain not to beat me in this game. My ego couldn’t stand the injury.”

  Lady Venetia joined them just as their game finished. “May I join the next game?”

  “Of course,” Lord Spalding said. With any other woman he’d assume she had come to keep Miss Franklin away from him, but Lady Venetia wasn’t that sort. She’d never suspect Miss Franklin of chasing after him. She’d never fear he might fall for another woman.

  Lady Venetia was a confident woman, which would make her a wonderful wife.