by Joyce Alec
The Earl of Withington could not answer, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.
“I do hope you have sorted this mess out, Father,” Lucy finished, rising from her seat as gracefully as she could. “I want you to make it quite clear to Lord Hutton that I owe him nothing. I will never be his, and he is not to come near me again.”
Her father gave a swift, jerky nod, and on seeing it, Lucy swept from the room.
Chapter Nine
The next few days were quiet, although Edward came to call her every day. The preparations for the ball were well underway, and Lucy found herself rolling between excitement and terror. Her mother had sent her to the modiste on at least four separate occasions, ensuring she would be the best dressed young lady the ton had ever seen. Lucy had to admit that the gown was the most beautiful thing she had laid her eyes on, not that she would let her mother know that. She supposed she would have to get used to wearing the latest styles and fashions soon enough, realizing that she did not find the idea altogether distasteful.
“Lord Caldwell.”
The butler opened the door and announced her betrothed, making a flush of excitement rush through Lucy’s frame.
“Oh, goodness!” she exclaimed the moment he stepped through the door. “What on earth has happened to you?”
Edward was sporting a spectacular black eye, and Lucy was sure she saw a lump on his jaw. Rushing over to him, she grasped his chin and gently turned his face to her.
“Nothing serious,” he promised, wincing slightly as her fingers carefully probed the bump. “Just taken a bit by surprise, if I’m honest.”
Lucy guided him to a chair, ringing the bell for tea before sitting down next to him, ignoring the need for a maid. “Who did this to you?”
He gave her a tight smile. “I want to keep this from you, but I know you will get it from me anyway. I am afraid that Lord Hutton is the man responsible.”
“Lord Hutton?” Lucy gasped, wondering how the elder gentleman had managed to strike Edward and leave him in such a state. “How? Why?”
A slow flush crept up Edward’s face. “As I said, it was something of a surprise. I was walking home from White’s last evening, and a fellow struck me as I rounded the corner. In fact, the first blow almost blinded me, which was why he got another in there.”
Lucy began to shake with anger, her fingers digging into her skirts. “I told my father to deal with the man! I wish to goodness he had never made such a promise to Lord Hutton!”
Edward shook his head. “He is a man with a poor reputation, for he is known to get his way no matter what.” His jaw worked for a moment, as though he wanted to say more but was forcing himself to keep his mouth shut.
“What is it?” Lucy asked softly. “Please, Edward.”
He turned to her, his eyes worried. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but I am sure he attempted to push me in the way of an oncoming hackney. Thankfully, he is not as strong as me. I managed to stop him, but still…”
Lucy went completely still, her eyes widening as she took in what Edward had said.
“I know you do not know Lord Hutton well,” Edward continued, as though trying to justify the claim he had just made. “But there is a reason he is disliked within society. He has a shrewd mind, but with it comes a cruel streak that pushes him to do whatever he can to get what he wants.”
“Has he killed anyone before?” Lucy whispered, her cold fingers finding his.
He shook his head. “Not that I know of.” Sighing, he dropped his shoulders “Perhaps I am being quite ridiculous and mistaking the entire situation.”
“Then why else would he strike you?”
Shrugging, Edward looked down at her, his battered face making her wince inwardly.
“Who knows? Mayhap because I would not give him what he wanted, which was to back out of our engagement so that he might marry you himself. He was simply relieving himself of some of his frustrations.”
“Or perhaps we have underestimated his threat,” Lucy murmured, lifting her hand to press lightly along his bruised face. “I cannot understand why he is so determined to marry me!”
“Because he always gets what he wants, or what has been promised him,” Edward said heavily. “You do not know him as I do, Lucy. He will not simply let this slide. He sees it as a slight, I believe, so he is doing whatever he can to correct that.”
Lucy felt heat rush to her cheeks. “My father seemed disturbed when I told him about what had occurred at Lord Brownly’s dinner.”
“It may be that he did not fully know the man’s measure,” Edward mumbled. “Do not hold him in such low esteem, Lucy.”
Wanting to protest, Lucy opened her mouth, only for a knock to come at the door, followed by the maid with the tea tray… and her mother. It seemed their conversation would have to wait until another time.
“Promise me you will be careful, Edward,” she murmured just as her mother sat down.
He found her hand and squeezed it gently. “Of course,” he replied, looking deeply into her eyes. “Nothing will come of this, I am sure. Do not worry so.”
Lucy tried not to let anxiety swirl around her heart, but found she could not quite manage to do so. Instead, she simply let her mother talk whilst she thought on all that had occurred, wondering if there was any way Lord Hutton was going to be able to ruin her wedding plans.
“And the engagement ball is going to be a wonderful occasion,” her mother chirped, her gaze focusing on Lucy, who tried her best to smile. “It is but two days hence and I confess that I am more than a little excited!”
“Of course you are,” Lucy agreed, not feeling even the least bit excited. “I am sure it will be wonderful, Mama.”
“Thank you for everything you have done,” Edward interrupted, patting her hand. “Now, if you will excuse me, I was hoping to take Lucy out for a short walk.”
His eyes warmed as he studied her, making her smile. Evidently, he was aware of just how much she was affected by what he had just revealed to her. She loved that he could tell that about her, and that he was looking to care for her needs.
“A walk would be just the thing, I think,” she murmured, getting to her feet and smiling at him. “Shall we go?”
***
Two days later, Lucy was still not at ease with all that had happened. Lord Hutton had not made any further appearances or attempted to hurt Edward further, but the gnawing sense of unease that coiled within her made her increasingly anxious.
Even as she gazed at her reflection, now clad in the most beautiful gown she had ever owned, with pearls sparkling in her hair, Lucy could not muster up much enthusiasm. The ball would be wonderful, she was sure, but she would not be able to enjoy it until she was sure Lord Hutton would not show up unexpectedly.
Edward had assured her that the footmen would be doubly on their guard and that Lord Hutton would not be permitted to set foot on his grounds. However, Lucy’s nerves still stretched taut. Murmuring her thanks to the maid, Lucy picked up her reticule and made her way down to the drawing room, where she found her father pacing the floor. He stopped the moment she entered, his eyes widening slightly as he took her in.
“My goodness,” he exhaled, putting down his glass of brandy and coming towards her. “I barely recognized my own daughter! You are looking lovely tonight.”
“Thank you, Papa,” Lucy replied, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “You are quite resplendent yourself.”
“And now it seems we are left waiting for your mother,” he said, walking back over towards the brandy. “Although that comes as no surprise.”
Lucy snorted inelegantly. Her mother was known for taking her time when it came to her appearance, and the engagement ball of her only daughter was going to be an occasion where she could really shine.
“Lord Caldwell is a good man, Lucy,” her father continued, not quite managing to look at her. “I am glad for you. I… I also wanted to apologize for pushing Lord Hutton towards you. It was meant for your good.”
Shaking her head, Lucy refused to accept those words. “No, Father. It was meant to be for your good. Do not attempt to soothe your guilt by pretending you meant for me to have a happy life by Lord Hutton’s side. Surely you can admit that.” Her voice grew stronger as she let the tension she had felt for some time flood through her words.
Her father sighed, his shoulders slumping. “There is no hiding the truth from you, Lucy, is there?” He shook his head, sighing heavily. “I should never have said anything to Lord Hutton. At the time, I thought he would be a good business partner and, in many senses, he still would be. That is one of my biggest failings, Lucy. In all my years of business, I have never truly considered a man’s character before joining with him in partnership. When it came to Lord Hutton, I took the same approach. Had you not announced your engagement to Lord Caldwell, I believe I would now be insisting that you marry him—and what utter folly that would have been!”
Taken aback by her father’s honesty, by the guilt that ravaged his features, Lucy sat down carefully, making sure not to crumple her dress.
“What do you mean, Father?”
Pulling his kerchief from his pocket, Lord Withington mopped his brow before continuing.
“I have discovered that Lord Hutton is not a good man, Lucy. When I told him of your engagement, he was furious.” Swallowing, he glanced at her before returning his gaze to a point above her head. “It now appears that he is not used to being denied what he has been promised.”
“Father!” Lucy exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror. “He has not hurt you, I hope?”
He let out a strangled laugh. “No, not yet. His threats have become more and more violent, but in letter only. I do not believe that he will carry through with what he says. However, I must confess to being somewhat more vigilant these last few days.”
Her heart sank into her slippers. “Father, Lord Hutton assaulted Edward, and Edward believes that he was attempting to push him in front of an approaching carriage!”
Her father did not seem in the least bit surprised, only more apologetic. It did not make Lucy feel any more at ease. “I am sorry, Lucy. He is a man possessed, it seems. Hopefully, when you are married, he will give up the chase and find something—or someone—new on whom to focus his attentions.”
Lucy suppressed a shudder. “God help whoever that is,” she murmured, squeezing her hands together tightly at the thought. “Father, promise me you will be careful. I cannot help the feeling that Lord Hutton has malicious intentions he intends to carry out. I just do not know when or where.”
“Of course I will be,” he assured her, coming towards her and bending to take her hands. Lucy was shocked to see the tears glistening in his eyes, realizing that her father was, possibly for the first time in his life, truly repentant. “Can you forgive me for my hand in all this, Lucy? I know that I have been in the wrong.”
Her throat constricted, and, for a moment, Lucy could not get the words out. “Yes, Papa. I forgive you.”
His lined face crumpled, and getting to his feet, he walked away from her and back towards the fireplace.
Chapter Ten
“Lucy!” Edward exclaimed, catching her hand the moment she stepped out of the carriage. “You are utterly breathtaking.”
Lucy’s heart skipped a beat and she took him in, seeing the way his gaze warmed with heat as he studied her.
“Truly exquisite,” he breathed, leaning a little closer.
Her stomach tightened as his head lowered and he caught her lips with his for a brief moment, his hands settling around her waist. She forgot all about Lord Hutton, about her father’s confession and subsequent apology. There was only Edward.
“I wish we could remain like this,” he whispered in her ear, one hand reaching up to catch her chin. “But I believe Mama is waiting for us. I must apologize that my father is still out of the country on diplomatic business, although he has written to me to let me know he is equally thrilled about my impending marriage.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Lucy said softly. “Although you are right when you state that your mama—and my parents also—will be waiting for us.” She laughed quietly as he let out a soft groan of frustration. “I do not think the ball can begin without us.”
Edward sighed heavily but did not release her. “Then let me say to you now, Lucy, that my heart is filled with love for you.” His voice softened as he gently rested his forehead against hers, and Lucy felt her breath catch in her throat. “I have fallen so deeply in love with you that I cannot bear to think of being apart from you. Our marriage cannot come soon enough.”
Not caring about whether her parents saw her or about keeping Edward’s mother waiting, Lucy flung her arms around Edward’s neck and kissed him deeply. She felt tears flood her eyes as their lips met, knowing that the same love was in her own heart. It had been growing slowly, rooting itself in her heart the first time they had met, and it was now fully blossoming.
Reluctantly, she broke their kiss, holding his dear face in her hands. “Edward,” she whispered, her racing emotions pushing at her already shaky composure. “I love you, too.”
He smiled gently. “I am very glad to hear it,” he murmured softly. “It seems we shall both go into this marriage with what we have always hoped for.”
Lucy gave him a shaky smile, trying desperately not to let the tears drop from her eyes. Edward tenderly brushed his thumb over her lashes, the gentleness in his face tugging at her heart.
“Shall we go in, my love?” he asked. “The guests will be arriving soon, and it would not do for them to find us out here instead of in the receiving line.”
“I do not think I should mind that, even if there was something of a scandal,” Lucy murmured, wishing she did not have to let him go. The moment seemed too precious, too important, to let go of it so quickly.
Edward chuckled and stepped back, putting her hand on his arm but leaving his own hand there to linger. Lucy found herself walking towards the house beside him, caught up in a whirlwind of sensations. She was abuzz with feeling, thinking that she was walking on some kind of gentle clouds instead of solid ground. Edward was everything she had always wished for.
After greeting Edward’s mother and accepting her effusing congratulations once again, Lucy took her place beside her betrothed and prepared to meet their guests. Soon, she found herself curtsying over and over again, her hand taken by the gentlemen and her cheek bussed by the ladies. It felt as though her smile was becoming a permanent fixture on her face, the line of guests almost never ending.
“Perhaps a few moments to rest?” Edward murmured as the line slowly came to a close. “We are to dance soon, but I can tell you are tired already!”
The thought of dancing with Edward made her heart skip a beat, though Lucy had to admit that she would very much like to sit for a short while.
“A glass of something, perhaps?” Edward continued, his hand on the small of her back. “There is a small alcove just along this way, where you can watch the proceedings below stairs whilst keeping yourself hidden.”
“Thank you, Edward,” Lucy replied, truly grateful for his consideration. “I would like to sit for a few minutes, if it is not too much trouble.”
He grinned at her. “The ball will wait for us both, my love. You may rest for a full hour if you wish it!”
Lucy laughed, letting him lead her towards the small alcove just along the hallway. She soon found herself looking down on the ballroom, seeing the great many guests that filled almost every space. Suddenly she felt the need to hide from them for a few minutes, knowing that she would be the center of attention any moment now.
How much her circumstances had changed. She had gone from being a wallflower to having almost every eye on her. It was unbelievable.
“I will only be a moment,” Edward said softly, bending down so that he might look into her eyes. “Are you sure you are well? You look a little pale, although still utterly resplendent.”
Lucy could
not help but frame his face in her hands, the love she felt for him almost overwhelming her to the point of tears.
“I am just so very happy,” she murmured, seeing the answering light in his eyes. “And a little overwhelmed, I will confess.”
He smiled at her before brushing her lips with his. “You mean more to me than you could ever know.”
Watching him walk away, Lucy heaved one long sigh, happiness filling her heart and soul. She was so deeply in love with this man, and knowing that he loved her in return was more than she had ever dreamed about. His title or status did not matter, for that was not a measure of a man. Edward’s kind and selfless character were what continued to draw her to him. He lacked the arrogance that came with so many titled men, always gracious and more than generous. Closing her eyes briefly, Lucy sent up a quick prayer of thanks that she had met Edward that day in the gardens. How different her life might have been otherwise!
Opening her eyes, Lucy sat quietly and watched the guests mingle, hearing the orchestra preparing to strike up the next dance. Rows formed and the dancers began. Lucy smiled to herself as she watched them, wondering when it would be time for herself and Edward to take to the floor. Surely it would not be too long now.
A sudden dart of worry hit her as she realized just how long she had been sitting there alone. This was now the second dance she had watched to completion, with the third soon to begin. Where was Edward?
Lucy got to her feet and leaned over the balcony rail just a little, her eyes searching for Edward.
Perhaps he has simply been caught up in conversation, she told herself. Or mayhap his mother wishes to speak to him. You are becoming anxious over nothing.
Lord Hutton’s face floated before her eyes as the fear and worry she had felt earlier that evening flooded her once more. Surely Edward’s prolonged absence had nothing to do with Lord Hutton? Edward had reassured her that the man would not be allowed to set foot on his property, had he not?
Her breath coming in shallow gasps now, Lucy searched in vain for Edward, her eyes landing on the wide-open French doors. She froze, her eyes lingering on the darkness. It was a little too early in the evening for the doors to have been opened, which gave her pause. Her hands grasped the rail tightly as she waited, suddenly certain that the doors had something to do with Edward.
