A Secret Deal With The Devilish Baron (Historical Regency)

by Lucy Langton

  “You should, life does look good on you.”

  “Most certainly it does!”

  A knock on the door interrupted the conversation among the ladies. The third knock confirmed who it was. Isabel’s hands shook with nervousness, but Beatrice held them in hers for comfort before she called him in.

  “My Lady, Miss Montgomery,” the Baron greeted entering the room.

  His eyes never left Isabel despite how much hers tried to avoid his. “I should be going for my walk now, the physician recommends more sunlight,” she said with a smile at both of them.

  Oh dear God, let them do the right thing for both of them, she prayed inwardly as she walked out of the room leaving them to their privacy.

  “Isabel,” he started. “I am sorry.” His hands dishevelled his hair again. “I have terrible habits, and I know it will not be easy to stop them, but I will learn for your sake. For you I will abandon the liquor, the cards, the women, the late nights for you. I know we have differences, but I will be willing to accept them, so we can grow together.

  “I love you so much, Isabel.” He walked towards her, allowing his hand to caress her cheek. “I do not want to imagine a life without you in mine, please stay with me.”

  “William, I am afraid,” she started. “I’m afraid of loving you, of what will happen to both of us, but I love you so much as well. I cannot leave. After spending many months here and thinking about everything, I cannot leave even if I wanted to. This already feels like home to me. So My Lord you’re stuck with me.” She smiled, lifting her lips to meet his.

  “I would want nothing more, Miss Montgomery.” He smiled back against her lips. “If you need anything, just name it, for I have become a slave to you,” he muttered trailing his lips down her neck.

  “So I can make meals myself?”

  “Of course.”

  “And I can travel with you on trips?”

  “Most definitely, hell, I’ll even teach you how to ride a horse properly,” he teased.

  “Are you saying I do not know how to ride a horse properly?” she said, pulling away.

  “No, how can I? I only said I would teach you how to do so.” She smiled sheepishly.

  “We’ll have a race one of these days, and I’ll show you.”

  “Of course you will,” he said, giving her a kiss on the lips.

  One Month Later…

  Lady Beatrice had fully recovered from her illness. She took a walk through the garden, basking in the sunrays and sipping lemon juice from her cup as she greeted the gardeners who waved at her.

  Her bones felt stronger and ready for more adventures; she picked out some berries from the trees and put some in her mouth savouring their rough sweet taste. It was a good day to be alive. Isabel had decided to stay with them, helping her with lessons in different skills such as horseback riding, archery, swimming, and a whole lot more.

  She could be no more grateful than she was right now, with Isabel and her brother by her side, there was nothing she could not do.

  The gardener’s daughter came up beside her.

  “Good afternoon, My Lady,” she greeted with a smile. Seeing Lady Beatrice come to the garden more was such a delight for the young girl; she was so excited to have her around seeing as no one saw her much before Miss Montgomery came to join them in the household.

  The lady got spectacles during the time she was sick, and she had never seen a lady look more adorable in them.

  “Good afternoon dear.” She turned to the soft voice that called out to her. “And what might your name be my love?” she asked, taking in her slender features.

  “Rebecca, My Lady.”

  “Oh what a nice name my dear. I suppose you could accompany me around the fields, seeing as I barely remember the way it used to be during spring.”

  “It’ll be my pleasure, my lady!” the girl said dropping her basket on the floor. “We could start from here! This is the garden of berries as you can see,” she said in a sing-song voice full of enthusiasm. Her long brown hair was tied up in a bun while she worked on the fields, her basket had already been filled with berries from this year’s harvest, and she was supposed to collect more, but seeing as it was Lady Beatrice’s wish that she would accompany her, she could not have been more delighted to follow.

  The girl walked across the rows of trees, explaining the cycle of each area, and giving her insight as to how the plants were harvested and grown.

  Beatrice took in all she said with a half heart; it excited her to smell the soil once again. She needed to come out more often and understand how to run the household alongside her brother, just like Isabel wanted.

  Seeing her brother happy with this woman who had come to be much more than a sister made her soul dance in happiness. She had brought out the best version of William. After he met her he had stopped his drinking and gambling habits altogether, leaving him more time to attend to business and manage the estate, and most especially keep an eye on things to prevent the incident that happened with Rachel from happening again. The thought of the maid that almost ended her life caused a frown to form on her lips. She had never been sure of this woman and always had her suspicions, but she did not say anything without evidence or proof. Her instinct just told her not to trust the lady, and unfortunately she discovered she was right through the least pleasurable ways. She thanked the Lord that they were able to figure out what was really going on and send her to prison where she belonged.

  “Looks like you need to take lessons on the horse riding My Lord, maybe then you can win,” Isabel shouted while she dashed across the fields with her horse.

  She wore her boy pants, boots, and tied her hair in a ponytail that flew behind her as her dark horse galloped down the fields.

  “My love, as long as I have you, I am always victorious,” he replied.

  The sweet unexpected compliment threw her off guard as her pace slowed down, and he quickly sped by meeting the finish line just minutes before she could make it.

  “Oh, you dirty rascal!” She laughed meeting him there.

  “It is all in the lips My Lady, and we both know how much you love it so.”

  “Oh, really, My Lord?”

  “Of course.” He climbed down from his horse. “Allow me to prove it to you,” he concluded, sweeping her off her horse in one swift move.

  His lips crashed into hers, nibbling and licking at every instance they had. Their tongues danced to the rhythm of their laughs. He wanted nothing more than having her in his arms, laughing in the fields, and teasing one another.

  “I told you that you love it, my love.”

  “Hmm, it’s not horrible, I’ll say.”

  “Let’s arrive at the chambers, and I shall see how well you will scream.”

  “Of course you will, and you will groan like a horse during delivery.”

  “You know I am quite certain you will be more obedient and ladylike when you become my wife; at least that sharp tongue of yours will be.”

  “Is this your idea of a proposal, My Lord?” she asked with a laugh.

  “You can have one however you like, my dear; just say the word, and it will be done.”

  “Oh, I could not have asked for one more perfect than this, My Lord,” she said pulling him into a kiss. “And no, I will most certainly not be ladylike even if we were to have three children.”

  “Wonderful, as long as they have your eyes, I would not have it any other way.

  ***

  George Montgomery had never been one for social outings and festivities, but tonight had been extremely outstanding. The ballet performance during the interlude was a splendid display of grace and elegance. He always admired ballet dancers, their grace their tenacity, everything about them had a way of making him excited, igniting a spark within his muse.

  He watched the play unfold scene by scene showing the tales of pain, betrayal, and fierce loyalty in William Shakespeare’s tale about Julius Caesar; the man was truly a legend that he wished would reach the
height of literary fame. His works were one of a kind, and he wished someday he could meet this genius and tell him how much his tales had aided his own writing journey.

  A lady sat beside him sniffing to herself and dabbing away the tears when the final war scene took place.

  “Oh, here you go, My Lady, I’m afraid the play reached my emotions as well,” he said handing her his handkerchief.

  “Thank you,” she said, taking the piece of embroidered cloth from him. “I hate to see a tragic tale; how could a man be so cruel as to stab his friend in the back?” She sniffed.

  “I’m afraid that is how life is even in reality, My Lady, although I am still puzzled by this human mind of ours, such a funny thing, don’t you think?”

  “Why yes of course; no two minds can ever be the same. It always has various ways of responding to things, even acts of kindness can be reciprocated with deeds of evil like the spiteful Brutus and Cassius.”

  “Exactly, my hope is that I do not fall victim of such people, my dear, it would be quite unfortunate.”

  “It most definitely will, My Lord. How could the world loose a fine man such as yourself to the hands of the wicked? It would be such a pity.”

  “Oh, you flatter me, My Lady. I would not mean much I can assure you and the world would move on,” he said, allowing the dull ache in his heart to beat for the loss of his parents. “The world will always move on from the death of its own, and despite its tales of how much it needs us, in the end, the world will bring out more people to take the place of those it lost as well as new souls to cause it to bloom forth.

  The end of the scene ended in a bloodbath with the character Antonio and his team as the victors in the battle.

  The audience stood screaming and applauding.

  “Bravo! Bravo! Wonderful! Splendid! Amazing!” came from different parts of the hall as the actors came out and bowed in appreciation.

  He watched her from the corner of his eye, her petite size did a whole lot in drawing empathy from a man. She had full round lips that were alluring with the dark circle at the edge of them. Her eyes went wide with excitement as she applauded with much enthusiasm. He was not sure if he could make out the shade, but he was determined to find out.

  “I am Vitoria Lawdwig; it has been a pleasure talking to you, My Lord,”she said, extending her hand towards him.

  “Oh a Lord, no, no, no,” he said shaking his head. “I’m George Montgomery, it’s been a lovely evening with you, Miss Lawdwig.”

  “Oh please, Victoria would suite fine,” she assured him.“I almost forgot. Here you go, thank you.”

  “Oh no, my dear, let it serve as a reminder until we meet again.”

  “Why wouldn’t that be a pleasure?”

  “That means I’ll save you a seat at the ballet next weekend, then.”

  “That would be splendid idea. I will have to be going now. I look forward to seeing you again soon, George.”

  “As do I, my love,” he said watching her green dress trail behind her.

  Her eyes were a deep shade of blue, the loveliest shade he had seen. He knew he would paint soon.

  THE END

  Can't get enough of Isabel and William? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…

  Will Isabel be able to convince Lady Beatrice to attend the ball she’s hosting?

  What will make the Baron sentimental upon seeing his sister dancing again after all this time?

  What kind of announcement can make the Baron fall more in love with his wife?

  Click the link or enter it into your browser

  http://lucylangton.com/isabel

  (After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)

  The Scandalous Life of a Betrayed Heiress

  Introduction

  Sophia Barberry is an American Heiress of the highest order, but she’d much rather spend her time with her nose in a book. When her father seals an alliance with Lord Timothy, the future Duke of Cumberland, Sophia embraces her fate. But the heiress’ new life ends up being far less grand than she ever imagined. Her new husband proves himself to be distant and refuses to embrace his duty. When she becomes closer and closer to the Duke’s brother, will the gap of her non-existent husband be filled?

  Philip, the Duke’s military-minded brother, with no riches to call his own, had no choice but to turn into a soldier. Having served a long time overseas he took the decision to have some time off with his brother. As a soldier, he tends to find Americans rebellious and unsophisticated, which creates an undeniable tension between him and his brother’s wife. With time, this friendship will turn into something dangerous for both of them. Is this relationship worth risking everything he has?

  In a world where secrets cannot be revealed and hidden desires are forbidden, Sophia discovers that there’s much more to her new life in Britain than meets the eye. Caught between the ignorance of her husband and the love of his brother, will she choose to risk it all for passion?

  Chapter 1

  Sophia Barberry stood in the salon of her 5th Avenue townhouse frowning to herself. All of New York society was stuffed into that room, with its high ceilings, expensive oil paintings and glittering chandeliers. And even though Sophie was surrounded by the who’s-who, she couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to her life.

  Across the room stood her future husband, a man she barely knew. Lord Timothy was to inherit the Clumber dukedom, and he certainly looked the part. His navy coat and tails were immaculate, his waistcoat made by the finest tailors, and his hair was done in the Roman style. However, written on the future duke’s face was nothing but disinterest. He was a shockingly handsome man, with sandy blond hair and aquamarine eyes. His stature was erect and composed, his bearing immaculate, but Sophia couldn’t get over that smug look on Timothy’s face.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” Sophia’s father Henry said. “We have gathered you here today to announce the engagement of our daughter, Sophia Barberry, to the future Duke of Clumber!”

  Henry was a balding man, short in height, and he held a glass of champagne aloft. The other guests did the same, toasting what seemed to be an advantageous marriage for all.

  Sophia did not hold a glass up but continued to frown. The arrangement was more advantageous for Lord Timothy than anyone else. She knew full well that the dukedom was suffering from poverty and that her family’s wealth would amend that quickly. Henry was a titan of the shipping industry in New York, and his wealth was renowned. It made perfect sense that the current Duke of Clumber took it upon himself to reach out to the Barberry family in order to secure the match.

  Not only was Lord Timothy inheriting Sophia’s wealth, he was also going to be keeper of her beauty. Her dark raven hair and green eyes were the stuff of legend in New York, and her compact, petite form was admired by all. But just because Lord Timothy towered over her at his stunning six feet and four inches did not mean that he could tower over her in spirit. More famous than Sophia’s beauty was her fierce intelligence and will. She had always wished that she could escape the marriage game, but she knew it was impossible considering her status. Sophia would be perfectly content to spend the rest of her days in the library, hungrily reading books and expanding her mind. But, alas, duty called.

  That wasn’t to say that Sophia shunned marriage entirely. The fact was that she was terribly bored with New York society and all its trappings. Escaping to England would be a welcome solace, and Sophia couldn’t wait to see all the sights abroad. She had never travelled outside of America, mostly because Henry and her mother, Martha, had kept her under lock and key for most her life. Finally, the prison gates were open, and Sophia was ready to see the world. If only she could do it on her own.