The Long Return: A Regency Romance: The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square (Book 2)

by Rose Pearson

  “Of course, mama,” she said, slowly. “But this will not deter us from our plans.”

  “No, indeed, I quite understand,” her mother said, brightly, looking a good deal more content. “Your sisters have been doing all they can to convince me that this is a good match, Arabella, and I have to admit that a Duke is…” She stopped, shrugged, and tossed her head. “A Duke is of a higher title than an Earl, of course. It is only that the rumours and whispers about your crying off have been most unwelcome.”

  Arabella pressed her mother’s hand, struck by a sudden fierce hope that her parent would approve fully of her choice. “But they are already fading,” she said, quickly. “Another week, and they will be gone completely.”

  “Indeed,” her mother murmured, as Arabella withdrew her hand. “And mayhap something else will garner more attention than your crying off, to the point that even the announcement of your engagement to St. Leger will be nothing more than a brief ripple throughout society.” Silently, Arabella thought that such a thing was most unlikely, but wisely chose to remain silent. “Very well, then,” her mother continued, somewhat briskly. “Then you must dance and converse with as many gentlemen as you can, Arabella. We must keep up the appearance of you being without attachment and quite free now, must we not?”

  Arabella shrugged but allowed herself to smile. “I will make sure to dance a few sets, mama,” she promised, half hoping that Jacob would make an appearance so that she might dance with him.

  “Ah, Lord Halesworthy!” her mother cried, as Arabella turned around to greet the tall gentleman. “How very good to see you this evening.”

  Lord Halesworthy smiled, bowed, and greeted them both. “Might I accompany you for this dance, Lady Arabella?” he asked, as the floor began to fill with couples ready to dance the quadrille. “I will, of course, write my name on your dance card if you do not wish to do this particular set.”

  Arabella smiled at him, thinking to herself that she was quite fond of Lord Halesworthy and truly did consider him a good acquaintance. “But of course, Lord Halesworthy,” she replied, much to her mother’s evident delight. “I thank you.”

  “You enjoyed that, I hope?”

  Arabella smiled and looked up into Lord Halesworthy’s rather pink face. “Indeed,” she said, restraining her laugh as best she could. “Although the air is quite warm and the dance was a little overly long.” She could not help but chuckle as Lord Halesworthy nodded, pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed lightly at his brow. “I think you must have enjoyed it also.”

  “Do excuse me,” he replied, looking self-conscious as he tucked the handkerchief away again. “It is, as you say, something of a crush.” He glanced away from her for a moment, then returned his eyes to her. “Might you like a short walk in the gardens?”

  Arabella hesitated.

  “I mean nothing by it,” he continued, quickly, as though he knew what she was thinking. “I am well aware that there is, in fact, a deep friendship between yourself and St. Leger.”

  Arabella blinked up at him, surprised.

  “You need not look so stunned,” Lord Halesworthy grinned, as he began to walk towards the French doors. “And you can be assured of my silence, of course.”

  Arabella swallowed hard, wondering if Jacob had said something. “I do not quite understand, Lord Halesworthy.”

  The gentleman sighed, shook his head, and shot her a slightly rueful look. “I spoke to St. Leger recently,” he said, sounding a little sad. “In a somewhat prevaricated manner, I asked him if he would consider courting my sister.” Seeing her surprise, he waved a hand. “I will not go into the particulars of such a request, but needless to say, St. Leger refused. He did not say why, but I will confess to you that I believed his reasons came from his affection for another.” He smiled. “You, I think.”

  Arabella did not know what to say for a moment, feeling her heart quicken with both relief and a sense of overwhelming love for Jacob. “Our association – between St. Leger and I – is of long standing,” she said, eventually. “We have known one another since childhood and it now seems that we feel a little more than just friendship for each other.”

  “Which is quite understandable,” Lord Halesworthy said, with a small sigh. “St. Leger is a decent fellow and I must tell you, Lady Arabella, that the reason I sought him out is because I am not at all sure of the gentleman who is now attempting to court my sister.”

  A deep sense of worry began to rise in Arabella’s chest.

  “Lord Winchester,” Lord Halesworthy continued, evidently unaware of Arabella’s mounting concern. “He has been quite eager in his desire to court her and she does seem more than a little inclined towards him – but I must confess myself to be concerned with the fellow, given that you have cried off from him, Lady Arabella.” His eyes sought hers, and Arabella saw the same concern in his gaze as she felt within her own heart. “Tell me, what is it about Lord Winchester that had you crying off from him, Lady Arabella? I know that I ask a great deal but St. Leger did state that you would be honest with me. I must know. I must do what I can to push my sister towards the correct path, whilst I must also seek her happiness.”

  Arabella let out her breath slowly, seeing the earnestness in Lord Halesworthy’s eyes. “I cried off from Lord Winchester because I found him to be a gentleman of unsavoury character,” she replied, truthfully. “He demanded what he expected from me and I would not give him what he sought. I could not be the wife he required.”

  “Required?” Lord Halesworthy continued, his brows furrowing. “What do you mean by that, Lady Arabella?”

  Shaking her head, Arabella let out a heavy sigh. “He thought very little of me, Lord Halesworthy. He wished for me to be quiet, dull, without thought or consideration of my own. All in all, I considered his desire to be one of nothing more than supremacy. Lord Winchester wished to rule over his household and myself, and in the end, would treat me as though I were nothing more than one of his servants.” A sad smile tugged at her mouth. “I could not be what he wished me to be and I will admit that I feared what my life would become as his wife. Therefore, despite what came after me because of such a decision, I cried off.”

  Lord Halesworthy sighed heavily and rubbed his forehead with one hand, before leading her outside. “I understand,” he said, slowly, each word heavy with emotion. “I shall forbid my sister from accepting the court of Lord Winchester, I think.”

  “You may send her to me, if you wish,” Arabella said, earnestly, as the cool evening air calmed her red cheeks. “I shall speak as honestly with her as I have done with you.”

  Lord Halesworthy nodded. “I thank you, Lady Arabella. You are most kind.”

  “But of course,” Arabella replied, gently, seeing Lord Halesworthy’s concern and finding his consideration of his sister to be yet another evidence that he was a gentleman of good character. “It may be a trial for her but I do believe that it is for the best.”

  “Lady Arabella!”

  She turned at once, hearing Jacob’s voice ring out from behind her.

  “Lord Jacob!” she exclaimed, well aware that he was drawing some attention by the way he had called out to her. “Am I late for our dance?”

  Jacob hurried towards her and Lord Halesworthy, although Arabella noticed that he was leaning heavily on his cane. There would be no dancing this evening.

  “I would be more than happy to walk with you, if you would prefer that over our dance,” Jacob replied, his breathing a little quick as he caught up with them both. “I do apologise for chasing after you in such a manner.” He looked away, his head lowering for a moment or two as he caught his breath. “It is quite foolish of me, I know.”

  Arabella wanted to laugh but resisted the urge at once. She was filled with warmth over the knowledge that Jacob had wanted to be in her company with such fervency that he called out after her but knew also that they were still meant to be hiding their close acquaintance.

  “Are you quite all right, St. Leger?” Lo
rd Halesworthy grinned, sounding quite amused. “You appear to be quite out of breath.”

  “I am quite foolish, I know,” Jacob muttered, looking at Arabella ruefully. “Forgive me for making such a cake of myself.”

  Arabella laughed softly and gently accepted his proffered arm. “You are not doing anything of the sort,” she said, firmly. “Although it would perhaps be best if we walked together, the three of us, for a time?”

  “Indeed,” Jacob agreed, the light of the lantern-lit path combined with the gloom of the evening allowing her to see his features quite well. “The ball has become something of a crush.”

  Arabella smiled and together, the three of them began to walk along the path that led further around the small gardens. She did not say anything, but allowed Jacob to catch his breath, almost feeling the amusement in Lord Halesworthy’s eyes as he looked from one to the other.

  “I must tell you that your secret is out, St. Leger.”

  Arabella felt Jacob stiffen.

  “Secret?” he repeated, a little gruffly.

  Lord Halesworthy grinned. “I have been able to consider matters and can see that your affections lie in a very specific direction,” he stated, with a slight shrug. “But as I was saying to Lady Arabella, you need not fear that I will disclose anything.”

  Arabella pressed Jacob’s arm. “Lord Halesworthy spoke to me of his sister,” she said, by way of explanation. “I have given him my honest opinion.”

  Jacob’s head twisted around to look at Lord Halesworthy and Arabella was surprised to see a deep concern in his eyes. “Is your sister present this evening?”

  “She is,” Lord Halesworthy replied, with a small sigh. “But I shall refrain from speaking with her about such matters until the morrow. I do not think that speaking so this evening will be wise, for she might make something of a scene. I fear she is quite taken with Lord Winchester!”

  Arabella saw his frustration and reached to pat his arm. “It is for the best, and it behoves you to care for her so,” she said, gently. “And I think –”

  Her words were cut off by the sound of running feet and, just as she tried to make out who it was coming towards her, someone slammed, hard into Jacob, who staggered backwards. Hanging onto his arm, Arabella attempted to help him right himself, whilst Lord Halesworthy shouted out aloud at the fleeing gentleman.

  And then, much to Arabella’s horror, a small, slumped figure began to emerge from the gloom, making its way towards them. Hanging onto Jacob for dear life, she stared in horror at the figure, wondering who or what was beginning to come upon them.

  “Brother?”

  The whispered word met her ears, sending her fear away in a moment, only for her heart to be torn with an even greater dismay.

  “Miss Halesworthy,” she gasped, as the young woman came further into view. “Goodness, what has happened to you?” Miss Halesworthy’s dress was torn, her hair tumbling down over her shoulder. She was shaking violently and appeared to be swaying with the shock of whatever had occurred.

  Arabella felt her stomach writhe with a sudden nausea, as the sound of other guests laughing and conversing came towards them.

  “Quickly.”

  In a moment, Jacob had taken charge of the situation, grasping Arabella’s hand tightly.

  “Lord Halesworthy, take your sister to the arbour,” he said, gesturing towards a small, dark structure some feet away. “Hurry now. We must go at once.”

  Thankfully, Lord Halesworthy did as he was instructed without hesitation, although he had not yet said a single word to his sister. Arabella was glad to see how he led her gently away, one arm about her waist to support her. She and Jacob came after them both, as Arabella silently began to pray that no-one else had seen Miss Halesworthy’s distress.

  “What has happened?” she whispered, as Lord Halesworthy and Miss Halesworthy disappeared inside. “What has she done?”

  Jacob’s expression was grim. “I do not think this was her doing,” he said, gruffly. “I fear she has been taken advantage of and, in her fright, attempted to fight the gentleman off.”

  “But if she had screamed, then –”

  “Then she still would have been ruined,” Jacob interrupted, darkly. “You know that as well as I, Arabella.” Pausing in his steps for a moment, he hung his head and drew her close. “We must pray that she has not been seen, that she will not be tainted by such a thing. But I fear…”

  Arabella’s stomach tightened, hearing the agony in Jacob’s voice. She knew what it was he was going to say and yet she did not want to hear it.

  “I fear this will not leave her unscathed,” Jacob finished, sorrowfully. “Can you do all you can for her, Arabella?” His eyes met hers, searching her face.

  “Of course,” Arabella whispered, feeling a slight trembling take over her soul. She knew what was at stake. “I shall do everything I can to aid her, Jacob. I cannot imagine what she has endured – and what yet may come.”

  Jacob kissed her brow, let go of her waist and together, they made their way into the arbour.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jacob let out his breath slowly, fighting the anger and the despair that twined all through him. He had come to the ball with the hope that, somehow, he might be able to protect Miss Halesworthy without her knowledge, although that idea had swiftly fallen from his mind the moment that he had seen the huge number of guests who were present. He’d had no idea where the lady might be, although he was quite certain that both she and her brother would be present given that Lord Halesworthy and Lord Madeley were acquainted.

  The afternoon discussion with Arabella had not gone as well as he would have hoped, and he had been required to come up with some sort of excuse as to why he wished to wait another sennight before announcing their engagement, but nor had he been able to bring himself to tell her the precise reason for his delay. Lord Winchester was both threatening and cruel and to allow Arabella to experience more of the gentleman’s viciousness did not quite seem fair. Although, as much as Jacob did not want to admit it, he was a little afraid that Lord Winchester would do just as he had said and ruin Sara in some way if Jacob’s engagement to Arabella continued. That was his reason for delaying their announcement, so that he might consider matters. He had to consider what Lord Winchester had said and attempt to find a solution that took him back towards the happiness he had only recently been given.

  Part of him had not wanted to believe Lord Winchester, had not wanted to allow the fellow even a moment of consideration, but the more he had thought on the matter, the more Jacob had believed that Lord Winchester would do exactly as he had threatened. To stand here now and to see Miss Halesworthy in such a dreadful state only confirmed what he had begun to believe: that Lord Winchester was a gentleman whose threats could be believed.

  “What has happened, Miss Halesworthy?” he heard Arabella ask, seeing her move closer to the young lady so that she might seat herself next to her. “Who did such a dreadful thing to you?”

  “Winchester,” Lord Halesworthy grated, his anger evident in each and every word. “I have no doubt that it was Lord Winchester.”

  Miss Halesworthy dragged in a breath, shaking her head. “It was not him.”

  Jacob stared at Miss Halesworthy, only just able to make out her features in the gloom. His heart stopped in his chest for a moment, hardly able to believe what she had said. It had not been Lord Winchester who had done such a thing to Miss Halesworthy? Then who was it?

  “I was walking with Lord Pettigrew,” Miss Halesworthy whispered, brokenly. “Lord Winchester was with us, but then excused himself to speak to another acquaintance.” She looked up at her brother, her voice wretched. “I did not think it was in any way improper to be alone with Lord Pettigrew for what would only have been a few moments, but he… he…” She dropped her head into her hands and began to weep bitterly, sending a painful stab into Jacob’s heart.

  Closing his eyes, Jacob let out his breath slowly, feeling his mounting anger growing wit
h each and every moment. Miss Halesworthy had been taken advantage of and he was quite certain that Lord Winchester had, somehow, been behind the whole thing. After all, was that not what he had threatened?

  And could you not have stopped him somehow?

  Guilt ran through him, catching his breath. Should he have told Lord Halesworthy what Lord Winchester had threatened? Should he have told Arabella everything? If he had done, then mayhap Lord Halesworthy would have had ample warning and could have remained fixed to his sister’s side.

  Then why had he not done so?

  As Lord Halesworthy continued to murmur gentle words into his sister’s ear, Jacob searched his own heart and found himself to be wanting. He had tried not to believe Lord Winchester but even as he had attempted to do so, his only concern had been for Arabella and for Sara. Yes, he had thought to come to the Ball so that he might try to protect Miss Halesworthy in his own way, but he had not spoken a single word to Miss Halesworthy or Lord Halesworthy about what Lord Winchester had threatened. Had he truly been affected by Lord Winchester’s warnings not to say anything to another soul about what had been threatened? Why had he been so weak?

  The consequences seemed to fall heavily onto his shoulders, beating him black and blue as he stared at the ground. He could not say anything now. To confess to Lord Halesworthy that he had known such a thing might occur, and that he had been both too proud and too cowardly to say anything, would ruin their friendship entirely. No, he would not say anything now. Instead, he would simply do all he could for Miss Halesworthy, to ensure that she was protected as much as she could be. Lord Winchester’s plan could still be foiled, surely?