“I do not ask for your company, Miss Johnson.”
“But you have it.”
Anna closed her eyes as she lingered in the shadows, hearing the conversation but having no willingness to step out to see the situation with Lord Comerfield and this young lady. Dread filled her. It had been foolish of her, then, to even consider Lord Comerfield in such a fashion. Evidently, he could not resist the attentions of a young lady.
“The ton is full of whispers about you, Lord Comerfield,” she heard the young lady say. “Why should I not take advantage of it?”
“Because I do not wish for it!” he exclaimed as Anna’s eyes flew open, wide with astonishment. “You should not have followed me here. Your mother is waiting.”
The young lady laughed again, a shrill, free laugh that spoke of no sense of consideration for anyone other than herself. “She does not care where I have gone! So long as I have the very best of company.”
Shaking her head, Anna turned her face away, relief filling her. It seemed that Lord Comerfield was not doing as she had expected of him. A sense of shame crept over her heart, and she squeezed her eyes shut tightly. Lord Comerfield was not pursuing the lady, was not accepting what she offered. Rather, he was pushing her as far from him as possible, but, for whatever reason, this Miss Johnson simply would not depart from him.
“Enough, Miss Johnson!” Lord Comerfield’s exclamation was louder than before, and Anna looked over her shoulder fearfully, worried that another guest would make their way through the door and hear the conversation. What would happen then?
“I do not care if we are caught,” came Miss Johnson’s quiet purr. “For then what shall you do, Lord Comerfield?” She laughed again, and the sound made Anna shudder. “You will have no other choice but to consider me your bride, and what harm can there be in that?”
“I shall never marry you,” came the hard reply. “I shall not permit you to fix this situation in such a way that benefits you only.” A gruff mutter came after this statement as though Lord Comerfield was attempting to move away from the lady but was being prevented from doing so. Anna frowned. Just what was Miss Johnson doing?
“There can be no harm in a few stolen moments,” Miss Johnson crooned as though speaking to a very small child and evidently choosing not to continue with the subject of marriage. “What difficulties can there be in accepting what I offer you?”
“I do not want your affections!” Lord Comerfield replied harshly. “I do not want any affections! Can you not understand that?”
There was a hard silence, and Anna’s heart quickened to such a rapid pace that she had to gasp for breath. She knew that she ought to return to Lady Hayward, knew that she could well be discovered by another guest at any time, but simply could not remove herself from where she stood.
“You care for someone else,” she heard Miss Johnson murmur, sounding more than a little astonished. “Can it be true?”
“My affections are none of your business, Miss Johnson,” Lord Comerfield growled. “Unhand me and remove yourself from my company at once. I have no time for this or for you.”
His words were hard, and Anna found herself stepping forward, making her way around the corner only to see Lord Comerfield pressed back against the wall with Miss Johnson standing directly in front of him with only an inch or so between them. Lord Comerfield was unable to move without bodily removing Miss Johnson, and clearly, he had no wish to do such a thing for fear of any repercussions. As she stood there, the many candles illuminating her presence, she saw the flicker of fear that immediately tore into Lord Comerfield’s eyes.
“Miss Johnson, is it not?” she said crisply. “Do allow me to accompany you back to your mother. I am sure that, by now, she is waiting for your return, as is my own chaperone, Lady Hayward.” She stepped forward and took hold of Miss Johnson’s arm, who, evidently overcome by great astonishment, allowed Anna to pull her away from Lord Comerfield.” Anna shot a quick glance towards Lord Comerfield, seeing how he remained precisely where he was as though he required the strength of the wall just to keep him standing. His eyes were wide with shock, his face appearing a little pale, and he did not even attempt to speak.
“Excuse us both, Lord Comerfield,” Anna continued, fighting the urge to rail at Miss Johnson and to shake her senseless also. Grasping Miss Johnson’s arm tightly, she propelled her back towards the door with the young lady saying nothing and seeming to sense Anna’s anger.
“You shall not achieve what you so desperately hoped for, Miss Johnson,” Anna said as the footman opened the door for them. “Lord Comerfield has refused you, and I shall say nothing of this matter.” Triumphant, she looked at the young lady steadily and saw the flicker of a frown that crossed her face—but she did not care. “Return to your mother, Miss Johnson, before you bring any further embarrassment to yourself.”
She let the young lady’s arm go, and for some moments, the two looked hard at each other. For a second, Anna believed that Miss Johnson might simply turn around and make her way back towards Lord Comerfield again, but, should she do so, Anna had no qualms about following after her once more. This determination must have been evident in her expression, for Miss Johnson’s shoulders sagged, her eyes dropped to the floor, and she turned at once to make her way across the room, back towards her less-than-responsible mother.
Anna let out a sigh of satisfaction, which, soon after was accompanied by a delighted smile of joy. Lord Comerfield had proven to her—albeit entirely without intention—that he was just as he seemed. His character was changed, and, from what she had heard, he had no intention of returning to such a way again.
Setting her shoulders, Anna considered for a moment whether or not she was to return to Lady Hayward or to do as her heart wished and make her way back to Lord Comerfield. The shock in his expression had torn at her heart, and she wanted now to reassure him that all was well, that she had overheard everything and knew precisely what he had done. But she knew that her responsibility was to Lady Hayward. Hoping that the gentleman would seek her out himself, she reluctantly made her way back to her chaperone who had been watching for her carefully.
“Who was that young lady?” Lady Hayward asked as Anna rejoined her and Lady Selina. “The one you stepped out with?”
“A Miss Johnson,” Anna replied a trifle grimly. “But I do not think that such an acquaintance is worth pursuing, Lady Hayward, for she is not the sort of creature I should wish to call a friend.”
Lady Hayward looked as though she wanted to say more, only to be interrupted by the arrival of Lord Hillock. In a few moments, Anna was back on the dance floor with Lord Hillock by her side, although her thoughts remained entirely upon Lord Comerfield.
She could hardly wait to see him again.
Epilogue
Elias was utterly miserable. Everything, he was sure, was at an end. Having only just discovered an affection within his heart for Lady Anna, he had now been ruined by the arrival of Miss Johnson. He had never expected her to follow after him when he had set her aside after their dance. He had never once expected to turn the corner of the long hallway as he sought the card room, only to find her thrusting herself against him, desperate, it seemed, for him to accept her affections.
The appearance of Lady Anna had made an untenable situation all the worse. His heart had failed him, overcome with shock and dismay. He had not known what to make of her actions, for she had practically pulled Miss Johnson away from him, and, evidently also in the depths of astonishment, the lady had gone with her without hesitation.
Making his way through the busy London streets, Elias hunched his shoulders against the cold wind. The weather, it seemed, also felt his misery for it had decided to take a turn for the worse. No longer was it beautiful sunshine, for dark clouds had gathered, and a chilly wind had begun to blow. He did not know why he had come out into London when he was so very downhearted but he had spent the last two days in his house, refusing to see anyone and unwilling to make his way out to any
social events, and he had felt as though he ought to get a little fresh air.
It is hopeless, he told himself as he pushed open the door to a bookshop and stepped inside. His spirits were low, his heart aching with the realization that all was at an end between himself and Lady Anna, even though none of what had occurred had been his doing.
“Good afternoon, my lord.”
Barely giving a nod of recognition to the proprietor, Elias made his way to the very back of the bookshop, wondering for the second time why he had decided to make his way into town.
“Oh, Lord Comerfield! How glad I am to see you!”
His heart slammed hard into his chest as he looked up to see none other than Lady Anna standing before him. She held a book in her hand, but upon her face was nothing more than a wide smile, her eyes alight with evident happiness.
“Lady…Lady Anna,” he spluttered, astonished by her presence. “I did not expect—”
She reached out and settled a hand on his arm, her smile fading slightly as she held his gaze. “You have not come to call upon me,” she said quietly. “I have been waiting for a note to arrive from you, or for you simply to appear! Why have you not done so?”
He stared at her, astonished by the question as well as her evident eagerness to have his prolonged company. “I do not understand,” he replied slowly. “You saw me with Miss Johnson.”
Lady Anna’s expression softened, and a gentle smile tipped the corner of her mouth. “Lord Comerfield, I overheard your conversation with Miss Johnson,” she told him. “Every word.”
Elias blinked rapidly, trying to catch his breath as the significance of what she had revealed to him finally hit home.
“Then you know,” he breathed, “that I had nothing but reluctance when it came to her desire to…” he could not finish his sentence, more than a little embarrassed already.
She laughed softly. “Yes, I am more than aware,” she said sweetly. “I am sorry that I could not find you thereafter to tell you so myself, but given that it was an evening assembly, I had to dance and converse and could not leave Lady Hayward to go in search of you.” She frowned for a moment. “You did not leave, I hope?”
“I did,” he replied, remembering to keep his voice low so that he would not disturb the quietness of the shop. “I could not bear it, Lady Anna. After the look on your face, I was certain that you thought so very poorly of me. That you could no longer believe that anything I had said, anything I had told you, could bear any sort of truth.”
Her hand slipped down to touch his, and a thrill ran up Elias’ spine. “I am sorry for your distress,” she said softly, taking a small step closer to him. “I thought that you would have known I had heard everything since I took Miss Johnson from you. She said she did not care if she was seen, knowing that to be discovered in such a compromising position would demand marriage at once—and I could not allow that to happen to you, Lord Comerfield, not when you have already given so much.” Something flickered in her eyes, and she dropped her head. “I confess that I saw you and Miss Johnson as you left the dance floor,” she said quietly. “I wanted to know that I could trust your words, Lord Comerfield. It would not be true to pretend that I just happened upon you.”
Awareness dawned. “You followed me?”
Her head lifted, but her eyes were clear. “I am glad I did,” she stated, her fingers pressing his. “I know for certain that you are a gentleman of changed character. I can trust you without hesitation.”
Elias did not know what to say. His heart was pounding furiously, his mind overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. The urge to step forward and to pull her into his arms, to hold her close and whisper the truths of his heart, was almost overpowering, but, with an effort, he did not.
“Lady Anna,” he said quietly, trying to find a way to put words to all that he felt. “I have been broken-hearted these last few days, fearing that I have lost your company forever. And in that time, I have come to realize that there is more to our acquaintance than I have felt with any other.”
Her smile was one of encouragement, and Elias found himself eager to continue.
“I have spoken to your father,” he said, garnering a look of surprise from the lady. “He states that he would not be against any further…intimacy between us, Lady Anna.”
“Lord Comerfield,” she said quickly before he could say anything more. “Speak to me clearly, if you will. I must know what it is you are trying to say, for my own heart is quickening at such a rapid pace that I fear, very soon, this place will echo with the sound of it!”
Elias could hardly believe his ears. Here stood the lady that he had found himself gradually coming to care for more than he had ever cared for any other, only to believe that he had lost her entirely. Now, it seemed that she felt something akin to what was within his own heart—and he dropped his head, passing one hand over his eyes as he did so.
“I do not deserve any kindness from you, Lady Anna,” he said softly. “It has been a revelation to me to realize just how much I have come to care for you. Indeed, I have been unable to think of anything else but you these last few weeks. I now realize, Lady Anna, that the prospect of marriage is not one that I turn from. Instead, it is one that, when I consider it, brings me nothing but joy.”
Lady Anna remained silent for a moment, looking up at him as she considered. “When you draped yourself over me in your drunken state, Lord Comerfield, I never thought for a moment that I should ever find my heart softening towards you,” she said as Elias ran his thumb over the back of her hand. “I believed you callous. Selfish.”
“I was,” he answered without any intent to deny it. “I was both, if not more.”
Her lips twisted, her eyes a little dim. “I held a great deal of anger towards you, Lord Comerfield. I was lost and confused, hurt and fearful that I should never again be able to return to society. But as the days passed and I became aware of your actions more and more, those feelings slowly began to dissipate and were soon replaced with something more.”
Elias swallowed hard, still struggling to take in all that was occurring.
“You showed me that your consideration of me came before anything else,” she continued quietly, again moving just a little closer to him. “That selfishness faded from you. You put all of your efforts into making certain that I was the one being considered, rather than yourself. There was not an opportunity wasted, for you continually and repeatedly took the blame upon yourself and told everyone the truth of what you had done. No doubt, you have slipped farther in the ton’s considerations, but that means nothing to you, it seems.”
“It does not,” he rasped, her nearness overwhelming his senses. “The only person I have come to care for, Lady Anna, is you.”
Her smile filled his heart. “And it seems, Lord Comerfield,” she said softly, “that my heart speaks the very same.”
Elias stood quietly with her for some minutes, simply looking down into her eyes and finding such a sense of joyous contentment that he did not want to move from it, did not want to let it be taken from him. The possibility of matrimony, the one thing he had been so afraid of from the first, now loomed before him like a great and delightful reward that he knew he did not deserve and yet he reached for it with every fiber of his being.
“I should like to court you, Lady Anna,” he said, eventually, as her eyes brightened. “I have such a great affection for you. I cannot turn my face from you, for you have become of such importance to me. The first strains of love are within my heart, Lady Anna, and I am certain that they will only grow all the more, should you be willing to accept me.”
She laughed and blushed furiously as he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, lingering there for a moment. This was all so new for him and yet so wonderful. He only hoped she felt the same.
“Lord Comerfield,” Lady Anna murmured, her free hand reaching up to press lightly against his chest. “My heart sings with joy at what you have asked me. I cannot refuse you, not when t
he love you speak of is within me also.” Her smile was bright, her eyes sparkling with happiness, and still, Elias could not quite believe that such a thing was occurring. It felt as though he were in a dream, the most wonderful dream he had ever had in his life.
“My dear Lady Anna,” he replied as she laughed up into his face. “I swear to you that I shall never betray your trust. That I shall give my all to you, that I will never step away from you. For you have stolen my heart entirely, and it can never be given to anyone but you.”
I am glad Lord Comerfield and Lady Anna finally realized they were meant for each other! Please check out the first book in the Landon House series, Mistaken for a Rake. A sneak peek is available just a few pages ahead!
Already read Mistaken for a Rake? How about A Rogue for a Lady?
My Dear Reader
Thank you for reading and supporting my books! I hope this story brought you some escape from the real world into the always captivating Regency world. A good story, especially one with a happy ending, just brightens your day and makes you feel good! If you enjoyed the book, would you leave a review on Amazon? Reviews are always appreciated.
Below is a complete list of all my books! Why not click and see if one of them can keep you entertained for a few hours?
The Duke’s Daughters Series
The Duke’s Daughters: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
A Rogue for a Lady
My Restless Earl
Rescued by an Earl
In the Arms of an Earl
The Reluctant Marquess (Prequel)
A Smithfield Market Regency Romance
The Smithfield Market Romances: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
The Rogue’s Flower
Saved by the Scoundrel
Mending the Duke
The Baron’s Malady
A Selfish Heart: A Regency Romance: Landon House (Book 2) Page 15
