The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square: A Regency Romance Boxset

by Rose Pearson

  And then, before she knew it, a prayer of blessing was being said. She lowered her head and closed her eyes tightly, sending up her own prayer of thanks to God that He had set her on the right path and led her towards Lord Abernathy.

  “Are you quite ready?”

  Lord Abernathy’s murmured words caught her attention as the prayer came to an end.

  “I am,” she replied, quietly, as, together, they turned around to face the gathered crowd. The church, whilst not at all large, was filled with people who had come to witness the Duke of Abernathy’s marriage to some unknown, untitled and rather poor young lady. Deborah, remembering that she was not to look to the left or the right but to keep her gaze fixed straight ahead of her, began to walk alongside her new husband, her lips curving into a bright smile that, even though she did not look at her guests, made them smile in return. Her joy and the happiness of Lord Abernathy was evident to all.

  “Well.” Lord Abernathy let out a long breath, his smile broad as he turned to Deborah as they stepped outside. “We are wed, then.”

  She laughed and let him pull her close for a moment, the guests soon to be emerging from the church behind them. “We are husband and wife, Lord Abernathy.”

  His smile became tender as he looked down into her eyes. “You are happy, are you not?”

  “Happier than I have ever been,” she promised, her voice growing soft as she reached up to press one hand against his cheek, the cheek that bore the scars. “Although I cannot quite believe I am a Duchess!”

  Lord Abernathy laughed and made to answer her, only for the door behind them to swing open and the guests begin to pour out. Their conversation was brought to an end for a moment as Deborah and Lord Abernathy accepted the many congratulations and felicitations brought by the guests.

  “Deborah!” Lady Markham caught Deborah’s hands, looking utterly delighted. “How glad I am to see you both so happy.”

  “I thank you,” Deborah replied, thinking that Lady Markham had been completely transformed from the sad, weary young lady she had first met. “You have always been very kind to me, Judith, and I want you to know just how grateful I am for all you have done.”

  Lady Markham shook her head and let go of Deborah’s hands. “Nonsense,” she said, firmly, although her eyes twinkled. “I did very little, other than to encourage my brother to put Lady Cavendish out of his head!” She laughed as Deborah giggled at the memory of what Lady Markham had said. “But to see you both now so content and happy means more to me than I can say.” She leaned forward and kissed Deborah’s cheek, sudden tears glittering in her eyes. “You have not only healed my brother’s body but his heart, Deborah. I am glad that you will never leave his side again. I am happier than I can express that you will always be a part of this family now.” Pulling out a handkerchief, she dabbed at her eyes, a rueful smile on her face. “Although I must not turn into a watering pot!”

  Deborah laughed softly and pulled out her own handkerchief. “I have not been able to keep my tears of happiness at bay for some days,” she replied, making Lady Markham chuckle despite her tears. “I cannot think it is a bad thing.”

  “No, indeed not,” Lady Markham replied, still wiping her eyes but smiling on regardless. “You have become such a wonderful friend to me, Deborah. I am glad I shall not lose that.”

  “Your friendship is very dear to me too, Judith,” Deborah replied, hugging Lady Markham for a moment. “Without it, I do not think that all of this –” She gestured behind her to Lord Abernathy, “would ever have occurred.”

  “Indeed, it would not.” Lord Abernathy’s voice broke into their conversation and he leaned forward to kiss his sister on the cheek. “No more tears, Judith,” he said, gently. “You have nothing to worry about any longer. I am happy and content and there is no need to fear that I shall return to the darkness that once held me, I can promise you that.”

  “You must think of your own future now,” Deborah added, bringing a light smile to Lady Markham’s lips. “Lord Abernathy is already planning for us all to attend the London season next year.”

  “Oh?” Lady Markham’s eyes were wide with surprise.

  Lord Abernathy laughed, looking a little abashed. “I have nothing to fear from society any longer now, do I?” he said, one arm going around Deborah’s waist. “I have my wife by my side and I know that she loves me just as I am, even with my scars and my brokenness.”

  Deborah leaned into him, her heart lifting with love for the gentleman beside her.

  “So what have I to fear from those who might look and stare?” Lord Abernathy continued, his hand tight about Deborah’s waist. “Why should I care if ladies shy away from me, if gentlemen do not wish to speak to me?” He shrugged again, a small smile about his lips. “Deborah has reminded me that I have friends within society who may be glad of my company again but, if they do not, then I will not allow it to plague my thoughts. I have Deborah’s heart and she has mine. What else do I need?”

  “What else indeed,” Lady Markham sighed, her hand on her brother’s arm. “Well, Abernathy, if you are quite certain, then I would be glad to have your company in London next year. I have avoided the Season for some time but perhaps it is time to consider my own future, as you have said, Deborah.”

  Deborah smiled. “I think it will be quite wonderful,” she said, glad that Lady Markham appeared pleased with the idea of returning to London. “Although you will have to promise to guide me through the societal waters! After all, I am only an orphan with very little knowledge of what one must do!”

  “Nonsense,” Lord Abernathy growled in her ear, sending shivers all through her. “You are a Duchess now, Deborah. You are not without family now.”

  “And you need not care what society will think, regardless of what you do or how you behave,” Lady Markham added. “Simply be who you are, Deborah, and I am quite certain that you will have all of society at your feet.”

  It was not until half an hour later that Deborah and Lord Abernathy were finally able to extricate themselves from the remaining guests, who all, it seemed, wished to say something to the new Duchess. She had spoken to each person graciously whilst being fully aware that Lord Abernathy was watching her with that look of deep intensity in his expression and had felt herself go hot all over. There was so much for them to share as husband and wife and Deborah was quite certain that the love they shared would only grow stronger with every day they spent together.

  “Come, my love,” Lord Abernathy murmured, as he took her hand so that she might climb into the carriage. “Let’s enjoy a few minutes of quiet before the wedding breakfast begins.”

  Deborah laughed as she sat down in her seat, with Lord Abernathy coming to sit opposite her. Lord Abernathy did not look particularly pleased with the idea of a wedding breakfast, although she herself had to admit that she would have preferred to be entirely alone with her new husband for longer than just a few minutes.

  “You did very well, Deborah,” Lord Abernathy said, rapping on the roof. “There are some among the guests who will return straight to London and begin talking about you in great detail, I fear.” He shook his head, a slightly frustrated look on his face.

  “What should that matter?” Deborah replied, softly, reaching out to take his hand. “We are not to go to London until next year and by then, the talk will have died down. All that matters to me at this very moment, Abernathy, is you.”

  He sighed then, smiling at her as the look of frustration left his eyes. “You are quite right, Deborah,” he replied, reaching out to grasp her other hand in his damaged one before hauling her over onto his lap. Deborah let out a shriek of laughter as he pulled her tight against him, feeling heat rush up into her cheeks as Lord Abernathy held her close.

  “The moment you came into the church, I found myself almost breathless with wonder,” he said, softly, as she grew still in his arms. “You are more beautiful to me with every day that passes, Deborah. I can hardly believe that you are now my duchess.”
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  She smiled up into his face. “I did not think, when I first walked into that dark room, that I would ever find such remarkable happiness,” she replied, honestly. “I feared for myself, worrying that I would not have enough courage or strength to help you in your trouble.”

  “But you did,” Lord Abernathy replied, pushing back a tendril from her face and tucking it behind her ear. His light touch made her shiver with anticipation, her stomach filling with butterflies. “You gave me life back again, Deborah. A life that is better than the one I had before in every way.”

  Her lips curved gently. “You have shown me a life that I did not even know existed,” she answered. “I thought my life was to be at the abbey. I was determined to make my vows and then, much to my surprise, my heart began to yearn for something more.” Reaching up, she kissed his scarred cheek. “You.”

  Lord Abernathy let out a long breath, his hand tightening about her just a little. “You see me as I am, Deborah, do you not?” he asked, his words thick with emotion. “You do not see my scars. You see me.”

  “I always have,” she replied, truthfully. “I have seen you struggle with the darkness and watched you overcome it. I have seen your confusion and then your strength.” Her hand reached up to brush down the side of his face as his lips drew nearer her own. “I have seen your love for me burst into life, Abernathy. It drew me back to your side and now it holds my heart fast.”

  Lord Abernathy leaned down and kissed her firmly, his passion evident and yet Deborah could feel him holding himself back. She melted into him, her love for him washing through her, crashing over her, until she could barely breathe. Her hand went about his neck, her fingers toying with his hair until, finally, Lord Abernathy broke the kiss and drew in a ragged breath.

  “Can you not see what you to do me, Deborah?” Lord Abernathy whispered, his eyes closed tight. “My love for you is burning within my heart, begging me to hold you close for the rest of my days.”

  She smiled up into his face as he opened his eyes to look at her. “I would not be without you for even a moment,” she replied, happily. “I love you desperately, Abernathy.”

  He kissed her again, lightly this time, his head resting against hers as they held onto one another tightly. “As I love you, my dear Deborah.”

  If you enjoyed this story, please check out the first book in the series, The Waiting Bride!

  A New Home for the Duke

  Lord Stephen Carrington, the Duke of Edgewater, lost his wife, his children lost their mother. How could he know that having a governess would never fully do? What he really needs is a wife.

  Jenny Edgington took to her position of governess quickly and easily. Having knowing the loss of her parents herself, she was more than able to care and nurture the two children of Duke Carrington while he finished his duties overseas.

  Now that he is free to return home though the duty he has to his remaining family feels like an insurmountable weight.

  Lucky for him, Miss Edgington isn’t going anywhere.

  And it might be that the woman who is keeping his family together, and helping his children heal from their loss, just might be the one to help him heal too.

  He swore that he would never love again, but as he fully knows, life doesn’t always give you a choice.

  Prologue

  Miss Jenny Edgington looked all about her as the carriage drew level with one of the grandest houses she had ever seen. It was a large building with spectacular grounds, and certainly what she should have expected as the residence of a Duke. But even still, the house looked almost formidable. An unwelcome stir of nervousness rifled through her as the carriage came to a stop, aware that this house held a great deal of grief and pain within it.

  “Here you are, Miss Edgington. Welcome to Prestwick House.”

  With a murmur of thanks to the friendly footman, Jenny descended carefully to the ground before looking up once more at the house. This was her new endeavor, then. She had already stated that she would be more than willing to aid this poor, troubled family in any way she could, having had the experience of grief herself not so very long ago. Although whether she would be welcomed, she was not entirely certain.

  “You do intend to come inside, don’t you?”

  The footman was grinning at her but Jenny did not take any notice. As a governess, she was neither at the level of the servants nor of the master of the house, which left her in the unenviable position of being quite alone in her status. The footman was, however, being a trifle too forward and Jenny did not appreciate his mischievous comment. Giving him no further attention, she settled her shoulders, drew a breath and set one foot in front of the other as she walked up the stone steps towards the front door.

  Before she could even lift a hand to knock, the door was opened for her, swinging inward so that she might step inside.

  “Good afternoon,” she murmured, her chest a little tight as she stepped over the threshold. “My name is –”

  “Miss Edgington!”

  An older lady with tight grey curls and large blue eyes hurried towards her, moving swiftly around the butler as he stood by the door.

  “Yes,” Jenny said, with a small, tight smile. “I am Miss Edgington.”

  “Oh, how wonderful,” said the older lady, looking up at Jenny as though she were some sort of angel sent to save them. “We have eagerly awaited your arrival, Miss Edgington. How glad we are to see you.”

  “Indeed,” the butler intoned, bowing in Jenny’s direction. “If you would like to come a little further inside, Miss Edgington, so I might close the door behind you. The footmen will see to your things.”

  Jenny, who had not realized she had come to a dead stop just inside the doorway, flushed red and moved forward, hearing the door close behind her. The dull thud made her catch her breath, as though it were closing behind her for good, imprisoning her within.

  “Forgive me, I realize I have not introduced myself,” the older lady said, suddenly flustered. “I am the housekeeper here. Mrs. Blaine.”

  “Very good to meet you, Mrs. Blaine,” Jenny replied, with a quick smile that she hoped might reassure the lady somewhat. “I understand this has been a rather difficult time.”

  Mrs. Blaine nodded, her eyes growing sorrowful as she ran one hand over her lined forehead. The creases by her eyes grew heavier as she winced, as though recalling something truly painful. “The master – the Duke of Carrington - sent his two remaining children to us some six months ago,” she explained, shaking her head. “They were accompanied, of course, but the journey was very hard and took them some three months to return.”

  Jenny’s brows rose. “Gracious. That is a very long time indeed.”

  “And they were completely unmanageable throughout,” the butler murmured, shaking his head as he and Mrs. Blaine shared a glance. “The young lady who brought them – well, she was to stay on as a governess but completely refused to do so.”

  Jenny blinked. She had not been informed of such a thing as this, having believed the children simply required a governess and nothing more.

  “How glad I was to have Lady Carrington’s sister suggest she write to you,” Mrs. Blaine finished, a look of relief etched across her face. “She came to give gifts to the children and to attempt to comfort them with her presence. However, she did not stay as long as she had intended. We are indeed truly grateful that you have arrived so quickly, Miss Edgington.”

  Now feeling as though she had been duped into coming to the house to work as a governess for two wild children, Jenny swallowed doubtfully and looked away from Mrs. Blaine’s penetrating gaze. “I am a distant relation of Lady Matthews,” she said, referring to Lady Carrington’s sister. “It is my pleasure to be able to assist this troubled family, truly.” She could still remember receiving the urgent note from Lady Matthews, who had begged her to consider the position as governess to the late Lady Carrington’s two children. Given that Jenny had been at the end of her mourning period for her own parents, as we
ll as for Lady Carrington, and with no particular plans for her future, Jenny had found it easy to accept. It would give her a purpose, she had thought. It would bring her joy and contentment, knowing she was now settled in a position that would continue for some time. Thereafter, perhaps Lord Carrington might write her a reference and she could find another position. Now, however, Jenny felt quite uncertain about her decision. She couldn’t help but wonder if she had truly done the right thing in accepting Lady Matthews’ urgent request for help.

  “There is a great deal of grief that still lingers, Miss Edgington,” the butler said, inclining his head towards her gently. “The two children, I think, have much sorrow within them but are, as yet, unable to express it. Therefore, they have pushed aside all offers of comfort, and struggle on with their pain, alone.”

  Mrs. Blaine nodded sympathetically, although there was a touch more hardness about her eyes, Jenny noted.

  “Their father sent them away very abruptly,” Mrs. Blaine explained, as Jenny handed her hat and gloves to the butler and then began to remove her coat. “It must have come as something of a shock to them both but that doesn’t mean there’s any excuse for the cruelty they show to those of us trying to take care of them.” Her tone became stern, her eyes flashing with a touch of anger, and Jenny began to wonder just precisely what Lord Carrington’s children were doing.

  “Thomas here will send one of the footmen up to your rooms with a tray,” Mrs. Blaine continued, briskly, changing the subject so abruptly that Jenny was startled. “You will wish to rest, I am sure, before meeting the children.”

  “No,” Jenny said, making Mrs. Blaine turn around with surprise. “I should very much like to meet the children at once.” She managed a small smile, trying to reassure herself that all would be well. “If, as you say, they have endured an unsettling period, it will be best for them to know I have arrived and I have no intention to leave.”