Lord Markham was also aware of the strong feelings he was rapidly developing for Lady Emmeline. He was not certain whether the beautiful young woman reciprocated his feelings, but it did not stop him in his pursuit. He would most certainly not allow Lady Emmeline to be swept off her feet by the terrible Mr. Skeffington, as she deserved much better than a thieving, gambling man with a flaring temper.
Upon seeing Emmeline for the very first time, something had changed in him, but he was not certain what it was at the time. It was a few weeks prior, at a lavish ball hosted by the Earl of Winshire at his estate, Moorehead Manor in the Sussex countryside. She stayed by the duchess’ side the entire evening, but Lord Markham could clearly notice that she was compelled to do so. The duchess spent most of the evening introducing Emmeline to the guests, and of course to the eligible men at the ball. Lord Markham had followed Lady Emmeline across the ballroom, too anxious to even introduce himself until Lord Carlton took it upon himself to introduce Lord Markham on his behalf.
Lord Markham, of course, was not impressed with this bold gesture, but it was of great assistance to him, as he would not have been able to do so on his own.
There was an instant attraction between Lord Markham and Emmeline, but no sooner than they were introduced did the duchess steer Lady Emmeline and herself into the mass of guests.
Lord Markham understood it was the young lady’s first Season, and she was still very young, and perhaps somewhat naive and starry-eyed with the events of the Season, and he allowed her to get better acquainted with all the customs.
On the dance floor, however, Lord Markham had been astounded by Emmeline's grace, poise and ease while dancing, and he knew he could never hold a candle against her in that department.
Hence the small roll of paper he kept in his pocket.
Lord Markham most certainly did not wish to make a fool of himself in front of all the guests, and simply watched Lady Emmeline from afar.
Despite constant encouragement from Lord Carlton to speak with her, as well as Lady Carlton offering to accompany them to speak with Emmeline, Lord Markham declined every offer. He was far too nervous to speak with anyone at the ball, not to mention Lady Emmeline.
But now was his chance.
Lord Markham had never considered that falling in love would happen soon for him, and he had accepted that one day he would have to make an informed decision regarding an arranged marriage once he was the Duke of Marlborough, to allow the bloodline to live on. He had not thought or even imagined he would develop feelings for a woman as young as Lady Emmeline, or when he was this young as well.
Lord Markham was a mere four-and-twenty years of age, which seemed the appropriate age to marry, but there were still many things the marquess wished to experience. There were still many adventures he wished to have before settling down, but the moment Lord Markham had laid eyes on Lady Emmeline, she was instantly included in those dreams.
This was precisely the reason how Lord Markham knew Lady Emmeline was destined to be his.
It was a lovely day, bright blue skies overhead and not a cloud in sight. The lush green grass lay on the grounds of Hyde Park like a luxurious carpet, and the trees provided much-needed shade from the warm sun. The open carriage of Lord Markham provided him with the cool breeze blowing on his face, calming his nerves as he inconspicuously glanced around him to perhaps catch a glimpse of the woman who now held his heart, even if it was without her knowledge.
At the same moment, the lady in question, Emmeline, had left her carriage to stroll beside Bethany.
"It is so good of you to meet me, Miss Wilkes. I am bursting at the seams to discuss the happenings at the ball. How did you find dancing with Mr. Maples to be?" Emmeline hurried to ask.
"He is a gentleman and a wonderful dancer. We seem to make an excellent pair. He reads the same books as I and enjoys spending time in the countryside. I do believe I made an impression on him, as he admitted a desire to call on my residence. Is that not good news?" Bethany exclaimed.
“Indeed, Miss Wilkes, God is good! You sound quite taken with him. If he asks, will you allow him to court you? Will your father approve?” Emmeline asked.
"I am lucky in that my father only desires my happiness. The loss of my mother, seven years ago, brought us closer. He swears a title is not necessary as long as the man I marry treats me well and can provide for my needs. My needs are far less than one who resides in the city, so I would welcome Mr. Maples’ courtship. With a very prosperous shop, he has more money than I should ever need. We could raise a family of our own very comfortably,” Bethany replied.
"I admire your father's attitude. It has been made clear all my life that I must marry a titled man, nothing less than a baron, though preferably a duke or a marquess, according to my mother,” Lady Emmeline scoffed.
“You do not agree with this.”
“My mother was raised this way, and now she feels the need to force the same reasoning down my throat. I had thought, since I was a young girl, that I would marry someone with whom I was madly in love and from whom could not stand to be apart, even for a day. Despite my mother’s efforts to force those – if I dared call it – ethics onto me, I still believed I would find the love of my life,” Lady Emmeline sighed.
“And have you?”
“I have found a suitor, one of equal rank. At least, I assume he will call on my home and seek a courtship. He left me with an odd comment after our final dance. I do not understand his meaning at all. It kept me awake all night considering the possible message that he was leaving and never returning,” Lady Emmeline sighed once more, feeling rather devastated in her heart at the mere thought of never seeing Lord Markham again. Lady Emmeline sincerely hoped this was not the case, and that she had misunderstood Lord Markham’s words.
"Whatever did he say that has you so perplexed?" Miss Wilkes asked.
Lady Emmeline’s cheeks colored, and she lowered her gaze. "I admitted that I would miss him, yet in reply, he stated that he would miss ‘this.’”
“That is quite forward of you to tell him that you will miss him, but what did he mean by ‘this?” Bethany asked as she spoke faster and faster. “Did he mean dancing, socializing, the city, or was he simply confused? Is there a possibility it was but a slip of the tongue, and he meant to reply with the same words that you had spoken?”
“I have no idea.” Emmeline’s voice was becoming even more elevated. “I imagined him to be ill and not long in this world. It was a very long night, and many things happened," Lady Emmeline concluded.
"There have been no rumors of an illness, so I believe you may put that theory to rest. There were moments he appeared nervous last night. I would have to say he had a slip of the tongue, much like his stumble upon the dance floor.” Bethany said, and the two giggled. And with that, the two ladies calmed a bit after having come up with a possible reason for the statement.
“He was not the only man you shared more than one dance with, was he? I saw you with Mr. Skeffington at least twice," Bethany added.
“You know of Mr. Skeffington?” Lady Emmeline asked, and Bethany nodded silently. “He was a wonderful dancer and an outrageous flirt. He did show interest in me beyond dancing. However, I prefer Lord Markham. Besides, I saw him in the garden arguing with Lord Markham, and he grabbed the marquess' coat in a threatening manner. It frightened me to see how easily he angered. I asked them both about what had transpired. I fear neither told me much."
"I met him for the first time last night. We danced once and said very little. He is a handsome man; large and nimble on his feet. He did not appear to be evil. Maybe, it was not as bad as it looked from afar," Bethany proclaimed.
"Those were Lord Markham's exact words. I suppose I should simply take his word for it and let the matter end there,” Lady Emmeline uttered quietly. “I cannot help but feel there is more to the story, just as I feel as though he meant something different than what we have divined from his parting comment."
"My father sp
eaks to me of many things that occur among the nobility that he should not repeat to a young lady. I have become some sort of a confidant for him. Shall I ask him, in confidence of course, what trouble there might have been between the two men? I could also get his opinion on the lord's odd comment. Men think differently than we do, so perhaps his perspective could be insightful,” Miss Wilkes pointed out.
"I knew you would prove to be the perfect friend,” Emmeline said endearingly. “We must remain close even after we are wed."
"Of course, we shall,” Bethany agreed. “Tell me something, my lady. Where did you learn to dance the way you do? I watched you during the ball and you were truly remarkable.”
Lady Emmeline smiled shyly and shrugged her shoulders. “I do not mean to boast, but I have been dancing ever since I was able to walk. My mother had me trained in ballet at a very young age, and I simply excelled at it in the most natural way.”
“You dance ballet. How wonderful!” Bethany beamed.
“Danced. I have turned in my ballet slippers,” Emmeline corrected.
“Whatever for? If you excel in something, why not pursue it?”
“You sound like my mother. She is very displeased with me, especially after I...” Lady Emmeline’s voice trailed, and she sighed. “My mother was a dancer as well, and she was such a fine and talented dancer that she attended a school in Paris. She wished me to follow in her footsteps. When I received the letter stating that I had been accepted to attend, I started to doubt the choice. It was not what I wished to do. It was my mother’s dream, not mine, and I would be untrue towards myself if I attended. My mother was, and still is, rather livid.”
“Oh,” Bethany sighed.
“Does that make me a terrible daughter?” Lady Emmeline asked.
“Not at all. You are a wonderful person, and your choices are your own,” Bethany assured her.
“Thank you, Miss Wilkes. Your friendship truly means the world to me,” Lady Emmeline smiled.
The two young women strolled in silence for a moment as Emmeline inhaled the cool Summer air. She felt happy, happier than she had felt in a while, but still, the words of Lord Markham fluttered through her mind, grazing the inside of her thoughts.
“Look,” Bethany whispered and briefly motioned at the passing carriage. “Is that not Lord Markham himself in that carriage? He seems in excellent health, would you not agree?”
Emmeline moved her gaze, and it came to an immediate rest when she saw Lord Markham inside. A gentle breeze wisped through his raven hair, and Emmeline’s heart instantly skipped a beat. The sheer delight of gazing upon him as he comfortably sat in his carriage was indescribable to Emmeline. The feelings and emotions which rose up inside her were alarming, yet ever so welcoming, and Emmeline knew that Lord Markham was the man she was to spend her life beside.
Emmeline only hoped he wished the same, and whispered, “Indeed, he is.”
7
Hyde Park thrived in the summertime, and it covered a vast area. It contained large trees, brooks, and many walking or riding paths that wound in a tangled maze. It was made for those seeking privacy as well as those who wished to be seen in their finery, but chance meetings were a rare occurrence at best. One had to specify an exact meeting spot for what should have been an impromptu assignation.
As Lord Markham gazed out at the park, he had no real hope of finding his lady, but somehow there was a strong hope inside him. She might have gone home or never come at all, or she could be on the other side of the park. There were far too many variables to calculate. Many times he felt rather silly for wishing upon such a serendipitous meeting, that he thought he should turn the carriage around and return home.
Luck was with him however.
On the footpath ahead, near the tree-lined bank of the brook, he spied Lady Emmeline, and his shoulders tensed slightly. Lady Emmeline’s periwinkle blue walking dress stood out like a newly blooming flower. It suited her, for she was just as sweet. She was animatedly speaking with her friend from the ball, who noticed his arrival and alerted the lady. They were accompanied by their ladies' maids, walking a short distance from them and a carriage and driver were nearby. Had they been alone, a doubtful proposition indeed, he could not have stopped to visit. It would have felt inappropriate.
His tailcoat lay across the carriage seat, having been removed due to the heat. He considered donning it once more in order to make a better impression on the ladies. It was not to be, as they were waving to him and smiling happily. His deep green waistcoat would have to be formal enough under the circumstances.
Lord Markham ordered the driver of his carriage to stop, and when the carriage came to a complete standstill, he climbed from it and stepped onto the lush green grass. He followed the path which led to Lady Emmeline and her young friend, and he smiled in return.
"Good day, Lady Emmeline. You are the loveliest flower I have discovered in the park today,” Lord Markham said gallantly, allowing the confidence he so desperately craved rise to the surface. He was astounded by his words and how fluently they formed in his mouth. Perhaps this beautiful young woman could bring out the best in him. His mother would certainly be pleased.
Emmeline giggled and shook her head. “Flattery is intended only for men who cannot express their true emotions.”
“It is not flattery if those words are true,” Lord Markham countered with a smile and a gleam in his eye. “Are you enjoying your stroll?”
“Yes, it is lovely. We certainly could not have picked a better day, could we, Miss Wilkes?” Lady Emmeline said and turned to Bethany.
“A perfect day,” Miss Wilkes agreed.
“You are lovely as well, Miss, and whom might you be?” Lord Markham said, as he continued to surprise himself with his gallant behavior.
The compliment pleased Emmeline immensely. There was that tingle again; the one of excitement she could not stop any time the young lord was near. It brought to mind the scent of sandalwood and leather, an odor she would always associate with him from now on.
“This lovely young woman is my best friend, Miss Bethany Wilkes,” Emmeline replied, practically bouncing on her toes.
“It is lovely to make your acquaintance, Miss Wilkes,” Lord Markham said and bowed his head.
“And you, my lord. I have heard many things about you, as told by my lady,” Miss Wilkes smiled and gently nudged Emmeline.
Lord Markham’s smile broadened as Emmeline’s cheeks colored and she cleared her throat.
“I do hope they were good things,” Lord Markham pouted at Lady Emmeline in amusement.
“In all fairness,” Emmeline responded, “I cannot think of a single bad thing to say of you.”
Bethany giggled beside Emmeline, who intently stared at Lord Markham for a moment before lowering her gaze.
“A perfect day, indeed,” Lord Markham stated. “And the pair of you add to the beauty. My heart leaps in happiness that I discovered you here. It was my intention to call at your home two days hence, My Lady. In fact, I sent a calling card there this very morning. I am pleased not to have so long of a wait."
Lord Markham pulled at his bright yellow cravat. It was choking him, as nervous perspiration ran down his neck. He had said too much. It had not been his intention to be so forward. He would frighten the lady away.
"I will welcome your visit, as will my family, Lord Markham,” Lady Emmeline said, much to his relief and surprise.
“It pleases me to hear this. I have heard of your father, a strict man, and it delights me to know that I am welcomed at your father’s home,” Lord Markham said and took a step back. “I will leave you ladies to your stroll. I have things to attend to in town.”
“Very well. It was a pleasure to see you so soon on my part as well, and I do look forward to seeing you again,” Lady Emmeline said, sincerity imminent in her brown eyes.
“And I you,” Lord Markham said and glanced at Miss Wilkes. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Wilkes.”
“And you,” Miss Wil
kes said, bowing slightly.
“I bid you a good day, “Lord Markham said, as he doffed his hat and turned on his heel, making his way back to the carriage.
“Homeward bound, Charles,” Lord Markham ordered his driver as he climbed back into his carriage.
“Certainly, Lord Markham.”
As the carriage drove away, Lord Markham gave Emmeline and Bethany a small wave, and they reciprocated his gesture. Lord Markham kept his gaze firmly fixed on Lady Emmeline until he could no longer see her, and he noticed, even as the distance between them grew at a steady pace, the smile on her beautiful face. As soon as she was out of sight, he positioned himself forward, and before he could stop himself, he started to whistle a merry tune. His lady had not rebuffed his unintentional declaration. She had welcomed it. His heart was full of joy. Perhaps, Mr. Skeffington was not an obstacle after all.
Emmeline glanced in mock horror at Bethany and chuckled. “I cannot believe you said that to his lord.”
“He had the right to know, after all those beautiful things he said to you,” Miss Wilkes defended. “Also, in my defense, he was terribly charming, and it would have been quite an injustice if he was not made aware that you speak of him.”
“He did seem rather pleased with himself.” Lady Emmeline nodded in agreement and giggled. “Still, my dear friend, it was most certainly not necessary to say those things to him. Those were my private thoughts, and I spoke them to you in confidence.”
Miss Wilkes’s smile faded and her face paled. “My lady, I did not mean to offend, embarrass, or upset you. My sincerest apologies.”
Lady Emmeline giggled and placed her hand endearingly on Miss Wilkes’s arm. “I am merely mocking you. I am well aware you meant no harm. I am most certainly not upset, and I am neither embarrassed nor offended.”
“I am very much relieved to hear this,” Bethany breathed a sigh of relief.
“I am merely not certain whether it is a good thing that his lord knows I speak of him to you,” Lady Emmeline pointed out and bit her bottom lip.
Regency Engagements Box Set Page 87
