Regency Romances Page 33

  ***

  Chester was running late. Everything seemed to hold him up that day. The accounts needed doing, the servants needed paying and then several other things came up that Chester couldn’t put off. It was frustrating.

  It was also making him late. Chester had managed to arrange with Jethro to have dinner with him and his sisters the next night after the ball and Jethro was keen on doing it. He was looking forward to a proper talk about things happening between their last interaction ten years ago and now.

  More importantly, it meant he could see Clementine again. It was a social setting, still, but the only person she had to impress was Chester himself. That would make her more relaxed and Chester could see the woman he witnessed comforting Melissa Merryman. He liked that side of her.

  And now he was late. That wasn’t exactly the best impression to give.

  Chester almost ran into the restaurant and was shown to the table. Jethro, Clementine and Maisie were already seated. Clementine caught his attention immediately, facing towards the window. She had a pale, faraway look on her face and that worried Chester.

  Had something happened? Was she ill? He wouldn’t have made them come out if Clementine was ill.

  “My apologies, Jethro.” Chester reached the table. All three stood and greeted him with respective bows and curtsies. “It was my fault for being late. Things held me up at home.”

  “It’s no trouble.” Jethro shook hands with him. “We’ve only just sat down. We ran late ourselves.”

  He gave Maisie a pointed look. Maisie pouted.

  “I can’t help it. I wanted to look pretty.”

  Chester chuckled.

  “You’ve always caught everyone’s attention, Miss Maisie.” Then he turned to Clementine, who was, to his surprise, trembling. “Miss

  Clementine?”

  Clementine looked up and their eyes locked. She swallowed and bobbed a quick curtsy again.

  “Excuse me, I need to…”

  Her voice tailed off as she walked towards the powder room at the back of the restaurant. Chester frowned after her as they were seated again.

  “What’s wrong with your sister?”

  Jethro sighed. He looked heavy-hearted.

  “We had a run-in with an Ann Calloway in the park today. She was…very rude to Clementine.”

  “She said why didn’t Clementine stay drowned all those years ago and said she was going to marry you.”

  Chester stared. Ann had done all that? He had never met someone so brazen. And to say something so cruel to Clementine…

  “She said that to Clementine?”

  Maisie nodded grimly.

  “She was very sure about what she said. Clementine’s been very upset about it all day.”

  Now Chester was feeling angry. Clementine didn’t deserve to have that said to her, either the drowning part or the marriage part. He would have hoped none of that would have been taken to heart but, evidently, it had.

  “What’s going on with Ann Calloway, Chester?” Jethro asked.

  Chester sighed and toyed with the stem of his glass.

  “Mother wants me to marry immediately and have an heir. She’s got Miss Calloway lined up to be my wife.”

  Jethro and Maisie looked at each other.

  “And will you take her up on it?” Jethro queried.

  Chester snorted.

  “No. Miss Calloway is a beautiful woman but not a nice person. I never cared for her when Mother pushed us together when we were younger and I don’t care for her now. My choice for a countess would certainly not be with Ann Calloway.”

  “She thought otherwise.”

  “So does Mother.” Chester grunted. “And you know how set she can be when she gets her mind on something. She did stop us from playing together when we were younger simply because I’m not a commoner and you’re not children of dukes.”

  Jethro grunted and sat back.

  “I had a feeling that was the reason.” He sighed. “I miss those days.”

  Chester grinned.

  “Then let’s make up for it now. I’m a duke now. Nobody can tell me what to do.”

  “Is Clementine allowed and am I are allowed to join in now?” Maisie asked.

  Chester chuckled.

  “You’re more than welcome.”

  ***

  Clementine had needed a moment away from the table. She had thought she had things under control, but when she saw Chester again, that wasn’t the case. She had needed some time to stop herself from breaking down. That would never do.

  When she finally got back to the table, her brother and sister were laughing at something Chester had said. It was a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Something Clementine needed right now.

  She didn’t want to show it but Ann Calloway’s words earlier had stung. A lot. It was taking a lot of reserves not to break down in tears. Clementine prided herself in being a likeable person. To have someone outright hate her because she looked like she might be in line to be the next countess made her feel sick.

  Not that Clementine had any illusions she would become the next countess. She was a commoner, a regular person. Chester was a duke; he would be marrying someone closer to his status, someone with a title of their own. It wouldn’t be with her.

  So why did that sting so much?

  After dinner, which was very amicable and relaxed, Chester suggested that they took an evening walk in the park across the road. Maisie had eagerly accepted and Jethro had shrugged. Clementine had hesitated but ultimately decided it would be nice. She was being selfish but just a few more minutes in Chester’s presence would be nice.

  Somehow, in the park, Maisie ended up walking on ahead with Jethro, talking away incessantly, and Daniel walked with Clementine. Clementine was aware of how close he was even though they were barely touching. The heat from his body tingled across Clementine’s skin and she burrowed deeper into her cloak.

  “Miss Clementine?”

  Clementine looked up. Chester was looking at her with a worried frown. Clementine sighed and shook her head.

  “Sorry, Chester. I’m not very good company this evening.”

  “You’re still upset about Miss Calloway, aren’t you?”

  Clementine stopped abruptly and stared at him. They hadn’t discussed that at the dinner.

  “How did you…?” Then it fell into place in her mind. “Jethro and Maisie told you when I was away from the table, didn’t they?”

  “They were worried about you and I was angry on your behalf.” Chester rubbed the back of his neck. “I must apologize for Miss Calloway’s behaviour. It was appalling.”

  “Why are you apologizing for her? You’re not her father, guardian or husband. You shouldn’t need to apologize for her rudeness.”

  “It’s because of me that she was rude. I don’t like having her at my heels but I draw the line at going after my friends.”

  Clementine stared. Had she heard that correctly?

  “Am I a friend?”

  “Of course you are.”

  Chester didn’t hesitate or blink. Clementine felt warmth well up in her chest.

  “I thought I was an annoying little girl you kept trying to run away from. And don’t deny it; you and Jethro always tried to lose Maisie and I.”

  Chester chuckled.

  “Well, we were young and stupid.”

  “And brave.” Clementine couldn’t stop from smiling. “I remember you saving me from the pond. Well, I know it was you. I don’t remember much between falling through the ice and waking up on a horse on the way back to the manor house.”

  She just knew it was Chester from his smell. It was very familiar to her as was his voice. They stayed with her all the way up to the manor house.

  Chester’s expression softened.

  “I’m very surprised you survived that; the water was freezing that day.”

  “I don’t know how I did, either.” Clementine glanced up at Chester shyly. “But I’m glad you saved me.”

  Che
ster grinned. He took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles, never taking his eyes off her.

  “I’ll keep on saving you, if you like.”

  Chapter 7

  The Unwelcome Letter

  F or a moment, Clementine couldn’t breathe. This was the first time Chester had properly touched her since that day she had nearly drowned. And it was making her heart race.

  Her own knight in shining armour. Chester had worn it reluctantly before but now he was willing to wear it. It sounded like a dream.

  Clementine didn’t want to wake up from that dream.

  ***

  There was a knock at the door and Clementine barely looked up as she brushed her hair.

  “Come in.”

  She was going to be late for Chester’s arrival if she wasn’t careful. Clementine hoped it wasn’t Maisie coming in again. Her younger sister had changed in the last two weeks and it was driving Clementine’s mad. It was as if Maisie had been kidnapped and replaced with someone who looked like Maisie but didn’t have her sunny disposition.

  Clementine had wondered about it but Maisie wasn’t forthcoming with how she was reacting. So Clementine ignored her little sister.

  There was other things more important. Like meeting Chester. It wasn’t official, but they had seen each other socially since that night he promised to be her knight. Jethro would be their chaperone and Chester took Clementine around the sights in Winchester. Clementine couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so much.

  He was fun, kind and considerate. Clementine couldn’t think of anyone other than Jethro who had treated her like that.

  Her infatuation for him hadn’t just grown. It was obvious to anyone who looked at her; Clementine was in love with the Duke of Winchester. And it was a deep love that she wasn’t about to shake off anytime soon.

  The door opened and Jethro came in. He grinned at her rushing.

  “I thought you were ready.”

  “Just need to finish off my hair.” Clementine frowned into the mirror. “It doesn’t look quite right.”

  “It’s fine.” Jethro took the hairbrush from her and placed it on the dresser. “Stop fussing. You’ll be fine. What time is he getting here?”

  “In about fifteen minutes.” Clementine couldn’t help but giggle as she held up her hands. “Look, my hands are shaking.”

  “It’s been two weeks and you’re still nervous?”

  “I know, I know.” Clementine lowered her hands. “I think the nerves are going, though. I’m getting better.”

  “Good. I’m pleased.” Jethro put an arm around her shoulders and kissed her head. “Chester is certainly doing you some good.”

  “He is.” Clementine sighed and leant into her brother. “I feel like I’m in a dream, though.”

  Jethro chuckled.

  “This is real life, Clemmy. You’re going to be fine.”

  Clementine hoped so. She managed to leave her dresser and followed Jethro from the room. Chester would be in the parlour of the hotel shortly and Clementine was meant to wait for him there.

  Jethro stopped on his way out of the room, looking down at the floor. Clementine almost ran into him.

  “Jethro? What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a letter on the floor here.” Jethro bent down and picked it up. “It’s for you. I don’t recognize the handwriting.”

  Clementine looked from her brother to the letter. It looked like a folded piece of paper rather than a letter, her name misspelled and scrawled across the front, barely legible.

  Stepping back into her room, Clementine opened it up. She read it in silence. And then again. The words were the same, but they weren’t sinking on.

  “Oh, my God.”

  “What?” Jethro joined her, closing the door behind him. “Clemmy, what is it?”

  Clementine swallowed.

  “It’s an anonymous letter. It says Chester killed a man.”

  “What?”

  Jethro took the letter from her and began to read, his brow furrowing deep.

  “‘Don’t marry Winchester. He’s a murderer. He killed a man in France and he could easily kill again. You could be next. Marry him and you’ll be dragged down with him.’”

  Clementine felt suddenly very cold. This couldn’t be happening. She was just starting to enjoy life and falling in love with a man who treated her like a queen. And now this had turned up.

  It couldn’t be true? Could it?

  ***

  Chester was feeling a lighter step as he alighted from his carriage. Today he was going to take Clementine for a walk around the park before going to lunch. It was going to be an important lunch.

  Today he was going to ask Clementine to marry him.

  Chester knew it was too soon, and he wasn’t one to going diving in to impulse decisions but, to him, this wasn’t an impulse decision. He had fallen in love with his best friend’s little sister and Chester knew if he didn’t let her know now he might lose her. Clementine was getting more and more confident by the day and men were beginning to notice. It wouldn’t be long before someone else turned her head.

  Her attention seemed to be firmly on him right now and that made Chester’s chest swell with pride. He knew what he wanted, and he wanted Clementine Cowell as his wife.

  Today he was going to propose.

  Jethro was waiting in the foyer when Chester entered. Chester started to greet him but Jethro’s expression was cold. It stopped him dead. Jethro had never been cold towards him in their whole friendship.

  Something was wrong.

  Jethro glanced towards the parlour room before looking back at Chester and then walked away. Confused, Chester hurried into the room. Clementine was sitting on the couch by the fire, which was burning fiercely. Even with the light from the flames she was pale.

  “Clemmy?” Chester approached her. “What’s going on? Are you all right?”

  Clementine looked up. Chester slowed when he saw her expression. Her eyes were filled with tears but she was angry. She glared at him as she held out a letter that was clutched in her hand.

  “I received a letter a few moments ago. I think you’d better look at the contents.”

  Confused, Chester plucked the letter from her hands and scanned the lines. The blood rushed from his head and the room began to spin. Finding a chair, Chester sagged down onto it.

  This couldn’t be happening. Not now.

  “What…? I don’t understand.”

  “I understand it, all right.” Clementine stood and paced away, her arms clutched against her body, her knuckles white. She swung around on him. “It says you killed a man, Chester!”

  “I killed many people. I was in the army, remember?”

  “That I can understand. It was war in France; I have no problem with that.” Clementine was breathing heavily. She looked close to tears. “It’s the fact it says you forget you weren’t in the army at the time and murdered in cold blood when you were on leave. Is that true, Chester?”

  Chester didn’t know what to say. His first thought was to deny it but that’s not what happened. Admitting the truth would make her look even worse in Clementine’s eyes. She was already believing the lies.

  “Is it?” Clementine snapped.

  Chester swallowed, rubbing his hand over his face.

  “It wasn’t cold blood. It was self-defence.”

  Clementine looked like she had been slapped. She stared at him, her face going even paler.

  “So it’s true?”

  Chester sighed and stood. He could stand on his own feet without swaying.

  “Yes, it’s true. We got in a fight and he went for me with a knife. I defended myself…”

  “But you still killed someone.” Clementine shot back.

  She was too distraught for this. Chester could feel the woman he loved slipping away from him. He started towards her.

  “Clementine, you’re a level-headed woman. Are you believing this over me?”

  “I don’t know
what to believe.” Clementine turned away for a moment, her shoulders shaking. “This has been thrown on me. I was hoping you’d say it was a lie but now you’re telling me it happened?” She looked back and Chester was shocked to see tears falling down her cheek. “I don’t know you anymore.”

  Chester wanted to go to her. He wanted to break protocol and hold her in his arms. He didn’t like seeing her upset.

  “Clementine, if you would let me explain…”

  “No.” Clementine shook her head. “I need some time alone. Please, Daniel. No more.”

  Daniel. She hadn’t called him that in ten years. Chester’s chest tightened. It hurt him badly to see the woman he loved so upset over this. And that she would believe this letter over him…

  But she wanted time alone. Chester wasn’t about to begrudge her that. She needed time to let it sink in. Much as he wanted to stay, Chester nodded and backed away.

  “All right. I’ll go home. I’ll leave you alone.” He swallowed. “If you want to talk, you know where I am.”

  Clementine was still staring at him, tears falling, as Chester turned and left with a heavy heart.

  Chapter 8

  The Arrival of Sergeant Ryan Mayers

  I t had been three days. And Chester hated the waiting. Clementine hadn’t contacted him at all. Not even Jethro had spoken to him. It was as if they had fallen off the face of the earth. Chester didn’t know if they were still in Winchester or had gone home.

  It was ten years ago all over again. Only this time, they were the ones cutting contact.

  Chester now knew how they felt to lose a friend. Only this felt even stronger; he was losing the woman he loved.

  And now his mother was making him feel worse, standing in the middle of his study being cruel towards Clementine.

  “Come on, Chester. You need to stop this. This is getting ridiculous.”

  Chester was on his fifth whisky of the day by this point. What he wanted to do was throw the decanter at the dowager countess. Her voice was enough to force anyone to drink.

  “Is it, Mother?” He sneered.

  “Of course it is.” Lady Winchester huffed. “Clementine Cowell is a commoner. She was never going to be good enough for you. It’s best she left you alone now instead of further down the line, such as if you were engaged.” She sniffed disdainfully at that. “If it ever got that far.”