Regency Romances Page 5

  After being cooped up for weeks, it was really good to be outside.

  Anne decided to go and see Susan. Her friend had managed to leave her house and come to see her every day. Since the riding accident, Susan was coming more and more out of her shell. She was smiling more and looking more vibrant. Anne had guessed that Susan was spending time with Charles, which Charles didn't deny when he came to see her.

  She wouldn't be surprised if she saw the banns in the next few weeks.

  Susan came out of her cottage as Anne entered the garden, closing the gate behind her. Susan hurried to her.

  "Anne! I thought you were meant to be in bed."

  "I needed some fresh air." Anne clasped her friend's hands. "Mother went out, and I made a break for it."

  "You're an idiot." But Susan said that with a smile. She led Anne inside. "Come and sit down. You're looking wobbly on your feet."

  "I'm fine. Honestly."

  But Anne's legs were feeling strange after not walking around for two weeks. She sagged gratefully onto the settee. Susan sat beside her.

  "I'm so glad you're feeling better. I was scared when we saw you on the ground with blood everywhere."

  Anne hadn't asked for details about the accident. She could remember what had happened right up until she lost consciousness. She hadn't asked about afterward except she somehow got to Erstmere and was laid up for four days before her parents moved her home.

  Her head was starting to hurt again, but Anne wasn't going to admit that.

  "What happened after I fell?"

  "Charles and I were getting worried when you two didn't return so we decided to go looking for you. We heard William shouting for help, and he was trying to stand with you in his arms." Susan's hands twisted in her lap. "I ran back to have the servants prepare a room for you and Charles helped William get you back to Erstmere." She then grimaced. "We were all scared. William was the worst."

  Anne was confused.

  "How do you mean the worst?"

  "He refused to leave your side until the doctor arrived. And even then he didn't want to leave. The doctor had to force him from the room." Susan was looking sly. "From what I've heard, he barely left your bedside."

  Anne considered this. Cheswick had been a good caretaker and had sat with her for most of the day, only leaving the room to change and get cleaned up while her parents sat with her. It explained why he was looking like he was a mess. To learn that he had barely left her side started a tingling feeling in Anne's stomach.

  It wasn't just those four days. The last two weeks had been the same. Cheswick came to visit every day as soon as breakfast was done and would sit with her for hours. They talked, and Anne found herself actually liking him. He was funny, kind, and they talked about anything and everything. He wasn't intimidated about her speaking her mind; in fact, he encouraged it.

  Anne had never felt that comfortable with a man before. But she shouldn't have any right feeling like that around a duke. That shouldn't be allowed.

  But it had happened, and Anne was scared that her feelings were changing too much for her to handle. She looked down at her hands in her lap.

  "He was just feeling guilty because he gave me Silver Crest." She mumbled.

  "Are you sure about that?" Susan smirked.

  "I'm sure." Anne paused. That didn't sound solid, even to her. She tried again. "Yes, I am sure."

  Susan laughed.

  "Well, now you've convinced yourself, do you fancy trying to convince me?"

  "Oh!"

  Chapter 8

  Scared of What

  She Wanted

  Mary was home when Anne returned. She wasn't upset about her daughter going for a walk. In fact, she was delighted. She suggested that they go for a walk the next day, just the two of them. Anne readily agreed. It was something she and Mary had done when she was a little girl. Anne missed that.

  The next afternoon, after tea, Mary and Anne made their way through the village. Mary regularly stopped to talk to the rest of the villagers, who were all pleased to see Anne up and about. Anne smiled and nodded politely. She was getting a little tired of saying the same thing over and over again. She was grateful when they finally walked along the path near the church. There were no houses here, just a lot of greenery.

  "I'm so glad you're feeling better, darling." Mary looped her arm through Anne's. "The last few weeks have been scary for us."

  Anne couldn't help but laugh. This sounded over-dramatic, even for her more.

  "You didn't need to worry so much, Mother. I'm perfectly fine."

  "Now you are. But those three days when you wouldn't wake up were worrying." Mary squeezed Anne's arm. "For all of us."

  "I know that. You haven't let up on it for the last two weeks."

  "Sorry." Mary drew back, her eyes going misty. "But you're my only child. Your father and I were scared of losing you."

  Anne knew that. John had confessed this to her a few days before. It had been scary at the time, but it was over now, and Anne was on the mend. She smiled at her mother and kissed her cheek.

  "I'm tougher than you think." She gave Mary a warm smile. "It's going to take more than a bang on the bonce to take me out."

  Mary laughed.

  "I noticed." She paused as they reached the church gate. "I also noticed the Duke of Cheswick paying close attention to you during those three days."

  Anne groaned. She had had this conversation with her mother already. John had known enough to drop it when he brought it up once, but Mary had talked about it every other day. Anne didn't want to discuss Duke Cheswick. Her emotions were still up in the air, and she didn't want to talk about them with her mother; it would just make it more emotional.

  "He was feeling guilty, Mother. He gave me the horse to ride on, and I fell off like a novice."

  "But it wasn't just those three days." Mary persisted. "The last two weeks he's been coming over every day. You talk for goodness knows how long. You two seem to be getting along really well."

  Anne paused. How was she supposed to answer that? She enjoyed seeing William and talking to him.

  "He's nice enough." She said guardedly.

  Mary laughed. She stopped and turned to her daughter, a serious look on her face as the laughter died away.

  "Do you think there's something on the cards?" She asked carefully. "Because from what I can see, he is paying you a lot of attention."

  Anne swallowed. This wasn't what she wanted to talk about. But her mother was going to keep on at her until she answered. She sighed.

  "I don't think anything will happen between us." She said honestly. "We clash on so many levels."

  Why did that now feel like a dead weight in her stomach?

  Mary snorted.

  "You're obviously not looking at this properly. That man is in love with you, no doubt about it."

  William was in love with her? Anne couldn't quite believe it. She stepped away, shaking her head vigorously.

  "No, he isn't. And I don't think anything will come of our acquaintance, Mother."

  Mary stared at her. She was looking at Anne like she had gone mad.

  "What is wrong with you, Anne? Before he came along, you were complaining that you couldn't get a man to be interested in becoming your husband. Now when there's a chance, you're running away. I don't get you."

  Anne knew she was a walking contradiction. She bit her lip as her fears rose to the surface.

  "Things are different this time. William's a duke." Anne rubbed her arms, suddenly feeling cold. "This isn't right."

  Mary clicked her tongue and hugged her daughter.

  "Don't be silly, love. Love knows no boundaries, and that applies to class as well."

  "But he doesn't love me, Mother!" Anne protested.

  That hurt to say it, but Anne was sure that William didn't love her. He couldn't.

  Could he?

  ***

  Anne was saved from a more embarrassing conversation with her mother when she suddenly h
eard her name. Looking up, she saw Charles walking along the path, swinging his cane nonchalantly. He used it to salute her as he approached.

  "Good to see you up and about, Anne. Hello, Mrs. Barclay."

  "Lord Curley." Mary curtsied and gave him a bright smile. "How are you faring?"

  "Very well, thank you." Charles glanced at Anne. "May I take your daughter for a short walk?"

  "Of course." Mary ushered Anne towards Charles. "Don't mind me."

  Anne exchanged an amused look with Charles. Her mother was not a subtle woman. She was eager for Anne to have a good marriage and she didn't care who it was with. Both Anne and Charles knew that there would be nothing between them, and Mary should have known that. However, old habits die hard.

  They carried on walking along the path that circled the church. Mary hung back a little so Charles and Anne could walk alone. Anne felt comfortable walking with her friend.

  Charles glanced at her.

  "How are you?"

  Anne sighed. That was an old question, and it was getting boring.

  "Why does everyone keep asking me that?"

  "Sorry." Charles paused. "I heard the last bit about William."

  Anne groaned.

  "The Duke of Cheswick was being courteous and making sure I wasn't going to come after him."

  "Really? Or are you just scared of your feelings?"

  Anne stopped and stared at him. Charles didn't blink. He smiled, no malice behind it.

  "Come on, Anne." He said softly. "You can lie to your mother, but you can't lie to me. I know. And you shouldn't be so nervous about William. He's actually a decent man." He winked. "And he would be a good husband for you."

  Anne couldn't believe it. First Susan, then her mother, and now Charles. She started walking away, aware that Mary was getting close and would be eavesdropping.

  "Don't you start pairing me with him as well, Charles. I had enough of that at Susan's yesterday." She shook her head. "I'm not even on his social ladder."

  "Since when has that mattered?" Charles raised an eyebrow at him. "And I thought you wanted a husband."

  Anne glanced at them. Mary was just out of earshot, and she was looking in a different direction, but she looked like she was listening in. Anne lowered her voice, moving close to Charles.

  "The truth?" She whispered. "I'm scared. After all this time, I'm used to people rejecting me. Now it might become a reality, and I'm frightened. It's something new, and I'm not sure how to take it."

  Plus Anne was sure her feelings were a part of her being terrified. She had never felt like this about anyone, and it was scaring her.

  Charles put a hand on her shoulder.

  "Just take a deep breath and things will be fine."

  Anne snorted.

  "Easy for you to say."

  Charles chuckled, and his hand fell away.

  Chapter 9

  Pasts Settled

  William leaned against the wall, staring in amazement at Ian.

  "So you're really not unhappy about what happened?"

  He was stunned. After going to Ian for an apology and explanation, Ian had cheerfully said it was behind him, and he had no ill feelings towards his cousin.

  "I didn't say I was happy with it." Ian reiterated. "But I understand. And I've buried my issues about the past, and I'm prepared to start again."

  William couldn't believe his good luck. After talking to Anne and knowing there was a lot of stuff he needed to go over with Ian, he had decided to seek him out, finding him in the churchyard. Ian had been pleasant and almost immediately said he was forgiven for what had happened when they were younger.

  "You're more forgiving than I ever would be if I were in your position."

  Ian shrugged.

  "I guess I was raised differently. And being part of the church has taught me about forgiveness."

  "Maybe I should go to church more often."

  "Your father was a scoundrel, though."

  They exchanged grins and William chuckled dryly.

  "Yes, I know that. I've known for years."

  "And you're not him. I can live with that." Ian clapped his hand on William's shoulder. "Just don't leave it so long between visits."

  William was going to say that he wouldn't. Then he heard voices, including two he recognized well. Charles, Anne, and Mary were coming along the path. William's body warmed when he saw Anne. She was looking better than ever, her cheeks rosy from the wind. William couldn't help but admire her.

  "If things pan out the way I want them to, it might not be that difficult to keep to that." He murmured.

  Ian frowned. Then it cleared when he saw who William was looking at.

  "You're determined to marry Anne, aren't you?"

  With her looks and her personality, the way she laughed and the way she approached each topic of conversation with animation, William knew he couldn't stop himself from falling for her. Anne was everything he wanted in a woman.

  "I am." William drew in a breath. "I just hope she says yes. Otherwise, I may never set foot here again due to embarrassment."

  Ian rolled his eyes and barked out a laugh.

  "I should knock your heads together."

  "Why?"

  William was confused. Why would Ian do that? Before he could ask him, Ian moved away and went through the gate. He approached Anne and Charles and touched his forelock.

  "Anne. Charles. Mrs. Barclay."

  "Ian." Anne's eyes traveled over to William, who was following through the gate after his cousin. Her eyes darkened, and she gave him a slight curtsy. "Your Grace."

  William nodded back, bowing to Mary. There was a moment of awkward silence, but Ian covered it up easily as he turned to Mary.

  "Mrs. Barclay, I have a few things I need some help with up at the church." He said this so smoothly William almost believed it. "The vicar wants the task finished and I'm going to get into trouble if it isn't sorted by tomorrow morning. Would you mind helping me out?"

  For a moment Mary looked confused. Then she looked at William, and Anne and the confusion cleared. She gave Ian a bright smile.

  "Of course not."

  "I'll come with you," Charles said suddenly. He winked at Anne. "You go home, Anne, and get some rest."

  Anne's eyes widened.

  "Don't you want me to come with you, Ian?" She asked the curate.

  "No, we'll be fine." Ian looked at William slyly, the silent meaning in his eyes. "His Grace can walk you home."

  William managed to hold back a laugh. Ian had done exactly what he wanted. But it looked like Anne wasn't so sure.

  Ian, Charles, and Mary left, moving up towards the church. William turned to Anne, who looked momentarily terrified, and held out an arm.

  "Shall we?"

  Anne frowned.

  "Why do I get the feeling they left us alone for a reason?"

  "Now why would you get that idea?"

  They stared at each other, then Anne threw back her head and laughed. She took his arm, her hand searing heat through his coat. William swallowed and focused on putting one foot in front of the other. He suddenly felt very wobbly.

  ***

  Anne knew exactly why her mother, friend and the curate had left her and William alone. She found it worrying that there seemed to be so many people who wanted them together. They clearly wanted her to be happy, and because William was spending more time in her company, everyone assumed they would make a great match, regardless of differences in social status.

  And, if she let everything go and admitted it to herself, Anne wanted that as well.

  The walk back to Anne's house was pleasant. They made small talk, and Anne liked seeing the jealous looks on other women's faces as they passed through the village. They were making eyes at the duke and didn't like the fact someone else was on his arm. For the first time, Anne liked being with the man everyone else wanted to be with.

  They made it to her house just as the sun was dipping towards the horizon, casting an orange glow a
cross the landscape. Anne stopped at the gate and turned to him, her hand still on his arm.

  "Thank you for walking me home."

  "I'm always a gentleman, Anne." William laid a hand over hers and gave her fingers a squeeze as he smiled down at her. "I may sometimes come across as a scoundrel, but I never forget my manners."

  Anne now knew that for sure. There was one thing William had never slipped up on, and that was his manners. She knew that he wouldn't be rude, even with good reason.

  She felt bad for how she had treated him in the start. In the time they had spent together, Anne realized she had never actually apologized for her behavior. And Anne didn't like losing her manners, either. She looked down and focused on a button on his shirt.

  "I'm sorry about pre-judging you." She said quietly. "That was incredibly rude of me. I guess...I guess you threw me a little."

  "Threw you how?"

  Anne wanted to say it was because she saw him as a threat to her as a woman. He was too handsome for his own good and Anne had been struck by how much she had been attracted to him. The sparks, even for the wrong reasons, had been there right from the start, and Anne was only just now realizing it.

  But she couldn't say that to William. She wasn't brave enough just yet.

  "I don't know. That's the truth. I honestly don't know."

  For a moment William was silent. Anne wasn't sure if she liked the silence; it felt too heavy for her liking. Then she felt gentle fingers under her chin and William lifted her head. His expression was somber as he looked down at her, his eyes darker than before. Anne couldn't look away; his gaze was hypnotic.

  His thumb brushed over her lips, and Anne's breath hitched.

  "My father was not a nice man," William said quietly. He sounded like he was talking with a heavy heart, a confession he had to let loose. "He drank, he gambled, and he was a rake. God knows how many brothers and sisters I may have out there. He didn't like Ian's family; they weren't as well off as us, but they did all right. However, Father didn't like the fact Ian and I played together, and we were close. He looked for any excuse to get him out of our lives. The thought of a lesser family member hanging around didn't sit well with him."