A Dilemma for the Duke (Barrington’s Brigade #2)
Chapter One
2 September 1822
Sommer-by-the-Sea
“R eally, Lora,” said Lady Harriet, “you must make a decision soon.” Lady Lora Preston sat in a plush chair in the Rostov Tearoom, her gaze drifting beyond the rim of her teacup to the world outside. Sunlight filtered through lace curtains, casting intricate shadows on the painted blue walls framed by white wainscot panels. Her glance shifted to the petite vase of autumn flowers and the crisp white linens topped with lace overlays that draped the table. She sipped her tea as the soft hum of whispered conversations and the gentle clinking of fine china created a soothing symphony around her.
Lora’s close friend and confidant, Lady Harriet Lockford, was in an affectionate, teasing mood. A sly smile played on her lips as the waitress approached, setting a fresh pot of steaming tea between them before she slipped away.
Lora took a deep breath, allowing the rich aroma of black tea, warm bread, and freshly baked scones to fill her senses and for Harriet to continue.
“How many seasons have gone by without you securing a proposal?” Harriet pressed, her eyes following the waitress’s retreating figure before settling back on Lora.
“If we count this year.” Lora’s finger tapped thoughtfully against her cheek as she gazed at the exposed wooden beams overhead. A playful pause lingered between them, the corners of her mouth hinting at a concealed smile. Harriet, nee Manning, daughter of the renowned Dr. Bertram Manning, now blissfully wed to Asheton, Earl Lockford, had taken it upon herself to become Lora’s ardent matchmaker, a role she embraced with zeal and genuine care.
Lora, the daughter of the Earl of Fallsmith, was a striking woman with an elegant presence. Her chestnut hair cascaded in soft waves down her back, each strand catching the light to reveal subtle hints of auburn. Her vivid green eyes sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief, a gaze that seemed to pierce straight into the soul.
Encouraged by her parents to nurture her independent spirit, Lora carried herself with confidence and compassion. There was an undeniable poise, a reflection of her noble upbringing, tempered by a warmth that drew people to her. Her laughter could ease the sternest of dispositions, and her unwavering determination was a beacon to those fortunate enough to call her friend.
And yet, beneath the polished exterior, there was a restlessness, a yearning for something more than the predictable social engagements and parade of suitors. Perhaps it was this silent quest for a genuine connection that kept her heart unclaimed, a secret she harbored even from dear Harriet.
“That would be three.” She glanced at Harriet before she picked up the menu. “Proposals are not the problem. The issue is who they’re from.” A fleeting image of Lord Davenport’s incessant boasting about his horses flashed through her mind, prompting an amused smirk. “I suppose I prefer quality over quantity.”
“You don’t belong on the shelf.” Harriet hovered the teapot over her cup and then refreshed it. “You are smart, witty—”
“I do have all my teeth, that should be worth something,” Lora interrupted without raising her head from the menu, smiling all the while. “You should speak to my father. He is of the same opinion as you.” She peeked over the menu. “I should take bets on who will be the first to find me a suitable suitor.”
“Oh. Lora, be serious. I warned you that if you didn’t take this seriously, your father would find a suitor for you.”
She didn’t need to glance at Harriet. They both knew her father could only be held off so long, and with his recent illness, he had mentioned suitors to her more than once.
“What about Lord Penton? He is quite the catch.” Harriet lifted a sugar cube with the delicate silver tongs but, after a brief pause, returned it to the bowl.
Lora wrinkled her nose at the mention of the man’s name. “Absolutely not. He is as dull as dishwater.”
“Earlier this week I saw you in the park with Mr. Charles Hastings. What is Mr. Hastings like?”
Lora paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “He’s quite the gentleman, Harriet. Polished and articulate, with a charm that’s hard to ignore. He shows a genuine interest in my work with the clinic, always asking thoughtful questions, and offers astute suggestions. He is considerate. He carries himself with a quiet confidence and has an air of distinction about him. It’s refreshing to spend time with someone who seems to genuinely care about the causes I hold dear. Still, there’s an intriguing sense of mystery about him, something that keeps me curious… and perhaps a little wary. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something about him that feels… not entirely genuine.”
Harriet’s brow furrowed slightly, her curiosity deepening. “Not entirely genuine? That’s a bit concerning,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “It’s good to trust your instincts, Lora. Sometimes, they pick up on things that aren’t immediately obvious.”
Continuing on her line of inquiry, Harriet shifted to another potential suitor. “What about Sir Edmund Law?” She took a sip and glanced at Lora over the rim of her teacup. “He has a fine estate and a respectable lineage.”
Lora shook her head, still reading the menu. “Too pompous. I could never abide his constant preening.” She glanced over the top of the menu. “I liked you better before you became Lady Lockford. When you were Harriet Manning, an aspiring female doctor—”
“I spent all my time at the clinic. Now, I spend my time between my dear Asheton, our son Colin, and finding you a husband. And do not change the subject. If none of these fine gentlemen interest you, tell me, what do you want in a man? And by the way,” she pointed to the menu in front of Lora. “There aren’t that many items on Tatiana’s menu.”
“He must be intelligent, of course.” Lora placed the menu on the table and began ticking off the traits of her perfect man on her fingers. “And kind, with a sense of humor.”
“And handsome,” Harriet added with a wink. “Don’t forget that.”
Lora smiled. “Yes, and handsome. But more importantly,” her smile faded as she leaned toward Harriet, her eyes narrowing with a severe glare, “he must be fair-minded, respect my independence, and support my work. And he must understand and agree that my endowment is mine to manage.”
Harriet was about to respond when her eyes widened slightly. Someone had entered the room. Her voice took on a teasing tone as she stared over Lora’s shoulder. “This ideal man of yours must also be tall, broad-shouldered, with an air of command about him. I would think dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and a smile that could charm the birds from the trees. A confident man, yet with a warm gaze that,” Harriet leaned in close and whispered, “would curl your toes. Would that suit you, my friend?”
*
Across the room, Adam, Viscount Wesley, Lora’s brother, spotted the newcomer and stepped over to him. “Rockford. I didn’t know you were in Sommer-by-the-Sea.”
The gentleman turned with a welcoming smile. “Wesley. I thought it was your voice. Good to see you.” Rockford removed his glove and extended his hand. Adam grasped it firmly.
“How are you fairing? It’s been ages since we last spoke.” Adam’s voice held a hint of nostalgia.
Rockford chuckled, a warmth spreading through him at the sight of his old friend. “I’m well, thank you. It has indeed been too long.” He glanced around the room, memories flooding back. “Evergreen Lodge seems just as I remember it.”
Adam nodded, his expression softening. “We spent many summers here, didn’t we? You, Lora, Barrington, and I, we were quite a team.”
Rockford’s eyes twinkled with the recollection. “I remember. Those were carefree days. We’d race through the gardens, daring each other to climb the tallest trees.”
“And the nights we’d spend under the stars, dreaming of adventures,” Adam added with a grin. “It’s hard to believe how much time has passed.”
“Yes,” Rockford agreed, a touch of melancholy in his voice. “Eton took me away, and life has taken us all in different directions. But it’s good to be back, to see familiar faces and places.”
Adam clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have you back, old friend. Sommer-by-the-Sea hasn’t been the same without you.”
Rockford smiled, a sense of belonging settling over him. “I missed this place and the people in it. And I look forward to catching up with everyone.”
“How are things in London?” Adam asked with genuine interest. “Busy with estate matters and my duties in Parliament. And you? How is your family?” Rockford slipped his gloves into his pocket, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face.
“Everyone is well, though Father’s health has been a concern. Lora and I have taken on many of his responsibilities.” Adam rested his hand gently on the back of a nearby chair.
Rockford tilted his head thoughtfully. “I’ve heard she is active with Dr. Manning’s project to expand his clinic.”
“She is. She’s unearthed some surprising issues while working to get the project approved.” Adam’s face lit up. “But enough about that. What brings you to Sommer-by-the-Sea? Business or pleasure?”
“A bit of both, actually.” Rockford adjusted his coat, a flicker of unease crossing his features. “Barrington invited me to join him here to discuss some matters, but I’m also taking the opportunity to enjoy seeing old friends.”
“Sommer-by-the-Sea has a charm all its own.” Adam placed a reassuring hand on his old schoolmate’s shoulder, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I prefer the atmosphere here, far more appealing than London’s incessant activity and noise. The serenity here gives one room to breathe and think.”
“Indeed.” Rockford slowly exhaled, the lines in his face softening. “It has a certain tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.”
“I stopped here to speak to Lora. She’s having tea with Lady Harriet Lockford, and then I plan on making my way to the apothecary. Barrington is in the same direction. If you don’t mind, I’ll accompany you.” Adam scanned the room and found his sister and Lady Harriet. “I just need to give Lora a message. Why don’t you come with me? She’ll be glad to see you.”
Rockford followed Adam’s gaze to where Lora and Lady Harriet sat and nodded. “I’d be delighted. It’s been too long since we’ve spoken.”
*
Lora chuckled, a sparkle of amusement in her eyes. “The picture you present is too good to be true. Who is this paragon of manhood?” She shook her head as she chuckled. “Really, Harriet. No one could be that perfect.”
“Lora, Lady Harriet.” Adam tilted his head in a nod.
Harriet smiled like the cat who ate the canary as Lora turned to face her brother.
Adam gestured toward the approaching figure. “Lora, you remember Garrett, Duke Rockford.” His gaze shifted to her tablemate. “Rockford, this is Lady Harriet Lockford, wife of the Earl of Lockford.”
Lora looked up and met Rockford’s gaze, a flicker of recognition softening her features. “Why, of course? Your Grace.” She inclined her head gracefully. “It has been a long time.”
Rockford’s smile broadened, warmth radiating from his steady gaze as he held Lora’s eyes for a moment longer than necessary. “Indeed, Lady Lora. It is a pleasure to see you again.” There was a hint of nostalgia in his voice as a flicker of unspoken memories passed between them.
In the midst of exchanging pleasantries, Lora couldn’t help but think of the carefree young man who had charmed everyone with his reckless adventures and daring escapades. She remembered the laughter he incited, the thrill of his presence like a gust of fresh wind through the stifling halls of society. But the man standing before her now was different. There was a depth that hadn’t been there before, a sense of duty and responsibility. It was etched into the lines of his face and reflected in his steady gaze. He was no longer the devil-may-care youth she remembered but a man who had clearly grown and changed, shaped by the passage of time, unspoken burdens, and the scars of war.
Adam bent to his sister’s ear. “I need to speak with you about the clinic. There’s some urgent news that requires your attention.”
Lora’s eyes widened in surprise. “What kind of news?”
Adam glanced at Rockford and Harriet, then back at Lora. “It’s best we discuss it in private.”
Lora took a deep breath, her mind racing. What could have happened? She turned to Rockford and Harriet. “Please excuse me for a moment. Your Grace, would you be so kind as to keep Lady Harriet company until I return?”
Rockford nodded. “It would be my pleasure.”
She didn’t miss the hint of curiosity that flickered in his eyes as he took a seat.
“Lady Harriet, how is your father?” Rockford asked, all his attention directed at Harriet. For a moment, a very brief one, Lora thought she saw the mischievous boy she once knew.
Adam led her away, his expression growing more serious with each step as they moved to a private corner of the room. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to her, his voice low and urgent.
“A message is being prepared to send to the king opposing the expansion of Dr. Manning’s clinic.”
“Opposing the clinic?” Lora’s heart skipped a beat. “But why would anyone do that? It’s been doing so much good.”
His fingers raked through his hair, leaving it tousled as he exhaled a slow, deliberate breath. “There are several reasons. First, some local physicians and apothecaries see the clinic as a threat to their livelihoods. They believe it undermines their practices and takes away their patients.”
She felt a surge of frustration. “That’s rubbish. The clinic serves people they don’t want near them, the poor who can’t afford their fees. We provide care to those who have nowhere else to turn.”
“Exactly,” Adam agreed, “but they see it differently.”
“What do you mean?” Lora’s eyes narrowed.
“Some believe the clinic’s focus on treating the poor fosters dependency and idleness, undermining the social order by encouraging reliance on charity rather than honest work.”
“That’s absurd.” Lora’s eyes were as dark as a storm brewing over the North Sea. “Most of the injuries we treat are from people working themselves to exhaustion. Some are hurt because of the dangerous conditions they’re forced to endure. The clinic helps them heal so they can return to work.”
Adam placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know, Lora. But there’s also a third issue, which is both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, your work has attracted the attention of individuals with significant influence in court.”
“We’ve worked hard for that recognition.”
“I agree, but on the other hand, some influential people are concerned that the clinic’s success is drawing too much attention to social inequalities. They fear it could lead to calls for broader reforms, which they are not willing to entertain.”
Lora took a deep breath, her determination growing firmer. “We can’t let them succeed in undermining our work. The clinic is vital to the community.”
“Absolutely,” Adam said without hesitation. “We must rally those who agree with us to our cause and present an undeniable case to the king. Every moment counts, and we cannot afford to fail.”
A rich chuckle from Rockford drew Lora’s attention. She turned to Adam with a slight smile. “We best get back.”
As they approached the table, Adam touched Lora’s arm, slowing her pace. “Lora, you should consider speaking to Rockford about this. His position as a Member of Parliament could be very beneficial in responding to those against us. He is the Deputy Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department. He’s responsible for managing domestic affairs, including law and order, immigration, and for our cause, the important one, public health.”
“Rockford?” Lora shook her head, glancing at her brother. “I can’t associate him with being serious about something this important.”
She knew her brother well enough to recognize when he was trying to push her in a direction she didn’t want to go. She took a deep breath as Rockford stood and held out her chair.
She nodded her thanks, looked into his eyes, and stopped, fixed in place. For a moment, the serious words exchanged with her brother faded. She couldn’t help but admire Rockford’s dark hair, the way it fell just so, those piercing blue eyes that seemed to see into her soul, and that irresistible smile, capable of charming the birds from the trees.