Chapter Seven
21 September 1822
Afternoon
R ockford walked down the steps of the Sommer River Club. Last evening’s overindulgence lingered as a ghost of memory, but the tension between his satisfaction and unease gnawed at him. Barrington had offered him a chance to step away from this project, yet an unseen force compelled him forward. Help Lady Lora? To what? To loathe him? To witness her torment? To be the architect of her suffering? He paused for less than a heartbeat before moving on. No, none of that was true. He would find a way to support her through the aftermath. To prove he truly cared. To protect her.
Enough. He breathed in the crisp afternoon air, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere he had just left behind. His mind turned to the importance of the information he and Barrington had discussed. The scandals surrounding GeorgeIV had seemingly ceased when he was coronated. Yet, he couldn’t fathom what these documents might contain that could surpass the infamy of forbidding his wife from the coronation or his long-standing affair and illegitimate children. The weapons were something else.
Rockford sought a momentary escape as he stepped into the bustling Westmore Commons, letting the atmosphere distract him from his inner turmoil. Market day was bustling with vibrant stalls displaying a riot of colors and the lively chatter of vendors and customers filling the air. Aromas of freshly baked bread and sizzling street food wafted through the crowd, offering a welcome reprieve from his thoughts. For now, he wanted to lose himself in the vibrant atmosphere, to let the energy and life around him lighten the burden of his mission, if only for a few moments.
“Your Grace.” The woman dipped a slight curtsy with a smile as she passed by.
“My Lady.” Rockford touched the brim of his hat in salute, returning her smile before continuing on his way.
He had always found these excursions in Sommer-by-the-Sea pleasant and invigorating, a welcome contrast to the commotion of London streets. Now, in the early autumn, the town and its surroundings enjoyed the wind off the North Sea. Perhaps later, he’d walk along the cliffs. If he concentrated, he could almost hear the thunder of the waves and see the rushing surf. Yet, the warmth of the afternoon sun did little to chase away the persistent chill of uncertainty that had settled in his chest. The mission’s shadow loomed no matter how he tried to push it away.
As he walked, he tipped his hat to a few familiar faces, exchanging polite greetings. He stopped at a haberdashery stall drawn by a display of finely crafted hats. One in particular caught his eye, a stylish hat with a unique feather tucked into the hat band.
He picked it up and tried it on, turning toward the shop window to inspect the fit. As he adjusted the brim, his gaze flicked to the reflection in the glass. A gentleman stood a short distance behind him, his attention seemingly on the same display.
The man gave a brief, appreciative nod, perhaps in approval of the hat, before shifting his gaze and continuing down the street. Rockford set the hat back in its place. He strolled on, passing the bookstall, when a familiar figure among the crowd caught his attention.
His heart gave a small, unexpected jolt.
“Lady Lora,” he greeted, inclining his head. “A pleasant surprise to see you.”
*
They began to walk on together, weaving through the bustling stalls. Lora glanced at the various vendors, then back at Rockford. “It’s such an active place. I imagine it must be quite different from your usual surroundings.”
Rockford smiled. “Indeed, it is. But I enjoy the change of pace.”
Lora hesitated for a moment, then continued, “You mentioned you were visiting Lord Barrington. How long will you be staying in Sommer-by-the-Sea?”
Rockford paused, considering his response. “For a few more weeks, at least. There are some matters I need to attend to here.” He glanced around and then refocused on her. “But I must admit, being here seems… perfect.”
Lora kept her eyes fixed on him, a hint of nervousness in her voice. “I’ve always loved it here. There’s just something special about it, don’t you think?” She smiled, perhaps a bit too widely, and her chatter was more than usual, filling the space between them.
He noticed how she was so focused on him, not even looking where she was going. When the door to the fabric store swung open, he gently held her back, narrowly avoiding a mishap. She glanced at him, a grateful smile on her lips.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said softly.
“Of course,” Rockford replied, his tone warm. She didn’t utter a word for several minutes.
“Did you enjoy the gala?” she eventually said, giving him a side glance.
“I definitely did.” He gave him a side glance. “The article in the Sommer Chronicle was nothing but accolades.” He nodded. “They mentioned how the event was ‘ a dazzling display of elegance and generosity, bringing together the finest of society for a noble cause .’ It was truly a night to remember.” He leaned toward her. “Should I go on?”
Her laugh bubbled with delight. “Please, spare me. I believe Mama read the article to me several dozen times this morning. The Chronicle was quite generous. Mother was pleased. She enjoys creating the autumn event and is already planning one for the winter. You must attend.”
“If I am still in Sommer-by-the-Sea, I will make every effort to be with you as long as you save a dance for me.” He leaned close to her. “Now that I’ve learned to lead, I must practice and show off my skills.”
Lora’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “You’re going to be quite the sought-after dance partner,” she teased, her earlier nerves giving way to genuine laughter.
Her laughter, soft and unguarded, eased the tension gripping him. Rockford found himself drawn to her warmth, her charm a momentary reprieve from his worries. The vibrant display of flowers ahead provided an easy excuse to linger. “Do you have a favorite flower?”
“Lavender.” She glanced at the assortment and didn’t look at him. But he noticed her purse her lips trying to hide her smile. “The scent is so soothing, and the color is lovely.”
Rockford nodded. “Ah, a muse for poets and dreamers, a gentle lullaby that calms the spirit.” He turned and caught her eye. “Lavender depicts the depth of emotion and beauty of a tender heart.” He paused. “I think lavender fits you very well,” he said, his voice low and promising.
Lora blushed slightly as he held her stare. “Thank you, Your Grace. Perhaps we should move on.”
“Of course.” He picked up her hand and looped it through his arm. They walked on in companionable silence for the next few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Rockford found himself genuinely enjoying her company, her presence a soothing balm.
“Do you recall the time we snuck into your father’s library after dark?” he asked, trying not to smile.
“And you insisted on reading ghost stories by candlelight. I was terrified for weeks!” Lora chuckled.
“It made for memorable nights. I still laugh at how we jumped at every creak and shadow.”
“I made you escort me to my room.” She shook her head. “How young and daring.” She took a deep breath. “But I wouldn’t change any of that for the world.”
They walked on, each in their own thoughts for several minutes.
“Lady Lora,” he began, breaking the silence. “As a member of the Health and Home Care Committee, I wanted to thank you for your dedication to the clinic. Your commitment to this work is truly admirable, and it’s inspiring to see such passion and devotion.”
Lora looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you for your kind words. Your impression means a great deal to me. The clinic is my way of serving the community, seeing to what, for some, are their basic needs.”
Rockford’s smile warmed. “Your work is truly admirable.”
Lora’s expression lifted with quiet pride. “Thank you, Your Grace.” She hesitated for a moment, then continued, “Actually, I’ve been contemplating how to accelerate the project. It needs more financial support to prove to others that it’s not just my idea but is a project that interests others enough to provide funds to move it forward. I’ve even been approached with an offer for a loan.”
Rockford’s smile faded, his protective instincts taking hold. “A loan? Loans must be repaid with interest, Lady Lora.”
Lora nodded slowly. “Yes, I am aware, but the proposal is tempting.”
He rubbed the scar on his forearm, his instincts on alert. “Interest payments can double a project’s cost, leaving you, or an investor, trapped.” The idea of someone exploiting her naivety left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Lora’s eyes widened slightly as she absorbed his words. “I hadn’t considered the long-term implications of taking on a loan with high interest.” She paused, her expression thoughtful. “I’m grateful for the explanation, Your Grace. It’s clear that I need to explore other avenues for funding.”
Rockford’s chest tightened as regret warred with duty. Every instinct screamed to protect her, even if it meant stepping further into her life, a step he knew might complicate everything.
“There are other ways to raise funds,” he said thoughtfully. “You could organize a charity event. It would bring the community together and raise the necessary funds. It may also be a way to allay the fears and concerns that appear to be circulating about the clinic’s expansion. An event could serve to move the project forward.”
Lora’s eyes lit up with renewed hope. “That’s a wonderful idea. A charity event could indeed make a significant difference. We could create an outstanding event.”
“We?” Rockford hesitated, realizing he hadn’t intended to involve himself further. But the opportunity to support her, and keep a closer eye on her dealings, was too important to ignore. “I’m glad you think so. We can discuss the details over tea if you’d like.” They reached the end of the market.
Lora nodded enthusiastically. “I would appreciate your help. This afternoon?”
“Most definitely,” Rockford replied with a smile. “Until this afternoon, Lady Lora,” he said, inclining his head.
“Until then, Your Grace.” As he walked away, the warmth of her smile lingered, but so did his unease. He couldn’t shake the sense that this charity event might reveal far more than either of them expected.