Chapter Two
London, England
Buckingham House
Lacy leaned back against the plush leather of the coach as it pulled away from Buckingham House.
The horses’ hooves pounded the road, and the rattling of the carriage set her teeth on edge and caused the vein in her temple to pulse.
Her eyes closed, and she held the back of her hand to her forehead, dumbstruck as to what had just transpired.
She knew that at any moment her aunt would expect an explanation.
Nothing could dispel the feeling of gloom that washed over her.
To be informed that one was unacceptable for marriage without explanation was unbearable.
Not that she’d had any notion of marrying Julian, but still, it was insulting to her family and her person to be treated in such a demeaning manner.
Even though she thought him a rake, she could not imagine Julian condoning such behavior.
“Lacy, my darling, you must tell me what happened so that we may deal with it sensibly. By tomorrow, all of London will be abuzz inventing all manner of despicable lies addressing your sudden departure. We can’t allow every gossip in Town to spread their ridiculous tales without a clear defense and explanation. ”
“I don’t give a fig what the busybodies say.
” Lacy turned to her aunt with eyes blazing.
“Can you explain to me why the Earl of Wentworth would speak words I never thought to hear? He forbade me from ever developing closer ties to his son, as if I were the lowliest person on earth. There was hatred and venom in his warning, which was exactly what it was—a clear warning. Can you explain this? Because for the life of me, I can’t understand why he would treat me in such a rude manner. ”
“I cannot believe the earl still bears such malice in his heart.”
“Please explain. I cannot begin to contemplate where this is coming from.”
Antoinette looked pensively out the window of the carriage.
A moment of silence engulfed them as if the task before her were more than she could bear.
“Years ago, your father and the earl were best friends. They met at Oxford during their university years, but the friendship, which should have lasted a lifetime, descended into abject hatred.”
“But why? Could they not mend their disagreement?”
“Not when it involved passions of the heart.”
“Passions of the heart? Surely I misunderstood you.”
“The Earl of Wentworth was betrothed to your mother. Clara had agreed to marry the earl and, suddenly, without explanation, broke their engagement. It was a great humiliation to the earl.”
“How is that possible?” The preposterous notion was inconceivable for Lacy to process.
The vehemence in the earl’s eyes continued to haunt her.
She was beginning to comprehend the earl’s disdain, but why would his son curry her favor when his father was so clearly set against her?
If he knew of the bad blood between their families, he was more of a rake than she thought possible.
“It was a huge scandal. Although your mother never spoke of it. Over the years, it became part of the stories one hears from time to time, but for the most part, the scandal faded into the past. Now, it seems it has received new life, given what transpired this night. And you know how much the ton loves a good scandal, and this is one they can really sink their teeth into.” Antoinette’s eyes dropped to her lap, where her fingers fussed nervously.
“Clara was seen in the embrace of your father. She was unchaperoned. I’m not sure how or why, but it compromised her.
If it helps you understand, I believe she and your father fell in love.
I am sure this love took hold unintentionally, and this supposed accidental embrace was plotted by them to break her engagement to Alfred.
The battle lines were drawn, and the earl insisted that his honor would only be satisfied by a duel. ”
Lacy gasped, feeling herself drawn into a vortex of deceit and malfeasance. “Dear Lord. I can’t believe I’ve never heard a word of this before.”
“Yes, it’s one of the reasons your parents rarely left Darling House. They abandoned the world of Society for a chance at happiness. I can’t help but admire them for it.”
“As do I, but did Father and the earl actually duel?”
“They did. Your father bested him by intentionally turning away at the last moment and taking a shot to his right arm. He was lucky to have survived, but he was slow to recover. Naturally, this all transpired before you were born. Your parents married as soon as he was fit enough to stand at the altar. He never reclaimed the use of his right hand, but under the gentle ministrations of your mother, he learned to use his left. By the time you were born, it was all ancient history, and your parents enjoyed a fruitful marriage. A love match that continued until your mother’s passing.
” Antoinette wiped at the tears that brimmed in her eyes.
She was clearly shaken by the skeletons in her family closet and the loss of her beloved sister.
“But what of the earl?”
“The score was settled, and Alfred reclaimed his honor enough to satisfy his public image. The scandal did nothing to hinder him in finding a wife, but the earl never forgot, and he and your parents never crossed paths again. Society may have perceived the matter closed, but I can only presume the earl has spent his life nurturing a grudge. He married shortly thereafter, but rumor has it that it was a loveless marriage predicated on money and power. So you see, my sweet, this is why he will never be amenable to a match between you and his heir.”
Lacy let out a breath as she assimilated what her aunt had told her.
“Thank you, Auntie, for making this all clear to me. You can rest assured that if I never see Lord Kingsley again, it will be too soon.” Even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true.
If she could have danced all night with Julian, she would have been on a cloud.
His touch had ignited her in places that were unmentionable and forbidden for a lady to even think about.
It was beyond distressing that the only man who had ever captured her imagination should be the one man she had no future with.
Antoinette patted her hand. “There are plenty of fish in the sea; you needn’t worry.”
“At this time, I have no interest in any of those fish. Might I not return to Somerset? In truth, I am a fish out of water in London,” Lacy pleaded.
“No, I’m afraid not, especially after what occurred this evening.
It would be best if you were seen unapologetically by all.
I will send a letter to the queen. I think we must take her up on her offer of help.
The sooner you are embraced as a favorite, the sooner this will all be forgotten.
Her Majesty is quite the matchmaker and enjoys arranging suitable unions among the ton.
I believe you can count on her to find someone wonderful to match your expectations. ”
The carriage turned onto Grosvenor Street, where Antoinette’s residence was.
Lacy resigned herself to enduring a more extended stay in London than she would have liked.
She prayed her aunt was correct, that this disastrous evening would be forgotten in a few days, and she could return to her life in the countryside, having survived the London Season.
She felt certain she could navigate her aunt and the queen’s good intentions without making any commitment to a marriage match, but in the meantime, she would have to play along.
She had to step carefully, for she had no intention of ruining her sisters’ chances of making happy marriages with her actions.
Her mother may have fallen prey to her emotions, but she would keep a level head.
Hopefully, Julian would do the same and heed his father’s warning to stay away from her.
I will not fall prey to any gentleman whom I do not love.
Lacy was not inclined to become the star-crossed inamorata of any man, let alone fall head over heels for the heir of a man who detested her family.
Although she’d found her dance and conversation with Julian Kingsley exhilarating, they most assuredly had no future together.
The entire incident was best forgotten. She would not have her heart broken by any man.