Chapter Five
London, England
Grosvenor Square
Lacy and Antoinette were both early risers, and they decided to start their day with a brisk walk around Grosvenor Square.
After rounding the square, they crossed to the center and sat on a bench near the statue of George I, enjoying a glimmer of sunshine that broke through the ever-present clouds.
Lacy raised her face to embrace the warmth.
“Lord Kingsley is very attentive to you, Lacy. I wonder if perhaps he harbors a growing affection for you.”
Lacy could not hide her apprehension that her own growing feelings for Julian were a danger to her heart.
“I cannot envision a hopeful outcome from his misplaced affections. His father’s opposition will assuredly not disappear.
There can be no future.” The sadness in her voice gave away her dismay that the one man who’d laid siege to her heart was an impossibility.
Antoinette grabbed Lacy’s hand in hers. “My darling, I assure you a way forward can be found if both you and Julian love each other.”
Tears filled Lacy’s eyes. Am I so overcome with worry that I cannot see the forest for the trees? Is it possible Julian and I are meant to be—could ever be?
“I am so confused, Auntie. How can I be sure his feelings are true? Perhaps he is only determined because his father is in opposition. He does have a reputation for being a rake, and I don’t think I could bear being toyed with.
” Lacy dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.
“I’m afraid to let my feelings grow, afraid of losing my heart to someone who will not be there to protect it, nor cherish it, and realize its worth.
Besides, how can I trust this newfound affection?
We’ve known each other for such a short time. ”
“Fiddlesticks. Your father and mother did. Young men sow their seeds where they may, but when they find the one woman they can’t live without, they will do everything in their power to marry her.
I sense this is the case with you and Julian.
I believe in destiny, and I can see when a man is smitten.
Sometimes love comes unexpectedly, and yes, perhaps even instantly. ”
“Do you really think so?”
“I do. We will put our heads together and find a way to overcome the obstacle of the irascible earl. Come, let’s return home and discuss this over breakfast. I’m in dire need of a cup of tea.
” Antoinette looked up at the gloomy sky.
“I’m afraid the sun has deserted us once again.
I believe Julian is right about that volcanic eruption causing disarray in our weather.
” She linked her arm through Lacy’s, and they resumed their walk across the square.
For the first time since the ball, Lacy felt a small kindling of hope and allowed herself to nurture her growing feelings for Julian.
Her heart raced with anticipation at the sight of him again.
He had suggested a ride in the park tomorrow, which she’d agreed to after Antoinette said she would be delighted to chaperone.
Lacy trusted her aunt to have only her best interests at heart.
The prospect of a future with Julian filled her with hope and excitement. For the first time in her life, she longed to be kissed by someone.
A few minutes later, Lacy’s heart nearly leapt from her chest. In front of Antoinette’s townhome was her father’s carriage with the ducal crest emblazoned on its door. “Oh, Auntie, I hope there is no bad news from home.”
“I’m sure not. I must confess that I wrote to your father about his dereliction of duty and pleaded with him to do what Clara would have wished him to do. I did not receive a reply and had given up hope, but perhaps I am wrong. Maybe he has come to his senses. Let us not assume the worst.”
They hurried to the house. Antoinette opened the door, but found the reception room empty.
“Father!” Lacy shouted. The sound of laughter and joy resounded from upstairs.
When she saw her sisters at the top of the staircase, Lacy bounded up to greet and embrace them.
“You’re here!” She kissed and hugged her darling sisters.
The sight of her family together again filled her with a warm sense of joy and touched her deeply.
“It’s a miracle,” said Caprice, hugging and kissing Lacy back.
“Yes,” said Constance. “It was as if Papa rose from the dead.”
“That is truly gratifying.” Lacy could not believe her sisters and father had come to London. It seemed impossible that the man who’d rarely left his room for over a year would recover himself enough to venture into Society.
She worried that in some way she might have disgraced their family name. She hoped no rumors about her and Julian had reached him. She did not think she’d behaved untowardly, but the ton and its gossipmongers could be so fickle.
She was so confused about her feelings for Julian.
He was so much more sophisticated than she.
Since their breathtaking dance at the queen’s ball, he was never far from her thoughts.
Sensations of an unmentionable nature plagued her in her sleep.
Her dreams were commandeered by the dashing lord who did not take no for an answer.
Even though his interest felt sincere, it was quite vexing that, no matter how she tried, she couldn’t help but wonder if what she felt was reciprocated, or if she was just a conquest to him.
As her thoughts returned to Julian and his questionable sincerity, it suddenly occurred to her that perhaps her father, like Julian’s father, would disapprove of a match between them. Would she and Julian experience societal disapproval like her parents had?
Lacy’s stomach tightened into knots. It was all so perplexing. Her reluctance to encourage Julian because of past grudges felt misplaced. Why should she and Julian suffer for events that occurred before they were born and which they’d played no part in?
Her aunt was right. There had to be a way.
“You must tell us every detail about the ball and every event of the Season that you’ve attended,” Constance gushed.
“It’s been such a whirlwind. London Society moves at an extraordinary pace. But first I must see Father. Where is he?”
“He’s in the library, of course.” Caprice shook her red hair, and her ringlets bounced free.
It was vexing to their lady’s maid that no matter how many pins were used, Caprice’s hair had a mind of its own and constantly escaped its prison.
Lacy smoothed the unruly curls, tucking them behind her sister’s ears.
“You know Papa—he was beside himself with need for a cup of tea after the long journey from Somerset,” Constance added with a grin.
“I must see him at once.” Lacy ran down the staircase, calling, “Papa! Papa!” She threw open the library door and ran to her father. “Papa, I’ve missed you so.” She threw herself into the open arms of her father.
“My dear girl, I have been so remiss. Please forgive me.” He stroked her hair and pressed his lips to her forehead.
“Oh, Papa, no need for forgiveness. I’m just so happy to have you return to us. I have missed your presence.”
“Antoinette’s letter was an awakening to my failings,” he said.
“She made me realize your dear mother would be so disappointed in my neglect of you and your sisters. It was selfish of me to ignore your need for a father’s guidance, especially after losing your beloved mother.
You and your sisters are all so precious to me. ”
“Oh, Papa, I cannot contain my joy.” Lacy buried her face in her father’s chest, tears leaking from her eyes.
“Do not cry, my darling. We will all get through this together. We are family, and therein lies our strength.” Constance and Caprice ran into the room, and the duke wrapped them all in his arms. A moment later, Antoinette entered.
“John, praise God, you have returned to us. We are in need of your wise counsel. Please let’s sit and have tea, we have much to discuss.
” She turned to the lady’s maid who had followed her.
“Agnes, please have Cook prepare some refreshments. The duke and the girls must be famished after their long journey. And my walk with Lady Beaufort has awakened my appetite.”
“Yes, m’lady.” The girl hurried away.
*
After they’d finished their delicious repast of Cook’s delicate cakes and delectable cucumber sandwiches, Antoinette patted her lips with her napkin.
In the most succinct terms, she related everything that had occurred since Lacy’s arrival in London, beginning with her triumphant debut and the queen’s warm reception of her, to the disgraceful behavior of Lord Kingsley.
She did not sugarcoat what had occurred, and Lacy, embarrassed, stared down at her hands, trying again to make sense of it all.
Then Antoinette delicately broached Julian’s joining them at the Gold Cup race and the future earl’s respectful interest in Lacy. “The young man is nothing like his father, and I believe he has a genuine interest in Lacy. Alas, the problem is with the earl; he is as impossible to appease as ever.”
The duke’s brows knitted together. “Whatever my preference as to a future son-in-law, my foremost concern is Lacy’s happiness. I would like to meet this young man and form my own opinion.”
“He will be here tomorrow, Papa. Aunt Antoinette has kindly agreed to act as chaperone on our excursion. He has asked to take me for a carriage ride and a walk through Hyde Park.” Lacy’s eyes dropped to her lap.
Her hands shook when she lifted the cup to her lips, and then, setting the tepid tea aside, she added, “It will afford you an opportunity to meet Julian and have a chat.” The hopefulness of her words matched her heartfelt wishes.
If Father approves of Julian, he will surely help us.