Starting Again (The Heart of Bath #3)

Chapter One

Marianne

January 1817

“N elson! Nelson, stop that at once, do you hear? Naughty boy!” Lady Barrington hurried across the grass towards her pet, wagging her finger. “No! Leave his shoes alone. You must not behave in this way.”

Marianne ran after her aunt, watching in dismay as the pug set about destroying the fine evening shoes of the handsome young gentleman standing on the Crescent Lawn. The gentleman offered little resistance, merely laughing as he attempted to pat the dog.

“There, there! You and I should be friends, little one. ’Tis a dear wish of mine that you should stop attacking me whenever we meet. What is bothering you?”

Perchance Nelson was confused as to why the unknown gentleman was wearing full evening dress– for ’twas early morning and the sun was still struggling to cast its beams through the dense clouds and announce that the day was breaking. Perhaps the pug also wondered why the young man was not wearing more substantial outer clothing to protect against the chill wind– and why his hair was damp.

“Ah, Lady Barrington,” the gentleman said. “How charming to see you. I do hope you have had a pleasant Christmas. ”

Then he directed his gaze at Marianne and she felt her insides turn to liquid. That look! His dark tumbled hair and easy smile– a face made for pleasure and amusement. But something about his piercing blue eyes spoke of hidden depths, possibly of a sadness or dissatisfaction, but with what, ’twas not possible to say. He seemed an intriguing character– and one Marianne would do well to avoid.

“Indeed, I have had a splendid Christmas,” Lady Barrington said to the gentleman, “and the highlight was the arrival of my niece a few days ago. ’Tis a blessing to have a young person in the house now all my dear daughters are married and living far away. Mr. Templeton, may I present Mrs. Marianne Pembroke? Marianne, this is Mr. Edmund Templeton. He is a near neighbor of mine– and I believe you met his parents last night at my twelfth night party.”

Edmund bowed to Marianne, then reached for her gloved hand and raised it to his lips with practiced ease.

“I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Pembroke.”

Marianne’s heart danced– she could do nothing to prevent it– and she felt afraid.

“But Mr. Templeton, I have a bone to pick with you.” Lady Barrington shook her head. “For you did not accept my invitation to yesterday’s party.”

“A thousand apologies, Lady B, but I was already engaged for the evening elsewhere. Be assured, however, that turning down your invitation caused me great pain. I adore visiting your beautiful home at Number 4 and felt utterly heartbroken that I had to miss your bountiful hospitality last night.”

Lady Barrington smiled almost girlishly at these compliments. Heavens! Was no one immune to Mr. Templeton’s charm? No one, it seemed, save Nelson.

“And moreover,” Edmund continued, “I know how forward I have been in addressing you as Lady B instead of Lady Barrington. I hope you will forgive me? ”

Edmund fixed Lady Barrington with such a winsome smile that ’twas all Marianne could do to keep from bursting out laughing. Her aunt was a formidable woman– everyone agreed on this– but she was putty in Edmund’s hands, enjoying every moment of his flirtatious nonsense.

“I should give you a good trimming for choosing to celebrate twelfth night elsewhere,” Lady Barrington said, “for the party would have been even more enjoyable if you had attended. However, you make your apologies so prettily that I find I cannot be cross. And of course you may address me as Lady B– as often as you wish.”

“Thank the Lord,” Edmund said. “You cannot know how relieved I am to have caused no offense.”

His eyes– possibly looking a little tired from lack of sleep– then turned to Marianne. “Welcome to Bath, Mrs. Pembroke. Is this your first visit?”

“’Tis not my first, but I have not been here for some time.”

I spent most of my last visit crying– ’twas a very distressing period that I wish most fervently to forget.

Nelson squared his shoulders and gave Edmund a hard stare– then he growled and lunged at his shoes again.

Lady Barrington looked horrified as the soft leather received further extensive scratching.

“Mr. Templeton! How can I apologize enough? This is very much out of character for Nelson, for he is usually such a friendly and sociable dog.”

Again, the blood-curdling growl issued forth from deep within the pug’s throat– and this time, it sounded like a threat.

Edmund smiled. “Pray do not concern yourself, Lady B. My shoes have survived. Nelson is quite right to be wary of me; I am sure that he only wishes to protect you and Mrs. Pembroke.”

“We have no need to be protected from a fine young gentleman such as yourself, Mr. Templeton. I would like to invite you to tea tomorrow so that you can make friends with Nelson. He is always more relaxed in his own drawing room, sitting on his cushion by the fireside.” Lady Barrington put her head to one side and gave Edmund a smile that was almost coquettish. “Might we prevail on you to accept? Will you be able to squeeze us into your busy social life?”

“I would be absolutely delighted and can scarce wait for the hours to pass till ’tis time to attend.” Edmund gave a small bow. “But now I am afraid I must leave you all, for my parents are expecting me at breakfast. Farewell– until tomorrow.”

“I do believe Mr. Templeton will be heading straight for his bedchamber to catch up with his sleep after he has breakfasted,” Lady Barrington remarked as Edmund strode away. “I wonder how many parties he attended last night; he certainly knows how to enjoy himself. These young men! How they find the stamina I will never know.”

Marianne studied Edmund’s retreating figure. Such confidence! A fleeting frown passed over her features. Was Mr. Edmund Templeton perchance a little too pleased with himself? And did his teasing way of conversation mask a heart of flint? But he had such a handsome countenance, ’twas hard to think ill of him.

Beware, Marianne! Remember your resolve.

Nelson gave a short series of joyful, wheezy yaps and then turned his face to the chill January wind sweeping across from the river and scampered into the distance.

“Marianne, my dear,” Lady Barrington said. “Would you mind chasing after him? I find I cannot keep up with the dog as I used to.”

“Leave it to me, Aunt. I am sure I can catch him.”

Heavens! I have only been here a short time, but I have already lost count of the number of occasions on which I have had to pursue this little rascal. I hope he does not leap from the ha-ha as he attempted yesterday, for ’tis quite a sharp drop.

Marianne felt a little weary too, as the party the night before had not finished until the small hours– but in Lady Barrington’s household, one was expected to rise at the same time every morning– early– no matter what time one had reached one’s bed the night before. Marianne did not mind, though, for the walk was refreshing and would make the coffee and freshly baked rolls waiting for them at Number 4 taste all the sweeter.

Eventually, she caught up with Nelson and scooped him up into her arms. He was quite out of breath, but there was no sign of his former bad temper.

“What is it you do not like about Mr. Templeton, I wonder?” Marianne whispered into his ear.

She carried the dog back to his mistress.

“Thank you, my dear.” Lady Barrington held out her arms. “Come to me, little one.”

Nelson allowed himself to be deposited in Lady Barrington’s arms, and she wrapped him in her fur stole.

“I do hope you are enjoying Bath, Marianne,” Lady Barrington said as they began walking back to her home. “Tell me honestly, what did you think of last night?”

“’Twas incredible,” Marianne enthused. “I have not been to such a large gathering for a long time.”

“I thought that would be the case, for your parents do not have a very active social life. And when your mother and I were growing up, I was always the one wild for company– she was quite shy. I think you take after her, my dear, do you not?”

“Perhaps; I must admit to feeling a little nervous occasionally when I meet new people.”

“We will have to cure you of that– after all, you are here for a purpose.”

Oh, Lord! Not this again. Marianne had endured several talks from her aunt already on the subject of matrimony.

“Yes,” Lady Barrington continued, “you have been languishing long enough in Clifton with your parents, wasting the best years of your life. Now you are here in the heart of Bath, you have the opportunity to mix with the cream of society. Tell me truthfully– did any of the young men you met last night catch your eye? Is there anyone you would wish to see again?”

This was a forthright way to speak, indeed. Perchance Marianne might answer in an equally direct way? Should she say that she did not give any of the single men last night a second glance in case they felt encouraged to woo her? She could not bear to– for if there was one thing she was sure of, it was that she fully intended never to marry again after her previous marriage had been cut short so tragically but a year and a half ago.

Marianne opened her mouth to speak. Then closed her lips again, for what was the point? Her aunt was a determined individual and had already said many times that this was to be the year of Marianne’s second marriage.

“What about Mr. Templeton?” Lady Barrington said. “He has excellent prospects, for he will inherit his father’s title and fortune one day– though, God willing, that will not be for many years. But if Mr. Templeton is not to your taste, no matter, for in truth, he does not seem in a hurry to settle down.”

And I have no wish to remarry. Even if I did, I suspect Mr. Templeton and I would not suit, for I find it hard to think what we might have in common– I am not so green, but I know that his seeming interest this morning was merely the typical flirtatious behavior of a man about town. Doubtless he has scores of ladies lined up who adore him and long for his attentions. They are welcome to him!

“There are many other eligible gentlemen for you to meet in Bath.” Lady Barrington tickled Nelson’s ears. “And now the business of Christmas is over, we can start planning which balls you will attend. I believe you are very fond of music, too?”

“Oh yes. I would adore to go to some concerts. And the theatre, if that is a possibility. I have heard how splendid the Theatre Royal is.”

“Concerts, theatre, balls, dinners, and gatherings– ’twill all be so exciting! And, hopefully, fruitful. I think I might ask a few more people for tea tomorrow. Perhaps Mr. Templeton’s sister, Mrs. Fitzgerald, might be free.”

“Ah, I met her in passing yesterday,” Marianne said. “She was going into Number 3 when I was coming out of your house, and we exchanged a few words. I liked her very much.”

“She has a charming husband– Mr. George Fitzgerald. They married last summer, and I should now call him Doctor Fitzgerald, for he has recently qualified as a medical man. ’Tis so confusing, for his father is also Doctor Fitzgerald and is a very much respected personage in the city; Doctor Fitzgerald senior is my physician and has also attended a few times to treat Nelson.”

“And he did not mind?”

“Mind? Why should he? What do you mean?”

“Oh, I simply meant because Nelson is a dog.” Marianne blushed and hoped she had not caused offense.

“Lord bless you, no! Doctor Fitzgerald senior is a notable animal lover– as is his son. Besides, Doctor Fitzgerald knows how much I dote on Nelson and, as my physician, is always keen to keep Nelson in good health– for if Nelson is ill, then I rapidly become unwell too, such is my affection for my pet.”

Marianne reflected that ’twas good to hear of Lady Barrington’s more sensitive side; generally speaking, she was considered rather a dominant character with a mission to convert all to her way of thinking. Marianne would have to be strong– and courageous– if she was to stick to her plan of remaining unwed.

For I will never marry a second time; I cannot face the agony of loss again.

*

Edmund

Lady Templeton regarded her son quizzically. “Sit down, my dear. How delightful to see you at breakfast; this is indeed a rare occurrence.”

“Good morning, Mama.” Edmund looked down at his evening clothes. “Perhaps I should go upstairs to change first? I seem to have dressed in the wrong attire.”

“You need not try to pretend you have not been out all night. I know your habits.”

Edmund gave a snort of laughter and sat down at the table. A footman moved to fill his coffee cup.

“Thank you,” Edmund said. “Yes, fill it right up if you would be so kind. Ah! ’Tis nice and strong.”

Edmund spread his toast liberally with butter and quince jelly, and wolfed it down appreciatively. Then he accepted a second cup of coffee and flopped backwards in his chair.

“Are you feeling better, my dear?” Lady Templeton smiled. “I remember how proud your father was at your age that he could forgo a night’s sleep to attend social engagements and carry on relatively normally the next day.”

Edmund grinned and helped himself to a large piece of honey cake. “And pray, where is Papa?”

“Your papa was reluctant to rise early this morning. We did not arrive home from Number 4 till the new day was well underway.”

“Ah yes. I have just encountered Lady B on the Crescent Lawn and was thoroughly reprimanded for not attending her twelfth night gathering.”

“Perhaps you should have gone,” Lady Templeton said. “There were many interesting guests, and we all had such fun with no end of music and cards– then we played charades.”

“I will wager that was amusing! Lady B has just introduced me to her niece– and has asked me to take tea with them tomorrow.”

Ah, Mrs. Pembroke with her Titian locks and scintillating green eyes. There is something very special about the lady– Mr. Pembroke is a lucky man. I expect I will meet him when I go to Lady B’s for tea tomorrow.

“Mrs. Pembroke is very good company,” Lady Templeton said. “ We chatted yesterday for quite some time about novels and the theatre. Between you and me, I think she is in Bath to find a husband.”

“She is a widow?”

Now that is interesting! There is no Mr. Pembroke on the scene to object to a flirtation.

“Yes. She was married but a short time, a matter of five months, I believe. Captain Pembroke was killed at Waterloo, along with far too many others.” A tear rolled down Lady Templeton’s cheek. “Oh, I can scarce bear to think of those dreadful times.”

“Pray, do not distress yourself, Mama.” Edmund put his hand across the table and gently stroked his mother’s fingers as she tried to compose herself. “All turned out for the best for Henry in the end, did it not? He is safe with us in Bath again, married to his dear Kitty, and proud father to little Isabella.”

Edmund’s younger brother, Henry, had managed to survive Waterloo under the most extraordinary circumstances in 1815 and had then had a hair-raising adventure returning to England, pursued by his mortal enemy, Lord Steyne. William Carter, Henry’s manservant– and the illegitimate half-brother of Lady Templeton– had saved Henry’s life on more than one occasion. ’Twas most fortunate that Carter had worked for the government as a spy for many years and so possessed special skills of survival.

“We owe dear Carter such a great debt of gratitude,” Lady Templeton whispered. “And though he does not wish us to broadcast the fact to the world, never forget that he is your beloved uncle.”

“Indeed, Mama, we all hold Carter in the highest regard, and he will always take his rightful position when we are en famille . That will never change, whatever the circumstances. But how I long with all my heart for him to be publicly accepted as your brother by the ton .”

“As do I, but timing is critical in these matters, and Carter himself is reluctant to be the cause of any stain upon the family.”

“The ton are but hypocrites! And Carter is worth more than the lot of them. ”

“You are a dear son, Edmund, and I appreciate your loyalty. Now, have another slice of cake and I will tell you more about Mrs. Pembroke. Her aunt is very keen to introduce her to the cream of Bath society and plans she will stay for a good few months, possibly longer.”

“Does the length of her visit depend on whether or not she finds a husband in the city?”

“There is no need to be facetious, Edmund; matrimony is a serious business, and a lady must plan for her future.”

Unmarried– and not looking for flirtation, but a husband. I must be wary! How sick I am of being pursued by young women– aided and abetted by their relatives– all because they want the Templeton title and fortune. So many see me as a gateway to a new life, not as a potential future spouse they can respect; ’tis hard for me to judge who might be genuine.

“I found Mrs. Pembroke to be a woman of good sense and refinement,” Lady Templeton said, “perhaps a little shy, but that is no bad thing. And although her parents have somewhat fallen upon hard times, she is Lady Barrington’s niece and thus part of a well-connected family. ’Twould not be beneath you to marry her. And she is exceedingly pretty– and still quite young– three and twenty, I believe.”

“Mama!” Edmund put his napkin down on the table. “I do wish you would not talk about matrimony as if it were some sort of cold transaction where a man may select a partner according to a woman’s breeding, character, and looks. Does the woman herself have no say?”

“Of course she does! But Edmund, you know where your duty lies.”

“Yes, yes, I know that one day I must choose a bride who will be worthy to become the next Lady Templeton. When that day comes, I will seek advice from you and Papa and then ask for your blessing on our union– but that time is far distant. There is no need to discuss the subject as endlessly as you do. I resent being put under pressure– for I am not yet ready for matrimony.”

Lady Templeton took a sip of coffee and then placed the cup down very firmly on the saucer. “You have been saying this for many moons, and you are now five and twenty. ’Tis high time you settled down. Mrs. Pembroke is a very suitable candidate and would be an honorable addition to our family– but if she does not appeal, then you must look around the ladies of Bath in earnest, or perhaps we should take a trip to London, for your father and I think the time is right... and we both think you should begin to take more interest in learning to manage the Templeton estate, for ’tis wrong to leave all the burden with your papa.”

Edmund closed his eyes and let his mother’s words drift across him, then his head slumped forwards.

Lady Templeton laughed. “Are you really falling asleep?”

“No, of course not.” Edmund gave an exaggerated shake. “I do beg your pardon, Mama. I merely nodded off for a minute due to the immensely tedious nature of the conversation. But on second thought, perchance I should retire to my room, for I feel uncommonly tired.”

Just then the parlor door opened and Lord Templeton appeared.

“Good Lord!” Edmund said. “Papa! You look even more exhausted than I do.”