Chapter Nineteen
Louise and Nathaniel left the private room and found Bessie waiting for them. Richard was with her.
“You were a handsome pair with your masks, but now.” Bessie stroked Nathaniel’s cheek. “Your beard was wonderful. I am partial to beards. I didn’t know the Colonel without one.” She let out a sigh. “But now that you’re clean-shaven, there are no pretenses.”
“I’m not so sure,” Richard added. “I think there was a certain primitiveness about him with all that hair.”
The four of them laughed.
“You both look wonderful. Come. It is time everyone saw you both for who you really are.” Bessie led them deeper into the room.
Louise bit the inside of her cheek. Bessie was definitely an optimist. She, on the other hand, had her doubts about how she, in particular, would be accepted.
The room buzzed with vibrant energy as elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen filled the ballroom. The air sparkled with animated conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. Fashionable pastel dresses adorned with feathers, lace, and jewels were complemented by impeccably tailored suits and uniquely tied cravats.
“Ah, there is someone I’d like to introduce Louise to. Nathaniel, you and Richard will excuse us.” Bessie waited for his response.
Nathaniel didn’t want to leave her side. He enjoyed the way her fingers lingered on his arm. He took her hand and kissed it. “Of course.”
“I shan’t be long,” Louise said, her voice carrying a wistful tone.
Richard handed Nathaniel a glass of champagne from a passing footman. Nathaniel took a sip of champagne and peered over the rim of the glass as his love and Bessie headed toward a group of people across from him.
“There you are.” Nathaniel and Richard turned to find Elinor marching toward him.
Elinor followed his glance and gave Louise a dismissive glare.
“Elinor.” Nathaniel gave her a formal nod.
“I thought you would pay your respects, a condolence visit.”
He said nothing at her admonishment. He was aware that Elinor glanced around the room to determine who noticed them together.
“Now, Elinor. You wouldn’t want to make a scene.” Richard positioned himself in such a way that she couldn’t get any closer to Nathaniel.
Nathaniel let out a breath. Leave it to his cousin to come to his defense.
She ignored Richard and addressed Nathaniel. “Surely, there are things for us to discuss now that I am no longer married. We were very close once. Only steps away from the marriage altar when my father forced me to marry Mountjoy. I fought him at every turn.”
Nathaniel didn’t remember her fighting her father very much at the time. He remained quiet.
“Haven’t you anything to say to me?”
“I’ve made arrangements for you with my solicitor.” Nathaniel’s temper was beginning to boil. “This is not the place to discuss such matters. I’ve instructed him to approach your solicitor with the terms. As far as I’m concerned, the matter can be finalized by tomorrow.”
Elinor’s eyes flared with excitement. She pasted a pleased smile on her lips. “Of course.” She glanced at Bessie and Louise across the room. “I suppose I can understand one last evening with…” Elinor took a longer look at Louise, then back at Nathaniel. “Well, never mind about that. You will excuse me, my lord.” She spun around on her heel and left.
Richard grabbed Nathaniel’s arm. “This is not good.”
“What’s wrong?” Nathaniel gave him a quizzical look.
“She thinks you’re speaking to her solicitor about an arrangement between the two of you. You marrying her, and keeping Louise as your…”
“Marry her?” He looked at Elinor’s retreating back. “Why would she think that?”
“You and her solicitor are making all the plans.”
Nathaniel let out a laugh. “Not at all. I was saved from that hell four years ago. When our engagement was severed, my father made sure I was compensated. Billington was forced to give me a piece of unentailed property. Father chose one that provided an adequate income. I didn’t want any part of it then, and I certainly do not want any part of it now. The last thing I need is her coming to me years from now with questions and demands. I want to be totally free of her. I’ve agreed to sign over the land and all income to her.”
“I don’t think that is what Elinor has in mind.” Richard shook his head. “No, indeed.”
Elinor, fueled byjealousy and the idea that she could control Nathaniel as she had her deceased husband, spotted Bessie and Louise standing alone and decided to take matters into her own hands. She may have let Nathaniel believe she would tolerate him having a mistress and his questionable cousin. There would be only one woman in his life. She pushed past a group of gentlemen standing in front of them.
“I am surprised to see you here, Mrs. Dove-Lyon. I really must insist that you keep your distance from Nathaniel. It’s quite clear that you are trying to separate him from his money in your gambling hell.”
“Oh, Elinor dear, you know you have it all wrong or have you forgotten while you rusticated in that god-forsaken place. Nathaniel and I share a familial connection through my late husband, the Colonel.”
“Be that as it may, I would appreciate it if you refrained from any further contact with him. I am the woman in his life now. You are delusional if anyone as questionable as you will be included in our family.”
Bessie couldn’t help but laugh. “Delusions? Oh, dear, it seems you have a rather vivid imagination. And here I thought you dull and rather stupid. I have no desire to disrupt your relationship with Nathaniel if there was one.”
“Spare me the innocent act. You may have clout and experience, but you have no right to interfere in our lives.”
“Not only do I have clout and experience, but also wisdom and discretion. I would never come between two people who loved each other. I assure you that he does not love you. You showed him your true colors four years ago. Nathaniel is a grown man capable of making his own choices, unlike four years ago, and I trust him to do so now. You are so sure you know him. You do not. He will be true to the one person he does love.” Bessie glanced at Louise. “And who he intends to marry.”
“Louise.” Elinor turned her wrath on to Louise. “The lowly seamstress. You didn’t think I recognized you. You may have his attention for now, but you should know that he is merely toying with your affection. You are nothing more than a passing fancy, a convenient distraction.
“Nathaniel has always belonged to me, and I am certain he will come to his senses soon enough. Do not mistake his momentary infatuation for genuine love. You are nothing more than his mistress, and that title carries no weight in the ton. I would advise you to find another man to fill your time. Nathaniel will inevitably return to where he truly belongs—by my side.”
Louise glanced over Elinor’s shoulder as Nathaniel and Richard approached, the anger evident on Nathaniel’s face. In that moment, the knowledge that he was coming to her defense gave her the confidence to meet Elinor with resolve.
With a wry smile, Louise glanced at the floor, her laughter bubbling up despite the tension in the air. “Your assumptions and accusations are quite amusing, Elinor,” a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “To think that I am merely Nathaniel’s mistress is quite amusing. You underestimate the depth of our connection and the complexity of our relationship.”
She lifted her chin, meeting Elinor’s gaze with steely determination. “I am not some fleeting dalliance, but rather his colleague, his confidant.” Louise’s voice was firm and unwavering. “And whether you choose to believe it or not, our bond goes beyond mere titles and the expectation of the ton.”
Louise’s voice softened, but only slightly, as she continued with a touch of sympathy in her tone. “I would suggest, Elinor, that you focus on introspection rather than casting unfounded accusations.” Louise’s gaze was steady. “Perhaps then you will understand the true nature of love and connection.”
The gentleman Elinor had pushed past turned and faced them. “Well said, Miss Louise.”
Elinor’s eyes widened in surprise as she realized who stood in front of her. With a forced smile, she tried to maintain her composure. “Your Highness.” Elinor curtsied as did Bessie and Louise.
“Lady Elinor.” Prinny greeted her with a warm smile. “I thought the unpleasant voice sounded familiar. It brought back memories of long discussions with Lord Mountjoy prior to your wedding. I remember warning him against you.” His warm smile turned into a cold stare.
“I don’t understand.” Elinor’s confident attitude began to melt.
“No, you don’t. You took Mountjoy for a foolish old man. I told him of your father’s deceitful actions. But he wouldn’t listen. He and I communicated often over the last four years. Before he died, he told me of the missing and squandered funds. Your poor treatment of his son and the parade of… men into the summer house on the estate. It is why you were left with modest funds.”
The Prince Regent turned to Nathaniel who now stood next to him.
“There is no need for you to sign the papers. You owe Lady Elinor nothing. Mountjoy’s son told me of the title transfer,” Prinny said.
“You can’t discourage Nathaniel from marrying me.” Elinor’s demand fell on deaf ears.
“Marry you? Oh, Elinor. Louise and I are to marry.” He went to Louise’s side and took her hand. Staring at her, he continued, “If she will have me.”
Louise’s eyes widened in astonishment, her cheeks flushed. With a graceful nod, she gave her acceptance, a radiant smile spreading across her lips.
Nathaniel turned and faced Elinor. “I have worked with your solicitor to give your family back the land your father gave me in settlement of breaking our engagement. All connections between us are completely severed. I hope we never meet again.”
“If you feel you must give back the land, then so be it.” The Prince Regent turned to Elinor. She took a step back. Prinny’s glare was cold and commanding. “The parcel of land returned to you is near the Scottish border. I see no reason for you to remain in London. I can assure you that no one will receive you.”
Prinny’s anger lifted and was replaced with a warm smile. “Do I make myself clear, my dear? The roads are in good condition for a long trip this time of year. Tomorrow would be the perfect day to start out.”
Prinny offered Bessie his arm and then turned to the others. “Come join me in my private room. I want to hear all about this challenge.”
They walked toward the door, leaving Elinor behind, standing alone.
“I’ve always disliked the Billington chit. Devious and self-serving come to mind.” Prinny turned to Bessie. “Please forgive me for not coming to your rescue sooner.”
Bessie patted his hand. “You were marvelous. You put the finishing touch to the discussion. I think Louise outdid herself.”
Everyone glanced at her.
“Yes, Miss Louise, that was quite the spirited defense you gave against Lady Elinor’s accusations. What emboldened you to speak up in such a manner?” Prinny smiled kindly.
“I’ve learned from the experiences and the challenges that Mrs. Dove-Lyon and Lord St. John prepared.”
“And what is that?”
“The challenges Lord St. John and I undertook taught me that love should be unencumbered by preconceived notions and that the worth of an individual cannot be judged by their station. So when faced with falsehoods and baseless accusations, I found the courage to defend myself because love, respect, and dignity are qualities that can’t be confined by society’s boundaries.”
Prinny tilted his head and nodded. “Admirable, Miss Louise. It seems the challenge has not only brought you and St. John together, you’ve also come away with valuable lessons.”
“And I couldn’t agree more.” Nathaniel held her hand as he declared, “Our journey has shown us that love is the most potent gambit capable of overcoming even the most entrenched cultural traditions.
“Indeed,” Richard joined in, “it’s heartening to witness the strength of true connections, especially in the face of adversity.
“Louise has shown us that love is a force to be reckoned with. And I believe it’s time society recognizes that as well,” Bessie said with pride. “That is why they won the wager.”
“Lord St. John, you have my sincerest congratulations. May you both continue to be guided by the principles you’ve discovered and the love that has blossomed between you. I expect to receive an invitation to the wedding. You must, however, be prepared for the repercussions. One of the things about this society is that gossip is their currency. I will do all that I can to stop tongues from wagging.
“It is with regret that I tell you it will take time for the kind of change you seek. But be patient. You are not the first to protest against society. No, rebellion such as yours is not new. There are the famous, the infamous, and the tried and true among us who fall in love with a person for who and what they are. You both are brave to strike out against the rules. There is change in the air. Great change.”
“I beg your pardon, Your Royal Highness. Your coach has arrived.”
“Very good.” Prinny turned from the footman to the others. “Bessie, I’m glad I could be here. I always enjoy your parties. Richard, the vest you wore at the park, I have no words to describe it. Bright yellow reminds me of Count D’Orsay. He may not be Beau Brummel, but then, no one could be like that man.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Richard smiled and bowed his head.
“Nathaniel and Louise, I take the liberty of addressing you by your given names and ask that this one time, I’m included in your small assembly. I admire your challenge. There are times I wish I, too, could shed the confines of society and be myself. I was sincere before. I expect an invitation to your wedding.”
The Prince Regent took Louise’s hand and kissed it. “Good evening, Louise.” He turned to the men. “Richard, Nathaniel. It was quite enjoyable.” Lastly, he came to Bessie. “Come, Bessie, walk with me to my carriage.”