Love by Secrets (A Romance Novella) Read online

  ***

  “Mia, can you believe it? I’m sure Mr. Preston likes me,” Emily said. She had memorized the note she had found, and recited it to her friend.

  Mia’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my,” she exclaimed. “I’ve never gotten a love letter before. When did he give it to you?”

  “I don’t know. I found it in my reticule after the ball. I never saw him put it there,” Emily explained.

  “Really? Are you sure it’s from Mr. Preston?”

  “Who else could it be from? Mr. Preston and I danced the last dance together. I’m sure it’s from him.”

  “Perhaps you are right. I had a lovely dance with Mr. Giles. Did you see him?” Mia asked. “He seems like such a considerate man.”

  “Do you like him?”

  “I don’t know if I would go that far, but he was nice. I cannot be too choosey if a marriage proposal is presented this season.”

  “Oh, Mia, why do you say such things?” Emily patted her friend’s arm. “Any man would be lucky to have you as a wife.”

  “No, it is the truth. I am not blind when I look in the mirror. I know I am plain. Plain, brown hair. Plain, brown eyes. I see it. I am not blessed with beauty such as yours. I have no doubt you’ll have suitors knocking on your door in no time. It would appear one has already started.”

  “I hope so, but I will have to be patient and see what happens next. I certainly cannot ask Mr. Preston about the note.”

  “No, you mustn’t show too much interest; but how exciting it must be. I so hope that I receive a proposal this season.” Mia sighed. “It will help tremendously for Papa to have one less mouth to feed. It will be a few years yet before Ann and Sarah will be old enough to be presented to society. It is difficult having three daughters to worry about. He has never said so, but I believe he was sorely disappointed last season when I did not receive a marriage proposal.”

  “I want to marry for love,” Emily said. “Don’t you want to be in love with your husband?”

  “I hope that will be the case, but I will certainly be happy with a gentle and considerate man.”

  “Well, then, I hope your wish is granted very soon indeed. You deserve nothing less. When you receive your proposal, it would be my pleasure to help embroider your wedding dress.”

  Mia reached over and squeezed Emily’s hand. “Oh, you are such a dear friend. Thank you. You will be the first to know; after Papa and Mama, of course.”

  “Of course,” Emily said with a giggle.

  The two young women continued to talk in whispers about gentlemen, love, and marriage for the next twenty minutes.

  “I afraid I must be heading home.” Emily gave her friend a quick squeeze. “I’ll see you at the ball Saturday next. Hopefully, Mr. Preston and Mr. Giles will appear to sweep us off our feet.”

  “That will be lovely indeed. Good bye.”

  Emily and Nesmith set a leisurely pace back to the Stanton home. “I can hardly wait until the next ball. Nesmith, what dress shall I wear?”

  “Whichever one you choose, you will look lovely. I have no doubt about that,” Nesmith responded.

  A smile spread on Emily’s lips. “Oh, Nesmith, whatever will I do without you?”

  “Emily, when you marry, you will have your own Lady’s Maid to help you.”

  “I know, but it won’t be the same. She won’t be you.” She linked her arm with Nesmith and chatted amicably as they continued their journey home.

  Chapter 4

  Ethan Richardson had left the Stanton home and headed directly over to visit with his aunt. He stood by the fireplace in the Tisbury parlor waiting for her to appear. Something bad must have happened to his cousin Colby recently, or there would have been no summons and certainly not at a ball.

  It wasn’t long before Lady Tisbury entered the parlor. Ethan walked over to her, leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Aunt Mary, what has happened. You sounded concerned last night?”

  “Thank you for coming around today, Ethan. I’m so worried about Colby. He didn’t make an appearance at the ball last night, and he has not come home yet today.”

  Ethan shifted uncomfortably. “Perhaps, uh, he has business to attend to, Ma’am.”

  Mary vigorously shook her head from side to side. “You always think the best of your cousin. However, I’m afraid this time his gambling may be getting out of hand. Many may think so, but I am not blind to my son’s failings.”

  “What would you have me do?”

  “Go find him and talk to him. He doesn’t listen to his father anymore. Perhaps he will listen to you. You have always been the epitome of reason.”

  “Of course; it will be my pleasure. I will see to it immediately. Good day, Aunt Mary.” Ethan kissed his aunt and left her London home. He did not relish searching for his cousin, but he’d made a promise to his aunt. He would do his best, and could only hope it would be enough.

  It took nearly three hours for Ethan to locate Colby. He was in the seediest part of London, not in his usual haunts. Ethan could only guess that his cousin’s credit had been cut off in the other gambling parlors. There was no other reason for him to be in this part of the city.

  He took a deep breath and walked inside the gambling parlor. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkened interior. He spotted his cousin near the back of the room. He strode over to the table where Colby was playing cards with four hard-looking men. Colby’s eyes were bloodshot. His jacket was flung over the back of his chair, and his shirt collar was open.

  “Colby, there you are, my good man.”

  Colby looked up from his cards at the sound of a familiar voice. “Ethan, fancy meeting you in these parts. Have you come around looking to join us?”

  “No, I’ve actually come looking for you. I have a business proposal that we must discuss.”

  Colby threw his cards on the table. “Well, you heard my cousin, gents. I’m needed for business.” He stood, and turned to retrieve his jacket, but before he could, a hand reached out and grabbed his forearm.

  “Not so fast. Pay up before you leave,” the man said.

  Colby pushed the coins in front of his place at the table into the center of the table. “This will have to do until I return this evening.”

  The other three men stood quickly and two of the chairs clattered to the floor. “It doesn’t work that way down here. Pay up now,” the man said who still had a hold of Colby.

  Before the scene could turn ugly, Ethan reached under his waistcoat, and threw his money purse on the table. His eyes hardened. “That will be more than enough to cover his debts. Let’s go, Colby.”

  Colby shook the man’s hand off his arm, slipped on his jacket and headed for the door. He called over his shoulder. “It’s been a pleasure, gentlemen.”

  Once outside, Colby slapped Ethan on the back. “Thanks for handling that. Always could count on you, cousin.”

  Ethan frowned at his cousin’s jovial attitude. “Colby, you’ve got…”

  “Yes, I know. Enough about it for now.”

  Ethan did not want to lecture his cousin while they stood out in the street. He was relieved that he had gotten Colby out of the gambling house without incident. He could only proceed one step at a time when it came to his free-spirited cousin.

  Chapter 5

  The musicians played the last note, and the floor cleared. Emily stood at the outer edge of the dance floor with Mia. Her hands smoothed down her dress, more to cover her frustration than for any perceived wrinkles. She had been waiting for Mr. Preston to appear. He had put his name on her dance card earlier in the evening for a quadrille, but he was nowhere in sight.

  “Mia, I’m so confused. What have I done?”

  Mia glanced at her friend. “What are you talking about?”

  “I don’t see Mr. Preston anywhere.”

  “Emily, stop worrying. You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s silly of you to think such things.” Mia tilted her head slightly to the right. “See, I told you. H
ere comes Mr. Preston now.”

  Both Connor and Ethan walked up to the two friends and bowed. “Miss Stanton, I believe our dance is the next one to be announced,” Connor said.

  “Yes, I’d be delighted.” Emily stepped forward a little too quickly. She glanced down at the floor to hide her embarrassment.

  Connor chuckled and held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”

  Emily hugged her friend goodbye. “Good night. I shall see you soon.” She turned back to Mr. Preston, and placed her hand on his arm. They made their way to the dance floor.

  Ethan watched Emily leave with Connor before turning toward Mia. “May I bring you some punch, Miss Gardner?”

  “No, thank you. I will be joining my parents momentarily, and we will be leaving,” she said.

  Ethan gave Mia a bow. “Good night then, Miss Gardner.”

  Mia curtsied. “Good night, Mr. Richardson.”

  Out on the dance floor, Emily’s eyes locked on Connor as they moved toward each other. Their hands touched, and they circled one other. “I thought you forgot about our dance tonight,” she whispered.

  Connor leaned in. “Come out on the balcony with me when the dance ends.”

  Before Emily had a chance to answer, they parted.

  When the music faded, and the dance came to an end, Connor moved off the dance floor. Emily followed. He led her out onto the balcony, into the cool, night air. “So nice to get some fresh air. It’s gets stuffy in there, don’t you agree, Miss Stanton?”

  Emily could hardly contain her excitement. She had never been alone with a man before. Though she was thrilled, she was quite nervous as well. It was not proper for her to be alone with Mr. Preston. “Yes, I guess so.” She shivered. She didn’t know if it was because of the night air, or the man standing beside her. “Mr. Preston, I don’t think we…”

  Connor took a step closer, put his hand under her chin, and raised it up. His lips meet hers for a gentle kiss. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. You will forgive me for being so forward, won’t you, Miss Stanton?”

  Emily inhaled sharply. She didn’t know what to say. A young lady should not be alone with a gentleman, especially if they were not betrothed; but the feel of Connor’s lips on hers made sense fly out of her mind. His lips were sweet, and the kiss was as soft as a feather.

  This was all so new to her. When Connor kissed her, a fire started in her belly that she had never felt before. She wanted more of his kisses. To feel those lips against hers was all she could think of. Was this what it felt like to be in love? It was the most wondrous feeling. It all made sense now – all those love poems she’d read over the years. None of those poems, however, could match the intensity of her desire for Mr. Preston at the moment.

  “Uh, of course I forgive you; but, Mr. Preston, we must go back inside before someone sees us out here.”

  “Oh, there you are,” came a voice from the balcony doorway.

  Emily’s head whipped around. She saw Ethan standing at the door. She took a step away from Mr. Preston. A scarlet flush raced up her neck, and reached her cheeks. Dread replaced the fire in her belly. She had been caught alone in the company of a man who was not a relative. Her reputation could be ruined with a whisper. “Mr. Richardson,” she stuttered. “We were, uh, getting some air.”

  Ethan stared hard at Connor before returning his attention to Emily. His eyes softened. “I believe this is my scheduled dance, Miss Stanton. Shall we?” He held out his arm. Emily quickly closed the distance between them, placed her hand on his arm, and let Mr. Richardson escort her back inside.

  She said a silent prayer that Mr. Richardson didn’t say anything more about her being outside with Mr. Preston. She breathed a sigh of relief, and the knot inside her eased. As much as she tried not to, she stole a glance over her shoulder. Mr. Preston nodded at her. It sent another thrill coursing through her body.

  The couples lined up, Mr. Richardson stood opposite her, and the music began. Much to her relief, Ethan seemed to be enjoying their dance together. She noticed tonight that he was not as shy around her as he had been at previous balls. He was a kind and considerate man. Mia’s words echoed in her mind. Try as she might, she didn’t think she could agree to marry someone for kindness alone.

  Later that evening, when she was alone in her bedroom, Emily searched her reticule and found another love letter. Tears of joy leaked from her eyes.

  She was his ‘bright star.’ She thought she’d burst with joy. She had never been so happy. It would only be a matter of time before she and Papa had a visitor. “Mr. Preston,” she whispered, “I love you, too.”

  Chapter 6

  Connor looked up with the knocking at the door. “Enter.”

  The butler opened the door and walked in. “This letter was just delivered for you, sir.”

  “Thank you, Chesterfield.” He took the letter from the tray. “I’ll call you if there is a reply. That’s all for now.”

  “Very good, sir.” Chesterfield retreated and closed the door softly on his way out.

  Connor opened the seal on the letter. “Now, let’s see if your per annum is as sweet as your lips, Miss Stanton,” he murmured to himself.

  He quickly read the report before refolding it. He put it in his jacket pocket, left his study, and hurried out to the stables.

  “Callum, please saddle the stallion.”

  “Right away, sir,” the groomsman replied.

  ***

  Emily sat in the chapel, delighted to be among the guests invited to share in the joy of the happy couple being married today. For the past few weeks, she had been helping Mia add intricate embroidery and ribbons to her prettiest dress. She remembered fondly the day Mia told her of the marriage proposal.

  The young women had been sitting in the sunroom of the Stantons’ home, enjoying tea and talking about the latest balls.

  Mia was beaming. “Em, I’ve the most happy news to share. Mr. Giles has proposed!”

  Emily nearly dropped her teacup. “Really? The season has only begun.”

  “Indeed. Isn’t it wonderful? I am beside myself with happiness.”

  Emily put her cup down and hugged her friend. “Oh yes, that’s the most wonderful news. When will you marry?”

  “In a mere four weeks after the banns have been read. Mr. Giles does not want a long engagement. I am thrilled, and cannot wait to have my own home. I have become very fond of Mr. Giles. He has visited our home a number of times.”

  “He has? You’ve not mentioned it to me.” A flair of jealousy coursed through Emily. She never would have thought that Mia would marry before she had received her own proposal. She quickly squashed that unkind thought. She truly wanted only the best for her dearest friend. If Mia was happy, then she would be too.

  “I was afraid it was a only dream, but yesterday he asked to speak with me alone. I could hardly believe my good fortune when he proposed. Of course I said yes immediately. He then went to talk with my father, and we are officially engaged.”

  “Which dress will you wear?”

  Mia wrung her hands together. “I don’t know. None seem pretty enough for a wedding.”

  “Nonsense, pick your favorite dress, and I’ll help you with the embroidery. We can work every day, and it will be finished in time. I also have some lace and ribbon that will be perfect for it. It will be the most beautiful dress any bride has ever worn on her special day,” Emily said.

  Mia looked at her friend, her eyes welling with tears. “Thank you, Emily. What would I do without you? Thank you so much for your kindness.”

  ***

  “Emily, stop daydreaming.” Mrs. Stanton whispered in her daughter’s ear.

  Emily’s mind snapped back to the present. “Sorry, Mama. I was only thinking about how beautiful Mia looks today.”

  “Yes, she does. I have never seen her look so happy. Mr. Giles is a perfect match for her.”

  “Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded Husband…” the minister recited.

>   ***

  Two months later, Emily sat at her desk in her bedchamber, penning a letter.

  My dearest Mia,

  I find myself quite anxious these days. I couldn’t wait until our next visit to speak of this. I would like your wise counsel on this delicate matter as soon as you are able to write to me. Mr. Preston has slipped me several lovely notes, one at each ball these past months, but he has only come to see me once, and he was with Mr. Richardson that particular time. I have no experience in the ways of courtship, and thus turn to you, my dearest friend. How many times did Mr. Giles visit you before he spoke of marriage?

  I am quite in love with Mr. Preston. How long must I suffer this unbearable wait before he speaks to either me or Papa? I so hope to have a wedding as beautiful as yours very soon myself. I am anxiously awaiting your reply.

  In loving friendship,

  Emily

  She blew on the ink, making sure it was dry before she folded the paper and applied her seal. She got up from her desk, and started down the stairs. “Mrs. Jannell?” she called when she reached the bottom.

  “In here, Miss Stanton,” Mrs. Jannell replied from the dining room. She was choosing the table linens for the evening meal when Emily found her. “What do you need?”

  Emily handed her the letter. “Please have Joseph take this letter straight away to Mia; I mean, Mrs. Giles.”

  “Of course, right away. Would you like some tea? The kettle is hot.”

  “Yes, thank you; that would be lovely. I’ll be in the parlor.” Emily made her way to the parlor and picked up her embroidery hoop, but her mind was racing with thoughts of Connor. She had flutters inside when she thought of him. Would he come today to visit her? What was he waiting for? That stolen kiss on the balcony was so unexpected and yet, magical at the same time. Surely that meant that he had feelings for her, but when would he propose marriage? Why wasn’t he as prompt as Mr. Giles?

  Thinking about Mr. Giles, she was thankful that his home with Mia was not too far into the countryside. Joseph should deliver the letter before nightfall. Emily missed her so much, but she couldn’t be happier for her.