Historical Romance: An Unexpected Duke’s Invitation A Preview To Love A Lord of London Regency Romance

chapter 1

*   *   *

London, 1823

Bedfordshire, England

Amy Ott tapped her fingers against the porcelain cup in her hand and sat perfectly still. Across from her, sitting just as still, was Jane Croftman. The girl’s smile didn’t reach her dark brown eyes, but it was obvious she was trying to be pleasant... unlike Jane’s older sister.

Catherine Croftman, a beauty with the same dark eyes and hair to match Jane’s, parted her lips with a tiny laugh. I’m sure you’ll have better luck at this year’s season than I had at last year’s... After all, who could resist your dowry?

Amy watched her cousin, Christa Eaton, stiffen next to her, and Amy fought the smile that wanted to bloom. To make sure no one saw the joy on her face, she brought her tea up to her mouth and pretended to drink the cool liquid. The compliment had not been a compliment at all, rather an insult to Christa’s beauty. Across from Amy, she watched as Jane did the same. The two girls had twinkles in their eyes, glad that Christa had been put down—because after all, she’d started it.

Christa Eaton, the daughter of the Duke of Hensman, was rich, pretty, and the meanest person Amy had ever met. Amy hated that they were related, especially at this moment. Christa had forced Amy to accompany her on a walk to Anglebrook so that Christa could introduce her to her ‘friends’. It was obvious now that Christa used the word ‘friend’ very loosely.

The friends she spoke of were Miss Catherine and Jane Croftman, daughters of a wealthy land gentry. They actually had more money than Christa’s father, the Duke of Hensman, but to many of their privileged peers, like Christa, that did not matter. Money or not, the Croftman girls, along with their elder brother, struggled in society and Christa had made it her business to ensure that they knew it.

Which brought Amy’s mind back to the matter at hand. Catherine’s insult had only come after Christa had commented on Catherine’s failed seasons. She’d had two so far and would be entering her third this spring.

Christa cleared her throat and looked out the window at the far end of the yellow stateroom. Anglebrook Manor was something to behold, and the girl lucky enough to marry Joseph Croftman, their brother, would gain it all—yet another reason Christa was here. The cool weather is heavenly outside. Are your father and brother hunting this morning? It was her way of asking if Joseph was around.

Catherine narrowed her eyes, and once again, Amy didn’t blame her. It seemed hypocritical that Christa would put down the sisters of the man whom she wished to marry. I haven’t the slightest idea, Christa. However, you’re more than welcome to take a stroll through our woods. If my Joseph does have a rifle in his hand, you’re sure to encounter him one way or another. By a stray bullet perhaps.

Amy choked on her tea.

Christa gasped.

Jane stood. Amy, why don’t you and I go out for some fresh air? Her smile was genuine now but had nothing to do with the thought of air. She struggled  not to laugh.

Amy stood. Wonderful idea, Jane. She turned to Christa, If you’ll excuse me.

Christa didn’t even look away from Catherine as she waved Amy away.

The two ladies left the yellow room and fell into a fit of giggles as they rushed down the hall. Servants with bedding and other linens in their hands skirted around the girls as they moved toward their destination.

And where are you two heading off to?

The voice belonged to Levi Smith, the Duke of Hensman’s assistant. The young man was handsome. Blonde with pale blue eyes. Though everyone agreed he took life much too seriously, rarely smiling.

Jane said, Mr. Smith. I didn’t know you were here.

He turned his head to Jane, I’m here to see your brother about a business matter.

Of course, Amy said with a smile.

He cocked his head to her as well. Then he looked at Jane, I hope you’re keeping Miss Ott out of trouble?

Jane blew a breath. Her brown eyes twinkled like stars. What’s a day without a little fun?

Levi’s frown deepened, Just don’t have Miss Ott embarrass her uncle.

I won’t, Amy promised.

He stared at her, and Amy saw his glimpse of concern.

Amy said again, We’ll be fine.

See that you are. And then he left.

As the girls walked through the foyer, Jane sighed, You’d think he were Hensman’s own son the way he goes on and on about the man. Like you could do something to ruin the rake’s reputation anymore than it already is.

Amy smiled to herself. Jane was just as bold in her thoughts as her sister. 

Outside, it was a moment before either girl could catch their breath.

Jane’s dark eyes turned to Amy as they moved through the grass. The air was brisk, and their boots made a cracking sound against the frozen grass. Amy could see Jane’s breath as she spoke, I’m very glad not to be Christa at the moment.

Amy grinned as she wrapped her coat tighter around her neck. I was thinking the same thing earlier in the room. Christa had it coming.

Jane shook her head as she looked off into the distance. I don’t know why people continue to challenge Catherine. She’s the tongue of a viper.

Amy had never heard truer words. At the age of twenty, Amy had never in her life encountered a woman with a sharper tongue than Catherine. She smiled at Jane, thinking how much she liked the girl. She’d only known the Croftmans for two weeks, but she counted Jane as a friend and hoped Jane saw her the same way. Your sister is beautiful. Why isn’t she married?  Amy had never been to a season before and feared that if a leggy beauty like Catherine could fail with all her money behind her, than the ward of the duke surely had no chance.

Jane’s dark eyes looked at Amy before turning away. You mean besides her persistence on being the last to speak? She shook her head. Catherine doesn’t believe any man in London is good enough for her, titled or not. She really is more intelligent than every man who’s asked for her hand.

Amy thought about that as they wandered further from the house.

Jane continued, But don’t worry about Catherine. She’ll be twenty-five next year, and then she’s sure to marry.

Amy was confused. Why do you say so?

Jane smiled with knowing eyes, You’ll find out soon enough.

Amy stared at Jane, wanting to ask more questions, but decided not to push.