Starry Nights, Scandal, and a Fiery Lady (Preview)

Chapter One

Annabelle

Lady Annabelle Elizabeth Fitzroy, daughter of the Duke of Cumberland, smiled at her best friend and cousin and led the young, delicate woman to a small tree for shade. 

“Oh, thank goodness,” Margaret breathed, checking over her green dress, custom golden lace detailing on the bottom, making her stand out among the rest of the crowd. “Lady Marina’s Garden is beautiful, but the day is so hot.”

London season had only just begun, but the days were long and much too warm to roam around a garden without at least a parasol for protection, but Annabelle had been stubborn enough not to bring one. 

Annabelle looked to her cousin, Lady Margaret Emily Wentworth, and saw her spread her fan across her face, hiding what she was certain was the cheekiness of a soft laughter. She knew she deserved it, but she narrowed her eyes just the same.

“I am sorry, cousin, but I did warn you about the parasol.” She removed the fan, but her cheeks were still slightly red with amusement.” Margaret shared a winning smile.

“Nonsense,” Annabelle said, but she was amused with herself as well. “I must insist on a few new parasols for the season if it’s meant to be this hot. I simply could not find a single one which would complement this dress, which was perfect to start the season.” She made to flip her long, dark hair, some dangling down from a loose bun. 

“I will agree with you on that,” offered Margaret. “I have seen no less than three gentlemen stunned by your looks and even more jealous stares from the ladies.” 

Annabelle wasn’t quite like the other members of the ton. She preferred to take risks with her fashion, especially at the beginning and end of the season. That was when she would be most memorable. Considering she was not spoken for in any way but no longer felt as if love was the way to go, she might as well have fun with it all. 

But her focus right now was solely on helping her cousin. Margaret was a gorgeous but timid little thing. More than a head shorter, with feminine and dainty features, plain dark hair she pulled into a severely plain bun, and her eyes were often more on books than on men, Annabelle had a fear for her cousin. One that could cause irrevocable harm to the reputation of their families and her most beloved friend. 

Modesty was often prized by many men, but taken as far as shyness, it could, in fact, chase the best of men away. And she was not keen to see her flesh and blood married off to the dregs at the end of a season. 

So, her cousin needed a little helping in the ways of society. Annabelle had no problem showing her just how to talk to men and attract them. She would not ever be like Annabelle herself, sometimes prone to drawing rumors her way, but she could easily have a man of her choosing who would care for her and treat her kindly. Perhaps marrying at or even above her station. 

“Oh, I am sure they do look,” Annabelle noted. “But why do we not use that to turn the focus onto you?” Annabelle teases her cousin with her own handkerchief, flopping it toward Margaret. 

Margaret batted at it, her cheeks warming with more than the sun. “I should have known you had other motives for being away from the others.” Margaret’s tone was temporarily sore. 

“Oh, come, do not be so sore over it. You and I both know you need to be able to communicate with the rest of the ton this season. It is your second one, and would it not be advantageous to lock a gentleman down now rather than compete against younger and younger females?” Annabelle argued, her face severe between the tone of her voice and the sun peaking in and out of the canopy of the small tree. 

Margaret pursed her lips but gave a nod, sighing. “I know you are right. I just hate trying to figure out all the subtexts. I am not like you.”

“Of course you are not. You are Margaret, and that is just fine.” Annabelle smiled warmly. “You simply need to know how to present yourself. Now, you must know how to catch the attention of the best of men, but also how to flirt once you have it.”

“Must I flirt?”

Annabelle could not help herself as she placed her hand over her stomach, a giggle escaping her throat. Margaret had always been into her music and literature. She had a strong and brilliant head on her shoulders, but few outside their families were aware of it. 

“Yes, even if just a little. And it can be easy. Some of it starts with what you wear. For instance…”

Annabelle dropped her handkerchief on the ground and meant to pick it up herself, not noticing a gentleman was walking by from the left. As she swept down to grab it, another hand nearly met her own. She stood up dramatically, her hand touching her chest. Well, she could not have planned it better herself. 

“Here you are, Lady Annabelle.” 

She squinted against the light to see the man was the son of Earl Weston Sutton, Lord Collin. She smiled coyly at him and took the handkerchief back, bowing to him. “Thank you, Lord Collin. I did not see you around. I appreciate you coming to my rescue.”

His eyes darted unabashedly over her, and while Anabelle loved this for the sake of teaching, she was not at all interested in the lord. Not for herself or Margaret. Annabelle took her handkerchief and twisted it around her left hand. The only polite signal she knew was to get him to go quickly so she could continue her lesson. 

“You are most welcome.” He bowed to them both and then walked away, back toward where most of the partygoers gathered around tables with tea and cakes. 

“Oh goodness, that dress of yours is like magic,” Margaret teased. 

“In a way. I have a very good stay as well, low lines at the chest, and sometimes you can throw in a broach to accentuate your assets.”

“Annabelle,” Margaret hissed under her breath. “Nearly scandalous.”

“Ah, but only nearly.” Annabelle looked out into the crowd, wondering if once they were finished there was a proper gentleman with which to practice on. She grinned as she spotted Sir Edward Montgomery. He may have been a Baronet, but quite a wealthy and well-respected one. He enjoyed reading just as much as Margaret and Annabelle had secretly believed for some time he had at least a vague interest in her cousin. 

Though he was not alone. There was a man she did not immediately recognize standing next to the Baronet. 

The man’s hair was a dark blonde and well-styled with a side parting. His jaw was finely chiseled. He had an oddly cold look about him, but it was not in Annabelle to judge so easily. He could be just as shy as her own cousin. 

She turned back to Margaret, meaning to make her point before she took her on a test of sorts. She would make a match yet!

“Look, it may be a little too scandalous for you, however, there is always the handkerchief, which is the other thing I meant to show you. Handkerchief, pearls, parasol, fan, they can all send a message.”

“Yes, I do remember those relentless lessons from my mother and elder sister,” Margaret admitted. “Does this not mean I want a kiss?” she asked, placing the closed end of her fan against her lips.

“Yes! Very good. Let me remind you of a couple of choice moves.”

Annabelle came alive as she showed Margaret the many ways she could devastate a man into falling for her, including how to talk with him. 

“Now, we are about to try this. I want you to remember at most how you must maintain his interest.”

Margaret interrupted, her head nodding in remembrance. “I need to relate to men almost in the way they relate to each other. Show interest in gentlemanly topics, but only know what is necessary. I guess it is a good thing I read so much.”

“It is quite a good thing. Plenty of great men love a well-read woman,” Annabelle complimented. “Okay, I see the perfect opportunity. Sir Edward is coming near and he has a friend along with him. Let us go say hello.”

Annabelle did not give her cousin time to freeze up or deny the chance, only lifted her skirts in case of grass and mud and then let them fall smoothed out once out from under the tree. 

Either Margaret would stay under the canopy cover all alone or be forced to follow. Annabelle approached Sir Edward with a friendly demeanor, glad when Margaret soon caught up. Annabelle was sure to hold back with her own flirtations, as this was all about Margaret.

“Sir Edward!” Annabelle exclaimed, her eyes bright but making sure she was a step back further than Margaret. “We are so pleased to see you here. We were just going to tell Lady Marina how lovely her gardens are this year for the party when we saw you. My cousin asked to say hello and find out who your guest is.”

Annabelle gave a neatly imperceptible nod to Margaret, who was using her fan as more of something to fidget with rather than flirt. She hoped with her help and Sir Edward’s reputation of being both kind and well-read she could pull her cousin out of her dangerously lonely shell. 

“How thoughtful of you, Lady Margaret,” Edward said with a little bow of his head, his eyes locking onto Margaret. 

Yes, that’s it! Annabelle thought. Something was in its infancy between Edward and Margaret, exactly as it should be. 

Margaret was slow and careful with her words, but surely Edward knew of her shyness. Annabelle was waiting to see his reaction. 

“It has been so hot, but well worth the visit. We were going to thank her and leave, but I could not in good conscience retire to my home without saying a few words to you, Sir Edward, and learning who this friend of yours is.”

Margaret brilliantly opened her fan in her left hand, a gesture of openness to flirtations and conversation from the men. Her nerves were more than obvious, but both men were paying plenty of attention to her despite Annabelle’s fashion statements and status. 

This was perfect. 

“Of course. This is Lord William Alexander Channing, Viscount of Ashbourne. He is a great friend of mine.” The Viscount bowed in respect, and Annabelle nearly gasped as she took the time to notice his striking blue eyes, but just as from far away, they appeared to be so cold. And he had yet to say a word. Either of these men could be a match for marriage. Perhaps the Viscount was odd for a man of his status, not liking all the ins and outs of the London season. There were some that way. As long as he was a gentleman, he could still do well for Margaret, especially with her own shyness.

“Lord William, I want you to meet Lady Annabelle Fitzroy and Lady Margaret Wentworth.” Edward gestured to both of the ladies, and while Annabelle was determined to hold back any charm beyond laying it on thick for her cousin rather than herself, she couldn’t help but keep sparing glances over Lord William’s form. 

It was so rare she met new members of the ton anymore. Her father being the duke meant she often knew everyone. Perhaps Lord William had recently inherited in the passing of his father. The surname seemed familiar enough. Perhaps his father had not been a memorable man, but she felt sure even without a voice to put with his face she would not be forgetting his air of importance and striking masculine appearance. Even if she did not mean to have more than the interactions necessary to procure her cousin an advantageous and safe marriage. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Margaret spoke up. 

“Of course, I am sure the pleasure is theirs. My cousin is perhaps the loveliest of us out this season, is she not?” Margaret blushed, but Annabelle was elated when Margaret did not turn and chastise her for the praise. And in fact, Sir Edward and Lord William both nodded in agreement with the compliment.

“I have always found Lady Margaret to be handsome.” 

Margaret’s blush was perfect, an appropriate moment. She used the fan for a moment of modesty. 

“And I do believe well read. I have seen you many a time with your head buried in a book,” Edward commented. 

Lord William finally spoke up, and Annabelle was thankful to him as he caught on to what she was doing. “I love to hear of ladies in the ton who enjoy reading. I find it hard at times to relate to females, even as lovely as they are, when we sometimes have nothing in common.” He chuckled, though it was a dark sort of sound. 

Annabelle joined in with a light giggle of her own. Margaret smiled and opened her fan to the left once more and fanned herself. Oh, it was so hot. She hated the feel of sweat on her brow, but it would be well worth it if a courtship came of this. 

“I would agree with you. I enjoy understanding one another, I admit,” Margaret said in that soft voice of hers. All the praise was opening her up, her body relaxing.

“Good,” Annabelle observed. This was another positive development with her cousin, relaxing more in social settings. Anabelle then directed a question to Sir Edward to continue the smooth rhythm of the conversation.

“Have you read anything to your liking as of late, Sir Edward? I have also often seen you with books. I hear you have quite the library in your home?”

Edward practically lit up at the way the conversation was going. “I find myself enjoying some of the writings of the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. I’ll admit he can be a little gloomy at times. But he has some important insights. I do not wish to bore you, though. I am sure you enjoy more lighthearted subjects.” 

Edward laughed, dimples Annabelle did not expect appearing on either side of his well-groomed mustache. Something Annabelle had always admired about the man was his fashion sense and how well put-together he always was. He would make quite the handsome groom for marriage to Margaret, even with their noticeable size difference.

“Oh, while I do enjoy learning about horses as I love them and art books, I have read some of The World as Will and Representation,” Margaret admitted.

Annabelle held back a smirk. She couldn’t have planned this quite so well. They read the same book. She did not like philosophy so much and knew little about what they referred to, but she knew it was nearly time to make her exit so they could have a moment with each other. 

“Oh, that is surprising, pleasantly so,” Edward mentioned.

“Oh, Margaret is such a great Richter as well. We often read together, and her memory is uncanny,” Annabelle added.

Margaret began to spout off something from the book Annabelle assumed was the one in which the two were both interested. Internally, she was cheering for her cousin. 

“What is knowledge? It is primarily and essentially an idea. What is an idea? A very complicated physiological process in the brain of an animal, the result of which is the consciousness of a picture there. Clearly, the relation between such a picture and something entirely different from the animal in whose brain it exists can only be a very indirect one. This is perhaps the simplest and most comprehensible way of disclosing the deep gulf between the ideal and the real.”

Even Lord William looked impressed. Annabelle clapped lightly with her gloves before placing her hand gently on Margaret’s shoulder. “I am so sorry for the slight interruption, but I am thirsty. Would you like me to get you a drink as well, cousin?”

Margaret gave a nod. 

Annabelle looked up at Edward with a soft smile, hoping though he was smart, he could not see beyond this being a simple request. “Could you keep my cousin company while I do so?”

Edward seemed to stand up straighter. “Yes, Lady Annabelle. Of course. I was just hoping she could tell me more about her knowledge of horses. As you both know, riding is one of my favorite pastimes.”

Annabelle curtsied and walked away to find refreshments, though she meant to make her absence last as long as possible. Margaret was doing so well. Even if she herself was ready to be back at home and out of the relentless sun, she had to allow Margaret to see this through.

As Annabelle leaned a little on the table, getting herself a lemonade, she was grateful for the ability to quench her thirst. She tried not to make inappropriate sounds of relief as she sipped at the liquid and watched her cousin from afar. 

Soon, Lady Marina herself came forward for a refreshment. Her hair was in loose red curls, her dress a vibrant yellow that only she could pull off. Despite her more advanced years, only recently a widow, Annabelle could not see many signs of aging. 

“Lady Annabelle, I am so happy you and your cousin were able to make it. Where is Lady Margaret?” she asked politely, searching the crowd, though the light and her parasol likely blocked the way.

Annabelle pointed discreetly. “I have set up a conversation with her and Sir Edward. He also introduced us to Lord William, a Viscount.” She nodded that way. 

“Oh,” Lady Marina startled for a moment. “I am surprised to see Lady Margaret getting on so well. You have done an excellent job. I could see her paired with Sir Edward easily. They both love to read, and he is so kind.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Annabelle agreed, sipping more lemonade until it was gone. She turned to grab two more, knowing she would soon have to take them over. There would be no excuse for taking much longer than a diversion to thank Lady Marina would allow. 

“And thank you so much for the invitation to this. Your garden is rarely outmatched.”

“Why, thank you, Lady Annabelle. It means a lot coming from your lips. I just wish it was not so warm this early in the season. Oh, I see Sir Henry Collier, I must bid you farewell.” 

“Good luck,” Annabelle said, following the path Lady Marina took with her eyes. Sir Henry was a widower. What a match that would be. 

Annabelle then turned back to where she had left her cousin, meaning to take the glasses over to them, and found that Lord William was only a few feet away and headed in her direction. Although it might not be entirely appropriate while being out of character for her, her pulse began to quicken as Lord William grew nearer still. He carried himself like a man of strength, coolness and most enigmatic.

He approached and greeted her. “Lady Annabelle, I came to see if you could use some help with the drinks.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a slight smile, and Annabelle felt relieved he was not as standoffish as he appeared at first. His eyes took her face in with what certainly could be interpreted as approval. Her pulse continued on with its elevated dance, and the slightest of pink hues colored her cheeks. She was mistaking herself for a woman who was reacting very strongly to a man that she truly knew nothing much about- what an unusual predicament for her. 

“The two of them, then. Are they getting on fine?” Annabelle asked, beyond any ruse at the moment. She could tell Lord William was observant and knew just as well what she was up to. She would have to remember that in the future when it came to her romantic schemes in case she ever found him to be in her cross-hairs. He presented himself in a manner seemingly impervious to others, but something deep within her advised her that beneath this social exterior, Lord William was not so buttoned up.

“Yes, they seem to have no limit to what they can discuss. I find I am not as well versed at dining subjects, though I do enjoy a good debate from time to time.”

“So, you came to give them space as well, then?” Annabelle raised her eyebrow at him. 

“I came to say that I appreciate how kind you are and attentive to Lady Margaret. I hear that she is your cousin. I dare say that even one’s own blood is not always so in tune with the needs of each other. Your handling of her shyness and feelings is exemplary. I sense for you, there are shades of a personality to sift through when meeting others. This is the most beautiful quality, I believe.”

“Oh.” Annabelle was taken by surprise by the compliment. She was used to hearing about her fashion or her beauty. This was entirely different. If she wasn’t misinterpreting Lord William, he was not only effusively and appropriately complimenting her but also observing her in a manner most intimate- without inappropriateness, somehow. This man was unlike any other that she had previously made, and her pulse at its still quickened pace was not freeing her from its agreement about the man.

“Thank you, Lord William, but it really is nothing. She means a lot to me, and I want to see her with someone worthy.”

“We all should be so lucky, correct? In the ton, the structure of everything around us certainly does not lend itself often to easy and supportive social matches. To meet a woman with discernment and kindness for her family, making your acquaintance has elevated today’s festivities.” 

The slight curve of his lips was specifically paired perfectly with his intense gaze searching her eyes. Did he want something from her? For her part, Annabelle found herself to be smiling back, not in a flirtatious manner as she had schooled her cousin on, however. It was a smile of reciprocal pleasantness with Lord William. This was shaping itself to be a most auspicious evening, indeed.

“Lord William, I do thank you for such an enlightening conversation. This brings an air to the gathering that I had not expected in the least. You are, in fact, exactly on point in the characterization of the ton. The tongues wag faster than the feet travel here.” 

With this comment, Lord William permitted himself to laugh fully, but in a lower tone so as to not draw unnecessary attention from those around them. For a passing feeling, Annabelle sensed that Lord William might very well take her gently by her hand and guide her back to their company. Naturally, this would not be permissible, but that strong sense that he might want to remain palpable to Annabelle’s senses as they spoke.

As if they had decided it in concert with one another, she stepped forward towards the location of the bar with a mind to delicately and carefully carry two drinks back for herself and her lovely cousin who continued to be masterfully handling Sir Edward across the room. Lord William had managed to step forward at just the same moment and at the same pace. Once at the bar, she took two drinks that seemed to suit both her and Margaret, something light and smooth.

Lord William was quiet a minute more before picking up two drinks of his own. “Shall we?” He gestured toward where they had left the hopeful couple talking animatedly, and they both walked back together. Once again, Annabelle internally attempted to soothe her pulse rate when near this man, but she, again, failed miserably at it.

Annabelle passed a drink to her cousin, and soon the conversation dwindled. It was very unclear whether Margaret and Sir Edward had covered much more ground than she could have initially pictured or observed or if she, and by proxy, Lord William, had exchanged much, much more than pleasantries. Was it then improper? And why was she so unable to bring her pulse rate back down to where it belonged?

No matter the conversation had seemingly ground to a halt, and she must simply step in with tact and carry the evening forward.

“Well, I hate to end this conversation so soon, but we must be going,” Annabelle said. They needed to end it on a high note. It was a bit more of an abrupt end to the talking between them, but in this case, she hoped that her concluding the conversation would be acceptable to all.

They all said their goodbyes, Sir Edward reiterating how much he enjoyed their company, and Annabelle walked to the carriage with Margaret by her side, wondering what she might have to share with her cousin that was acceptable. The attraction that she had felt between herself and William was genuine, she was sure of it. However, people can send mixed signals, as well. She dared not get her hopes up over any man, even one as dashing, composed, and available as Lord William. A failed romance was not something that she could handle yet again.

 She promised herself that, if she were lucky enough, the next time that Lord William found her near to him, she might better understand how to hide the blush and soothe her pulse. The opportunity would come, and she would hope to conduct herself with proper behavior whilst finding out the mystery behind the man. 

 

Chapter Two

William

William noted his friend’s dazed visage as both Lady Annabelle and Lady Margaret left the party, thanking Lady Marina politely on the way out. While he had not concerned himself with making an impression on the women other than general niceties, he could not say the same for Edward. Well, that was not completely the truth, now was it?

For his interaction with Lady Annabelle had been anything but his usual fare. For the time being, he would give it not much thought. She just may have been having a personal moment whilst they were in discussion, but she had given off the impression that her wits may not have been entirely about her back then. Since he was not well acquainted with her, Lord William simply found it to be of great folly to imagine that he could figure that woman out.

As for Sir Edward, he had only known him for close to one year. At this time, they had been fast companions with ease. Both of them enjoyed riding their horses, but it was also in the nature of the timing of their fathers’ deaths that had brought them close. Within a fortnight, each of them had lost their fathers and quickly inherited all that came with taking over their predecessors’ titles.

Edward, from what William could tell, had been not at odds with the previous Baronet but also not close either. However, Edward, with his sense of style, intelligence, especially when it came to politics and philosophy, and social aptitude, had been well suited to the position. 

Edward was thriving, and William had heard many women were seeking him out for this season, even though it was so early on. It was not a shock, of course. Yet, William believed that this could lead Edward to erroneously select the wrong woman should he deem himself ready for marriage.

The ton was full of eager females sniffing out the most eligible men. It was something he had observed, a skill of his. Indeed, he was so observant of the females that the flushed appearance of Lady Annabelle Elizabeth Fitzroy had, and still was, remained with him since they had last parted ways. The thought was there again in the forefront of his mind, but he pushed it to the back again.

While Edward was the very picture of a gentleman, he was more of a lone bachelor. William knew that his friend had not ever wanted to be a Viscount but knew from birth he would be one day. It was the duty of the firstborn always to take charge. However, on more than one occasion whilst in private conversation, William had received a very strong indication from Edward that his love of books, horseback riding and freer pursuits brought him more pleasure than official duties of Viscount. Edward, in the heart of his true personality, was not much interested in taking charge whether he was the first born or not.

As for William, he and his father had been more the type to clash behind closed doors, but that did not mean William did not intend on being as upstanding as he could. He enjoyed the rumors that he might be too cool and unapproachable. Let the tongues wag faster than the feet traveled, as Annabelle had so aptly put it. He could withstand that storm. No one needed to know of the heated and terrible arguments that he had participated in with this father. At times, they had both said things that each likely felt bad about, but neither had ever seen fit to make formal apologies and mend fences. One’s private pain within their own family should stay exactly that…private.

“Sir Edward, my friend, I am afraid you have become distracted. Is it the heat?” William jested, thrusting a drink at him. “If so, take comfort in this.” His friend appeared to be rather red about the face.

Edward took the drink from William’s hand but paid little attention to it as it sweated in the heat just as they were doing, dripping across Sir Edward’s hand. The man looked like an impromptu ice bath might bring him fully back to reality.

“What did you think of Lady Margaret?” Edward questioned, not wasting a moment discussing the obvious object of his affection. Lord William did not blame him, especially when looking at the lady objectively. She was handsome enough, but also incredibly sweet. But she was not so into being an accomplished woman of the ton as not to further her literary education. It had quite impressed even him that she could quote a philosophy book. 

“She seems a fine woman,” William stated. He kept his visage neutral, his own way of teasing his friend. In truth, it only mattered what Sir Edward thought. “Why do you ask?”

Edward cleared his throat and looked over at William importantly, finally taking a few thoughtful sips from the drink Lord William had brought to him. “As you know, I have inherited land, income, and a whole estate from my father with his passing. I do not think it wise to wait to marry in my case. A wife could make a lovely addition to the estate. She could enjoy my many horses and the garden.”

William smiled, drinking his lemonade down and trying to picture the life Edward was looking for. Indeed, someone like Lady Margaret could give him that. Nights reading by the fire in winter, running her hands over the many volumes in his library. Rides on horses in the summer and conversation about art, philosophy, and maybe even politics. 

“So, you mean to settle down, then?” 

William turned back to his friend. He wanted to give him good advice. “I was impressed by her. She was sweet, but also charming. The two of you have many shared interests, which can be hard to find between the sexes in the ton at times. She is a little timid, but even so, your louder and more confident personality seems to balance that out. The two of you could be suited.”

Edward was not hiding his smile at William’s evaluation. More than anything, William had to admit he enjoyed how much Edward looked to his opinion as something which mattered. He knew that he was not such a failure at being of high society as he sometimes felt.

“Thank you, Lord William. That makes me feel much more secure in my own impressions of the girl. And she does come from a fine family. Very handsome indeed.” Edward finished his own drink, sweat threatening to drip onto his perfectly combed mustache. It was unseasonably hot so early in the London season. He and Edward were used to it, especially with riding, but with all the layers the ladies had to wear, William was surprised none were fainting. 

Though, many had left earlier than he would have expected, with it being one of the first parties of the season. Curious. He would have thought that they would be out hunting, so to speak. If a great man was taken whilst other women were distracted, it could be only to the fault of their own.

“You are most welcome. So, you do like her, then?”

“Well,” Edward explained, pausing to think, “I do find her charming, as you said. So many things there are to talk about with her. I do not want to make haste with this being the beginning of the season, but she as well as yourself have convinced me to continue to keep an eye on her throughout the season. I do hope her timid nature will keep too many gentlemen from trying to snatch her up.”

William pointed toward the gentleman’s area. “Why don’t we continue this over a smoke?”

“Yes, that sounds perfect.”

The two men made their way to the west side of the garden, a designated area for the men to talk and smoke away from the ladies and their prying, and sometimes scheming, ears, not that men did not have their own secrets and manipulations. 

The two of them produced fine cigars and put their back to a group of other men chatting about some of the other ladies that had attended. Though William did catch Lady Annabelle’s name mentioned in passing before he and Edward were able to resume their talks. He wondered for a brief second if he might need to know anything of great importance?

“So, we have discussed the objects of my tentative affections,” Edward mentioned, puffing his cigar expertly, the smell of many wafting through the summer air. The many hedges surrounding them would catch the smoke, so not much would get back to the main party and the ladies. 

“Yes, indeed,” William commented, unsure he liked where he believed this conversation was going. 

“Did you have any thoughts about the duties of your position? I know you have never been quite as inclined as I to be a participating part of the ton, but you must know it is an eventuality.”

The words could have easily come out as a lecture, but from Edward’s lips, they were more curious and understanding than they were accusatory. William found he could easily answer his friend. 

“I do know what my duties are and that I must find a wife. That does not mean I can as easily pick her out of a crowd. In all fairness, I have dedicated much time to my studies and not to parties and fashion. You are more skilled than I am.”

William focused on his smoke, the smooth dregs relaxing his body and helping him not think of the impending needs of his station at the moment. 

“I take that as a worthy compliment, friend,” Edward chortled. “I do realize you do not know anyone so well as I do. I have grown up among many of these families and their female children. It is sometimes, though, a disadvantage having known some of them from a babe. You are starting as a stranger too many. That can be an advantage all its own.”

William smirked at his friend’s suggestion. He could see how that could be a problem. None of it was relevant, though. He did not mean to marry anytime soon. He could worry about that next season. Could he not have at least a year to ease into it and drive? Getting used to his new position was more than enough to occupy him at the present time, was it not? Female companionship would only complicate things further in his mind. 

They were silent for a moment, but as Edward did on occasion, he began to press a more specific topic. He seemed unable to keep his thoughts to himself regarding William’s future happiness.”What about the ones you have most recently made an acquaintance with? I did see you go off to speak with Lady Annabelle. The pair of you appeared to be getting along charmingly. She is a Duke’s daughter, you are aware. What did you think of her?”

Lord William could see the woman in question in his mind’s eyes. The loose strands of her hair had clung tightly to her damp skin and drawn his eyes to her striking hazel ones, though he had tried not to notice. There was a mischievous sparkle in them that he dared not allow to interest him, though it made him wonder if she was less than prim and proper at times. She had stood out to him, but also to nearly everyone at the party. Both ladies and gentlemen had watched her and spoken of her in hushed tones. Some good and some bad. Therefore, he must not allow himself to get ensnared in her loveliness. He was but one of the many who admired her.

From what he had seen, she was kind and loyal to those she cared for. That meant more to him than her fancy dress or how stunning she appeared. It was an endearing yet shockingly surprising attribute in one so young. Most in her position only cared about themselves and how a match could have them rising in value to those around them. And, though he would not deny her gorgeous figure, she was not the only one who possessed such an attribute. There were many just as bountifully endowed. 

Yet, clearly she stood out among the rest, if only for her charity to others. She had practically made a match between Edward and her cousin in a matter of moments with a few calculated moves. It reminded him of a game of chess, one in which the winner outwitted his opponent with a cleverness that went unnoticed until it was too late to retaliate or be angry over the loss. 

He had seen how the two could be acquaintances and how she could be helpful to him. If she remained friendly, she might help him the next season to find a suitable wife if by then he was inclined to want one. Surely, she knew each and every person as a Duke’s daughter. She would have stories to tell about them that would give him far more insight to their character than was shown at parties or other gatherings where one tended to be more pleasant than was realistic. That was all she meant to him at the moment, and how it must remain. A wife was not something he was seeking. That was Edward’s territory.

In response to Edward’s delving question, William nearly let out a dark laugh. “Just because you are feeling matrimonially inclined does not mean I have to follow in your footsteps, dear friend.”

“One does not have to be matrimonially inclined in order to see the potential in front of him. More often than not, what we are not seeking finds us even when we tend to hide from it. I do not see you being alone forever, my friend. You cannot believe that to be the case either. If for no other reason than the fact that a Viscount needs a Viscountess by his side. You also have the duty to provide an heir.” Edward made the declarations with a smile that showed he was teasing as well as making a reasonable argument. 

“I do not deny that someday I will have to consider marriage. As you so politely have reminded me, my duty to my status is to make sure an heir is produced, one from marriage rather than a dalliance. I simply do not think it is yet the time to force that constraint upon myself. Nor is it necessary to choose the first lovely woman I meet who is in possession of a beautiful face and a kind heart. There must be others who have the same attributes to bring them to my attention. Perhaps the perfect Viscountess for me is not even of age at this time. It is prudent to wait if that is the case, is it not?” William countered. 

Edward’s laughter rang out as if a joke had been made rather than a proficient argument. The sudden outburst drew many of the other gentlemen’s gazes to them. William, however, was not amused. 

“I can see you have a different thought on the matter at hand. I don’t believe we should continue this conversation at this time, as I do not wish to feel foolish in your eyes. My reticence at courting is not a laughing matter.” Again, he conveniently left out the moment with Lady Annabelle and her flushed countenance. It was not necessary to confuse himself, nor was it necessary to offer details to Sir Edward that might later return to him in a damaging fashion- even if they were friends.

A simple conversation between himself and Lady Annabelle did not require complicating it by threading it through his mind repeatedly or sharing when it was likely to be much of nothing.

“Oh, my dearest William, I am not saying you are foolish, nor do I think it. I am simply under the impression that you are protesting too much. Perhaps you are more ready for matrimony than you believe. It does not matter in one way or the other. You will do as you please, just as you always have. I only want what is best for you, which is happiness and fulfillment. I shall stop my preaching and allow this discussion to end. I do believe we should make one more pass through the crowd before saying our farewells, however, so that we may compare more of these lovely ladies with those who have already made such large impressions upon us.”

William was aware that speculative gazes followed his departure from the gentlemen’s area. Those of the other gentlemen held questions over the sudden fit of laughter from Edward, and those of the young women in attendance with the knowledge that he was not as yet betrothed. Both entities made him feel like a particularly interesting insect held captive under glass.

William now wished for a stronger libation than lemonade. A glass of wine would go down well, but he preferred a snifter of brandy taken in his own residence away from speculative eyes. Once his farewells and gratitude had been expressed to their hostess as was proper etiquette, he was certain there was nothing he would allow to keep him from that pursuit. All of the gaiety and bantering necessary among the ton was wearing on his nerves. He was more than pleased that the gathering was coming to its conclusion.

Once he made his way into his carriage and the order had been given to return to his estate, he was able to settle into the leather seats and let his mind wander. Edward’s questioning of his future intentions had unnerved him. Peace and quiet was all he desired, and of course, his freedom to live as he pleased. No, he was not matrimonially inclined, though others were quite welcome to do as they chose and he was agreeable to be full of cheer for them, should they succeed as a couple?

Without any argument, William believed that Edward could deduce that his remarks could cover his lack of interest in virtually any woman in the ton. He assumed that his friend could make such a determination even if their friendship was still quite young. When he remarked that there were many a woman of magnificent looks, grace and family lineage, he had not mentioned Annabelle specifically nor did he feel that he must do so. As was the case with other women around him, he was not one to make a guess as to the type of woman that Annabelle truly was- privacy of personality should be a given but it was not in the ton.

Rather, there were whispers of reputations all about him for many, and this made it all the wiser for him to keep his cards extremely close to his vest. This was the guarantee that he could preserve his own wisdom in this life while others would do whatever the others tended to do.

In truth, William recognized that if he were to seemingly direct his own mental thoughts toward the possibility of Edward joining with Margaret, then he could deflect from his own thoughts on Annabelle. It was a game of sorts within his mind. After all, life in the ton was rife with superiority of status, gossip, romantic entanglements and arrangement and a bevy of women that he would do well to stay away from, in fact. Truly, Annabelle was an incredibly beautiful woman who carried herself in a way that he had never recalled seeing with other women. She was fetching but not in a typical manner. Many women in the ton seemed to be lighter in their mental strengths than when it came to their looks and their fashion decisions.

Yet, Annabelle was altogether a more unique woman. One cannot tell so much in early interactions, naturally. But, William could discern that Annabelle possessed a depth to her that he was not used to finding in anyone in the ton, save for his friend, Edward. He was very aware of her perceptive gaze, even when engaged in what would be described as casual social conversation. This made her very intriguing, along with her beauty. She looked to not be missing a thing, whether she commented aloud on that or not.

Regardless of whether Annabelle was fetching or not, William, as a man with his head properly situated, had no intention of losing track of himself when next he was around the woman.

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“Starry Nights, Scandal, and a Fiery Lady” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

In the sparkling world of London’s elite, Lady Annabelle Elizabeth Fitzroy hides her scars from past heartbreak, embracing her fierce spirit among the ton. Beneath the watchful gaze of the stars, she secretly nurtures her love for astronomy, finding solace in the celestial mysteries that light up her nights, away from the ton’s pretentious gaze. Amidst the opulent parties and stifling expectations, Annabelle’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is accidentally spotted in an awkward position with a ravishing Viscount. As the scandalous airs of the ton can destroy everything she holds dear, she must choose between freedom and her growing desire for the man he might take it away…

Will she let herself go to experience her burning passion?

Lord William Alexander Channing, Viscount of Ashbourne, newly elevated in society, is utterly confounded by the intrigue and complexities of the ton. Reluctantly, he immerses himself in the world of lavish celebrations, unaware that one fateful evening will shatter his perception of life. When scandal is about to burst and destroy his and Lady Annabelle’s reputation once and for all, duty rises and untamed emotions of lust ignite inside him.

Will Lord William conquer the ton’s scandal and keep his burning desire for Lady Annabelle, or will it force them apart?

As Annabelle’s and William’s worlds collide in a scandal of epic proportions and the ton’s machinations play out, their unwavering devotion push the boundaries of their flaming love. As notorious antagonists and schemes risk to ruin them both, the star-crossed lovers manage to find their tantalising refuge underneath the celestial sky. As each twist and turn of their entwined destinies unfolds… Will their sizzling romance shine as brightly as the stars , or will it be extinguished by the relentless gossip and societal pressures? Can the very chaos that brought them together also tear them apart for good?

“Starry Nights, Scandal, and a Fiery Lady” is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

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