Page 2 of A Lady’s Mishap (The Lockwood Family #5)

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E lodie stood at the back of the drawing room at St. James’s Palace, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick with the hum of murmured conversation as everyone watched the debutantes being presented to Queen Charlotte. The grand opulence of the palace—gold-leafed moldings, crystal chandeliers, and walls lined with rich tapestries—was lost on her. It should have been exciting, but the only thing Elodie could think of was the impending moment when all those eyes would be on her .

She was prepared for this. After all, she had taken endless lessons on how to approach the queen with grace, how to execute the perfect deep curtsy, and how to walk backwards out of the room without falling flat on her face. Yet no amount of practice had prepared her for the reality of being here, surrounded by so many watchful strangers.

Bennett leaned in and whispered, “Just breathe, Sister.”

“Thank you for that reminder,” Elodie responded dryly. “If you hadn’t, I surely would have stopped breathing altogether and died.”

Her brother chuckled. “Your nerves are showing. You will be fine.”

Elodie bit her lower lip. “What if I fall in front of all these people?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine fear.

“You won’t,” Bennett assured her. “And if you do, rest assured, I will be the first one to laugh.”

“Thanks, Brother,” she responded as her eyes roamed over the room. “But there are so many people here. What if?—”

Bennett interrupted her gently. “None of these people matter. The only one who does is the queen. Focus on her, and if she asks you anything, just say the opposite of what you presume to be right.”

Elodie’s fingers fidgeted with the edge of her long, white gloves. “What if she asks something unexpected, something I don’t know how to answer?”

Bennett grinned. “I promise you, the queen isn’t trying to stump you. Just be yourself and do exactly what you have practiced.”

“Moo…” Elodie muttered under her breath. “I feel like a cow being herded about.”

He gave her an amused look. “It is not as bad as you are making it out to be.”

Before Elodie could respond, their mother appeared at her side, placing a hand on her arm. “The Lord Chamberlain is about to announce your name.”

Elodie took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, despite her stomach being twisted with nerves. She was determined to appear more confident than she felt. As her name echoed through the room, Elodie began the walk towards the queen, her eyes fixed on the red carpet ahead of her, trying not to focus on all the eligible bachelors and their families.

When they reached the front, they stopped before the throne, and Elodie dipped into the deep curtsy she had practiced endlessly. She rose and smiled at Queen Charlotte, who regarded her with a critical, but not unkind, gaze. The queen’s powdered hair was swept back into a loose chignon, her aged features still sharp, though the wrinkles around her eyes betrayed her years. She appeared older than Elodie had imagined, but her eyes gleamed with a sharpness that suggested nothing escaped her attention.

The queen turned her attention towards Lady Dallington. “I was informed you had twin daughters. Where is the other?”

Lady Dallington met the queen’s gaze. “Yes, Your Majesty. My other daughter, Lady Melody, recently married Lord Emberly. They are currently on their wedding tour.”

“Lord Emberly,” the queen repeated, a note of approval in her voice. “That is quite the advantageous match for a young woman.”

“It was a love match,” Lady Dallington said.

The queen raised an eyebrow and turned her attention to Elodie, her penetrating gaze sharp enough to make Elodie’s pulse quicken again. “And what of you, Lady Elodie?” she prodded. “Do you also wish for a love match?”

Elodie hesitated for only a moment, then lifted her chin, determined to speak truthfully. “I do, Your Majesty.”

Queen Charlotte studied her, the silence stretching just long enough to make Elodie wonder if she had said something wrong. Finally, the queen spoke, her tone almost thoughtful. “You are a pretty enough thing, but you must be mindful to choose wisely.”

“I will,” Elodie replied.

The queen’s eyes perused the length of her with faint amusement before settling back on her face. “You are much shorter than your brothers.”

Elodie’s lips twitched, unable to stop herself. “You might say that I look up to them.”

The queen let out a laugh. “Dear heavens, that was awful,” she said with a slight smile. “But you are a delight, Lady Elodie.”

With a graceful wave of her hand, the queen signaled that their audience was over. Elodie felt a rush of relief as she dipped into one final deep curtsy. Rising carefully, she took slow, measured steps backward, mindful not to trip over the long train of her gown.

As Elodie reached the threshold of the drawing room, she let out a long, shaky breath. Relief flooded her body, and her shoulders finally started to relax. It is over . She hadn’t tripped over her gown, she hadn’t misspoken, and—almost unbelievably—she had made Queen Charlotte laugh. That had certainly not been part of the plan.

She stepped into the cool air of the corridor and placed a hand on her stomach. She had an overwhelming desire to return home and shed the layers of her Court dress. The feathers and the heavy satin felt like a cage she longed to escape. But as she turned to her mother, she saw the frown creasing Lady Dallington’s brow.

“Why did you insist on making a joke in front of the queen?” her mother asked, her voice tight with disapproval.

“I thought it was prudent, given the circumstances.”

Her mother’s brow arched. “Prudent? It was risky and foolish. A lady’s presentation to Court is not the place for humor.”

“It worked, though,” Elodie countered. “The queen laughed.”

Her mother pressed her lips into a thin line. “This time, yes. But next time, if there even is a next time, you might not be so lucky.”

Bennett’s cheerful voice echoed from down the corridor, his figure emerging from the crowd. “Why the gloomy faces?” he asked, his grin wide. “I would say that was a rousing success.”

Their mother gave a small nod, though her tension remained. “It was,” she agreed. “I suppose I can finally breathe.”

Elodie turned, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “You were nervous?”

“Of course I was. I have been nervous for years. I never know what will come out of that mouth of yours,” her mother shared.

Bennett arrived at Elodie’s side, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder. “You were brilliant,” he declared. “I do not think I have ever heard the queen laugh before. But your joke was truly awful.”

Elodie couldn’t help but laugh. “I know, but I thought I should at least try.”

Bennett shook his head in mock dismay. “In the future, leave the jokes to me, would you? Everyone knows I am the funny one in the family.”

“You? Funny?” Elodie teased. “I have never noticed.”

“Perhaps not, but I have been told by multiple people that I am quite witty,” Bennett said, puffing out his chest.

Elodie glanced around the corridor dramatically, then back to him. “By chance, are these ‘people’ with us now?”

Bennett chuckled. “We will have to continue this conversation later. The rest of the family is waiting for us by the coaches.”

Their mother offered Elodie a warm smile. “I am very proud of you, Elodie. You did what was expected of you, and you did it quite well.”

Elodie’s heart swelled with a mixture of relief and gratitude. “Thank you, Mother.”

“Now, let’s go home and get you out of that gown,” their mother said. “It is not the least bit flattering on you.”

Placing a hand over her heart, Elodie feigned outrage. “That hurts, considering this is my new favorite gown. I think I will wear it all the time.”

Their mother just laughed as she started walking down the hall. Elodie lifted her skirts slightly, the heavy fabric rustling as she followed. Bennett walked beside her, casting a sideways glance.

“Delphine didn’t enjoy wearing her Court dress to be presented to the queen, either,” he informed her.

“I am not surprised,” Elodie said. “This gown could hurt children, given the chance.”

“You have now officially entered Society. What do you intend to do first?”

Elodie already knew that answer, and it should come as no surprise to her brother. “I think I shall go home and take a nap.”

Bennett shot her a sidelong look. “You always take naps.”

“That is because naps are the best,” Elodie replied. “In my dreams, I can be anyone I want to be.”

“And who exactly do you want to be?”

Elodie’s smile faltered for a moment as she considered the question. “I am not sure yet. I just know that I want to do more with my life than what is expected of me.”

Her brother’s expression grew more serious. “You don’t wish to marry?”

“I do,” Elodie said quickly, “but in due time. There are so many things that I want to do first, things I want to see and experience.”

Bennett leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. “Do not let Mother or Father hear you say that. The word ‘spinster’ is practically a curse word to them.”

Elodie rolled her eyes. “I am only eighteen. I am hardly on the path to spinsterhood yet. It is not that I don’t want to marry, but I want my life to have meaning beyond the usual expectations. I want more than just balls and suitors.”

“You will find your way, Elodie. I am sure of that.”

Hearing her brother’s encouraging response, Elodie felt a spark of hope. She was now a part of Society, but she was determined to chart her own course through it, even if it meant defying expectations.

As they stepped out of the grand entrance of St. James’s Palace, Elodie spotted her sisters-in-law, Delphine and Mattie, waiting by one of the coaches. The two of them beamed when they caught sight of her.

“Elodie!” Delphine exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she hurried over. “You were absolutely brilliant.”

Mattie nodded enthusiastically. “I agree. I was so nervous when I spoke to the queen that my voice barely came out as a whisper. She had to ask me to speak up. Twice.”

“I was nervous, too,” Elodie admitted. “But I suppose the joke helped… at least a little.”

Her father, who was standing nearby, cleared his throat. “The joke may not have been entirely appropriate, but the queen did not seem offended. You were fortunate she took it in good humor,” he said, gesturing towards the waiting coaches. “We can discuss this further once we are home.”

Mattie quickly looped her arm through Elodie’s. “Come ride home with us,” she said, already pulling her towards one of the coaches.

Winston held his hand out and assisted them both into the coach. It took some effort for Elodie to be situated, but after a brief struggle, she finally settled on perching at the edge of the bench. Mattie and Winston followed, taking the seats across from her.

Once the coach jerked forward, Elodie reached up and removed her elaborate headpiece. She held it out in front of her, wrinkling her nose in distaste. “At least I will never have to wear this monstrosity again. It is hideous.”

Winston grinned. “Hideous or not, you wore it well, Sister. A vision of elegance,” he teased with a wink.

“Well, at least it is over,” Elodie said.

Her brother’s smile widened. “Oh, on the contrary, Elodie. It has only just begun. Now the true fun begins.”

Anthony paced back and forth in his study, his irritation growing with each step. His thoughts were consumed by his brother. A cad . A wastrel . Stephen was not just irresponsible, but he was an utter drain on their family’s resources. But no matter how much Anthony wished to cast him out, he knew it wasn’t an option. Not while their parents were still alive. Their father had always harbored a soft spot for Stephen, the wayward son who could do no wrong in his eyes.

A sharp knock on the door broke Anthony out of his musings, and Mrs. Clarke, the portly, silver-haired housekeeper, entered with her usual gentle grace. She had been with the family for as long as Anthony could remember, her presence a constant source of order amidst the chaos.

She smiled kindly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I understand we have a new resident, my lord.”

Anthony nodded and gestured to the chair opposite him. “Yes, we do. And I need your help.”

Mrs. Clarke seated herself while Anthony returned to his desk, sinking into his chair with a heavy sigh. He pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before continuing. “We will need to hire a nursemaid for Miss Emma.”

“I have already made a few inquiries, but until then, a maid will see to her needs,” Mrs. Clarke said. “She will need a new wardrobe—something fitting for her new station.”

Leaning back in his chair, he replied, “Yes, see to that as well. Dresses, shoes, whatever is required.” He paused, the next question hesitating on his lips. “Do four-year-olds need toys?”

“Yes, my lord, children that age tend to play with toys.”

Anthony ran a hand through his hair, feeling entirely out of his depth. “Has my brother even bothered to meet his daughter?” The bitterness in his voice was hard to mask.

“Not that I am aware of, but I am sure Master Stephen is simply overwhelmed,” Mrs. Clarke attempted.

“It is his daughter.”

Mrs. Clarke’s eyes held compassion. “I am sure that Master Stephen will do right by her.”

Anthony wasn’t quite convinced. He knew his brother all too well. Stephen had always cared only for himself, leaving others to clean up his messes. Mrs. Clarke, however, always saw the best in people, a trait Anthony admired but could never fully adopt.

Mrs. Clarke rose from her seat, smoothing down her apron. “If that will be all, my lord?”

Anthony stood as well. “Please ensure that Miss Emma feels at home. No expense is too great for her comfort.”

“It warms my heart to see you taking care of her, my lord. You are doing more than your duty,” Mrs. Clarke praised.

“She is my niece, after all. It is the least I can do.”

Mrs. Clarke gave him a knowing look. “It is more than that.”

With that, the housekeeper took her leave, and the room fell into an uneasy silence. Anthony turned towards the window, staring out into the gardens. The weight of his father’s illness hung over him like a shadow, along with the growing responsibility of running the estate, and now he was caring for a niece he had not even known existed. It was almost too much to bear. How much more could he take?

He needed air. Without another thought, he strode out of the study, passing by servants who quickly stepped out of his way, and exited through the back door into the gardens. The cool breeze offered a brief moment of clarity, but his sense was fleeting. Movement from the corners of his eyes drew his attention, and there, by an upper window of the townhouse, sat Stephen with a drink in his hand, lounging as if nothing in the world could trouble him.

Before Anthony could stop himself, his frustration boiled over. “Stephen!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the quiet.

Stephen glanced down at him, a smirk playing at his lips, before pulling the drapes closed, dismissing him entirely.

“ Stephen !” Anthony called again, louder this time. “Get down here!”

A sudden loud voice came from the adjacent townhouse, interrupting his fury. “Good gracious, Anthony, will you stop all that yelling? Some of us are trying to take a nap!”

Anthony’s head snapped to the side, and there, leaning out of her window with a frown and slightly disheveled hair, was none other than Lady Elodie. Despite her tousled appearance, she was as breathtaking as ever. Her golden hair fell in loose waves around her face, and a light sprinkling of freckles danced across her nose. It was a sight that stirred something deep within him, though she seemed utterly unaware of her effect on him. To Elodie, he had always been nothing more than a nuisance.

“My apologies, Elodie,” he said, his tone harsher than intended. “Please, return to your nap.”

Elodie’s brow creased in concern. “You woke me from it. The least you could do is explain why you are shouting at Stephen like a madman.”

“It is none of your concern,” he replied stiffly, trying to regain some semblance of control over his spiraling emotions.

In response, Elodie leaned a little further out of the window, her blue eyes sharp with annoyance. “You made it my concern when you decided to yell loud enough for half the block to hear. Naps, in case you didn’t know, are sacred in my household.”

Despite his anger, a small smile tugged at Anthony’s lips. Elodie, with her biting wit and sharp tongue, had always been able to cut through his frustration. But he quickly stifled the smile, refusing to let her see how much her presence affected him. Not now. Not when everything was falling apart.

“I will be sure to keep my voice down in the future,” he replied.

Elodie gave him a long, scrutinizing look as though she could see through the carefully built walls he had put up. “Why do you look so bothered?”

“Leave it alone,” he said tersely, turning to leave.

“I would have,” she called after him, “but sleep now eludes me, thanks to your shouting. And now I find I am much more curious about you.”

The last thing Anthony needed right now was Elodie’s meddling. He wasn’t in the mood for her questions, not when his thoughts were still tangled with the mess of his brother. “Good day, Elodie,” he said as he headed towards the back door of his townhouse.

“Wait!” Elodie shouted. “I will be down in a moment.”

“That is wholly unnecessary—” Anthony began, but his protest died on his lips as Elodie disappeared back into her bedchamber, leaving the window wide open.

He groaned inwardly. Normally, he would have leaped at the opportunity to speak to Elodie, even if it was just a playful exchange. But today? Today, he didn’t have the energy to pretend all was well. He would have preferred yelling at Stephen for all the trouble he had caused. Still, being rude to Elodie was out of the question.

Resigned, Anthony sat down on a weathered stone bench in the gardens. Time crawled. Though it was likely only moments, it felt like hours before he saw Elodie’s head pop up over the hedge that separated their properties. Her hair was now neatly pulled back into a chignon, and her expression held the familiar annoyance she reserved for him.

“What did Stephen do now?” she asked.

Anthony stood up and walked to the small wooden gate between their gardens, pulling it open. “Why did you not use the gate? Our parents installed it for a reason.”

“This way is much more clandestine, don’t you think?” Elodie replied, her lips curving into a slight smile.

“I would prefer to see you when I am speaking to you.”

“Very well, if you insist,” Elodie said, hopping down gracefully from the bench she had perched on. She dusted off her skirts and walked over to him. “Now, what has you so upset? I haven’t seen you this bothered since Stephen put manure in your bed.”

“If I recall, you helped him,” Anthony said.

Elodie waved her hand dismissively. “That was only because you left me up in that tree for hours. I had to get back at you somehow.”

“You could have climbed down from that tree at any point. It wasn’t that high,” he pointed out.

“Yes, but I thought I had found the perfect hiding spot. You were just terrible at seeking.”

Anthony chuckled, feeling some of the tension drain out of him. “You always hid in the same spot and giggled every time I came near.”

“Well, I was a child, and you were ten years older,” Elodie defended. “I would hope that you were better at hide and seek than me. What else do they teach you at Eton?”

“I suppose it would be only fair if I told you now that I never did try to ‘seek you.’ I was far too busy to be playing games with you.”

“Pity,” Elodie teased.

He found himself smiling. “Thank you. I needed a reason to smile, especially with Stephen being… well, Stephen.”

Elodie’s eyes twinkled with interest. “Oh, let me guess what he has done this time,” she said. “Did he gamble away the family fortune?”

“No, but not for a lack of trying.”

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Did he race his horse through the busy streets of London again?”

Anthony gave her a curious look. “How did you know he did that?”

“Stephen’s antics are constantly in the newssheets. It is practically morning entertainment,” Elodie replied. “Though, I daresay I wouldn’t find it so amusing if he were my brother.”

“My brother is a princock!”

Elodie gasped dramatically, bringing a hand up to her chest. “Language, Anthony! I am a lady, after all.”

“My apologies—” he began, only to be cut off by her laughter.

“I am merely teasing you,” Elodie said, her laughter fading into a smile. “You seem to forget that Bennett and Winston are my brothers. I have heard far worse.”

“I did not forget, but I do not wish to burden you with my problems.”

Her smile dimmed. “I am not a child anymore.”

That fact was becoming increasingly difficult for Anthony to ignore. Gone was the little girl who used to hide in trees and giggle behind hedges. Elodie had grown into a striking young woman—far too comely for his peace of mind. “I am well aware, but this is a family matter.”

Elodie’s eyes narrowed slightly as she considered him for a long moment. She moved to brush past him, her skirt rustling as she moved towards her townhouse. “I gave up a perfectly good nap for this,” she muttered over her shoulder. “Good day, Anthony.”

He reached out, gently grasping her arm before she could leave. “Are you upset with me?”

“Yes,” Elodie said plainly.

“Elodie—” he began.

She pulled her arm back. “I don’t know why I bother. Go tell the woodland creatures your problems, for all I care. Perhaps they will have a solution for how to deal with your brother.”

“I did not mean to offend you.”

Some of her anger seemed to dissipate at his words. “I know,” Elodie admitted, crossing her arms over her chest. “But I am tired of being treated like I am still a child. I can do more than eat biscuits and play the pianoforte, you know.”

Anthony’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “But you eat biscuits so well,” he teased.

“That I do,” she agreed, though her frown remained.

He looked at her for a long moment, realizing he had a decision to make. He could keep her at arm’s length, as he had always done, protecting her from the mess his brother had created. Or he could trust her with the truth. After all, it would not be long before the ton caught wind of Stephen’s latest misdeeds. Better for Elodie to hear it from him.

Gesturing towards a bench, Anthony asked, “Would you care to sit with me for a moment?”

Elodie offered him a slight nod before walking over to the bench. She sat down and smoothed down her skirts. Anthony joined her but left more room than what was considered proper.

For the first time that day, Anthony felt the possibility of sharing the weight of his burdens with someone. And perhaps, just perhaps, that someone was Elodie.