Page 2 of An Impulsive Kiss (Captivating Kisses #2)
London—March 1807
E xcitement buzzed through Lady Lucilla Alington. This afternoon, she would be seeing her cousins for the first time in more than a decade. The three related families lived in various corners of England, and the ten cousins had only been brought together for one magical week in London many years ago.
Lucy was making her come-out next month, along with her cousins Lia and Tia, daughters of the Duke and Duchess of Millbrooke. She had been drawn to the twins when they had met because they were the same age, and she couldn’t wait to spend the entire upcoming Season with them as they attended the many social events, looking to find their husbands.
It would be Uncle Charles and Aunt Alice coming to tea today, along with the twins and Lord Claibourne, who was the duke’s only son and heir apparent. She remembered Val as a fun-loving, mischievous sort, and he had been her brother Con’s closest friend for years. The boys had attended school and university together, even sharing rooms during their Oxford years.
She sat at her dressing table, checking her appearance, wanting to make a good impression on these cousins. They had played well together when they were girls, but she wondered what Lia and Tia would be like now they were grown up. More than anything, Lucy valued family, and she hoped her cousins would become her good friends during these months in town. She also hoped to make other friends during her debut.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and her maid Annie entered the bedchamber. Annie had been promoted to be her lady’s maid recently and would go with Lucy to her new household once she wed. She liked Annie’s no-nonsense approach, and the maid had a wonderful touch in dressing hair.
“My lady, Lord Dyer wishes for you to come to the drawing room now.”
Tea would not be served for another half-hour, so she wondered why Con wished to speak to her.
Rising, she said, “Thank you for letting me know, Annie.”
Lucy went to the drawing room, finding Con and another handsome gentleman with him. She came toward them and said, “You must be my cousin Val. Con constantly sings your praises.”
He smiled and took her hands in his. “Cousin Lucy. Ah, it has been too long since we have seen one another. That will be remedied this Season, however. You are all grown up and looking ever so lovely.”
“Come have a seat,” her brother urged. “Val thought he would stop by early and get to know you a little better before the rest of his family arrived.”
Her cousin said, “Five of us Worthingtons descending all at once is a little overwhelming. And that does not count Ariadne and Julian, who will not be in town for a while.”
Her cousin Ariadne had made her come-out last Season and wed the Marquess of Aldridge in the first wedding of the Season. Ariadne had given birth to their child only two weeks ago, a girl named Penelope.
“Will Ariadne even attend the Season this year?” she asked Val.
“She plans to do so,” Val revealed. “Sis wants to help in launching the twins—and you—into Polite Society. Ariadne has said that she and Julian will only attend a handful of events, but she wants to do all she can to help introduce you and our sisters to the right people.”
“Julian and Ariadne are also very busy with their orphanage,” Con said.
“I do not know anything about that,” Lucy said. “What orphanage?”
“They have bought and are managing Oakbrooke Orphanage,” Con told her. “They both feel very strongly about helping the poor as much as possible. Ariadne and Julian hired a headmistress, and the two women were responsible for hiring the rest of the teachers and staff.”
“They try to spend a few days in town each week,” Val added. “They volunteer their time at the school, teaching the orphans. Of course, the month leading up to the birth, they remained at Aldridge Manor. It was too difficult for my sister to travel even the short distance to town in her delicate condition.”
“Have you seen your new niece?” Lucy asked, longing for babes of her own. She hoped to find a husband and began a family soon, unlike her younger sister Dru, who had remained in the country at Marleyfield and showed no interest in marriage or babes.
“I most certainly have,” Val said, pride evident in his voice. “Penelope is the perfect babe. A heavenly creation.” He laughed. “It almost tempts me to find a wife of my own so I could have a child to lavish attention upon.”
“Wait a minute,” Con said. “I thought neither of us was perusing the Marriage Mart at this point.”
Val chuckled. “I said tempted, Con. I have no desire to wed at this point in my life. I would rather wait until I come into my father’s title, which hopefully will not occur for many years to come.”
Lucy looked to Con. “Do you feel the same way? Waiting until Papa is gone before you wed?”
“I do,” her brother confirmed. “Until then, Val and I are simply enjoying the bachelor life and each Season as it comes along. We also will be helping you and the twins in finding husbands. Val was charged to do so last year by his father on Ariadne’s behalf, and we intend to do the same for the three of you girls this year.”
Her cousin added, “There are some wonderful gentlemen who would make worthy husbands. On the other hand, there are a good number of rogues whom we wish to keep far away from the three of you.”
“Have no fears, little sister,” Con said. “The two of us will review each of your suitors. We want to keep away fortune hunters and men of less desirable character.”
“This is wonderful to hear,” Lucy declared. “I had no idea the two of you would be aiding me and my cousins.”
“Ariadne wound up with one of our very good friends,” Val said. “You will meet Julian when they come to town. They plan to do so a couple of days before the Season begins.”
“Oh, she must be so disappointed to leave her babe so soon after giving birth,” Lucy said.
“That is where you are wrong,” her cousin said. “My sister and brother-in-law have no plans to ever leave any of their children behind in the country as all of us were by our parents. Ariadne assured me that each Season, she will bring her entire family to town. She hopes all her cousins will do the same. Frankly, the Season is a time for family and friends to come together, and I do not understand why children are always left behind.”
“If Ariadne is going to bring her children to town, then so will I,” Lucy said, not certain if Val had things right or not and thinking it was only because Penelope was so young that she had accompanied her parents to town. Wistfully, she added, “I always felt as if Mama and Papa abandoned us each year to head to town for so many months.”
“We are a new generation,” Con remarked. “Perhaps we can set the stage for change within the ton , helping families to stay united. I know I want my own children to get to know yours. Val’s and Ariadne’s, as well.”
Lucy was even more eager to meet her cousins again now, and she knew that would happen soon because her parents entered the drawing room.
“Ah, Valentinian,” Mama said fondly. “You came separately from your family?”
He greeted her parents, saying, “Con and I were at White’s and decided to come together.”
They seated themselves and Mama said, “I am so looking forward to seeing my brother. We were extremely close growing up and have remained so all these years. It is the highlight of each Season getting to spend time with him and his duchess. Are your sisters eager to make their come-outs?”
“They are, Aunt Charlotte. They have seen how happy Ariadne is in her marriage, and they look upon Julian as another brother to them. In fact, the twins even went to Aldridge Manor for Christmas this past year, and they also visited Oakbrooke Orphanage and spent time with the orphans.”
Mama sniffed dismissively. “I am not quite certain that I understand why they devote so much of themselves to that orphanage. Yes, it is important for members of Polite Society to help support the poor, but Aldridge and Ariadne have gone a bit to the extreme. I believe they should focus on their own family.”
“It makes them happy, Mama,” Con said. “And they are remaining in the country now since Penelope’s birth.”
Their butler entered the drawing room, announcing their guests. Lucy rose, along with the others, wondering what her cousins looked like now.
The duke and duchess swept into the room first, and she thought the pair had not changed much at all. Her uncle’s hair was threaded with more gray than the last time she had seen him, while her aunt had a few more wrinkles. Still, she would have recognized them anywhere.
Following them came their twins, and Lucy couldn’t help but smile as her cousins’ gazes turned to her first. While they both still resembled one another in the face, there were marked differences between the pair. Lia was the shorter of the two, with auburn hair and deep blue eyes. Her curves were obvious, and Lucy thought she and Lia could probably wear one another’s clothes with ease. Tia had strawberry blond hair and clear, sky-blue eyes, and possessed a willowy frame.
Greetings and kisses were exchanged, and she saw Aunt Alice sizing her up. While Lucy had never given a thought to thinking herself in competition for a husband with her cousins, her aunt’s gaze betrayed that was at the forefront of her mind.
“You have turned into a lovely young lady, Lucilla,” her aunt remarked. “I do believe you and my girls will be the most beautiful in this year’s come-out class.”
“I am so happy to be making my come-out with my cousins,” Lucy replied.
Aunt Alice smiled. “Ariadne made a brilliant match last Season. I expect nothing less for Thermantia and Cornelia. And you, of course.”
Hearing her cousins’ given names surprised her, for she always thought of them as Tia and Lia. Her mother and Uncle Charles had been fascinated by Roman and Byzantine history, along with their cousin George. The three had named all their children after emperors and empresses, though most of the children had rebelled against their unusual names, taking on more diminutive forms of them.
Two teacarts were rolled in, and Mama said, “We adults have much to discuss amongst ourselves, and you young people would be bored by our conversation. Lucilla, you are to pour out for your brother and cousins.”
Lucy knew this was a great honor, being asked to do so even before she had made her debut. She had practiced the etiquette of tea many times with her governess and hoped she would not make a mistake today.
“I am happy to do so, Mama.”
The cousins all went to the far side of the drawing room, where the second teacart was being placed. They took seats, and she began the process of preparing and pouring out for the group.
As she did so, Lucy said, “Why don’t you each make up a plate for yourselves? That way, things will go more quickly.”
Val reached and handed a plate to each of his sisters before taking one of his own, while Con picked up one for himself. Her brother distributed the cups and saucers she handed to him. Lucy then poured out for herself and took a piece of strawberry cake and a ham sandwich for herself.
Tia, whom Lucy remembered was the more outgoing of the two sisters, said, “We are thrilled to be making our come-outs with you, Lucy. Have you been to see Madame Laurent yet? Mama told us Madame is the only modiste she trusts in all of London. She made up Ariadne’s complete wardrobe last Season.”
“No, we have only been in town since yesterday afternoon. Mama has scheduled time at Madame Laurent’s shop for us, however. Have you visited her yet?”
“No,” Lia said. “Mama needs to write for an appointment. It would be wonderful if we could all go together on the same day and choose materials and styles of the various gowns to be made up.”
“Let us ask them after tea if that is possible,” she suggested.
The next hour passed pleasantly, with Con and Val describing the various social affairs to them. She could not wait to attend garden and card parties, musicales, and Venetian breakfasts. Most of all, Lucy was excited about the many balls to be held throughout the Season.
“Do you enjoy dancing?” she asked the twins.
“We have had a dance master for three years now,” Tia explained. “Lia is naturally graceful and took to everything with ease. I am a bit more exuberant, but I have learned to dance quite well, if I do say so myself. We have attended various assemblies in Willowshire, a village nearby Millvale. What about you, Lucy?”
“I, too, have had a dance master. Mama has retained another one for the next few weeks to refresh me on various steps and dances. Con has escorted me to assemblies in our local village, as well. I think balls will be the most fun of all this Season.”
She glanced to the other side of the room and saw it looked as if her aunt and uncle were ready to leave.
“We should rejoin our parents,” Lucy said. “I want to ask our mamas about a joint appointment at Madame Laurent’s.”
The five cousins returned to the adults, who rose. Quickly, Lucy asked about seeing the modiste together.
“That is an excellent idea,” Mama proclaimed. “That way, you will have both my expertise and that of your aunt in recommending what should be included in your wardrobe.”
She could barely contain her excitement, ready to form a strong bond with these cousins of hers.
“I shall send Madame Laurent a message and make arrangements for all three of our girls to be seen together,” Mama promised.
“It was so good to see all of you,” Papa told their guests.
Uncle Charles said, “You must come for tea tomorrow afternoon. I insist, Charlotte. Agnes will be there, as well.”
Lucy’s aunt Agnes had been married to her uncle George, and she was now a widow. Lucy hoped Mama would say yes. She would love to spend more time with her cousins and also see Aunt Agnes.
“We would be delighted to do so,” Mama declared.
“Until tomorrow,” Aunt Alice said.
They accompanied their guests downstairs, where they claimed their things. As Uncle Charles set his hat on his head, Lucy saw the expression on his face turn odd. Something came out of his mouth, not exactly words, but gibberish. All eyes turned to the duke as he spoke again, this time his words slurring, the right corner of his mouth drooping in an odd fashion.
Then her uncle collapsed upon the marble floor of the foyer.
Aunt Alice shrieked. Lia and Tia stood frozen. Val sprang to his father, stripping off his coat and folding it, placing it under his father’s head.
“Send for the doctor,” Papa commanded crisply.
“I will go,” Con volunteered, dashing out the door.
Suddenly, footmen appeared, along with the butler, and Mama said, “Take His Grace upstairs to the Blue Room,” her voice cracking.
Quickly, the servants, directed by Val, lifted Uncle Charles and hurried up the stairs with him. Mama and Papa followed, both of them supporting Aunt Alice.
Her heart went out to her mother, knowing how much her mother loved her brother. More importantly, Lucy needed to help take care of her cousins now.
Going to them, she embraced them together. “Come. We should go back to the drawing room and wait for the doctor.”
Lia was the first to speak. “It is apoplexy,” she said solemnly. “I visited one of our tenants who was struck by it. He was bedridden until he passed.” She began weeping softly.
Tia wrapped her arm about her twin. “We do not know that, Lia,” she said fiercely. “The doctor will come. He will fix Papa.”
Gently, she took her cousins in hand and guided them upstairs to the drawing room, where they waited in silence.
Con, his hair looking windblown, joined them, saying, “The doctor is with Uncle Charles now.”
After half an hour, Mrs. Adams appeared. The housekeeper asked, “Shall I bring tea, my lady?”
She looked to her cousins, who shook their heads.
“No, not now, Mrs. Adams, but thank you.”
Another hour passed, and then Papa and Mama entered the room. Her mother, usually so cool and reserved, looked as if she had aged a decade in the last few hours. Papa guided her toward them.
Mama’s lips trembled as she said, “There is no easy way to say this. Your papa is gone,” she told the twins. “You may come say your goodbyes to him.”
Lucy, who had continued to hold her cousins’ hands, squeezed them now. She rose, pulling Lia and Tia with her. Both her cousins began to sob.
“Where is Mama?” Lia asked.
“She became hysterical,” Papa explained to his nieces. “The doctor has given her something to quiet her. She will sleep for now. He will give you something, as well, if you wish.”
“No,” Tia said firmly. “Lia and I have one another. And Val. We must be strong for Mama.” She looked to Lucy. “Will you come with us?”
She nodded. “Of course.”
Accompanying her cousins to the Blue Room, Lucy spied Val standing next to the bed. He came and embraced his sisters, saying, “He went peacefully. One minute, he was here. The next, he was gone.”
The twins went to their father. Both looked at him a long moment before kissing his cheek.
Val said, “We will take him home to Millvale. He will be buried in the churchyard at Willowshire. I will have Con escort the two of you home now. Aunt Charlotte and I will handle the details. I will also send a messenger to Aldridge Manor to let Ariadne and Julian know.”
“When will we see Mama?” Lia asked softly.
“The doctor said she will sleep until tomorrow morning,” Val told her. “See that the servants pack everything. We will return to Kent immediately.” He hesitated. “This means that there will be no Season for the two of you this year. We will be in mourning.”
The twins nodded, and Val said, “Your time will come next year. What is important is to be with Mama. I will stay with you, as well. As the new duke, I have many responsibilities to see to and much to learn.”
Disappointment flooded Lucy. While she understood that her cousins would need to mourn for their father, she had looked forward to their company in the coming months.
Then it struck her. If the Worthingtons were in mourning, would Mama also be in mourning—and by extension—her own family? She hated thinking such selfish thoughts.
Con spoke up. “Let me take you home now.”
Tia came and threw her arms about Lucy. “I am sorry we will not be here this Season with you.”
Lia joined them, hugging Lucy tightly. “Take care. Write to us about everything if you would.”
“I promise to do so,” she replied, still unsure of her own status regarding her come-out.
Her brother escorted the twins from the room. Lucy went to Val, hugging him and expressing her condolences.
Mama said, “I must speak to Lucilla briefly, Valentinian, then we shall sit and discuss what needs to be done regarding His Grace.”
Her mother took Lucy’s wrist and led her into the corridor.
“I am so sorry for your loss, Mama. I know how much you loved Uncle Charles. I wish I could have known him better.”
“I wanted to tell you this changes nothing,” Mama said. “You will make your come-out as planned.”
“We will not be in mourning?” she asked quietly.
“I will always mourn the loss of Charles,” Mama said brusquely. “But it is important to secure your future. You are a very pretty girl, Lucilla, and you will attract a good number of suitors. Cornelia and Thermantia are also striking. They would have been competition for you. I see no reason for you to wait until next year and have to fight for a husband with that pair challenging you every step of the way.”
Lucy thought her mother’s words harsh. Even unfeeling. She also knew when Mama made up her mind about something, there was no changing it.
“All right, Mama,” she agreed. “I will continue with making my come-out.”
Mama smiled, patting her daughter’s cheek. “You will shine, Lucilla. Madame Laurent will see to that. She is incredibly creative and will know just how to flatter your figure. We will keep our current appointment with the modiste so that she may start your wardrobe.”
She frowned. “But that is two days from now. Surely, we are going to Surrey for the funeral and burial.”
Mama snorted. “Women are usually kept from funerals. I see no reason to go. Launching you into Polite Society is my priority.”
The reply shocked her. Lucy had not known the Season was so combative.
Mama smoothed Lucy’s hair. “I see a great match for you, my dear. Especially with two fewer girls to distract the current crop of eligible bachelors.”
“Lia and Tia are your nieces, Mama,” she chided.
Her mother gazed coldly at her. “And you are my daughter. My allegiance is to you—and seeing you make the best match of the Season. Ariadne did so last year. It is up to you to make a brilliant one of your own this year.”
Mama sighed. “I must go help Valentinian make the arrangements. A coffin must be built in order to transport Charles back to Millvale. We will talk again tomorrow.”
Lucy was left in the corridor, feeling numb. She returned to her bedchamber and lay on the bed. Sadness filled her. The loss of her uncle was part of it, but losing out on the closeness she would have experienced with Tia, Lia, and Val was the greater part.
Now, she would go into the Season alone, not knowing a soul beyond Con.