The Duke and the Spinster: Clean Regency Romance (The Nettlefold Chronicles Book 1) Read online

  The Nettlefold Chronicles

  Clean Regency Romance

  The Duke and the Spinster

  Arietta Richmond

  Dreamstone Publishing © 2018

  www.dreamstonepublishing.com

  Copyright © 2018 Dreamstone Publishing and Arietta Richmond,

  All rights reserved.

  No parts of this work may be copied without the author’s permission.

  ISBN-13: 978-1-925499-95-7

  Dedication

  For everyone who had the grace to be patient while this book, and every other book that I have written, was coming into existence, who provided cups of tea, and food, when the writing would not let me go, and endured countless times being asked for opinions.

  For the readers who inspire me to continue writing, by buying my books! Especially for those of you who have taken the time to email me, or to leave reviews, and tell me what you love about these books, and what you’d like to see more of – thank you – I’m listening, I promise to write more about your favourite characters.

  For my growing team of beta readers and advance reviewers – it’s thanks to you that others can enjoy these books in the best presentation possible!

  And for all the writers of Regency Historical Romance, whose books I read, who inspired me to write in this fascinating period.

  Table of Contents

  The Duke and the Spinster

  Dedication

  Introduction

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Here is your preview of Betting on a Lady’s Heart

  Chapter One

  Books in the ‘His Majesty’s Hounds’ Series

  Books in ‘The Derbyshire Set’

  Regency Collections with Other Authors

  Other Books from Dreamstone Publishing

  Books by Arietta Richmond

  His Majesty’s Hounds

  Claiming the Heart of a Duke

  Intriguing the Viscount

  Giving a Heart of Lace

  Being Lady Harriet’s Hero

  Enchanting the Duke

  Redeeming the Marquess

  Finding the Duke’s Heir

  Winning the Merchant Earl

  Healing Lord Barton

  Kissing the Duke of Hearts

  Loving the Bitter Baron

  Falling for the Earl

  Rescuing the Countess

  Betting on a Lady’s Heart (coming soon)

  Attracting the Spymaster (coming soon)

  Restoring the Earl’s Honour (coming soon)

  The Nettlefold Chronicles

  The Duke and the Spinster

  A Duke’s Daughters – The Elbury Bouquet

  A Spinster for a Spy (Lily) (coming soon)

  A Vixen for a Viscount (Hyacinth) (coming soon)

  A Bluestocking for a Baron (Rose) (coming soon)

  A Diamond for a Duke (Camellia) (coming soon)

  A Minx for a Merchant (Primrose) (coming soon)

  An Enchantress for an Earl (Violet) (coming soon)

  A Maiden for a Marquess (Iris) (coming soon)

  A Heart for an Heir (Thorne) (coming soon)

  The Derbyshire Set

  A Gift of Love (Prequel short story)

  A Devil’s Bargain (Prequel short story - coming soon)

  The Earl’s Unexpected Bride

  The Captain’s Compromised Heiress

  The Viscount’s Unsuitable Affair

  The Derbyshire Set, Omnibus Edition, Volume 1

  (contains the first three books in a single volume.)

  The Count’s Impetuous Seduction

  The Rake’s Unlikely Redemption

  The Marquess’ Scandalous Mistress

  The Derbyshire Set, Omnibus Edition, Volume 2

  (contains the second three books in a single volume.)

  A Remembered Face (Bonus short story – coming soon)

  The Marchioness’ Second Chance (coming soon)

  A Viscount’s Reluctant Passion (coming soon)

  Lady Theodora’s Christmas Wish

  The Duke’s Improper Love (coming soon)

  Other Books

  The Scottish Governess (coming soon)

  The Earl’s Reluctant Fiancée (coming soon)

  The Crew of the Seadragon’s Soul Series,

  (coming soon - a set of 10 linked novels)

  Introduction

  I hope that you enjoy this story. Whilst it can be read standalone, it is related to stories from eight other authors, all of which are in some way related to the area surrounding the town of Upper Nettlefold. Upper Nettlefold, and its inhabitants have been created by all of us, to share.

  This is our first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. You will almost certainly see other books from the various authors, based in Upper Nettlefold, or about characters you first meet here. Keep an eye out for books with the Nettlefold Chronicles logo on them!

  Every time you read another Nettlefold story, you’ll find that it has things which happen, that influence the other stories, or are seen in other stories, from a different perspective. You will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters.

  There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold, which you will find on the next page, to help you visualise everything, as you read. (Sorry, you’ll have to turn the book sideways to see it best)

  Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go.

  Chapter One

  “Really Garrett, you are just avoiding the matter! You can’t put it off indefinitely!”

  The door shut solidly – not quite slammed, but close.

  Garrett Rutherford, the Duke of Kilmerstan, stared gloomily at his near empty brandy glass. Above him on the wall, the portraits of his father and his grandfather, looked down upon him. He felt their disapproval keenly.

  His mother was, of course, right – not that he liked to admit it. He could not avoid marriage forever, not if the title was to have an heir – for his cousin, Lord Giles Fortnum, would make a terrible Duke, and Garrett had no intention of allowing him to remain next in line for the title. But the eligible women available amongst the right strata of society were enough to make a man feel ill.

  He was beyond tired of being hunted by them, as if he could be caught and manipulated into choosing a Duchess. The harder they tried, the more he resisted.

  He had come to despise social occasions, and had hoped that, upon retiring to Kilmerstan Castle for the summer, he might largely avoid them. That assumption was proving irritatingly wrong.

  First, there had been the invitation, a few weeks past, to an occasion of sorts to welcome Viscount Mooresfield home. He had chosen not to attend, and was grateful for it, for, by all reports, the evening had degenerated into a shouting match between Mooresfield and the Earl of Banfield – an unpleasant man at the best of times, and one who Garrett was particularly displeased with, as he had been attempting to court Garrett’s sister Isabelle for some months. Anything that Garrett could do to break that association,
he would.

  And now, an invitation to another event at Hallingbrook Grange – one which seemed to have some hope of being of a more genteel and appropriate nature, but which still did not appeal at all. For Mooresfield had disappeared, to London he believed, for a week after the last event to much gossip and speculation. And then, not long after his return, had announced, to everyone’s surprise, his betrothal to Marianne Jones, the Baker’s daughter!

  He knew that Mooresfield had never been very concerned with status, having spent most of his life as a third son, and never expecting to inherit, but still! Marianne was a nice enough girl, but the ton would crucify the man for choosing a commoner with such a background. He could imagine the gossip that must already be circulating.

  This latest invitation was to a week-long house party, in celebration of that betrothal. The guest list, as discovered by his mother, was extensive.

  He had to assume that summer boredom was responsible for so many of substance attending – or perhaps the spreading gossip meant that they all simply wanted to see the baker’s daughter who had captured the heart of a Viscount. Oddly enough, Isabelle had not seemed enthused at all, even though she normally loved social events. Regardless, his mother had almost begun to salivate at sight of the names of all of the eligible women who would be present.

  Garrett knew when he was fighting a losing battle – he would have to attend, at least some of the activities – thank God he lived close enough to not have to stay at Hallingbrook! But his mother would not allow him to escape this – the Duchess was a force to be reckoned with, when she had set her heart on something.

  Of course, if he attended, he would almost certainly see Lady Prudence. Lady Prudence Baggington was the bane of his life. She had decided some years before that she was destined to marry Garrett – and had thrown herself in his path at every opportunity since, even whilst he was still in mourning for his father, and his brother. She was the most irritating woman he had ever met.

  He swallowed the last of the brandy, and deposited the glass on a side table. Perhaps a brisk ride in the summer twilight would improve his mood.

  ~~~~~

  Lady Juliana Willoughby stared out of the window as the coach bumped over the last miles of the road to Upper Nettlefold.

  The Nettlerush River ran beside the road, and the scenery was rather pretty, with the summer flowers and the green grass. She would have enjoyed visiting such a pretty place, had they been visiting for any other reason.

  “Aren’t you excited, Juliana? We’re nearly there!”

  Eleanor’s voice was light, musical, and always full of delight in the world. Juliana, as always, felt the contrast between her, and her sister, acutely. She sighed, and leant back against the padded seat as they bounced over another rut in the road.

  “I have nothing to be particularly excited about, Eleanor, although I will admit that the scenery is pretty. This visit is, after all, primarily for your benefit.”

  “Oh, don’t be so gloomy, Juliana – I am sure that you will meet some interesting and eligible men as well. There will even be a Duke present – an unmarried Duke!”

  “Who will, undoubtedly, not even notice my existence. You, however, are far more likely to be noticed.”

  “Don’t be so silly Juliana – I am sure that you will be noticed.”

  Juliana sighed again, shaking her head. Their mother, used to this type of conversation, decided to distract them. Their father, as always on long journeys, was propped against the corner of the seat, and gently snoring.

  “Girls! Must you have this conversation over and over? Eleanor – Juliana is older – why she’s nearly a spinster by most people’s accounting, and it stands to reason that you, at nineteen, and pretty as you are, will get more attention. Just accept it, and concentrate on finding yourself a husband – preferably a wealthy one.”

  Eleanor nodded, with a sidelong glance at Juliana, and began to discuss with their mother who might be in attendance. Juliana kept the gentle smile fixed on her face, and went back to watching the world go by outside the window. Her eyes pricked with pointless tears, but she repressed them ruthlessly. By now, she should be used to it.

  Being a spinster was infinitely preferable to being a clumsy, inelegant, too tall, too old woman amongst the glittering parade of young beauties. The tongues of the gossips of the ton were cruel. She’d had enough of their edge three years ago, and had avoided society as much as possible since.

  Soon, they rumbled over an old stone bridge, the river rushing beneath, and the road took them into a large open square in the centre of the town of Upper Nettlefold. At one end of the square stood their destination – Hardcastle House.

  It was a large building, which had once been an elegant manor, and now had been converted into a boarding house for the upper classes, a summer retreat for those who could not afford the prices in nearby Bath, or who were attending an overfull house party at one of the surrounding estates.

  Which was exactly their situation. Funds were tight, for her father still had not managed to entirely repair the damage which his father had done to their estates and their wealth. And the house party at Hallingbrook Grange had overflowed to here, and to the two Inns. Her father had drawn the line at the idea of them staying in even a higher-class Inn, but had accepted the boarding house as a necessity.

  Their driver turned into the narrow arch through the building and pulled to a halt in the courtyard within.

  Soon, Juliana stood in the warm summer sun, watching as footmen rushed out to unload their belongings, and a stablehand came out to show their coachman where the vehicle and horses were to be housed. The bustle was pleasant, and mildly interesting to observe – far different from their stableyard at home.

  “Come girls, let us go inside, away from all of this dust and dirt – your father can deal with the arrangements here for now.”

  Juliana and Eleanor followed their mother dutifully, but Juliana cast a longing glance back outside – perhaps there was a garden, somewhere, where she might sit and read in the sun. The slight chill of the building closed around her, and she turned her attention to the woman who came forward to meet them.

  “Good afternoon, my Lady – am I correct in the assumption that you are the Countess of Delbarton?”

  “That is correct. Mrs Hardcastle, I presume?”

  “Yes – and these must be your charming daughters.”

  “Indeed. This is Lady Juliana, and this is Lady Eleanor. The Earl will be here in a moment – he is just directing the footmen who are dealing with our baggage. Our maid and his valet will be along in the other carriage shortly.”

  “Excellent. Do let me show you to your suite of rooms, and then I’ll get some tea sent up. You must all be fatigued after your journey.”

  They nodded, gratefully, and followed her up the stairs.

  Chapter Two

  Juliana was pleased when her mother chose a quiet spot on the edges of the ballroom at Hallingbrook Grange, where a couch and two chairs provided enough seating for them all. The potted palms and the draperies which also filled the edges of the alcove gave her some hope of remaining inconspicuous. Eleanor saw things completely differently.

  “Oh Mother! I know that having seats is a good idea, but here? In this dingy corner? How will any of the gentlemen even notice me here?”

  “Don’t fuss, Eleanor. We will move about the room for a time, meeting others that we may know – although there are precious few here that we do know. At least there are enough that we will be able to obtain introductions as needed. And this does mean that there are many eligible gentlemen here that have not seen you before…”

  Eleanor stopped, struck by the significance of her mother’s words, then turned to study, more closely, the people filling the room.

  Juliana was also studying them, but for completely different reasons. She found people fascinating if she did not have to interact with them. Their mannerisms and movements gave away so much about their thoughts and their p
ersonalities.

  It was only when she had to speak to them, or, heaven forbid, dance with them, that she wished herself anywhere else but there. If a gentleman spoke to her, she became, in her own mind, instantly as she had been three years before, when she had stumbled through dances, tripped over her own feet, and embarrassed herself in every way imaginable. Her first Season had been her last, by her own choice – she never wished to expose herself to feeling like that again. It did not matter that she had spent the three years since being intensely careful about how she stood, how she moved, how she spoke – the second that a man addressed her, all of that fell away, and she was the gawky clumsy, too tall girl again.

  Her father, aware of how Juliana usually approached the world, began to quietly inform her of who was who. Most of the wealthy and titled people from the local area were there - the Earl of Rothlyn, the Marquess of Westwood, Baron Torsford, Viscount Mooresfield – whose house this was – and Mr William Allgood. Notably absent was the Duke of Kilmerstan – Eleanor would be disappointed if he did not appear for the evening. The Ball was the official start of the long house party, and was quite the glittering event.

  There were others of significance, drawn from Bath, and even as far away as London. Her father did not know them all by name, but their dress and manner marked them out as of the nobility. Juliana studied them all carefully, amused by the posturing of the newly rich.

  Even amongst the wealthy and titled, there were layers in society – layers that were quite visible, as people interacted – or chose not to. Layers in which Juliana’s family were, despite the title, rather close to the bottom, for they were by no means fabulously wealthy.

  Eleanor and Lady Delbarton moved off into the room, circulating amongst the guests, garnering introductions. Soon, as was to be expected, Eleanor was surrounded by a cluster of hopeful young men. Juliana marvelled at how easily Eleanor dealt with it, how happy, how graceful she seemed, no matter what. She envied her that ability, oh, so much!