Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball: An Authentic Regency Romance, page 8
“Of course,” said Patience, suppressing her disapproval. “And?”
Henrietta leaned forwards and said in a loud whisper, “The crux of the matter is this. Letitia DeVere did not die when she had that accident in Italy. An Italian family rescued her and they have sheltered her for two years because she suffered a total loss of memory and did not know who she was. She didn’t even know where she came from.”
“Could she speak?” asked Lorna. “They would have realised she is English. They might have placed an advertisement in the London newspapers to report they had found an Englishwoman who had been in an accident.”
“I’m sure if that was the case then her family would have responded immediately,” said Henrietta.
Lorna replied, “Well, since you already told us the family held a memorial service, it’s clear Miss DeVere’s rescuers did not think to place an advertisement.”
Henrietta shrugged. “You know what foreigners are like. You can’t trust them to do what a normal person would do under the circumstances. I don’t know all the details, but simply that her memory returned one day, and she wrote instantly to her family. They came up to their London house to welcome her back home.”
“They must be overjoyed,” said Patience through numb lips. “I am sure they consider it a miracle.” A miracle for them but a tragedy for her. Thank goodness, Lorna had extended her London visit. She could not bear this news alone.
Henrietta made a humph sound. “Well, they had pinned their hopes on Letitia marrying Lord Blackwood, so perhaps those hopes will be revived.” She glanced at Patience. “I’m sorry, my dear, but it’s possible.”
“I don’t see how they can still think that,” said Lorna with an impatient gesture. “As I said, two years is a long time. They and Miss DeVere can have no expectations now. He believed she was dead. He is under no obligation to fulfil any previous promise of marriage.”
Lorna turned to Patience. “You haven’t said much about anything. I can’t believe you are so calm. Lord Blackwood has seen you several times since the ball. What do you think? How sure are you of his feelings?”
Patience was not at all calm, although evidently she appeared that way. Despite putting on a brave face for Lorna and Henrietta, her whole body felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck her. Her thoughts jumbled in her brain. Only a fortnight ago she had been at the Valentine Ball, clasped in Lord Blackwood’s arms, and giving him permission to court her. He had overstepped the mark a little that night, with an intense declaration of passion. His kisses were unforgettable. The touch of his lips had thrilled her body and caused her head to spin with a wonderful giddiness. Such behaviour would not ordinarily have occurred, but in the joyous tumult of the ball—the Valentine card she had written him, and the posy he had sent in reply—breaking the rules just a little had seemed acceptable. Since the ball, he had visited her twice at home, driven with her in the park, and escorted her to an art exhibition of new works at Somerset House. Only a man with serious intent would seek her out so openly and so often. A completely new world filled with love had opened before her. Henrietta’s astonishing report had just slammed the door shut.
“I…er…I am not sure what to think. Loving someone is not like following a recipe. He must still care for her to some extent.”
Lorna snorted. “Oh, stop being so tolerant and kind for once. I loved my grandfather but he is long dead. I loved the first pony I ever had, but Cloud is also long dead. You can’t suddenly love someone again when you have said goodbye and put their memories to one side.”
“Loving a relative or a pet is not the same thing as loving someone you hoped to marry,” said Patience. “And one can think those memories have been safely put to one side. Who can say what will revive them in an instant.”
Henrietta straightened her bonnet and brushed the cake crumbs off her dress. “Well, I am feeling quite recovered now, thank you. I shall make it my goal to find out everything on your behalf, dearest Patience.” She gave Patience a meaningful stare. “Lord Blackwood has declared himself to you. I am happy for the DeVere family that their child has been restored. I am sorry for Miss DeVere because she has come too late. She must find someone else to marry. Fate guides us in strange directions.”
Patience walked with Henrietta to the front door. Henrietta grabbed both her hands and said in a low, urgent voice, “Fight for him, Patience. If you love him, fight for him. I know it’s not in your nature but don’t give up. He loves you now. Don’t let this little minx get her claws into him again.”
“But he might still have deep feelings for Miss DeVere. If so, I cannot stand in his way. It would be unfair.”
“Pooh!” Henrietta snorted. “Then you must show him that his feelings for you are deeper. Men sometimes have to be guided to make the right choice. All’s fair in love and war.”
From the Author
Thank you for reading my latest Regency romance. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. I grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and many other writers of that period. From Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, I’ve found both enjoyment and inspiration in sparkling, witty Regency novels. I also love history and generally find the past more fascinating than the future. I wrote my first Regency romance to entertain my aged mom who loved the genre. I’m honoured to share the adventures of my heroes and heroines with readers.
Authors depend on word of mouth to spread the news of their work, so if you enjoyed this book, please tell other romance readers or leave a review on any purchase site. Visit my website, Facebook page, and Twitter for more details on my Regency romances. If you’d like to contact me personally, feel free to drop me an email at arabella.sheraton@telkomsa.net. If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive updates on new releases, exclusive material, special offers and free books, please visit my website.
Regency Romance Titles by Arabella Sheraton
The Dangerous Duke
The Reluctant Bridegroom
The Wayward Miss Wainwright
Married at Midnight
Miss Dashwood's Dilemma
The Lady's Revenge
(sequel to Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball)
Non-fiction Titles
by Arabella Sheraton
The Secret of Love: Ten Simple Steps to Finding the Right Relationship
Arabella Sheraton, Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball: An Authentic Regency Romance
