A Selfish Heart: A Regency Romance: Landon House (Book 2) Read online

  A Selfish Heart: A Regency Romance

  Landon House (Book 2)

  Rose Pearson

  Contents

  A Selfish Heart

  A Selfish Heart

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  My Dear Reader

  A Sneak Peek of Mistaken for a Rake

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Join my Mailing List

  A Selfish Heart

  A Regency Romance

  Landon House

  (Book 2)

  By

  Rose Pearson

  © Copyright 2019 by Rose Pearson - All rights reserved.

  In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document by either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

  Respective author owns all copyrights not held by the publisher.

  A Selfish Heart

  Prologue

  “And so it is to be your turn, Lady Anna.”

  Anna clasped her hands tightly together at her heart, her excitement building as her lady’s maid set the final touches to her hair.

  “It is,” she said softly, looking at her reflection and wondering if she would satisfy the ton. “Selina is, of course, also hoping for her success.”

  “Of course,” the maid murmured, as Anna thought of her twin sister. Selina was a little quieter than she, certainly more reserved, and it seemed to Anna as though her sister would have to permit herself to be more forthcoming in both her speech and her character if she was to find any happiness. She, of course, had no such difficulty. Last Season had been her introduction to the beau monde and she had not had any particular difficulty with introductions, conversations, or dancing. In fact, she had relished every moment of it! It had not been for her to make a match, however, for her elder sister, Lady Rebecca, was to be the first. Much to Anna’s delight, Rebecca had managed to do so and was now happily wed and settled with her new husband.

  How I hope I shall have just as much success this Season.

  Sighing to herself, Anna smiled at her reflection, quite satisfied with her appearance. “You have done well,” she said, rising swiftly. “Now, I must not be tardy.” Turning to her lady’s maid, she waited patiently for the final few finishing touches. She then turned to make her way below stairs, where she knew Lady Hayward would be waiting for her. Her hand tightened on the rail as she descended, afraid that she might tread on her new gown or make some other mishap that would cause her to be all the more tardy, but much to her relief, she had no difficulty at all. Taking a breath, she smoothed her skirts and, setting her shoulders, walked into the drawing-room.

  The three within the room turned to look at her as one, with Lady Hayward’s smile jumping instantly onto her face.

  “My dear Lady Anna,” she said, holding out both her hands to her. “How very good to see you again.”

  “And you, Lady Hayward,” Anna replied, grasping the older woman’s hands and thinking to herself that Lady Hayward had not aged in any way since she had last seen her. Her blue eyes were still bright, her smile broad, and her graying hair pulled back neatly. She wore a gown of dark blue, which, Anna had to admit, suited the lady very well.

  “I am glad to be reacquainted with you,” she answered as her sister drew closer to them, a gentle smile on her face. “I hope your family is well?”

  Lady Hayward nodded. “Very well indeed, although most remain at home, of course. My eldest, Lord Hayward, has returned to London to continue under your father’s guidance.”

  Anna nodded, recalling the agreement that had been made between her father, the Duke of Landon, and Lady Hayward. He was something of a neglectful father to his daughters—perhaps, in part, due to his lack of certainty as to how to raise such a brood! Last Season, he had clearly been uncertain about gowns and such things, only to meet Lady Hayward. An agreement had quickly struck up between them. Lady Hayward would assist the duke’s daughters in their attempts to encourage not only the right kinds of suitors, but those that would treat them with kindness and appreciation. In return, her father would aid Lady Hayward’s sons, the eldest of which had taken on the title. Things were going very well thus far, from what Anna understood, which gave her a good deal of hope regarding her own future.

  “I am sure that you are eager to make your way to the ball,” Lady Hayward said, evidently seeing the excitement in Anna’s eyes. “And you, Lady Selina? Are you also anticipating your return to society?”

  Anna looked to her sister, who was, much to her surprise, looking anxious.

  “I confess I am a little apprehensive,” Lady Selina admitted, even though Anna felt no such thing. “It seems so much more...important this Season.”

  “That is because it does hold more importance!” the Duke exclaimed, speaking for the first time. “You and your sister are to seek out suitable gentlemen so that your futures are settled and secure—much like Rebecca.” He smiled fondly, reminding Anna that, despite her father’s failings, he did care for them all very much indeed. “But have no fear, Selina,” he continued, putting a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Lady Hayward will guide you through the Season, just as she has done with Rebecca.”

  Lady Hayward seemed to glow at this remark, looking up at the duke with a calm, steady gaze. “I thank you for your belief in me, Your Grace,” she said as Anna began to slowly back towards the door, her eagerness to depart growing so much that it felt as though she were being pulled there by an invisible thread. “I am certain that they will both do very well, indeed.”

  The Duke chuckled. “And if their endeavors come to naught, then they can try next Season,” he said as Anna closed her eyes in frustration. How was she meant to begin such endeavors if they did not depart soon? It was all very well for Selina to feel such anxiety, but she did not, and there was no reason, therefore, for them to linger simply to reassure her sister! The best thing for Selina, Anna felt, was to make her way to the ball and begin to engage herself with society again. That was the only way to remove such anxiety.

  “I think we should depart,” Lady Hayward said with a twinkle in her eye. “Your sister appears to be making her way to the carriage already, Lady Selina!”

  Her father fixed Anna with a hard stare, and Anna felt herself flush with embarrassment. She stopped walking backward, dropped her head, and clasped her hands in front of her, a little embarrassed that she had been reprimanded, albeit silently.

  “I am sure all will be well,” Lady Hayward said encouragingly, looping one arm through Lady Selina’s and leading her towards the door. “Come now, Lady Selina. Let us go.” With a warm smile towards Anna, she gestured for her to make her way to the door. Glancing at her father, Anna gave him a hurried smile and then turned to make her way out towards the front door and to the carriage. Despite the reprimand, her excitement grew steadily, and she found herself smiling as she climbed into the carriage.

  It was the beginning of what she hoped would be an excellent and exciting Season, and Anna could hardly wait for it to begin.

  Chapter One

  “I do enjoy the first few weeks of the Season.”

  Elias grinned as
he finished speaking, ignoring the dark look sent towards him by Lord Rowley.

  “The only reason you appear to enjoy it, Lord Comerfield, is because you have the opportunity to make many new acquaintances,” Lord Rowley replied, grimacing. “Acquaintances that you shall either choose to continue in the hope that they might…” Tilting his head, he considered for a moment. “That they might improve their acquaintance with you all the more. And, if you do not believe that they would be amicable to such an idea, then you bring the acquaintance to an end.”

  “And there can be nothing wrong with such actions!” Elias protested, still smiling broadly. “You know very well that I am always kind to those I consider debutantes and young ladies eager to wed. I never pursue them.”

  Lord Rowley arched one eyebrow, opened his mouth to make a response, only to close it again. With a heavy sigh, he shook his head and turned away, looking at the other guests and, no doubt, the many young ladies who were making either their first or second appearance in London.

  “I do not think we should ever have become friends, had I a younger sister,” Lord Rowley muttered, as Elias reached to take a glass of brandy, and then another one for Lord Rowley in an attempt to appease him.

  “But you do not,” Elias told him, shrugging. “And your elder sister is very happily wed, if I recall correctly.”

  “She is,” Lord Rowley agreed, his dark look beginning to lift from his face. “Although if she was ever to be widowed, then that might be an entirely different matter!”

  Elias chuckled. “I should never pursue your sister, Lord Rowley, truly. You have my word.” He put his hand over his heart and bowed in a slightly mocking gesture. “Not when there are so many others here that might capture my attention!” The grin returned, but Lord Rowley ignored it, giving a small shake of his head and allowing a heavy sigh to escape from his lips as he surveyed the room. He and Elias had been friends for some time, and Elias knew that his friend was fully aware of the sort of gentleman he was. He was not yet called a ‘rogue’ by the ton, for he was not the sort to treat ladies with any sort of callous disregard, but certainly he had a reputation of being something of a flirt, of enjoying the company of beautiful, elegant, and genteel ladies—and if they were inclined towards him, then all the better! Elias was not going to deny that he had stolen kisses from some when the opportunity arose, but who could resist such a thing when it was practically handed to him? No, he enjoyed being a part of society and took as much from it as he could, despite the irritation and evident frustration of his friend.

  “Then I suppose,” Lord Rowley said, interrupting Elias’ thoughts, “that this Season will be yet another where you give no consideration towards matrimony.”

  Elias let out a bark of laughter, throwing his head back as though Lord Rowley had said the most ridiculous of remarks.

  “I shall take that to mean that you do not,” Lord Rowley said dryly. “It might interest you to know, however, that what I have asked of you is precisely what I myself intend for this Season.”

  The smile faded from Elias’ face as he looked at Lord Rowley steadily, trying to make out whether or not his friend was making a mockery of him. If he made any particular remark, then it might very well be that Lord Rowley, in turn, would laugh at him for believing such a thing.

  “I am not pretending,” Lord Rowley said wearily, passing one hand over his eyes. “You look at me as though I am gone quite mad, and I can assure you, I have not. I have, instead, given this a great deal of thought and considered it for many, many days. But I have come to the conclusion that now is the right and proper time for me to find a suitable young lady to wed. My family line must be continued, and the sooner I do such a thing, the better.”

  Elias did not know what to say to this, for he had never once heard Lord Rowley speak with such determination nor intent before. He had presumed, foolishly, it seemed, that he and Lord Rowley would continue through the London Season as they had these last few years—with nothing more than a vague interest in the ladies of the beau monde and enjoying the conversation and company of some. They might take note of the debutantes and might remark upon one or two in particular, but there was never any true interest in any of them. Never any suggestion that there might be more to an acquaintance that had first been intended.

  It seemed now that such a thing was about to change and, for whatever reason, that sat uncomfortably upon Elias’ shoulders.

  “No doubt you will have some remark to make about how I am very foolish indeed,” Lord Rowley sighed with a shake of his head. “You will laugh and say that there is no need for me to wed, that there must be something the matter with me to consider such a thing when I could enjoy the Season for what it is—but on this matter, I assure you, I will not be shaken.” A steel glint entered his eye as his lips flattened, his jaw working for a moment. “And I shall not listen to any of your mockery either.”

  Elias held up one hand in a defensive manner, the other still holding his brandy. “I shall say nothing of the sort,” he replied honestly. “I will confess to being a little surprised, but that is all I shall say.” He was aware that his friend appeared determined about this decision and that to tease or to laugh would not do their friendship any good. Besides which, whilst he admitted that he was surprised at Lord Rowley’s sudden intentions, he could not pretend that it was not wise. “You have more consideration and wisdom than I, Lord Rowley; that is for certain.”

  The glint left Lord Rowley’s eyes as he looked back at Elias, clearly a little uncertain as to whether or not to believe him. Elias said nothing more but remained quite calm in his expression, being utterly truthful in his words.

  “I will agree with that wholeheartedly,” Lord Rowley replied after a few moments. “Although might such a decision on my part make you consider your own situation?” One eyebrow lifted, but Elias dismissed it with a swift shake of his head.

  “Certainly not,” he replied firmly. “You sound much like my dear mama, Lord Rowley. She has a way of suggesting that I might think of taking a wife without ever actually speaking those words!”

  “You are the Marquess of Comerfield,” Lord Rowley reminded him with a small lift of his brow. “It would be wise to take a wife and produce the heir.”

  With a sniff, Elias looked away. “I have an excellent younger brother who is already doing just as you have suggested,” he stated firmly. “Should the worst happen—and I have no reason to believe that it will—then he will take the title. I cannot see any real need for haste when it comes to marriage.”

  “It is certainly true, then,” Lord Rowley remarked in a dry tone. “True that I have a good deal more wisdom than you in this particular situation, it seems.” He threw back the rest of his brandy and let out a sharp laugh, which, much to Elias’ surprise, was a little cutting. “I shall not seek your advice when it comes to the ladies I consider, then.”

  Elias shrugged. “I do not see why I could not be of use,” he replied, a little pained that his friend dismissed him so quickly. “Just because I have no intention of marriage does not mean that I am unable to give my opinion on a lady’s character.”

  Lord Rowley considered this for a moment before, with a small sigh, shrugging in a most nonchalant manner. “If you wish to give me your thoughts, then I suppose I shall not refuse them,” he said without any sort of eagerness.

  “Then you have some particular ladies in mind?” Elias asked, but Lord Rowley quickly shook his head.

  “I have only just returned to London and, unfortunately, none of the ladies I was acquainted with last Season hold any interest for me,” he said with a slight shake of his head as though a little mournful about such a thing. “Therefore, I shall look at this year’s debutantes and hope that one of them, at least, will be worthy of my consideration.”

  Elias lifted one eyebrow. “Might I remind you that you barely met any ladies of interest last Season, Lord Rowley,” he replied, having a very clear memory of Lord Rowley and his particular behavior. “Y
ou were quite set upon enjoying the Season and tended to focus your time upon cards and dancing. That is hardly the setting to know a lady better, especially when one might be a little...overcome with the very best brandy that London has to offer.” This, much to his delight, brought a look of embarrassment to Lord Rowley’s face, although, after a moment, he began to nod.

  “I suppose there is something to be said for that,” he remarked, throwing Elias a hard look. “I shall not merely consider the debutantes, then.”

  “Capital!” Elias crowed, another grin spreading across his face. “For there are certainly one or two ladies I have in mind that might be more than suitable for you, Rowley.”

  His friend grimaced. “None that you have taken a particular interest in, I hope?”

  “Precisely the opposite,” Elias promised with a half bow. “Rather, they are ones who have refused me entirely. Thus, I am sure they are more than proper and would suit you very well, indeed.”

  For a few moments, Elias thought that his friend would refuse, that he would state that he had no need for such direction but, eventually, Lord Rowley sighed and nodded, evidently accepting Elias’ help.

  “Excellent!” Elias cried, turning his head so that he might look all around him. “Then there is no time to be wasted! Certainly, there is no need for us to stand here and watch all that goes on around us when there are so many ladies present this evening who might be very glad of your company!” Tilting his head, he looked all about him and took in a few ladies of his acquaintance that he knew Lord Rowley might consider. “Have you asked anyone to dance as yet?”