Erika Hunter - The Bedford Beauty

The Bedford Beauty

ARegency Novella

By

Erika Hunter

This novellais dedicated to my sister and my mom who have always believed in me.

Contents

July 1813

How does onegreet a war hero? With lavish parties and parades, brightly colored gowns and excessivefood and drink? For Arthur Wellesley perhaps; But Alice Fulton thoughtsomething more subtle and personal was needed for her heroes. She drummed herfingers against the warm windowpane following an episode of pacing across thedrawing room floor. Her brother, Dayton, and Blake Hadley were coming homeafter serving three years in the Peninsula War Light Cavalry. At last theywould be back in Bedford. Alice haddreamed of the day when she could throw herself into her brothers arms, andtoday was that day.

Stopfidgeting Alice and put your hands to good use, Lady Fulton gently scolded,holding out the needlepoint work Alice had started and never finished.

Yes,Mother, She replied with a sigh and accepted the needlework as she sat on theedge of their butter yellow sofa. Do you think they will arrive today? Do yousuppose they will be here soon?

My dear, youmust be calm. A lady is always calm and never shows too much excitement. Theywill be here when they get here, Lady Fulton responded without looking up fromher correspondence.

LadyElizabeth Fulton dressed with a formality which made Alice want to roll hereyes. Her mothers perfect coiffure with chestnut curls framing her face andher fitted cream-colored muslin gown wrapped in a dark blue shawl gave her ameticulous, lovely appearance. Alice envied how easy it was for her mother tomaintain a picture perfect appearance at all times, but despaired the need toemulate such perfection.

When Aliceturned sixteen her mother curbed her adventures to focus on perfecting herappearance so she would be ready for a London Season. Now Alices hairstylemimicked her mothers, but instead of a rich, chestnut coiffure, she hadunruly, auburn curls. At least her white muslin gown was well fitted and theblue trimmings brought out the blue of her eyes. She wanted to impress herbrother with her mature appearance and manners.

Alice tossedthe needlepoint work on the table. I cannot attend this now Mother. I am allnerves at present. She rose to her feet and paced the drawing room again.

Lady Fultonlooked up from her correspondence and watched Alice move around the room with afurrowed brow. Then I pray your brother will arrive soon so youll regaincontrol of your nerves, she calmly stated.

Do you thinkthey will look very different? Alice asked. Her mind whirled from one thoughtto the next like a whirling dervish. Dayton and Blake had been tall and lankytwenty year olds when they left. They must be battle-hardened men now, serious afterexperiencing fighting and bloodshed. She shivered thinking of the horrors theyendured and witnessed in Portugal and Spain while she was safely ensconced inthe English countryside.

I expectthey will look older, Mother replied without looking up from hercorrespondence. I spoke with Mrs. Fielding this morning and Lord Bedford willbe in attendance at the assembly Saturday next. You must look your best forhim, Mother stated with a sparkle in her eye.

Motherreveled in the hunt to find her a titled husband. Since Alice had no particulargentleman in mind, she let her mother dictate the direction of the hunt. Infact, she hadnt met a single eligible bachelor who made her think twice abouthim.

Yes Mother.Do you think Dayton will be more serious? Alice asked, changing the subjectback to the more important topic of her war heroes.

Weshall see. Do sit down Alice, Mother replied in a damnably calm tone.

Dayton'sletters always contained humorous antics on camping or marching, never morethan a cursory mention of battles or skirmishes. Alice knew he spared hersensibilities so she would never know of the terrors he witnessed. Sheappreciated his protectiveness but she was strong enough to support Daytonshould he need it.

The sound of cloppinghooves reached her ears and she raced over to the window. A plain black andyellow carriage appeared in the lane. Alice's heart pounded as the unadornedcoach moved closer. She launched herself off the window seat and stumbled downthe stairs in her haste to greet them, her white muslin gown and petticoatcatching between her legs as she ran down the stairs two at a time.

Alice shiftedfrom foot to foot waiting for Mother to open the door and step outside first,then she followed on her heals. She knew she betrayed unladylike impatience,but three years of absence and daily fear for Dayton and Blake made conformingto society's rules unbearable in this situation.

The carriagestopped in front of their home and Dayton swung the door open with a bang andhopped down in his regimentals. His short ginger hair glinted in the summersunlight and his teasing smile stretched across his face displaying a set offine white teeth. He looked so grown up, but thin. His blue eyes held maturityand a seriousness he had not possessed before the war. Her heart clenched withregret at the years they spent apart and how they had changed him. Theyd beenclose as children and rarely fought which made the separation even more fraughtwith pain and anxiety.

Alice ran pasther mother and into his arms, tears streaming down her face as she gazed up ather adoring big brother through bleary eyes.

Ali. Ivemissed you little one. Have you been waiting all day for us to arrive? Hekissed her cheek affectionately and hugged her close.

I have beenpacing the house driving Mother to distraction. She gave him a teary smile.

Dayton movedaside so Blake could exit the carriage and went to greet Mother and Papa whojoined them. Alice sucked in her breathat the sight of her brother's best friend. Blake's dark eyes trained upon herand warmth, aside from the summer heat, seeped over her. Lord, he had changed. His face and his bodywere filled out and more masculine than she remembered. He exited the carriagewith an air of confidence and grace. Something potent and wild came to mind asshe surveyed his athletic physique, dark hair pulled back from his face, andthe brooding look in his eyes.

He had alwaysbeen a quiet, observant fellow, Shadow she'd called him secretly. Looking athim now, she could imagine the ladies swarming him and begging for offers ofmarriage. Blake was beautiful with his rich brown eyes, midnight hair and a powerfulpresence resonating off him like a strong blowing wind. The slow smile he gaveher made her struggle to stay calm and breathe normally.

Shyness anduncertainty gripped her as she struggled to recall her thoughts on the best wayto greet him. The last time she had seen him she had hugged him good-bye andwished him a safe return. She was nineteen now and he was so sinfully handsome,she wasn't sure if she should curtsy or hug him. She should do more than stareat the fine specimen of a man before her. So she smiled and bobbed a curtsy ashe watched her with intense brown eyes.

I'm gladyou're home Blake. I've missed you and Dayton.

His smileturned into a grin making her grin back foolishly. I've missed you too Alice.Youre all grown up. His gaze swept her form and she wanted to squirm underhis observations.

Come insideand have tea with us. You will stay for dinner won't you Blake? Alice asked asshe stepped between the uniformed men and hooked a hand through each of theirarms.

Blakeinstantly covered her hand with his gloved one as she escorted them into thehouse. The gesture was warm and friendlyand excitement thrummed through her body at his touch.

Motherfrowned at her manners, but formalities be hanged. She wanted to sit and talkwith them about anything and everything. She had so many questions and theywere back. They were back! She wanted to shout for joy and thank God forreturning them safely.