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LADIES ON THEIR OWN: GOVERNESSES
AND COMPANIONS
A REGENCY ROMANCE BOXSET
ROSE PEARSON
LANDON HILL MEDIA
CONTENTS
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Robert, the Earl of Crampton is irritated with the lady. Even though
she is only a companion, Robert finds himself caught up with her,
angry at her manner towards him. When someone begins to bring
trouble to Robert’s door, he is astonished to find that Honora is the
one by his side. Will she be willing to help him, if he should ask? And
can he eschew his pride and see her as more than just a
companion?
PROLOGUE
“N ow , here we are .”
Honora took in a deep breath and, walking behind her aunt,
made her way towards the grand townhouse. She had been greatly
upset earlier that afternoon but had forced herself to find a few
positive considerations in her new situation. Her aunt was not being
deliberately cruel but rather, instead, appeared to think that she was
doing Honora a great kindness in offering her this situation. Nor was
she purposefully trying to upset Honora in stating the truth about
her father’s situation. She was doing so simply because it was the
truth and she clearly thought that Honora needed to have an
understanding of it.
Perhaps she is right, Honora thought as she climbed the stone
steps. I would not have a single gentleman so much as look at me,
should I be here to make my come out.
Taking a deep breath, Honora lifted her chin, tried to smile, and
stepped inside.
The noise hit her like a wall, forcing her to catch her breath as
she took a momentary pause just inside the house. She was not
even in the ballroom yet and the sound of conversation, music, and
laughter was already overwhelming.
“It is quite something, is it not?” Her aunt turned towards her, a
broad smile on her face and a brightness in her eyes that told
Honora she very much enjoyed the noise. “Do not worry, Nora.
Everyone finds the ballroom to be somewhat intimidating when they
first step inside!”
Honora managed a faint smile, appreciating this encouragement
but still finding herself quite overcome with nerves. It took all of her
inner strength to keep her composure as she finally approached their
hosts and the receiving line, staying behind her aunt and praying
that her curtsey would be quite perfect when the time came.
“Do excuse me.”
Much to Honora’s shock, a figure suddenly pushed past both
herself and her aunt and then attempted to move forward at speed
so that he could make his way to the receiving line first. It was
astonishingly rude and even her aunt let out an exclamation which,
at least, the gentleman in question turned in response to.
“Excuse me, sir,” her aunt said, her voice high pitched and her
frame suddenly very stiff indeed, “but what is the meaning of this?”
The gentleman turned to face Lady Langdon fully, his hands
spreading out to either side, as though he could not understand the
question.
“I beg your pardon?”
“You have pushed me aside in some sort of attempt to garner
entry to the ballroom a little more quickly, I presume,” Lady Langdon
stated, sounding a little angrier now, which, Honora thought, came
solely from the gentleman’s seeming inability to understand his
wrong – although inwardly, she winced at the fact that her aunt had
failed to mention that he had also physically moved Honora aside!
Was he really so arrogant as to make his way past them without
even being aware of the cost of his behavior? Did he think that his
handsome appearance removed the need for good manners?
The gentleman clasped his hands together, then gave a short but
stiff bow.
“I meant no harm,” he said, his eyes fixed upon her aunt and
giving Honora not even a single glance. “My sole intention was to
make my way to Lord and Lady Yarmouth so that I might make my
greeting.”
Honora frowned, folding her arms and studying the gentleman
steadily as dislike slowly began to creep up within her. Whoever this
fellow was, she did not think that she believed a single word he had
said thus far. He had to have been aware that his manner in pushing
past them was both uncouth and disgraceful but had done so
regardless. Why would he do such a thing? Did he truly think that he
was more important than the rest of them? That Lord and Lady
Yarmouth would be all the better pleased to greet him rather than
Honora and her aunt?
Her eyes fixed themselves to the gentleman’s rather smug
expression. He had a long, elegant nose and slightly narrowed eyes
– although whether they were held so because of the current
situation, Honora did not know. His dark brown hair was combed
neatly so that most of it fell to one side and his clothing was quite
impeccable. Were it not for how he had behaved, Honora was sure
that she would have thought him amiable as well as handsome, but
now her consideration of him was already soured.
You are a companion, she reminded herself sternly, her hands
suddenly falling to her sides. You cannot speak openly to him even
though you might wish it.
That, Honora knew, was one of her failings. Her father had often
brought it up during their years together, for Honora was inclined to
speak her mind and to do so without hesitation. It had taken great
inner strength not to send various retorts towards her aunt over the
last few days and now, Honora called upon that strength again.
“And what is it that you think we are doing?” her aunt asked, as
the gentleman’s eyes suddenly caught Honora’s, making her flush
and turn her head away. “We too are seeking to make our way to
Lord and Lady Yarmouth. Surely that was clear from the very
beginning!”
The gentleman sighed heavily and dropped his head for a
moment, sounding exasperated – and Honora could not help but
speak.
“It is not at all gentlemanly to push oneself to the fore,” she said
sharply, not holding back her frustration and having no hesitation in
dealing him a setdown. “And to jostle not only myself but my aunt in
such a way is–”
“You clearly do not know who I am.”
Honora’s color rose as she narrowed her eyes, ignoring her aunt’s
attempts to break into the conversation. This gentleman was more
than a little rude; he was disparaging, arrogant, and haughty and
Honora’s dislike of him only grew.
“I do not give a fig as to who you might be, sir,” she said clearly,
all too aware of her aunt’s wide eyes. “If you are a high titled
gentleman, then you may wish to act in such a way so that we do
not think so little of your choice of behavior.”
Silence spread between the three of them, but Honora did not
drop her gaze. Holding her head high, she looked back at the
gentleman steadily until, finally, he grimaced and returned his gaze
to her aunt.
“Clearly, I did not either see you or give you my attention,” he
said, making Honora frown at his tone. The man was not regretful,
nor did he attempt to give them even a single word of apology! It
seemed as though he was determined to keep his pride in place at
all costs. She dropped her head so that she would not have to look
at the gentleman’s arrogant face, linking her fingers together so that
her hands clasped gently in front of her. The last thing that was
required of her here was to say something more to him, despite just
how much she might wish it. No doubt Lady Langdon was more than
displeased with her already.
“No, you did not,” her aunt snapped, harshly. “Now, permit us to
make our way to our hosts so that we might greet them and pray do
not attempt to hinder us any longer!” She threw one hand out
towards Honora, who started at the sudden attention. “Come,
Honora.”
The gentleman turned to look at Honora more directly, but she
remained in place, choosing to keep her eyes far from his in the
hope that he would step aside and allow them both to pass. She
heard a rattle of frustration emit from his lips but still did not look at
him, turning now towards her aunt.
“But of course.” The gentleman cleared his throat, opening one
hand out towards their hosts. “On this occasion, I shall step aside
and permit you to make your way to the receiving line whilst I take
my place behind you.”
The arrogance with which he spoke made Honora want to send a
stinging riposte flying towards him but a quick glance at her aunt’s
sharp eyes still fixed to the gentleman, rendered her silent. Lady
Langdon moved forward, and Honora went with her, marching past
the gentleman, who had stood to one side, his head bowed, and one
arm stretched outwards towards the receiving line.
“What a despicable gentleman,” her aunt murmured, as Honora
shook her head in disgust. “I cannot believe he thought to behave
so!” Her eyes turned towards Honora. “Although you ought not to
have said a word, Honora.”
“That gentleman deserved his setdown, aunt,” Honora replied,
her voice lowering as they approached the receiving line. “I could
not restrain myself.”
She tensed, waiting for her aunt’s reproach but, much to her
surprise, her aunt smiled suddenly, chuckling for a moment.
“Indeed, he did,” she replied, grinning and relieving Honora’s fear
all in one moment. “But not all gentlemen are as he is. In fact, he is
the poorest of all poor gentlemen, and those, I am certain, are very
few in number. How unfortunate that I should meet such a fellow at
my first ball in London!”
“I am sure that you will soon meet someone much improved,”
Honora replied, coming to a stop just behind her aunt as their hosts
began to greet the lady and gentleman before them. Taking in a
deep breath, she set her shoulders and forced a smile to her lips.
She had to forget all about that gentleman and, instead, focus on
making a good impression on Lord and Lady Yarmouth. Even as a
companion, she could not allow herself to behave at all improperly.
It would reflect poorly on both herself and her aunt.
“Good evening, Lady Langdon.”
Honora’s stomach tightened as she waited for her aunt to
introduce her. It took some minutes, for Lady Langdon seemed
intent on conversing with Lady Yarmouth at length.
“Oh, and this is my niece, Miss Honora Gregory.”
Lord and Lady Yarmouth looked towards Honora, who now felt so
very nervous that it was difficult to even smile.
“Good evening, Miss Gregory,” Lord Yarmouth said, smiling. “I
recall your aunt informing us that you would soon be joining her in
London.”
“Good evening, Lord Yarmouth,” Honora replied, dropping into
her curtsy and all too aware of Lady Yarmouth’s scrutiny as she tried
to smile at the lady. “Lady Yarmouth.”
Lady Yarmouth’s eyes softened but it was to Lady Langdon that
she spoke.
“My dear Lady Langdon, you have a beautiful niece,” she said,
her eyes still on Honora, although the compliment made her blush.
“I am sure you will do very well, my dear. Is this your first ball? I am
sure that Lord Crampton would be more than happy to dance with
you.”
Honora glanced behind her to where the gentleman who had
been so very rude to her and her aunt now stood. The gentleman
that Lady Langdon was now looking at.
“You are not introduced?” Lord Yarmouth asked, looking at Lady
Langdon, who shook her head although her lips parted, clearly
wanting to say something but having no opportunity to do so. “Ah,
well then permit me to do so now!”
Honora’s stomach twisted as she was forced to turn around and
look directly into the eyes of the gentleman for whom she had
nothing but disdain. The man looked back at her without even a
flicker of interest in his eyes and nothing but tightness about his lips.
It was clear to Honora that he had no eagerness to be introduced to
her either.
“Might I introduce Viscountess Langdon, wife to the late Viscount
Langdon, and her niece, Miss Honora Gregory.”
Honora dropped into a curtsey, lowering her eyes as she did so.
“And this is the Earl of Crampton. Lord Crampton only came into
the title a little before the beginning of last Season but has taken to
the role very well indeed.”
“How very good to meet you, Lord Crampton,” Honora heard her
aunt say, although a small smile slid across her face at her aunt’s
cool tone. She saw Lord Crampton’s face color slightly, and he
cleared his throat. His eyes darted from one side of the room to the
other and Honora had to wonder if the gentleman was a little
embarrassed.
“Good evening,” he replied, bowing low, his tone grave. “I am
very glad to make your acquaintance.”
“And I am sure you would be glad to dance with Miss Gregory
this evening?” Lady Yarmouth chipped in, sounding very cheerful
indeed, as though she were doing Honora a great favor which, under
any other circumstance, Honora would have been grateful for. She
could do nothing other than lower her eyes, waiting for someone –
anyone – to speak. There was no part of her that wanted to stand
up with Lord Crampton but, given the circumstances, Honora knew
that she could not refuse, nor show even a hint of disdain for the
idea.
Lord Crampton cleared his throat again, giving himself a small
shake, and then forcing a smile to his lips which did not bring even
the smallest hint of happiness to his expression.
“But of course, Miss Gregory,” he said, holding out one hand
towards her. “I would be more than honored to dance with you this
evening.”
“That is very generous of you, Lord Crampton,” her aunt broke in
quickly, taking away the requirement for Honora to respond. “I do
thank you for your consideration – as I am grateful for yours, Lady
Yarmouth, but my niece is here as my companion and nothing
more.”
Moments of silence sent waves of mortification cascading over
Honora. The shame of being so introduced was almost intolerable,
and the urge to turn and run from them all began to chase her - but
she knew she could not. Closing her eyes momentarily, she drew in a
shaking breath and waited for what was to follow.
“Oh, pray forgive me,” Lady Yarmouth said, clearly a little
surprised, given the tone of her voice. “As your companion, did you
say?”
“Yes, indeed,” Lady Langdon replied, sounding much too
cheerful. “I did not want to come to London alone and given that my
brother has particularly difficult financial circumstances –
circumstances which would prevent my niece from ever finding a
match here, in the normal course of things – I thought to take her
as my companion so that she would, at least, have a taste of London
society.” Honora glanced at her, seeing how her aunt pressed her
hand to her heart, tipping her head as a small sigh escaped her. “I
thought to be generous.”
Lord Crampton cleared his throat gently but said nothing, making
Honora’s cheeks warm all the more.
“But of course, I quite understand.” Lady Yarmouth smiled
towards Lady Langdon, no longer looking at Honora. “Yes, how very
generous of you to do so, Lady Langdon. I do hope that you both
enjoy this evening.”
The tightness in her throat prevented Honora from replying but,
finally, her aunt took her leave and Honora followed quickly behind
her, stepping away from their hosts and from Lord Crampton – for
the time being, at least. Honora had not dared look at him ever
since her aunt’s explanation, finding herself much too ashamed to do
so.
He has taken away your anxiety, at least, Honora thought to
herself, as she followed her aunt through the open doors and into
the ballroom. Now you feel nothing but embarrassment.
A small, wry smile spread across her face, and she stepped into
her very first London ball – and caught her breath.
It was extraordinary.
There were so many people that Honora simply could not make
them all out, seeing them as a blur of color and light. The music
which was playing seemed to swirl between the laughter and
hubbub of conversation, making her ears strain to make out one
from the other. Everywhere she looked, there was a laughing face,
bright eyes, or a broad smile – and Honora felt her lips curving in
response. There was a wonderfulness here than she had not
expected and it seemed to warm her very soul.
“Nora!”
She lifted her gaze and found her aunt frowning at her,
beckoning one hand towards her. She tried to regain her composure
so that she would not appear as a foolish young lady who could do
nothing but stare and gawp at the scene around her.
“I must do what I can to reacquaint myself with a few of those I
knew in past years,” her aunt said, as she drew near. “You will
remain with me and allow me to introduce you as and when I
please.”
“Yes, aunt.”
Something heavy dropped into Honora’s stomach as she realized
that now, her aunt had yet another reason to keep Honora beside
her – so that she might use her and her situation to improve her
own standing in the eyes of others. So that they might think her
generous, kind, and good natured in offering Honora such a position
and, therefore, think all the better of her character. The ball might
be wonderful, the music uplifting and the conversation delightful, but
Honora felt nothing but disappointment and pain.
This was going to be a very difficult few months indeed.
CHAPTER THREE