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Revised, Published Version

Brown's Hotel, Regency London

Alexander blinked and yawned, finding himself confused as to his whereabouts. After the long, tiring, and dreadful trip from New York to England, he felt pleased to arrive earlier than expected and would have time to acclimate himself and make plans. He knew one thing: he was not leaving England without Jade.

He sat up in the large comfortable bed, hugged his knees, and took in the grandeur of the beautiful yet masculine room. It had cost him a king's ransom, but it would pay off. To appear as a true gentleman, he had to establish himself here, and staying at Brown's Hotel was a great start.

The aristocrats seemed fickle, curious, and meddlesome, but those attributes might end up useful. Alexander's name attached to the Fultons would open up many doors, and he counted on Bella Fulton's hospitality and hoped she would invite him to stay in her home. He would show up at her family estate, make polite excuses for his father, and appear as a devoted son. He just needed to be able to fool her brother, the Duke of Lancaster, and since he was in London, on business for Bella, it just might work.

Yes, being under the same roof as Jade would be most beneficial, and Alexander rubbed his hands together in glee at the mere thought. Jade would present challenges, and now he recognized an additional barrier to gaining her wealth. As he thought of Jade kissing another man, anger coursed through his body, and Alexander knew he would have to put a stop to the man.

After crawling out of bed, he grabbed the bottle of laudanum on the bedside table, and his hands shook as he fought with the top. "Damn it all!" Alexander fell back on the bed, took a deep breath, and uncapped the bottle before gulping down the liquid, lying still until he felt the familiar warmth fill his veins.

Once feeling like himself, he dressed for the day in his finery and pondered his next move. He couldn't wait to see Jade's face, but he knew he must remain patient. Alexander had a lot to accomplish before he could make his presence known, but for now, he relished secretly observing her from afar. It gave Alexander a rush of excitement when he saw Jade slinking around outside alone.

As he followed her, his curiosity grew, but Alexander struggled to contain his rage when he saw the dandy appear from behind a tree. Shocked at Jade's promiscuous behavior, he remained calm and took in the scene unfolding before him. Although this created a bigger problem than he expected, it suddenly turned him on. ​

***

The Duke of Lancaster's estate, Regency London

The morning glowed with beauty as the sun shone and the smell of Jasmine permeated the air. Jade and Abagail broke their fast outside in the garden, indulging in fresh fruit, boiled eggs, bread, and preserves. Abagail was drinking tea, while Jade preferred strong yet sweet, creamy coffee.

Jade thought the garden was a perfect spot to fill Abagail in on the details of the previous night, and they took advantage of its privacy. It was indeed a glorious place, and they vowed to dine in the garden more often. Their conversation drifted to the upcoming ball, and talk of gowns, fashion, and accessories ensued. Neither of them noticed Miriam eavesdropping behind the vast pink Azalea bush.

"Well, isn't this quaint!" Miriam exclaimed, with her hands clasped in front of her, wearing a wide fake smile.

"Good Morning, Miriam. What brings you outside on this wonderful day?" Jade threw Mirian a sarcastic smile but felt her pulse beating in her throat.

Jade watched Abagail shrink back in her chair and knew Miriam always made her nervous. She narrowed her eyes and wondered what the viper had up her sleeve.

After hearing her name, Abagail peered up into Miriam's cold and calculating eyes. "Forgive me. I'm afraid I was daydreaming." She tilted her head toward Miriam, who remained standing with a tight smile. "Why don't you join us?" Abagail's words earned her a swift, hard kick from under the table. It was hard not to laugh seeing Abagail struggle to keep herself composed and smiling as she kicked Jade back.

"Ouch!" Jade slapped a hand over her mouth, realizing she had yelped aloud.

"Whatever is the matter with you, Jade?" Miriam asked while taking a seat. "I swear you are the most clumsy, loud, and unladylike person I have ever known! I cannot believe we are related."

"Beg pardon, something has bitten me," Jade lied and sent Abagail a menacing look. "So please, enlighten us on how a lady should respond... under such dire circumstances, Miriam?" Jade raised her brows and wanted nothing more than to kick Miriam or slap her pompous face.

Miriam let out a long sigh. "Oh, 'tis pointless to explain decorum and ladylike behavior to you, dearest. Let us speak about more exciting things, shall we?" Miriam scooted up closer in her chair and leveled Jade with a most peculiar expression.

Jade's heart sank, and fear crept up her spine, but she schooled her features as a million thoughts ran rampant through her mind. What if Miriam saw me with Lord Anson last night? She wouldn't dare tell anyone, for fear that her father would force William to marry me... But how will I know if she knows? Oh great, now I'm paranoid.

"Well?" Miriam scowled at Jade, her eyes like thin slits.

"Well, what?" Jade shrugged, avoiding eye contact.

"Goodness... more woolgathering? 'Tis indeed hard to carry on a conversation with the two of you. I just received some good news from my father; we will all be attending the opera tonight, at The King's Theatre. Lord Darnley, the Duke of Windsor, has sent us an invitation," Miriam declared with a cocky look on her face.

"The opera... ugh!" Jade groaned, scrunching up her face.

"Once again, your manners, Jade," Miriam scolded and made a tsking noise.

"Well, to bloody blazes with manners. We are at home amongst ourselves, and the opera is so dull and long. It's always in a foreign language, and who can understand what the devil is even going on?" Jade complained.

"I'm surprised you've been to the opera before, but 'tis not important what is going on, Jade!" Miriam rolled her eyes and poured a cup of tea. "It's imperative for others to see you while you discreetly check out your competition."

"I could not care less about being seen, and I do not share your enthusiasm for the opera. I am, however, excited about the upcoming ball. Abby and I were just discussing gowns when you approached." Jade sipped her coffee and prayed Miriam would take her leave soon.

"Have you commissioned any gowns for the Season yet?" Miriam asked with what appeared as genuine concern.

"I have brought enough gowns with me for all three of us." Jade laughed and felt a quiver of nerves stirring in her stomach.

"Jade, you can't wear those gowns." Miriam shook her head and grimaced in disgust. "You need to fit in, and Lord knows you already stand out with that hair!" Miriam flicked her wrist in the air toward Jade's head.

"There is nothing wrong with Jade's hair! 'Tis most beautiful, and so are her gowns," Abagail ranted, leaving Jade shocked at her outburst.

"Looks like I just woke your guard dog, Jade." Miriam laughed, yet appeared unaffected by Abagail's little tantrum. "I honestly didn't realize you had it in you, Abagail, yet I am most pleased to see you have some gumption. You will need it, I'm afraid." She threw Abagail a wicked little grin.

"Thank you, Abby, but you needn't upset yourself over me. I am partial to my brazen locks and style of gowns." Jade gave Abagail a smile of gratitude.

While Abagail appeared modest and quiet, Jade knew that underneath her calm demeanor was a passionate and opinionated woman with a temper that could rival her own. And Jade was proud of Abagail for standing up to Miriam.

"As for my gowns, I don't see why you would distress yourself over them. However, you will soon see, they will be all the rage. Straight from Milan and designed by the famous Madeline Ferrati." Jade grinned, feeling proud.

"I worry because they are the wrong colors for a debutante, and you are in England, not Italy," Miriam snapped. "You must fit in, or you will be the brunt of cruel jokes, and the gossip will bring scandal upon our family." Miriam stood, towering over Jade, venom filling her eyes.

Jade shook her head. "I refuse to dress like every other girl in London, endeavoring to look like a princess! Too much puffiness for me," Jade argued and met Miriam's cold stare. She would not back down, nor be the first to avert her eyes.

"Very well, but don't be disappointed when you are turned away at Almack's door. You will be lucky if my father can produce a voucher for you. One of the lady patronesses must approve you, but even then, they may politely ask you to leave. There is a strict dress code, and you will disgrace us all if they make you leave." Miriam cocked one golden eyebrow and tilted her head as if to challenge Jade.

"Well, it all sounds rather ridiculous," Jade scoffed. "I can't see how my gown would factor in, yet I have heard that these ladies are a rather nosey lot, and your mother thinks that alone shall gain me the precious voucher." Jade yawned and was tired of bantering with Miriam.

"Remember, I warned you. You may also want to recognize that it's not all about you, and your actions affect the whole family," Miriam seethed.

"It would do you to remember the same, dear cousin. Your actions also reflect upon this family..." Jade gave her a dismissive lift of her chin.

"Well, then, I shall leave you. There is much to do before tonight, and I must look simply breathtaking." Miriam's mood had changed as she now smiled at Jade.

"Yes, we must always look our best. We wouldn't want the ton wagging their tongues." Jade fought the laugh, threatening to escape her lips. Her cheeks burned as she tried to hide her amusement and reached for her lukewarm coffee, hoping the cup would hide her emerging mirth.

"That is the truth, and I am glad you have come to that conclusion." Miriam peered at Jade before continuing her droll speech. "As ladies of the peerage, we must always look our best. Yet tonight is special and I shall exceed my best." She batted her lashes and when Jade remained silent, Miriam raised her voice and said, "'Tis a most significant occasion, as Lord Anson has graciously offered to escort me to the opera tonight!"

Jade choked on her now cold coffee and glanced up, only to see the swoosh of skirts and Miriam's retreating form.

***

Uh oh! That wretched Alexander has finally made it to London, and I fear Lord Anson has some explaining to do!!!! Don't forget to vote and comment! I love hearing your feedback. Much LOVE 💜💜💜💜

September 2023 Revised Version