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alj4890 · 5 years

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None But You

Chapter 4

A/N Well, we are sadly nowhere near the end. I honestly am having too much fun with this. I am incredibly weak and have very little self control when it comes to regency romances. Shall we continue?

Summary: The gentlemen take the ladies to see Elgin's Marbles and on to Gunter's for some sweet treats. Another member of the ton causes a surprising reaction from Lord Thomas. What will the gossips think after seeing this?

Masterlist

@graceful-popcorn @krsnlove @alleksa16 @hopelessromantic1352 @pixieferry @emceesynonymroll @buzz-bee-buzz @hopefulmoonobject @cora-nova @rainbowsinthestorm @lxaah11 @dr-nancy-house

Chapter 4

Lord Thomas eyed the cloudy sky that was growing more ominous with each passing moment. It was surprising how the weather so perfectly matched his mood.

"Why did I allow Summers to convince me to do this?" He muttered, slapping his gloves against his own leg.

He knew deep down he could blame his friend only so far. He had for the first time in his life been moved to comfort a lady in tears. Seeing Lady Amanda so hurt by that pompous earl's words at Lady Westford's ball had caused something foreign within him to rise up and make him long to be the man to make her smile once more.

He had never minded either being the cause of a smile or not. The viscount had been suspected to have the occasional affair. There had even been rumors he had a mistress stashed away in a snug little town house somewhere in London. It was all a complete fabrication, yet if he had learned anything of his years with the ton, scandal was the most titillating tale of them all.

He was numb to the whispers about himself now. His frowns and selective company only fueled the fire of gossip about him being a veritable mystery of the ton. The only ones he cared for knew his true nature and the rather quiet life he led away from society's curious eye. It is for this very reason that he knew his sudden, surprising, appearance at events he normally avoided had gained the entire interest of all he knew.

When the carriage rocked to a stop, he stepped out and walked up to the town home that he had visited more times within the last week than any other lady's residence. Thomas had stopped by often in between the ball and this venture Lord Ryan, Lady Millie, and Sir Peter had planned. He told himself that the reasons for his visit were to see for himself that the lady he was considering as a friend had not taken to heart the insults that idiot had uttered. She was far too lovely to ever believe a man could look upon her figure and find fault.

He cleared his throat and mentally shook himself from allowing the image of her to take hold of his thoughts. He rang the bell and waited for Hudson allow him entrance. He was surprised to see Lady Amanda open it and step out, shutting the door behind her.

"Good morning, my lord." She said with a smile. "Isn't it a perfect day to spend deep within the recesses of The British Museum?"

His lips curved at her cheerful demeanor. "Yes, it is." He glanced at her door and offered his arm. "Where is Hudson?"

"It is his morning off. Aunt Lucy has gone to the shops along Bond Street with Lady Westford and I saw no reason to make you come inside for the very purpose of keeping you waiting like all the matrons stress." Her smile grew when he chuckled and turned his dark eyes on her.

"You seem especially cheeky this morning. Am I to expect this behavior the rest of the day?" He placed his other hand at her waist to help her into his carriage.

"I'm afraid Lord Hunt, that this is more how I truly am on a daily basis than what I show at the balls and dinners." She sat down and was grateful to no longer be tempted to lean against him. His arms around her had been something she had dreamed of the other night. He was much too handsome and she needed to become immune to his touch. And voice. And eyes. And mind. I am hopeless, she thought.

He sat down next to her and smiled. "Perhaps, though I suspect you still have a kind heart under all that wit."

Her kind heart was certainly picking up speed with being alone with him. "Are we stopping by for Lady Millie or Lord Ryan?"

"No. Summers insisted we meet at the museum." Thomas explained. "He hinted that Lady Millicient may be the kind of young lady who would not hesitate in being late, so we should begin our tour."

Amanda laughed. "I believe the marquis is very astute."

His smile made her catch her breath. "Now you understand my surprise in finding you not only ready to depart, but also choosing to not make me summon patience to wait on you."

Her smile softened. "I do hate waiting on people. I try to follow the golden rule, "dress quickly so that others will do so for you".

Thomas let out another laugh and gently squeezed her hand. "You, my lady, are going to spoil me for company. How can any of my companions compare against you?"

She laughed and patted his hand over hers. "Have no fear sir. If the unthinkable occurs and you are forced with only my companionship, I shall endeavor to continue to not keep you waiting nor force you into frivolous conversations."

Thomas could not take his eyes off her features animated in humor. His rare smile softened. "I do not believe I would ever see it as unthinkable nor as a forced companionship if you were all I had."

Her laughing smile stilled. "I...thank you."

He made himself look away from her face. "No need to thank me. It was merely the truth."

"Thank--" she bit down on her lip. How did one respond to such a comment? "I'm afraid I do not know what to say."

He shrugged and turned his attention to the passing homes, hoping she would drop the matter. As if she heard his silent wish, she began to question him about the museum. He found his humor returning when she asked for a basic layout of the building and exhibits.

"Lady Amanda, we will be there shortly. Are you incapable of finding it out as you go along?"

She lowered her eyes. "I believe after catching me reading the final chapters of books, it should be obvious that I do not care for surprises."

His eyebrow lifted. "I imagine the London season has been unsettling for you."

She slowly nodded, a pensive expression dimming her excited joy from earlier. "In more ways than one, sir."

The carriage came to a stop and she scrambled out before he could question her further. He followed and took her hand, placing it on his arm. Her hand gently squeezed his forearm in her excitment at finally being at the museum. "I can not begin to tell you how I have looked forward to this moment."

His lips curved once again. "You mean it wasn't the parties and balls that brought you to London? It was seeing antiquities?"

Her eyes twinkled. "You will keep my secret?"

He placed his hand over his heart. "On my honor as the Viscount of Kirkwood."

"Thank you." Her smile glowed when they stepped inside. "Oh Thomas! We are here!" She stepped through the first room and began exploring.

Thomas wondered if she was aware she had used his first name in her excitment. "My lady, do you not wish to wait on Summers and Lady Millie?"

She paused and looked longingly at the statues further down the room. "You are right. As much as it pains me, we should wait."

He waved over to a bench and they sat down together. Her eyes flickered from one thing to another. At one point she leaned against him in the attempt to see into the next room better. He looked down at her when she looked up at him. His eyes settled on her lips, so near to him. "Forgive me." She whispered and quickly sat upright with red cheeks.

He pulled his watch out and wondered where Lord Ryan and Lady Millie were. He did not wish to make frivolous small talk with the lady next to him. He glanced up and stilled. Viktor Montmarte, Duke of Strathearn, had entered. His dark, penetrating gaze passed over Thomas to only settle on Amanda.

The Viscount knew what the Duke saw and his frown darkened. He acted with little thought. "Amanda, come." He stood and grasped her hand, pulling her in his wake on into the museum.

Thomas was grateful that she was not a female to question everything. He would have a difficult time explaining to an innocent why she would need to remain far away from that diabolical deceiver. If even a quarter of what he had heard about the Duke's proclivities concerning innocents new to London were true, then the man deserved to be placed within the bowels of the Tower.

Amanda stumbled and bumped into him. "Forgive me." She said a bit breathlessly.

Thomas slowed his steps taking the hand he had gripped tightly and placed it within the crook of his arm. He nodded toward a statue "Let start here."

As much as she tried to focus on the detailed sculpture in front of her, her attention remained on the gentleman beside her. His sudden action and use of her name had been surprising. She waited patiently on an explanation, believing him not to be a man that acted without reason. Instead of receiving one from him, she was introduced to the Duke of Strathearn.

"Kirkwood!" Viktor drawled. "I was hoping to see you before the next meeting of the House of Lords. But forgive my manners. Who is this charming creature you have the sheer luck of escorting?"

Thomas frowned and made the introductions. Amanda dipped into a proper curtsy. "Your grace."

Viktor kissed her hand, a smile forming. "Lady Bridgerton...I should have recognized you immediately. Your father and uncle served on many committees with me."

Amanda listened to him while keeping an eye on Thomas. He seemed barely able to hide his utter hatred of the Duke.

"How are you enjoying the Season and it's diversions?" He asked.

"I am very much, thank you. Lord Hunt has been kind to escort me to a few of what London has to offer." Amanda said, smiling at Thomas.

He ignored her and kept his eyes on Viktor. The Duke's eyes briefly flared with jealous temper. He wasn't used to a lady of the ton not giving him her complete attention.

"And do you enjoy art, Lady Bridgerton?" The Duke took a step near her other side and walked with them.

"Very much, your grace. I think there would be few who could not enjoy such beauty."

He chuckled. "As one overflowing with the attribute, I will take your word for it."

Lord Ryan entered with a quarrelsome Lady Millie and an inspired by more than the normal number of muses Sir Peter. Millie's mouth shut when she saw who was talking to her friend.

"Lord Ryan, we must intervene." She whispered. The marquis nodded, placed her hand on his arm, and hurried over to their friends.

"Your grace!" Ryan exclaimed in a rare serious tone. "You are just the man I needed to meet with. Forgive me Lady Amanda, but I must speak of Parliamentary matters." He grasped the Duke's arm and talked of an import tax one of the Lords planned on proposing as the others walked away.

Lady Millie took Sir Peter's arm and followed behind the angry Viscount and the confused lady on his arm. As they stopped to admire what was believed to be a sulpture of Dionysus, Amanda squeezed Thomas's arm. "My lord, what is--"

"Lady Bridgerton? I am afraid I must leave your enjoyable presence. Lord Summers was kind to remind me of a matter that must be dealt with at once." He glanced at the sculpture of the nude man and his lips curved slyly. "Perhaps I can get your artistic opinion at the ball I will be hosting in a week's time." He took her hand and placed his lips on her knuckles. "If you enjoy this type of art, I have some etchings I have collected during my travels that I would love to share with you."

"I look forward to--" Her words were cut off by Thomas yanking her out the room. He muttered something to Ryan as he pulled her outside. Millie had her hand over her mouth with eyes wide at the spectacle they were making in front of some notorious gossips.

Thomas nearly ripped the carriage door off its hinges before lifting her into the conveyance. He barked orders to his coachman and climbed in after her. Once they were on their way, he discovered that Lady Amanda's patience had a breaking point.

"Lord Hunt! Have you taken leave of your senses?! What the devil do you think you are doing, pulling me around like an errant child with little to no explanation?" Her hazel eyes narrowed when his frown darkened even more. "Answer me!"

His temper snapped at her demand. "I have NOT taken leave of my senses as you so elegantly phrased it. I was protecting you from that vile libertine!"

"Vile libertine? The Duke did nothing but try and be pleasant. He--"

"He is a lecherous old man that you will stay away from!" Thomas yelled. "I refuse to have you in his company."

"You refuse? You refuse! How dare you! Who has given you the right to refuse me anything?!" She screeched.

"The moment you began to agree to seeing his etchings, I knew I had the right as a gentleman to stop you." Thomas shouted.

"Etchings? You believe etchings give you the right?" Her eyes snapped. "You're mad!"

"I have complete use of all my mental faculties." He gripped the seat to keep from reaching across the carriage and shaking cautious sense into her.

"Clearly." She mocked. "How etchings could cause such anger is beyond me."

Thomas opened his mouth and paused.

"Please." Amanda said bitterly with a flourish of her hand. "You already embarrassed me horribly at the museum. Denied me a chance to see and explore each room. No need to be shy on my account now."

Thomas tried to restrain his temper. "You, Lady Amanda, have no idea what you nearly agreed to. Do you truly believe that just because a man holds a title that he behaves as a gentleman? I can point to many who use that title as a belief that they possess the right to prey on whomever they wish and leave nothing but desolation in their wake."

Amanda's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The duke is not to be trusted. Not with you." Thomas answered, his voice had reduced in volume yet there was no denying how furious he still was.

Her head tilted in question, one that he did not wish to elaborate. Yet she continued to poke and prod with her question until the words burst out. "Amanda! When a man of his disposition offers to show you his etchings it is actually renderings of men and women in the midst of amorous congress!"

Her cheeks flared with color. "What?" She averted her eyes and bit down on her lip. Tears burned her eyes. What is it about me that gentleman think they can say anything to me, she wondered, tears forming from embarrassment. "You must think I am such a ninny."

His anger softened when he noticed how upset she was becoming. He moved across the carriage to sit next to her and offered his handkerchief when she sniffed. She took it and pressed it to her nose before a sob broke.

"I think nothing of the sort." He said gently taking her hand.

"Yes, you do! You think I am some foolish creature that can not make her way through the ton without a...protective...knight having to step in every few moments."

Thomas took the handkerchief and wiped her tears that were falling steadily. "You must know that those thoughts never crossed my mind." He frowned at her stubborn scoffing at his words. "I knew when we first met that you were highly intelligent. Even with your keen wit, I would not expect any innocent lady to understand the duke's intentions."

She closed her eyes and lowered her head into her hands. "I will be forced to see him again at events."

Thomas placed his hand on her shoulder. "Yes, but I will escort you."

Amanda shook her head. "You can not do that. People will assume we have formed an attachment if you escort me everywhere."

"Very well, I will simply meet you at some events and escort you to others. I will call upon Lord Ryan and Sir Christopher's assistance. They would be more than happy to escort you and Lady Bridgerton during the ones that you decide I should not." He stated in a tone that she knew meant it was no longer up for debate.

"I can not ask that of you." She said softly.

The back of his fingers brushed her cheek before taking her hand. "I will always be at the ready to assist you in whatever capacity you need of me."

The carriage stopped and he tilted her face to wipe away the remaining evidence of her tears. "I promise to make up for ruining your visit to the museum."

"There is no need. I understand and appreciate what you did." She said a bit breathlessly at his hand remaining on her cheek.

His dark eyes met hers and he seemed to be drawing closer. A thump on the door snapped him out of whatever trance he had been under. Sir Peter apologized for startling them as he helped Lady Millie down. Lord Ryan followed glaring at the man's clumsiness.

Thomas forced a pleasant expression and squeezed her hand. "I believe after a morning like this we are in need of ices." He opened the door and helped Amanda descend the carriage steps. They joined the trio inside of Gunter's. Each ordered a different flavor, while Ryan and Millie kept the conversation light. No one brought up what occurred at the museum much to Thomas and Amanda's relief.

"I think we should go riding in Hyde Park in the morning. You haven't had a chance to do so yet." Millie insisted when talk turned to Lord Filmore's latest horse.

Amanda nodded. "I did bring Chestnut along for the purpose of riding along Rotten Row."

Ryan grinned as more plans formed in his mind. "Hunt and I usually ride in the mornings with Winters. We would be more than happy to escort you both." He glanced at Sir Peter and reluctantly asked. "Care to join us?"

The poetic gentleman shook his head. "I find the morning comes too soon after an evening filled with composition."

"Quite so." Ryan replied in relief. He didn't think he could take another round of poetry in the early morning hours. "Well, my ladies? We shall call upon you around eight on the morrow." He promised before Thomas could form an argument.

The group parted and Thomas remained quiet for most of the ride back to Amanda's residence. The lady herself was also deep in thought over what the day had wrought. She could not help but wish to know what he was thinking or thought about her. He seemed to believe she was attractive and he claimed to think she was intelligent. Was it enough though to gain his attentions? His heart?

He helped her down and walked her to her door. With a bow and brief brush of lips to her hand, he took his leave with barely a word about the next morning's ride. Amanda felt a spurt of disappointment watching him walk away and allowed Hudson to shut the door once the viscount climbed into his carriage.

Thomas thought of what today had revealed and wondered if it was wise to continue to be around the lady as often as he had been. His unexpected loss of temper over her had shocked him. He knew his actions and demands were of one who had a claim on Lady Amanda's affections, yet the thought of her becoming ensnared in whatever web the Duke had planned for her was not to be borne. When it came to her, he would be unable to sit idly by and see her with the wrong sort of man.

He would need to find a decent one for her. That would be the only way he could be rid of this position of protector he found himself in. He knew a few gentlemen that were good men in need of a wife. He ignored the roar of denial within him at the thought of seeing her married to another and began to plan.

#choices red carpet diaries #rcd regency au #choices thomas hunt #thomas hunt rcd #thomas hunt x oc #thomas hunt x amanda

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runawayforthesummer · 7 years

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Chapter 13: There’s No Inoculation Against Love

What the fuck is this title? Lol

Eliza has recovered! We were all very worried, I know. Hopefully this near death experience will make her a decent, more appreciative person!

An elated Eliza asked if she could assist her aunt in administering smallpox inoculations to the soldiers in camp.

Her uncle things it’s a great idea, especially since Eliza herself was inoculated three years earlier. Of course, at the time, Catharine was not for it.

Eliza had never seen such a battle of wills between her parents. Tough-minded Catherine Schuyler had squabbled with her husband over using their children as guinea pigs because of doubts of her own.

What the fuck did Catharine Schuyler ever do to Melissa de la Cruz?

Is this supposed to be some “normal” version of teen girls not liking their mothers? If so, I’ve got NEWS for de la Cruz: that’s not this family; that’s not this relationship (like write about Angelica maybe); and OOPS Eliza isn’t even a teenager!!! AND why don’t we foster good mother-daughter relationships anyway?!

I just really, really hate this.

And I do think you could create tension between Eliza and her mother! I do! But it’s not by making Catharine so awful! And it’s noted that at this time, and in the next few years especially, that mother and daughter were very close!

SO WHAT GIVES BESIDES YOUR LACK OF RESEARCH AND HATRED FOR WOMEN, MELISSA?!

Eliza actually found it to be a fascinating business, shrouded in a magical aura.

Magical? What is magical about a needle, fact girl?

Eliza treated all of the soldiers with the exact same can-do spirit. It amused her to see each soldier’s face switch from suspicion to surprise upon being greeted by a warm smile in the cold setting. As her aunt had predicted, Eliza’s presence made the procedure go much more smoothly.

I’m actually glad to see her doing something useful.

It took four full days, and a good part of the fifth, to get through them all.

Again, good! I’m glad she did something useful.

You know, this is not the first book that assumes Eliza went to help her aunt and uncle with the medical stuff. And I don’t know if that’s at all true and I…..kind of doubt it. What I sort of think these authors miss is that, during the winter, it kind of was high society time. So Eliza wasn’t really there to work; she was there to mingle. Still, I’m not opposed to the idea that she did some of this work and I don’t mind seeing it at all! I’m just putting my fact-checking hat on and saying I don’t think it was all that likely Eliza actually did something like this.

“Is it too late for one last soldier?”

We all know who it is.

Four hundred and one, she thought, but she would treat this soldier exactly like the hundreds of others she’d assisted over the last five days.

Let’s hope!

Colonel Hamilton shucked off his jacket and was making quite a show of busily rolling up his sleeve, showing off a well-muscled forearm.

Yeah, he’s doing crossfit on his time off.

Aunt Gertrude didn’t hide her amusement. “Colonel, it is never too late to be at your service. We are all quite aware of your extraordinary vigilance as to our family’s protection. As such, we are certainly bound to do all we possibly can for your well-being in return. Isn’t that right, Eliza dear?”

Listen, I’m on the record that Gertrude and Ham should run off together and this just #confirms it. Look at this chemistry, y’all! They just get one another.

Without his military jacket on, Colonel Hamilton was so much more real to [Eliza] than in her daydreams. She had forgotten how square and strong his soldiers were. And wasn’t that a fresh shaving cut on the swale of his jaw?

TOO BAD HE’S GERTRUDE’S NOW. STEP OFF.

She avoided his gaze and it appeared he was doing the same, looking resolutely at the wall in front of him as Aunt Gertrude prepared the treatment. And the wily matron seemed to be taking her sweet time. When she mixed the paste and readied the spatula, she handed the application to Eliza and smiled, “Here we are, Eliza, will you do the honors?”

“I would be glad to, Auntie.”

“B-but…,” Alex stammered. “I had assumed the good doctor’s wife would be doing this.”

AHHHH SEE?! HE’S IN LOVE WITH GERTRUDE.

But Gertrude is a married woman and she knows their love is forbidden, so off she hands the needle to Eliza.

“Are you ready for me, sir?”

“I am that,” said Alex, with a raise of his eyebrow.

Eliza blushed, and when she hesitated, he took the opportunity to address her again. “Will it hurt?”

What a baby! (says the girl who made her step-mother hold her hand until she was 23 whenever she needed a shot. LEAVE ME ALONE)

“Colonel, really. It is a mere scratch in comparison to the dangers of the battlefield.”

“Ah, but I am exposed mostly to the dangers of the inkwell, if you remember.” He was teasing, and the twinkle in his eye was hard to ignore.

“I do,” she said, now blushing even more furiously. “It was unkind of me and my sisters. Especially as I have heard you have survived several battles since then.”

Eliza apologized?! Yay! Finally! Thank god!

Reminder: this story would be so much better if they’d been pining for one another for these years but didn’t think the other liked them. Just sayin’.

She looked up at him then, met his eyes, and tried to stop her hands from shaking. It was truly frustrating how his presence affected her. She was right to keep him from visiting her.

Why? You’re into him. Your only issue before was that you thought he was against your father. You know now that’s not true. Lean in, Eliza.

Anyway, of course Eliza holds his arm a little longer than is necessary.

Alex must have felt it, too, because the doubt dropped from his face and a tenderness crept into his eyes. He put his free hand over hers and left it there.

Kiss!

And, see, then Ham asks Eliza why she hasn’t been at any social gatherings and she’s like “I’m too busy!” And, no. She would’ve been at those events. In part because she’s representing her family and her father and also seeing friends and also meeting boys. Like, I really can’t.

Anyway, Ham of course wishes she’d show up sometimes.

“A pity, for Hector pulls a great sleigh,” he said with a sigh.

At the mention of the horse, Eliza’s interest piqued. “How is Hector? Is he all right?”

“Right as rain, miss,” said Alex. “Although I have to admit I never expected to feel this way.”

“What way?” Eliza asked, intrigued.

“Jealous of my horse.”

He knows how to put down a line. Damn.

Gertrude interrupts, obviously jealous, and Ham turns to go.

“Wait!” said Eliza.

He turned back, his eagerness all too apparent in his eyes. “Yes?”

“I like…I mean…I like sleight rides, too,” she said finally.

They’re both nervous and happy.

Kiss!

#alex & eliza a love story #melissa de la cruz #live blogging

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