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The Lady’s Second-Chance Suitor
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By Regina Scott
Grace-by-the-Sea,Book 5
© 2021 Regina Lundgren
License Note
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Praise for theGrace-by-the-Sea Series
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Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Dear Reader
Sneak Peek: The Siren’s Captain, Book 6 in the Grace-by-the-SeaSeries
About theAuthor
Chapter One
Grace-by-the-Sea, Dorset,England, September 1804
Why did she compare every man to him?
Hester Todd smiled up at the silver-haired baron who hadrequested her hand in the dance. Lord Featherstone was a Regular atGrace-by-the-Sea, meaning that he could be found daily at the spa thatsupported the village, and he was a well-known figure among the shops and atassemblies like this one. He was old enough to be her father and then some,though he danced with the elegance and grace that fellows half his age mightenvy. He was well dressed, well spoken, a gentleman in all ways.
But he would never be as dashing as Rob Peverell. She feltno spark of excitement when his gaze brushed hers, no giddy anticipation thattheir fingers might meet.
She’d learned there was something to be said for a lack ofgiddy anticipation. Peace and stability were not unwelcome, particularly as shehad her daughter, Rebecca, to think of now.
Of course, peace was at a premium at the moment. The HarvestBall was one of the most crowded of the year. Anyone from kitchen maid to lordof the manor might attend. The lovely pale blue walls of the assembly roomswere all but invisible behind the throngs of attendees. Muslin and cottonskirts swept past those of silk and fine wool. Rough-spun coats bumpedshoulders against tailored velvet. It was a wonder the candles in the crystalchandelier didn’t start melting from the rising warmth alone.
The music stopped; the dance ended. She curtsied to LordFeatherstone’s bow, and he offered her his arm to escort her back to the wall,where the other widows awaited similar kindnesses.
“You are an accomplished dancer, Mrs. Todd,” he said. “I appreciateyou honoring my request, particularly when you have so deservedly attractedsuch a train of followers.”
She and Rosemary, her sister, had garnered their fair shareof late. Newcomers at the spa, such as the dapper Mr. Donner, who had been herfirst partner of the evening; curly-haired, curious Mr. Cushman; shy Mr. Nash;and determined Mr. Fenton; as well as an officer or two from the camp at WestCreech and Alex Chance, younger brother of their sister-in-law, Jesslyn, thespa hostess. It ought to be gratifying.
Why did she persist in seeking a dusky blond, tousle-hairedhead among them?
“You are too kind, my lord,” she told Lord Featherstone. “Iwould be delighted to dance with you whenever you have a free moment. But youtoo have amassed quite a following.” She nodded to where Lady Howland wasgazing in their direction. It was not quite a glare—the widowed countess wasfar too polished for that—but the look was decidedly chilly. It seemed the ladythought the gentleman hers.
He, apparently, did not. “No one who could eclipse myaffections for you,” he said with a gallant bow to Hester. “I envy thegentlemen who will beg for your hand in the next dances.”
She inclined her head, and he strolled off, away from thecountess, who huffed and stalked in the opposite direction. Well, at leastHester wasn’t the only lady who made a favored gentleman run.
She took a seat on one of the few open chairs, trying toshake the feelings that crowded her more surely than the other attendees. Ithad been seven years since she’d laid eyes on Rob. If she thought of anyonewith longing, it should be Lieutenant Jasper Todd, her late husband, father toher daughter.
She drew in a breath and glanced around the room, only tospy Rosemary strolling away from the dancefloor on the arm of her employer, theEarl of Howland. How proud Rosemary had been to win the position of governessto the earl’s daughter. But Hester had seen more in the way the handsomewidower gazed at her sister.
Rosemary was brave and clever. She’d worked with their uncleto learn all manner of things, including how to scurry about the cliffsidessearching for evidence of ancient life. She was a devoted sister, a loving auntto Hester’s daughter. There wasn’t much Hester wouldn’t do for Rosemary, evento taking the earl aside for a private word.
“What!” Her darker-haired sister had yelped when she’d heardof it at one of the weekly assemblies in this very room. “What did you say tohim?”
“I asked him his intentions,” Hester admitted, “and warnedhim about sullying your reputation.”
Rosemary snorted. “I’m surprised he didn’t sack meimmediately. What were you thinking?”
“I was thinking of you,” Hester informed her. “An earltaking interest in a commoner? You know where thatcould lead.”
“He is no Rob Peverell,” Rosemary insisted. “I’ve not heardany stories of dalliances or flirting. He was by all accounts a devoted husbandand remains a loving father.”
Hester regarded her sadly. “Yes, I will grant you othersclaim him beyond reproach. But you are still in his employ, and he is an earl.It
