The Dazzle of Innocence: The Trials of Finding Love, #2

By Liza O'Connor

David Santiago has no interest in acquiring a wife. He came to England in a desperate attempt to save his sisters from being sold into white slavery.

Meriden Ford is searching for an interesting, educated, young husband who will recognize her superiority and become her decoy, while she runs the family fortune.

At their very first dance, they promise not to fall in love. However, their mutual admiration ensures a strong friendship. When bombarded with tribulations that would destroy most people, they survive by pulling strength from each other. Yet even as they realize their true feelings, others work to tear them apart forever.

A Victorian Romance thriller bringing the characters of A Tangled Affair and the Xavier Thorn series together for a delightful, nail-biting tale. A definite read!

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Authors Online
• Release date: Feb 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393970194

Liza O'Connor

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres. http://www.lizaoconnor.com/   

Book preview

England, 1898

Chapter 1

THE YOUNG LADY CAPTURED David Santiago’s attention the moment she entered the ball. While a beauty, there were several others just as attractive. Yet this one radiated with such confidence, yet innocence and something else... glorious expectations perhaps.

He was not the only one to notice her. In fact, all eyes seemed to have turned to the elegant brunette. In less than a minute, she managed to bring the ball to a momentary stutter, something David had never seen occur before, neither in his home country of Spain, nor here in London.

The topic of everyone’s interest seemed completely comfortable with the effect she had on the crowd, as if it were only natural everyone would find her intriguing. Oddly enough, he didn’t perceive an ounce of vanity in her assumption, only innocence, as if such notice was nothing uncommon.

Somehow, she dazzled so bright that everything else dimmed in comparison. Surrounding her were four similar looking young men. They reminded him of a finely set of matched horses. He sensed their intent was to protect rather than court her.

Has England acquired new royalty since I was last here? David asked his friend, Jonas Quibb.

Jonas pulled out his spectacle and held it to his eye, squinting. A faint smile came to his lips. If I am not mistaken to the identity of the young lady, I believe she is Meriden Ford. I deduce this solely by her surrounding guard. They are Garrison’s boys and nephew. And while I am familiar with the boys, the young lady has never stepped foot into London before today.

She does not look like a young girl in her first introduction. She had far too much confidence for a debutante.

His friend turned and faced him; his brow wrinkled in amusement. "And pray tell, what is the difference between the newly introduced young lady and those in their third year?"

It’s the difference of terror fed by insecurities rather than determination fed by desperation.

Jonas chuckled. There is truth to that observation. However, Meriden is the grandchild of Samuel Hawkens, so you could hardly expect her to behave in a predictable fashion.

Samuel Hawkens... David tensed in his own case of ‘determination fed by desperation.’ Only in his case, it was not marriage he sought, but the salvation of his four sisters. He had sent his card with a request for a meeting two weeks ago, but the request had been denied. Mr. Hawkens’ schedule did not allow for unsolicited visits.

Ah, see the very lovely woman behind the girl, the one with the worried eyes? That is her mother, Sara Hawkens Ford. She hasn’t changed much since she was last in London seventeen years ago.

"Seventeen years? What could she possibly do for society to ostracize her for seventeen years?

I’m not certain whether society shunned her, or she shunned society. Even at her lowest point in life, the Hawkens name provided her and her sister invitations to all the balls. But after she married Ford, she never again stepped foot into London. And I can’t say I blame her.

But she is here tonight.

For her daughter. Nothing less would have brought her out. He squinted into his eye piece and smiled. And there is the man, himself, Samuel Hawkens.

David studied the wizened old man who entered through the doors and joined the group. He emanated power and strength as he took in the room, almost as if assessing a battle. The elderly but elegant woman who stood at his side must be his wife. The entire family had all come to protect their little princess, the dazzling Meriden Ford. Any chance of an introduction?

Jonas raised his right eyebrow in challenge. As a suitor or investor?

Perhaps both. He dared not leave any card un-played. He’d already been shot down once. He could not fail again. His sisters’ lives depended upon it.

I am not well acquainted with Samuel Hawkens, but I can introduce you to Garrison and his wife, Sara. Garrison and I are good friends. But allow me to give you a bit of advice first. If you wish to get on with the family, then neither flirt nor ignore Sara Ford. You will be judged on how you treat Garrison’s wife.

Never in his life had he received more ridiculous advice. Why would I be anything but respectful?

Why indeed, he agreed. What happened was not her fault.

Perhaps you should tell me a bit of her past before my introductions? While David would never intentionally slight a lady, clearly there was something in her past that left her open to insult.

No, you are safer in ignorance. Jonas straightened his white bow tie and started towards the couple. Don’t ask for an introduction to the girl right off. And if you are discussing anything of intelligence with Garrison or Mr. Hawkens, include the women in your conversation. Chances are they’ll know more than you about whatever topic you’re discussing.

David smiled at the warnings. He had not had half so many cautions when he had been introduced to the queen the prior day. In fact, the only advice he’d received was focused on the depth of his bow.

As they approached the Fords and Hawkens, the dazzling young lady went to the dance floor under the escort of her cousin. David was relieved when the eyes of the entire ball followed her. He did not wish his introduction to occur under such intense scrutiny of all of society.

Garrison, my friend. Jonas shook the man’s hand and then smiled at the woman beside him. Sara, what a pleasure to see you! Jonas kissed both her cheeks.

It’s good to see you my friend. There aren’t many people here that I know. Garrison stated, gripping the old man’s shoulder.

Or wish to, muttered Sara.

Allow me to introduce you to the best student I ever encountered during my years at Cambridge. So much so, I have kept him as a dear friend since he graduated.

While David had not expected the same greeting his friend had received, the chilly glare he received took him by surprise. His extended hand was ignored by Garrison, and Sara went so far as to turn away and speak to the woman beside Samuel Hawkens.

Jonas stepped in, trying to soften the tension in the air. You might recall my mentioning the boy that I took home for a summer and gave him leave to enjoy my library.

Oddly, it was Samuel Hawkens who replied. I’ve heard that story second hand from Garrison. Not only did he read every book you owned, but he categorized and evaluated them, placing the most interesting, close at hand, if you ever got time to read them yourself.

Jonas chuckled. And once I retired, I discovered what a damn fine job he did.

While Mr. Ford and his wife continued their chilly reception, Samuel took special effort to bring David into the conversation with him and his wife. Samuel somehow knew he had just come from Spain. Was it possible he had made inquiries after receiving David’s request for a visit?

Mr. Hawkens questioned him on the political upheaval in his homeland. He answered as honestly and openly as possible, including the ladies in the conversation as Jonas had advised. He was in the midst of supporting the reason he thought King Amadeus would abdicate his throne when Mrs. Ford’s hand gripped her husband’s hand. Where is Meri? I cannot see her! Fear contorted her lovely features.

Everyone’s eyes, including David’s, searched the dance floor. Upon seeing the girl, David’s focus returned to the excessively nervous mother.

Mr. Ford stroked his wife’s back and pulled her closer to him, kissing her temple. I have my eye on her. His eyes betrayed an unfashionable degree of love and affection for his wife. Perhaps I should acquire you a chair so you may see over the heads of the crowd. He then did the most shocking thing: he kissed her on her downturned lips.

She is fine. The Queen could not have better protection. The boys have refused all suitors as of yet. At this rate, she’ll be unmarried and underfoot even in our dotage. He chuckled, as if the idea pleased him.

Sara blushed and looked at David. You must think us absurdly protective.

David paused. In fact, he did think just that. However, his need of Samuel Hawken’s help to save his sisters required him to respond to her question with prudence. While your daughter is clearly a cut above most young ladies, she must be quite extraordinary to claim such protectiveness from not only her mother, but from all who know and love her.

She is extraordinary, Mrs. Ford assured him. And I worry. This is the first time she has been introduced into society.

David focused on their daughter, dancing with her cousin. He wondered why they felt the young lady’s introduction to society warranted greater concern than any other debutantes. God, if his problems were only this ridiculous.

As he watched the young lady in question glide about in an elegant waltz with one of her brothers, he had to concede there was nothing ‘ordinary’ about the girl. The other young ladies seemed stiff and self-conscious in comparison. While Miss Ford danced beautifully, she did so with little apparent attention to her steps. Her main focus appeared to be arguing with her brother, and by his pained expression, she was winning the battle. He suspected that she was warning him to stop scaring off her suitors.

Well, she is doing most spectacularly. I’ve never seen a better waltz Or arguer for that matter. He appreciated that she refused to accept what others wished to impose upon her. He only wished his mother and sisters had a touch of her fight within them. Then perhaps they would not be in their current danger.

David refocused on Mrs. Ford and smiled. However, her brothers and cousin are going to eventually have to let her dance with some gentlemen, or the poor girl will wonder why she had bothered to come to London.

He hoped they would offer him the honor of dancing with their daughter, but his subtle suggestion was ignored in chilly silence.

God! Had he just condemned his sisters to a life of hellish torment with his foolish remark?

Mr. Hawkens broke the silence. If the king does abdicate, how much impact will it have on exports, do you think?

David relaxed, and turned his attention back to the man he needed to achieve the impossible.

Less than ten minutes later, the princess returned to her parents, angry as a wet kitten, with her protectors close at her side.

Mother, will you kindly tell my brothers to stop chasing away my admirers. They have not let a single gentleman dance with me!

Her mother gripped the young girl’s hands. They are just trying to keep you safe.

Her comment set Miss Ford into a contained outrage. While she spoke with intensity, her voice remained soft enough that those a few feet away would not be able to hear.

I’m safe enough! How dangerous could a dance with a gentleman possibly be? I cannot believe you are defending their ridiculous behavior. If I’m not to be allowed to dance with gentlemen other than my brothers and cousin, why did I even come to London? I could have danced with those four at the farm.

Mr. Hawkens laughed and kissed the top of his granddaughter’s head. That is precisely what Mr. Santiago observed.

For the first time, the dazzling beauty focused her bright green eyes upon David and smiled. Her gaze felt like sunshine after a cold English rain.

It was kind of you to take my side, sir.

He bowed slightly in reply.

Her chin rose in a defiant challenge. If you truly meant your words, then you should ask me for a dance.

David smiled at the girl’s confidence. If your parents will allow it, I would be honored.

He was concerned by the chilly silence of both parents. If they refused, it would place him in an embarrassing situation and make getting assistance from Samuel Hawkens most difficult.

Any man who can speak so intelligently about Spain, cannot be entirely reprehensible, Hawkens declared. Let us hope for your sake, Meriden, that he dances half so well as he speaks.

The girl kissed her grandfather before taking David’s arm. She preened as she passed her glowering brothers and cousin on their way to the dance floor.

DAVID DID NOT CARE to have everyone staring at him. But in consolation, his dancing partner was light on her feet, although she did have a slight tendency to anticipate his lead.

You dance beautifully, Mr. Santiago. Miss Ford added a smile to her compliment. Much better than my brothers or cousin.

I understand your protectors all study at Cambridge. They no doubt lack the time to hone the talents of idle men.

She tilted her head as her penetrating eyes assessed him. You may be right about my brothers and Sam, but your implied statement that only idle men dance well would indicate that you are of an idle nature, and I perceive you to be quite the opposite.

The polite response would be to smile, but her confidence provoked him to challenge her. What could you possibly know about me to conclude such a thing?

Nothing that would hold up beneath Grandmother’s interrogation, but you are exceptionally fit. I can feel great power in your arms. Strength is not a trait of an idle man.

Her words shocked him. Young ladies did not comment on a man’s arm muscles and certainly not within their first dance. Yet oddly, he did not perceive her provocative declaration to be anything other than a statement of fact.

There is also the way your eyes capture every detail around you. I am quite certain if I ask you how many people were standing near my grandfather presently, you could not only give the correct count, but describe them to a tee.

The girl was far too astute for his comfort. He forced himself to smile. Is that a subtle observation that I am not paying sufficient attention to my lovely dancing partner? Hopefully, the question would take her off guard.

Instead of embarrassment, she merely laughed. Not at all. Even as you gather information, you pay me admirable attention. The speculative eyes upon us no doubt see a suitor besotted with me, she teased.

Her comment made him doubt his assessment that she was not flirting with him. Maybe she was, only she had little practice in the matter. He raised his brow in challenge. Perhaps I am besotted.

While he felt a cad for doing it, he could not leave any leaf unturned. Samuel Hawkens would be more likely to assist him if his granddaughter favored him. He gave her his best ‘besotted’ look, allowing his lids to lower a bit.

Her beautiful eyes narrowed. Perhaps, but I don’t think so. I sense you are a man who is not easily swayed, and certainly not by a pretty face.

He felt relief she had not fallen for his trap. Most women were easy targets for seduction. A few false compliments, a sultry gaze and they believed anything a man said. His mother had certainly done so. But not Miss Ford. She remained securely unaffected, the same as she declared him. And what, pray tell, is your evidence that I’m not easily swayed?

As handsome and fine a gentleman as you are, you have no doubt had more than your share of pretty faces and still you are unmarried. That is my proof. If you were malleable, you would be married.

David laughed heartily at the truth of her words. He did like this girl I declare you a fraud, Miss Ford. You cannot possibly be a mere seventeen years of age.

She grimaced at his response. It is a silly age, I’ll grant you. I much preferred being twelve.

Her answer surprised and intrigued him, something a woman of any age rarely did. Why is that?

At twelve, my brothers were still at home, and I was allowed to study and go on adventures with them. Life was most interesting and challenging back then.

A heavy sigh escaped her as her eyes rolled. But then the blight of womanhood overcame me, and I was tossed into the dark ages.

He chuckled at her exaggerative declaration. In no way do I sense you have spent a moment in the dark ages. He shook his head. Your claim rings false, most false indeed. There is not a single person in this room who shines more than you. As he maneuvered them around a slower moving couple, he realized she had stopped trying to lead.

Of the women perhaps, she conceded.

Of anyone, he corrected her. Did you not feel it when you walked into the ball? Everyone in the entire room stopped to take your measure.

She shrugged, I assume it is because I am pleasing to the eye. I know I take pleasure looking at a pretty sunset or...a handsome man, she added with a mischievous turn to her lips as sparkling eyes took in his form.

Yet there remained a coolness to her assessment which led him to believe again she delivered facts rather than flirtations. That is the second time you’ve called me handsome. Are you not afraid of making me vain?

I do not believe I could make you anything. You are too intelligent to be impressed with your looks. After all, you did nothing to earn them. It is purely a matter of chance and inheritance. You may be vain, Mr. Santiago, but it will be over something more substantial: your intelligence, your keen sense of observation, your ability to charm and manipulate.

Manipulate?

Her smile widened. Yes, and you must be quite good at it, given you won my grandfather over in a remarkable short time.

I most adamantly object to the word ‘manipulate.’ Is it not possible that your grandfather and I hit it off because we are men of similar minds?

Her eyes rolled again.

"Well, I liked him. Does that mean he was manipulating me in return?"

He very well may be. Trust me when I tell you, Mr. Santiago, most of my family members are experts in the art of manipulation—my Aunt Dana, being the most adept of all.

That would be Lord Kensington’s wife?

Yes, and I should warn you that if she decides you would make me a desirable husband, then we are both in terrible danger of being coerced down an aisle.

He feigned dismay while he suppressed a laugh. Now, I am crushed. You would see being my wife a ‘terrible’ event?

"You are neither crushed nor insulted. You just wish to put me off balance with your pretense of such emotions, but I shan’t back down, nor apologize for my statement. It would be terrible for me to marry a man so aloof and untouchable as you. When I marry...if I marry, it will be a great love. Nothing less will do."

As the music faded, he brought them to a dignified halt and met her eyes. He was glad she had not fallen for his attempts to charm. She deserved better. She deserved the great love she sought. I do not take insult. You are quite right. I am aloof. I have inadvertently broken far too many young ladies’ hearts over the years not to be cautious. He escorted her from the floor, glad to set her free, yet as they neared her family, words formed he neither expected nor desired.

Normally, I dare not dance with a young lady more than once. Two times to the floor and they are lost to unrequited love. However, you do not seem to be so easily misled or charmed. I believe you are a most sensible young lady.

I believe I am that—at least for a seventeen-year-old. You should have no fear about my falling in love with you.

In that case, may I ask for a second slot upon your dance card?

I have no need of a dance card. If I become so tired that I cannot remember a mere fifteen names in order, I should cease dancing and retire for the night. However, I believe even that simple memory task will go unchallenged, since my brothers seem quite determined to ruin my entire evening.

He followed her gaze and saw the young men shake their heads at a young dandy apparently asking for an introduction.

David was pleased to see Jonas still at Garrison’s side. It meant he would not be required to leave the group upon delivery of Miss Ford back into the safety of her family. When they arrived, Mr. Hawkens introduced a thin man in his forties to his granddaughter.

Meriden, this is Mr. Stuttgart. He professes to be a tolerably good dancer and I can speak for his art of conversation.

While most young ladies would have struggled to hide their disappointment with such a homely and ancient dance partner, Miss Ford smiled up at the man with genuine happiness as she provided him her hand.

If David was truly looking for a wife, she would stand above the crowd, not just in beauty, but in true intelligence, honest forthrightness and a sunny disposition. How she had been allowed to cultivate the first two traits said a great deal about how she’d been raised. Clearly, Samuel Hawkens and the men who married his daughters were not under the current mode of thinking that women, like children, were unable to grasp complex topics and required constant protection from the world.

Once his granddaughter was gone, Samuel Hawkens eyed David. So, what do you think of Meriden?

Most unusual. His eyes followed her moves across the dance floor. I was spared from discussing dresses, balls, weather, or gossip.

What was the price of escaping those dreary topics?

David chuckled. A dissection of my character—not too flattering, and all too accurate.  He refocused on the old man. Are you quite certain she is only seventeen?

Samuel’s chest swelled with pride. That she is. My wife, Eliza was much the same at her age.

David forced a smile. Had he actually been looking for a wife, that assurance would have been enough to scare him off. While he thought Eliza Hawkens most impressive, he certainly would not want to be married to a woman hell bent to find flaws in his logic during every conversation.

As the evening progressed and the protective circle around Meriden relaxed its paranoid grip, Sam Hawkens no longer needed to locate her dance partners. He motioned David further away so they could continue their discussion of Spain without interruption.

He tried his hardest to impress and befriend the man, however, the vision of Meriden dancing kept distracting him. He wondered if she dissected the other gentleman’s characters as she had his. Somehow, he thought not, for surely, they would not look so enraptured with the young girl if that were the case.

When she returned from the dance, for a brief moment they locked eyes, and her subdued expression brightened. She approached her family, politely shaking off two young men, who were so bold, as to introduce themselves.

The wolves grow anxious, Mr. Hawken’s teased her, even as he sent a warning glare at the precocious fellows.

She sighed. Wolves are a misnomer, Grandfather. Miniature poodles would be a better description. Except for Mr. Santiago, all my partners have been rather disappointing. Her admission within David’s hearing surprised him greatly. Yet, he did not sense she said it as a compliment for his enjoyment, rather as a true, but disappointing fact.

Samuel’s right eyebrow rose in challenge. What of Mr. Stuttgart? He is a very fine conversationalist.

"I’ll have to take your word on that, sir. He only spoke of