Historical Romance: Maura’s Special Spinster’s Society A Lady's Club Regency Romance: The Spinster's Society, #10

By Charlotte Stone

Book 10 in The Spinster's Society series - A Historical Romance Book

Maura Shaw has been haunted by a ghost for as long as she can remember, but she's soon to discover that all is not what it seems.

 

When her father threatens to return her to an asylum, she is left with only one option.

 

Marriage.

 

Luckily for her, there are quite a few bachelors to choose from at the country party.

But only one man can hold her attention. His eyes are alluring enough to haunt her sleep more effectively than any ghost ever could.

 

Lord Julius Hext.

 

Lord Julius Hext is set on never marrying.

With a dark past, the Marquess of Darvess bowed out of the race for love long before it could ever start.

 

But … when Maura is in danger, he puts aside his convictions and offers her a marriage of convenience.

 

Now, all he'll have to do is convince her that he's the best man for the task.

But when danger arises, he'll have to choose.

Does he protect the woman he loves or protect his heart?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charlotte Stone
• Release date: May 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393409755

Charlotte Stone

In a near cynical world which we are currently living in, Charlotte finds comfort in the readings of Regency Romance writings, one of her favourite would be Laura Kinsale’s Flowers from the storm where the female character loves and saves the male lead character who is a stroke victim. It was such writings which inspired her to be an author herself. In Charlotte’s writings, the characters are able to see beyond the imperfections of each other and to accept and love one another, just the way one is. Isn’t this true of our inner self? To be able to find someone who is able to see the beauty in us, in spite of all imperfections we might have. Isn’t this true of what love really should be? Ever accepting, ever loving, ever seeking. May you find love and acceptance in Charlotte’s writings.

Book preview

chapter 1

*   *   *

Maura Shaw wrapped her arm around Lady Taygete Edvoy’s waist as her friend broke out into giggles. Taygete had been in a fit of laughter since the games began. Her shoulders shook, and she shuffled her feet in the lawn, getting closer to Maura so that the rope that tied their legs together wouldn’t tear their poor stockings more than it already had.

Taygete grinned. I’m terribly sorry you were paired with me, Maura. I say, I don’t know why they allow me to play at all. I’ve gained at least a stone since giving birth to Maia. I don’t believe we’ll gain a point for our team today.

Maura tightened her hold around Taygete and laughed. That’s all right. You did exceptionally well last evening. The women won charades, thanks to everyone’s efforts.

Taygete straightened and took a deep breath of the warm country air. Well, I suppose you’re right, and we’re in the lead, but that could always change.

Maura nodded. It appeared the women were indeed winning. The country party at Cort Castle had started two days ago, and the guests hadn’t made it through dinner that first night without one of the men offending one of the ladies and thus a challenge being thrown onto the entire affair.

Fifteen men and fifteen women were present. Eighteen were married. Twelve were not. Ten of the women, Maura included, were members of an exclusive club called the Spinster’s Society and enjoyed charity work when they weren’t causing trouble. Ten of the gentlemen made up the exclusive members of the Men of Nashwood, or the Brotherhood, as many called them. The group had gained their legendary name at Oxford but had known one another during their years at Eton. Their bond was unbreakable, and though the women had all known each other for a short time, the men had quickly learned that the Spinster’s Society would stick together no matter the challenge.

A small part of Maura was thankful for the distraction. It meant she could think less and less about her impending catastrophe, less and less about the moment when she’d have to tell all her friends goodbye.

She felt bad for the ten guests who were not members of their clubs, yet nevertheless were dragged into the war of men versus women all the same.

And thus, Taygete and Maura were tied together, like the other twenty-six members present, and every guest waited for the signal that would tell them it was time to run.

There was great noise in the field as partners either formed plans to win, finished tying their ropes, or shouted outrageous things to their opponents. A few comments promised punishments that were more licentious than offensive, which reminded everyone that the games were all in fun.

That didn’t mean that either side didn’t desperately want to win.

The starting line was the edge of the single road that led up to the Duke of Cort’s magnificent beige stone castle. The finish line was a row of bushes a few yards away that led into a forest and a pathway toward the dowager house on the property.

The sound of movement made Maura turn her head and watch as the Marquess of Darvess approached with the Earl of Lawton. Both were dashing men in their early thirties, but it was always Darvess who caught Maura’s eyes more than anyone else. Julius Hext had been compared to an angel. His lovely dark blond hair and eyes that were either blue or violet, depending on the light, had broken more than a dozen hearts during the Season, since he’d yet to choose his marchioness.

And then there was his smile. Deep dimples lined his face whenever he was in a light mood.

Maura thought it ironic that he’d been paired with Anthony Ellis, Lord Lawton. He, too, was a bachelor and beautiful, but he was definitely one of the fallen angels. His hair was a light brown, his eyes a celestial blue that seemed to penetrate and see into one’s soul if he stared too long. And his mouth was fuller than most, which always made one think of kissing. Though Anthony was not a member of the Men of Nashwood, he’d known the men since Oxford and was counted a friend.

She turned her attention to Julius. Why have you moved from your place?

He shrugged as he and Anthony continued to walk, pacing back and forth, their movements in perfect synchronization. The men had removed their jackets and cravats, leaving themselves in nothing more than their shirts, trousers, and boots. A few of Julius’s buttons were undone, an innocent view to anyone who didn’t wish to run their tongue down the strong column of his throat.

We’re just going for a stroll before the race, he said, pulling her eyes from his neck to his face and that perfect mouth. Why do you ask? Do you wish me to go? Does my nearness bother you? His lips curved into something that set off a flutter in her stomach.

Maura turned away and wondered if she and Taygete should have practiced more.

Taygete answered for them both. Stand where you will. It’ll make no difference. You’ll lose either way.

Anthony smiled at Taygete. Your husband wanted me to deliver a message while I was over here.

And what would that be? Taygete asked.

Were you to fall on your bottom, he’ll be sure to soothe any ache you have later. Anthony’s voice had a sensual quality. Even if the comment hadn’t been of a carnal nature, it became one once it left Anthony’s lips.

Taygete turned a brilliant red and ducked her head right before she bit her lip. The Marquess of Edvoy was in love with his wife and now that very marquess would be a distraction, present in Taygete’s mind throughout the entire race!

Maura turned to glare at the pair. You’ve delivered your message. Now, go away.

Oh, no, Julius said. I believe we’ll stay right here. He took a position right next to Maura.

She knew it to be coming before it came.

His arm brushed against hers. Once. Twice.

Purposefully.

She tried to sigh around the frustration, but when she inhaled, she couldn’t ignore his scent. It came to her warmed by his earlier exertion. It made her want to press closer, but instead, she tightened her hold on Taygete.

Julius leaned over, his breath brushing her ear and sending tingles down her spine. The day is almost as beautiful as you.

Maura held a breath and then released it slowly. You’ll not distract me.

His lips skimmed the shell of her ear. Her body locked in place, the muscles between her legs tightening. Am I trying to distract you? Surely, if I were, I could think of more clever ways.

Dark heat began to whisper through her veins.

She couldn’t remember when their teasing had taken on a sexual nature, but one minute they were coarse, speaking to one another like children who were forced to play together only because no one else was around, and the next there were hidden smiles and whispered words that often left her breathless.

And it had only grown worse by the day. Was it because the group had left the confines of the city and rules of polite society behind? She doubted it. The beau monde had never stopped the Spinsters or the Brotherhood from doing as they pleased. Maura had found herself surrounded by the wealthiest and lewdest members of Society. Whatever happened between their groups remained within. Secrets abounded.

Maura and Julius were the last members of their exclusive clubs to have yet married. Well, with the exception of Frank Lockwood and Diana Banns, who were engaged. It left Maura and Julius alone often and though she readily counted him a friend, since the day she’d met him three years ago, the tension between them seemed to ever be growing.

Maura.

I’m trying to concentrate, she hissed, feeling less like herself by the second.

It won’t help. He lowered his voice. You women may win at a game of charades, but there’s no way you’ll beat us at any form of a race. We’re stronger, faster, and more... virile.

She tried to ignore him, but what woman could? His voice was like warm chocolate and even with the heat of the day, Maura wished to drink in every drop.

She’d need these memories for when her father forced her to return to Bedlam. It was only a matter of time.

She turned to him, the fool that she was, and found his face to be awfully close. His eyes, with all their vivid intricacy, gazed at her mouth and part of her was sure he was playing some sort of game.

More than anything, Julius loved his games. He also enjoyed women. He’d shamelessly flirted with half the Spinsters before they’d wedded their respective spouses. Maura was likely seen as no different than the hundreds of others he turned his tempting smile upon.

With that in mind, she opened her mouth to speak.

But he spoke first. I’ll make you a promise. Should you fall this day, I’ll make sure to soothe your aches as well.

She forced a neutral expression even as her body became aware of everything around her. The sun. The wind that brushed her skirts and played with the blond curls around her face. The thundering pace of her heart. She said the first thing that came to mind. I once soothed a cat. He’d broken his leg after falling from a tree. Poor dear. I wonder what happened to him. Don’t you?

Julius slowly brought his brows down as he continued to stare at her in perplexity.

She turned back to the front and hid her grin. One of her favorite things to do was confuse him. She enjoyed the dumbfounded look that would come over his face, enjoyed the fact that he couldn’t seem to figure her out.

And now he was the one distracted.

It made him think her mad, but what was the point in pretending otherwise? Her time had run out. She’d received word from her mother, Mrs. Matilda Shaw. Her father had returned from his trip abroad. He was in London. Mrs. Shaw was trying to keep her husband from going after Maura, but even her mother’s beauty and cunning ways wouldn’t hold her father for long.

He’d come, declare her mad once more, and send her off to Bedlam, where he thought she’d be safest. She’d spent ten years of her life there and feared the return.

Her worries were set away as it became clear that the race was about to begin.

Lorenzo Hext, who was Julius’s cousin and could have passed for his twin, and Jane Haskett, who was a lady’s maid, took a position at the other end of the field. Together, they were the timekeepers and kept the score.

Maura bent her knee, and Taygete did the same. There was more laughter and shouting as Lorenzo began to count.

Maura took a breath.

*   *   *

chapter 2

*   *   *

Jane lifted a handkerchief, and the race began.

She and Taygete watched their feet as they moved at a steady rhythm. She smiled proudly as their boots marched them closer to the finish.

Then she looked up and noticed that others were moving much faster. Morris, the Duke of Cort, who was their host, was in the lead with Taygete’s brother-in-law, Raymond.

Come on, Maura shouted over the cheering of the staff, who stood off to the side. They were just as entertained by the antics of the guests as anyone else. Maura started to count her and Taygete’s moves, increasing their speed with the tempo of her voice. Their unison faltered.

Julius passed and shot out into her vision as he and Anthony neared the finish line.

No!

Oh! Taygete tripped.

Maura hobbled and tried to keep them upright, but the move only brought them both down. She shot out her hands and landed with a thud. She barely had a moment to think before Taygete broke into a fit of laughter. At least her friend was not injured.

Maura turned over. I’m sorry. I was moving too quickly. 

It’s all right, Taygete said brightly. It will take more than one race for them to catch up to our score. Her hair was so pale it was nearly white, and it fanned around her as it began to come undone.

Maura looked around to see how poorly they’d done. Two other teams had fallen. One of the men was shouting at the other, and the argument looked heated, the scene hard to make out against the brightness of the sun.

A shadow blocked the light and then Hugh knelt down between them and moved to undo their rope. His midnight-blue eyes moved to his wife. Are you hurt?

Taygete grew red again and swept a hesitant glance at Maura before returning it to Hugh. A little.

The rope came undone, and Maura stood just as Hugh picked his wife up and headed toward the house. There was shouting at their retreat from the most competitive of the groups. The games were not yet over. Someone called for a break and the others consented.

Maura stood and dusted off her skirts. Who wishes to go first today?

She looked up and met Frank Lockwood’s eyes. Or rather, Dr. Frank Lockwood, as he’d been known for some time now. His focus was on the human mind. Psychology was a science that was ever growing and quite ancient. He practiced mostly in the city, but when either Maura or Julius were about, he would counsel them on their troubles from the past, all caused by a dare between the two.

Frank looked over her shoulder, and she turned to find Julius nearly at her back.

How hadn’t she known he was there?

I’ll go first. Julius turned to her, those pansy-colored irises calling her in like a lighthouse, forcing her to drift closer. Unless you wish to.

Maura shook her head and took a step back. What was the point anymore? She’d soon be gone.

Julius nodded at Frank. Lead the way. Then he grinned in Maura’s direction and whispered so only she could hear, Come and find me so that I can relieve you of that... ache you have.

As she stared at his back, she realized just how much she was aching.

*   *   *

chapter 3

*   *   *

The race was more fun than I thought it would be, Frank said as he took a seat.

Julius didn’t sit. Instead, he paced, and he found that he enjoyed pacing in Morris’s library. The floors were stone like the walls, and he could hear his every step until he reached the Persian rug that dominated the center of the room. The castle was large. Each room had ceilings so tall that at night, one couldn’t see the top.

Yet even now, Julius felt caged. He always felt a level of confinement whenever he started a session with Frank. Even though Frank didn’t force to him to speak at all, the entire hour they were together irritated Julius. He didn’t need Frank’s version of ‘talk medicine.’ There was nothing wrong with him. It was the rest of the world that had the problem.

He closed his eyes and rubbed his temple as the faint scent of lotus blooms filled his lungs. Maura. He’d been rubbing against her arm, trying to steer her mind away from the race, but all he’d managed to do was stir his own ravenous hunger for her. Now her exotic scent clung to him, stroking his senses until he was hard.

You and Anthony won the race, Frank said. I’d never seen you move so quickly, especially considering you had another man attached to you.

It was either win or continue to watch Maura’s bottom as she moved a short distance ahead. He didn’t even understand his obsession with her. She was painfully thin. Julius preferred his women with more curves.

He also liked his women to be sane... or at least he had until last year. That was when the true trouble began. The teasing. The laughter.

The... friendship.

He should have stayed away.

What are you thinking about? Frank asked. Is it Maura?

Julius stopped and glared at him. Why would you assume that?

Frank pulled on his spectacles. The gold rims should have aged him or at least made him look dull. They didn’t. He set a book down on the writing desk and placed his hands on his knees. All right. Not Maura. Your family then?

Julius turned away and started toward the window. Not my family. He rubbed a finger over his lips and then ran his hands through his hair. There’s... nothing to concern myself about where they are concerned anymore. His cousins, Natalia and Lorenzo, had returned after years of separation. Julius had pushed them away, punishing them for the sins of their father, August. Uncle August had tried to kill Julius in order to take the title of marquess. My family is... all right.

Do you speak to them about the past? Frank asked.

Julius shook his head as he started to pay attention to what was happening outside the window. He grinned. Morris’s gardener was sleeping with not one but two of the maids. This window faced a dark red shed. Julius watched as the handsome man pulled a blonde woman in that direction and then saw them disappear inside.

Lucky man.

Julius?

He turned around and crossed his arms. We don’t speak of anyone but Uncle Perry and cousin Stephen. They were the last of Julius, Natalia, and Lorenzo’s family. The dead were never mentioned for many reasons.

What did you say to Maura before the race?

Frank’s question startled him. What?

His friend continued to look impersonal. What did you say to her? I saw you walk over to her before the race began.

Julius turned to the bookshelf and grabbed the first thing that caught his eye. We only went over to speak to Taygete. Anthony had a message to deliver from her husband.

But you spoke to Maura, Frank said. If you don’t want to share what you said—

I flirted with her just as I’d been asked to, Julius said. You know the plan as well as I. By the end of the week, the men will have won the games no matter what. Every man had been assigned a woman. Emmett, who was the Earl of Ashwick and another of Julius’s friends, had paired Julius with Maura.

You do know why Emmett chose you, don’t you? Frank said. Everyone clearly thinks there is something else going on between you and Maura.

Yet you, Maura, and I know differently. He moved to the chair across from Frank and sat heavily. He took on an indifferent position even as he felt far from composed.

Frank spoke... frankly. Lorena wishes you to marry Maura. Lorena was Maura’s cousin and also Emmett’s wife, which was the reason it hadn’t surprised Julius at all that Emmett had chosen him as Maura’s distractor.

It’ll never work, Julius said for what seemed like the hundredth time. She’s mad. He still recalled the detached look in her blue eyes when she’d mentioned soothing a cat. She proves her insanity more and more every day.

I don’t think her insane, Frank said.

Julius leaned forward. Why? Tell me. Frank would know more about Maura than anyone else. She spoke to him just as often as Julius did.

Frank shook his head. You know I don’t share what goes on in my sessions with others.

Julius rolled his eyes. We’re all friends here, are we not?

Frank remained cool. I just don’t want you to miss your opportunity with her, Julius.

Miss his opportunity?

What you do mean? He tried for indifference but was sure he failed. Is there someone else who wants her?

Someone else? Frank smiled. Are you admitting to wanting her?

Julius crossed his legs. Bed sport. Nothing more. I’ve told you this. That, he’d been willing to admit. Maura was beautiful. Pale and sweet. He often drowned in the large pools of her blue eyes. Her lips were pink and looked as soft as petals. He’d even more recently fallen in love with her nose. He liked its slope and imagined himself trailing every part of her face with a lazy hand after a night of passionate sex.

Those thoughts bothered him the most. What man grew excited at the thought of the hours after sex? Not he. Not before her.

Let’s talk about your mother. Frank broke into his thoughts like shattering glass.

I’ve decided that with Lorenzo’s return, there’s no need for me to marry. Julius stood. He’s my heir. His son can take the title when we’re gone.

Frank’s eyes widened, and he straightened. You didn’t tell me this. When did you come to such a decision?

He shrugged. I’ve thought of it more often than not recently. He forced his mind to