The Secrets of Kensington Place

By Louise Armstrong

London – 1860
Isabella de Claire, Ward of Lord Thomas Braxton, is an orphan of no means, no family and no social standing. 
Tired of the theatrics of London, Isabella yearns to explore the world outside the confines of the social season. Her dreams of exploration come true when she receives a surprise letter postmarked Bombay. Torn between loyalty and the comfort of the only family she has ever known, her heart and the promise of new beginnings, she must make a decision that will alter the course of not only her life but those around her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Nov 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9781398470026

Louise Armstrong

The first story Louise Armstrong ever finished and sent off won the 1993 Crystal Heart Award from the Guild of Romance Writers, and she's been writing sweet romantic comedies ever since. 'I like to look on the light side of life,' she says. 'All my stories feature fun and adventure, and of course, they all have a happy ending.' LENA: leave your email address on my blog and I'll send you a coupon for a free copy of Hold on to Paradise.

Book preview

About the Author

Louise Armstrong was born and grew up in Berkshire, England. She graduated from university with honours in Law before relocating to South Wales and obtaining a masters in legal practice. Louise is a qualified solicitor with a passion for literature and history. When not writing, Louise enjoys spending time with her dogs and travelling around the world immersing herself in the varied histories, cultures and cuisines.

Dedication

To Dafydd, my husband and my inspiration for every handsome love interest. Thank you for pushing me to be my best, supporting every mad decision and occasionally making me leave the house when I’ve been inside for too long.

To Rhew & Eira for being the perfect companions.

To Mum & Dad, thank you for spending childhood holidays in museums, castles and book shops. Without your inspiration I wouldn’t be who I am today. Adam, thank you for being the best big brother I could have asked for.

Copyright Information ©

Louise Armstrong 2022

The right of Louise Armstrong to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781398470019 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781398470026 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2022

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

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Chapter 1

Amelia, do hurry. I would hate for Lady Wallingford to think us late to her dinner! Lady Braxton rushed in and out of the girl’s bedrooms, she paced the few steps between their doors sighing forcefully when there was no reply. Her purple satin dress hovered millimetres from the old wooden floorboards that creaked with every step.

Amelia, if you are not ready your father and I will quite positively leave without you! Her patience had all but dissipated as she swept up the corridor back to the large white door pushing it enough to step inside. She huffed with impatience as she prepared her chastising words. The rant was cut from her lips as she watched her daughter twirl in an elegant cream evening dress. The dress was stitched with pale blue flowers and lay seamlessly against her thin frame. Her blonde hair was pulled cleanly away from her face and brushed to an immaculate standard, each hair in place and gathered behind a pale flower at the back of her head. Her skin was perfectly flushed in the rush to get ready and Lady Braxton took a moment to watch her daughter flatten creases from the bodice.

Amelia, you look wonderful. I knew that dress would suit you. She paused a moment to take in the sight before uttering a gentle cough.

Now go and hurry down to your father, he is in the hall waiting for the carriage. She watched her only child glide effortlessly with grace past her, her usual silence and placid temperament evident for all to see. Lady Braxton followed her back into the corridor and watched as she descended the staircase greeting her father meekly at the bottom. Turning around she saw the small door at the end of the corridor open and Isabella step out into the dim light.

Come now, Ella, it has taken so long to be ready we will surely be late. She chided the girl and beckoned her forward into the lamplight. Isabella and Amelia were so different in all things it was clear to all that they were not related. Where Amelia’s hair was a soft brushed gold, Isabella’s own was a deep auburn that curled in large ringlets. Her fuller figure was becoming on her and her brown eyes were flecked with emerald green. Her green dress was cut in a similar style to Amelia’s, the shade being a perfect complement to her complexion.

If there is nothing more we can do for your hair we must go. It is, I reason, excusable for your presentation to be unkempt. We should not worry as you are not of a high enough station to be watched by any. Lady Braxton led Isabella down the stairs, taking her coat from the butler she vanished out of the door as if she could not stand being at home another minute. Isabella took a moment to pause, she knew that her guardian did not mean harm in her words but nevertheless the familiar cutting pain followed them. Lord Braxton waited as Amelia followed her mother meekly and quietly to the carriage. Isabella too took her coat, thanking the butler with a genuine smile she placed it upon her shoulders and stepped into the evening air. The chill was biting at her cheeks as she approached the carriage and waited for the women to be seated before accepting her guardian’s hand to step inside.

I am awfully sorry for keeping you, sir, I was aiding Amelia with her dress when…

Oh, I know my child, do not bother yourself with timings, I am sure the Wallingford party can wait ten minutes for our arrival. With a wink the aging Lord assisted his ward into the carriage and climbed in behind, tapping his cane on the roof to signal their departure. Isabella watched the buildings pass by from the window as they made their way but ten streets from their own London home. The night air was cold but at least the rain had held off, Lord Braxton assisted the ladies to exit and began herding them up the stone steps. Isabella watched the shapes of people inside the house as their shadows danced upon the pavement below. She could hear faint laughter and smell the sharp tang of whiskey mixed with perfume on the air, a smell she had now come to dread because of its associated gatherings.

The library was well lit and the glow from the fire reflected over a large collection of books that lined the far wall. The other walls were filled with art, all paintings of various soldiers and high-ranked lords on their horses, something Isabella cared little for. The piano was sitting unattended in the corner and three couches framed the fire for the women to sit and converse as and when they wished. Beside them were two games tables with cards placed in the centre predominantly for the men but also for women who would play a naïve and flirtatious game.

Lord Braxton, Lady Braxton, Lady Amelia Braxton and Miss de Claire, the aged butler announced to the room as the small party were ushered inside. Silence fell and Lady Wallingford took it upon herself to fill it with trivial greetings and playful chiding on their lateness. It was clear that Lady Wallingford had some genuine feeling toward Lady Braxton by their easy mannerism.

I am awfully sorry, Lady Wallingford! I lost track of the time and before I knew it I was rushing to get the family ready. Lady Braxton dipped her grey aged blonde head to Lady Wallingford and forced a smile to play on her lips. Lord Braxton immediately left the women to join the men over near the card tables not wishing to be party to the trivial gossip he was certain would ensue. Amelia and Isabella stayed behind the two ladies, their eyes trained on the older women and the floor.

Lady Wallingford, may I re-introduce to you my daughter Amelia? I do believe the last time you saw her she was but ten years old, she is now nearing twenty. Lady Braxton paused, allowing her daughter to step forward and curtsey in front of them. The Wallingford family were well known for travelling the world, they had been at sea for the previous five years and their return to the capital had been greatly anticipated. Lady Wallingford surveyed the small girl as though she were a horse at market; Isabella watched the grand lady trace her grey eyes over the young girl, her own stout frame wobbled slightly as she took her in and smiled.

It is a pleasure to see you again, my dear, your mother spoke of little else than her wish for your return from school in Bath. How did you find it?

Amelia paused and looked to her mother for support; once given she quietly mumbled her appreciation for the school and the people she had met. After listening briefly Lady Wallingford turned her attentions to Isabella who was allowing her mind to wander whilst studying a large painting behind them. The painting was made of thick oil, and depicted a regal vessel docked in a foreign exotic harbour. The sun basked ship appeared to sit calmly on azure waters whilst tiny figures hurried around its bow with cargo. With a concentrated squint Isabella could make out the line of dark-skinned men lined up to receive the various boxes being unloaded, she noted a group of white men stood observing the work. Sensing the old woman’s intrigue Lady Braxton paused in her praises of her daughter for her second introduction.

You must remember Isabella, Lady Wallingford, our ward, she travelled too with our daughter to school, we believe in giving her the same education for she has no money or family to recommend her. Lady Braxton beckoned Isabella forward into their view and watched her polite clean curtsey.

You are lucky my child, Lord and Lady Braxton are giving people. Had you not been left on their doorstep in your infancy who is to know what would have become of you?

Lady Wallingford frowned before beckoning the whole party to the main seating area for further introductions. Waving a hand covered in lace to the room Lady Wallingford pulled the skirt of her grey dress forward and headed for the nearest couple. Isabella flicked her eyes around the groups before following Amelia’s skirts as she in turn followed her mother.

Lady Braxton, you know my brother Mr Worthing and his wife, she paused to allow for the parties to nod their introductions. This is my niece Miss Harriet Worthing and their cousin Miss Cecily White. The party simultaneously curtseyed before all the women took their seats. Isabella placed herself beside Amelia and Miss Worthing but remained quiet when individual conversations began.

Why, Miss de Claire, you look fetching in that green gown, I do believe it was quite the fashion in town last season. Miss White allowed a smile to play with the corner of her lips whilst keeping an innocent glow in her eyes. Miss White’s own pale gown was immaculately clean and hung to her curves, she had high-set cheekbones and sweeping brown hair that was plaited into a mass away from her face. Her golden eyes ignited a challenge against the fire’s glow as she held Isabella’s own gaze.

I think it looks lovely on you, Miss de Claire. Miss Worthing smiled and lowered her gaze revealing a timid friendly nature, her own fleshy face was flushed deeply and her black hair bundled back revealing the plumpness of the girl’s figure. Isabella murmured her thanks and allowed her gaze to wander once more towards the card tables where the men were seated. Lord Braxton sat beside Lord Wallingford in turn beside Mr Worthing and three younger men, two of whom wore fine regimental uniform. Isabella watched them joke and boisterously laugh as they caught each other with shouts and appeals, she smiled at their easiness so unlike the ladies.

I believe I have no idea what it is I am doing, she heard Lord Braxton profess to the men. He looked around flustered and caught her eye. I do believe Isabella will indeed be able to aid me in this game. Isabella, do come here!

With a commanding tone he smiled to her and she thanked him silently for pulling her out of the pit of young women. She stood slowly, watching her feet as she made her way across the library to the table; she felt all eyes on her and as usual disliked it intently.

Ella, I do believe there are some underhand tactics being employed by my opponents, how best do we solve this? His mock tone rose smiles and laughter from the men and a small giggle from her own lips.

This cannot be young Ella? Why when we met last we played chase around the pond and you laughed when my brother fell in. She recognised Frederick Worthing’s easy manner as soon as he spoke, she remembered him with perfection, he had changed little apart from in height and stature from the eight years that had passed. Isabella smiled and dropped her gaze to the floor not wishing to become the centre of attention in present company.

That she is, she went for schooling in Bath with my Amelia, the two have not changed since being away, Lord Braxton boasted.

I believe they have my Lord, Frederick raked his gaze over her gown and body creating an uncomfortable feeling in her gut, the room fell to silence broken by the movement of the ladies behind.

Now Freddie, do behave, Miss de Claire is no longer ten and I think will not be taunted by you! Miss White had moved to join the game and was stood beside Isabella, a forced smile upon her face. The men laughed and Isabella took a moment to study them, to her guardian’s right sat Frederick Worthing, his black dinner suit immaculately clean. His black hair hung shaggily around his ears and his boyish smile held a hint of something darker than it used to. Beside him sat Mr Worthing, the father, he too wore a black dinner suit, his manner was altogether one of no interest in her as he studied the cards in his hand intently. His second son George Worthing was instantly recognisable the moment they locked eyes, his dark hair was cleanly cut and his blue eyes shone brightly almost grey against the crimson of his uniform. Isabella felt herself blush under his gaze and instead moved her own along to the uniformed man sat beside him, she did not recognise him but his character seemed friendly and pleasant, his remarks encouraged laughter from the group and Isabella smiled at him when he looked her way. After a few more rounds had passed the card game had broken up with the men moving to either the couches or staying around the table talking. Miss White had positioned herself beside the unknown regimental and Isabella took a seat beside the large front window leaving the three young men and two women to talk.

I do believe the last time we met young Miss Braxton was the party held at Braxton house shortly before she and Miss de Claire moved for schooling. Frederick looked from the women over to where Amelia was perched beside her mother, her look of discomfort shifted with a smile from her father. Isabella thought of that night Frederick spoke of and forced a smile onto her lips.

1856 – Braxton House, London

You are supposed to be in bed, girls! Lady Braxton admonished the two girls but allowed them to stay for a few more minutes of the party. Now off with you, you may see your Father and then off to bed, you too, Ella, she smiled as the two girls ran through the crowd in search of mischief before finding Lord Braxton.

I thought children were not allowed at parties? Frederick had appeared from the study with a glass of port in his hand, behind him trailed George and a few other young gentlemen. Isabella noted that perhaps gentlemen was too kind a word for the rabble in front of them. At twenty Frederick was already a young and highly sought after bachelor, it was a shame in that he knew it.

We are to find my father and then go to bed. Amelia was bold in speaking and raised her petite chin in the air, at fifteen she was six years George’s junior and nine years Frederick’s.

And besides, I am not a child. she raised her brow and tugged on Isabella’s hand to pass the boys. Frederick laughed as they watched the two girls walk away. After a quick scan of the secondary hall the pair decided to split up, Isabella would trace back through the great hall and Amelia would go to the garden, library and study. Isabella pulled on her grey dress and began sliding through groups of people stopping to survey the floor through the breaks in the dancing couples. She frowned and bit her lip in thought when she caught a conversation that drifted her way.

That Amelia will be a handful when she is older, I would wager she will be seventeen and biting at the reins to marry, I bet she comes with a tidy dowry as well! Frederick was scoffing with the group of young men, all of whom agreed, George was stood beside his brother watching the dancing intently. The orphan girl watches you an awful lot, George, I believe I am not mistaken in thinking she may feel for you. He paused watching his brother’s obvious displeasure and denial. You cannot deny that she is pretty, at fourteen she shows promise for when she is older, if she had wealth then she would be a catch for any man. George was clearly uncomfortable with the incessant teasing and shook his head.

She is quite plain and you know it, she has nothing to recommend her and I believe by the time she is of age she will believe herself well above her position due to her being raised by Lord Braxton, no, I think not brother, George spoke coldly and pulled his arms behind his back watching the men jostle and poke fun at him. Isabella placed her hand against the cold stone pillar she stood beside and fought the tears behind her eyes. Frederick had spotted her and smiled to himself in an attempt to rile his brother from the placidity he so usually wore.

You mean to tell me you find no redeeming qualities within Miss de Claire? Frederick pushed willing his brother into snapping in the hope of creating entertainment for himself.

No, I do not believe she has a single redeeming feature, she is plain on the eyes, her features too innocent, her hair too unruly, her mannerisms all too frank and unbecoming, if schooling is her only virtue then pray she is taught exceptionally as it will be her only recommendation! George finally finished his tirade and pulled his glass up for a long drink. Isabella could not fight back the tears and allowed one to escape down her now flushed cheeks. It felt as though he had slapped her, she admired him and he felt nothing if not contempt for her. Sniffing she stepped from the shadows attempting to skirt past the men, she passed into George’s line of sight, he caught her gaze and paused to watch a few more tears fall from her deep green eyes. George felt cold, he felt pain in his chest when he saw her crying for he knew she had heard and he was the reason for her tears. He hated Frederick for it, although had he not been so intent on keeping up appearance with the men it would never have happened. He watched her run through the remaining crowd and disappear up the staircase in the hallway, she clutched her face in her hands and that was the last time that they had seen each other in seven years.

Isabella allowed Miss White to ask Frederick questions about his childhood and various stories as long as she did not have to speak, she felt the painful lump in her throat and the memory of that night was all too clear. Raising her eyes she saw George intently studying her, his eyes ablaze and his brow furrowed in a pained manner. Isabella looked away, she hoped he was in pain, that he regretted his actions and words, she was not about to hang on a bad word spoken by an eighteen-year-old boy to a fourteen-year-old girl seven years later.

Dinner is ready. The silence broke as the party rose to remove themselves to the dining hall for one of Wallingford’s famed dinners. As was custom Lord and Lady Wallingford exited first followed by Lord and Lady Braxton and then Mr and Mrs Worthing. Frederick rounded the table and offered his arm to Amelia who had risen from her own chair.

My dear Lady Amelia, may I? she took his arm and blushed, following him from the room.

Lieutenant Cairely, if you would be so kind? Harriet had risen from her place on the couch and approached the table, not wishing to ask her brother to escort her she instead requested it of his uniformed friend. He obliged and led her through the large double doors into the dining room. Miss White raised her chin to George expectantly; he had his eyes fixed upon Isabella who, knowing her place, had stepped behind Miss White waiting to follow them out of the library.

Captain Worthing, if you would be as kind? She extended her arm to him and he begrudgingly took it, glancing at Isabella he led them out of the library into the large dining hall. Isabella watched Miss White pull herself against George, with a small flick she pushed her plaited hair over her shoulder and fluttered her golden eyes to him. The pair were beautiful when stood together, their opposing complexions created a harmonious balance. The party took a few steps beneath an ornately carved door and into the warm yellow glow of the dining hall.

The hall itself was as grand as every other room and Isabella admired the gold gilded furniture which adorned the sides of the room. The long dining table was large even for their party of thirteen. Lord Wallingford sat at one end with Lady Wallingford sat at the other. Lord Braxton sat beside Wallingford on his right and beside him sat Isabella. She noted that the free space next her seat was not occupied because its occupant was delivering Miss White down to the bottom end of the table beside Lady Wallingford. George skirted the table and took his seat beside Isabella not daring to look at her. The first course was served as the two lords spoke of trading, countries and the colonisations of the eastern world. Opposite, Amelia and Frederick were conversing on the wonders of Bath and various other English towns. Further along Lieutenant Cairely was forced to listen to both ladies speak of town gossip, Mr Worthing having nothing in the way of conversation to save him. Isabella was content to sit in silence; she did not wish to speak now more than ever before and resided in losing herself in thoughts of the town whilst listening to the occasional vocal shout from Lord Braxton.

How are you finding it to be back in London, Miss de Claire? The shock of hearing him speak took Isabella by surprise as she turned to look at him, mastering her composure and decency.

Very well, Sir, it is good to be back, although one cannot hope but wish to be back in education, it is one of the few real virtues a woman can possess. Sharpening her wit she allowed a small smile to dance on her lips as she turned back to listen to Lord Braxton’s conversation. She felt the air beside her change and the heat radiate slightly off her dining companion’s face. He remembered all too well his own comments and although he knew her not one to hold a grudge he was sharply reminded of his wicked comments. In true gentleman fashion George took a long drink of his wine and placed his fork beside the plate.

Well, I am sure Lord Braxton is glad of your return. He wiped his mouth with a linen napkin and turned back to face her faking obliviousness. Isabella made little effort to acknowledge him and taking her own long drink of wine she plastered a brilliant smile.

That I am, she allowed herself a quick glance in George’s direction before being interrupted.

Captain Worthing, I hear that you are soon to embark on a trip with your troop to the Far East continent, Lord Braxton interrupted and chewed his food with vigour dropping his usual perfect mannerisms to follow his new topic with enthusiasm. George nodded watching Isabella’s smile falter if only for a moment, she took another bite of the meat and dabbed her mouth.

How long will you be gone, Captain? She held his gaze for a few moments before lowering it to the table and folding her hands in her lap.

A few years at least, it will be good to have a change of scenery, I hope to be back by the time Hattie finds herself a husband. He winked to his sister who scoffed and smiled at Isabella. She was a pleasant girl and made the effort to speak to Isabella on friendlier terms than most. Miss White placed her cutlery down beside Harriet on the opposite side of the table and raised her voice to address George.

Oh no, Captain Worthing, you did not inform me of your intention of leaving the country. She raised her eyebrow and smiled as she drank her wine.

My brother has every intention of becoming the hero, Miss White, an unfortunate fate. Frederick turned back to Amelia and ignored his brother’s protests.

Well I will surely miss you, George, I will just have to fill your shoes here until you return, Lieutenant Cairely raised his glass smiling to his friend and taking a moment to study Isabella’s flushed form.

With dinner over Mrs Worthing begged for the party to return to their game of cards in the library and Lady Wallingford echoed her wishes for cake and music. The men rose first to allow the women space and without thinking George extended his arm for Isabella to take. He paused when he did not feel her light hand on his sleeve and studied her questioning expression with a small smile. Isabella paused to think of the break in rank it would cause for her to be escorted from the room above a well-known eligible lady. If this lady was any other Isabella knew she would politely decline and step back behind the pairs but as it was, the look of disgust spreading across Miss White’s face was worth the muttering from the elderly couples. Nodding her thanks she placed her hand lightly on George’s red sleeve and walked behind Harriet and Cairely, she felt for once as though she did have some standing amongst the family, that she belonged here in the presence of these people rather than with the servants below.

It is good to see you settled with the Braxton’s I remember you saying you wished to travel as a governess when you were of age, George took the closeness as a sign she was willing to speak with him.

I still intend on travelling, Captain, I believe I may now seek opportunities for a governess around the country and if possible out of it.

You are not happy here? slowing their pace he led her to the large bay window situated behind the cards table used by the men.

It is clear I do not belong here, Captain, I envy your escape, She smiled shyly at him and was acutely aware of more than one pair of eyes resting on them. Stepping away from the window Isabella moved to behind Lord Braxton watching his game and the cunning looks he shot his wife across the table.

My dear Miss de Claire, I am told it is not clear the matters of your origin. Miss White stood from her place by the fire and made her way across the room making it clear to all listening of her wish to discuss such an intimate topic. Amelia shot Isabella a sympathetic look from behind and avoided her gaze to appear back in conversation with Frederick. There was no reply Isabella could give that would satisfy present company so she concluded to give none.

"You were found on the front steps of Braxton House by the Lord himself? How strange do you not think for an unknown woman to leave her own flesh and blood on the streets of London, and with naught but a letter