Regency Romance: The Earl’s Unexpected Journey Of Love (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Romance Fiction) Read online

  The Earl’s Unexpected Journey of Love

  The Fairbank Series

  Jessie Bennett

  CARLTON HOUSE PUBLISHING CO.

  Contents

  Copyright

  Monthly Giveaway Contest

  A Personal Note From Jessie Bennett

  Dedication

  About The Author

  The Earl’s Unexpected Journey of Love

  PROLOGUE

  *

  CHAPTER ONE

  *

  CHAPTER TWO

  *

  CHAPTER THREE

  *

  CHAPTER FOUR

  *

  CHAPTER FIVE

  *

  CHAPTER SIX

  *

  CHAPTER SEVEN

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  CHAPTER EIGHT

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  CHAPTER NINE

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  CHAPTER TEN

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  CHAPTER ELEVEN

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  CHAPTER TWELVE

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  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  *

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

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  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  *

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

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  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

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  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  *

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  *

  EPILOGUE

  *

  Preview of Duke’s Forbidden Love

  Monthly Giveaway Contest

  Also By Jessie Bennett

  Acknowledgement

  If You Have Enjoyed This Book…

  Publisher’s Notes

  Copyright © 2016 & 2017 by JESSIE BENNETT & CARLTON HOUSE PUBLISHING CO.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real or dead people, places, or events are not intentional and are the result of coincidence. The characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. 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 prior written permission from the author/publisher. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

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  CLICK THIS LINK below to get started…

  A PERSONAL NOTE

  FROM JESSIE BENNETT

  To My Dearest Lovely Readers,

  The female characters within my stories are women who have a strong faith of love, they know what they want to pursue during this era. They are constantly seeking and believe the true love really exists as they are often being looked upon as an inferior gender. Because of these social stigma, it motivates them to overcome challenges they may face while waiting for the man of their dreams to appear.

  Will these insecurities and stigma encourages them in believing true love despite the differences and challenges in social standing that they will face during this Regency Era?

  Read on to find out the answers!

  Thank you very much for your strong support to my writing journey!

  With Hugs, Kisses and Love…

  DEDICATION

  “A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

  Jane Austen (1775 - 1817)

  This Story Is Specially Dedicated To You, My Dearest Reader!

  It is with gratefulness and gratitude that I am writing to you this personal dedication.

  Thank you once again for giving me this opportunity to share with you my creative side of me.

  I hope you will enjoy reading this story as much I have enjoyed writing it!

  It is with such great support from you that keep us authors writing and writing, presenting to you with great and interesting stories.

  Have you checked out my other historical romance books series?

  Click the link below to get started

  *** AMAZON USA ***

  Do you like what you have read?

  I would want to hear from you!

  Please do get in touch with me:

  https://www.facebook.com/JessieBennettBooks/

  [email protected]

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Jessie Bennett is dedicated to romanticism in its’ myriad forms. She loves historical romance stories. Recently, she discovered another interest within the historical romance, which is Regency Romance stories.

  She wants to use her ideas, knowledge and interest of the regency era to spin out characters that readers wants to read. She aspires to be the next Jane Austen that combine grace, love, and simplicity to delight readers to find their happy endings.

  THE EARL’S UNEXPECTED

  JOURNEY OF LOVE

  by

  JESSIE BENNETT

  and

  Carlton House Publishing Co.

  PROLOGUE

  DANGER, DANGER

  DANGER, DANGER

  1819 – Deep in the heart of Africa

  The horses were running so fast that Joshua was sure they would never catch up. He leaned forward in his saddle, hands gripped on the reins, legs taut against the horse’s flanks. He turned his head in an attempt to see his uncle through the clouds of dust that had been kicked up all around him.

  The desert was hot, a dry heat that penetrated every fiber of clothing and every pore in the skin. Joshua drew in a breath, the dust and heat mixing in his throat and drying it to rasping agony. All he wanted was a drink of water.

  He and his uncle had been traveling with a small caravan of people through the African desert. The days had passed peaceably, but that morning disaster struck. The caravan found itself within the territory of a pride of lions. Grabbing up the smallest child he saw, Joshua had leaped onto his horse and galloped after his uncle, Cain Richard Hershey, Duke of Ascott, who also picked up a child as their companions ran, screaming and terrified, from a scene of chaos.

  Now, riding through the dust, Joshua could barely see his uncle beside him and the land ahead of them was just an indiscernible. Slowing to peer ahead, Joshua could just make out the backs of the horses they followed, drawing further ahead through the clouds of dust with every step they took.

  “Uncle, I don’t think we can keep up!” Joshua called out, turning to search for his uncle.

  “We must, Joshua!” he shouted urgently in reply. “They alone can lead us out of this desert!”

  “My horse will not last out much longer at this pace!” Joshua shouted. He strained to hear the reply over their horse's rumbling hooves.

  “They would not have given us these horses if they could not make it through this, Joshua,” he heard his uncle shout raggedly. “Have faith! All will be well when we reach the town of Sao Tome!”
>
  Joshua said no more, his throat scored by the dust in the air around him. He swallowed hard and narrowed his eyes. He prayed they would reach Sao Tome soon. He desperately needed a drink of water.

  CHAPTER ONE

  JULIETTE

  JULIETTE

  1820 – Worthington Manor

  Fairbanks, England

  “Have you spotted anyone you don’t know yet?” Shawn Montgomery, Duke of Fairbanks, teased his wife, Elizabeth, nudging her with his elbow where she stood beside him. She gave him a big smile.

  “As a matter of fact, I haven’t. Have you?”

  Shawn laughed and shook his head. “No. It is always exciting when I do, though. It’s fun to meet new people.”

  “And make new investments.” It was Elizabeth’s turn to tease. She rolled her eyes at him when he smiled innocently back after her comment. “I know you,” she continued, “and every man you meet is a key to new investments. I may not know the ins and outs of your accounts, but I do know they are always on your mind.”

  Shawn shrugged, looking sheepish. “I wish I could say differently, my dear, but I simply can’t. You are right.”

  They both laughed again.

  At that moment, Shawn heard a soft voice behind him.

  “The food tonight was absolutely delicious, your grace.”

  He turned his head to respond, and he found himself looking out over the ballroom. He moved his eyes down and saw that the Lady Juliette Ellingham stood before him, looking shy and very pretty. He bent slightly and extended his hand to her. When she took it, he brought it to his lips.

  “Lady Juliette, you are looking lovely tonight. Thank you for the compliment. I will graciously accept it on behalf of my cook and staff. Thank you.”

  The young girl blushed and smiled at him. He grinned back. She is a beauty, he thought. A man who captured this girl’s heart would be a very blessed man. She was short compared to Shawn – almost a foot shorter – but then, he was a tall man himself, standing six foot four. Juliette was dressed in a pale green gown that fit her perfectly, as though it had been sewn directly on her. Her long strawberry blond hair hung in soft ringlets over her shoulders, reaching her low-cut bodice. She was small and slender, but curvaceous in a way that stirred the blood. Shawn admired her for a moment before turning to his own beautiful wife.

  “Elizabeth, dear, look who has come to say hello.”

  A delighted look crossed her face and she smiled wide. “Juliette! I have not seen you since your debut! How have you been, my dear?”

  “I am well, my lady. And you?” the girl asked softly.

  “Very well, thank you. You are enjoying the ball thus far?”

  “Oh yes. Very much.”

  “So glad to hear that, my dear. Why don’t you join me?” Elizabeth held out one hand towards some elegantly-carved chestnut-wood seats, set near the refreshments table. “We must sit and talk a while! I want to hear all of your adventures! Have you found a beau?”

  Juliette giggled and blushed as she walked with Elizabeth to the table. “Oh no, your grace. I have been much too busy.”

  “Busy?” Elizabeth raised a delicate brow.

  “I have been engaged in charitable works,” Juliette said shyly, looking at her hands. “I aided the Holy Sisters at Saint Andrew's Hospital, and also my father.”

  “Your father?”

  “Yes! Papa has been traveling to Asia and other parts of the world, giving relief and ministry there. I have been assisting him in preparations for his missions.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “That is admirable, my dear. Your father is much respected for his charitable work. And his daughter, too, is admirable.”

  Juliette blushed. “Papa is a fine example. He says we are blessed in worldly goods, and we have a holy obligation to relieve suffering wherever we find it.”

  “This is true, Juliette. But that makes it no less admirable that a young lady would choose to follow such a path.”

  “Thank you, my lady,” Juliette said quietly.

  At that moment, a footman passed them, bearing drinks on a tray.

  “Would you care for some refreshment, my dear?” Elizabeth asked, lifted one finger to beckon to the man.

  “Your grace,” he said, bowing low and lowering the tray so the ladies could make their selection. Elizabeth lifted a glass of champagne and noticed her guest hesitating.

  “We have lime cordial, if you would prefer, my dear?”

  “Yes, please,” Juliette said shyly.

  “Lime cordial, if you please?” Elizabeth said to the footman, who bowed low.

  “Of course, my lady.”

  Elizabeth turned back to Juliette. “So, you have not found a proper suitor yet?”

  “No, my lady,” Juliette said, taking the cordial and sipping it gracefully.

  “Your father has not made any arrangements?”

  “No, my lady.”

  “Well, that leaves you with a world of possibility!” the duchess smiled. “And I can tell you, there is nothing like marrying for love. Choose wisely, of course, my dear. But choose someone you will come to love, or with whom you will be well contented.”

  Juliette let her eyes settle on the Duchess, wondering what the older woman was thinking. She looked wistful as she spoke, and Juliette considered what she knew of her past. The duchess had married Shawn Worthington from love, and their care for each other was as well-known as the story of their meeting. Their three children were adored by both mother and father, and the duke and duchess were never seen together but that their closeness was remarked on. To see Elizabeth looking sad made Juliette question why.

  It is not my place to wonder such things, she rebuked herself silently. She looked down at her hands, hoping the duchess had not noticed her speculative look.

  “What is the matter, my dear?” Elizabeth asked kindly. “You seemed deep in thought. I hope I did not worry you.”

  “No, your grace,” Juliette said softly. She hoped her cheeks had not turned red, but was fully aware that they most often did when she was embarrassed.

  It was not only that she had been speculating about the marriage of the duke that she felt embarrassed: she always felt uncomfortable when the subject of marriage was raised. She rebuked herself for not yet having made any progress in that direction. She was in her twentieth year, and she knew it was her father's wish to see her settled within the next year. What is wrong with me? she thought, sadly. I should be less fussy.

  Nothing she could do could remedy the fact that she had not yet met a good man. Most young men Juliette met seemed shallow and uninteresting, and she found that, while they did not satisfy her expectations, she could not satisfy theirs, either. With a strong mind and clear ideas, she found the role of flippant socialite constraining, but that was all the men of her acquaintance seemed to expect her to be: when she tried to raise a topic deeper than plays or parties, they seemed to become uncomfortable. She hated it, and avoided socializing as a result.

  “I did not mean to distress you,” Elizabeth said gently. She laid a hand on Juliette's arm, who turned to her.

  “You did not distress me, your grace,” Juliette said quietly. “I was simply wondering if I shall ever...” she paused, “...ever meet a suitor who would win my regard, and I his. I wish to please my father and wed, as soon as possible, but I have never found a man with whom my heart connects as you suggest it should.” She looked down at her hands, feeling wretchedly embarrassed.

  Elizabeth nodded. “I can fully comprehend your predicament, my dear. I would like to help, if I may?”

  “Oh, you needn’t trouble yourself, my lady. I am…” Juliette demurred

  “Nonsense. I will help if I can. Do you think I would make poor choices?” she asked, eyebrow raised.

  Juliette had to giggle. “Oh of course not, my lady. You have a wonderful husband and I know you would make a good choice for me. But I am just…” her voice trailed off.

  Elizabeth over-rode her protests. “It’s settled t
hen. We will speak of this next time, when I invite you to dinner to meet a proper young man.”

  Juliette giggled. She found her mood had lifted somewhat since she confided her worry, and was glad she had such a kindly confidante in the Duchess of Fairbanks.

  CHAPTER TWO

  THE TRIP

  THE TRIP

  Elizabeth watched the ballroom, considering what Juliette had told her. She was already turning over ideas: the young lady was a rare beauty and a good woman, and she longed to see her settled and happy. As she scanned the dancing couples, she noticed a tall man crossing the room to join them. She smiled as he approached, and Juliette had clearly noticed him as well, for she leaped to her feet.

  “Father!” she greeted him, curtsying prettily. He patted her on the arm, smiling at Elizabeth.

  “Daughter!” he said fondly. “You have found good company, I think? Greetings, Duchess! It seems an age since I saw you. How do you fare?”

  A tall, ruggedly-handsome man with a serious face and a grave voice, Neville Ellington, earl of Worcester, had always seemed a pleasant character.

  “I am well, my lord,” Elizabeth smiled, curtseying. “It is a pleasant surprise to see you. Your daughter and I had just been discussing your good works.”

  He smiled brilliantly, and Juliette smiled back. “My daughter has always been my strongest advocate,” he chuckled. “And she is a gift. She encourages me and cheers me even in times of greatest opposition.” he patted his daughter's hand again.

  “That is good to hear, my lord,” Elizabeth responded, smiling. She noticed Juliette's eyes shifting from her father to a young girl who stood across the room, and frowned slightly at the worried look that crossed Juliette's face on seeing her. She turned to the girl, who was already looking up at her shyly.