Vicar's Virgin Read online

  Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

  http://www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2011 Berengaria Brown

  ISBN: 978-1-927368-13-8

  Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

  Editor: Kimberly Bowman

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  For Georgette Heyer who gave me an enduring love of Regency romance.

  THE VICAR'S VIRGIN

  Virgins No More, 1

  Berengaria Brown

  Copyright © 2011

  Chapter One

  The Reverend Mr. Barnabas Ridley stepped down from his carriage, nodded his thanks to his groom, settled his top hat on his shiny black hair, and said, “Now, David. Make sure you’re back here to meet me in exactly half an hour. My mother may have browbeaten me into making this morning call, but not even for her will I stay one second past the proper half hour.”

  The elderly retainer’s eyes sparkled with suppressed laughter, but his voice was suitably respectful. “Of course, sir. Half an hour it is, sir.”

  Barnabas climbed the steps to the front door of the smart townhouse, touched his hat again to reassure himself all was at it should be, then raised his hand to knock.

  The butler had evidently seen or heard his approach for the door opened before he could grasp the knocker and he was ushered into the hallway.

  “The Dowager Lady Arnott is expecting you, sir,” the butler said, tenderly laying Barnabas’s gloves, cane, and hat on the hall table before helping him out of his greatcoat.

  Barnabas followed him toward the door of the morning room, mentally noting that in at least one aspect his mama had been correct. Old Mrs. Arnott did seem to require use of the courtesy title she no longer held. Well, it would be a small price to pay to flatter the old biddy if she agreed to take Theodora to some Ton parties along with her two granddaughters. And as for his mama’s plan that he marry the eldest granddaughter, Georgina, that would depend on whether or not she was an appropriate wife for a man of the cloth.

  The butler opened the door and announced sonorously, “The Rev—”

  A thunderous crash split the air, followed by a moment of total silence, then hysterical screaming. Barnabas swung around facing the hallway, looking right and left for whatever danger approached.

  A young woman jumped up from her chair by the fire and hurried out into the hallway, which was becoming crowded as people arrived from every direction. A housekeeper, several maids and footmen all talking at once, a young man dressed in the height of fashion, a stunningly beautiful young blonde woman, a small girl, and two boys hotly pursued by a fat cook waving a carving knife.

  The boys ran to the front door, which the little girl had just opened, and disappeared down the steps, the cook still running after them.

  Barnabas wasn’t sure what he’d just seen but could only assume this was not an auspicious time for a morning visit. Silently he picked up his greatcoat, gloves, and cane, slapped his hat on his head, and departed.

  ****

  Two days ago

  “Barnabas, darling son, come and sit with me for a while, please.”

  “Trying to turn me up sweet, Mama? You should know that treacle tone in your voice is more likely to make me run away than come closer,” Barnabas replied, flicking his coattails up and sitting carefully on one of the ridiculously spindle-legged chairs in his mama’s drawing room.

  But his mama refused to be drawn, merely waiting until he was seated before saying, “It’s more than a month past since you agreed to look seriously for a bride. Dear Theodora is turned eighteen, and you did not receive a single offer for her hand when I brought her out last season. Her dowry is adequate, she’s pretty enough, and our lineage is noble, but she needs invitations to Ton events that are out of my reach. Married to the right woman, you could chaperone her to the finest events of the season.”

  “Yes, Mama, I’m well aware of the facts. I also acknowledge that at five and twenty years of age it’s time I married and set up my nursery. But my wife will have many duties here in the parish, so she must be both competent and caring yet able to see through sham. Not a young miss fresh from the school room, or some female only interested in parties and fripperies.”

  “What about Lady Mary Featherby?”

  “She seems to be set upon a title. I believe she may have hopes of bringing The Earl of Mitcham up to scratch. My birth is good enough, as you said, but Father was the third son and I am a mere vicar.”

  “Georgina Arnott then. She’s both pretty and intelligent, and the Dowager will want to marry her off with Sapphira about to make her come-out. Her parents dying so suddenly has not only put her firmly on the shelf, but she has assisted her brother and the Dowager in the rearing of her little brothers and sisters.”

  “Well…”

  “You should pay a morning call on the Dowager Lady Arnott and ask her to take Theodora under her wing. Theodora will be no trouble as the old lady is already chaperoning both Georgina and Sapphira to all the Ton parties. That will give you the opportunity to get to know Georgina better to see if you suit,” his mama finished triumphantly.

  Barnabas just nodded. Years of helping his papa run a parish meant that when Frances Ridley decided on a matter, the only possible response for a mere son to make was to acquiesce.

  ****

  A week later

  Although they had been to a ball at Grosvenor House once before, the Dowager insisted on talking all the way there about the house the Duke used to have on Millbank, about Grosvenor House when it was Gloucester House, and about all the changes the new Duke of Westminster had made so the house suitably reflected their new station in society. Not to mention their endless wealth.

  Georgina had heard it all before and had to remind herself to make encouraging noises occasionally so Grandmama did not get upset.

  At least it was nice and warm inside the coach. The four of them had hot bricks at their feet and fur lap rugs to snuggle in to. The Little Season wasn’t ideal weather for going to balls, but they knew the house would be warm, crammed with all the Ton still in town. Besides, by bringing Sapphira out in the Little Season, it gave her time to acquire the necessary town polish before the more formal and demanding full Season began in spring.

  Not to mention how much busier the farm would be in spring and how much harder it would be to drag Simeon up to Town for the necessary balls and routs he had to attend as the head of their family.

  Just as Georgina had predicted, due to the many guests before them, it took a long time for John Coachman to reach the portico to help them alight. The receiving line stretched the length of the hallway, but that gave them time to greet friends and assess the clothes others were wearing.

  The Dowager was resplendent in purple silk with diamonds sparkling at her throat, wrist, and ears. Georgina was wearing a bronze silk gown gathered high at the waist with narrow sleeves and her late mama’s garnets. Sapphira was in white with pearls, and their brother Amos, their escort for the evening, had a new coat of blue superfine just arrived that morning from his tailor, which set off his broad shoulders to perfection. His neck displayed a perfectly tied Mathematical tie that Georgina knew his friends would admire.

  The Dowager’s blonde prettiness, handed down to Sapphira and their youngest sister, Deborah,
had meant her hair had slowly faded to white, always looking attractive and never a salt-and-pepper mixture suffered by so many other ladies of her age. She was vain about this and her purple silk turban was arranged to display plenty of her white curls. Georgina thought sadly her own chestnut hair wouldn’t last nearly as well. Her mother’s brown hair had already begun to fade before the carriage accident, which had killed both parents three years earlier.

  Arrived at last in the grand ballroom, Amos escorted them over to a row of chairs, scribbled his name onto Georgina’s and Sapphira’s dance cards for a country dance each, then obviously considered his duty done and made haste to join his friends.

  Georgina looked around the already crowded room, slightly surprised at how many of the Ton had remained in Town for the Little Season.

  As if reading her thoughts the Dowager said, “I knew this would be The Event this season. People have returned to town for this ball and we must hope they remain a little longer so you can get to know them, Sapphira. Mr. John Smith there, for example,” the Dowager pointed slightly with her fan, “has a very nice fortune indeed, and his mother was the youngest child of a duke, so although he has no title, he’s well enough born.”

  “He’s quite good-looking, Sapphira,” Georgina whispered behind her fan.

  Sapphira started to reply, but just then the Earl of Mitcham appeared to claim her for a Cotillion, a waltz, and the supper dance. Georgina was pleased when he signed her card too, although she suspected he only did it because he was too much the gentleman to ignore her.

  Immediately behind him was Mr. Ridley, his mama, and Theodora. He settled his mama on a chair next to the Dowager then claimed Georgina for a country dance and the supper dance, Sapphira for another country dance, and his sister for a Cotillion.

  He bowed and left but returned a few minutes later with Mr. John Smith, who signed the dance cards of each lady, stopping for a brief word with the Dowager and Mrs. Ridley.

  “Do you know him, Miss Ridley?” asked Sapphira.

  “Oh, please call me Theodora. Mr. Smith has been friends with Barnabas for a long time, but I don’t think he knows I exist,” she replied softly.

  Georgina noted her wistful expression and determined to invite Mr. Smith—and hadn’t someone said he had a sister as well?—to go riding with them all one day soon.

  The dancing began, her card was well filled, and several of Amos’ cronies also danced with her and Theodora as well as Sapphira. Georgina enjoyed her time with Mr. Ridley. He danced well and was a considerate partner, although a country dance did not offer much opportunity for conversation. His hand was large and warm holding hers, and the scent surrounding him was subtle but manly. Cedar maybe, or some other woodsy aroma.

  Conversation? Is that what I want with him?

  Well, yes. I would like to get to know him better.

  She found herself really looking forward to the supper dance, although they would mayhap sit with friends so not have the opportunity for quiet conversation. But she would be able to observe him and discover more about what manner of man he might be.

  Why would he be interested in a mere miss like me? He’s a vicar, a minister of religion, with a mother and sister to support him in his work.

  Sapphira danced every dance, partner after partner claiming her for his assigned set, each of them handsome, well born, rich, and, in a few cases, all three. When the movements of the dance gave her the opportunity, Georgina watched her sister, but she seemed to show no preference for any of her partners, except, possibly, the Earl of Mitcham.

  He was a fine figure of a man, dressed in black satin knee breeches, white clocked stockings, white waistcoat embroidered in silver, black shoes tied with ribbons, and his tie was a Trône d’Amour. The earl was over six feet in height with broad shoulders, muscular legs, and hair as gloriously golden as Sapphira’s. His eyes though were deepest brown and sparkled with enjoyment as he danced.

  Georgina was sitting beside the Dowager, as Theodora was dancing too, and the Dowager whispered behind her fan, “The lands are extensive and well managed, and his fortune safely invested in Funds. Sapphira is clearly the most beautiful girl here in Town. It would not do to be counting our chickens before they have hatched, but I do dare to hope. He seems quite taken with her, and she is not repulsed by him.”

  “All that is as you say, Grandmama, but look at Lady Mary Featherby. I’m sure she believes she has his attentions.”

  “Tomorrow I’ll take you and Sapphira to Madame Giselle to order Sapphira a white gown with some embroidery on it. A pale and delicate blue perhaps, or a clear lemon might be a little different yet still appropriate for a debutante. And a dress for you in deep blue silk. It’s a color that suits you very well.”

  “Grandmama, my closet is full of gowns, and this Season is for Sapphira, not me.”

  “A woman can never have enough gowns,” the Dowager said dismissively.

  The evening flew by, and before she had time to think much about it, Mr. Ridley was presenting himself to her for the supper dance. Georgina already knew the earl had claimed Sapphira for this set, but she was interested to see Mr. Smith lead Theodora out onto the floor. Mayhap he wasn’t quite as oblivious to her as she thought him. A man rarely invited a lady for the supper dance unless he wanted her company or his mama had forced him to do it, and Mr. Smith’s mama was nowhere in sight.

  “Miss Georgina?” The deep baritone voice rumbled, bringing her back to the present with a start.

  “Mr. Ridley.” She placed her hand on his arm as he led her to the supper room. No one had ever said her name quite that way before. Chills of excitement ran up and down her spine, before she pulled herself together to smile at him as he held her chair.

  After he brought her a plate of food, he said, “I wondered if you had been named for your father, but Mama told me your parents were James and Elizabeth, not George or even Georgiana. May I offer you my sincere condolences? You must miss them very much.”

  Georgina was surprised. In the three seasons she’d been out, no dinner partner had even started a conversation like this. In fact, most of the young men talked about themselves, their own activities, and possibly their importance or wealth or connections. Since he was a man of the cloth, she’d even been prepared for him to speak of the stories in the Bible, or of God. But not her name. And to offer his sympathy as well. That was certainly a different approach. His attention was on her, not their surroundings, and he appeared to be genuinely interested and awaiting her reply.

  “Thank you. It was a great shock, but it was three years ago. I’d come out and just had my first season. Simeon came down from Oxford and none of us came to Town the following Season. Simeon concentrated on taking over the property. Fortunately Papa had trained him in land management. Simeon became the head of our family, Amos went to Oxford, normal life resumed. Now it’s time to prepare Sapphira for her season. Since we have not entertained as much as my parents used to, we thought it better to let her try her wings in the Little Season. Her beauty is sure to attract both unsuitable men as well as those who are worthy of her. This gives her the opportunity to…” She hesitated.

  “Get to know the Ton?” he suggested.

  “Yes,” she smiled. “It’s good for Amos to get a little Town bronze too before he makes his formal bow at Court when the Season begins.”

  “I agree. It’s different for a man, but there are always those who take advantage of greenhorns so attending his sisters now will help him gain the necessary confidence.”

  They smiled at each other for a moment, and Georgina couldn’t help but notice what a wonderful smile the Vicar had. He smiled with his entire face not just his lips. His eyes lit up with little lines forming beside them, his whole face coming alive with enjoyment.

  “I was named for Saint Barnabas. And you?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I never answered that part of your question. I was born on the twelfth of August, King George’s birthday, and was named for him. And Sapphira is
not named for the family eye color, but because it is the Greek word for beautiful. As soon as they saw her golden hair, my parents knew she’d inherited Grandmama’s coloring and would be beautiful. Deborah has it too.”

  “Deborah is your younger sister?”

  “Yes, she’s nine and full of mischief like the twins. Sapphira has a sweet and gentle nature.”

  “Ah the twins. Whatever did they do to have the cook chasing them with the carving knife?”

  Laughing, Georgina told him, “Joel and Micah had balanced my great-grandmother’s solid silver salver over the pantry door with a pail of water on top of it. When Millie, the maid, opened the door to put the second-best china away, she was drenched with the cold water and dropped the china.”

  He grinned. “They sound like mischievous young boys indeed. As a child I would never have upset the cook, who used to spoil me with freshly baked honey cakes and slices of candied peel.”

  “I don’t believe they realized it would upset her. They’d planned the victim to be the butler, Soames, but he was opening the door to you at the time. Grandmama took it very well. All she said was, ‘I never did like the pattern on that china’. Fortunately the boys will be going to Eton in January. I just hope we don’t lose too many of our staff between now and then!” she replied.

  They chatted happily about all sorts of things. Georgina looked up and was quite astonished to find the tables emptying out as people returned to the ballroom.

  “Oh my! I must return to Grandmama.” She’d been enjoying her time so much with him. Inside she felt all warm and happy when he smiled at her with his wonderful big grin.