Amanda StoNeS
Historical Regency Romance Author
Lady Average's UnexpectedAdmirer
First Chapters
Prologue
London 1820,
She was Athena Crossland, the middle daughter of the Earl and Countess of Winshore. During her childhood, she was often overlooked, situated between her two sisters who were deemed as paragons of femininity by society. She had not merited so much as a glance from the town’s tattletales and had learned to accept this predicament. No matter what she did, her sisters always seemed to attract everyone’s attention, leaving her as a mere ghost, neither seen nor remembered. Even her parents treated her sisters to all the pomp and pageantry while relegating her to the background. During dinners or balls, her sisters were introduced and paraded around to show off while she was ignored. Essentially, she was the nobody of the house that everyone believed would not get a prospect or suitor.
Despite outward appearances, Athena took great pleasure in her life. She had come to accept her fate as the forgotten middle daughter, and found it liberating to be free from the societal pressures that her sisters faced. In fact, nobody seemed to care enough to remember her, which was a relief to Athena.
She first realized this as a young child in the nursery. In those days, it was not considered proper for women to learn about rifles or advanced mathematics. However, when she showed an interest in these subjects, her father did not attempt to put a stop to it. While her sisters were busy with crocheting and other genteel pursuits, she delved into the study of rifles, physics, and even astrology. Her thirst for knowledge of how the world works was insatiable.
When she first realized her father didn’t see her as a worthy daughter, she was hurt. However, she soon realized that she was liberated. Disguised as a man to avoid shaming her “worthy siblings,” she accompanied men on hunting trips, learned to fence, and even mastered the art of dueling. By her fifteenth year, she had become a scholar in the field of physics and was even awarded for her achievements. Her father kept the awards secret, as he didn’t want others to know that his daughter was pursuing scholarly pursuits instead of learning to be a proper lady of the house.
Though she was invisible, she relished in her freedom and cherished it dearly.
Chapter 1
She strolled through St. James’s Park with her mother and sisters, all of them dressed in their finest gowns and ready to mingle with the gentlemen of London. The park was adorned with elaborate brass mounts and pastel ribbons. Her sisters practiced their ‘chat up’ lines, teasing each other and laughing as they were walking in front. She, on the other hand, didn’t want to be there. In all those societal gatherings, no one paid any attention to her, talk less of her meeting a prospect. Her mother, however, would not hear of it. She was to attend all these gatherings if she wanted to continue with her various experiments and hobbies. She had to parade like an ugly peacock, a “Lady Average.” They continued walking around with her sisters ahead.
As they rounded a corner, she followed grudgingly behind them when she bumped into someone. She gasped as her foot twisted under her, but a strong hand caught her arm and steadied her. She looked up and met the gaze of a handsome young gentleman, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I do beg your pardon,” he said, a smile playing around his lips. “I was not paying heed to my path whilst I was traversing.”
“I have to confess, the blame lies solely upon my shoulders,” she said, feeling her cheeks growing warm. “I was not keeping a sharp eye on my surroundings.”
She released her arm, and she took a step back, aware of her Mother and sisters watching them with interest.
“I don’t believe we have met before,” her mother chipped in, stepping forward. “I am the Countess of Winshore, and these are my daughters, Lady Aphrodite, Lady Artemis and Lady Athena.”
The young man bowed deeply. “Dr. Piers.” he said. “I am a physician in the area.”
“A physician?” her mother repeated, her eyes were lighting up. “How fortuitous! Our last doctor passed away, and we found ourselves in dire need of a replacement.”
He handed her his card and said, “I would be honoured to serve your family, my lady.”
Her mother smiled and tucked the card into her reticule. “Thank you, Doctor. I daresay we shall maintain communication in the near future.”
Dr. Piers acknowledged the ladies with a nod and hastened away, blending in with the throng of people milling about the park.
She watched him go, feeling a strange flutter in her bosom. His touch had been gentle, but his grip had been firm, and his eyes had held hers for longer than was strictly necessary.
Her sisters giggled behind her, and she became cognizant that she had been standing there, gazing after him, for an excessive amount of time.“
Aphrodite linked her arm through Athena’s and said,” This evening we are obliged to meet potential suitors, and it would be unwise to fritter away our time by gazing at unknown gentlemen.”
She allowed herself to be led away, but couldn’t help wondering if she would ever see Dr. Piers again. She scoffed at the thought of finding a suitable prospect. There was something about him that had struck her as different from the usual gentlemen who populated their social circle. He had been handsome, certainly, but there was an air of seriousness about him that hinted at intelligence and depth of character.
She found herself alone with her mother as her sisters were gradually pulled away by potential suitors and their mothers. It was another typical day of being overlooked. Lost in her thoughts, she continued walking through the crowd, unaware of the gentleman approaching her. They collided, and she nearly stumbled. Mortified, she looked up to see the gentleman already at her side, extending his hand to help her up. It seemed today was destined to be filled with encounters with fine gentlemen.
“I am terribly sorry, Miss,” he said, his voice warm and friendly. “I was not looking at my path whilst I was wandering. I was lost in thought.”
Her cheeks turned pink as she took his hand and allowed him to lift her to her feet. She looked up at him and was struck by his handsome features. He had dark hair and piercing blue eyes, and a strong jawline that was accentuated by his neatly trimmed beard. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit, and carried himself with a confidence that she found intriguing.
“I am sorry Mr., I was not focused on my way.”
“You must be Lady Athena?”
“Indeed, I am, and how do you know that?”
“I know a lot of things, my lady.”
He smiled at her, and she felt her cheeks flush with heat. Was this what flirting was? She had little experience with such matters and felt out of her depth. Give her a question to solve and she would find a solution within minutes, but put her in a conversation with a man and she was easily flustered. He continued to talk, and she found herself struggling to keep up with the pace of the discussion.
“I have not introduced myself; I am the Duke of Chester. Please accept my sincerest apologies for our collision. It was most regrettable, and I hope you are fine. It seems I was enthralled in my thoughts. I see you are alone.”
She was startled. She had finally managed to meet a Duke, but it was only because she was lost in thought. Such was her life.
“Your Grace, my sisters and Mother are around here somewhere.”
She was embarrassed because it was obvious her sisters were with prospects while she was alone. Why did she agree to come to this? Athena was not fit for all these; she was not a proper lady. She should be studying or hunting, not wasting her time with societal frivolities.
She felt his gaze on her, an intensity that made her uncomfortable. She cleared her throat, suddenly aware of the silence between them.
“If you will excuse me, Your Grace, I must get back to my family.”
She didn’t know what else to say, so she did the only thing she could think of – she turned and ran. She didn’t stop until she was far enough away from him, and her heart was pounding in her chest.
The Countess had been observing Athena and the Duke from a distance, her eyes scanning them carefully. When Athena approached her, she gave her a small smile and asked her
“Did he show any interest in you?”
“I don’t know,” Athena replied honestly. “He was polite, but I didn’t get the sense that he was particularly interested in me.”
Lady Winshore gave her a small smile, but one could tell that she was disappointed. “Well, keep your chin up, my dear,” she said. “You never know when you might catch the eye of a suitor.”
And with that, she turned away, leaving Athena feeling more confused than ever.
“Mother, might I inquire as to when we shall depart from this place? I am feeling somewhat weary.”
“Not yet. The evening has just begun.”
Athena heaved a heavy sigh, feeling utterly fatigued and incapable of sustaining the charade any longer. Nevertheless, if she wished to pursue her studies, she would have to persist in this endeavor, for it was her father’s stipulation. Seeking refuge in a secluded nook, she seated herself and patiently bid her time until the situation subsided.
As she pondered her circumstances, a sudden idea occurred to her.
What if she were to cross paths with Dr. Piers once more? What if she were to fall ill and require his expertise as a physician? What if she could fabricate an excuse to see him again?
The prospect was both exhilarating and daunting. She had never held much affection for doctors, with their revolting leeches and unpalatable elixirs, not to mention their icy fingers. Yet, for reasons she could not explain, the thought of Dr. Piers tending to her seemed less dreadful than she had imagined.
Shaking her head, she scolded herself for entertaining such folly. After all, Dr. Piers was nothing more than a physician, while she was a woman of elevated status. It was impossible for them to share anything beyond a superficial acquaintanceship.
As the night progressed, and she found herself sitting in anxious anticipation, her thoughts kept straying back to Dr. Piers. His piercing gaze and warm smile lingered in her mind, refusing to be dismissed. Despite her best efforts to push him out of her thoughts, she continued to scan the crowds, hoping for a glimpse of him. It was a pitiable situation, she knew, but she could not help herself. Alas, her search was in vain, for it appeared that the good doctor had departed from the gathering.
Eventually, the time came for her to depart from the gathering as well. As she and her sisters made their way home, they could not resist taunting her about Dr. Piers, but their teasing ceased once they recognized that she was in no mood for playful banter. Upon arriving at her abode, she went directly to her chamber, eschewing dinner altogether. Though her stomach rumbled with hunger, her appetite was not for sustenance.
As she slipped under the covers and settled in for the night, her thoughts continued to linger on Dr. Piers. What did the future have in store for them? Would they ever cross paths again, and if so, could anything come of their acquaintance?
The societal norms of their time dictated that it was unheard of for an Earl’s daughter to wed a man of low standing, no matter how worthy he may be. Her mother had made that much clear. Physicians may be esteemed in their own right, but they were still considered to be of lowly station. It was vexing to think that the first man to show an interest in her had to be a doctor. She wallowed in self-pity, feeling once again like Lady Average and Lady Unlucky, as she often did.
Sleep evaded her as she lay in bed, consumed by her thoughts of Dr. Piers. After some time, she gave up on the prospect of slumber and decided to occupy herself with her studies. Her current focus was an experiment to increase the efficiency of coal as a fuel source for machinery. The small-scale prototype she had been working on thus far had not produced the desired results, so she began to tinker with it, making incremental adjustments in hopes of improving its function.
As she was working on her experiment, her mind drifted to another man she had met earlier that day. He was a Duke, to be precise, and had seemed amiable enough, but she knew that he was not romantically interested in her. She had grown accustomed to this, as it seemed that people did not view her as a desirable spinster. With a heavy sigh, she returned her focus to her work. At least for the time being, she could take solace in the fact that there would be no pressure for her to marry until her elder sister had done so. For now, she was safe from such expectations.
Katy, Athena’s maid, had been awakened by the sound of rustling paper and the faint light of the candle. She had been walking around the halls in case any of the family needed her help. “Lady Athena, what are you doing up so late?” Katy asked, peeking through the half-open door.”
“Oh, Katy, I can’t seem to fall asleep,” Athena replied without looking up from her work. “I have so many thoughts racing through my mind so I decided to continue on my projects.”
Katy sighed. “Lady Athena, you must get some rest. You need your beauty sleep.”
Athena smiled. ” Thank you for your concern Katy but I will be fine. I just need to finish this part of the machine then it is straight to bed.”
Katy nodded, unconvinced. “Very well, Lady Athena but promise me you will go to bed soon.”
Athena chuckled.”I promise, Katy. Now, off you may go! I need to concentrate.”
Katy left and Athena was left alone. She could not bring herself to tell Katy the real reason she was still awake. She sighed and continued tinkering.
Chapter 2
As Piers tended to his emergency patient, a poor citizen whom he took great pleasure in helping, his mind wandered back to the events of the park earlier that day. He had been fortunate enough to bump into Lady Athena, and he had been thoroughly captivated by her. He longed to gaze upon her countenance all day long and listen to the sound of her voice. The prospect of securing her as a wealthy patron was a thrilling one, as it could potentially lead to a great many opportunities to aid those in need. He could hardly wait to inform his friend Lance about this opportunity and the potential it held for both him and their cause. He did a mental halt and recollected that he had not heard from Lance today. This morning he awoke to find that he had absconded. He pondered what schemes he might be pursuing, perhaps he had secured an audience with a fresh patron
However, he found himself preoccupied with thoughts of Lady Athena’s smile ever since he left the park. It was as if the radiant expression had been etched onto his mind, and he could not seem to shake it off. The doctor found it preposterous that he, who had never before been interested in anyone, was so captivated by her. He longed to know what the first thing Lady Athena saw upon awakening and the last thing she set her eyes on at night. He even felt a desire to compose poetry in her honor and present her with flowers as a token of his admiration. Though he knew such behavior would be unbecoming of a physician of his standing, he could not help but dream of the possibility of being with her.
It seems I have lost my sanity and all this occurred because of a brief meetup. I cannot believe I am thinking about her in this way, given that she is a member of the ton and I am just a lowly physician. What chance do I have with an earl’s daughter?
He shook his head, trying to rid himself of these distracting thoughts. As a physician, he felt it was his duty to help the sick and the poor. That was why he chose this mind-wrecking profession, to make a difference in people’s lives. He was content with his work, but lately, he had been feeling a sense of restlessness, a longing for something more. He wished for someone who would care for him the same way he cared for people. Someone who would comfort him when he felt down or lost a patient.
Lady Athena’s smile was enough to warm his stomach, and he imagined her comforting him. He couldn’t help but wonder if she felt the same way. It all seemed preposterous, a brief encounter in the park, and now he was obsessing over her. He knew he was losing his mind, but he couldn’t help it. He had never felt this way about anyone before.
I was being pathetic; I was already planning a future with someone that would never accept me.
For the first time in a long while, he found himself beset by doubt regarding the path he had chosen in life. As the son and heir of a Duke, he had given up all his claims to pursue a career in medicine. Despite the persistent efforts of his family to entice him back to the life of a Duke and the ton, he remained steadfast in his decision. He was content with the belief that he was making a difference in people’s lives, especially those who could not afford medical care. Such a purpose in life was enough to satisfy his soul, and he would not be swayed by the whims and fancies of society.
Whilst he was deeply engrossed in his labor, his thoughts wandered to the prospect of his life had he not relinquished his title and inheritance. He pondered if he would have found a wife by now or if he would have been happier following a different path. These musings had been gnawing at him for some time, and he could not shake them off.
The Duke had cautioned him that he would come to rue his decision, yet he had disregarded the warning. Nonetheless, a voice in the recesses of his mind had started to trouble him, and he could not stop himself from questioning if the Duke was indeed correct. Perhaps he would regret his choice after all.
He was interrupted from his thoughts by a sharp cry of pain from his patient, causing him to immediately shift his focus back to his duties. It was a challenging case, but he was determined to do everything in his power to save the person’s life.
As he was working, the weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders, yet he remained resolute knowing that he possessed the skills and knowledge necessary to make a difference.
After what had felt like an eternity, the patient’s condition finally stabilized, and he was enabled to take a moment’s pause to recover his breath.
Piers couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction at a job well done. As he was about to leave the room, the patient’s family members approached him, profusely thanking him for his efforts and expressing their immense gratitude for the difference he had made in their lives.
He reflected on the experience, finding himself reminded of why he had chosen this profession. The satisfaction that came with providing aid to those in need was unparalleled, and it left him feeling fulfilled in a way that nothing else could. Moments like these reaffirmed his commitment to his work and strengthened his resolve to continue serving others.
The feeling of fulfillment that had washed over him slowly dissipated as he returned to his office, with no patients to attend to. Left alone with his thoughts, he found himself unable to shake the memory of Lady Athena’s face. He couldn’t deny that he was smitten with her, despite his previous skepticism towards the concept of love at first sight. She felt different somehow, as if she was perfect for him in every way.
Lady Athena just felt perfect for him. He had never heard of her before. The gossip columns only mentioned her sisters. He could not see why because she seemed to be the one most beautiful out of them.
He knew what he should do; he had to learn more about Lady Athena. With this aim in mind, he resolved to seek the counsel of a trusted acquaintance, a man well-versed in the ways of society, and known for his quick wit and charm. This man was also one of the few who understood the reasons behind his departure from the ton.
Upon arriving at his acquaintance’s door, he could discern the sound of merry music and laughter emanating from within. It appeared that his friend was entertaining a few guests at that moment.
As he stepped inside, Mr. Edward greeted him with a warm smile and a crystal glass of brandy. “Piers, my esteemed friend, what brings your lordship here on such a fine day?” he inquired with a genial tone.
“Edward, I need your help with a matter of utmost importance,” he said, taking a sip of the brandy.
“Oh, pray tell,” he said, intrigued.
“It is about a Lady Athena,” he said, lowering his voice. “I met her at a gathering recently, and I could not help but notice that I had never seen or heard of her. I am curious to know more about her.”
Mr. Edward raised his eyebrows. “Lady Athena, you say? Well, I do know a little about her.”
“Please, Edward, pray tell me everything you know,” he urged.
“Well, allow me a moment’s consideration,” he said, tapping his chin. “Her full name is Athena Crossland. She is the daughter of the Earl of Winshore who has dealings with my father. I know her to be highly intelligent and well-read, but she keeps to herself most of the time. She does not really partake in things most Ladies of the Ton would be interested in. I have heard some say that she is not worthy to be interested in, but I cannot confirm that myself.”
He listened intently to his words, taking mental notes of everything he said. “Thank you, Edward, this is very helpful. Do you happen to know if she has a suitor or perhaps a prospect?”
Edward looked at him knowingly, “No, she does not. You do understand your restriction my good friend?”
“Indeed, I do. I just wanted to know.”
“I believe her family are looking for a new physician as their former one died recently.”
“Ah, indeed. Lady Winshore, the Countess alluded to that during our previous encounter.”
“You met them already? You have been busy my good friend. I could send a recommendation if it be your desire.”
“Thank you, Edward, your assistance is most appreciated.”
“Anything for a friend, Piers. Now, let us enjoy the rest of the day together.”
The remainder of the afternoon was spent in amiable conversation, as they delved into a diverse range of topics, from the intricacies of science to the nuances of politics. Despite the jovial atmosphere and the company of his friend’s guests, Piers’ thoughts were still preoccupied with the enigmatic Lady Athena, and he could not shake her from his mind.
As he departed from Mr. Edward’s abode that evening, he knew with certainty that he would not be able to stop thinking of Lady Athena. It occurred to him that he ought to attempt to become better acquainted with her. Who knows, perhaps upon discovering more about her true character, he would be able to rid himself of this infatuation. In his mind, it was a brilliant scheme, and he felt a sense of renewed determination.
He halted at a decrepit inn to partake of his dinner, for since his departure from the ton, he had been forced to make do with whatever was available to him. He yearned for the days when he had access to a diverse range of dining options. The fare he was served was meager, consisting of only a bowl of soup and a small loaf of white bread. It was hardly satisfying, but it would have to suffice to sustain him for the time being. He finished up his meal still enamoured by thoughts of Lady Athena. He got up to make the journey home with his curricle.
***
Piers retreated to his private chambers, his mind still consumed by the captivating Lady Athena. His closest friend and business partner, Lance, had sent a telegram informing him that he had gone to visit his family, leaving Piers without anyone to confide in. As he settled into his thoughts, he found himself regretting the decision to leave the ton. If he were still a part of it, he could have simply spoken to his father and arranged to be introduced to Lady Athena. But now, he could only imagine what it would be like to be near her. Piers sighed deeply, lost in his thoughts and the hopelessness of his situation.
He sighed deeply as he put down his drink, feeling sorry for himself for the situation he found himself in. He knew he had made some foolish choices in his life, but none as significant and apparent as this one. He poured himself another drink, even though he knew he was pushing himself. He lay down and was about to drift into sleep when he heard loud pounding on the door. He got up quickly, wondering who could be at his door at this late hour. As he opened the door, he saw a patient standing there, in urgent need of his medical expertise.
This was the reason he left the ton, to make it count. He stopped drowning himself in pity and went to meet his patient.
This Post Has 9 Comments
Intriguing! I can’t wait for the book to come out!
Looking forward to find out more about Lady Average”.
Very interesting. Can’t wait to read the book and discover the twists and turns of the story
Looking forward to reading the book. Liked what I’ve read so far.
Interesting…
Really looking forward to reading the entire book!
Thank you for the first chapters. Will be interesting to see how this story develops.
Sounds very interesting. Looking forward to rest of the book
Interesting conjecture. Why cannot Piers be both a duke and a doctor? Was he cut off, cast out?