Bonus Scene: A Detour in Mayfair

Thank you for reading, 'An Affair at Apsley House'! To show my appreciation, I wanted to give you a bonus scene. 

It takes place during the Duchess of Wellington's sightseeing tour through Mayfair. I hope you enjoy 🥰

“Lady Zara, please cover for me until I rejoin the tour. I want to pop into Hatchards, but I’d prefer not to interrupt our hostess. I’ll make sure to arrive at The Parlour in time for our tasting event,” Miss Adeline Sandringham whispered to her walking partner as they stood at the back of their party.

The Duchess of Wellington had arranged a sightseeing tour through Mayfair for her houseguests and the group's excitement was palpable as Catherine announced their destination. She planned to lead them into the enchanting realm of Fortnum & Mason.

The name alone evoked an air of luxury and opulence, a haven for the discerning elite. As they approached the storefront, Adeline's gaze was drawn not only to the dazzling displays that captured the attention of London's ton but also to a black-painted wooden bookstore nestled nearby, its golden inscription proudly bearing the name "Hatchards."

Lady Zara Miller, daughter of the Duchess of Beaufort, scrunched up her nose at the thought of going into a bookstore. She gave a silent nod before turning her attention back to the duchess who was explaining that William Fortnum was a footman in the household of Queen Anne and started his business selling half-used candles from the royal household.

Adeline slipped away unnoticed, and within a few steps, had entered the black door of the bookstore. She always savored the thrill of the bell as the door opened, the outside world fading into silence as it shut behind her.

Crossing the threshold of Hatchards, she felt as if she had stepped into her own personal paradise. The air was saturated with the fragrance of ink and paper, the very essence of a bibliophile's dream. The store was a sanctuary for those who harbored a love for books, a place where imagination knew no bounds.

Although she wouldn't categorize herself as a bookworm, unlike her best friend, Adeline was undeniably captivated by the world of literature. From the timeless tales of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales to the whimsical charm of Swift's Gulliver's Travels, she found solace and adventure within the pages of her beloved books.

Every evening before bed and each early morning before the household stirred, she would immerse herself in a tome, embarking on journeys to far-off lands and exploring the depths of human imagination.

Hatchards was a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. A place where her imagination could roam freely, and her soul could find solace amidst the printed words lining the shelves.

A breath caught in her throat as she was greeted by a breathtaking sight. An overwhelming sea of books adorned every inch of wall space, stretching from floor to ceiling, interrupted only by strategically placed, stunning artworks. The store unfolded in front of her like a labyrinth of knowledge, with aisles beckoning her toward various genres, each promising new worlds to explore. Her heart raced with excitement—a symphony of possibilities echoed within the walls of this literary haven.

Midway through the store, a magnificent circular staircase stood, its elegant ascent inviting her to embark on a journey to where she already knew she wanted to begin—travel and art, the realms that ignited her curiosity. Amidst the literary treasure trove, a kindly gentleman stood behind the register, his presence a testament to the store's rich history and warm hospitality.

"Welcome, Miss, to Hatchards. And welcome back, Your Grace. I am honored to have you return," the middle-aged man greeted them with a respectful nod, his demeanor radiating a genuine appreciation for their patronage.

Adeline spun around in astonishment, a silent gasp escaping her lips as she realized Adrian, Duke of Wakefield, had silently followed her into the store. Her desire to lose herself amidst the books and remain unnoticed had been thwarted. Now, the very person she hoped to avoid stood before her, tall and powerful, his presence impossible to ignore.

A smile tugged at the Duke's lips as he acknowledged the business owner. "I'm pleased to have found the time for a visit. I wanted to introduce my friend to my preferred purveyor of books."

The devilishly handsome duke had intentionally followed her! The house party the duchess had arranged was for his benefit, as he was on a hunt for a wife. Luckily for Adeline, she was not one of the prospective brides. She had only attended the house party because her neighbor was best friends with the hostess and the rogue before her.

By seeking her out, people would gossip. They would assume he had his eyes set on her to be his duchess or next mistress, and she did not want any part of his world. She was on the cusp of her inheritance, which would give her independence and freedom to travel. She hadn’t rejected marriage, but not before she explored all the places she wanted to visit.

"Your Grace, your kindness is much appreciated. I trust your visit will be enjoyable, and should you require any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask," the owner replied, his respect for Adrian evident in his tone.

"Thank you, Mr. Hatchard," Adeline chimed in with a smile, her gratitude genuine as she decided to make her escape up the inviting staircase. She hoped to distance herself from the unwelcome company of the duke. However, she soon realized she wasn't alone. Adrian's presence loomed not far behind her. At least a foot taller, he matched her stride with an air of silent amusement that infuriatingly danced in his eyes. He was relishing this!

With hurried steps, she was determined to lose him in the labyrinth of shelves. Adeline turned another corner, only to find herself trapped in a book-lined cul-de-sac. Panic fluttered within her, and she felt a pang of regret for underestimating his persistence. Three walls covered in books surrounded her, save for a bay window filtering in a stream of spring sunlight. A ladder beckoned, its swivel mechanism offering a passage to the upper shelves, as though mocking her predicament.

Her gaze shifted to the spines of the books around her, and her breath hitched as she realized she was standing amidst a curated collection of plays. A chronicle of dramatic masterpieces spanned the shelves—from Kyd to Marlowe, Fletcher to Webster. Fingers tracing the gilt lettering on the spines, each title evoked the magic of the theater. Plays had always held a special place in her heart, allowing her to envision scenes unfolding on the stage of the English Theatre.

A tall shadow loomed behind her, and she sensed Adrian’s presence even before he spoke. He reached for a dark publication with ornate gold lettering, his movements fluid and deliberate. Intrigued, she watched as he opened the book with practiced familiarity, flipping through its pages until he settled on a passage.

To her astonishment, the duke began to recite aloud. His voice, a resonant baritone, filled the small space with the cadence of Shakespeare’s words, bringing the characters to life with an ease that left her spellbound.

“Ay, do, persever, counterfeit sad looks,

Make mouths upon me when I turn my back;

Wink each at other; hold the sweet jest up:

This sport, well carried, shall be chronicled.

If you have any pity, grace, or manners,

You would not make me such an argument.

But fare ye well: ’tis partly my own fault;

Which death or absence soon shall remedy.”

Adeline’s heart swelled with delight. It was her favorite play by Shakespeare, and he was reciting one of her most cherished passages. Unable to resist, she joined in, their voices merging in harmony as they continued the scene together:

“O, when she’s angry, she is keen and shrewd!

She was a vixen when she went to school;

And though she be but little, she is fierce.”

When the scene concluded, Adeline’s applause rang through the air. “Bravo, Your Grace! If your commitments at Westminster ever wane, I’m certain the West End would welcome your talents with open arms.”

Adrian chuckled, returning the volume to its rightful place on the shelf. “I was part of the drama club at Eton. It helped me build confidence in public speaking, and I always found joy in performing Shakespeare.”

She couldn’t help but smile, seeing a playful side of the duke that few likely had the privilege to witness. As they continued their exploration, she felt her initial tension ease, though her mind reminded her that it was improper for her to be alone with an unmarried man. Her upbringing told her she should leave, but she wasn’t sure when she would be able to return and wanted to make the most of the clandestine visit.

As they continued to explore the store it led them to the travel section, a realm that ignited her imagination. He guided her with a warm hand gently placed on her lower back, and she didn’t mind the proximity. Here, a treasure trove of adventure unfolded before her, as pages came alive with intricate drawings portraying cities, landscapes, and the wonders of distant lands.

Retrieving a guidebook from the shelf and placing it on a nearby table, Adeline flipped to a page adorned with Canaletto’s masterpiece, The Entrance to the Grand Canal. Her voice carried a wistful longing as she traced the illustration with her finger. “I’ve always dreamed of gliding through Venice’s canals, feeling the breeze as merchants display their wares along the water’s edge.”

Adrian’s presence beside her was comforting, and when he bent slightly to better inspect the artwork, the warmth in his eyes made her pulse quicken. She caught the faint scent of sandalwood and spice, a subtle reminder of how close he stood. 

He tilted his head, his grey eyes darkening as he watched her tongue flick out unconsciously over her bottom lip. For a fleeting moment, she wondered what it would feel like to lean into him, to surrender to the magnetic pull between them.

A clatter of a dropped book nearby broke the spell. They jumped apart, their cheeks flushed with the shared acknowledgment of what might have been. Gathering her composure, Adeline selected a purse-sized guide to Europe as a keepsake, and together, they made their way back to the group.

Exiting one store and entering another, she made sure to stay several paces ahead of Adrian. Walking too close to a duke would undoubtedly spark rumors that would spread like wildfire among the shopgoers. She quickened her steps, determined to avoid any undue speculation. 

Ascending a set of stairs, she glanced back, finding the duke’s eyes fixed on her. They were intense and unyielding, like a lion hunting its prey. The look sent a shiver down her spine, equal parts thrilling and unnerving. She turned away quickly, refocusing on her destination.

At The Parlour, the others were enraptured by a baker’s offerings of scones crowned with cream and jam. Adeline and Adrian slipped seamlessly into the lively scene, their shared moments at Hatchards now a cherished secret, locked away in the depths of their hearts.

As she sipped her tea, her eyes drifted toward the duke’s, seated a few places away between two of his potential brides, daughters of an earl. For all his polished charm and commanding presence, there was an unexpected warmth and depth to him that disarmed her. It was a shame they stood worlds apart in station, otherwise, she might have allowed herself to entertain her growing feelings.

She shook her head ruefully and took another sip of tea. No, she resolved, she would not surrender to a fleeting affair, no matter how tempting. Some desires, like unread books on a high shelf, were best left untouched—tempting, but never quite within reach.