Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) (3 page)

As Henrietta lay on her bed, evening shadows crept across the walls, deepening her gloom.  Pippa returned and told her of her conversation with Vaughan, but still he had not contacted her. How could she go through with it anyway? Before her lay a loveless marriage. She was nothing but a vessel, from which to fill her lord’s nursery.  He refused to discuss his mistress, just waiving her off with some vague thing about contracts; obviously, he was lying.  Could she abide lying in bed alone, whilst he stroked the body of another woman? Her chest heaved, as she shuddered.  At first, she thought in time he would come to love her. However, what chance did she have if that woman stood between them?  Spiteful acquaintances apprised her of the woman’s beauty; that Vaughan kept her in splendour, her every whim catered for; a fine apartment, servants, jewels, horses. Why, she even hosted parties for him; engaged the finest musicians for his soirees. 

Lifting herself up on her elbows, she sighed.
No – she would not wed him. Surely, there was someone out there who would love her; fears or not? Someone gentle? However, even as she thought so, her heart cried out for Vaughan. During their courtship, he was always polite and cordial, but the book showed him for what he was – a rake. Maybe in time, she could guide him to better ways, in time he would tire of his courtesan.  She felt the tears rise once more.  No, it was no use; she would go see mama now; the marriage was off; she did not care how angry they became; she would stand firm. 

Others had cancelled a wedding at the last moment. She could offer illness as an excuse, a febrile fever. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, she bit her lip.  This was such a terrifying moment.  Hearing a knock at the door, she straightened her skirts and cleared her throat, ‘Enter.’

The maid opened the door, her face bright.  ‘La milady, look at these.’

Henrietta gasped, as she saw a bouquet of white lilies on the silver tray. Trembling, she lifted the offering, the perfume wafting up from the petals.
On opening the envelope, her heart beat a tattoo, Slowly, she pulled out the card, fearing what it would be – joy or sorrow? The words in his firm italic script leapt up. ‘To my wife to be. Carry these to the altar for me.  Be ready for Brussels; pack a riding habit. I have hired a horse for you to ride out there. Yours Vaughan.

Henrietta held the card to her heart, the tears rippling down her pale cheeks.  He wanted her – wanted her with him. A smile crept over her face, as she lifted the bouquet, only to see a slim velvet box.

‘Oh milady.’ Milly whispered, her eyes widening, as Henrietta gazed down at sapphires and diamonds, a necklace, and earrings with matching clips for her hair.

She lifted out a note.
‘For my bride on her wedding day. Please wear these for me.’

With a
trembling  smile, rushing to the vanity mirror, she placed them across her chest, ‘Oh Milly; they're so beautiful.’

‘And so are you milady?' The maid clapped her hands to her face, ‘Oh how romantic.’  Henrietta lifted the jewels coruscating in the candle light. Their glitter matched the feelings in her heart.  She was to be married tomorrow to the love of her life.

Rushing from the room, she made her way to her mother’s sitting room. Flinging open the door she cried, ‘Mama – look – oh look what Vaughan sent me.’

The Duchess’s eyes widened, ‘Oh my dear girl, how wonderful, you will truly shine in them tomorrow, and they match your wedding dress.’

‘Well I did let slip it was pale blue, so perhaps he remembered.’

‘The dear man – truly you have made a wonderful match.’

That night Henrietta thought she would not sleep for sheer joy and excitement, but as soon as she laid her head on, the pillow, she drifted deeply into dreams. However, they were far from the happiness of the evening.  She ran through a forest searching for her lover; espying him ahead she called out, but he kept on walking away, ignoring her.  A woman appeared, and embraced him; together they sank to the ground. Henrietta leapt up in bed, perspiration beading onto the sheets. Once orientated, she shook her head, and smiled. Twas just a nightmare. Vaughan loved her. What had she to fear now?  With the moonlight flooding the room, she looked at the lilies resting in water. Everything was well with her world. Tomorrow will be the beginning of her life with the man she loved, and who loved her. Although he had not written the word, surely it was there sparkling in those precious gems.

***

Standing at the altar, Vaughan felt an unfamiliar surge of apprehension.  He heard the organ start up and turned to see a vision silhouetted against the light, her hair a halo of gold, her gown shimmering, gems sparking on a slender throat.   How beautiful she was in that moment; she would fetch a good price in the gambling hells. Henrietta smiled, as she walked slowly towards him, wearing his offerings, carrying his flowers, her face covered with a pale blue veil of tulle flowing from a diamond tiara.  As she neared him, her perfume of jasmine floated towards him.  She barely came to his shoulder when she stood beside him, her head bowed with demure joy, as the ceremony began. 

He lifted the slender hand, slipping a gold ring engraved with roses onto a delicate finger. After those words, ‘I do thee wed’, he lifted the veil to gaze into eyes more brilliant than the sapphires at her neck.   He was fairly
content; he had a lovely woman who would suit his purposes, her princely dowry and a delectable mistress. 

Henrietta bit her lip, ‘I have waited for this for so long. I cannot thank you enough for the sapphires; my heart almost broke with joy.’ She stopped, as he kissed her eyes, the tip of her nose, those full lips the colour of a ripe peach. He cupped her enchanting face gently in his hands, and planted kisses upon her forehead, her ears, and her neck.

The banquet was a splendid affair.  As he lifted a fork of chicken for his bride, he chanced to look over at the guests, and caught Phillipa’s twinkling eyes. Grimacing inwardly, he gave a slow wink, and a mouthed thank you.  Silly chit. She reciprocated with a blush and a grin.

As Henrietta floated in his arms to the first waltz, he saw the men stare after her, lust evident in their eyes. Yes, he could use this lovely girl to his advantage.

***

It was a riotous farewell, the guests following them to the columned porch, laughing, the men shouting ribald jests and throwing rice. In turn, Vaughan tossed the obligatory guineas over his head at the guests, before climbing into the coach beside Henrietta, now changed into a travelling gown
, and looking quite delectable.

To her surprise, her brother Harry ran to her holding a small case. ‘Here Etta, take this with you, don’t want to frighten you, but those highwaymen are treacherous.’

‘Oh Harry you are a worrier, but thank you.’ Kissing him on the cheek, she put it into her reticule.

Seeing Vaughan's frown, she said, ‘My pistol. I hate handling them, but tis better to be safe.’

‘Hmm, so he thinks I cannot protect you?’

‘Oh don’t be silly Vaughan, tis only sensible.’

‘Nonsense, we have the driver, the footmen; the servants’ coach will follow closely behind.  Besides, they’ll have to come through me to get to you, my love.’

Smiling at his posturing, she leant over, and kissed him on the cheek as well. 
‘Fie on you.’

Leaving the estate, he drew her onto his lap. Gently, he kissed her applying pressure, but her lips did not part. So be it. He stroked the sapphires at her throat. ‘You’re still wearing them?’

‘Yes, I thought it safer than packing them in a trunk. But now I’m thinking, maybe I should leave them here.’

‘No, no, the pride of the
beau monde
will be in Brussels, bring them.’

‘Then I shall keep them on, as we would have to leave them in the cabin unattended whilst dining.’

‘Well thought my precious. Those gems are priceless. In Brussels, you’ll be the belle of the ball,’ he said, his tongue tickling her neck just below the precious earring. He felt her tense, aware of her quickened breath.  Grinning, he gathered her up, enjoying the feel of her head against his shoulder, the sweet smelling curls tickling his nose.  Soon, feeling her breathing slow; he took a deep breath; she trusted him enough to sleep, her jacket still unbuttoned.  It was enough for now.  Soon he found himself nodding, falling into a doze beside her. 

He awoke with a start, as the carriage jolted violently beneath him.

Miss Esther Taunton felt a wave of nausea rush though her.  She frowned; it must be that cake she ate; the cream did taste slightly curdled.  Sighing, she pulled at a tendril of auburn hair.  Although Vaughan was still in England, she did not miss him; for her, it was a sweet release from his demands. She did not lack for company, as quite a few officers brought their mistresses to Brussels. Her days passed in companiable pursuits, as mistresses and courtesans arranged morning and afternoon visits.  The women would arrive fresh from the arms of their lovers, pink cheeked, glossy lips, wearing the latest modes of afternoon gowns.  Sometimes they would ride in the park, such a splendid place, with fountains, amusements, bands and quite often dancing that would go on until twilight.

Feeling the nausea subside, she stroked the head of a sleeping King Charles
Spaniel. She smiled, remembering the officer who seemed to single her out, his ardour patently obvious.  However, she could not cheat on her lord; he saved her from a life of misery; kept her in such comfort with money to spend on anything she desired.  Her latest purchase was a white gelding.  She felt a slight guilt, but then he encouraged her to spend her allowance on what she enjoyed.

She accepted his short temper, and inclination to invidious remarks should she even look at another man. However, she cringed, recalling his rages – rages he never exhibited in public. Nevertheless, in private, he would give reign to unbridled jealousy. To her terror, he would strike out at various parts of her body, where bruises would not show, after all, she was his prized possession. Later, he would be full of remorse, mortified, as he bathed the welts and bruises, tearfully swearing he would never harm her again. Wiping away his tears, she would forgive him, and he would soon recover, to become the sweet gentle lord she first met.  For months, he would keep his word, until he decided she made innuendos to another man.

She sighed, wishing there was a way to end the relationship, but who else would have her? She was not the sort to dally with other men; she knew not how to throw a capricious glance, or flirt with her body. Shaking her head, she determined to shed her dolorous thoughts.

She rang the bell for her maid. ‘Lottie dear, I wish to change into my riding habit.  I fancy the blue crepe with the high ruffled collar
, and the blue hat with the feathers. It was her favourite, as it complimented the red lights in her hair.  ‘I will wear just a little touch of rouge make up today. I had a restless night,’ she said, sighing.  

Vaughan would soon be with her. He was not bringing his wife, so he would reside with her for the rest of his time in Brussels. A tinge of unease crossed her heart. Would his temper be sweet or would he question her movements, in his absence; what events she attended, what men she spoke to
, or danced with? Yet, for all his jealousy, he never declared his love.  Such was her lot.

It was not as if she did not have the lineage for marriage, she was after all the daughter of a baronet. Her thoughts turned to Lady Henrietta
, would Vaughan come to love his new wife?

‘Now mi
stress, let us get the stays on.’

‘Drat the things, I hate them.’ Lottie’s bright voice startled her; she must pull herself together; all this brooding made her melancholy.

‘But they are a fine pair of stays mistress, quite the finest.’   

‘I know, but I find them so restraining; so many ladies no longer wear them, with the high waist dress. Even so, they do improve the figure.’

‘Will you wear the divorce today?’

‘No I think not, with all the ruffles on the bodice, it is not necessary.’ She grimaced at the thought of the divorce, a triangular-shaped piece of metal that pushed up
, and divided the bosom giving a deep cleavage.  ‘Thing always marks my skin, and tis not a pretty sight for my Lord. Not that any lord will be seeing them anyway.’

Once dressed, she went to her escritoire, and pulled a card from one of the drawers. ‘Send Joseph to Mistress Whitehouse with this note. I wish her to join me.’

***

Perched side saddle on her pride and joy, she leant forward and patted him. ‘My sweet Apollo, you look gorgeous, all eyes are upon us.’ As if understanding her, the horse neighed softly, tossing his handsome head, the silk white mane glistening silver in the sun. She laughed, her gloom dissipating, as she went into a slow gallop, the footman keeping closely behind. 

In the distance, she espied her friend Marissa.  Waving, she rode to meet her.  ‘Why dearest Marissa, how lovely, I hoped you would come. I feel quite endangered alone, even with my footman. There are too many officers loose, hunting for innocent girls.’

‘Innocent?’ Marissa giggled.
‘How droll.’  Dressed in the latest a la mode, in a pale green silk riding habit and matching toque hat edged with lace Valenciennes, Marissa was a picture of loveliness with white blonde hair cut a la Titus, the short curls framing a face of pale cream skin, and petal rose cheeks.  ‘Well tis true in a way.’ Esther said wryly. ‘I am faithful to my lord, and innocent of any other amours. Not like some of the mistresses we know. La, I hear Miss Lisa Moore now has two lovers.  They constantly fight for her favours; t'will surely end in a duel.’

‘They do say that Miss Harriett Evanston’s lover paid her a visit. He wanted to surprise her, so he crept stealthily up the stairs, and on opening the bedchamber door, found himself facing his Colonel dishabille.   He is a mere ensign, so you can imagine.’

‘Oh my goodness – poor man.’ Esther exclaimed, pulling gently on Apollo’s reins.

‘Yes it seemed he was quite unnerved
, and had to bow, apologise for disturbing the Colonel, and make a hasty retreat. Rank has power even in the bedroom.’

‘One master is more than enough for me. Captain Denton has enough ardour for three lovers.  I swear my skin will fade away with the number of baths I take.’ Marissa said, pouting prettily.

‘Well at the moment, I have no-one,’ Esther said, ‘nothing but a book and an empty bed, but Lord Vaughan will be here very soon now.  He’s leaving his wife at his estate.’

‘
Oh dear, newlywed – how cruel.’

‘I am inclined to agree, what
are a title, an estate, and children without love?’

‘If I may make so bold, it shows
a certain callousness in his character. Why he could have brought her, and had the delight of two ladies?’

Esther felt a chill in her heart; it did indeed show the hard streak in him. If he could be so cold to his new bride, he could well discard herself without a second thought.  To her surprise, she felt goosebumps on the skin of her arms; she would easily starve if he cast her off? She was not in the least brazen, and did not have the artfulness of a real mistress, a woman who sought only money and not virtue. She was true to Vaughan, and in that could make claim to some semblance of morality.