A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (12 page)

Within minutes of the Mistress Thompson leaving the cabin, Alex glanced over to Isa. His heart wrenched at the misery on that beautiful face. He had not meant to be so harsh, why he adored her, but she needed taming. Clearing his throat, he said, 'Isa, I am just trying to teach you the ways of the Army. There are rules and habits, ways that
must not be trifled with. Think, if we do this, then others will expect the same treatment. We just cannot afford to—'

'Be charitable?' She cut him off, glaring at him. 'You have never known hunger, and neither have I. But, I am seeing it today, and it hurts my heart.'

Alex looked down; women were such soft creatures; they lived in their emotions, their delicate brains unable to cope with the harshness of life. He must protect her.' Darling, I know and I understand, but you cannot flounce the rules.'

'Rules?
Rules that say a child shall go hungry when there is abundant food only feet away? I think Sir, that you are angered that I did something of my own accord. You are a selfish prig.'

Alex tried not to smile; she was just so pretty when angry. 'Darling, let us end this now, come and sit on my lap.'

'No I daren't, I might do you an injury.'

Raising his eyebrows, he could not help but laugh. 'Isa - come now
pet.'

Rising to his feet, he went over to her, his arms wide open to hug.'

Get away - don't you dare -'

Taking no notice, he towered over her and despite her fists hitting out, carried her to his chair.
'Now my little pet. Come - enough of this.'

Isa gritted her teeth. 'God - insult upon insult.' What did he think she was?
A cat?

'Let me go now or I'll slap you.' As she raised her hand, there was a tap on the door.

Letting her go, Alex said, 'Come in.'

The Captain entered beaming. Bowing to Isa, he said, '
My lady, I cannot thank you enough. Today we have an angel aboard our ship. Why tis a grand idea you have. Come, may I request the pleasure of your presence, whilst I address these fortunate people?'

Alex stood, giving a slight cough to clear his throat, whilst Isa smiled. 'Why Captain, thank you. I only
— '

'My lady.'
Boomed the Captain, 'From this day forth, we will make it a rule to serve the leftovers from the staterooms to the foot soldiers and their families. May I be so bold as to say Sir; you are fortunate to have such a beautiful and sensible lady.'

Casting Alex a glance through narrowed eyes, Isa took the Captain's arm, as he led her from the room. Following, Alex said, '
Indeed Captain, I am fully aware of such a gift. Hah—'

The Captain did not see Isa give Alex a swift kick on the shin as they mounted the steps.

They reached the foredeck to cheers and applause. Isa's heart was full, as she saw three trestle tables laid out on the deck full of delicacies, the remains of the staterooms repasts. The Captain said in a magnanimous voice, 'Now good people, let us raise our hands for our dear lady, the Countess of Standford. It was her express wish you be provided with this fare. Now without further ado, please enjoy.'

Isa delighted in seeing the people thronging around the tables, she saw the women carefully feed the children first. She laughed to see their little cheeks bulging with food,
whilst their mamas ate more daintily. Many knelt or sat cross-legged on the decks; their plates piled high with food. She watched Mistress Thompson, fuss about them, along with some sailors filling tankards, and small tin cups with beer for the adults and water for the children. To Isa's delight, a couple of sailors began to play their pipes whilst another tapped on a drum. Soon the deck was filled with people eating and laughing. Alex looked over to see the officers and their ladies standing on the foredeck, all enjoying the festive spirit.

Isa felt a surge of pride. She raised a female voice, that changed a rule, only a very small one, but it was enough for her to feel a sense of independence she never knew she had.
Courage, anger yes, but not the quiet strength that flooded her being. Taking a breath, she determined she would care for these people's welfare whilst in the camps. She'd heard of the abysmal conditions; perhaps she could help in some small way.

Alex's arm stole around her waist, as he whispered. 'Darling, I'm so proud of you. Forgive me.'

She bit her lip. She was still angry with him. To him, she was his pet; she didn't want his pride; she wanted his respect.

The evening banquet was again a sumptuous affair, the strains of the merriment on deck lifting the atmosphere, but everyone felt an undercurrent, as each thought of the hazards ahead, of the long march of over thirty miles across agricultural land. An experienced
horsewoman, Isa would ride alongside Alex but many of the officers' wives would suffer the confinement of six to a carriage. However, it was nothing compared to the horror awaiting the women of the foot soldiers, toiling through track, stream and mud; some of them barefoot, carrying their belongings of pots, blankets and clothes in large bundles on their backs, besides carrying a child or babe in arms.

As the guests cleared the banquet room for the fresh air of the foredeck, Isa went along to see Mistress Thompson and between them, they led in the soldiers' wives to pack the left overs. It was saddening to see their poverty, as they eagerly filled their baskets, their tears of gratitude almost too much for Isa to bear.

Thinking of the food that often went to waste at Winton Abbey; she resolved to do something about that on her return. With a start, Isa realized that she would not return to her parents' home. She was now mistress of Standford Manor. Well, the same approach would occur. The leftover food would be taken to the tenants via the servants. Her heart lifted, already she felt she had something worthy to fill her time, not just the daily round of social visits, drinking tea and gossiping about the latest scandal. She could make a difference to people's lives. She gulped, now her life had meaning, in her own small way she could be of some help. She gasped, as Alex caught her up in his arms and kissed her soundly on the lips. 'Forgive me Isa.'

Back in the stateroom Alex said, '
The servants must make haste and pack. When we leave the ship, we will make camp for the night and march at dawn.'

Isa clapped her hands, '
That sounds so exciting.'

He nodded. 'I will try to make it as pleasant as I can for you.'

''Never fear husband, I am actually looking forward to some mud and candles.'

Alex grinned. 'Don't speak too soon, for you will have plenty of mud.'

'I have come prepared; my maid sewed bands on all my hems so that will at least save changing every five minutes. It's a pity we women cannot wear breeches.'

'Now that is a good idea; trouble is it would put me off my stride if I were to see that shapely
bottom in leather.'

Grinning Isa said, '
Do you prefer seeing it with or without leather?'

'Well I must say leather is sexy Isa, but nothing beats that bare rosy flesh.
We just have time for—' A tap on the door stopped him. 'Come in.'

His valet entered followed by Sarah, '
Milord, is it alright if we begin the packing?'

Disappointed Alex nodded, 'Of course William - go ahead.' He was comforted with a wicked thought; the tent would be far more exotic.

At least, the camp was not a morass of mud. Although exclaiming her excitement at staying in a tent, Isa thought they would perhaps be in a hotel for the night, but Alex explained, he was now duty-bound to stay with his command.

She watched fascinated as the soldiers erected the tarpaulin tents on poles, cleverly knotting and binding the corners, but where was the front? As they stood back admiring their handiwork, she said, '
Are we to have a front to the tent, I fear we shall be on full view?'

Grinning he said, '
Oh yes, but it will be rolled up until we are ready for bed. If it were just us men, we would not bother. On skirmishes, we sometimes pitch a tarpaulin on our rifles just for something over our heads, but some of us just use the horse saddles for a pillow. It will do well enough.'

Isa frowned. 'So what about dining?'

'Hah, it will be quite extravagant. Many of the officers here will vie for the best-laid table and number of courses. We will entertain some prestigious guests, HRH the Duke of Warminster, with his courtesan Mrs. Charlotte Wilson, The Duke of Ashlington and his latest mistress, Lady Veronica de Hays, the Earl of Bedford and his mistress, I know not her name, he tires of them and changes frequently. Then there is the Earl and Countess of Chawkesbury I think a couple more will saunter along later, but we have ample to provide for them.' We will of course play cards after, or some backgammon. The Earl of Bedford is quite prosaic and prefers a game of chess, so I hope we can find a partner for him.'

'Good lord, you did not warn me of this.'

'We have been too busy bickering my love, and there has not been an occasion to do so. Unless we are besieged in battle, we entertain most nights. So cheer up my little pet, we will have some fun. I ordered my valet to bring out the silver candelabras and beeswax candles; the maids have packed the finest linen and place sets. Of course, we have our silver and gold plates as porcelain so easily breaks. The footmen will attend us. In time, my pet, you will take over the organization of the table. But for this evening, I hope my darling; you will wear your most auspicious gown.'

'Of course, but I do hate today's fashion; the décolletage is so daring; I fear if I sneeze, my breasts will fall out.'

'Hmm, the mind boggles m'dear. Entertainment indeed. However, fear not, as many of the ladies out here are mistresses, they appear almost naked, with dangerously low décolletage and sheer tulle.'

'My lord,
may I remind you I am not a mistress, so there is no excuse.'

'Hmm have you perhaps a fischu of lace to place across your bosom?'

'No, but I shall just try to heft it up as much as I can.'

'I had my men cordon off a dressing area for you. I know you require privacy for your toilette. In addition, hmm - I have purchased a very fetching chamber pot for you. '

Feeling mollified, Isa bowed her head. 'I am grateful for your vicissitudes my lord.'

Isa felt her excitement growing, as she sat for Sarah to pin up her hair. 'What style would you like milady?'

Err, I think a chignon, with curls around my forehead and face with tendrils falling on my neck.'

As she sat for Sarah, she felt quite bewildered;
she'd thought on these skirmishes and treks it would be quite tete a tete between her and Alex; not this opulence and fine dining. In her ignorance, she'd thought mistresses were secretive creatures who never ventured out of their elegant apartment bought or rented for them by their lascivious master, that it was their duty to be there at all times for his pleasure.

Alex beamed as Isabella appeared. She was perfection excellence, a vision of beauty. She would indeed turn the heads of the officers in Brussels.

Alex turned as the first guests arrived. Bowing to the Duke of Ashlington, he said, 'Your Grace, may I introduce my wife Isabella.'

As she curtseyed, he continued, 'I have the honour to introduce, his Grace, the Duke of Ashlington and Lady Veronica de Hays. The woman gave a short curtsey and dipped her head, the russet hair a mass of braided coils interlaced with strings of pearls. The décolletage of her gown was indeed very low, but then her breasts were magnificent. Alex found it difficult to avert his eyes. He was sure he saw a rim of aureole. The guests murmured amongst themselves, as they waited for HRH the Duke of Warminster to appear. As usual, he kept them waiting, but this time only for half an hour. Each of the guests bowed and curtseyed as he waved limpidly, nonchalantly introducing one of the most beautiful women Isa had ever seen. She was exquisite, her skin the finest porcelain white, her high cheekbones a rare shade of the lightest pink with the most liquid sapphire eyes contrasting with the ebony hair a shade darker tha
n Isa's. She was taller than the Duke by some inches, but he carried it well with his wide girth and pompous bearing.

Without the slightest sign from Alex, footmen appeared offering silver goblets of sparkling champagne from a silver tray. There was also ratife for the
ladies if they so preferred.

The table dazzled with ornate silver candelabras, and a Piece Montee made from pate d'office, and pastillage. The gold and silver placements of goblets and
dishes, glinted in the candlelight, porcelain being too fragile for camp life.

The guests eagerly partook of the first course, offering dishes of chicken, pigeon and ham pies;
whole braised onions, dove and quail eggs, frogs legs and snails along with dishes of broccoli, asparagus, spinach and grilled mushrooms. Isa astonished at the array of food, said quietly to Alex, 'There is such a wonderful display, from where did the cook obtain it all?'

'From the local hotels and farmers.
I must say for such a small town they do serve the most delectable foods.'

Nibbling on a chicken leg, she said, 'the bread is delicious, far lighter with a buttery taste.'

With two footmen deftly clearing the first course, and another two serving the second course, the Duke of Bedford murmured, 'Must say Fitzroy, damned good show - damn good.' His eyes glinted as a haunch of mutton wrapped in pastry, appeared with mutton sausages made of minced mutton with oysters and anchovies, along with Oxford sausages of pork and veal. HRH rubbed his hands together beaming as a steaming hock of ham appeared along with a joint of roasted beef. To the ladies' delight, the servants presented a large plate of white fish and shrimps served with melted butter, and Marie Rose sauce. They clapped when the footmen presented a plate of oysters with fresh lemons, jellied eels and mussels in a cream sauce.

Clapping her hands, Isa said softly to Alex, 'Phillipa would love that. Oh Alex, it
won't be long before she and Henrietta join us.'