A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (13 page)

Lowering his eyes, Alex
nodded, his mouth grim. Bruges was one of his friends, but one he had to watch. Bruges played a clever hand at cards, along with some sharp practices and sleight of hand. But, at least he did not cheat with his friends. He knew the man would have no compunction in leaving his new bride at home. He was besotted with his beautiful mistress of three years. Henrietta the broodmare for the future heir; Esther provided his sexual fantasies. He was a rake of the first order, and Alex could not see him changing for a mere chit of girl.

Red, rose and white wines flowed as the conversation became more voluble, the laughter louder.
Alex beamed, it was going so well. The last course had the guests gasping, as the footmen appeared with towers of fruit, syllabubs, strawberry jellies, even ice creams and biscuits, engraved with feathers of the Prince Regent. As the meal drew to a close, the officers rose, toasting the ladies present, their Commanders, Generals, Old Nosey, the Duke of Wellington, HRH the Duke of Warminster and the Prince Regent.

As they collapsed back into their chairs, HRH said, '
Have you heard the latest?'

'What - tell me?' The Earl of Chawkesbury leant forward in interest.

'Well seems Old Nosey, took the sixteen-year old Lady Jane Lennox to Engien for a cricket match no less. Brought her back to Brussels that very night. Said he wanted to amuse her.'

The Earl of Bedford pursed his lips, '
The old rogue, likes his women and his dancing.'

Isa raised her eyebrows, 'Dancing my lord?'

'Why yes haven't you heard? He's even put back invading France on the 20
th
June, as he planned a grand ball for the 21
st
no less.'

Bedford nodded, 'Yes - celebrating the anniversary of his victory at Vittoria. Two years ago.'

Alex said nothing. 'Amongst such an illustrious crowd twas safer to remain silent, gossip spread like wildfire, especially amongst the ex-patriates in Brussels.'

Bedford turned to Alex. 'What say you Fitzroy?
Any news?'

Thinking furiously, he remembered a snippet of gossip already well known. 'Well I heard Wellington was smitten with Lady Frances Wedderburn-Webster.'

Ashlington replied with some glee in his voice.' Old hat now, daughter of the Earl of Mountnorris - wife of James Wedderburn-Webster. Beautiful woman, would lure any red blooded man. Simple girl though, no brains, but what a beauty, a Goddess. Irresistible I say.'

Chawkesbury muttered, 'Lord Byron's mad about her, friend of her husband too. Bad for Old Nosey's reputation though.'

HRH nodded. 'He should focus on Old Boney; he's an illustrious and popular figure with the French. However, having said that, Nosey's a brilliant leader. With him in charge, we'll triumph, send
le petit corporal
back to Elba.'

Chawkesbury broke in, 'Mountnorris's other daughter Catherine caused a stir, seems
she's eloped with Lord Somerset, now that was a topsy-turvy affair. On one week - off the next.'

Isa listened thunderstruck, the men were like a group of elderly matrons indulging in scandalous gossip; they looked set to go into the small hours.

It would be an early rise for the march to Brussels, but they did not seem the least perturbed. It appeared love under canvas was not on the agenda tonight. However, HRH surprised her, as he pushed back his chair. 'Lovely evening Fitzroy - must be getting back. Long day tomorrow.

He strode around to Isa.
'A most pleasant evening with a beautiful hostess. We must do this again m'dear.'

Isa rose, to curtsey, whereupon he took her hand, and surreptitiously stroked the silk between her fingers, before giving a short bow. His mistress rose too; her delicate cheeks flushed no doubt with the gossip. Bowing elegantly to Isa, and curtseying to Alex, she followed his Highness out of the tent.

His flirtatious move did not go unnoticed by Alex; he would have to watch the old roué, he could not resist a pretty face, especially one fresh to the adult
ton
.

Bedford grinned. 'Think the rogue has other plans.
Early morning indeed.

Ashlington laughed. '
Can't blame him - she's Venus on earth.'

Alex nodded, 'Powerful too; it
wouldn't do to cross her.'

Isa said unthinkingly, '
But Alex she is so gentle. Even somewhat timid.'

'Party manners.
Charlotte is infamous - toppled many a foe. She has the ear of him and Prinny.'

Blushing, she lowered her eyes to see Alex's thick thighs filling out the nankeen breeches. Catching her glance, Alex smiled, his eyes giving a message. She felt a ripple sizzle
through her, as the last guest left the tent.

Isa felt uneasy with men's voices filtering through the tarpaulin. Here and there, women's laughter echoed through the night. Feeling her tension, Alex, gently undid the tiny pearl buttons, kissing the translucent skin of her shoulders, then licking her soft spot at the nape of her neck.

Responding, she shuddered slightly. 'I can't Alex, tis too open; why people will see our shadows through the tent wall. Tis too embarrassing.'

Unperturbed, Alex rose, muscles rippling, his naked body magnificent, as he strode across the tent picking out an exotic blanket. Returning, he wedged it in the top sidebars of the tent. Isa gazed up at the vibrant Syrian silks depicting a scene from an eastern harem against a background of distant minarets. In the foreground, smiling concubines lazed on silken cushions, whilst benign slaves poured coffee into delicate cups, to one side, another beautiful concubine smoked from a
hookah. 'Why tis a sultry scene.'

Alex lay down
beside her, looking at her, his eyes glinted. 'Hmm, methinks we can play a game my love. I will be the Sultan and you my chief concubine.'

'Not your chief wife?'

'Hah no, the Sultans had those to produce their heirs, but their favourites were the concubines. They were even numbered in importance, hence you are my number one pet.'

'So how do we proceed?'

'You must go over to the flap, disrobe and then crawl to me on your hands and knees.'

'But they will see my shape through he tarpaulin.'

'No they won't - tis only on this side you will cast a shadow and we have seen to that. Come now let's play.'

Suppressing a giggle, Isa disrobed by the tent flap, and fell to her hands and knees. Lowering her eyes, she crawled towards him.

'No - no Isa, crawl like a panther or a cat, slinky, partly threatening, partly seducing.

Playing the game, Isa arched her body, so that her bottom rose, whilst her arms lowered into the stalking stance of a cat.

Alex caught his breath; by God, he wished he'd thought of this sooner. He watched her full breasts sway in rhythm with the sinuous hips as she slunk towards him. Growling he caught her to him smothering in her in kisses, as he took them taking them to the other side of midnight.

Panting she lay beside him, her head cradled on his chest. He was such an ardent lover, his needs endless.

Returning to the game, his voice a whisper, he said, 'Now my concubine, you will stay with me for the rest of the night. I may have need of you again.'

Watching the deer leap across the park, Henrietta cried out, 'See Vaughan, there - the white hind.
Tis so rare, so beautiful. Papa took years to breed such a one.'

Smiling he gazed at her dress, a beautiful shade of apricot in the sun's rays. She was indeed dazzling
, her dowry even more so. 'Aye, tis so elegant, ethereal one would say.'

Henrietta smiled, 'Byron's quill would fly with this.'

He took her gloved hands in his, at least the witch beside them did not object. They had an old sow of a woman for a chaperone, one who took delight in noticing the slightest hint of indecorum. But, there were now only a few days to the wedding, and she would be his. Seeing the old crone engrossed in the hind, he whispered, 'So my dove, did you read my little book. I am sure it enlightened you as to the anatomy of a man and the act of love.'

Henrietta flushed, and looked down. 'Indeed I did Sir, and I must say I am quite perturbed. I never knew that such folly existed. The union between man and woman should be pure in the eyes of God.'

Vaughan groaned inwardly. 'Come my dove, surely you found it instructive?'

She sniffed, raising her chin.
'Well yes, but some of the …..' She reddened, 'La I cannot bring myself to say it. Suffice to say, I do not understand a lot of it. Why does a woman go down on her hands and knees? I thought we would lie together, and I would become pregnant.'

'Hah, it much more pleasurable than that.'

'I do not consider it a pleasure my Lord, in fact; it appears quite gross. It is not polite.'

'Polite? My dear, politeness
doesn't come into it. It is pleasure my dove, excitement, love.'

Bending to pick some daisies, she said, 'My lord, I think we have talked of this enough. Let us discuss our trip to Brussels. I cannot wait.'

Vaughan's heart sank; his future sex life with her seemed dismal, but then he could not ignore the dowry. He was usually quite deft with the cards, his sleight of hand the envy of any card sharper, but it seemed he’d met with some far more adept at deceit than himself. Hopefully, it was just a short spell. Thankfully, he'd arranged for a special license to wed early. It was the one thing in the ton, as soon as the bans were read, couples married. Her money was nearly to hand. However, he knew there was no way he would take this little virgin to Brussels, why it was a place of love, frivolity, flirtatious assignations. Already Henrietta sounded so prim, even worse than a blue stocking, and even they would be more intriguing. As intellectuals, they would at least know a man's anatomy.

No, he could
not, would not take this ice maiden with him. She would stay in the capable hands of the steward and the butler, learning how to manage the staff and affairs at the Manor. Besides, Esther was already ensconced in Brussels under the care of a two footmen. He'd booked a discrete apartment only streets away from the square. His heart lifted at the thought of her dark almond shaped eyes, the olive skin. There was a touch of the exotic in her. Although quite low in rank to him, she was his princess of lust. There was a baronetcy in her bloodline, but she was a woman without fortune albeit endowed with beauty, intelligence, wit and the most glorious breasts. His mind lingered on her slim thighs, on the alluring lacy garters holding up the silk stockings. Yes, she was precious to him. He could have gone through life with her, as long as she did not produce bastards. However, with his father recently dead, it fell upon him to sire an heir for the estate. Henrietta's bloodline was impeccable, the daughter of a duke; the dowry totalled eighty thousand pounds, together with her own properties. Besides his debts, Needham Manor was in sore need of renovation, his father too having squandered his money on cards and women. Henrietta's voice interrupted his thoughts.

'So, I have some beautiful gowns, tiaras and slippers for the balls.'

Clearing his throat, he said, 'My dove, it is impossible for you to travel with me. I assure you there is trouble brewing. As we speak, Napoleon gathers his forces. It won't be long before he declares war.'

'But I hear Brussels is very safe. Why, there is such a jolly social life, my friends
are caught up in a social whirl of visits, dinners, the theatre, balls. La - I can't wait.'

'I am sorry to disappoint you Henrietta, I am aide de campe to General Althorpe, and I must be constantly at his side.'

'I know that I must suffer your absences. However, as your wife, I shall be quite safe. La, we could rent a house near to the Rue Royale. I won't be lonely; I can meet with Isabella. Phillipa will be going out shortly.

Not wanting to upset her too much, Vaughan turned her to him taking her hands, but the old crone stepped forward smartly, glowering. Vaughan said curtly. 'Madam, I have important business to discuss with my fiancée and I do not appreciate you impinging yourself upon us. I am hardly likely to tumble her, with you three feet away.

Henrietta put her hand to her mouth. 'My lord, such words, pray offer your apologies to Lady Brewster.'

Bowing he said, '
Come my dove, we must needs discuss this. Let us take a seat over there.’ He pointed to a wrought-iron seat under the overhanging branches of an ancient oak tree. 'We shall have some shade from the sun.' Turning to the chaperone, her cheeks now beetroot red, her nose a shade darker, he said, 'Milady Brewster, forgive me. I respect your vigilance, after all you are protecting the woman I am to marry, but we are within view my lady.'

Tutting, the
lady walked a few steps away, once more surveying the lake beyond the sloping lawns.

'Henrietta, I cannot risk taking you out there. You are so precious to me.' His tone was silken, his words romantic. He knew he was a rake
and a gambler and was not about to change. He was loath to marry, and he refused to give up his pleasures, Esther being the principal one. Besides his debts and the estate, he had to care for his mother and sisters. How on earth could he provide for their seasons? He pinched and scraped to give Helene her first season, and she received an offer almost straightaway. Now there was Martine to think of. 'If this coming war is anything like the Peninsula wars, we are in for trouble. I daren't take you out there. Do you know what the French soldiers do to any woman they find left behind? No, I must sacrifice my happiness for your safety.'

Henrietta withdrew her hand, and straightened her spine. 'My love, I am touched by your words. My place is by your side. Why I hear some of the officers wives ride with them to the battlefield; others stand around the perimeter of the field watching. I fear you are over-protective.'

Dammit, the chit was proving difficult. 'My dove, you must obey me. I know what is best for you.'

Henrietta stiffened; obey? That was a word she, and Isa agreed
should be abolished from the marriage vows. Both swore they would never submit to that word. 'I begin to fear you do not want me out there Vaughan. I thought we married for love.'

He bit his lip
; he was not ready for that. He had to marry, but he could not control his heart. He also lusted for Esther, but again did not feel love for her either. He was in a dilemma, and he had to play this very carefully. It would take all his rakish wiles to win over this little virgin. 'I cannot resign my commission. I would be disgraced, but I am torn Henrietta. How could I be so selfish as to take you out there?'

'Let me judge whether you are selfish or not. Indulge your selfishness. Take me with you.'

Surprised, he winced; she was as sharp as a lawyer. Shaking his head, he said, 'Your papa would be loath to see you go to Brussels.’

'Hardly, we discussed it at length the other evening, and he was delighted. In fact, his close friends the Duke and Duchess of Richmond are out there. I know not if they took the fourteen children with them, but at least some of them
; why their girls are thrilled with the social life out there.' Seeing his reluctance, she said quietly. 'I fear you do not love me Vaughan. You have never professed your love. I thought it was because you were to shy perhaps to say it. It's my dowry isn't it?'

Seeing the tears rolling down her perfect cheeks, he
took her in his arms. For the first time, he felt like a cur. Brushing away her tears with his fingers, he said, 'I have feelings for you my dove, but I cannot make arrangements to take you out there. It is too late now.'

'You really do have feelings for me?'

'Yes and I want to marry you. In fact, I am feeling quite unsettled at the moment Henrietta. You have aroused emotions in me I've never experienced before.' He amazed himself with the sweet lies rolling off his tongue.

Henrietta felt a rush of joy. She knew that her dowry played a part in the marriage, but
she'd believed he loved her. She'd vowed she would never enter into a loveless marriage. 'For a few moments I thought we had a cold marriage contract and I would have refused to marry you Vaughan. But now I see that you care – that is enough.'

He was happy to tell
more white lies, he needed this marriage. 'I too could not enter into a non-caring contract not even for your dowry substantial as it is, and for that reason, I shall not argue any a longer. Come to Brussels with me.'

Bursting into tears, she flung her arms around his neck. Maybe he
didn't love her, maybe he didn't know what love was, but he cared, love would follow, she would make sure of that. She became aware of Lady Brewster's twittering. Ignoring her, Henrietta kissed him hard on the lips.

Shocked with her sudden passion, Vaughan responded, daring to dart his tongue swiftly to the pearly teeth.
In the distance, he could hear the outraged tones of Lady Brewster. 'Unhand her Sir, I say unhand her now.'

Vaughan looked into Henrietta's cornflower blue eyes, how would he manage, Esther in an apartment and Henrietta in a house on the square, his mistress and his wife only streets apart
? There must be a way out. Must be.