A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (5 page)

Isabella opened her eyes, to see the light of dawn hedging around the sides of the heavy brocade curtains. Slipping from the bed, she dressed swiftly, deciding on a dark blue gown and a pelisse with a deep cowl hood. Being used to Sarah dressing her, it took a few minutes for her to thread and button her boots. Softly, she padded along to Venetia's room, finding it unlocked; she entered to see Venetia donning her pelisse covering her bright locks with a hood.

As they entered the vast kitchen, the scullery
maid lighting the ovens shrieked.

'Sorry we frightened you, Annie, we have some business to attend to, so please not a word to anyone.'

Having said that, Isa knew she could have saved her breath, the girl would tell everyone as soon as possible. The news would spread like wildfire throughout the servants' quarters. It would end up with the butler discussing it with the housekeeper in hushed tones, debating whether to tell the earl. However, that would take some days yet. She bit back a smile; she would have to tell Sarah in order to quash the most outrageous of the assumptions. . It was indeed an exciting week for the servants; already she knew they spoke in horrified whispers of her attack. Soon, they would have yet another -the duel.

A couple of the wolfhounds came up sniffing, as they crossed the courtyard to the stables. Patting Drake's head, Isa hurried on clutching Venetia's arm. 'At least the dogs will protect us. It's quite scary being alone at such an hour.'

'Yes - but happily we will not be noticed.'

'Sarah does not come to me until at least eight o'clock.'

As the dawn struggled with a charcoal sky, they hurried on through mist rising heavy and thick from the dew laden grass. Passing the Orangery, they sighted one of the ground's men bending over some plants. Ducking beneath the sill of the immense windows, they scurried along the path leading to the lake. Looking back at the Manor, it appeared quite ghostly with the turrets on the East and West wings looming like ragged teeth biting the clouds.

Still the dogs kept pace, their great pink tongues lolling over vicious fangs. With the black lipped jaws, they appeared to be smiling. Reaching the meadow, Isa breathed a sigh of relief.
'At last, not far now.'

Entering the copse, their boots sunk into the deep peat carpeting the path, here and there a root sprung up threatening to jab through the tender leather of their boots.

Venetia let out a soft gasp, as her cloak entangled with the twitching twigs of thick hawthorn bush. Swiftly, Isabella plucked it free. 'Thank goodness we're nearly there, can you hear any voices?'

Venetia nodded. 'Yes - some of them are shouting.'

Reaching the edge of the copse, they moved behind the stout trunks of the larch trees. 'We're quite covered here.'

Venetian nodded, whispering, '
There seems to be quite a number of men here, at least ten of them.'

'Well they've got seconds, and it appears, some witnesses. Look Alex is waving his sabre about - initial warm up.'

'Did he agree?'

'I think so; he did say he would have satisfaction, so maybe he will draw blood.'

'Satisfaction is usually gained with the first sight of blood so hopefully it will not be fatal.'

Isa shrugged. 'The trouble is, men get so heated, they become aroused, and it is difficult for them to draw back. I have seen this many times in the pugilist rounds.'

'Since when have you attended a boxing match?'

Isa grinned. 'Horatio often has his friends back for a match.
He's even taught me a few moves. Thank God, that is how I overcame that bounder.'

Venetia raised her eyebrows. 'Well that's an honour. They usually do not like women to attend any kind of violent interchange.'

Isa nearly laughed. 'Oh Venetia - why I have even taken part - well at least when I was younger. Hasn't Horatio apprised you of that? Wait until you visit more often. You will be surprised. Horatio is a proper Corinthian - he lives for his sports, whether it be gaming, hunting or duelling.'

'La no, but look, they have taken their positions. There is Horatio; I can see him now; he is standing to the rear.'

Isa watched with bated breath, as they took their positions. 'Hmm, believe it or not, the odious Babbesham is Ladness's second.'

Ladness appeared to be smirking, swaggering even, as the
duellers touched tips. For a while they circled, then parried until Alex lunged. Engaging Ladness, he thrust and parried almost dancing, as he circled his opponent. It was obvious who was the better swordsman.

Isa whispered, 'I am relieved it is
sabres; Alex has the upper hand here; Ladness chose wrongly.'

Venetia put her hand to her mouth as Alex executed a
coup droit authorite
, forcing an attack after the parry. Ladness retaliated, and the women watched alarmed as they heard the scrape of steel on steel, the sabres catching the dull light of dawn in a furious set of thrusts and parries. Pausing to catch their breath, the duellists prowled around each other, teeth clenched. Once more, blades rasped, cutting, sabre on sabre, until Alex used the
parade
, blocking move after move.

Venetia now grasped Isa's arm, her nails almost cutting through the pelisse. 'Oh my God, they're going to kill each other.'

'No - no. They are looking to blood only. I can see Alex could have had him a couple of times, but he desisted; it would have been a fatal thrust.

Breathing heavily now, the two men sized each other up before Ladness took the initiative, only for Alex to execute a
coup de tialle
chopping with his blade, until they fought with sabres edge on edge. Suddenly, Alex withdrew only to swiftly lunge forward driving the blade into Ladness's shoulder. Looking at the wound, the man instinctively went to cover the wound, the blood bubbling through his fingers. Alex paused, stepping back, waiting for Ladness to throw down his sword, but the man snarled and yelling, leapt at Alex, his sword flashing. Swiftly, Alex executed a
coup doble
, attacking twice; driving the blade into his assailant's other arm. As the blood pumped out from the torn shirt, Ladness stopped, dropping his sword upon which the seconds cried out almost in unison.
Finis
'

Alex looking at Ladness with disdain, turned to Horatio, only for him to yell, pushing him aside, as he espied Ladness, sword in hand,
lunge for Alex's back.

Venetia almost screamed as the blade pierced Horatio's arm. Turning, Alex growled deep in his throat and engaged Ladness. They now fought with a deathly purpose. After a furious splurge of parries, the sound of steel grated as they fought blade on blade. Seizing an opening, Alex once again executed the
coup doble
, his blade entering his enemy's neck, withdrawing in a second; he once again held the blade at his opponent's throat, within four millimetres of the other wound, the tip of the blade quivering.

Isa could see the sudden terror in Ladness's eyes, as he stood almost paraly
zed. Isa closed her eyes; Alex was going to kill him. She bit her hand quashing a cry, lives were at stake; her tormentor still held his sword. She could break Alex's focus leaving him defenseless against the villain. Unable to endure anymore she closed her eyes tightly. As she whimpered, she heard some shouting and saw Babbesham pulling Ladness away.

Disgusted he bellowed at Ladness, '
Damn you Sir have you no honour?' Even for him, his friend went too far and broke the rules.

Grimacing at Alex, with blood pouring from three wounds Ladness slumped on the wet grass, as the physician stepped forward, and kneeling beside him opened his bag. Shrugging the man off, Ladness yelled at Alex, 'I will have her yet, she is mine Fitzroy, mine. I will kill her before I'll let you have her.'

Alex turned, his face enraged, teeth bared, as he picked up his sword, and went towards him.

Horatio leapt on Alex, holding him down. 'It's not worth it - he is insane and without a sword - leave the wretch, let him sink in his own mire.' As they struggled, seeing the fury in her lover's face, Isa ran forward, 'Alex - please -
don't. He has no sword; you will be tried for murder, please come away - come away.'

She looked up into his eyes to see they were bloodshot, almost crazed, the sweat streaming from his brow. 'Come darling - come. He is not worthy of your anger.' Astonished to see her, the murderous glint in his eyes disappeared, as he dropped his sword.

Looking over to Ladness, she could see he would live. Relief and rage flooded her body. He had nearly killed Alex; he would not have hesitated to run the blade through her lover's back. One small part of her wished her tormentor had died.

The
earl looked over to Isa. 'My dear, do not fear for any reprisals from the
ton.
I have put it about I would be most displeased to hear of any gossip on your unfortunate attack.'

The countess fanned her face. 'Yes, I was at first distraught, but papa, being the man he is, has quieted all tongues.' She looked over to the
earl, her smile flirtatious. 'My hero as ever.'

The
earl grinned. 'No-one will dare besmirch my family, my love.'

Horatio studied his plate. The
countess and the girls have no idea of the earl's rage, or the swift and lethal punishment meted out to any who crossed him. Ladness was lucky he still had legs to walk.

Daintily wiping his mouth with a lace edged napkin, the
earl turned to Isa. 'So my dear, Alex will return tomorrow morning?'

'Yes
papa, there is so much entailed. He must make sure we have proper tenting if we camp, a good table, linens, silver, and cutlery. Then there are the horses, grooms and servants he will take to attend us. He will bring his mother and sisters back with him for the wedding.'

Putting down her wine glass, the
countess, now recovered from her ordeals, beamed. 'La, I am so looking forward to seeing the Dowager again. Alas, she grieves for her beloved husband - but she was such a wit - so amusing and Petra and Damaris are quite delightful with the most exquisite manners. Have either of them accepted offers? The last I heard from the Dowager, the Marquis of Denning offered for Petra.'

'Yes, Petra accepted him. It was a love match thankfully, and not one of convenience.'

'La I feel so sorry for those women who enter such an alliance. Such a marriage may bring financial security for both sides, and titles of course, but I would dread the future of a loveless marriage and a string of lovers on both sides'

Isa nodded, 'I hear the other night, Lady Thornton had three beaus in her boudoir, helping her dress for dinner. Her husband does not care one jot, as long as she appears a la mode. And then to top it all, her admirers dine with them along with the other guests.'

The countess frowned. 'Tsk, I would not countenance men coming into my bedroom. Most unseemly. And then to advise me on what to wear, from my petticoats to my robes - la, I would soon as box their ears.'

'Alex says the dowager feels Damaris is still too young; she is barely seventeen. So she is to wait for the next season.'

'Yes, I often think the first season is really an introduction to the social scene. I fear girls of seventeen can be quite gauche. Your papa offered for me in the first season, but he had to wait another year for my answer, and then he was up against stiff competition.'

The
earl's eyes twinkled. 'You were and still are a raving beauty my love, as are your daughters.'

Fanning her face, the
countess smiled. 'La you are always the gentleman, my love.'

The
earl turned to Isa. 'And you my dear, how fare you now?'

Isa picked up her napkin to pat her mouth. 'I am recovering Papa. I never wish to witness a duel again.'

'Hmm - that blackguard deserved a bleed. But I hear he was of murderous intent?'

Isa paled. 'Yes - it was clear he would have run Alex through.'

The countess sighed heavily, 'Archibald - please enough - not at the table. The girl is traumatized enough.' Looking over at Isa, she said, 'What possessed you to go there? And, who pray, told you of it? Surely, it is a matter between gentlemen, and not for the eyes or ears of young ladies. Why they could swoon at the mere thought of it.'

The
earl nodded his head. 'Too much for their delicate brains to cope with'

Isa spoke sharply
, 'For goodness sake Papa, we are not witless little dolls. Tis a false and demeaning notion. Why do you impose your ignorant opinions upon the female? La, women can outthink a man.'

The
countess raised a hand. 'Hush enough of that nonsense Isa; we must defer to the male brain, after all we lean upon our men for their protection, their wisdom to guide us, besides their kindness and generosity.' She looked very prettily at the earl, fluttering her eyelashes. 'Indeed, where is your decorum?'

Nettled, Isa said, 'Decorum? Why, men deny us intelligent books; we
are not allowed to read or study science, history, politics or philosophy. We are left with romance by such spurious authors as the ubiquitous Mrs. Radcliffe.'

'Why I purchased a book of Byron's poems for you only the other day.'

'Byron - how illuminating, a rakehell, dandy, a drug addict why he is even accused of —'

'Isabella - enough.'
The countess rose, her bosoms heaving. 'How could you - how could you even think - give voice to…. oh dear God what have we raised Archibald.'

'Isa - please manners.' The
earl raised his glass for the footman to pour more wine.'

'Manners
papa? Why manners is just another word for chains - chains that shackle the female to a life of imprisonment under male domination. She must think as the male deems fit, eat what the male provides, dress as the male orders. We are bound hand and foot with manners.'

Horatio broke in, '
Aw come on sis; that's a bit strong.'

'A bit strong?
How would you feel if your every move was watched, your future aspirations only to make a good marriage, to be bedded, produce heirs? Men shackle us like mares brother - mares.'

The
countess waved her fan furiously. 'Hush child, you are lucky your papa does not give you a good beating.'

The
earl tapped his knife thoughtfully, as he looked at Isa. 'My pet, your dear little brain is affected; you are distraught with what you've endured over these past two days, an attack and a duel - too much my pretty - too much. A female is far too delicate to witness such events. It is a wonder you have not succumbed to a fever.'

Mollified, the
countess drained her glass. 'Yes true Archibald. The duel injured her brain, the shame of it all.'

Archibald frowned.
'Shame? Indeed, my dear, it is a matter of honour, and Alexander acquitted himself admirably; it is one that will be the talk of Winton for some time. Why, not only is our future son-in-law, an officer and a gentleman, he is a hero in the eyes of the many.'

Horatio murmured, '
It was supposed to be a blooding, but the rogue had murderous intent from the beginning. Alexander had every right to run the blighter through, attacking a young lady; why I think he was out to despoil her.'

The
countess lifted her wine glass, 'Oh do not speak of it. I have been quite ill all day.'

Isa shook her head at her brother; the last thing they wanted was another bout of histrionics from the
countess.

The
earl thumped the table. 'For goodness sake Alicia, stop being so theatrical.'

Isa slapped her hand on the table. 'So we are back to the delicate brains. Tush, it makes me so angry. Papa you may be a master of the Apocrypha but as for the human anatomy, I beg to differ.'

Alicia paled, but had the sense to drain another glass of wine before giving a little shriek.

Horatio said, '
Our dear Isabella came to no harm. Alex felled the knave.'

Isa narrowed her eyes, harm indeed; she was almost ruined. However, she kept quiet.

Not waiting for the footman, the countess poured more wine into the half-filled glass. Sipping it, she hiccupped, 'I did not dream … hic … dream it could be our own daughter. Oh dear lord, I am beset with troubles, the scandal - how am I to … hic … face—'

'Alicia I have already told you, there will be no repercussions. You should be grateful Isabella is unharmed, pray; why not comfort her, instead of thinking about the
ton.
'

Horatio grinned. 'Talking of scandal, have you heard the latest about our famous courtesan?

The countess groaned, but kept her counsel, secretly she revelled in gossip.

Giving a wry smile, the
earl said, 'Which one?

'Miss Theodosia Shaw, her beauty is much admired
; her figure perfection. Noticed by Prinny, no less. It seems she dined at the house of the Duke of Darnley and was introduced to Sir Allen St. George, nephew of the celebrated Duke of Warminster.'

The
earl grinned, 'A fine gentleman, of great standing in royal circles. I haven't heard of his nephew though. But go on - go on.'

'St. George danced attendance upon her and begged permission to pay her a morning visit. Well, it seems it incurred the displeasure of a widow of a Mr
. Hurst, a lady of quite remarkable beauty who has entrance to the best circles. It appears that she had some claim on the handsome St. George, as they had spent some time together at walks and balls. Therefore, the lady found out Miss Shaw's address at Arden Street, and the time of the visit. On that morning, she disguised herself as a parlour maid, and knocked at the front door under the pretense of delivering a private message to St. George. When admitted into their presence, she discovered St. George kissing the delectable Miss Shaw. Distraught Mrs. Hurst picked up a cake fork and stabbed him in the chest. Fortunately recognizing her, although injured, St George leapt to his feet and disarmed her before she could give a fatal wound.'

The
countess hiccupped. 'Good gracious, what goings on. These courtesans can be quite vicious. Jealousy has no bounds.'

The
earl laughed. 'Tis not only jealousy, the courtesans are kept in the utmost splendour, fine houses, jewels and carriages; we are taking about huge sums of money. They fight like vixens to protect their contracts.'

Horatio grinned. 'But there is more, it seems St. George forgave his jealous mistress, as they were seen riding together some days later.

Seeing her father amused, and her mother well inebriated, she broached the subject of Brussels. 'Mama, I will need my maid Sarah and a parlour maid to accompany me. I fear there will be much work if we live in a camp.'

'Camp?
Living in a tent? My dear - never. Surely, you will stay in a hotel whilst Alex is on skirmishes?'

Isa pursed her lips. Alex's agent is searching for a house for us, near La Rue Royale.'

'Why yes of course, take who you need. Have you ordered your dresses? You must appear 'much dressed.'”

'Mama I cancelled - after all I thought the devil ruined me, that Alex would not countenance a match after
….'

'No trousseau - wedding dress.
Oh - oh - my head - my head.'

The
earl looked over to Venetia. 'Would you accompany Isabella to the dressmakers tomorrow; our darling must be richly bedecked with fine clothes and fripperies. I hear the Duchess throws lavish balls in Brussels.'

Venetia nodded. 'Of course my Lord, I would be honoured to accompany Isabella.'

Isa smiled; thank goodness, they'd foregone the subject of camping, as she had every intention of living with Alex if he had to resort to a tent.