A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (7 page)

The Earl of Winton sat at the head of the table with Horatio in second placement on the right hand side of him at the top of the table, with Lord Vaughan the Marquess of B
ruges, in third placement.

Isabella and Venetia sat further down. With the permission of their respected parents and guardians, Phillipa and Henrietta also attended and were delighted they would stay the night. Having enjoyed a robust repast despite their wounds, the
earl and the Marquess sought to plan their protection of the ladies, and bring retribution to the rogues who sought to defile them.

As the
earl tapped his glass, the door burst open, with Alex striding into the room followed by an embarrassed footman. I have been to his estate but can find no trace of the bastard'.

The
earl nodded. 'As I thought. However, I have sent a rider to Lord Thurston; he should arrive anytime. Now to business Alex.'

Alex sat beside the
earl at the top of the table in first placement. Both earls being of equal standing, sat at the top of the table. Tapping his glass, the Earl of Winton said, 'First and foremost we must protect our women. It is unheard of that our young ladies cannot walk abroad even with chaperones without being terrorized and abducted. We are all aware of the repercussions of such heinous deeds; their reputations ruined, and their prospects of a fruitful union destroyed. This has to stop now. We all realize we have a group of rogues in our midst, Lord Everard Ladness, the Duke of Normanton's heir and his followers of dissolute dandies. Obviously, we must tread carefully; the Duke is gracious but not one to be trifled with.'

Alex nodded. 'Yes well said, he could crush us with one word to Prinny. Yet we must realize we are in a state of anarchy. Somehow or other, we must pluck this bad apple from the barrel and squash him once and forever.'

Lord Vaughan said, 'Could we not call them all out and be done with it. Each one must die.'

'Too many - too soon B
ruges. We must needs play this carefully. Meanwhile, we have to think of guarding our damsels, our beautiful daughters and spouses to be. I know not that Henrietta and Phillipa are in any danger unless being associated with Isabella will arouse Ladness's wrath. He may see them as a possible means of blackmail. I suggest we have guards for the ladies until after the wedding. Vaughan informs me he will stay here this night to guard Henrietta and Lord Thurston will watch over Phillipa. On top of that, we have many able bodied servants who will stand guard in the grounds and landings, protecting the bed chambers.'

Lord B
ruges glanced over to Henrietta, his heart missing a beat, as his eyes roved over the pert bosoms and tiny waist which he could encircle with his two hands. He noticed her fine porcelain skin, with a faint blush of pink colour, as momentarily, she lifted her eyes to him, only to avert them, a slight grin on those full lips. Was she aware of his passion? Tonight there was an opportunity for him to be with her, to lay his hands on that pretty body. Catching his glance, Henrietta, immediately lowered her eyes again. She saw the intensity, the desire in his chocolate eyes. But, she must not encourage him.

The man had a temper on him but was generally charming to her. However,
months now he'd bemoaned the fact she was always chaperoned. Although betrothed, she always had a sister, maid or friend with her even for an innocent walk in the park or grounds of her father's estate. Henrietta caught his glance, seeing the intensity of his gaze, she remembered he'd had the temerity to fondle her bottom when her aunt's attention was caught up watching deer gallop across the meadow. The touch of his hands sent a tingling sensation to Henrietta's stomach. It was such a pleasant feeling, and one that did not recede that whole day. In fact since she diaphragm quivered each time he drew near, especially so, as he leant to whisper in her ear. Why her ear too seemed to tingle and become alive. Such new and strange experiences left her puzzled. But, she could hardly ask for advice as to why this now happened the whole time he was with her.

Vaughan's focus broke, as the butler announced Lord Hector Thurston. A tall lanky figure appeared dressed a la mode with a starched cravat and aquamarine stickpin; his white silk waistcoat contrasted with the dark blue tailcoat and black breeches with silk stockings. Bowing, a lock of dirty-blond hair fell over his eye as he said, '
My apologies, but I have just left our table.'

The
earl nodded, dinners for the
ton
in the country, could begin at four pm and last until ten or even later. 'Glad you're here Thurston. Come and sit down.' the footman rushed forward bringing out a seat opposite Vaughan.

The young lord ignored him, rushing, straight over to Phillipa, taking her delicately gloved hand in his. 'My sweet princess, forgive for not being there. I should have chaperoned you as well. Especially after the attack, but I can only say, we had the Duke and Duchess dine with us, and I could not leave. I thought you would be quite safe with B
ruges and Fitzroy.' He pointedly glared at the two men, the message in his eyes telling them exactly how disgusted he was, with their failure to outfight the dandies. He held her sweet face in his hands. 'I would protect you with my life.'

Phillipa bit her lip, her eyes moistening. Today she could well have lost her liberty and good reputation, even her life. 'My Lord, I know that Horatio and Vaughan fought a bitter fight; both wounded in the fray.'

Hector's grey eyes turned to slate in the candlelight. 'Hmm … well princess. I am here now, and I will not leave your side until after our own marriage ceremony.'

Breaking through the lovers' conversation, the
earl said, 'Well said Thurston, albeit I would add both Lord Horatio, and Lord Vaughan actually came within inches of losing their lives. Now, I think we have much to discuss. I fear Ladness will cause ructions at the church.'

Isabella said, '
Surely not papa, why the church will be packed and then there's the vicar.'

The
earl glowered at his errant daughter. Although he adored her, she forgot her place. Ladies did not offer any views until asked.

'Now pet, please be quiet. We have much to plan here.'

Reddening, Isa blurted out. 'So, I only speak when you pull the strings is it?'

Alex looked at her aghast. Could she not restrain herself?

The earl's voice deepened. 'Enough - enough. Isa. Now please - we will come to you later.'

Isa bit her lip. It would not do to argue in front of company, but she would have her say later. How dare papa treat her as if she was a
marionette.

Alex put down his glass, as he said, 'I think we should have guards at the church, and also at the
lychgate.

The
earl pursed his lips. 'I agree, but we are in a quandary here. Ladness has a legal right to question the veracity of the wedding, especially as heir to a dukedom. However, it is only a formality and no-one will agree to anything he has to say.'

Vaughan frowned. 'But he is a proclaimed villain, he and his dandies - ignorant brutes.'

The earl nodded. 'That may be, but they have not been charged with any offense. The blighters were masked, and as such, we have no right to ban him from the church.'

The wrangling went on for a few more hours. Isabella thought of the night before her, Alex would join her within the hour. She wished to make ready for him,
she'd already picked out her most alluring nightrail, mainly a slip of translucent silk with lace panels. She looked across at Phillipa and Henrietta regarding her with weary eyes. Rising she said, 'Papa forgive me for intruding, but I fear we are wearied with the long hours. Would you give us leave to retire?'

The
earl raised his eyebrows with astonishment. His renegade daughter was actually begging permission to leave the table. He beamed. 'Of course my pet, of course. Come kiss your papa good night.' Turning to the gentlemen still seated, he said, 'I think we have covered everything gentlemen. Let us all retire; it's been a long night. Please ring for refreshments if you have need of them.'

Vaughan smiled inwardly, now he could escort his beautiful girl to her room. As he rose, pushing back his chair, Alex sidled up to him.
'Just a whisper. You know of the secret passageways?'

Vaughan grinned. 'Indeed and I intend to make full use of them this very night.' Grinning, Alex strode away to take Isa's arm.

Vaughan stopped outside the door to Henrietta's room, her pretty violet eyes looked up at him as she whispered, 'Rest well my love. I cannot wait to see you in the morning.'

Vaughan smiled, as he bowed and kissed her gloved hand. Little did she know she would see him in her bed
room, within the next half-hour.

Seeing a nightrail already placed on the bed for her, Henrietta waited patiently whilst the
maid untied the strings of her dress. Once in night attire, she sat at the dressing table, as Bessie unbraided and brushed the waist length mass of golden waves.

'Oh milady, tis pretty hair you have.'

Henrietta smiled thinking of her beloved Vaughan. Soon they would marry, and he would trail his fingers through the white blond curls and lead her to the bed. She quivered, as she thought of his hand on her bottom. She must break that train of thought; it was quite naughty and unbecoming of a lady. 'Thank you Bessie. That will do for now.'

Before climbing into the silken sheets, she warmed her hands over the small fire in the grate. Luxuriating in the soft down of the mattress, again Vaughan intruded upon her thoughts. What would it be like to have him beside her? What would they do? Her mama refused to discuss anything that happened in the bedroom, saying it was unseemly for women to discuss such carnal matters. Her only advice was she be dutiful, and suffer her husband to have his way, to be obedient to his whims, however tiresome or foolish. Her duty was to bear him children, to produce the next heir to the title. However, what were those whims, and how did she produce a child?

A light tap on the wood panelling beside the headboard startled her. As she stared, a panel slid open to reveal Vaughan, his blond curls a burnished gold in the candlelight. Shocked, she almost screamed, but he put a finger to his lips. Leaping out of the bed, she stood panting before him, her pert bosom heaving. 'You should not be here, tis sinful. Leave now.'

Vaughan
grinned opening his arms, stretching out his hands, as he advanced toward her.

Stretching out her hands to ward him off, Henrietta said louder, 'Get out - you can't do this - it isn't right.' Her gaze travelled over the shirt open to his waist, the hard muscles bronzed and glistening, the thick mat of blond curls across his chest, the narrow waist.

He wanted her badly - now. This virginal girl, this pretty little thing was his in a few days' time. Surely, he could wait? At present, he had a mistress installed in an apartment in a town some fifteen miles away. He would visit her tomorrow; assuage his lust. Stretching out his arms, he pulled Henrietta to him, her soft cheek resting on the blond curls of his chest. 'Etta - darling Etta, Just one little kiss - just one and then I promise I'll be gone.' Henrietta felt her body quiver. Did she want him to go? She had the most peculiar feelings racing through her body and all of them pleasurable. She had to be wary, not let him be indecorous, it was dangerous. This was not the gentle Vaughan she knew.

Vaughan bent to her lips, his voice a thick growl.
'Just one kiss.' His tongue flicked over the full moist lips, pushing through pearly white teeth. He groaned, tasting her sweetness as he flicked over the inside of her cheeks. He felt her hands push him away, as his tongue rolled around hers. Ignoring the gentle resistance, he massaged the small of her back as she moulded to him, her fingers tugging at his blond curls.  She was responding – submitting. His groin felt on fire. He looked down to see her eyes closed, her lips quivering. Lifting his head, he smothered her face in kisses, her forehead, the tip of her retroussé nose, her lips and her throat. Crushing her to him, he felt her shapely little body fitting into his angles. God she was beautiful. Could he stop, or would he ravish her now? He felt one of her lissome legs lift and drape around his. My God, she was ready. His hands encircled the tiny waist pulling her against him. Hearing her gasp and shudder, he lifted her, and despite her remonstrance, gently laid her on the bed, covering her with his body.

Rising on his elbows, he looked down at her lips swollen with his kisses, her eyes wide, pleading.
For more? Or, for him to desist? Licking her ear, he murmured thickly. 'My goddess, I love you Henrietta - need you. I've longed for this, dreamt of it night after night.'

Henrietta lay beneath him, her heart racing, and body trembling, whilst her hips instinctively arched towards him.
‘We must not do this Vaughan – desist. I mean it.'

As he
reluctantly rolled off her, Henrietta sat up, her voice tremulous. 'Am I pregnant?'

His eyes widened. 'What do you mean?'

'Well, you laid on me. My friend said that if you lie with a man, you would be pregnant. It doesn't take long.'

'My dear girl - that is nonsense.'

'But you touched me, and I had peculiar feelings. I mean they were very pleasant and not at all painful. My friend —'

'Etta, you are not pregnant.
I really….' He frowned; he would have to take this very slowly. Gently, he drew her to him. 'I see I shall have to teach you. I promise you, you will enjoy it. So for now darling, let us just kiss and cuddle.'

He dampened his ardour, he must not frighten her,
he needed her dowry. Soon they would be wed, and he could introduce her to the delights of the bedroom. It appeared from her distress and fear that it would take some time, Their first night would not be one of passion, but gentleness.  There was no way he would get rid of his mistress. How could he exchange the delights of Esther’s bed for this frightened frigid virgin. As he stroked her blond locks, he thought about his wedding night, perhaps somehow he'd have time to teach Etta, but then he only had another night here. Once they returned to her parent's estate, it would be impossible to be alone with her.

As she moved in his arms, his face lit up, of course - yes - of course. Kissing her forehead, he said, 'I have a little book that might help you.'

She giggled, 'Is it naughty?'

'Err - yes.'

'Then I should not read it, young ladies—'

'Hush.'