Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) (12 page)

Ambros, bent over, pinching the child’s nostrils together, and placed his lips on hers, for several breaths. Still the little girl did not respond.  The mother’s wails changed to screams, whilst others started to bawl out advice.  Above the raised voices, Ambros shouted to a couple of soldiers watching nearby, ‘Get some bellows and tobacco – quickly.’

As he waited, he opened the girl’s mouth, tickling the back of her throat
, but with no success. Laying a hand on her chest, he said, ‘Her heart still beats. If we can get her to breathe, she’ll survive.’

Some of the soldiers were already lighting campfires, so the men quickly returned with bellows and pipes.  Ambros snatched the pipe, sucked on it, blew the smoke into the girl’s throat, and then applied the bellows. As he pumped smoke into the child’s lungs, Henrietta massaged the little chest. Pulling out the bellows Ambros leant back on his legs, watching intently for any sign of resuscitation. As his heart sank, so the child gasped, gurgled and coughed, regurgitating brown brackish water. The women shrieked, whilst Henrietta slumped back to the ground, exhausted.

She looked up to see Ambros, his face tinged with blue. She realized he too almost drowned, trying to save the child. As she rose to her feet, to her dismay, she saw two or three other children lying still and silent on the ground, with people desperately trying the same methods to revive them. She turned to see people climbing the opposite bank, grooms urging horses, the carriages and guns rolling up the slick mud.  It was like a scene from Hades, as women dragged screaming children to safety, a scene that would be the source of her nightmares for years to come.’ 

She felt strong arms slip around her waist, heard the soft whisper, ‘My love, my dear brave girl.’

Turning, she burrowed into his chest. ‘Ambros – dear God – I thought I’d lost you.’ In that moment, she felt an emotion, deep and dark, a hunger that would never be filled. Yet, she knew intuitively the darkness held joy and the light to come.

***

It did not seem possible that men could erect a tent in so short a time. The foot soldiers put up makeshift tents by stretching the tarpaulin over poles, providing shelter on three sides but with no front cover or flooring. However, the officers took pains to see the soldiers erected full-size  tents for them replete with an offside bedroom, an annexe for the chef and also a front cover overall, providing the  utmost privacy. Henrietta watched, as the soldiers pulled the ropes tight hammering in the pegs, after which, they laid sturdy carpets over tarpaulin. Even in such dire conditions, it appeared the duke insisted on his comfort.  Amazed she watched the table being set with linen covers, candelabras, and silver settings.

‘So how did your men get all this across safely?’ Henrietta asked.

’The wagons are sturdy and can resist strong currents. Sadly, not so with the carriage.  It was a freak current, that comes every so often. Thankfully, there is not much damage to the structure, but the inside will have to be completely reupholstered.’

‘So we will not be able to use it tomorrow then?’

‘Alas no, I can procure a seat for you in one of the other carriages.’

‘No, I would prefer to ride Ambros. I hate the thought of sitting with women whom I do not know. I might be very unlucky
, and sit with some, whom I am afraid do not adhere to the new fashion of cleanliness. Furthermore, they do so like to scandal gossip going into the most intimate details.’

‘Hmm, it is a popular past-time I believe
for you ladies.’

‘Not so, you horrid man, that is a fustian observation. There are many of us who enjoy stimulating conversation. Don’t brand us all as being empty headed fribblers.’

‘My apologies, but I must say I am surprised at your strength in saving the child’s life and mine, especially in your weakened state though the sea sickness.’

‘I think fear can drive the body to strengths far beyond what we ever thought possible. Hmm, I know of one woman who was out riding with her husband in their new curricle. Unfortunately, he was reckless and drove the horses too fast; the curricle overturned, and he was trapped
under one of the wheels. The wife could see him struggling for breath, so she ran to him, and bodily lifted the wheel off his chest. It saved his life’

‘I am in your debt for the rest of my life.'  Ambros put his arm around her shoulders. ‘Now what say you of the table?’

‘It is stunning, but you have quite a few places laid.’

‘Hmm – methought some light company would cheer
you up. We might as well set it all up now, as we shall be early to bed, for we travel at dawn.’

‘I fear sharing a tent is quite out of the question – good lord, what would people think?’

Even though she suffered with the knowledge of Vaughan’s cold hearted betrayal, she still had to uphold the rubrics of propriety.    

‘This is war Henrietta; the same rules do not apply. For goodness sake, m’dear, as much as I want to, I will not ravish you. And, you have your maid as a chaperone at night.’

‘Now that makes me feel really safe.’ Trying to appear composed, she said, dryly. ‘As for the rules of war they do not seem to apply to your table, or the carpets and chairs. You have even brought a brass bedstead.’

‘For you princess, I wish I could share it with you.
’

‘You are impossible Ambros;
my heart is breaking. How could you? You promised to be my friend, and once again, you flirt with me, tis shallow behaviour.’

‘My darling,
forgive me.’ He rushed to her side, taking her small hands in his. ‘I am well aware of your anguish. I feel a cur for having to tell you of the man’s foulness. I am tarred with the same brush for agreeing to such a dark deed. But I must admit he approached me knowing of my err … rakish ways, but buying a young wife is not one of them. He talked to the wrong man.’

‘So why did you—’

I did it with the intent of saving you.  I can assure you; I cannot allow the bastard to ruin your young life.’

‘Oh Ambros how am I going to face him?
However, I must needs do so, I have to hear it from his lips.’

‘I can understand that, and I admire your courage for not running away from the situation.’ Holding her closer, he said, ‘Because I love you, I suffer also. Never think my dear girl, that I do not appreciate the depth of your suffering. Tis a harrowing experience. I just want to get you through this. Be assured, I would never harm you.’

‘I know that now
Ambros, I just don’t know how I can cope—’

‘You just lift
that chin of yours; I am with you. We can’t allow the ton to get a hint of this wretched business. It would be the story of the decade.’

Ambros kissed the top of her head, ‘Now as to the luxury of the tent, we may be at war for months, nay even years, so we need some comfort if we are to fight what will assuredly be some bloody battles.’

She watched him tenderly
as he turned his attention to the footmen giving instructions, as to the placement of oil lamps. He was indeed a kind and gentle man. 

She saw his footmen talking to a small group of men carrying a violin and brass instrument cases. ‘Surely not,’ she
said, ‘tell me you have not brought your musicians as well?’

‘Of course, we have drums and trumpets to pipe us into battle, and we have our music to cheer us up at dinner.’

‘Forgive me, it is just I am so surprised. I thought it would be spartan tarpaulin tents, cauldrons of pottage and everywhere – mud. I was delighted when I could bring my horse Daisy, but it appears there are all sorts of pets here. However, I do not see a peacock.’

‘Too noisy,
they will alert the enemy – silly creatures.’

They turned to the shrill female voice. ‘My dearest girl – I heard the news, and rushed here, as soon as I could.’

Henrietta turned to see Drucy, the Duchess of Eddingsworth approaching with her husband the Duke, in tow. Henrietta wilted, she could not show her grief. ‘Duchess – why it is so good to see you,’ she said forcing a tight smile. ‘Allow me to introduce my very good friend, the Duke of Wiltshire.’

Ambros took the Duchess’s outstretched hand, kissing the air above her knuckles.’

‘We have met, and I am charmed to see you again Duchess – quite charmed.’ He meant it, as he took in the ebony curls and winsome face, with large dark brown eyes and rosebud lips.

‘So where is that rascal of a husband of yours?’ the Duchess enquired, glancing around the darkening fields, now cluttered with camp fires and tents, and thronging with animals, people and children. Already the air was pungent with the succulent aromas of roasting meat on spits with vegetables boiling in copper pottage pots.

Your Grace, I know not—’

‘Dearest, call me Drucy – remember?’

Henrietta curtseyed ‘Forgive me, Drucy,’ she said hesitantly. ‘My husband was at the front of the column with the Colonel, so they were some miles ahead of us.  They inform us they will strike camp there, and we can catch up with them tomorrow.’

‘I hear a woman, and a couple of children were lost
– how tragic.’

‘Yes, but it was through the bravery of our Lady Henrietta that we managed to save one child.' Ambros said. ‘Indeed she saved me as well, as I was fighting for breath when she swam down to us.’

‘Good Lord – was that you Henrietta? I heard there was some brave woman who saved a man and child; my goodness – it was you? You actually dived into those terrible waters?’

Henrietta reddened, lowering her eyes.  She realized now it was love that drove her into the fearsome waters, love for this incorrigible man standing beside her, a love she must hide
, until she heard the truth from Vaughan’s lips only then could she act.  Forcing a smile, she said, ‘I jumped in before I could think.  All I knew was they had both disappeared, the child and his Grace.’ But I must say it was his Grace, who saved the child on the bank.’

‘So pray tell me Duke, how you achieved that?’

‘Using the Amsterdam method Duchess.  We soldiers are privy to many lifesaving methods, and the Amsterdam one is of prime importance for soldiers at sea, or traversing wild terrain with treacherous rivers and bottomless lakes.’

‘I declare, you both deserved to be commended. I shall see to it.’ the Duchess said. ‘Duke, I am known as Drucy so please address me so from now on. I hope we can all be friends, on this perilous journey.’

‘My pleasure Drucy.’ Once more, Ambros took the lady’s hand, kissing the air above her knuckles.

‘I think it is quite perfect, a handsome man, such looks are nectar to a woman’s eyes, and to taste them sublime.’

Her husband guffawed, ‘Have to watch her Wiltshire – my wife would charm a pugilist into writing sonnets.’

‘So Henrietta, how fared your luggage in the catastrophe?’ the little Duchess enquired.

‘Sadly, I lost most of it. The trunks tumbled into the river, and the water seeped in. I managed to save only two dresses, but I will be alright.’

‘No she will not’ Ambros intervened.  ‘What Henrietta managed to save, looks like beggars rags, completely despoiled by filthy river water.’

‘Really Ambros.’ Henrietta rounded on him, ‘I can do perfectly well; I shall have Milly wash them and dry them before the fire.’ Yet, as she said it, her stomach clenched, the pink muslin dress now looked a drab grey, whilst her green silk was limp and shrivelled. Nevertheless, the Duchess was a good three sizes larger than she was, so they would not fit anyway, let alone embarrassing the lady. 

‘I will not hear of it, my dearest,’ the Duchess said, putting her arm around her. ‘You are to come with me and choose what you will. I have a more than ample wardrobe.’

‘But Drucy – I cannot—’

‘I shall hear no more.  Come along. Soon it will be quite dark, and you will not appreciate the colours in the light of a candle.’

‘I know not how to thank you for this Drucy – but are you sure.’

‘Fie upon you.
  Come – what fun. I will have my maids take them in for you. One is my seamstress, quite excellent with her needle; she worked previously for a leading modiste before I managed to persuade her to join me.  You are such a slight frame, whereas I am deemed to be fairly plump.’

‘Never Drucy.
You have a superb figure.’ Ambros said, ‘Quite enchanting’

‘See
Anton?’ the little lady grinned at her husband, ‘like you, some men appreciate the fuller figure.’

‘Good to feel a plump woman in my arms madam.’ The duke guffawed again, ending with a braying laugh.

‘Hmm, now you flatter me.’ The duchess beamed, aware that she was indeed a beauty in her own right.  Henrietta on the other hand, was so relieved; at least, it would cause no embarrassment to the duchess to instruct her maids to make the clothes a few sizes smaller.

As they made to go, Ambros said,
‘Drucy, I would be honoured if you and Anton would dine with us this evening. My chef is already preparing a sumptuous meal.’

‘Now that is glad news, old fellow.’ Eddingsworth beamed, twirling his moustache. ‘With that dreadful crossing we lost most of our victuals. Methought, we’d be dining in the mess tent tonight.’

‘Oh Anton you do exaggerate.’ The duchess laughed, ‘But it would have been a Spartan meal. How come you saved yours?’

‘I have a very nervous chef Drucy – prone to hysterics. Indeed to listen to him at times, one would think he was a bedlamite.’ Ambros said, his eyes twinkling. ‘He insisted amongst
much screaming, and the most foul language that the soldiers prepare a raft, upon which the food was secured.  Hence we can offer you a tempting repast tonight.’

Henrietta frowned, ‘So did your carriage capsize also Drucy?’

‘No, our horses are like oxen; they managed to remain firm to the riverbed and swam only when necessary. However, a couple of cases carrying the food became water logged. It seems it was only your carriage and one wagon that came to grief. But, come my dearest; let us now go choose some gowns, and other necessaries for you.’  

As they made their way to the Eddingsworth tent,
Drucy caught hold of her hand and whispered softly, ‘My dearest, you look tense, pray is something troubling you?’

Henrietta held her breath, she truly liked
this little woman, and part of her wanted to share her sorrow, but heeding Ambros’s warning, she kept her counsel.

Entering the tent, Henrietta was amazed to see the tent furnished with an Aubusson carpet, a silk chaise longue and upholstered chairs.  Within minutes, the Duchess had the maids presenting so many gowns, morning, afternoon and evening. However, as Henrietta thought, they came only to her mid-calf and were far too big on the waist and hips. It seemed they shared the same bosom size, which caused some giggles.  Seeing her concern, the Duchess caught hold of her hands. ‘Do not worry so dearest, Jeannette, will work wonders.’ The emaciated looking woman with a pale face and huge overbite gave a slight curtsey and immediately took out her tape measure as the Duchess cooed, ‘So which gowns do you like dearest?’

Henrietta liked most of them; the Duchess had exquisite taste.  Hesitantly, she pointed to a ball gown of watered blue silk over which hung swathes of ivory tulle, with ruched Valenciennes lace decorating the puffed sleeves and hem.’

The seamstress bent, and measured from Henrietta’s mid-calf to the top of her heel. Looking up to the Duchess she said, ‘I will fashion some bands for the hems with rosettes and ruching, I have a goodly supply of rosettes so it will be easy to do. I will make the hems heavy as well, so they lie flat. Then I can take in the seams to fit.’

‘So how long will it take you Jeannette?’ the Duchess enquired, her pretty face earnest.’

‘With the help of Pamela and Betsy we could have a gown ready for this evening’s dinner your Grace.’

‘Well done my dear.’ Looking at Henrietta, she said, ‘So how find you the dress?’  

Henrietta murmured, ‘The bodice has a deep décolletage Drucy. I wonder if we should higher it or put a fischu in place.’

‘But why dearest, you have the most beautiful bosoms.’

‘I couldn’t, I—‘

‘Try it m’dear, after all it is the latest fashion. T’will speedily catch a gentleman’s attention.’

Still laughing Henrietta shook her head, but did not suggest heightening the bodice; otherwise, the Duchess may suggest something even more extreme. Her thoughts turned to the night ahead.  Would Ambros keep his word, or would he steal into the bed in the night? If he were so intent, he would just order
Milly from the little bedroom.  No, she argued to herself, of course he would not, but then, her stomach clenched telling her she hoped otherwise.’