Romance: REGENCY ROMANCE: A Duchess in Distress (Historical Regency Romance Duke) (Rake Duke Arranged Marriage Short Stories) (14 page)

He is the only officer to be awarded an honor of the magnitude after this most difficult battle.

''What do you think of that, then?'' Alice's father asked her, when she'd finished reading.

Sophia was too emotional to answer. ''Is Alice at home?'' she asked after a short time. I must speak to her.

''I believe she is. Alice,'' he shouted at the top of his voice.

''Father why do you have to shout so.....oh hello Sophia. What a hero David is. I am so pleased he has returned to you safely.''

''So am I. Alice can I please talk to you? I need your help most urgently.''

The two ladies walked into the garden and sat under an apple tree.

''Alice, I have been most senseless and shortsighted. May the Lord strike me down for the injustices I have done to David. When he returned to me he was magnificent in bed and totally exhausted me.''

''Then why was he so pathetic on your wedding night?''

''He was afraid. He knew he would go to war and the poor man was frightened. It is totally understandable, if you give it some thought.''

Alice looked at Sophia and nodded. ''Indeed it is. Oh, I have just realized your problem. You and the Duke.''

''Yes, precisely. I now have the most enormous problem. I do not want to be unfaithful to David. He is the most wonderful man. Sensitive and brave. But I know you told me how difficult the Duke can be. What am I to do?''

''Go to him and tell him. All you can do is throw yourself at his mercy. Your husband is a national hero, he may understand and let you go.''

''Very well, I agree. I have no choice but to ask for him to be sympathetic to my situation.''

*****

12 Greys Inn didn't look so inviting as it had when Sophia stood outside the door. She knocked and waited. After what seemed like an age, the Duke answered. His shirt was open and his hair disheveled. He had lip rouge on his neck.

''Sophia, it isn't' our day. Go away, I'm busy.''

''Please, my Lord. I need just the briefest moment of your time.''

''Then prey speak woman. I haven't got all day.''

''I am afraid I cannot see you any longer. My husband has returned home and it is my intention to remain faithful to him from now on. I am sorry. I ask you to accept my decision.''

''Madam, you are a disgrace. First you come to me because your husband can't get it up. You beg me to relieve you of your sexual burden, and now you are rejecting me for the very man that drove you to me.” The Duke grabbed Sophia’s arm. “Unfortunately for you, I will not be used in that way. You will uphold the arrangement we have. You will visit me, every three days or I will expose you and your husband. I don't think he would find it very amusing if society suddenly finds out he has problems satisfying his wife.''

''Is that your final word, my Lord? Can I not throw myself on your mercy? I have been foolish and feel punished enough. Please my Lord, don't make my suffering any greater.''

''You should have thought about that before you betrayed your husband. What kind of a woman are you?''

''The very worst kind, it seems.''

''Yes. And if you are not in my bed on Wednesday as we agreed, you will regret it for the rest of your life.''

*****

Sophia stood in front of the most imposing building she had ever seen. As she looked up she saw the words, 'War Office.' She held her breath for a second and pulled the giant oak door open. When she was inside, she saw the most beautiful staircase. It was a split staircase that joined on a platform halfway up. The hallway she was in echoed with footsteps, as civil servants walked to and fro about their business.

She walked up to a desk behind which a bald man was sitting. He looked over his spectacles and said, ''Yes, madam. How may I help?''

''Good afternoon. I was wondering, if it might be possible to have a word with the Duke of Wellington?''

The man looked her up and down and began to laugh. ''The Duke of Wellington?
THE
Duke of Wellington,'' he mocked. ''The Commander in Chief of all British Forces. The man who has just won our country its freedom at Waterloo. Do you mean that Duke of Wellington or is there someone else here with that name?''

''You mock me, sir. Perhaps I am deserving of it. However, I would kindly ask you if it is possible to make an appointment with the Duke?''

''Madam have you just lost your husband at the Battle? Because if you have, there is a building just down the road to which you can go for support.''

''No, I haven't just lost my husband, thank God. I need to see the Duke.''

''Really. There is no more I can do for you. The Duke of Wellington is a national hero, he doesn't have time to see people who just drop in off the street.''

''My husband is Captain David Marshall.''

The man stood up suddenly and bowed. ''Please forgive my impertinence. We do however from time to time get some ridiculous requests. Now let me see. I have no idea whether the Duke is in the building or not. If you would kindly wait here, I will see.''

''Thank you,'' Sophia said gratefully.

When the clerk returned, he just nodded and gestured. Sophia followed him up the spectacular staircase and down a wide corridor. They stopped outside a double door and the man knocked. He opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. It was a side office. A young man in uniform was sitting behind a desk. When he saw her, he stood up and bowed to her. ''Mrs. Marshall. It is an honor to meet you. Your husband is one of the bravest men to have served in the British Army. You must be very proud of him.''

''I am very proud of him.''

''The Duke has asked me to keep you here for a few moments while he finishes his meeting. Would you be kind enough to take a seat?''

Sophia sat down and watched the young officer continue writing. He was very young indeed. The sound of horses’ hooves rose from the street below as she looked out of the giant sash window up to the sky.

When the double door to the main office opened, the young man sprang to attention. The man who left the office looked terribly important and vaguely familiar to her. When she realized it was the Earl of Liverpool, the Prime Minster, she felt out of her depth and suddenly very nervous.

The young man came from behind his desk. ''Madam, please follow me.''

''My Lord, this is Mrs. Marshall.''

Sophia curtsied as the Duke of Wellington got up from his chair, came round the table and took her hand.

''Madam. It is a pleasure to meet you,” the Duke said. “Your husband is a brave man. One of only a few it has been my pleasure to command. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?''

Sophia studied the Duke of Wellington. He was tall and had dark hair, brushed forward. He was well over six feet and broader than any man she had ever seen. He looked like a Roman Emperor more than a British General.

''My Lord, it is kind of you to see me. I am humbled that you found the time. I will come to the point. I will only ever in my life ask you once for your help, and that day is today. While my husband was away defending his country, I was propositioned by a man of the most devious character. I flatly refused his advances. Since that time, he has threatened to make up a story about my husband that simply is not true. My husband has been through a lot, and I do not want to burden him.''

The Duke studied Sophia now. He was charmed by her. After years of military service, it was always refreshing to see beautiful women in his office and not stuffy politicians. This was the country he fought for, a country that could produce magnificent women like Sophia.

''I see. And what, may I ask, is this man threatening to say about your husband?''

''My Lord. It is a very delicate matter and one a lady should in all probability not discuss outside the home. However, I feel I have no choice. In plain words this man has told me that if I don't lie with him, he will tell the world that my husband is impotent.''

''I see, and why can't you just tell this man to be off and have done with him?''

''Because my Lord, he is the Duke of Beaufort, one of the richest men in London. Who will believe me and my husband against a man as powerful as him? He has the power to ruin us.''

The Duke raised an eyebrow and Sophia noticed a look of anger cross his face. ''Jenkins,'' the Duke shouted. The young man appeared.

''Find out where the Duke of Beaufort lives, send some men round to his home and drag him here. At once.''

''My Lord, I can tell you where this despicable character is usually to be found. 12 Greys Inn.''

''You heard the lady, Jenkins. Send twenty men round there and bring him to me.''

*****

Sophia passed a very agreeable hour with the Duke of Wellington. He told her story after story about battles he had been involved in, and campaigns he had fought. He also talked about Napoleon. When he referred to David, the Duke was especially complimentary. ''Your husband can go to the top of the military if he so wishes. He is a man of steel,'' he said.

''He was very frightened before he left for France, my Lord,'' she said.

''There is not a man alive who isn't frightened of battle. I have seen grown men cry like babies before a battle, but once it started, stand their ground and fight with dignity. Do you think I am not frightened sometimes?''

''My Lord. I have learned a lot in the last few days about the feelings of a man and I would not suggest that at some point in your life you have not been scared of something.''

''You are correct. I am often scared, but I march on through it.''

There was a knock at the door. It was Jenkins. ''My Lord, the man is here, I have to tell you he is being rather difficult.''

''No matter, show him in.''

The Duke stood up as a handful of guards carried the Duke of Beaufort into the room. When he saw Sophia, he scowled at her. ''Is this the man of whom you spoke?'' the Duke of Wellington asked.

Sophia nodded.

''Alright. Men set him down.'' They dropped the Duke and he landed in a heap on the floor.

As he looked up he saw the imposing figure of the Duke of Wellington towering above him.

''I hear you have been less than kind to this young lady. What do you say?'' The Duke of Wellington said.

''My Lord, I think there must have been some misunderstanding. Miss Sophia is a delightful young lady. No one could ever do her harm. I do not know to what you refer.''

''Let me make it plain. If you contact this lady again or even speak of her to anyone, or if you contact her husband or even speak of him to anyone, I will have my henchmen, as you call them, hang you from London Bridge. I command thousands of men, and I am sure a lot of them would be only too happy to take a man, who spends his time avoiding military duty and blackmailing women, to the bridge to have some fun with. Do you understand?

''Yes, my Lord. I do.''

*****

Sophia sat on the edge of their bed and looked at David asleep. It was well into the afternoon, and he had slept all day. When she stroked his hair. He opened an eye. ''Hello, my love,'' she said. ''How did you sleep?''

''Long and well. I feel quite refreshed now. What have you been doing today?''

''Oh, I went to see Alice, and I had a few things to attend to in town. Nothing too important.” Sophia brushed her husband’s cheek. “I am so proud of you, words cannot begin to explain.''

*****

THE END

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Here is a FREE bonus 10000 word romance story “The Storm of the Season” by Sarah Thorn.

The Storm of the Season-A Regency Romance

Chapter 1

“Ernest, thank heavens. You're back. I can't find Charlotte anywhere, and I can't find Mary either,'' Lady Melbourne shouted, as her husband climbed the steps to their mansion, Eaton Hall. ''I've been waiting an age for you to return. Why do those regimental dinners go on for so long? You're just a bunch of old soldiers, what on earth do you have to talk about until deep into the night?''

''Deep in the night? It's only ten-fifteen. We talk about old times and have the odd glass.''

''And the way you climbed those steps, it looks as though you've had a few too many. Really, Ernest, you are a shambles. Now go and find Charlotte. I really do not want to have to tell the Duke, that his beloved Charlotte has disappeared.''

''When did you last see her?'' Lord Melbourne asked, slightly unsteady on his feet. He'd spent the evening at the monthly dinner of his old regiment, the Hussars. In his day, Lord Melbourne had been a dashing officer, who'd led his men into battle. Now he was a henpecked, fifty-three year old, with little to do all day, but remember past campaigns.

''Before you left. I think around four o'clock. She had tea in the drawing room. I haven't seen her since.''

''And where do you suggest I look at this time in the evening? It's pitch black outside. And by the feel of it, it's about to pour down.''

''Ernest, please don't talk to me like that. We have a household of fifty servants, half of them male. Take them, and find the blessed girl.''

Lord Melbourne took four footmen, three stable hands, two gardeners and Lewis, the butler. He knew their search would prove fruitless, but if he didn't appease his wife, he wouldn't hear the last of it. After twenty-five years of marriage, he knew that incurring the wrath of his wife was not a good idea. ''Listen, men, it's started to pour down. My daughter won't be out on the estate in this weather. I suggest we go down to the village and have a brandy.''

The men nodded in agreement. They were grateful they would be able to sit in front of the warm fire at the Ship Inn, and drink.

****

''And, did you find her?'' Lady Melbourne shouted as the men walked back up the drive, some hours later.

''No dear, we've searched every inch of this three hundred hectare estate. She's nowhere to be seen,'' her husband slurred.

''Ernest get inside now. And as for you men, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you think I was born yesterday? By the look of you, you haven't been searching for my daughter at all, you've been getting drunk in the Ship. None of you have mud on your boots. There will be consequences for all of you. Now be off to with you.” Lady Melbourne sighed. “And sit down Ernest, before you fall down. You're a disgrace to the family name. I have no idea why I married you. You've always been a drunk and a scoundrel. How many wenches were there in the Ship this evening? You're a Lord. You should behave like one.''

''My dear, calm yourself, and please don't start mentioning the fact that this estate belongs to you. I am perfectly aware of it. You remind me almost daily. However, I am Lord Melbourne, not you.''

''You're drunk. You only had the name Lord, when I married you, nothing else. You were penniless. Without me, you would be living in a tiny house, on your paltry army pension. Now get to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I'll inform the Duke.''

****

''Miss, it's raining so hard, we'll have to put into the next Inn. It looks like it may thunder and I don't want the horses frightened.''

''Of course. That would be very dangerous indeed,'' Charlotte said to the coachman. ''Oh Mary, did you hear that? We're going to have to stop. We've only been traveling for five hours. It's much too close to home. Somebody will surely discover us.''

''Calm yourself, Miss Charlotte. I think, we have come a long way. It won't be easy for anyone from Eaton Hall to find us.''

''I'm not worried about anybody from Eaton Hall. But I am worried the Duke will send some of his henchmen to find me.''

''Miss Charlotte, I hate to see you so upset. Please try to calm yourself. If you continue to worry, you'll make yourself ill.''

''Oh Mary, you're so kind. I really don't know what I would do without you. I am so thankful to you for accompanying me.''             

''Not at all. I am your faithful servant. I will always do as you ask. It has pained me greatly to see you so unhappy since your betrothal to the Duke.''

''Forced betrothal, I may add. I hate that man, and my mother, for doing this to me. My mother just wanted me to marry him because he is a Duke. He's old, unpleasant and cruel. I'm afraid to say, my mother is so engulfed in status, that she knows nothing of love. She only married my father because he had a title. I don't believe she loved him. She just wanted to be Lady Melbourne. She bought my father with her vast wealth.''

Mary was concerned about Charlotte's welfare. Mary had come to Eaton Hall some five years earlier, when Charlotte had just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She was Charlotte's first lady's maid. The two young women got on famously, from the very first day. On some occasions, they'd filled Eaton Hall with so much laughter and gaiety, even the servants began to smile again. That hadn't happened for many a year. Charlotte's mother had tried to dampen their spirits by telling her daughter, that Mary was just a servant and should be treated as one. Charlotte hadn't listened, and their relationship was more that of two friends, than mistress and servant.

''It looks like we're here,'' Mary said, as the coach lunged into a deep rut in the road. ''I'll wait, and get our bags, you go inside and warm yourself. It's a foul night, and I don't want you catching a cold.''

Charlotte nodded, and when the coach pulled into the Inn's courtyard, she accepted the coachman's arm, dismounted, and went inside.

The Innkeeper looked at Charlotte and raised his eyebrows at her beauty. When he studied her, he noticed her piercing green eyes and the fine features of her face. She was tall and delicately built, but he did notice her ample bust.

''Miss, please, take a seat by the fire. It's a dreadful night. I heard this storm is likely to last for two days. No point in frightening the horses. You might as well stay here until the weather improves.''

Charlotte was upset to hear they may be held up for longer than one evening. She wanted to put as much distance between her and the Duke as possible, in the least amount of time.

When Mary arrived at the bar with their bags, the Innkeeper took both ladies upstairs and showed them to their chambers. Charlotte was surprised that an ordinary coaching station had such beautiful rooms. Inside, there was a small four-poster bed, a fireplace, and a wash stand. Some kind person had lit the fire, and it was beautifully warm.

''I'll hang your dresses up, and put your things in the drawers. The coachman told me; we might be here for quite a while. I don't want to leave your things in the damp bag,'' Mary said.

''Yes, thank you. I'm really disappointed we are here at all. We were supposed to be in Newark by now. I don't think we have made even half that distance.''

''Don't worry about that. What's important is that we are safe. What use would it be, if we had to spend the night inside the coach, in the middle of nowhere? Here, it's warm, and the beds looks comfortable.''

''But I'm so afraid the Duke will find me. Our wedding is only three weeks away, and if I have to marry him, I will end my life.''

''Let's go to sleep now. We'll see what the weather's like in the morning.''

Chapter 2

''Oh Mary, when will this dreadful storm finally cease?'' Charlotte asked as she looked out of the breakfast room window.

''I have no idea. Before you came down this morning, I asked the coachman, and he thinks we'll be here for another day. He won't leave while there is so much thunder around. The loud bangs frighten the horses, and if they bolt when they're pulling the coach, there could be dreadful accident.''

''Yes, I understand. Then we'll just have to wait. I've finished eating now, come and sit with me in the bar. There is a large table, where we can play cards.'' The two women sat comfortably in front of the fire and played whist.

Then the gust threw open the front door.

And he stepped in.

Everyone in the bar looked at him. The man was tall, muscular and rugged. As he closed the door behind him, he glanced around. He noticed two beautiful young women playing cards by the fire, an old man enjoying his first pint of the day, two coachmen, and the innkeeper. 

''Good day to you all. Innkeeper, a brandy please,'' he said, his voice booming across the room. ''A fire, excellent. Ladies, do you mind if I sit next to you? I have been out in this storm for hours, and I'm afraid I'm rather cold.''

Charlotte and Mary shuffled along the settle as the man took off his sodden cape and hat and sat down next to them.''

The Innkeeper brought him a brandy, and Charlotte studied him, nervously. Had the Duke sent him to find her, she asked herself? He looked as though he had had a hard life. He wasn't old, perhaps just three or four years older than Charlotte, but his rugged features made him look older. Charlotte found him attractive. It was his deep blue eyes and angular jaw. She wondered how he had got the scar on his cheek.

''Tell me, Sir, what made you ride through such inclement weather for so long that you are soaked to the skin?'' Charlotte asked.

“'I have to be in London by tomorrow, at the latest. But I fear the weather will prevent me. I have an important engagement there.''

''How interesting. I hope you don't think me too curious to ask you, but what is your line of business?''

''I'm an engineer. Tomorrow, I am to meet with the Duke of Westminster. He wants me to plan a new bridge over the Thames.''

Charlotte was suspicious. She hadn't liked him using the word Duke. It seemed to be a little too coincidental to her predicament. She also found it rather implausible, that the Duke of Westminster would choose a man from the North of England to build a bridge in London. Surely there were enough engineers in London, she thought.

''Are you two ladies waiting for the storm to pass before traveling further?''

''Yes, Sir. It's too dangerous for the horses to be out. We are going to wait here until it clears up,'' Charlotte said.

''Splendid. Then perhaps you will allow me to sit with you. I'll get some sherry.''

''It is really quite early for sherry. Perhaps tea?'' Mary said.

''No, Sherry will be fine. If we are to sit here all day, we may as well make merriment,'' Charlotte added.

''I'm am Ralph Bellington. I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance,'' he said as they each raised a glass.

''I am Georgina, and this is my maid Milly,'' Charlotte lied.

****

''Oh, you are so funny Ralph. That's a lovely story,'' Charlotte laughed. They had spent three hours sitting by the fire, drinking sherry and relating stories. Charlotte had been quite brilliant at making up a completely new life for her and Mary. They weren't from Eaton Hall but from Westfield Lodge. They weren't running away from the Duke but on their way to her cousin's wedding in London. Charlotte had lied perfectly throughout the whole afternoon, and she had enjoyed it enormously.

''Milly are you feeling alright?'' Charlotte asked as Mary's head sank to the table.

''I believe she is drunk, Miss Georgina,'' Ralph said.

''Oh dear, please help me. We have had rather a lot to drink. Will you help me to take her to her room?''

Charlotte and Ralph helped Mary to her feet and supported her, as they climbed the narrow staircase. They took off Mary's shoes and lay her on the bed.

''She'll be alright tomorrow. There's plenty of time for her to sleep it off,'' Ralph concluded.

''Yes, I hope so. Oops,'' Charlotte said, as she almost lost her footing and fell into Ralph's arms. ''I too have had a bit too much sherry. I think I should lie down. My room is next door.''

Ralph picked her up and carried her into the corridor. ''This way,'' Charlotte said. ''Please come inside with me.”

He put her down when they were in the room. As he was about to leave, there was a huge rumble of thunder. Charlotte jumped. ''I really don't like thunder, it scares me so. Would you mind if I asked you to stay with me?'' She wasn't really afraid, she just wanted to feel his strong arms around her. She wanted him to make her feel special. She'd had to spend so much time recently with the hateful Duke that she was now prepared to offer herself, without delay, to the handsome stranger. Albeit under the influence of several glasses of sherry.

''Of course. If you don't find it indelicate having a gentleman in your bedchamber in the middle of the afternoon.''

She took his hand and led him to the bed. She sat down on the edge and held his hands as he stood before her. ''Sir, I want you to make love to me. You are the most handsome man, I have ever met.''

He bent down and kissed her, and as he did so, Charlotte put her hands to his groin and felt the weight of his manhood.

He laughed. ''Madam is in high spirits, isn't she?''

''Yes, madam is,'' she said as she squeezed gently. ''Kiss me,'' she commanded. As their mouths locked, there was another clash of thunder. She felt its rumble throughout her entire body.