The Decadent Duke (45 page)

“Frightened of missing something, I warrant,” Georgy teased. “I shall turn you over to Mr. Burke, who has plenished a special chamber for you, overlooking the lake.”

“I am delighted that you are throwing a party. I hope this is only the first of many lavish entertainments hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Bedford at your magnificent Abbey of Woburn. I brought you a case of Scotch whiskey . . . Think of it as a birthday present from your father.”

“I'd rather have him, but I won't say no to the whiskey.”

Charlotte and Charles arrived with young Charlie and Mary. A second carriage held their younger children and their nursemaids. “You have more guts than brains to invite my entire brood.”

“The more the merrier, Charlotte. Wait until I have my own.”

Mary looked aghast. “You're not having a baby, Georgy?”

“Not that I know of. But my own children won't stop me from loving you, darling,” Georgina assured her favorite niece.

Charlotte rolled her eyes at her daughter. “Brace yourself, Mistress Inquisitive. A baby is inevitable.”

“I fervently hope so,” Georgy murmured wistfully.

In the afternoon, Dorothy and Harriet Cavendish arrived and brought their brother Will, Lord Hartington. He was fourteen, the same age as young Francis Russell. Since both boys would be attending Cambridge in September, they had become fast friends.

VThank you for inviting us, Georgy. I've always wanted to visit Woburn,” Dorothy declared. “Caro sends her regrets.”

Harriet winked at Georgina. “She came down with an acute case of duchessitis. Poor child turned quite green.”

“Goose-shit green, I sincerely hope,” Georgina jested.

When her brother, George, arrived, he picked her up, swung her around, and wished her happy birthday. “Marriage seems to agree with you, or is being a duchess what makes you sparkle?”

“Marriage does agree with me—I highly recommend it. The Duchess of Devonshire's daughters are here, if you are looking for a wife,” she teased.

“Alas, my heart is reserved for another.”

“Who is she? I promise not to breathe a word to Mother.”

“Her name is Elizabeth Brodie. She is very shy.”

“I never heard of the family.”

“Her father isn't titled. He's an India merchant.”

“You are most welcome to bring her to Woburn, George. John and I will keep your secret,” she promised.

Georgina turned and found her mother at her elbow. “Is there something you would like?”

“Yes, I'm off to Kinrara in a couple of days, while it is still summer. I'd like to take Helen with me. Since you have myriad servants, I'm sure you can manage without her.”

“Helen will love a trip to Scotland. I envy you both.”

The afternoon party was a roaring success, with the Russell boys acting as hosts. They dined outside, with tables laden with food and desserts that would appeal to young appetites. Because Georgina knew that children loved to dress up, she provided the boys with shields and wooden swords and the girls with fairy wings and magic wands. They played musical chairs on the lawn, followed by blind man's buff and pin the fiery tail on the dragon. They had sack races and three-legged races, where Georgina tied her leg to Mary's. They fell down no less than six times, and laughed so much, they managed to come in dead last. Then Georgina's brother, George, led the older children on a treasure hunt.

“I didn't realize that having uncles and cousins could be such fun,” Johnny told his father at the end of the party.

“I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Perhaps we can do it again on your birthday next month.”
It warms my heart to see Johnny so happy. He's been overly shy and quiet for too many years.

 
In the early evening the musicians arrived. While they were setting up their instruments in Woburn's gilded ballroom, Georgina went upstairs to dress. She was sitting at the dressing table in her own bedchamber having her hair dressed by one of her new maids when John came in from the master bedchamber and dismissed her attendant. Their eyes met in the mirror.

John set three large velvet boxes before her on the dressing table. “Happy birthday, Georgy.”

Her eyes widened as she realized he was giving her the famed Russell family jewels. As she opened the boxes, the sight of the brilliant diamonds against the black velvet took her breath away. There were necklaces, earrings, broaches, bracelets, and rings. “No one has worn these in three decades, and I warrant no one as beautiful as you in a century.”

“John, they are so splendid. I thank you with all my heart.” She put on a diamond necklace, and John fastened the clasp for her. “I won't wear one of my Paris gowns. They won't do my jewels justice. The white and silver gown from my debutante ball will show off my diamonds to perfection.”

John bent and kissed the nape of her neck. “I heartily wish all our guests at the back of beyond at this moment. I'd like to drape you in diamonds and carry you to bed.”

She laughed up at him. “And prevent me from being the belle of the ball? I think not, Bedford.” She tied his neckcloth and touched her lips to his. “You'll have to wait until dawn. After the Scottish dances, I'll need you to carry me to bed.”

In the ballroom, all the ladies gathered around Georgina to admire her jewels.

Lady Holland lifted Georgina's right hand to look at the exquisite solitaire ring. “The Russell diamonds are legendary. At long last there is a worthy Duchess of Bedford to wear them.”

Jane Gordon whispered to her daughter behind her fan, “I once told you if you could capture Bedford, the rewards would be beyond your wildest dreams.”

Her mother's words threatened to take away some of her pleasure.
You don't even remember that you were speaking of Francis.
Georgina closed her eyes.
I absolutely refuse to let the ghost of Francis Russell spoil my birthday.

 
“So this is where you are all hiding!” Georgina stood with hands on hips at the library door as she surveyed the room. John, Henry Holland, William Montagu, Charles Lennox, and her brother, Huntly, were smoking and drinking brandy. A sudden suspicion crossed her mind. “You weren't talking politics, were you? Oh, damn the lot of you for excluding me!”

The men laughed good-naturedly.

“Methinks the lady has designs on becoming a political hostess,” Henry declared.

“She'll get her chance sooner than she thinks.” John winked.

“Tell me, you devious devil!”

“While the government is in summer recess, we're going to host a get-together for Whigs and Tories at Woburn in a fortnight.”

Georgina gave her husband a radiant smile. “How exciting . . . I can't wait.” Scottish music floated from the ballroom. “Come quickly. They are playing the first strathspey. At midnight I've ordered them to play the 'Gey Gordons' when I intend to partner the decadent Duke of Bedford. Politics can wait.”

The men hooted. “Decadent, is he?”

Georgina rolled her eyes. “You have no idea.”

 
Two hours before dawn everyone gathered outside to watch a spectacular fireworks display.

Georgina leaned back against her husband, enjoying the brilliant colored illuminations that burst upon the dark sky. “This is a lovely surprise.”

“It was Mr. Burke's idea, but I'll gladly take credit for it. Happy birthday, Mrs. Russell.”

“I'm ready for some private skyrockets,” she teased. “You may carry me to bed now, Mr. Russell.”

 
The moment all the guests departed Woburn, Georgina began making plans for the political gathering on the first day of August. She consulted John about the guest list. “Politicians always have an agenda. What is it you hope to achieve?”

“You're a shrewd little minx. Why don't you tell me?”

“I suppose your ultimate goal is to get rid of Addington and replace him with Pitt as prime minister.”

“Trust you to get right to the heart of the matter. However, it won't be easy. It will take a deal of maneuvering. Henry tells me that Pitt seldom attended parliament before it recessed.”

“A clever tactic.” Georgina bit back
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
. She didn't want John to think of either Francis or his wife Elizabeth. “Pitt is wise enough to realize you never know the worth of water till the well goes dry.”

“I wonder if Pitt will accept our invitation to Woburn.”

“Why don't I write a note to Mother's dearest friend, Henry Dundas and ask him to persuade William to come?”

“That just might be the spur he needs. Write your letter.”

“Why don't you invite Pitt and Dundas to come a day early so you can discuss things in private before the others descend?”

“Your idea has merit. Holland should be here too—I will drop Henry a note.”

 
“I'm afraid we won't be able to dine
en famille
tonight. William Pitt and Henry Dundas are coming to dinner,” Georgina told her stepsons.

Francis spoke up. “William and I don't mind. Unlike Johnny, we find politics rather dull and boring. Be sure to look under the table to make sure the little pissant isn't there.”

Georgina was pleased to see Johnny give Francis a good thump over disparaging his lack of height. She had been urging him to stick up for himself all summer. “Johnny doesn't need to hide under the table—he knows I'll tell him everything that's said.”

“Ah, it's a conspiracy of the little people,” Francis teased.

Georgina gave her oldest stepson a box on the ears.

He grinned down at her. “If I grow any taller you won't be able to reach me.”

“Then I shall simply kick your arse!”

John overheard the exchange. He hid his amusement and asked sternly, “Have you been teaching my wife to use bad language?”

They hooted with laughter. Georgina had taught them to swear.

 
“Congratulations on your marriage, Bedford. I've known Lady Georgina since she was a child. You would have to search far and wide for a more accomplished mistress of Woburn.”

“Thank you, Mr. Pitt. I realize my good fortune.” John poured him a glass of claret since he did not drink strong liquor.

“Since I had no wife to fill the role, the Duchess of Gordon generously acted as my political hostess for years. She has uncanny powers of persuasion that even the king cannot resist.”

John nodded.
Georgina has all her mother's virtues, and none of her vices.
“Ah, here she comes now. My wife has the power to charm the ducks off the water.”

Georgina had Henry Dundas on one arm and Lord Holland on the other. She had been showing them the landscaping that Humphrey Repton had designed. When she saw Pitt, her face lit up. “William, how lovely to see you!” She went up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “It is my pleasure to welcome you to Woburn.”

She tucked her arm into his, led the way to the dining room, and seated the former prime minister of England on her right, between herself and the Duke of Bedford.

“I miss the House of Commons,” John lamented. “The House of Lords deals with frivolous matters. Last time I was there, they were voting on a bill of divorce for one of the members.” When William Pitt made no comment, John wondered how he could lead him into a discussion about the political situation.

John watched his beautiful wife work her magic. By using subtle flattery, she soon had Pitt talking about himself.

“I seldom attend parliament these days. My time is better spent at my house in Wimbledon than the House of Commons.”

“You aren't the only one, Mr. Pitt,” Henry declared. “The members had sparse attendance before the recess.”

“When you were prime minister, William, the benches were all filled, and there was standing-room only in the gallery,” Georgina said with admiration. “Your oratory skills are unmatched.”

“From what Lord Holland tells me, the Tory members are reluctant to give their support to Addington,” John said.

“Addington asked me to join the cabinet, but I declined,” Pitt confided.

Georgina gave Pitt her undivided attention. “Why did you refuse, William?”

“If I joined the cabinet, I would be unable to express my criticism of the government.”

“Is there something to criticize?” she prompted.

“Indeed there is, my dear. The government's mounting debt will soon be unmanageable. Changes are needed to the tax system, but the Whigs and Tories cannot agree, so nothing gets done.”

John jumped in with a leading question. “Mr. Pitt, are you opposed to a strict partisan political system?”

vI am indeed, Your Grace. I'm referred to as a Tory, but in reality, I am an independent Whig.” The amazing admission prompted Georgina to glance up at her husband. John's eyes met hers, and she knew they were thinking the same thing. When dessert was served, she skillfully changed the subject to opera, knowing Pitt was a devotee.

After everyone had retired, Georgina sat up in bed, impatiently waiting for John. When he arrived, the subject returned to politics. “Do you think Pitt could be persuaded to join the opposition?”

“Your thoughts mirror mine exactly. If Addington loses his parliamentary support, he will have to resign.”

“Will you suggest it to Pitt?”

“I'm not sure I could persuade him.” John slid his arms about her and drew her close. “You did your job as hostess exceedingly well tonight. Enough politics. Concentrate on your job as wife.”

She closed her eyes and offered up her mouth. Suddenly, she withdrew from the kiss. “I have it! Charles James Fox should be the one to invite Pitt to join the opposition.”