Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) (15 page)

Henrietta cringed at the thought of returning to Vaughan ‘No – never. It has not worked from the beginning.   We quarrelled because he refused to take me to Brussels.  On the eve of the wedding, I determined not to marry him and was about to tell mama, when I received a message and flowers, and changed my mind. I ignored the signs.’

‘I don’t know how to approach this Etta, but we must.
Please forgive me, what of the marriage bed?

‘I am still a virgin. I made up every excuse.’ Henrietta rose and paced the floor. ‘I am so confused Isa, I feel only repulsion with Vaughan, but with Ambros, I have these incredible feelings, I know it is sinful of me to yearn for him so, I know not if it is love, or just that awful word lust.’

Isa looked up earnestly into her eyes. ‘Does your spine tingle, stomach ripple, just thinking of him?’

‘Yes – yes and, more.’

‘Then tis he you love Etta.’ Isa said, rising to put her arm around her. 

‘But how do I know it is not lust?’

‘Come now, think.’ Isa said, hugging her.  ‘Do you long for his company? Yearn to hear his voice?’

‘Yes – yes I do; I miss him now so much.’
enrietta put her hand to her heart. Henrietta put a hand to her he 
Henrietta said, putting her hand to her heart. ‘Vaughan sold me to him. However, I do not feel any anger towards Ambros; I should I know, but—’

‘It is not your fault Etta.  Come and sit down.’  Once seated, Isa said, ‘Vaughan forced you to be with Ambros. From what you have said to me, I believe you are in love with this duke. Love is not just lust or desire, although it is important.  Love is about being close to your beloved, sharing, knowing he will never let you down, for you are forever in his heart. Yes, we all have arguments, but know we are safe when having them. Love is far deeper than irritation or frustration.’

‘Yes you’re right, Ambros does irritate me at times; he is just so insistent, I agreed on friendship, but now I realize I feel more.’  She sighed smoothing down her skirt.

Isa felt the tears sting her eyes for her injured friend.  She hoped with all her heart that Ambros returned the love the dear girl was so willing to give. She turned to see Alex enter with a tray of dinks and fresh sandwiches. Swiftly informing him of Henrietta’s dilemma, she said, ‘Etta cannot possible go back to him.’’

‘Of course not. Now how can we help?’ Alex said picking up a brandy from the tray and reclining on the chaise longue.

Isa turned to Henrietta, ‘Dearest, we must have a plan; we have to get Vaughan to admit he sold you. That way, your Papa will not suspect it was you or Ambros, who contrived this situation. Together with the fact you are still a virgin, the marriage can be annulled.’

Alex murmured, ‘His Grace will annihilate him.’

Isa looked at the plates of food, ‘Hmm that makes me feel somewhat peckish.’  Nibbling on a sandwich of smoked salmon, she said thoughtfully ‘Now, you say you’ve never seen Esther Taunton, but you suspect Vaughan sent her here to Brussels, some weeks ago?’

‘Yes, he wojuld not discuss it, but then his manner was so evasive I told him I did not think I could live with him having a mistress. I mean how could a woman endure seeing her husband desert her of an evening for his mistress, let alone spend the night with her?’

‘I know many wives accept it, but that is mainly those who have an arranged marriage.’ Isa said stroking her friend’s hair.

‘Yes and that is something I told him before we married, that I could only marry for love. Titles do not drive me to a man without love. La, it is almost legal prostitution.’

‘The demimonde has arranged a masked ball you know?’ Alex murmured thoughtfully. ‘I wonder – Miss Taunton would be expected to attend.  Many men find their next mistress at such a do.  The Cyprians are carefully selected, only the highest ranks of courtesan may attend, even then, tis a lavish affair. Many of the men escort them there, some to protect, whilst others will exchange mistresses.
’

‘God tis like a cattle market.’ Isa shivered. ‘The poor women, how must they feel?’

Alex shrugged, ‘Many find the exchange to their liking, and others find it exciting—’

Isa looked up to her husband.
‘So what is your point Alex?’

‘Why if Bruges has said he will be out tomorrow evening, he could well escort his mistress to the ball.’

‘Oh, I see. Clever.’ Isa clapped her hands. ‘So we just have to catch him there.’

‘Yes, we will have witnesses to him being with his mistress. We may not have caught him in bed with her, but attending such an event with her does point strongly to an affair.  I think he will try to bow out gracefully.’ Alex said, flinging himself down in a high backed chair.’

‘He may fight to keep my dowry.’ Etta muttered. ‘I’m now sure that is one of the reasons he married me, and the other is….’ Her words faltered. 

‘Well if your papa stated in the contracts that he could not spend it on another woman, then he will have to submit.’ Alex frowned. ‘But I know your father to be an astute man and powerful. Likely as not, no-one would dare stand against him, especially not Bruges. You also have a witness, the very person to whom he sold you. Mind you, your husband has the legal right to sell you, but your papa will be outraged, as will the
ton
, if the information comes out.’

‘I thought it would sully my family’s name.’

‘Not in an instance like this, m’dear, your papa is too powerful. He will quell any rumours. Many of the
ton
depend upon his goodwill.

‘Then it is settled, we shall go to the ball.’ Isa grinned, lightening the seriousness of the situation.

‘In disguise my love.’ Alex said. ‘If he sees either of you, he will make his escape before you confront him.’

Seeing Etta now eating a sandwich, Isa picked up another one. ‘Well – now this
is getting exciting.’ Seeing her friend’s forlorn expression, she said hastily. ‘Forgive me Etta, I didn’t mean to—’

‘No – no don’t worry, in fact; I am feeling the same. It could be the answer to my prayers. I wish to be rid of the knave.’

‘It will free you to consider Ambros.’ Isa said, wiping her hands on a linen napkin. ‘Now we have to be seen as one of the demimonde, so it is a case of forgetting our virtue for the evening.’

‘What my love, I hope you do not mean that literally?’ Alex laughed.

‘No –no I meant we must discard our virtuous dress; the Cyprians wear the most revealing of gowns, attired in next to nothing, so I’ve been told. So, I do have a couple of masquerade gowns, masques and face paint.  I also have some wigs, Etta you should have a dark one, as your white-blonde hair is quite striking, and I shall wear a blonde. I have always had a fancy to be fair, I declare, we should fit in quite well. Vaughan will have no idea until we are upon him.’

Alex finished off another plate of sandwiches. ‘Now would either of you ladies like a nightcap?
Brandy – port?’

‘I think a brandy is in order my love.’ Isa said beaming.

‘I think I could do with a small port.’ Henrietta smiled.

‘We’ll have to send a message over to your husband informing him, you are staying with us overnight and the morrow.’ Alex said as he passed over drinks. ‘Our excuse will be it is quite perilous to send you back in a carriage at this time of a night, even with a footman.’

‘He will not be there anyway.’ Etta said bleakly.’

‘Hmm, but just in case. We do not want the fellow banging on our doors in the middle of the night.’

‘D’you think he would really do that?’ Etta said, her eyes widening.

‘Well to him, you are his property and of value to him although for spurious purposes.  Alack, he has every right to demand your return to him. So, a little note would avert any altercation.’

‘Yes and you could say we are going out shopping tomorrow to replenish your trousseau,’ Isa said, ‘so you will not return there. He will most probably be with his mistress anyway.’

Springing from the settee, Isa pulled the cord summoning a footman.  ‘You should write the note Etta, so he does not become suspicious.’

‘But what on earth will I say?’

‘Hmm just say, the soiree went on very late, and we did not finish dinner until gone midnight, then we had some dancing. That would sound quite innocent. Things go on over here until dawn anyway.’

As she wrote the note, Etta tried to compose herself. She did not want Vaughan to see any tremor in her handwriting that would make him think she was nervous. Finishing with a flourish to the ‘H’ of her signature, she looked up at Isa. ‘Let’s hope that will suffice. For surely, I will not go back to him this night, or any other.’

‘Rest assured Etta, you are safe here with us; I will not allow any harm to come to you. Why dammit, you’re like a sister to me.’ Alex murmured patting her shoulder.

The footman went to the stables for a horse. As he rode away from the mansion, he was unaware of a horseman waiting in the shadows. Within yards of his destination, a rider came alongside of him. He felt a sword tip prod the side of his jacket.  Leaning over the rider said, ’Wither go you and why? Tell me now if you value your life.’

Startled, the footman turned to face a masked figure. Thoughts raced through his mind. Twas only a note; it was not even sealed – not worth risking his life for. His adversary looked like he could be lethal, with a sword now digging into his jacket. ‘I go to deliver a message – to the house yonder. He pointed to Vaughan’s town house.’

‘Hand it over.’

Handing him the note, the footman sat silently, as his assailant scanned the message. 

Much to his surprise, the masked figure handed him back the note. ‘Now deliver it if you please; and, no word of my intervention, if you value your life.’ 

Returning to his abode, Ambros
discarded his mask, went to his study and summoned a footman. As he waited, he poured a brandy. So at least she was safe for the time being.  Going over to his desk, he took out a page of vellum and cut it in half.   Taking up his quill and dipping it in the crystal glass inkwell, he swiftly wrote down the address of Lord and Lady Fitzroy and a description of Henrietta.  She would be quite easy to distinguish, as Lady Fitzroy had such dark hair contrasting to her own fair colour. When the footman tapped and entered, Ambros said, ‘I want you to go to this address and observe anyone who goes in or out.  If the fair-haired lady leaves the mansion, I want you to follow at a discreet distance. Guard her with your life, it is unlikely she will venture out until this afternoon, but if she does, do not let her out of your sight. I want to be informed of her every move and every person to whom she speaks. Tomkins will relieve you in the morning at eight of the clock.’

Esther wiped her forehead with her hand; it had been a distressing evening, enduring a long meal at the restaurant where she just picked at her meal. Did his wife know of her presence in Brussels? However, mention of her
,
was taboo.

She knew she had to tell him of the coming child. However, as the hours sped by, she kept putting it off. She sat through course after course, as Vaughan ate heartily, talking with friends who came up to the table, upon which, he invited them, and their partners to join him. In the end, the waiters pushed three tables together, as the dinner party grew to some fifteen people.  Some of the guests appeared quite dissipated, and their female partners questionable in decorum. Vaughan was at his most charming, as toast after toast ensued, with the men, becoming more and more ribald of speech.  Afterwards, the dancing proved a riotous affair with the polka, mazurka and the waltz.

Esther’s thoughts often strayed to the viscount, her eyes drawn to the door when a new customer arrived.  She shivered at the thought of him entering and seeing her there. Would he come to her? Would he acknowledge her in front of Vaughan? 

The night seemed to drag on, and she longed for the peace and quiet of her apartment and the arms of the viscount. Why did he fascinate her so?  In their time together, she was feverish and often delirious. Yet when she regained her wits, he was there, his hand over hers, his eyes, carefully watching her face.  Her heart caught at the memory of his quick grin, the gentleness as, he wiped her foreh
ead with a damp cloth, soothing away the fever. But then, her mood darkened, what if Vaughan wanted the child?  Part of her wanted him to deny the babe, and then she would be free of her debt to him.

At three in the morning, the men lay sprawled across their chairs singing the bawdiest songs. The women by now, sat in groups exchanging the latest gossip, some of it on the most effective seductive moves used in the bedroom. Others bemoaned the state of their inebriated partners. Even though most of them were courtesans, Esther felt misplaced. 

Arriving back at the apartment, fatigue enveloped her, yet she was desperate to speak to him.  How would he react? Perhaps it would be unwise to say anything to him whilst in his cups.  But then, tomorrow was the Cyprian’s ball.  She had promised Marissa she would sit with her and her beloved Maurice.

Summoning Lottie, Vaughan ordered a tray of tea and some sandwiches for her. But, she did not want either. All she wanted was to go to bed and sleep, to escape the torment to come.

‘Whiskey for me, and some cheeses with bread and butter.’ Vaughan said stifling a yawn.

‘Surely you have had enough my lord?’

‘Hah, the night, or should I say the morning is still young.’  

Giving a little curtsey, Lottie left the room, concern for her mistress
, as she sat stroking the little dog. Her pallor and heavy-lidded eyes showed her distress. Obviously, she had not told the master yet; pray God she would summon the courage. She only wished Esther would submit to the viscount. The man truly loved her. It had shone in his expression, in his tender care of her when she was so ill.

Rising from the Chippendale high backed chair Esther put the dog down gently, and strolled to the window.  She was still putting off that dreaded moment. Straightening her back, she made up her
mind; she would wait until after the ball, Vaughan was looking forward to it. Masquerades excited him, and he flirted outrageously.  How could she avert his lovemaking this morning? He would surely expect her to welcome him, but her stomach sickened at the thought of it.  She could not raise any desire; in fact, the mere thought of it repulsed her. She carried his child, and he may deny it. No – they could not lie together again, until the situation was resolved. 

She gasped, as she felt his lips on her neck. She had not heard him approach. His arms came around her in a tight embrace.  For the first time, she winced at his touch; her breasts were swollen and tender to the touch.

‘Hmm, you seem more shapely, my love.’ he murmured. ‘Quite alluring I must say. Turning her to face him, he cupped the back of her head, pulling her towards him, his lips seeking hers.  He must have felt her restraint, as he let go, stepping back, dark eyes searching hers. ‘My love – what is it?’ Do I displease you?’

‘Oh no.
’ Her hand fluttered to her throat. ‘It is so late, and I am still fatigued from the accident. The fever weakened me. I am sorry Vaughan.’

Gently, he stepped back. ‘Then you must rest my darling.  I shall go to the club; I fancy a game of cards. Now that I am back with you, I feel lucky.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes of course, we must have you fit for the ball tomorrow night.’

She nodded trying to smile, but instead she felt a sob rising.

‘Look my love, you are definitely not well.’ Vaughan said, stroking her face.  ‘I can see it in your eyes.’ Picking her up, he laid her on the settee. ‘I suggest you have your tea, and then go to bed and rest. Do you feel fit enough to go to the ball tomorrow night?’

‘Oh yes my lord, I promised Marissa, and I don’t want to let you or her down.’

She felt relieved, when after finishing his whisky, he took up his cane and opening the door
, blew her kiss.

Hours later at nine of the clock, knowing Esther would be asleep, he returned to his town house, after all Henrietta must be feeling quite lonely. The butler received him with his usual prosaic expression. Message for you mi’lord’ he said in a somnolent voice, presenting Vaughan with a note on a silver tray.

Reading it, Vaughan threw it down. So, Henrietta had been out all night as well. Hmm, as she was staying with Isabella to replenish her wardrobe, and would return after dinner tonight, he had every excuse to attend the Cyprian ball.