Lady Phillipa's Peril: Regency Romance Suspense Series ( Book 3) (Lords of Sussex 4) (2 page)

Phillipa moved slightly away from her tormentor; with her heart hammering, she tried to keep her face composed. Putting her cup down, she shifted her skirts to one side, accidentally stepping on his foot. To her dismay, he coughed, and abruptly jumped up, spilling his tea onto her dress, and the carpet. Immediately, he seized a handkerchief from his pocket, and began daubing her bodice and skirts. ‘Oh dear, forgive me, please forgive me, such a clumsy oaf.’

The girls jumped up hurrying to help, whilst the dowager raised her hands in dismay.’

‘Don’t worry old chap.’ Hector said, taking the handkerchief from his brother, and peering at Phillipa’s dress.

Furious, she sat in silence, the bastard; the others were blind to his ruse. He managed to touch her chest and skirt whilst silently mocking her. 

Amelia smiled, ‘It’s gone on the carpet, don’t worry Deme’ the maids can clear it up.’

‘Oh thank the Lord for that. Forgive my clumsiness Phillipa.’ The others did not see his sneer, as he sat down once again beside her. 

The maids broke the tension, as they bustled in looking fresh in their uniforms of crisp grey bombazine with starched white cotton aprons, and lace caps complete with a ribbon trailing down the back.  Putting trays of porcelain teapots, crockery and exquisite cakes on the low lying marble table, they commenced pouring the tea into fine china cups. 

The dowager turned to Phillipa, ‘Help yourself my dear.’ Watching the maids disappear, she said, ‘I hope you liked their new attire, I had the seamstresses fashion outfits for all the servants. I want them all to do justice to the wedding.  The livery for the footmen was quite costly, but then they do look smart, and the younger footmen so handsome in the blue and the gold. Although, I had quite a strenuous time getting Hodgeson to agree to wear a cummerbund for the wedding feast, he considered it foppish.  However, he obliged, when I promised him a particularly good bottle of aged port wine, oh and some Wellington hunting boots. I had to be careful not to injure his pride, as he always looks extremely dignified, as befits a good butler.

‘I thought the maids looked really stylish your ladyship; I just wish we could afford new clothes for our servants, but as it is, they wear my family’s cast offs. However, the younger female servants are always very pleased, vying with each other as to who receives my sisters’ clothes or mine. The footmen do have a livery, but we keep it very modest and within our means.’

The dowager smiled; ‘I am sure you have happy and industrious servants m’dear and that is what is most important.’

Phillipa loved her for saying that, she could be so gracious without undermining anyone.  Although papa was also a baron, the revenue came from their land and a couple of small annuities.  The Thurston’s however, had shares in a gold mine in Africa, a tea plantation in India, let alone a couple of tin mines in Cornwall.

As Hector rose to hand her a cup, she felt Demetrius’s hand stealthily stroke her thigh again.  Damn the man, she wanted to slap him, but instead she smiled up at her fiancé, as she took the cup.

‘Delightful, when can we meet?’ Demetrius whispered, as Hector turned to retrieve his own tea. 

‘Are you teasing her again Deme? Cut it.’ Hector said in a jocular tone, seeing Phillipa glare at his erstwhile brother. He was completely unaware of his sibling’s contemptible behaviour.

‘Seems she can’t take a joke.’ Demetrius snickered.

‘Yes cut it Deme’ you do tease,’ the twins chorused,

Sensing the tension, the dowager talked over the top of them, ‘Children – children – manners. Now Amelia, go procure the news sheet, the one announcing the wedding. It is in the escritoire in my study. I am sure Phillipa would like to see it.’

‘Yes mama.’ The girl trotted off good-naturedly, utterly different from the bounder of a brother. Returning she handed it to Phillipa, ‘We were so proud dearest.’

Grimacing, Phillipa realized she would have to wear her spectacles. They were particularly ugly, as the lenses were of thick glass with wire frames, but they were the most aesthetically fashioned of what was a limited choice. Taking a slim leather case from her reticule, she perched them on the bridge of her nose. Naturally, Demetrius could not resist such a perfect excuse to demean her once more. ‘Cannot say they do you any favours Phillipa; it is fortunate you do not have to wear them all the time; it would have been disastrous for the marriage mart don’t you think?’

Flushing, Phillipa rounded on him; ‘I do not appreciate your remarks Deme’ neither did I ask for them.’ 

The dowager smiled benevolently; he could not resist joking with the girl.  Her second eldest son could be trying at times – naughty boy. The other three sons were happily married, and so should he be, at his age. He was just too fussy, but then the poor lad was beset with domineering mamas and their fluffy daughters, competing for his attention. Not only was he the second son, he was good looking, and commanded a small estate, an ample income and a commission in the Life Guards.

She beamed at Phillipa, ‘Do you not think it is quite exciting; I expect your mama, and papa put out an announcement in the local sheet, did they not?’

‘Oh yes, and now I can keep both mementos in my journal.’

Realizing she had to get Phillipa away from the roguish boy of hers, she said, ‘Now my dear, I would imagine you may wish to retire to your room to unpack and rest.  Any journey can be fatiguing. We have some dinner guests arriving, therefore we will not dine until nine of the clock, so there is no hurry.’

Hastily putting down his cup, Demetrius leapt to his feet. ‘Have you forgiven me yet dearest sister to be? T’was only jest, I did not mean to upset you. Why you are the prettiest sister-in-law a man could wish for. Let me show the way. I have the room next to you, and Hector is the other side, so we shall guard you well.’

‘That is thoughtful of you Deme,’ the dowager smiled indulgently.  ‘I did not want to upset you m’dear, but there has been a spate of burglaries of late, so we now have men patrolling the grounds, and the dogs are let loose.  Tis especially worrisome with all the wedding gifts arriving. Now I had the maid unpack your trunks, so you will find all ready to hand.’

‘Thank you your ladyship, I am most grateful for your attentions.’ Phillipa turned and looked at Hector, ‘You did not warn me of any danger?’

‘Didn’t want to alarm you pet, never fear though, with all the guests arriving, there will be so many men, I think  the thieves will leave us well alone.’

Bowing, Demetrius rose and held out his arm to her. Reluctantly, Phillipa managed a tight lipped smile. To her relief, Hector also stood up. ‘Might as well join you both, we had an early start; I feel like a snooze myself.’

Reaching her door, Hector took her in his arms; in the presence of his brother, he could not appear too ardent. Planting a light kiss on her forehead, he murmured, ‘I am right next to you, and there is a connecting door between us, but dear mama true to propriety has locked it until our wedding night. Rest well my pet.’

Demetrius bowed, sniggering, ‘One can always find a spare key, brother.’

Phillipa gave a slight curtsey, her mind teeming; she would make sure she put a chair up against the door; the lecher could not be trusted. She could not enlighten Hector, for he was the most amiable of men, but possessed of a tinder box temper, which when lit could flare into excess. He could well call Demetrius out, which would tear the family apart.

As usual, the dowager prepared the same room for her, and she delighted in the scented freshness of the curtains and carpet.  Going to the dressing table, she found warm water in the ewer.  She could freshen up before having a rest. Seeing her portmanteau placed on the trunk at the foot of her bed, she crossed over, unpacking her brushes, combs, hairpins and creams. Taking out a couple of hairpieces for evening wear, she hung them from a hook on the dressing table. As she placed the brushes down on the embroidered linen cloth, she saw a sealed letter with her name on it.  Frowning, she picked it up, who would write to her here? Turning it over she saw the seal had no imprint. Opening it, Phillipa gasped, stepping back; surely this was some joke? If so it was in the worst taste. Again her eyes scoured the message, ‘Marry at your peril.’

Running out of her room, she knocked on Hector’s door. As he opened it, she saw him already dressed in a maroon silk banyan. ‘Hector, look, this was on my dressing table.’

     With raised eyebrows, he motioned her into the room, taking the offensive missive from her.  Reading it, he frowned, ‘Hmm, what fatwit wrote this?’

‘Tis a threat Hector.’

‘Bag of moonshine. Ignore it my love.’

‘Hmm, could it be some jealous lover of yours?’ Phillipa said in an accusatory tone, how could he dismiss it so easily.

‘Fustion nonsense. You’re the only one for me m’dear.’

‘Well, I like it not Hector. Maybe we should show this to your mama.’

‘Nay, I think we should keep this to ourselves my love. Tis only some dicked in the nob half-wit. Don’t need to put mama in a dudgeon.  She has enough to do with the nuptials. Leave it with me m’dear. Such nonsense.’

Watching her leave the room, he picked up the missive, and left his bedroom, making his way downstairs to his study. Closing the door behind him, he went to his desk and pulled out some parchment. For some minutes he wrote, his brow furrowed.  Summoning his valet, he ordered him to close the door. ‘I have a task for you Simpkins. Firstly, this must be kept in the strictest confidence. Not a nod or a word to your pal the butler, d’you understand? This could be a matter of life or death.’

The valet bowed, pointedly putting his leg forward in a pronounced bow. In haughty tones he said, ‘Of course m’lud, how would it be otherwise?’ His   pursed lips and raised eyebrows showed his distaste at the order to keep a confidence. Just because he was rather new to his post, did not mean he had a loose tongue.

‘Glad to hear it my man. Now I want you to take this message to Superintendent John Talbot, Bow Street, put this letter into his hand and await his reply. There must be no delay. You understand?’

‘Certainly m’lud. You may depend upon me. I shall depart post haste.’ Bowing, he left the room, a determined look on his delicate features.

On his  departure, Hector paid a visit to the armoury, deep in the basement of the manor.  After ensuring he was quite alone, he unlocked a cabinet taking out a selection of pistols and knives. He would guard Phillipa with his life. 

Phillipa sat on the settee by the window, what would drive someone to write such a note? Was this the work of a jealous mistress? Was Hector dallying with someone? In a way she hoped he was, perhaps even now he would call off the wedding. But no, he was a Corinthian from head to toe; he was more interested in his horses, racing, pugilism and cards than women. His eyes rarely roved to another female. And if so, t’was only a fleeting glance, after all a fine pair of bosoms was tempting to any red blooded male.

Sighing she rose from her seat, dread filling her once more. She should be looking forward to the wedding, excited with the coming celebrations, but lately she felt a sense of doom. She loved Hector dearly, but as a brother, a beloved friend. Betrothed almost at birth, by their mothers who were close friends, she and Hector were groomed for this alliance. At the time it seemed appropriate, the two estates would be joined bringing more land and power to the families. Romance did not figure in the fight for status and rank.

It was the London season that opened her eyes to the world of desire. The feelings she experienced dancing with the young bucks and dandies was far different from what she felt for Hector. It was such an exciting time, of hands sweetly touching, of stolen kisses behind the shrubbery and whispered longings. She could never think of Hector in that way. But her mama shrugged off her misgivings, t’was only a young girl’s foolish fancy. She had to commit to it, or her whole family faced being ostracized. She was trapped.

The dining room boasted red and cream striped silk walls much warmer, than the forbidding stone walls of the baronial hall and the vast drawing room. Gilt and gold framed portraits of more family ancestors gazed down with a somewhat imperious stance from blackened canvasses.  Candles flickered over the silver candelabra and cutlery, whilst centrepieces of fruits and flowers adorned the immense table capable of seating over fifty guests at one sitting.

Thankfully, Demetrius sat some three places down from her. A lawyer, with a parsimonious face and liberal paunch sat on one side of him, whilst on the other was Lady Tennant, an elderly matron with overly long ostrich feathers waving from a bandana.  Phillipa could not suppress a smile, as she watched her turn to mutter something to him, her feathers flicking his forehead.  Nevertheless, he still managed to stare, his mouth mocking.  What was wrong with the man? He seemed enamoured of her, yet cruel at the same time. The word sadist sprang to mind, not a term with which she was familiar, but she did recall it referred to someone who enjoyed hurting people.  If his pinches were anything to go by, then he deserved the term. She just wished Hector was aware, as she certainly could not tell him, not wishing to be the cause of a duel between brothers.

Looking up to the footman pouring some wine into her glass, she smiled a thank you, before looking over to Hector sitting opposite. Beaming, he lifted his glass ‘To my bride to be. I declare you look beautiful, unusual colour red too.’

‘Tis the new Turkey red, I loved it when I saw it. I am not sure of all the ruches and ruffles, but tis the fashion; I suppose.’

Amelia seated beside her, quipped, ‘The Valenciennes lace is adorable Phillipa; I am quite envious.’

‘Well you shouldn’t be; your peach spider net over the white satin is outré a la mode and the rosettes in your hair perfectly match those on the puffed sleeves. Your parure is exquisite.’ She smiled impishly at Hector, ‘I think for once I covet your sister’s jewels.’

‘Would you ever wear it sweetheart? You are embroiled in etching and horses to spare too much time for fripperies.’

‘Hah, so you deem diamonds and sapphires as fripperies?’

‘Well called you little minx. However, I do not see you aspiring to frequent the balls and such.’ 

‘On that you are so right. Oh Hector, I just wish the nuptials were over; I do dislike ceremony.’

‘I know, but I look forward to seeing you in your wedding apparel.’

‘I would far rather be riding over the heathland than presiding at the top table, with all the guests looking up at us. I am not the nervous type, but I confess, I find the idea of it rather overwhelming.’

‘Well there will be few guests, the war clouds gather, and many of the officers and their families now travel to Brussels or are already instated.’

‘I hear the Duke and Duchess of Richmond are already there, and some of their daughters. Those Lennox sisters, have a reputation for dancing ‘til the early hours. The Duchess is high in the instep, but the girls are very sweet, though rather de trop at times. At least the officers may dance with some lovely girls before the battle.  It will lift their spirits.’ ’

Picking up on their conversation, a dour lady with a dark grey turban over sparse grey curls, wearing an equally sombre dark grey dress pursed her lips, ‘My dear I think it is quite inappropriate; tis a time for prayer and quiet contemplation. I am sure the dear vicar would agree, tis not the ballroom you should occupy, but a pew in a blessed church.’

‘Yes Mrs Simpkins, tis for each to search their own heart as to what they would deem necessary.’ Vicar Thompson replied, putting his hand over his mouth to cover a belch.

Lord Tenbury, sporting the high pointed collar, could not  turn his neck and so stiffly moved his whole body to face the lady at his side, ‘I  know not what is worse, dancing ‘til dawn and then being too fatigued to go to battle, fight, or praying on a cold church floor, and ending up with the ague in one’s knees. Either way, one ends up with a bayonet in one’s gut.’

‘Ooh  my lord, don’t, I fair swoon at the thought of it.’ A rather fetching lady, in pink satin, waved plump hands. ‘What pictures you conjure up sir.’

‘Nay, cavil not, Mrs. Rawlings. Tis the truth.’

‘Where’s my vinaigrette?’ the lady whispered, her pale face now paler than the table cover.

‘Swooning? Come dear lady I sought not to upset you,’ he said, smiling indulgently.

Mrs. Simpkins shook her turbaned head, her thin face wrinkled with concern. ‘How rude, where are your manners sir? Here my dear, I have some hartshorn, tis more acrid and works fast.’ Scowling at the man she said, ‘Pray sir, desist you are in  a pique and fair fit to burst a blood vessel, tis not a bayonet you’ll see but the inside of your coffin.’

‘Lord Tenbury,’ Horatio laughed, ‘each to his own. I for one prefer the ballroom and a lovely lady’s smile, there is nothing more uplifting than to gaze into a pair of bright eyes and to take a beloved’s handkerchief into battle.’

Seated up the table from Lord Tenbury, a plump lady in violet muslin with a parure of pearls giggled. ‘La methinks of times of old, of the king on his dais and the ladies seated around, of the jousts and the knights in armour, so romantic, far better than these cold modern times.’

Lady Tennant shook her head, the ostrich feathers sweeping across Demetrius’s nose. ‘How can you say that, we have such comforts now, with the Palladian houses, ice boxes to cool our deserts and ice cream, why we have our streets illuminated with gas lamps and some have it in their houses.’

Mrs  Simpkins pursed her bloodless lips, and nodded. ‘Yes and of course we have the Castrol stove. Why, my cook can even hang the pots on it, it halves the work for her and the servants.’

Demetrius tried not to tut, as he politely removed the ostrich feathers from across his nose. ‘Quite so my lady. Speaking as a soldier, I think a game of cards and a fair lady on my lap is the most fitting.’ He just wished it was Phillipa.