Manor of Pleasure: An Erotic Historical Romance (9 page)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Upon returning from the village, Lord Garway was greeted by Abbott. "It's a lovely day out there, Abbott." He handed him his coat and hat.

"It would seem so, Sir," Abbott replied. "Her Ladyship wishes to see you, sir."

Lord Garway raised his eyebrows. "That would be par for the course. Where can I find her, Abbott?" Lord Garway asked.

"I believe she's in her room, sir," the footman replied. "Shall I send up some tea?"

"I will take it in the library in fifteen minutes. Thank you."

Lord Garway made his way into the hall and up the staircase. His wife assigned only the most serious of discussions to her bedroom. He assumed that it was about the wedding. It was no secret that she was unhappy about Desmond's and Rebecca's news of last evening.

For himself,  Lord Garway could not be more contented. The sooner their union was formalized, the better. He wanted nothing more than to ensure for his eldest daughter the happiness that had eluded her for so long.

When he entered Lady Garway's room, she was sitting in a chair by the window, staring out into the day.

"Hello, darling," he said as he approached. She looked at him. There was no question that she was troubled. Her brow was furrowed and her mouth was set in a frown. "What is the matter?" he asked as he sat down across from her.

"It's Rebecca and Desmond," she told him. "I even hesitate to say it."

"Please, Evelyn, what is it?" Her anxiety was contagious.

"We were all deceived," she said in hushed tones. "We all thought Desmond had left early last night. But he was here alone with Rebecca." She returned her gaze to the window. Lord Garway was quiet as he considered her narrative.

"How did you learn this?" he finally asked her.

"Mrs. Hewitt told me. She watched him leave last night. It was past midnight when he left the house."

Lady Garway waited for her husband's response. Hearing nothing, she turned to look at him.

Lord Garway sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "If it's true, I have to say I am more relieved than anything else," he said.

"What? Relieved?" She was incredulous. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"Think of it, Evelyn," Lord Garway countered. "Rebecca and Desmond have suffered every manner of obstacle in their relationship. Naturally I imagined the worst when I saw you. This is actually the least of my concerns."

"John, you must not be cavalier about this," his wife cautioned, her voice rising.

"Evelyn, be sensible. What can we conclude about their conduct? Absolutely nothing," Lord Garway sat back in his chair. "We know Desmond may have been here past midnight. That is all we know."

Lady Garway could no longer restrain her temper. "They sequestered themselves under a veil of secrecy and deceit. That can only mean one thing. And I will not have it. Not while I am mistress of this house." Her tone matched the sharpness of her words.

She got up from her chair. Lord Garway rose and went to meet her. He held her gently by her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"My dear wife, calm yourself. You mustn't read into this. Even if what you say is true, what does it mean? They are young and in love; they will be man and wife soon enough." Lady Garway's face was hardened, her mouth set in a thin straight line. Lord Garway added in a softer tone, "Surely you must remember what it is like to be in love?"

"We were already married," she replied, unaffected. "They are not."

Lord Garway could sense that she would not be placated. "What will you do?" he asked her.

Lady Garway said decidedly, "You mean what 'we' will do, John. We will send Rebecca away until the wedding. She can stay with her Aunt Claudia in Manchester or with her brother in Edinburgh. It will be her choice."

"And if she refuses?"  Lord Garway queried.

"Then I will confront Desmond. He can answer to me, if she will not." Lady Garway stepped around her husband and headed for the door. "Did you arrange for tea, John?"

"In the library," he replied. "I will be there shortly."

Lord Garway proceeded to his room for a change of clothes. As expected, Tobias was there tending to his wardrobe. Despite Tobias's spotty history with Pinhope Manor—having threatened to resign multiple times—Lord Garway remained impressed by him. He had a hearty work ethic, was punctual and attentive to detail. Over and above that, Tobias had an entertaining turn of phrase and already they had developed a good rapport. Although no one could replace Charles Wexley, Tobias was as good a stand-in as anyone.

After exchanging polite greetings, Lord Garway sat down to remove his shoes. Looking up at his valet, he asked him directly, "Tobias, did you notice anything unusual last night?"

"In what way do you mean, sir?" Tobias said as he knelt down at the foot of Lord Garway to assist him.

"You know. Noises late in the night, stirrings, that sort of thing. Anything out of the ordinary," Lord Garway added.

"Well," Tobias began, "Mrs. Hewitt was not in bed until the wee hours or so she said. That's not unusual for her though." He selected a shirt for His Lordship and brought it to him.

So her story may have a ring of truth, Lord Garway thought.

"An ancient house like this one cannot be without its squeaks and creaks, sir," Tobias observed.

"Quite right," replied Lord Garway as he rose to replace his jacket. "I'll be in the library, Tobias."

As he walked down the stairs, Lord Garway mulled over his conversation with his wife. He doubted that her mood had improved. He wondered whether his approach to the situation had been too casual. Yet even after reflection, it was impossible for him to frame it in more serious terms.

Desmond was like a son to him. More than that, he was a man of integrity from any perspective. Lord Garway recognized that he was partial to him but for very good reason. And now that Desmond was to marry his daughter – whose love for Desmond was undoubted – he could see no harm in a small indulgence prior to the wedding.

He regretted Lady Garway's proposed tactics but he considered it very unlikely that he could divert her. He had little choice in the matter.

The tension in the house only increased throughout the morning. By the time Rebecca joined her parents for lunch, the negative air seemed ready to burst.

The young lover was oblivious to it. Her face still carried the glow from her morning ride and she greeted them with a warm enthusiasm. She sat down.

"Where's Louisa?" Rebecca inquired blithely.

"She is lunching with your grandmother," Lady Garway replied. "How was your ride?"

"Perfect." Rebecca smiled at her mother. Lady Garway did not acknowledge her reply, nor did she return her regard. Abbott began the lunch service and a relentless quiet settled over the table.

Rebecca turned to the footman. "How are you, Abbott?" Lady Rebecca asked him, smiling. "Very well, ma'am," he said, returning her courtesy.

Minutes passed in silence. "Well," Rebecca began, "I hope you're not still disappointed with me, Mother, about our new wedding plans." She stirred her soup as she waited for her mother to answer.

Lady Garway looked up at her. "Abbott, please leave us," she said to him, her eyes fixed on Rebecca.

"Certainly, ma'am," said Abbott. He left straightaway. Rebecca turned to her mother expectantly.

"Rebecca, where were you at midnight last night?" Lady Garway asked her daughter gravely.

Rebecca was composed. "I was in my room, naturally."

"You must think carefully when you answer my next question, Rebecca," Lady Garway warned her. "Where was Desmond?"

Rebecca hesitated. "He was with me," she replied coolly. She looked at her mother intently.

Lady Garway faced her. "And what business would Desmond have with you in your bedroom at midnight?" Her voice was low and restrained.

"We are adults, Mother," Rebecca answered quietly. "It is no one's business but our own."

"Let me be clear, Rebecca," Lady Garway responded with deliberation. "As long as I am your mother and mistress of this house, it is my business."

Rebecca answered her, "Does it really shock you, Mother, that Desmond and I would be lovers? Why else would we want to marry as soon as it was possible?" She looked at her ring. "There is less shame in that than there should be in marrying for social rank or for money." She raised her eyes and looked at each of her parents in turn.

Lord Garway stepped into the fray. "Rebecca, you go too far," he admonished her.

She turned to her father. "Do I?" She paused. "Desmond and I love each other. There is nothing impure or immoral about it. Our union is neither tainted by money nor the need for some social advantage. It is love, pure and simple." She looked at her mother and said, "And yes, we have acted on that love. So what of it? He is not a libertine. He is not a profiteer. He is more worthy of the title of gentleman than any that I have ever met in my life." Rebecca's voice rose with her conviction.

Lady Garway sat back. "So what do you expect, Rebecca? That we allow Desmond to come and go from your bedroom as he pleases? Your argument is a shallow one." Lady Garway's gaze went from Rebecca to her husband and back. "You cannot deny that you played a game of deception. You lied to me; you lied to your father. You know very well that you have broken the rules."

Lord Garway leaned forward and spoke. "You are right, Rebecca, insofar as Desmond is concerned. He is a gentleman." He sat back. "But you cannot expect your mother and me to deny all social convention and allow you to continue."

Lady Garway addressed her daughter firmly and unequivocally. "This must stop. You must either remove yourself to Manchester with your Aunt Claudia or you can visit Owen in Edinburgh. I will settle for nothing less." Her eyes were harshly set and her tone left no room for compromise. "Until the wedding," she uttered with finality.

Rebecca looked down at her table setting. Her heart had risen to her throat. "I cannot do that," she replied softly.

"You will," Lady Garway affirmed. "If you don't agree, then you leave me no choice. I will ask Desmond to leave."

"He won't," Rebecca said quietly and she sat back. All at once, she felt exhausted. "Please excuse me." She drew back her chair and left the room.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Rebecca awoke in her bed. Turning her head to the side, she eyed the expanse of her mattress. She stretched her arm out, sliding her hand over to the side where he had lain.

Rebecca brought her mind back to him. Each encounter with him seemed more intense and lovelier than the last.

Her heart quickened as she thought of him underneath her. Her hands remembered the warmth and smoothness of his skin, the chiseled lines of his chest and shoulders.

They had found such a blissful rhythm last night.

She bit on her bottom lip. She grasped at the bed linens beside her, wishing he were there.

Rebecca asked herself whether it was possible for her to do without him, even for a few weeks.

Of course, it was not a decision that she could make on her own. She needed to see Desmond.

She rose and rang the bell for Nora. She sat down at her vanity and began to undo her hair. Nora arrived within minutes. She immediately assumed the task that Rebecca had begun. "How is your day going, Nora?" Rebecca asked her.

"I've had better days, ma'am." Nora gave her a brief smile. "Some days wear on me harder than others."

"How is Wexley?" Rebecca asked her; her eyes softened.

"He is holding his own," Nora replied as she brushed her mistress's hair. "When I saw him last Sunday, his spirits were up or so it seemed. I think he means to buoy my spirits by his example." Nora continued, "I know the nurses by name now, as does Charles of course. He has made friends both among the nurses and his fellow patients."

Rebecca watched Nora's face closely as she described her last
hospital visit. Her face glowed as she spoke of her husband, and her mood lifted.

"I meant to thank you for yesterday, Nora," Rebecca said somewhat sheepishly. "I realize now that I had no right to burden you with my scheming and I'm sorry for it."

Nora put the final touches on Rebecca's hair. "It's of no moment, ma'am." Nora's eyes lit up with mischief. "I needed the diversion. I rather enjoyed it."

"I did as well. Unfortunately, we've been found out," Rebecca sighed. "Not you, Nora," she added quickly, "Desmond and I."

She applied her perfume. Nora froze. "But how could that be?" Nora asked her. "I had thought myself so careful."

"I cannot answer that, I'm afraid," Rebecca replied as she rose from her chair. "But my mother is determined to send me to either Manchester or Edinburgh until the wedding." Rebecca paused. "So I will meet with Desmond now, if I can find him."

Nora fetched Rebecca's cape and her gloves. "What will you do?"

"I haven't decided." Rebecca said as Nora assisted her with her coat. "I cannot bear the thought of leaving Desmond, even if only for a month." She looked at Nora. "It all seems so silly when compared to your troubles, Nora."

"Ma'am, you mustn't think like that," Nora chided her softly. "Life is too short to squander opportunities for love." She grabbed Rebecca's hand. "If you are compelled to be with him, you mustn't fight it." She smiled and released her.

"Thank you, Nora," Rebecca replied. "You're quite right, as usual." Rebecca left the room ahead of her maid. She went directly to the library, hoping to come upon her father. He was at his desk, poring over papers. "Father, I'm going into the village," Rebecca told him. "May I take the carriage?"

"Yes, of course," her father replied. "Have you decided?"

"No, I haven't," Rebecca answered. "I will meet with Desmond. I will be back before dinner." She turned to leave then hesitated. She looked at Lord Garway and stated clearly, "I'm sorry, Father, about what I said. I was angry. I should not have said those things."

"I understand, Rebecca," Lord Garway answered her. "Apology accepted."

"I am sorry about everything," Rebecca said to him. "I know that you would wish to have a daughter that confines herself to social conventions. I'm a disappointment that way."

"Rebecca..." Lord Garway started.

"No, Father, please let me finish," Rebecca interrupted him. "After what you've learned, you may not think so but Desmond redeems me. Whatever happens, please know that I'm a better person now than I've ever been. I am happier than I've ever been."

Lord Garway smiled at her. "I'm glad of it," he told her. Rebecca returned his smile. She turned and left.

Given the hour, Rebecca expected Desmond to be at work and she directed the driver to his office.

In all of the years that she had known him, she had never once stepped foot across the threshold of his professional life. She felt excited as she breached the doorway into the law firm.

The reception area was humble. The room was a dull gray. The sombre atmosphere was made worse by the scarcity of natural light. A sofa and a number of chairs bordered two walls. A white-haired gentleman sat at a desk in one corner of the room. He looked up as she entered.

"May I help you, madam?" the senior gentleman inquired politely.

"Yes, you may," Rebecca answered brightly. "I'm here to see Mr. Baines. Is he in?"

"He is," he answered. "May I tell him who is calling on him?"

"Yes, of course," Rebecca said. "Lady Rebecca Garway." She smiled at him and took her seat.

After a few short moments, the gentleman returned. "Would you care to follow me, Madam?"

Rebecca rose. She stepped after him gracefully. He led her to another room. She waited as he announced her. He stepped aside and she entered into Desmond's law chamber. She saw Desmond and her heart leapt.

"Darling, this is a pleasant surprise," Desmond said, his eyes shining. He got up from behind his desk. Rebecca looked about her. Desmond walked around his desk to greet her.

"I'm so sorry to disturb you, Desmond," Rebecca answered him. She eyed the books that lined the walls. His desk was covered with papers and files. It was a world of import and grand matters. She sighed and smiled at her lover.

"Believe me, Rebecca. You are a welcome distraction." He grabbed her hands and leaned against the front of his desk. "Come and kiss me," he demanded tenderly.

Rebecca obliged him. She leaned against him and Desmond wrapped his arms about her waist. She placed her hands on his chest. Their lips met.

Rebecca could not resist slipping her tongue into his mouth. She loved the taste of him. He pressed her against him. Reluctantly, she drew her lips away slowly.

"We must talk, Desmond," she told him softly. She sat down in the chair in front of his desk. Desmond remained standing.

"What is it, Rebecca?" He looked at her with concern.

"I'm afraid we've been found out after all," she told him. "My parents confronted me at lunch."

"They know that we were together in your room last night?" Desmond asked her. "But how?" He paced to the other side of the room. The house had been as silent and as dark as a tomb when he left.

Rebecca followed him with her eyes. "I haven't the slightest clue," she replied. "When Mother raised her accusations, I couldn't lie to them."

"What did they say? How are you?" Desmond returned to her. He reached for her. She stood up next to him.

"I'm fine now that I'm with you," she told him softly. He grabbed her hand and with his other, cradled her cheek. "They were disappointed," she resumed. "It was mostly Mother. Father said very little."

"What should I expect tonight?" he asked her, taking both of her hands in his. "Will your father meet me at the door with his pistol?" He arched his brow and smiled slyly at her.

She gave him a shy smile. "It is not on you, Desmond," Rebecca told him. "My mother demands that I go away until the wedding. She no longer trusts me around you." She gave a slight smile. "I cannot say that she is entirely wrong."

"Go away?"

"To Manchester or to Edinburgh." Rebecca looked up at him. "Until the wedding."

Desmond leaned back against the desk. He was lost in thought. "This is so odd," he finally said. "I feel that they have no business in it. I feel as if we're already married." He looked at her.

Rebecca's heart swelled. "I feel the same," she told him. "What shall we do?"

He pulled her close. He studied her face. He could not imagine living without her for the next four weeks. He kissed her. He brought his hands up and held her head against his as they kissed.

Rebecca sensed his longing for her and leaned against him. She placed her hands on his hips and pressed against him.

She drew back her lips. "I love you, Desmond," she whispered.

"I love you, Rebecca," he replied. He stared at her. "Let's sit." He pulled a chair up next to hers. "I cannot pretend that I know the best route, Rebecca. All I know is what I feel." He grabbed her hand. "We should talk to them this afternoon before my mother arrives for dinner."

"And say what?" Rebecca searched his eyes.

"I shall tell them that you're not going anywhere, of course," Desmond replied easily.

"I cannot defy them, Desmond," she told him quietly.

He knelt beside her instantly. "Then marry me. Today if we can."

"What?" Rebecca laughed. "What are you saying?"

"We can make an appointment at the magistrate's office," Desmond responded, smiling. "For me, there is but one certainty in life. I cannot be happy without you near me."

"You are incorrigible, Desmond Baines," she said. She ran her fingers through his hair and smiled at him.

"But I'm serious, Rebecca." He looked up at her; his eyes held the intensity of a star. "I will marry you first before they send you anywhere. They will have nothing to say about it." He framed her face with his hands. "You must not leave me, Rebecca. Tell me you will not leave."

Rebecca tilted her head as she gazed at him. "I will never leave you," she promised him.

Desmond rose and walked to the coat rack behind his desk. He grabbed his hat and overcoat. "Come then," he said as he reached out to her. She grabbed his hand and rose from the chair.

One half hour later, they were in the drawing room, waiting for her parents to arrive. They sat side by side. Upon spying the entrance of Lady Garway, Desmond stood up. Lord Garway was directly behind her.

"Good afternoon, Lady Garway, Your Lordship," Desmond started.

"Yes, good day, Desmond," Lord Garway spoke for himself and his wife. Lady Garway took her seat in the chair nearest Rebecca.

"I will get straight to the point then," Desmond began again.

"Please," Lord Garway said.

"Rebecca and I are aware of your disappointment in us," said Desmond. "I understand it. And I'm sorry for it." He looked at each of her parents in turn. He went on, "But we cannot accept your terms. Rebecca does not want to leave. More to the point, I do not want her to leave."

"This is impossible," Lady Garway uttered.

"Mother, please," Rebecca checked her. "You must hear us out."

"Rebecca and I have made an appointment with the magistrate. Tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock," Desmond announced. "So we can be married tomorrow if that is what you prefer."

Lady Garway's
demeanor collapsed. "Rebecca, is this what you want?" she asked her in disbelief. "To be married in the fashion of a commoner?"

"What does it matter, Mother? We will be married," Rebecca replied, smiling.

Lord Garway stepped into the debate quietly. "Desmond, I think you've made your point. There is no need for grand gestures." He turned to Rebecca. "Fine, Rebecca, you may stay. But there are rules. Right, Evelyn?"

Lady Garway looked at them both. "I agree. The rules have not changed. We ask that you respect them."

"We're agreed then," Desmond stated. "I shall cancel the appointment."

The four of them stared at each other in silence. "I must be off. I will see you all at dinner." Desmond smiled. "If you will still have me."

"Desmond, it would take far more than this to strain our relationship," Lord Garway said as he walked over to him. He patted him on the shoulder.

Lady Garway joined them. "Yes, of course." She shook Desmond's hand.

"I will see you off, Desmond," Rebecca said as she rose from her seat. They walked together to the main entrance way

"You are my champion," she whispered to him as she kissed him goodbye. "Come back soon."

"I will," he replied. She watched him as he walked down the drive.