The Theft of a Dukedom (9 page)

Charles woke with a start, jerking his back off the
mattress. His heart was pounding and there was a film
of sweat on his forehead.
What was I dreaming about?
He asked himself and frowned. He looked at the clock
and couldn’t believe it was nearly five o’clock. He had
slept soundly for eight hours!
Fucking Connie certainly
made me sleep!
He thought as the call of nature urged
him out of bed. As he stood at the commode relieving
his bladder he inspected his penis again.
Does Connie
have the pox!?
He asked himself in trepidation.
Well, if
she has, you just spent the whole night fucking a septic
cunt!
He decided coarsely.
Better give it a rest for a
week or two. I don’t want to give it to somebody else.
He thought about the concoction of chemicals that
Chivers had poured into his bathwater earlier.
It smelled
like an apothecary’s shop, but at least my cock doesn’t
ache anymore.
He sighed in bliss as he finished and
turned to the wash stand. He splashed some water in
his face and lathered up his shaving brush. He slopped
the soap all over his lower face, the white making his
skin appear very brown. As he glanced in the mirror he
thought
God! I look like a Spaniard!
He shook his head
to dislodge the comparison, picked up his razor and
stropped it on the leather strap, before stroking it down
his face.

While he shaved he considered Richard
becoming his brother-in-law.
Well, at least I know he
won’t be cruel in the bedroom!
He thought as he
pictured the number of times they had shared a whore.
He recalled how they had a couple of whores all night in
Lisbon and passed them backwards and forwards. He
remembered watching Richard’s smooth action and
restraint with admiration. He was startled to realise a
truth.
He never just fucked any of them. He made love to
them all, even the oldest, ugliest bitch you’ve ever seen!
Did I do that? Or did I just fuck ‘em, like Connie!?
He
found this train of thought disturbing as he realised that
not once did he actually kiss Connie.
I never kiss whores!
He admitted to himself.
After all, why would I need to?
Most of the time they’re doing what I pay them for!
Would I be different if I had a wife or somebody who
loved me? There’s only one way to find out and that’s
talk to Louise Trenchard.
He suddenly looked at his eyes
in the mirror and saw the coldness there.
Do I want to
do that? Is that what I really need?
That was even more
disturbing, so he swished his razor in the water, dried it
carefully and rinsed his face. He patted it dry on the
towel, slapped some cologne on it, while he tried to
dance around the room. He dressed carefully in the
clothes that his valet had left out for him. Then made
his way downstairs.

‘Good afternoon, My Lord.’ Havers said as
Charles got to the bottom of the magnificent staircase.
‘The Duke is still in his study and Lady Agatha is holding
tea on the terrace.’

‘Who did she invite this time?’ Charles asked
softly.
‘Well, I believe there are some of Lady Amelia’s
friends, The Marchioness of Carlise, Lady Anne Brooks.
Lady Louise Trenchard and her chaperone Lady Abigail
Trenchard and Lady Agatha’s friend Lady Margaret
Bonham.’ He took a breath. ‘Lord Richard is there and I
think I saw Lord Ponsonby as well as the Earl of
Rochdale.’
‘Rochdale?’ Charles asked abruptly. ‘What’s he
doing here?’
‘If you’re asking for my opinion, My Lord, I think
he is interested in Lady Amelia.’
‘Over my dead body.’ Charles muttered. ‘Can
you inform my father that he’s here?’ the butler
nodded. ‘Thank you Havers.’ And Charles hurried away
to tea, his cane clicking on the marble floor. He knew
that both the Marchioness Millicent Carter and Anne
Brooks were Kitty’s married friends, Louise was still
single and her mother, Abigail, was not to be trifled
with, but Lady Margaret Bonham was still a stunning
woman, widowed while he was at Eton and if she’d had
affairs, she’d been exceedingly discreet.
Charles slowed his pace and sauntered out onto
the terrace, as if he was limping into his club. He smiled
at the footman. ‘Is there fresh tea?’ he asked and the
footman scuttled away to bring him some. He studied
the guests seating. Aunt Agatha had pride of place and
next to her was Margaret Bonham on one side and
Abigail Trenchard on the other. Next to Margaret was
the Earl of Rochdale and beside him was Millicent
Carter, then Richard and Kitty, following them was
Ponsonby, Anne Brooks was next, finishing with Louise
Trenchard. There were numerous unoccupied chairs
still, so Charles chose one that would give him an
uninterrupted view of Louise Trenchard.
‘Charles!’ Lady Agatha greeted him effusively.
‘We don’t normally see you for tea?’
‘Well, he’s been in bed all day!’ Kitty said and
smiled impishly at him. He prayed she wouldn’t make
anymore comments like this morning, not with
Rochdale sat at the table. He could do without facing
pistols in Hyde Park.
‘I was rather tired, Aunt.’ He murmured as he
kissed her cheek. ‘I have slept for eight hours for the
first time since I returned from Spain.’ He dropped
nonchalantly into his chosen chair.
‘You slept for eight straight hours?’ Richard
asked in awe. ‘I wish I could!’
‘Perhaps you would sleep longer if you stayed in
bed.’ Kitty said and smiled. ‘It must be uncomfortable to
sleep on the lawn.’
‘On the lawn?’ the three young ladies all said
together. ‘I’m interested in how you know that!?’
Millicent asked, piqued.
Kitty pointed up to the back of the house. ‘My
bedroom is just up there. I heard him moaning last night
and looked out of my window to see him lying on the
lawn.’
‘How did you know it was Lord Richard?’ Anne
demanded.
‘Because he was bathed in moonlight and I could
see his face.’ Kitty informed them.
‘Didn’t you go and try to wake him up?’ Louise
asked with wide eyes.
‘No. My father had told me not to wake either
Charles or Lord Richard. It would be too dangerous.’
‘Why?’ Louise pressured.
‘Because I might just grab her around the throat
and try to throttle her.’ Charles said evenly. ‘I did it to
my father the first night back.’
‘I did it to my valet.’ Richard admitted. ‘We have
just returned from a place where death is a constant
companion and to disturb us from unsettled sleep could
be detrimental to your health.’
‘What did you see when you attacked your
father?’ Louise asked, fascinated.
‘A French soldier,’ Charles said simply. ‘It wasn’t
until he was sprawled on the settee that I realised it was
my father. If that had been Kitty, I could have broken
her neck.’ Everyone at the table heard the desolation in
his voice for what might have been.
‘Where were you sleeping?’ Louise asked in
confusion.
‘In front of the fire in the drawing room.’
‘Did you sleep on the ground a lot?’ Ponsonby
asked in his foppish manner, as if he was the highest
ranking title there.
‘We did.’ Richard said and smiled. ‘I didn’t have a
tent or a cot until Badajoz.’
‘Maybe you’d wake up easier if the person
disturbing you called you by your rank.’ Louise said with
sudden insight and Charles looked at her with raised
eyebrows. ‘Well, you just said you’ve been living with
death!’
‘You could be right, Lady Louise. My sergeant
always called me Captain from a distance, if he needed
to wake me up.’ He smiled at her and even Kitty could
see it was his best smile.
Charles studied Louise Trenchard from over his
tea cup as he drank his first cup without stopping. She
had dark hair, but it wasn’t black. Sitting in the sunshine
he could see fiery red flashes in the ornate chignon as
she moved her head to talk. He had a vivid picture of
her loose hair splashed across a white pillow, being
burnished by the sun. She had an oval face perched on a
graceful neck. Her skin was like alabaster, pale and
blemish free and her morning gown couldn’t hide the
rounded swell of her breasts. He jerked his attention
back to her face and in chatting with Anne, it was
animated. Her eyebrows were expressive, jerking one
up in query at something Anne said. Her eyes were
hazel, but in the sun they looked almost golden. They
were set wide apart either side of an impressive nose. It
was long and straight, which made her face seem long,
but it wasn’t. There was no button on the end, just a
round tip which flared down to the most sensual lips
he’d ever seen.
Have I ever looked at this woman?
He
asked himself as he imagined kissing them.
I wonder
what they would feel like sliding over my cock!?
Then
immediately responded with
perish the thought. She’s
no harlot!
He jerked his eyes away from her and his gaze
immediately clashed with Kitty’s. She smiled knowingly
and nodded her head, as if in approval. Charles
frowned.
I don’t need your approval!
He thought but
couldn’t follow through as the Duke arrived.
Never one for ceremony, Thomas dropped
gracefully into a chair next to Margaret Bonham. ‘Peggy,
my dear. How nice to see you.’ he murmured as he
reached for a cup of tea.
‘It’s been a while, Thomas.’ She murmured back.
‘I understand congratulations are in order?’
‘Yes, I suppose.’ He said. ‘I have proposed to
Victoria Bertrand and she has accepted.’ There was a
general expression of good fortune for the happy
couple.
‘Have you set a date yet?’ she asked evenly.
‘No. We’re not in any hurry.’
She looked at him archly and muttered ‘that
must be a first for you!’
Charles had heard this exchange and decided it
was time to go for a walk. ‘Lady Louise. May I invite you
to take a turn about the gardens?’ he asked and was
gratified to see shock on her face.
‘I would love to.’ She murmured as her cheeks
flushed a beautiful dusky pink. He wondered if that was
the colour her nipples would be and then shoved the
thought aside as he held out his arm. ‘Aren’t you
supposed to rest your leg?’ she asked as she opened her
parasol and then rested her hand on his muscular
forearm.
‘On the contrary the sawbones told me to walk
every day and I haven’t really done it.’ As he led her
onto the lawn he explained ‘It’s far too easy just to call
for the carriage, but it needs exercise.’
‘What is wrong with your leg?’ she asked coyly.
‘I was hit in the thigh with some grapeshot.’ He
said lightly. ‘It sort of scooped out a lump of my thigh
and seared it at the same time.....’ His voice faded away
as they moved across the lawn.
Kitty looked at her father and smiled at his
beatific smile. ‘Lady Amelia, can I persuade you to
accompany me in a stroll?’ Lord Derek Ponsonby asked
gently and offered his arm. She sat back suddenly, as if
startled, but nodded her head in acquiescence. The
corner of her mouth quirked as she saw the scowl
appear on Richard’s face. She stood up, rested her hand
on his forearm and looked up at his simpering
expression.
Richard grumpily watched Ponsonby escort her
over the lawn. He crossed his legs as he appreciated the
swing of her hips while she walked.
Maybe it’s better to
watch from here. She walks like a goddess!
He thought.
And then schooled his expression, with her father sitting
across the table.
‘You were a little slow, there.’ Thomas said
lifting an eyebrow at him. ‘Still, you certainly weren’t lax
last night. Once again I would like to thank you for your
quick actions. You undoubtedly saved Amelia from a lot
of pain.’
‘It was my pleasure. Sir.’ Richard said affably. ‘I
hope it won’t be necessary tonight.’
‘Well, I shall hold you to your promise this
morning.’ Thomas said and turned back to the ladies.
‘If you want, I’ll take a walk with you.’ Millicent
Carter said cheekily. ‘And you can tell me about last
night, because I wasn’t there.’
‘Of course, My Lady.’ Richard said and held out
his arm.
Richard explained about the punch bowl as they
strolled across the lawn in the wake of Kitty and
Ponsonby.
‘She was very lucky indeed.’ Millicent said
maturely and he turned to see a grown woman looking
at him, not a girl. ‘It happens too often. I’ve been
wondering whether it’s just malice or if somebody is
really trying to hurt her.’ She said thoughtfully.
‘Do you know when it started?’ he enquired.
‘Yes. When Strathairn came to call.’ She said and
frowned. ‘He danced with her at her first ball in March
and that same night, she ended up with jelly in her
cleavage.’ She looked up at him challengingly.
‘I wasn’t going to say anything.’ Richard said and
flushed because he’d like to have offered to lick it off.
Millicent laughed delightedly. ‘I believe you.’ she
spluttered. ‘However, it was just the first of many
incidents. The next day Strathairn came to call on her,
he brought a beautiful bouquet of roses and next
morning they were all dead. Kitty was quite distressed
about it and the household staff were thoroughly
questioned by Lady Agatha. Nobody had done anything
to the roses here, so that only left Strathairn’s hothouse
or wherever he bought them from.’ She sighed. ‘He
called every day for a week and I think Kitty was really
quite fond of him and I know he was enamoured of her.
I have to assume he made an offer, but Kitty never
mentioned it?’ She asked and he shook his head.
‘I think the Duke is careful about Kitty. He
doesn’t seem to want to force her into marriage.’
‘Very wise. Our Kitty has delicate sensibilities. I
have tried to give her a realistic approach to the
marriage state, but there is a deal of difference
between telling and doing!’ Millicent kept her head high
and looked straight ahead, as befits a matron of two
years. She smiled secretly as she thought again about
the life within her womb and absently rubbed her hand
over the slight bulge. ‘After that every time Kitty’s in a
ballroom, look out, because something will happen.’
Millicent finished.
‘Have all the incidents been...’ he searched for
the right words. ‘…successful?’ he frowned and shook
his head, not happy with the words. ‘I can’t think how
else to put it, other than did anything happen that
didn’t hit Kitty as the target.’
‘Come to think of it yes. The daughter of a Earl
had an unfortunate episode in the Ladies retiring room,
with a chamber pot.’ She looked at him sharply to see if
he laughed, but he was far too bothered to even
snigger. ‘She had to go straight home. Her very
expensive pearl encrusted satin gown was utterly
ruined.’
‘Was Kitty anywhere near?’ he asked.
‘As a matter of fact she was next in the queue
and I was right behind her.’
He sighed as they followed the others along the
path beside an informal border overflowing with flora.
The scent of the blooms was overpowering.
‘Are you in love with her?’ Millicent asked
suddenly. He looked down at her, opened his mouth to
deny it, and then shut it again and simply shrugged his
shoulders instead. ‘Good! Don’t let Ponsonby push you
out. She won’t marry him anyway.’
After the walk, Agatha organised a game of Pall
Mall on the lawn. The gardener had set the hoops and
Agatha decided on couples.
Richard found himself playing with Kitty against
Charles and Louise, so there was a lot of laughter and
teasing. Ponsonby scowled as he was partnered with
Millicent Carter and the Earl was partnered with Anne
Brooks.
Charles walked with Richard to the next hoop.
‘Do you feel strange?’ he asked suddenly.
‘Strange how?’
‘As if we’re not supposed to be here, enjoying
ourselves in the sun?’ Charles said and shivered.
‘Well, I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t think I
would last the night at Badajoz. But I think I know what
you mean, I too feel displaced sometimes, although
Kitty is helping to dispel it.’ He smiled at Charles. ‘You
should devote your energies to Lady Trenchard.’ He
finished as he lined up his mallet with the black ball.
‘Do you know, I’ve never really looked at her
before today, she was just one of Kitty’s friends and I’m
pleasantly surprised, she has grown into such a beauty.’
Charles said softly as the ladies approached.
The game was finished and as they went to walk
back to the table Rochdale extended his arm to Kitty. ‘If
you would do me the honour.’ Kitty’s heart leaped into
her throat and it didn’t have anything to do with
excitement, more of fear. Charles, because he knew her
so well saw it straight away. She reluctantly nodded and
rested her fingers on Rochdale’s arm and strode off with
him. Charles went straight to Richard and the pair of
them watched as Rochdale steered her into a path
obscured by trees and shrubs.
‘How old is Rochdale?’ Richard asked.
‘Older than my father.’ Charles responded and
followed at a discreet distance.
Kitty was very nervous. She did not have any
feelings for the old Earl, except maybe disgust that he
would even consider wooing her like a teenage boy.
He’s almost old enough to be my grandfather!
She
thought and turned her head to look at the rose bed.
‘My Lady.’ He began and then cleared his throat.
‘Amelia.’ He began again and rested his hand over hers.
‘I have been watching you all season.’ He stopped
walking and turned towards her, placing his hands on
her upper arms, so she couldn’t run away. ‘I have
already asked your father for your hand and he said no.’
He looked down at her breasts and then jerked his eyes
back up to her face. She was horrified to see a
speculative leer in his eyes. ‘I wondered if you could
change his mind on the subject. I could offer you the
world and a world of experience.’