A Lady's Plight (Lords of Sussex) (9 page)

Finding an enclosed space, Isa sat on a Queen Anne chair whilst the two girls perched on a settee. 'I must be quick; the dancing will start soon' Opening her fan, she said, 'Pray now, what is it?'

Henrietta again looked around cautiously. 'I find this very difficult, but I am so distressed; I fear … I fear… oh maybe I should leave it.' Her head drooped.

Isa urged her on 'You fear what?'

With her cheeks flushing, she said,' Vaughan came to my room the night before last …he laid with me. Now I am so afraid I am … increasing.'

Astonished Isa echoed, '
Increasing? But that is scandalous; did he not take any precaution?'

'No, he kissed me
for some time, it was quite delicious but then he lifted me onto the bed and then laid on top of me.'

Phillipa said softly. '
Laid with you? Was it painful?'

'Oh no, it was most pleasant
. I thought at first he meant to harm me, you know but I was wary. Maybe he would lose his wits, ravish me in a fit of male ardour.’

Isa bit her lip, trying not to giggle. 'So what happened then?'

'Well as I said, he did try to - err … touch my breast as he kissed me. I was loathe to stop him; we even touched tongues. Why that was enough to get me with child.

‘She stopped, as Isa giggle
d.

Phillipa choked back her laughter. '
Darling, if all he did was to lie on top of you, you could not possibly become pregnant.’

'
My friend told me it could, that a girl had to be so careful. La, you could even become pregnant with kissing.’

Isa smothered a shriek, holding her fan before her face. '
Do not - do not Henrietta - oh good lord.'

Henrietta turned to Phillip
a's face, as she smothered her laughter.

Isa spluttered 'Henrietta darling,
it’s just not true, they have to do a lot more before that happens. Dearest, all he did was to lie with you. What did he say to you?'

'Well he said he would give me a little book to read.'

Isa clasped Henrietta's hands. 'Believe me dearest, you are not increasing.' Seeing Alex walk towards them, she grinned, if only he knew what they discussed.

As he reached them he said, 'What merriment. However, I
must needs break this up ladies; the dancing begins.'

The mirth diminished Isa's nerves, as Alex led her to the floor to begin the dancing. She was hardly aware of the guests crowded around, applauding and cheering
. Her feet hardly touched the floor as her new husband, swirled her around, his strong arms holding her close. Smiling, he said, 'So what was the cause of such hilarity?'

'Darling I shall tell you later. But, you must promise to keep it to yourself.'

From an alcove, Lord Vaughan watched the girls in earnest conversation, followed by laughter. He could well guess what was going on. His sweet little Henrietta almost ran away from him each time he approached her. Surely, he had terrified her with his advances. She wouldn't even allow him to kiss her hand, and he could not find an opportunity to give her the book. It was one he carried with him for his own amusement, but it would be invaluable to the innocent virgin.

Sighing, he realized there was no way she could accompany him to Brussels, even now he wondered what future he had with her, surely a cold bed, a life barren of passion. Shrugging, he turned
away; he would arrange for his mistress to travel with him. Esther would be dazzled with the prospect of staying in an apartment in Brussels.

Glancing across, Henrietta saw him watching her. Did he realize she was talking about him? Serve him right, he should not have tried to seduce her, why she had not slept or eaten since that disastrous scene. She truly believed she was increasing;
he'd given no thought to her naivety. He should have allowed her time. Why, when they were married, he'd have years to teach her the art of love. Meanwhile, they would marry in a couple of weeks, and she could look forward to journeying with him to Brussels. She just had to get used to the sordid business of the bedroom. In fact, she decided instantly; he could only come to her bed if she needed to conceive an heir. Once they achieved that, he could leave her well alone. Her thoughts switched to Brussels; Isabella would already be there, so she would not be alone.

The guests gathered in the hallway to see the couple off, some stalwarts even braved the rain, standing on the stone steps. Isa looked to see the gleaming coach piled high with trunks and boxes, the four horses neighed, tamping their feet, eager to begin. As it was such a long journey, two caped coachmen with tall hats sat in the front box whilst two footmen stood behind, cloaked against the rain. Alex entered to help her up, whilst a footman stood behind her ready to catch her if she tripped.

Entering the coach, Isa gasped at the interior, filled with soft cushions, silk tasselled pillows and exotic rugs. 'Why Alex, it looks like an Indian harem in here.'

'And so it should, this is our wedding night my
love, and I intend to see you enjoy every minute of it.'

Seated, Isa waved to the
earl and the countess, as they stood in the centre of the guests, she could see her mother in tears, a lace handkerchief held to her eyes. Isa choked back a sob, as she left her ancestral home; the next time she entered the great house, it would be as a beloved guest. But, only yesterday, her papa said forcefully, 'Isabella my darling, your husband may own you, but I want you to always look upon Winton Manor as your second home.'

As the coach made its way down the long drive, she felt Alex's arms wind around her. 'Come my pet - let us drink to our future. Forthwith, he produced two crystal glasses and proceeded to fill them with champagne from a bucket filled with ice. Lifting his glass to her, he said, '
To us, you have made me the proudest man in Christendom.'

Isa smiled 'I too am honoured to sit beside my husband.' La, to think I have used that word. Husband it is.'

As they left the estate gates, Alex said, 'Let the games begin.' He drew the side curtains and the one at the back. 'Now for some privacy.'

The coach tilted, rolled and bucked, as Alex helped Isa out of her travelling gown. 'So many straps, buttons and bows, honestly you would think dressmakers would have a mind to what a man has to work through.'

Isa giggled, as she lifted her arms for him to pull the velvet dress over her head.

Sitting back, he said, 'Now that's better, but we still have another two layers or more to get through. Goodness, tis a good thing you are slender, otherwise you could appear quite fat with all these garments.'

She nodded. 'Think what a muddle it must have been in the days of the crinoline. Though at least, you could detach the skirts from the bodices.'

Busy untying her petticoat Alex murmured, '
Hmm, tis a wonder a man can keep up his ardour with so much to do. However, my sweet, I am aroused as part by part of you appear. Look now I can kiss your sweet back.' He rolled his tongue down her spine, making her shiver and squeak.

'Ooh
that is it Alex, you've found my weak spot, Do it again.'

He grinned. 'Weak spot, rather a sex spot, a bit of a way from where it all happens though.'

She turned, holding down his hands, 'Now tis my turn. You will have me naked before you take off one thing.'

'That's another of my fantasies - a naked woman in my arms completely helpless before me.'

'You seem to have many fantasies Alex.'

'Yes, and I enjoy everyone. Now come let me finish.'

As she moved against him, she felt his arousal, through the fine deerskin trousers. 'Now you can carry on doing that, whilst I ….'

He pulled up the petticoat only to
be faced with another. 'Good God woman, you're dressed like a fortress.'

Working now on the last one, he said, '
Now I believe I only have to fight through to the chemise.'

Expertly, he untied the petticoat strings and hurriedly fumbled with her chemise.

'Darn thing is so flimsy; I cannot feel it in my hands.'

'That is because you have rough calloused hands through fighting.'

'I beg your pardon; they are not calloused.'

They are too.' She turned around grasping his hand, and turning it over to see the palm. 'Look, all those hard spots and your fingers are so rough.'

'All the more to arouse you my dear.' He pulled her onto his lap. 'Now I hold Botticelli's Birth of Venus. One of my favourite paintings, other than Venus at her toilet of course.'

'I know; you have them hung over your bed. I must say my lord; they will be removed before I sleep in your room.'

'Not a chance, they have been with me for years, and will stay so. Why, I have searched high and low for a bride who resembles them.'

'I do not; I have raven-black hair, and they are fair.'

'I am not talking about hair my darling - the body - the body.' With that, he smoothed her skin, his hands going over her breasts and diaphragm, before reaching lower. She pushed away his hands, 'Too soon - too fast.'

He groaned, as she deftly unclipped his braces and worked on his waistcoat
.

'Madam just
continue with the trousers that is enough.'

She stopped suddenly, 'Oh dear, dear I have a worry. What if the coach turns or a wheel slips
?'

Alex growled, '
At this moment in time; just continue my love - continue.'

Her fingers tingling now, she pulled at his cravat. 'What a confusing affair my lord, why I
don't want to strangle you and lose my delight.' As it unravelled, she unbuttoned his shirt slowly, revelling in heaving pecs, pulling at the black bristly hair. Sighing, she stroked the huge chest, feeling his lips on the back of her neck.

Isa
gasped, just as the coach jolted several times over the rough stone of the track. Alex mumbled, 'Damn coach. I’ll shoot the driver.’

Laughing and groaning at the same time, Isa put her arms around his neck, holding onto him tightly. She lay back across the pillows as he moved on her. Drawing her body close, he took them to oblivion.

Dawn filtered through the curtains of the coach arousing Alex. He smiled to see Isa fast asleep in his arms.
For the first time, he did not have to leave, to stealthily creep back to his own room. She was his, his treasured possession to do with as he pleased. Gently kissing her brow, he saw her eyelashes flutter, her jade eyes opening to gaze up at him. His heart wrenched, she was so beautiful, a woman of many moods, vulnerable one moment, feisty the next. She would never cease to amuse and amaze him.

'Good morning my little pet.
Did you sleep well?'

Her head still felt fazed with the ardency of his lovemaking. 'La, I know not whether I slept or went into a deep swoon with the fervour of your love.'

'Then come to me my love and—'

'No - no my lord, we must needs dress and make ourselves presentable.'

'But we have another hour or so yet before meeting the ship.'

'My lord I do not want to appear as if I have just dragged myself from a love bed.'

Grinning, he stroked the waist length waves of ebony hair. 'Now just for you, I have jugs of water and soap for you to refresh yourself.

'Oh Alex you are so thoughtful. Thank you so much.'

'The pleasure is all mine. I can now for the first time watch a lady at her toilet. Just like Botticelli's Venus.'.

'Tsk Alex.' She pushed him from her. 'You will do no such thing; a lady's toilet is a very private thing.'

'But I command you my love; I am your husband, and you must obey me in all things.'

Her eyes glittered. 'I hope you jest.'

'You promised such in the wedding ceremony, “To love, cherish and obey.”'

'Those are ancient words and not something I agree with, but I could hardly start arguing with the vicar could I?'

'Come now let us not prevaricate. No - I want to see you at your toilette, - so let us begin.'

Her eyes narrowed, 'I warn you now Alex, if you ever - ever use those words again to me I shall run away. I will not countenance any man commanding me to do anything. Do you hear me?'

Perplexed he raised his eyebrows, 'Why the fight, my dear, all I want is to watch you wash.'

'Well I refuse - so there's an end to it. One more word and I will punch you on the jaw.'

His eyes darkened, 'Madam you will do as I say.'

Without hesitation, she slapped him. 'I said beware.'

Holding his jaw, Alex glared at her. 'You meant it.'

'Of course I meant it. Never again Alex, will you use force on me.'

Seeing her anger and the tears appearing, he relented. 'Forgive me. I just thought….'

She knew she had to set the rules now, the last thing she wanted was a fight on the second day of their wedding, but he had to know the ground rules straightaway. 'Alex we were only married yesterday, but already we fight. Just remember I will never obey you. I may discuss something, disagree or agree, but never - ever obey.'

Astounded, Alex narrowed his eyes; they had been together for four years, and he still didn't know her. A wife was legally his possession, one who must obey him in all matters.

'I have warned you before, but obviously, you thought it was in jest. There is a new breed of woman appearing Alex, and I count myself among them.'

They had joked about it, but that was all it was, fun. Now he realized, all along, she was serious. As he fumed, he knew he would have to change his beliefs, or lose her love. Gruffly, he murmured, 'Well get on with it then. I shall turn my back.'

'But
—'

He growled, 'I mean it; I will turn my back.'

Mollified, she poured some water from the earthenware jug into the Dresden china bowl. A small victory, but she would not relent; this morning would set the pattern for his approach to her for the future. However much she loved and adored him; she would never stop fighting for her freedom. She was in an age where women were beginning to speak out on the slavery of women, and she would join her voice to theirs.

Once
washed and dressed, they left the coach to have a light breakfast at the quayside hotel. Still bemused at her refusal to obey him in such a small matter as her toilette, he said, 'We must make haste; the ship leaves within the hour, and I wish to make sure our stateroom is to my satisfaction.'

Her eyes glimmered as she crunched on bacon, the fat moistening her plump lips. She was quite adorable.
His heart melted, as he looked at her dainty little hands, the slight figure, she was so dependent upon him, at least he could afford to be a little lax with her. Smiling he said, 'I must ensure it is fit for my princess.'

Still annoyed, she nodded, and bit down on a sausage. He winced as her pearly teeth broke of one third of it in one go. He felt his stomach ripple, now that was something they yet had to explore.
At the moment, her mouth looked dangerous and enticing. Yes, definitely something he would introduce into their nightly games.

As a line of sailors piped them aboard, Alex nodded his head to the Captain and his
lady wife Mistress Grace Thompson. The latter gushed her congratulations to the young couple. 'Oh my, tis such a privilege to welcome you both aboard, so soon after your nuptials. Captain Thompson and I wish you every happiness; may you have a long and fruitful union.'

Alex smile and bowed, whilst Isa managed a small curtsey, blushing at the
lady's intimations. As she averted her gaze from Alex, he could see she still smarted from their first argument in wedlock, he knew it would not be the last.

The sailors sat on deck repairing sails and nets, whilst others scaled the huge masts, tarring the ropes. Already, there was another officer on board with a splendidly dressed woman on his arm. The man wore the uniform of a colonel, with a black cocked hat, and
a gold cockade, a border of silver lace, topped with a white plume. His scarlet jacket was immaculate with white lining, collar and cuffs with golden lace buttons. He looked quite dashing with gaiters, white gloves, a crimson sash and black sword scabbard with gold decoration. His red-haired companion looked regal with a beautifully decorated silk bonnet festooned with pink damask roses, fronds of corn and a large plume. Her velvet padded pelisse was an extravagant affair with an empire waistline, braid trims and frog fastenings and the whole decorated with lace and ribbons.

Isa looked at Alex who cut an even more dashing figure with his dark looks, and wide shoulders filling out the scarlet jacket. His plumed hat sat jauntily on the dark locks, the sabre in a gold gilt scabbard. He smiled taking her arm as the Captain's wife, showed them to the stateroom at the fore of the ship. Waving them to the room, she said, 'I pray you will enjoy the voyage, we will reach Ostend with in the day.'

Isa almost gasped, as they entered the wide room in the fore of the ship, the bow windows gave a magnificent view of the ocean. A table stood before them already laden with a variety of dishes to nibble before dinner. To the left of the room was a bed nailed to the floor, piled high with pillows, crisp linen sheets and a brocade bedspread. Bowing to them, the woman murmured, 'Please pull the bell if you have need of anything. The weather is so fine you may wish to take the fresh sea air.'

As she closed the door, Isa turned to Alex. 'That was a beautiful
lady with the colonel, who is she?'

Alex pursed his lips. Isa was sheltered, and had only just entered the world of the
haute ton
. This may be the first time she encountered mistresses, courtesans and highly paid prostitutes. The wife begot the heirs; the mistresses provided the pleasure of sex. 'Err … she is Lily Winthrop, the Colonel's favourite mistress.'

'Oh - this is the first time I have met a lady of ill-repute. Pray where
is the Colonel's wife?'

'I know not my love, presumably at home with the children and of course, overseeing the estate in his absence.'

'La - I shall always be by your side Alex. I will never countenance such behaviour in my husband.'

'My love, I have no such intentions; I am yours alone, but you are aware, many wives after producing the heir take on lovers.'

'Alex, you are my life, heart, my soul, there will never be anyone but you. You know that. Why I let you ruin me before marriage.'

'It delights me to hear that Isa. I know of many who have their doxies.' He was not about to divulge that both of her closest friends fiancés, Lord Vaughan Bruges and Lord Hector Thurston had their mistresses. They did not intend to cast them off, just because they were to marry. Bruges especially
was quite smitten with his beloved Esther, who provided him with so many delights in the boudoir. It took time and money to install a mistress, besides the contracts that were legally binding. A man did not get a decent mistress or courtesan under three thousand pounds down payment and a yearly stipend of at least eight hundred pounds a year. Then of course, she enjoyed a house, servants and carriages. Some of the earls and dukes installed their mistresses in fine mansions with a bevy of staff, horses and carriages. These highly sophisticated ladies, some educated and gifted in the arts made fine hostesses entertaining the Lord's guests. Oh no, it was no light thing to provide for a mistress.

Isa broke through his thoughts. 'I expect the servants are settling in. I just wish they could have better quarters. It is so dark below decks.'

'It will only be for a few hours, at least tis fine weather, and they can stay on deck.'

'I've
heard below decks are foul places, with live freight and floors awash with sewage, then there are rats and mice.'

'Hah no Isa, such evil conditions are on some of the merchant ships, transporting criminals and emigrants to the Americas and Australia. Never fear, a naval ship is clean. Our servants have no need of a bed, so it will be quite a pleasant experience for them.'

Looking over to the large berth, Isa said, 'It looks so inviting. I am weary; we had little sleep—'

'Hah I will join you.'

Her annoyance dissipated, as she smiled at him. 'Sleep only Alex - sleep. You will fair wear me out.'

Stretching his arms, he yawned. 'I agree - sleep we will, but when we wake
…?'