Lord Rakehell (33 page)

James stiffened. “You are suggesting blackmail.”

The countess smiled. “And is blackmail against your moral code, Lord Hamilton?”

“Not at all, in certain circumstances. But I would hesitate to use it against my future wife's father. The breach might never be mended, and Anne may never forgive me if I used information about you to gain my own ends.”

“To put her happiness before your own proves that you love her. Give me a few days, Lord Hamilton, and I will see what I can do.”

“I thank you with all my heart, Lady Howe.” James took her fingers to his lips.

•   •   •

“Darling, I have to talk to you about Anne.”

Leicester Curzon-Howe kissed the beautiful woman he had loved for years, led her into the sitting room, and poured them each a glass of claret.

“At the end of June, Lord James Hamilton proposed to Anne and she accepted him. When Hamilton came to ask Richard for her hand, he flew into a rage and refused to give his consent.”

“What was his objection?”

“He objected on
moral grounds
, for Christ's sake!”

“His hypocrisy is stunning.”

“Anne and James are deeply in love. When I spoke with Hamilton a few days ago, I decided that my daughter's happiness was far more important than my own. I wanted to divulge things about my marriage that James could use to gain Richard's consent. But he refused to use information about me because it would hurt Anne.”

Leicester rubbed the back of his neck. “Darling, there's something I haven't told you. Anne came to see me when she returned to London from the Isle of Wight. She told me that she knew Montagu was my son, and asked me point-blank if I was also her father.”

“Good God, why didn't you tell me? Whatever did you say?”

“I told her that was not possible, that our love affair ended over twenty years ago when you married. She waved my words aside impatiently and told me that she had overheard us in your bedchamber. It must have been when Richard went to Gopsall.”

Lady Howe's face went white with shock.

“I told her that I would never do or say anything that would hurt her in any way, and I meant it. When she demanded the truth, I told her that I didn't know if she was my child, but for her own peace of mind it would be best to think of Richard as her father.”

“Leicester, whatever shall I do? My daughter's happiness is the most important thing on earth to me.”

“
Our
daughter's happiness is the most important thing to me, also. I shall take care of it, darling; please stop worrying.”

•   •   •

“Leicester, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Earl Howe leaned back in his swivel chair behind his desk.

“I'm here to discuss Anne's future.”

The earl's eyes narrowed dangerously.

“I understand that she has received an offer of marriage from Lord James Hamilton, and that she has accepted his proposal. Why have you rejected his offer?”

“Hamilton's reputation is unsavory. He is reputed to be a womanizer.”

“Reputed by whom?”

“Your sister Emily has told me about Hamilton, and the things that go on at Marlborough House.”

“Emily has been jealous of Anne since the day she was born. She is a vindictive bitch who glories in being spiteful and carrying tales to you.”

The earl's jaw clenched. “Hamilton and the prince he serves are profligate.”

“Whereas you and I are merely morally bankrupt,” Leicester said with contempt.

The earl leaned forward in his chair. “How dare you? This is none of your business!”

Leicester too leaned forward in a threatening manner. “I am making it my business. I will not allow you to ruin Anne's future. I insist that you withdraw your objection.”

“You have absolutely no say in this matter!”

Leicester stood up and smote the desk with his fist. “I have
every
say in this matter. Anne's mother and I refuse to let you destroy her happiness like you destroyed ours. I've let you pretend to the world that you are the father of Montagu and Anne, but we both know that you are
impotent
. I am the last child you ever sired.” He modulated his voice, but the threat was implicit. “If you want this charade to continue, you will give this marriage your blessing.”

“I
'm truly sorry to be leaving Sandringham. When the guests left in mid-September, we had the great hall and the gardens to ourselves. I was surprised that by month's end, the weather changed overnight. One day I was cutting roses and the next the cold wind was so fierce everything was withered.” Alexandra looked out the train window as it neared London. “Edward is happiest when he's entertaining his friends. I imagine he is already planning who he'll invite to Marlborough House for the first party of the winter Season.”

“Perhaps when you see the doctor, he will advise against too many parties.” Anne had persuaded the princess to consult a doctor as soon as she got back to London.

“I don't want the queen's physician. I want a doctor of my ow
n,” Alix declared.

“Our family has been well served by Dr. William Jenner,” Frances Hamilton told the princess. “We could arrange for him to see you at Marlborough House.”

“That's a very good idea, Frances. I don't want Victoria to be there when my baby is delivered. I plan on telling her she will be a grandmother by March.”

“You experienced morning sickness on the way to Newmarket, the first weekend of May.” Frances counted on her fingers. “The baby should arrive sometime in January.”

Alexandra smiled serenely.

Anne said, “That's why she wants the queen to think her baby will arrive in March.”

•   •   •

“I saved you a seat, Lady Anne.”

“Thank you, Lord Hamilton.”

James stood behind her chair until she was seated in the formal dining room at Marlborough House; then he sat down between Anne and the Prince of Wales. Under cover of the tablecloth, he took possession of her hand and squeezed it.

As was his custom, the prince focused on his food and did not speak until the third course. “It was only a few days after you left Sandringham that Mordaunt packed up his guns and headed back to London. Seemed odd to me that they didn't stay longer.”

Perhaps Mordaunt was offended by the attention you paid his wife.
“Parliament sits in September, sire. Sir Charles took his seat in the Commons.”

“Then a couple of days later, Aylesford and his wife left.”

“Aylesford sits in the Lords,” James reminded him.

“Ah, yes, I'd forgotten about the government.”

James spoke low to Anne. “I paid a call to Grosvenor Square when I got back to London. Perhaps it was fortunate that your father wasn't at home. I spoke with your mother and she promised to see what she could do to make him change his mind.”

“Thank you, James. I hope Mother can work her magic.”

Teddy helped himself to a brace of roasted partridge he'd shot at Sandringham. “Too bad you allowed duty to call you, James, you missed the fireworks at Newmarket last weekend. Henry Chaplin had his horse Hermit
entered, but his trainer said he's come up lame. Chaplin almost pulled him, but at the last minute decided to run him. His archrival Hastings wagered two hundred and fifty thousand pounds that Hermit
would lose. When Hastings lost the bet, the two men came to blows. It was great sport, I can tell you.”

“But surely a loss of two hundred and fifty thousand pounds would wipe out his fortune,” James said with concern.

Prince Teddy shrugged. “Just deserts for eloping with Chaplin's intended bride.”

Anne was deeply concerned about her friend. “I must visit Florence. The Hastings live close-by in St. James's Place. She will be terribly upset over this, James.”

“You must be careful, Anne. Don't go alone. Take Frances with you.”

“That's a good idea. Will you be staying here tonight, James?” she asked, quietly enough so that no one else could hear.

“Better not, sweetheart. Too many eyes and ears.”

•   •   •

“I'm sorry to disturb you, Alix,” Anne said, carefully closing the door to the private sitting room. “My sister Emily has arrived from Buckingham Palace. She is delivering a letter from Her Majesty the Queen and insists she's been instructed to hand it to you in person.”

“I didn't request an audience with the queen when I returned from Sandringham. I've been expecting a summons all week. Please show Emily in, and order us some tea.”

Anne returned to the entrance hall where Emily sat waiting. “Her Royal Highness will see you in her sitting room.” Anne was determined to show Emily more hospitality than she had been shown at Buckingham Palace. “The princess has ordered tea.”

Alix greeted Anne's sister warmly. “Lady Emily, welcome to Marlborough House.”

Emily did not curtsy, but she politely inclined her head. “Your Highness, I bring you a letter from Her Majesty Queen Victoria.”

“Thank you so much, Lady Emily. Please sit down and join us for tea.” She opened the envelope and took out the letter. “I shall read it immediately.”

The serene smile remained on Alexandra's face as she read the missive. As she had expected, it was a summons for her to present herself to Victoria.

A maid wheeled in a tea cart, and Anne brought a small table and placed it beside her sister's chair.

Alix arose and moved to her writing desk. “Do have some tea, ladies, while I write a reply to Her Majesty's letter.”

Anne busied herself pouring the tea, then helped herself to a couple of pink iced petits fours so she wouldn't have to make small talk with her sister.

Princess Alexandra dipped her pen in the ink and began to write.

Your Gracious Majesty:

Thank you for your invitation to join you at Buckingham Palace.

Because of your generosity in allowing Prince Edward and I to enjoy Sandringham Estate, it gives me the greatest pleasure to share our wonderful news. You may expect to be a proud grandmother sometime in March, next year.

My doctor has advised me to reduce my social activities. I am sure you will understand why my delicate condition prevents me from resuming my monthly audiences with you at Buckingham Palace.

Your devoted daughter-in-law,

Alexandra, Princess of Wales

After Emily left with her reply, Alix told Anne, “From now on, it will be my decision when I see my dearest mother-in-law.”

•   •   •

“Anne, Frances, I'm so glad to see you.” Florence invited her two friends upstairs to the drawing room. “I don't want the servants to overhear us, so I won't ring for tea. Will you have sherry instead?”

“Sherry will be lovely,” Anne said. “We came because we were worried about you.”

“Then you heard what happened at Newmarket?”

“Yes, we know that your husband lost an enormous amount of money at the races.”

“It's all my fault—I'm the reason for the insane rivalry between Hastings and Chaplin. My husband's hatred for Henry Chaplin knows no bounds.”

“It doesn't do any good to blame yourself, Florence,” Anne said firmly. “If he's angry and drinking, you shouldn't stay here. Perhaps you should go home.”

Florence laughed bitterly. “I reached out to my father, but my stepmother rules the roost. She said that I made my bed and now I must lie in it.”

“You never should have let your heart rule your head, Florence,” Frances admonished. “Blandford Churchill was at Sandringham, but I made sure I kept him at arm's length.”

“But, Frances, your brother James was at Sandringham. Blandford wouldn't dare
make
improper
advances to you,” Anne pointed out. “Florence, I too allow my heart to rule my head. The heart wants what it wants, right or wrong.”

“You mustn't worry about me. Hastings isn't here. He's gone to the Doncaster races to enter his horse Lady Elizabeth in the big race. He hopes to recoup his money.”

“Well, I hope for your sake that he does. But high-stake wagers are addictive as well as dangerous. Please take care of yourself, Florence. If you need our help, Frances and I are only a short distance away at Marlborough House.”

“I love you both. Thank you for caring about me.”

•   •   •

For the next few days, Anne was busy designing dresses for Princess Alexandra that concealed her expanding waistline. “It's not just the style that matters; it's also important to select the right colors and materials,” she advised Alix.

“Dr. Jenner warned me against tightening my corset strings because it could harm my baby. Your looser-fitting designs are far more comfortable than squeezing into the outfits I wore last month.”

Anne continually consulted with the sewing women. She took Alexandra's measurements often, and it was no longer necessary for the princess to have constant fittings for her clothes. Anne's days were filled with activities, but the nights seemed empty and endless, especially since James hadn't been to Marlborough House for a week.

I don't just miss him, I long for him. Alix retires after dinner most nights and the evening hours seem to drag on forever.

She had fallen into the habit of bathing around ten o'clock each night, and was in bed by eleven, often lying sleepless, hungry for the sight, feel, and taste of James.

Tonight, when she returned to her chamber after taking her bath, every inch of her craved for his touch and she refused to go one more hour without seeing him. Anne opened her wardrobe, slipped on her fur coat, and departed Marlborough House.

She cut through Green Park, crossed Piccadilly, and was in front of his town house on the corner of White Horse Street in less than fifteen minutes. She ran up the steps, lifted the brass knocker three times, and waited. It seemed to take forever for someone to open the door, and she was startled to see James. “Where's Grady?” she asked in surprise.

“Anne! It's not safe for a lady to be out at this hour. Grady is in bed, where you should be.”

She gave him a saucy smile. “That's where I intend to be shortly.” She walked past him and ran up the stairs. James followed, his eyes drawn irresistibly to her lovely slim ankles in spite of the fact that he thought her behavior reckless. Anne entered the drawing room and turned to face him.

He had been about to read his post when she arrived, but set the letters down unread. “Anne, it's wrong of me to compromise you. I'm going to put you in a cab and send you back to Marlborough House.”

She ran the tip of her tongue around her lips. “Can't I make you change your mind?” She slipped off her fur coat and stood before him naked.

“My God, you are not just reckless, you are abandoned!” He enfolded her in his arms and groaned as his hands came into contact with the soft, silken skin of her back. “I should beat you for walking the streets naked.”

“Do you have a rod?” she whispered, and bit his earlobe. “Ah yes, I feel that you do.”

He swept her up into his arms, carried her to his chamber, and dropped her on the bed. He stroked his hand down the curve of her back. “Your lovely body has so many places that are irresistible to me.”

“How many?”

“At least a dozen.”

“Show me where they are.”

He lifted her foot. “Your instep begs my kisses.” He circled her ankle with his long fingers. “Your ankle is so delicate I can span it.” His hand moved up her leg. “Behind your knee is an intimate place I love to touch.”

His palm stroked up her belly and he dipped a finger into her navel. “A very private spot. I doubt anyone but me has ever touched it.”

“You make me want to purr.”

“Now right here, beneath your breasts, the flesh is so tender and silky, I like to nibble it.” He traced one finger along her clavicle, then pressed his lips to the hollow of her throat. He dropped a kiss on each eyelid. “I can see the tiny blue veins when you close your eyes.”

“That's only eight—show me the rest.”

“The red-gold tendrils that fall on your brow always invite my lips.” Then he lifted her hair and ran his tongue along the back of her neck. “So private.” He lifted her arm above her head to expose an armpit. “So intimate.” He touched his lips to the hollow, making her laugh. “And so ticklish.”

He slid his hands beneath her bottom cheeks and curled his fingers into the cleft of her bum. “This spot is so sensitive it makes you shudder—it makes me shudder.”

She slipped her arms about his neck. “Enough, James. You are torturing me.”

He held his breath as the tips of her breasts brushed against his chest, and she wrapped her legs about him. “I'm in a fever of need, sweetheart.”

When James thrust inside her, she arched her body as a wave of pleasure swept her from her breasts to her toes. He saw her eyes smoky with passion, her lips half-parted, waiting for his kisses. When he covered her mouth with his, and thrust his tongue in deep, she moaned with pure, sensual pleasure.

He began to plunge savagely with hot, drugging strokes until the night exploded. Fire snaked through his groin and as he spilled, a feral growl escaped his throat. They lay still, pulsating together in a mating that had been almost too intense.

The lovers lay whispering for an hour, enjoying their stolen time together. Then finally, James sat up and swung his legs to the floor. “I must get you back to Marlborough House. You'd better put on one of my shirts. I refuse to let you go back dressed in only your fur. That's too decadent even for me, you little wanton.”

He took a clean shirt from his dresser, sat her up on the edge of the bed, and threaded her arms through the sleeves. Then he buttoned it. Then he donned his own clothes.

“Where's your coat?”

“I dropped it in the drawing room.” She sighed and got up off the bed. “Do I really have to go?”

“Yes, you really, absolutely have to go. Come on.” He took her hand to make sure she followed him. He bent to retrieve her coat from the carpet, and saw his forgotten letters. He held the fur and when she put her arms into the sleeves, he wrapped it about her. Then he picked up his post. “Hello, what's this?”