Lord Rakehell (35 page)

“Adultery must be proven, sire.”

“I cannot be dragged into court! I am the Prince of Wales. It is unthinkable.”

“You need an attorney to advise you, Your Highness.”

“Attorney be damned. There isn't a lawyer living I would trust. What I need you to do is go to Mordaunt and offer him money, or a knighthood, or whatever he's after.”

“He's obviously after revenge.” James shook his head. “I have no intention of trying to bribe the man; that would be tantamount to admitting your guilt, and playing right into his hands.”

“Then what the hellfire do you propose I do?” Teddy demanded.

“When in doubt, do nothing.”

“Nothing?” The prince poured himself a glass of whiskey and downed it.

“You need do nothing, unless or until you are served with papers.”

“You think that Mordaunt may not go that far?”

“Sir Charles Mordaunt is ruthless. He put his own Warwickshire tenants out of their cottages when they tried to join the Labourers' Union.”

“Most landowners are against unions. What does that have to do with me?”

“Nothing. I was merely illustrating the depth of his vindictiveness. That's why I advised you to keep away from Jermyn Street. And above all, you must have no contact with Sarah Mordaunt,” James warned.

“You need have no fear on that score. A pox on the little whore!”

•   •   •

Anne recognized James's elegant writing on the envelope that a messenger delivered. Her pulse quickened as she tore it open and read the note.

My darling Anne,

If you can get away after lunch, meet me outside Marlborough House. There is a property I am going to look at and of course I prefer that we see it together.

Love, James

She hoped the house was in Mayfair, where both their families had always lived, but she knew that James could be unconventional. She decided to wear her fur coat, since the November day was chilly, and there was a cold wind coming off the Thames.

After lunch she emerged from Marlborough House and saw that James was there awaiting her. As he helped her into his carriage, his glance swept her from head to foot. “I hope you are wearing something warmer than last time beneath that fur.”

“Lord Hamilton, I am now a respectable lady who is engaged to be married. My days of wanton behavior are a thing of the past.”

“I sincerely hope not,” he said with a wink. “That would be truly devastating.” He drove up St. James's Street, along Piccadilly, then turned onto Park Lane. He stopped the carriage in front of the mansion on the corner.

Anne gazed up at the magnificent stone edifice. “Oh, James, is it really for sale?”

He helped her from the carriage. “It was yesterday, when I made inquiries. They let me have a key so I could show it to you.” He unlocked the front door and they stepped inside the elegant foyer.

Anne gazed up at the high ceiling with its exquisite chandelier and sweeping staircase. As they ascended to the second level, she saw that the floor-to-ceiling windows provided a glorious view of the park. “It's a magnificent house, but it's very large, James.”

“Yes, it has a ballroom, a massive library, and an entire floor of nurseries. Do you like it, sweetheart?”

“Of course I like it, but it's almost as big as Marlborough House.”

“And why shouldn't you live in a mansion, my beauty? One day you'll be a duchess.” He led the way to the spacious master bedchamber and opened the door to the adjoining bathing room, whose bathtub was large enough for two.

Anne sighed. “Well, I suppose if you have your heart set on it, I could learn to love it.” The teasing light in her eyes belied her words.

“The only thing my heart is set on is you, my lovely.” He reached into his pocket for the key, and put it into her hand. “I bought it yesterday.”

Anne threw her arms around his neck, and he picked her up and swung her around. When he set her feet back to the Aubusson carpet, she let her fur coat slide to the floor. “Let's christen it!”

An hour later as James drove back to Marlborough House, he said, “We spoke about January for the wedding, but we have to settle on a date.”

“I was looking at the calendar and was thinking about the fourteenth.”

“The sooner the better. Let's make it the seventh.”

Anne smiled. “Seven is our lucky number.”

When they drove up to Marlborough House, a footman opened the carriage door.

Anne jumped out and blew James a kiss. “I'll see you later, darling.”

The footman cleared his throat. “Lord Hamilton, the Prince of Wales asked me to keep an eye out for you. His Highness asks that you attend him in the library.”

“J
ames, where the devil have you been? I've been waiting hours. I sent a message to White Horse Street and your servant said you were here at Marlborough House.”

James recognized Teddy's panic;
he'd seen it many times over the years. “Tell me.”

“I had a visit from Mordaunt's attorney, Simon Rodkin. The fellow had the effrontery to tell me that I'm being charged with
adultery
in his client's divorce case.”

That's what it's called when you fuck a married woman.
“You must engage your own attorney-at-law, Your Highness. He will represent you in court if it goes to trial.”

“It
cannot
go to trial.
I cannot
go to court. I am a member of the royal family, heir to the
throne
. I will be England's next king. Mordaunt cannot do this to me!”

“Sir Charles Mordaunt is a baronet. He is also a member of the ruling party in the House of Commons. He absolutely can bring a suit against you if he has grounds, Your Highness. You will simply have to deny the charges.”

“James, I
did
deny the charges. I told Rodkin that you owned the Jermyn Street town house, and that I had never visited the place. James, if you admit to an affair with the woman, Mordaunt will be able to obtain his divorce without dragging my royal name through the mud.”

You cowardly son of a bitch!
“Sire, do not ask it of me. I have taken responsibility in the past, but I cannot do so now. I am engaged to be married. It would bring shame upon Lady Anne and her family. I'm sorry, but I'm not prepared to do such a thing.”

Teddy looked incredulous at his friend's adamant refusal.

James turned on his heel and strode from the library.

•   •   •

“Many happy returns of the day, Your Highness.” Anne curtsied before Princess Alexandra, and watched as Alix unwrapped the birthday present she had designed for her. It was a satin, flared bed jacket in her favorite lavender-blue, embroidered with tiny silver
fleurs-de-lys.

The December first birthday celebration
was taking place in Alexandra's sitting room. It was both small and private because of her advanced pregnancy, and also because December was the anniversary of Prince Albert's death.

Frances Hamilton dropped into a curtsy. “Happy nineteenth birthday, Your Highness. I didn't design these myself, but I hope you like them.”

Princess Alexandra held up the kid riding gloves for the ladies to see. “Thank you, Frances, I cannot wait until I'll be able to ride again.”

The personal maid who did her hair gave her tortoiseshell hair ornaments, and her head sewing woman presented her with a tea gown, a fashion that was currently all the rage in London.

The princess was visibly touched by the thoughtful gifts her closest attendants had given her. “I thank you ladies, with all my heart.”

The Prince of Wales arrived on the happy scene. “My dearest Alexandra, this is your special day. You know I would prefer to throw you a grand celebration, but this year that is impossible. Please accept my gift as a token of my profound esteem and affection.”

Inside the jewel case was a magnificent diamond and ruby necklace with earrings to match. The ladies gasped at the costly present. The princess gave her husband her usual serene smile. “Thank you so much, Edward.”

If he was disappointed at her reaction, he did not show it. He beamed at the ladies in attendance, bade them good night, and took himself off to play baccarat.

•   •   •

“Mr. Prime Minister, it has come to my attention that the Prince of Wales has embroiled himself in a sordid affair that will rock the Throne of England if it becomes known.”

“Your Gracious Majesty, the Prince of Wales is above reproach. You must pay no heed to wicked rumors.”

The queen held up her imperial hand. “You need not defend him. I know what my son is. And the thing that is unforgivable is that the case will come up in the month of my dearest Albert's commemoration. As my prime minister, I command you to make this distasteful charge disappear.”

“Your Gracious Majesty, perhaps I could have a discreet word with the chief justice of the Queen's Bench, Sir Alexander Cockburn.”

“We forbid it, Mr. Prime Minister. The Crown cannot be open to charges of bribery.” The queen's jowls quivered in horror. “In the past, my son's gentleman of the bedchamber Lord James Hamilton has handled these matters discreetly and efficiently. I believe he serves under you in the House.”

“He does, Your Majesty.”

“That will be all, Mr. Prime Minister.”

•   •   •

Lord John Russell, the foreign secretary, arose in the House of Commons, and handed the prime minister a bulletin. Russell remained on his feet while Palmerston read it aloud to the members.

“President Lincoln has announced the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction to Congress. He has offered full amnesty to those who fought for the Confederacy. Lincoln has also promised that all property in the South, except former slaves, would be restored to their legal owners. He also guarantees that any Southern state will be allowed back into the Union if they swear allegiance and also agree to abandon slavery.”

A great cheer went up from the members.

The foreign secretary held up his hand, and waited for the cacophony to die down. “Only time will tell if the Confederacy will accept.”

The gavel came down, ending the session, and James joined his uncle Lord John. “I understand the bitter winter weather has taken a heavy toll on both sides. The suffering must be unimaginable. Let us hope the Confederacy surrenders soon.”

The prime minister joined them. “Lord Hamilton, might I have a private word with you in my chamber?”

“Of course, my lord.” As James walked past the benches with the prime minister, his thoughts were somber. War was hell, and civil war was heart scalding.

James sat down and the prime minister took his chair behind the desk. “Lord Hamilton, a grave matter concerning His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has come to my attention.”

By God, the old adage is true, hasty news travels fast!

“It seems that Sir Charles Mordaunt is bringing a suit for divorce against his wife, Lady Sarah, and he intends to charge His Royal Highness with adultery. Such a charge is unprecedented in the annals of British history, and we must do all in our power to protect the heir to the throne.”

“Mr. Prime Minister, I have advised the Prince of Wales to consult with an attorney regarding this unfortunate matter,” James stated firmly.

“Lord Hamilton, I don't believe you grasp the dire consequences of this delicate situation. If the Prince of Wales was charged with adultery in a court of law, he would never sit on the throne. He would never become King of England. Moreover, the scandal would besmirch Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and might even bring down the monarchy itself.”

James sat silently as he digested the prime minister's words.

“Her Majesty summoned me to the palace. She is fully cognizant of her son's involvement in this sordid affair. She commanded me to make this distasteful charge disappear.”

James could not dispel the sinking feeling that stole over him. “Have you informed Sir Charles Mordaunt of the grave consequences of his suit?”

“That would avail us naught. He is the injured party and bent on revenge. Her Majesty suggested another solution.” The prime minister cleared his throat. “The queen confided that in the past Lord Hamilton had handled these matters discreetly and efficiently.”

James realized that he had no choice but to bow to the wishes of the Prince of Wales, Her Majesty the Queen, and the prime minister. Their trifold pressure was akin to being squeezed in a vise. “I will consult with Mordaunt's attorney, Simon Rodkin. If you would consent to be present at the meeting, Mr. Prime Minister, it would lend more authority to my negotiations.”

“Yes, I quite see that, Lord Hamilton. And if the meeting took place in the offices of Parliament, that might also lend weight. Do not delay; time is of the essence.”

•   •   •

“James and I are going to be living at Number One, Park Lane. He purchased it this week.” Anne kissed her mother's cheek. “We've set the wedding date for January seventh, at St. George's, of course.”

“But, darling, that doesn't give us time to have a wedding gown made.”

“We only want a small wedding, and James doesn't want to wait. So I've decided to wear my white velvet gown with the crystals on the bodice. It has a special meaning for both of us.” She tossed her red-gold hair over her shoulder. “I've never been so happy in my life!”

“I'd better send the engagement notice to the newspaper and start shopping in earnest for my mother-of-the-bride gown. Your father has drawn up the wedding contract, so be sure to remind James to come and sign it.”

“I know it was you who persuaded Father to give his consent. I'll be grateful forever. It means the whole world to me.”

“And your happiness means the whole world to me, darling.”

“I must rush. Frances and I are training two new ladies-in-waiting.”

“Who are the lucky young women who've been chosen to serve the princess?”

“Lady Caroline Chandos and Lady Diana Beauclerk.”

“I remember Caroline Chandos from the Chiswick garden party.” Anne's mother rolled her eyes, but refrained from comment. “I warrant you'll be attending the memorial for the late consort?”

“Yes, the queen has ordered us all to Windsor on the fourteenth for Prince Albert's memorial service in St. George's Chapel. Would you believe that Victoria has declared it unseemly for the Princess of Wales to be seen in public because of her pregnancy?”

“So Alexandra is excused from the service?”

“Only from the service in the chapel. Alix has been given permission to wait at Frogmore House until the procession arrives, then join in the prayers at Albert's tomb.”

“Ah yes, the Domed Temple that sits in Frogmore's lovely gardens is finally finished. This will be the first time that the queen will be seen in public since Albert's death.”

“Well, it's not exactly public; only the family and the ladies-in-waiting are allowed.”

“I don't envy you, darling. But look on the bright side—you'll get to see Emily.”

Anne threw back her head and laughed. “She'll be in deepest mourning, but it won't be for Albert—it will be because I'm marrying James Hamilton!”

•   •   •

“Counselor Rodkin, if Sir Charles Mordaunt brings this suit, the Prince of Wales is prepared to vehemently deny the charge of adultery,” Lord Hamilton declared. “I'm sure that the chief justice of the Queen's Bench will take Prince Edward's word over that of Sir Charles.”

Rodkin steepled his fingers and glanced at the prime minister. “Perhaps. But . . . Sir Charles will have had his revenge. He will have brought down His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.”

“Which does Mordaunt want most? Divorce or revenge?” James asked.

“He wants both, of course.”

“He cannot
have
both,” Hamilton said emphatically.

“Then I believe he will settle for divorce,” Rodkin said smoothly.

“If you agree to a hearing that is both immediate and private, I will testify that I am the owner of the town house on Jermyn Street. If you charge me with adultery with Lady Sarah Mordaunt, I will not contest it.”

“Perhaps both you and the prince are guilty of adultery with the lady.”

The prime minister looked outraged. “You cannot have it both ways, Rodkin.”

“This is as far as my client and I are prepared to go,” the attorney stated. “We agree to a private hearing before a judge to be appointed by the chief justice, in the next day or so. We will charge Lord James Hamilton with adultery, but the Prince of Wales must attend the hearing as a witness. Lady Mordaunt's counsel will need to hear his denial.”

James looked at the prime minister, who asked Rodkin, “You swear that His Highness will not be charged with adultery and that the hearing will be private?”

“Absolutely, my lord.”

“Set up the hearing, for tomorrow or the next day. I'll inform His Highness.” James knew that no matter how private the hearing was, the sensational details would be leaked.

When Rodkin departed, the prime minister said, “The government and the Crown owe you a debt of gratitude, Lord Hamilton.”

James went immediately to Marlborough House and closeted himself with Teddy.

“I have arranged a private trial before a judge of the Queen's Bench. I will testify that I own the town house on Jermyn Street. A charge of adultery will be brought against me, and I have agreed not to contest it. You will not be charged with adultery, but you must attend as a witness. When Lady Mordaunt's counsel questions you, you may flatly deny any improper familiarity with the woman.”

“I cannot be part of a trial for divorce, James!”

“If you refuse, I rescind my offer to take responsibility for your adultery, Teddy, and the charge will be brought against you.”

“You're hard as flint, James!” Teddy's hands shook as he poured himself a whiskey.

And you're soft as dog shit.

Lord Hamilton returned to White Horse Street. He sat at his desk in the library deep in thought for an hour before he picked up his pen and wrote:

My Dear Lady Anne,

I respectfully release you from our engagement.

I humbly beg your pardon for the shame and embarrassment my actions will inevitably bring to you and your family.

James Hamilton

He picked up a whiskey decanter and took a large swallow. A vivid picture of Prince Teddy
swilling down liquor came to him. With a foul oath, James hurled the crystal decanter against the wall.