The Storm of the Season – A Regency Romance
Chapter 1
“Ernest, thank heavens. You're back. I can't find Charlotte anywhere, and I can't find Mary either,'' Lady Melbourne shouted, as her husband climbed the steps to their mansion, Eaton Hall. ''I've been waiting an age for you to return. Why do those regimental dinners go on for so long? You're just a bunch of old soldiers, what on earth do you have to talk about until deep into the night?''
''Deep in the night? It's only ten-fifteen. We talk about old times and have the odd glass.''
''And the way you climbed those steps, it looks as though you've had a few too many. Really, Ernest, you are a shambles. Now go and find Charlotte. I really do not want to have to tell the Duke, that his beloved Charlotte has disappeared.''
''When did you last see her?'' Lord Melbourne asked, slightly unsteady on his feet. He'd spent the evening at the monthly dinner of his old regiment, the Hussars. In his day, Lord Melbourne had been a dashing officer, who'd led his men into battle. Now he was a henpecked, fifty-three year old, with little to do all day, but remember past campaigns.
''Before you left. I think around four o'clock. She had tea in the drawing room. I haven't seen her since.''
''And where do you suggest I look at this time in the evening? It's pitch black outside. And by the feel of it, it's about to pour down.''
''Ernest, please don't talk to me like that. We have a household of fifty servants, half of them male. Take them, and find the blessed girl.''
Lord Melbourne took four footmen, three stable hands, two gardeners and Lewis, the butler. He knew their search would prove fruitless, but if he didn't appease his wife, he wouldn't hear the last of it. After twenty-five years of marriage, he knew that incurring the wrath of his wife was not a good idea. ''Listen, men, it's started to pour down. My daughter won't be out on the estate in this weather. I suggest we go down to the village and have a brandy.''
The men nodded in agreement. They were grateful they would be able to sit in front of the warm fire at the Ship Inn, and drink.
****
''And, did you find her?'' Lady Melbourne shouted as the men walked back up the drive, some hours later.
''No dear, we've searched every inch of this three hundred hectare estate. She's nowhere to be seen,'' her husband slurred.
''Ernest get inside now. And as for you men, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you think I was born yesterday? By the look of you, you haven't been searching for my daughter at all, you've been getting drunk in the Ship. None of you have mud on your boots. There will be consequences for all of you. Now be off to with you.” Lady Melbourne sighed. “And sit down Ernest, before you fall down. You're a disgrace to the family name. I have no idea why I married you. You've always been a drunk and a scoundrel. How many wenches were there in the Ship this evening? You're a Lord. You should behave like one.''
''My dear, calm yourself, and please don't start mentioning the fact that this estate belongs to you. I am perfectly aware of it. You remind me almost daily. However, I am Lord Melbourne, not you.''
''You're drunk. You only had the name Lord, when I married you, nothing else. You were penniless. Without me, you would be living in a tiny house, on your paltry army pension. Now get to bed. When I wake up in the morning, I'll inform the Duke.''
****
''Miss, it's raining so hard, we'll have to put into the next Inn. It looks like it may thunder and I don't want the horses frightened.''
''Of course. That would be very dangerous indeed,'' Charlotte said to the coachman. ''Oh Mary, did you hear that? We're going to have to stop. We've only been traveling for five hours. It's much too close to home. Somebody will surely discover us.''
''Calm yourself, Miss Charlotte. I think, we have come a long way. It won't be easy for anyone from Eaton Hall to find us.''
''I'm not worried about anybody from Eaton Hall. But I am worried the Duke will send some of his henchmen to find me.''
''Miss Charlotte, I hate to see you so upset. Please try to calm yourself. If you continue to worry, you'll make yourself ill.''
''Oh Mary, you're so kind. I really don't know what I would do without you. I am so thankful to you for accompanying me.''
''Not at all. I am your faithful servant. I will always do as you ask. It has pained me greatly to see you so unhappy since your betrothal to the Duke.''
''Forced betrothal, I may add. I hate that man, and my mother, for doing this to me. My mother just wanted me to marry him because he is a Duke. He's old, unpleasant and cruel. I'm afraid to say, my mother is so engulfed in status, that she knows nothing of love. She only married my father because he had a title. I don't believe she loved him. She just wanted to be Lady Melbourne. She bought my father with her vast wealth.''
Mary was concerned about Charlotte's welfare. Mary had come to Eaton Hall some five years earlier, when Charlotte had just celebrated her sixteenth birthday. She was Charlotte's first lady's maid. The two young women got on famously, from the very first day. On some occasions, they'd filled Eaton Hall with so much laughter and gaiety, even the servants began to smile again. That hadn't happened for many a year. Charlotte's mother had tried to dampen their spirits by telling her daughter, that Mary was just a servant and should be treated as one. Charlotte hadn't listened, and their relationship was more that of two friends, than mistress and servant.
''It looks like we're here,'' Mary said, as the coach lunged into a deep rut in the road. ''I'll wait, and get our bags, you go inside and warm yourself. It's a foul night, and I don't want you catching a cold.''
Charlotte nodded, and when the coach pulled into the Inn's courtyard, she accepted the coachman's arm, dismounted, and went inside.
The Innkeeper looked at Charlotte and raised his eyebrows at her beauty. When he studied her, he noticed her piercing green eyes and the fine features of her face. She was tall and delicately built, but he did notice her ample bust.
''Miss, please, take a seat by the fire. It's a dreadful night. I heard this storm is likely to last for two days. No point in frightening the horses. You might as well stay here until the weather improves.''
Charlotte was upset to hear they may be held up for longer than one evening. She wanted to put as much distance between her and the Duke as possible, in the least amount of time.
When Mary arrived at the bar with their bags, the Innkeeper took both ladies upstairs and showed them to their chambers. Charlotte was surprised that an ordinary coaching station had such beautiful rooms. Inside, there was a small four-poster bed, a fireplace, and a wash stand. Some kind person had lit the fire, and it was beautifully warm.
''I'll hang your dresses up, and put your things in the drawers. The coachman told me; we might be here for quite a while. I don't want to leave your things in the damp bag,'' Mary said.
''Yes, thank you. I'm really disappointed we are here at all. We were supposed to be in Newark by now. I don't think we have made even half that distance.''
''Don't worry about that. What's important is that we are safe. What use would it be, if we had to spend the night inside the coach, in the middle of nowhere? Here, it's warm, and the beds looks comfortable.''
''But I'm so afraid the Duke will find me. Our wedding is only three weeks away, and if I have to marry him, I will end my life.''
''Let's go to sleep now. We'll see what the weather's like in the morning.''
Chapter 2
''Oh Mary, when will this dreadful storm finally cease?'' Charlotte asked as she looked out of the breakfast room window.
''I have no idea. Before you came down this morning, I asked the coachman, and he thinks we'll be here for another day. He won't leave while there is so much thunder around. The loud bangs frighten the horses, and if they bolt when they're pulling the coach, there could be dreadful accident.''
''Yes, I understand. Then we'll just have to wait. I've finished eating now, come and sit with me in the bar. There is a large table, where we can play cards.'' The two women sat comfortably in front of the fire and played whist.
Then the gust threw open the front door.
And he stepped in.
Everyone in the bar looked at him. The man was tall, muscular and rugged. As he closed the door behind him, he glanced around. He noticed two beautiful young women playing cards by the fire, an old man enjoying his first pint of the day, two coachmen, and the innkeeper.
''Good day to you all. Innkeeper, a brandy please,'' he said, his voice booming across the room. ''A fire, excellent. Ladies, do you mind if I sit next to you? I have been out in this storm for hours, and I'm afraid I'm rather cold.''
Charlotte and Mary shuffled along the settle as the man took off his sodden cape and hat and sat down next to them.''
The Innkeeper brought him a brandy, and Charlotte studied him, nervously. Had the Duke sent him to find her, she asked herself? He looked as though he had had a hard life. He wasn't old, perhaps just three or four years older than Charlotte, but his rugged features made him look older. Charlotte found him attractive. It was his deep blue eyes and angular jaw. She wondered how he had got the scar on his cheek.
''Tell me, Sir, what made you ride through such inclement weather for so long that you are soaked to the skin?'' Charlotte asked.
“'I have to be in London by tomorrow, at the latest. But I fear the weather will prevent me. I have an important engagement there.''
''How interesting. I hope you don't think me too curious to ask you, but what is your line of business?''
''I'm an engineer. Tomorrow, I am to meet with the Duke of Westminster. He wants me to plan a new bridge over the Thames.''
Charlotte was suspicious. She hadn't liked him using the word Duke. It seemed to be a little too coincidental to her predicament. She also found it rather implausible, that the Duke of Westminster would choose a man from the North of England to build a bridge in London. Surely there were enough engineers in London, she thought.
''Are you two ladies waiting for the storm to pass before traveling further?''
''Yes, Sir. It's too dangerous for the horses to be out. We are going to wait here until it clears up,'' Charlotte said.
''Splendid. Then perhaps you will allow me to sit with you. I'll get some sherry.''
''It is really quite early for sherry. Perhaps tea?'' Mary said.
''No, Sherry will be fine. If we are to sit here all day, we may as well make merriment,'' Charlotte added.
''I'm am Ralph Bellington. I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance,'' he said as they each raised a glass.
''I am Georgina, and this is my maid Milly,'' Charlotte lied.
****
''Oh, you are so funny Ralph. That's a lovely story,'' Charlotte laughed. They had spent three hours sitting by the fire, drinking sherry and relating stories. Charlotte had been quite brilliant at making up a completely new life for her and Mary. They weren't from Eaton Hall but from Westfield Lodge. They weren't running away from the Duke but on their way to her cousin's wedding in London. Charlotte had lied perfectly throughout the whole afternoon, and she had enjoyed it enormously.
''Milly are you feeling alright?'' Charlotte asked as Mary's head sank to the table.
''I believe she is drunk, Miss Georgina,'' Ralph said.
''Oh dear, please help me. We have had rather a lot to drink. Will you help me to take her to her room?''
Charlotte and Ralph helped Mary to her feet and supported her, as they climbed the narrow staircase. They took off Mary's shoes and lay her on the bed.
''She'll be alright tomorrow. There's plenty of time for her to sleep it off,'' Ralph concluded.
''Yes, I hope so. Oops,'' Charlotte said, as she almost lost her footing and fell into Ralph's arms. ''I too have had a bit too much sherry. I think I should lie down. My room is next door.''
Ralph picked her up and carried her into the corridor. ''This way,'' Charlotte said. ''Please come inside with me.”
He put her down when they were in the room. As he was about to leave, there was a huge rumble of thunder. Charlotte jumped. ''I really don't like thunder, it scares me so. Would you mind if I asked you to stay with me?'' She wasn't really afraid, she just wanted to feel his strong arms around her. She wanted him to make her feel special. She'd had to spend so much time recently with the hateful Duke that she was now prepared to offer herself, without delay, to the handsome stranger. Albeit under the influence of several glasses of sherry.
''Of course. If you don't find it indelicate having a gentleman in your bedchamber in the middle of the afternoon.''
She took his hand and led him to the bed. She sat down on the edge and held his hands as he stood before her. ''Sir, I want you to make love to me. You are the most handsome man, I have ever met.''
He bent down and kissed her, and as he did so, Charlotte put her hands to his groin and felt the weight of his manhood.
He laughed. ''Madam is in high spirits, isn't she?''
''Yes, madam is,'' she said as she squeezed gently. ''Kiss me,'' she commanded. As their mouths locked, there was another clash of thunder. She felt its rumble throughout her entire body.
Charlotte suddenly remembered his reference to the Duke of Wellington. It made her nervous, but she was passed caring, she just wanted the handsome man to take her. She felt his fingers unfastening the buttons at the back of her dress. When they were open, he slipped the dress from her shoulders and kissed her neck. Charlotte put her hands behind his neck and pulled him into her. His lips played hungrily over her sensitive skin, and she loved it. He began to kiss lower and lower until he reached the top of her breasts. When she felt him there, she let out a little moan.
Now she wanted to feel him on her nipples, and she lowered her undergarments. He looked and saw her turgid buds staring at him, waiting to be licked. When his tongue glanced over them, Charlotte felt a sudden ache seer through her womanhood. That made her impatient. She reached for his belt, and when it was open, his buttons. She pulled his trousers and underpants down, in one fluid movement.
Lightening illuminated the room, and Ralph’s penis sprang up. Charlotte bent her head and opened her mouth. He stopped sucking her breasts and stood upright. As Charlotte's head bobbed up and down, he sank his head back and closed his eyes. He was enchanted by her, and the feel of her dainty mouth on his hardness drove him perilously close to orgasm.
Instead of coming in her mouth, he pulled out of her and lifted her to her feet. He spun her around and pulled all her garments down past her calves. As she stepped out of them, he looked at the beauty of her naked body, graced by the light of the storm. Her shoulders were dainty, almost fragile looking. Her back was unimaginably sensual. It was long, and her muscles were well defined, in the most feminine of senses. When his eyes looked at her bottom, he was overcome with desire and passion. She gasped as he lifted her up, walked across the room and bent her, face first, to the window, the rain pounding against the glass.
''No Ralph, people will see us.''
''That's the fun. The danger.''
Charlotte didn't complain anymore, the sherry had numbed her inhibitions. All she wanted was to feel him fill her aching vagina. As he looked down, he saw her pubic hair glistening with desire. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her onto him. Charlotte gasped when she felt him inside her. Thunder shook the bedroom.
As the intensity of his strokes increased, Charlotte's breathing became shallower and shallower. When she felt him reach around her, and start to rub her clitoris, it was too much. Thunder. Lightening. She moaned, shoved herself back against his hardness, and came.
Afterwards, her legs were like jelly. She would have collapsed had he not caught her. He carried her away from the window and tossed her onto the bed. He turned her around and took her from behind.
To Charlotte, it was the act of a man who knew what he wanted. The sight of her bottom as her plunged himself into her, and the scent of her womanly arousal brought him closer and closer to orgasm. When he saw her clench her fists and begin to shake again, he shouted out and emptied himself into her. He collapsed on top of her, and she reached behind herself and pulled his head down to kiss her.
''That was beautiful,'' she said.
''You are beautiful,'' he replied.
Charlotte pulled the bedclothes up over them as they held each other. Still naked, they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
Chapter 3
When Charlotte woke up, Ralph wasn't lying beside her. He was standing at the end of the bed, pointing a pistol at her.
''Charlotte Melbourne, I am charged by the Duke of Eddington to take you and your maid Mary back to his estate. Please get dressed and come with me.''
Charlotte looked at him through her sleepy eyes, but she soon came fully to her senses. ''Sir, would you do that to the lady you bedded just last evening? To the lady whose arms you lay in? Would you take her back, to the man that makes her more miserable, than misery itself? Are you so cruel and heartless?''
''Madam, I am an employee of the Duke, and it is my duty to do as he asks. Please, do not make this harder for me than it already is.''
''Harder for you? Sir, if you do this to me, you will sink in my estimation to that of the ugliest toad. Last evening, I gave myself wholeheartedly to you. Please do not talk of it being hard for you. It is far harder for Mary and me. I beg you. Do not ruin our lives.''
''Get dressed. I will wait for you at the door,'' he said.
****
''At last, Madam. You have finally dared to grace me with your presence. Not after I sent my good man here to fetch you, I might add. I must congratulate you, Ralph, you have done an excellent job in bringing my fiancée back to me. For that, I shall be forever grateful. You may leave us now.''
The Duke looked at the two women as Ralph walked across the marble floor to the door. Charlotte and Mary were standing in front of him, in the reception room at Anthorpe Castle. It was a cold room. Built entirely of white marble with columns down each side. There were no statues or paintings. The room had an eerie echo. Mary hadn't seen the Duke very often, and when she looked at him, she was thankful. He was small and an odd shape. His nose was crooked, and his teeth were blackened by years of pipe smoking. She thought him to be just slightly younger than Charlotte's father.
''I ought to have you both thrashed for daring to run away.” The Duke’s voice was eerily low. “Charlotte, your mother has been worried beyond belief. You could have been attacked or worse. For all we knew, you were lying dead in a gutter.” He paused. “You have disappointed me greatly. You will remain in the gatehouse, under house arrest until the day of our marriage.” He was shouting now. “As for you Mary, you are a low life. I assume, it was you, who put my fiancée up to this. For that, you will go to work as my lowest kitchen maid. You will live here without pay. If you dare to leave, I will have you arrested.”
The Duke yelled, and a sickly looking footman appeared. ''See to it that Miss Charlotte is taken to the gatehouse. Make sure she is guarded day and night. If she escapes, I will hold you personally responsible. Do you understand?''
''Yes, my Lord, perfectly. Please come with me, Miss Charlotte.''
''If you think I am going to marry you, you are sorely mistaken. Hell will freeze over first,'' Charlotte said, just before she spat at the Duke.
''You have no choice,'' he said as he wiped the fluid from his face. ''Your father has given his consent. It is out of your hands. I must warn you, if you continue to resist, it will do your health no good whatsoever. It would be much better for you to accept your situation and make the best of it. Now take her out of my sight.''
When Charlotte had gone, the Duke turned to Mary. ''Do you know what you have done? You have defied me. The Duke of Eddington. I would ask you, who you think you are, but it is of no importance to me.''
He stepped towards her and slapped her. Mary held her head up, not wanting him to see how hurt she was. He took hold of her, and pushed her to the only piece of furniture in the room, a mahogany table. When he bent her forwards over it and lifted her skirts. She knew what was about to befall her. Her screams could be heard in the scullery deep below. The staff knew what was happening, but it was such a regular occurrence at Anthorpe castle, none of them paid much attention.''
****
''Charlotte, Charlotte. Please, open the window.'' Charlotte listened to the voice as another pebble bounced off the windowpane.
She went to the window, opened it, and looked down to the garden below. It was dark, and she couldn't see anyone. ''Charlotte, it's me. I'm over here.''
She looked to the left and saw him. He was standing tight against the wall of the house in which Charlotte was being held against her will.
''What do you want, you disgrace of a man?'' she asked.
''Please. I am so sorry. You will never forgive me, I know, but after some days thinking about it, I am wracked with guilt for having brought you back to this place,” Ralph pleaded. “Listen to me, please. I don't know how best to put this, but I am in love with you. If you will let me, I will take you from here, to a safe place where we can begin to know each other better. I would never force you to do anything against your will.''
''If you think I'm falling for that trick, you are sadly mistaken. I have a low opinion of you, and I have no interest in what you are saying to me.'' Charlotte slammed the window shut. “Goodnight.” She walked to the bed, curled herself into a ball, and cried.
Chapter 4
Charlotte awoke with a start as the Duke's hand slipped over her mouth. She smelt his alcoholic breath as he hissed at her.
“'Now, my dear, before you run away from me again, it is time for you to be taught a lesson. I am going to teach you to respect me. You will get up, take off your gown and kneel before me with your mouth open. Do you understand?'' The knife at her neck persuaded Charlotte it was a good idea to comply.
When she knelt naked in front of him, she saw him fiddling with his trousers. When he had freed himself, he grabbed her hair and pulled her to him. ''Open your mouth, wench, I will teach you a lesson.''
Charlotte closed her eyes. She waited, but nothing arrived in her mouth. All she heard was a hideous thud. When she looked, she saw Ralph standing above the Duke with a truncheon in his hand.
''I told you I was sorry. Now I'm here to prove it. Get your things. I'm going to take you to York where you can catch the midnight coach to London. You have nothing to fear. Neither I nor anyone else will follow you. You are free. I love you, and that is truer than the fact that I am standing before you now. I will leave it entirely up to you to decide if you want me or not. I am truly sorry for putting you in this position. Please hurry before the old bastard wakes up.''
''What about Mary? I can't leave her.''
''She is in the house. There are too many servants. I can't just go and get her. Please, hurry. I will see what I can do for Mary when I can.''
****
''Lord Melbourne, Lady Melbourne. I have asked you here today, to talk to you about your daughter.''
''My Lord, it is such a pleasure for my husband and me to know that someone of your standing will be taking care of our only daughter. It is beyond our wildest dreams that she will become a Duchess, and look after you, in a way as befits a faithful wife.''
''Lady Melbourne, please silence yourself. Your mouth is full of bile. Your daughter has once again run away. This time, with the help of one of my guards. It would not surprise me if she were lying with him in some seedy Inn as we speak. I have lost respect for you, and your daughter. There will be no marriage, and I will be pursuing you in the courts, for financial compensation. Your family has done untold damage to my reputation. Now please take yourselves from my property.''
''But my Lord, can't we.......'' Lady Melbourne was interrupted by her husband.
''My Lord. I am so sorry for what has happened. May I ask why you are wearing a bandage on your head?''
''I was brutally attacked. I'm lucky to be here.''
''It is such a shame someone has beaten me to it. I was the one who wanted to be the first to hit you. Oh well, second will have to do.'' Lord Melbourne swung his fist at the Duke and landed him a blow just below the eye. The Duke spun around and landed face down on the marble floor.
''Now, enough of this nonsense, we're going.''
Lady Melbourne stood up and looked at her husband aghast.
''And what are you looking at? You've been a disgraceful mother, as I have a father. If I hadn't been so damn weak, none of this would have happened. That man has done untold damage to Charlotte. I just stood by and watched. I am an apology of a father. I only hope one day, my daughter will learn to forgive me.''
****
''Mary,'' Lord Melbourne whispered as she walked down the bleak corridor in the servant’s quarters.
''Lord Melbourne,'' she exclaimed. She dropped the tray she was carrying.
''Mary, get your things and come with me. You're coming back to Eaton Hall.''
Chapter 5
''All rise,'' the clerk of the court shouted
''Members of the jury,'' said Justice Fielding. ''It is my duty, in summing up the case against Ralph Bellingham, to single out the salient points of the case, which you may come to an informed and correct verdict. Let me first refresh your memories of the alleged facts of the case.
''The court has heard how, on the twenty-first of September, in the year eighteen fourteen, Ralph Bellingham is alleged to have attempted to murder The Duke of Eddington. Bellingham is alleged to have unleashed a blow, of such force, it was likely to have killed the Duke. You have also heard how the Duke has suffered since. His vision has been severely impaired, and his memory is not as it used to be.''
'The accused was apprehended after a comprehensive search by His Majesty's Constabulary. Bellingham was found, just four days after the alleged incident, not more than twenty miles away. The prosecution has presented Mr. Bellingham as a professional thug of dubious character. It is clear that Mr. Bellingham worked for the Duke for two years before the incident. The prosecution has also alleged, that during that time, Mr. Bellingham carried out several similar attacks, unbeknownst to his employer.''
Judge Fielding stopped and took a sip of water before continuing. ''As to Mr. Bellingham's character, the prosecution has painted him to be a man of low morals and a thug. The defense, however, has indicated that Mr. Bellingham was acting to defend a lady, who the Duke was treating in the most despicable manner. That is, in a sexual manner to which the lady herself had not consented. The case for the defense was centered around the Duke's treatment of Miss Mary Cumberland, a lowly servant at the Duke's residence. They have alleged that the Duke treated her appallingly over a number of months and that any right-minded man would have been driven to defend her. In fact, the defense has indicated, that it would have been a neglect of a human being's duty, not to have acted.''
Judge Fielding lowered his voice and looked over his half-moons glasses as he continued. ''Having heard both sides, it is my duty to make the jury aware of certain facts. Firstly, the Duke of Eddington. He is an aristocrat of the highest reputation. His family has served this country in various capacities for two hundred years. Anyone bringing his character into dispute has to make a cast iron case against him. The jury must decide if the defense has done so.
“Secondly, evidence. When Mr. Bellingham was apprehended, he was carrying a truncheon. A weapon, at least similar to the one with which the Duke was struck. The jury has seen the implement and confirmed that it was blood-stained.
“Thirdly, Mr. Bellingham's character versus that of the Duke. Mr. Bellingham is a man, who has worked in a variety of dubious occupations, all in the area of private policing. Members of the jury, in this case, we have a man of impeccable character, who alleges that he was assaulted by a man of lesser character. The defendant, when arrested, had a weapon about him similar to the one with which the Duke was struck.
“I ask you to retire and consider your verdict. I must add that you should give very careful consideration to this case. If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of death by hanging. Attempted murder is a crime of the gravest nature. Attempted murder of a man of the Duke's standing, is graver still. Please retire to consider your verdict.''
Chapter 6
Castle Prison
York
20th October 1814
My dearest Charlotte,
You may be wondering why you have not heard from me recently. Especially, as we have written to each other so regularly since the incident with the Duke.
I love you, as no man could ever love a woman. Your last letter, in which you reciprocated your love for me, has made me the happiest man alive. That you are safe, and out of the way of the Duke, pleases me more than anything. It was my intention to join you, once you had indicated your love for me.
Unfortunately, my dear, something has come between us. I have been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of the Duke. The trial is almost over, and I fear that it has not gone well.
My love, you should know that you occupy my thoughts at all times, and it is with the heaviest of hearts that I must say goodbye, forever.
I am sure you will go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life. That I hope, above all else.
My dearest, from the bottom of my heart, accept my sincere apologies for ever returning you to the Duke. It was an act of the utmost selfishness.
I love you. May God keep you safe.
Your Ralph
****
''Charlotte. Where have you been, I have been worried sick about you?''
''Father, I am sorry for leaving and not telling you my whereabouts. I am so afraid of the Duke that I went into hiding in London. But something terrible brings me back you. Ralph Bellingham, is in prison.''
''My dearest daughter. Mr. Bellingham has been sentenced to death at York. He will be hanged on Monday. Please don't upset yourself. We tried all we could but the prosecution had a strong case, and Mr. Bellingham did hit the Duke, whatever the circumstances.''
Charlotte pushed her handkerchief to her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
''Charlotte. So you dare to come back here?'' Lady Melbourne said as she entered the drawing room at Eaton Hall. ''We had given you up for dead.''
''I was explaining to father what happened. I am in love with Mr. Bellingham, but he has been.....'' Charlotte broke down in tears.
''That man is a scoundrel and a would-be murderer. How the poor Duke survived that vicious attack, only the Lord knows.''
''Mr. Bellingham saved me from a terrible fate that evening. The Duke deserved it. He is a despicable man, who treats women so badly it is unmentionable.''
''The Duke is a man of honor. You have brought shame on our family. The Duke has threatened us with prosecution for damages to his reputation. It could ruin us. It's all your fault. You are selfish and undeserving. You could have been a Duchess. But it seems you were happy to consign yourself to the gutter, with a murderer. I am pleased to tell you he will be hanged. And good riddance. The whole business has made me so upset. I'm going to lie down.''
Charlotte couldn't control the sobs that wracked her body as her mother left the room. Tears began to well up in her father's eyes as well.
''Charlotte. You know I love you dearly. I want to apologize to you for being such a weak father. You mother is a tyrant, and I have accepted her behavior on too many occasions. I promise you, I will be stronger for you against her in the future.''
''I don't know why you don't leave her. She is terrible towards you, and she is a spiteful mother.''
''Your mother is a wealthy woman. And although a woman's wealth becomes her husbands at the time of marriage, I have always respected the fact that it was her wealth that gave us this lifestyle. I will not abuse her trust.''
''Father, what am I to do? I love a man who will be hanged. I want to die with him.''
''Please, my love, do not talk like that. In time, you will come to terms with the situation and move on with your life. My dear, you are just twenty-one. You have your whole life ahead of you. You will meet someone else one day and live a happy life. I suggest you go back to London and forget about happenings here. I will write to you and come and see you when I am able. Perhaps you would like to see Mary before you go.”
''Is she here?''
''Yes, I brought her back from the Duke's. I am afraid you will find Mary a much changed young lady. She suffered some terrible abuse while she was in the employ of the Duke. I believe, that now, she is as happy as it is possible to be, under the circumstances.''
Charlotte ran to Mary and hugged her when Mary entered the room. ''I am so sorry, I left you. Please forgive me. I thought Mr. Bellingham would bring you to me.''
''He would have Miss, but he was arrested. I am only thankful that your father rescued me. The Duke did some terrible things to me. I am afraid I won't be able to bear............'' Mary broke down before she could say, 'children.'
''Oh Mary,'' Charlotte said as she held her and stroked her hair. ''What has he done to you? I am so sorry for getting you involved in this mess. I will make amends, I promise.''
''You should leave, Charlotte. I don't think it's safe for you to be around here. If the Duke hears you are here, I am sure he will do something terrible.''
''Mary, look at me. I will do what is right now. For everyone's sake.''
Chapter 7
''Charlotte, what a surprise. How dare you come here after running away and leaving me for dead,'' the Duke said. Charlotte was standing in the same cold reception room she and Mary had stood in when Ralph had returned them to the Duke some months ago.
Charlotte looked at him and winced at what she was about to say. ''My Lord, I have come to you today to offer you my sincere apologies. I have made a grave mistake, and I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. It was wrong of me to deny you my body and my soul. I have learned a valuable lesson, and I promise you, if you take me back, I will prove to be the most caring wife you could wish for.''''Take you back, do you think I am mad? You are a.....''
''My Lord, please accept my apologies for interrupting, but I would like to ask your kind permission to come closer to you. I have something I think you will like.''
''What on earth could you possibly give me that would change my opinion of you?''
Charlotte stepped towards him, looked him in the eye, and lifted her skirts. She put a hand to her drawers and lowered them. The Duke swallowed hard as he looked at her most secret part. ''This is for you, My Lord, and you alone. You can take me whenever you chose. I promise you, if you take me back as your wife, I will always be wet and ready for you. Here, feel.'' Charlotte took his hand and rubbed it over her vulva. ''All this will be yours, forever. Please consider carefully before you deny me.''
''And what should I do in return? I feel there is something you want from me. Surely, you haven't just come back to tell me you want me, without attaching conditions. Not after you have run away twice.''
''My Lord is very perceptive. I bow to your foresight. I have just two things to ask. First that you drop the charges against my parents.''
The Duke raised his hand to his face and sniffed. ''If you promise to give yourself to me as and when I command, I shall indeed drop the charges. Your parents are, after all, an insignificance. And what is your second request?''
''That you ensure the release of Mr. Bellingham.''
''Ha. Now, madam, you are overstepping the mark. That will not happen. The man is a would-be-murderer. If I weren't so strong, I would be dead now. No, that man will hang for what he has done. Of that, there can be no doubt.''
Charlotte swallowed hard and decided she had no choice but to throw herself at his absolute mercy. ''Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, my Lord. Please allow me to show you precisely what I mean.'' She felt for his manhood and traced her finger over it. When she knelt before him, he gasped. ''Relax, my Lord. Realize what can be yours.''
She snapped open the buttons and took out his penis. She wrapped her hand around it and opened her mouth. Before she could take him, however, he came over her hand.
The Duke gasped as he recovered from the most erotic moment of his life. ''I will see his sentence is commuted to life imprisonment. No less. That's my final word.''
Charlotte had no more ammunition. She knew that if the Duke wouldn't free Ralph now after she had performed oral sex on him, he would never do so. Her decision was simple. Was Ralph's life worth tying herself to the Duke forever?
''I agree, my Lord. If you arrange to have Mr. Bellingham spared, I will consent to be your wife.''
''And perform those acts you promised?''
''Yes, my Lord.''
''Then I shall arrange it. I will have a maid take you upstairs. Until the wedding, you will sleep in a room next to mine. I will go and clean myself now.''
When the Duke had closed the door, Charlotte vomited. The maid arrived and looked at the mess on the floor. She understood.
Chapter 8
St James Church was filled to capacity. The marriage of a Duke was a rare event, and the churchwardens had made sure the church looked better than it had ever done. At the alter, there were giant bouquets of white orchids. Each pew had a bunch of fresh wild flowers hanging from it, and the entrance to the church was bedecked with a thousand ribbons in the colors of the Eddington coat of arms. Guests had traveled from far afield, even as far as the colonies.
As The Duke looked behind him, he saw row upon row of well-wishers, dressed in the finest clothes money could buy. ''So this is it, no going back now,'' his best man said.
''No, she will soon be mine to do what I want with,'' he replied.
****
''We're too soon. A bride should be a little late. Please pull up here and wait for a few minutes,'' Charlotte shouted to the coachman.
''Are you sure you want to go ahead with this madness?'' her father asked. She'd asked him to give her away. At first he had refused, but once he'd realized she would not change her mind, he'd decided it would be best if he came to support her.
''Father, I have no choice. I will not see Mr. Bellingham hanged.''
''But you would condemn yourself to a life of abuse for him.''
''Let us not talk of it anymore.''
''Very well. If you would allow me, I would like to get out of the coach and smoke a cigar. It will calm my nerves.'' Lord Melbourne opened the door, got out of the coach and lit up. He walked towards the coachman and beckoned him to him.
''Sergeant, is everything ready?''
''Yes, Sir. It is.''
''Good. Remember, Sergeant, this is out last campaign. Let us remember the glorious days of our past and make this fight of good against evil our finest hour.''
''Yes, Sir. The men are ready. We await your signal, Sir.''
Lord Melbourne got back into the coach and took his daughter’s hand. ''Well, my dear, are you ready?''
''Yes, father,'' she replied reluctantly
The coach took five minutes to get to the church. Lord Melbourne got out and gave his hand to his daughter. Charlotte dismounted and was greeted by a round of applause, from some of the village women who had turned out to see her. She looked radiant. She was wearing a white bonnet and a white dress with a white mantel. In her hands was a magnificent bunch of daisies, her favorite flower.
''Take my arm, and I'll take you to your husband,'' Lord Melbourne said.
The organist saw the signal that the bride had arrived and started to play the Wedding March. The congregation stood and gazed at the beautiful bride as she passed them. When they reached the altar, Lord Melbourne gave his daughter to the Duke. When he did so, he scowled at him.
Lady Melbourne was busily wiping tears of joy from her cheeks when Lord Melbourne walked passed her. She looked nonplussed as he walked straight past her, down the aisle, and out of the church. Outside, he stood next to the door so that he could hear the service in progress. He listened intently as the vicar quoted the Book of Common Prayer and announced the first hymn.
After twenty minutes, it was time. He knew that the vicar would soon ask his daughter the question that he didn't want her to answer.
When Lord Melbourne gave the signal, they appeared. His cavalry. A bunch of old men, dressed in their moth-eaten uniforms, mounted on magnificently groomed horses. The sergeant, who had been the coachman, was now wearing his old Hussars uniform as well. In his hands were the reigns of Lord Melbourne's horse.
He handed him a silver sword. ''I thought the regimental sword may prove useful,'' he said.
''Thank you, Sergeant, very thoughtful of you.''
''Dismount, men. The sergeant will hold your horses. As we practiced, we will march into the church in formation and apprehend the scoundrel.''
Lord Melbourne heard the vicar say, ''Do you, Charlotte Emily Melbourne, take....''
''Quick, march,'' he shouted. Lord Melbourne raised his sword, and the soldiers marched into the church behind him.
As their boots crunched on the sandstone floor, the vicar looked up and stopped speaking. The congregation turned around and looked as the men marched in perfectly timed steps towards the altar. When they reached the Duke, Lord Melbourne said, ''We are arresting you. You will not marry my daughter today or on any other day. Men, seize him.''
Two burly soldiers took the Duke by the collar and held onto him while Lord Melbourne spoke to his daughter. ''Charlotte, do not ask any questions now. Everything will become apparent as time passes. I cannot allow you to ruin your life. You are to come with us.'' He then addressed the congregation.
''Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is a day, which will live long and proud in my family's history. It is the day when I finally realized how precious my daughter is. I am taking this deceitful man away from here. My men and I are going to teach him a lesson he will never forget. He will never abuse a woman again. Thank you all for your understanding.''
Next he addressed his open-mouthed wife. ''This is what all those regimental dinners were for. Practice for a day when someone needed a bunch of old Hussars to help them. I bid you farewell. You may keep the estate. It is after all, yours. My solicitor will be in touch with you regarding the divorce.''
He marched in front of his men again, back down the aisle and out of the door. ''Right men, mount your horses.'' As the men mounted, one of them slung the Duke, head first, over his horse and got into the saddle. Charlotte sat behind her father and put her arms around him.
“Let's go,'' he shouted. The nonplussed village women, who had been waiting to see Charlotte and the Duke appear as a married couple, looked on as twenty horses kicked up the dust and cantered away from the church.
After they had ridden a mile or so, they stopped at crossing in the road. Another mounted old Hussar was waiting for them.
''Were you successful in York?'' Lord Melbourne asked.
''Yes sir. All went splendidly well.''
''Good,'' Lord Melbourne said. He turned to the man riding the horse over which the Duke was lying. ''Set the Duke down.''
The Duke had said remarkably little throughout the whole incident. He was petrified. ''My Lord, I have noticed how you have such an affection for the ladies. Do you see that field there?'' Lord Melbourne said, sarcastically.
The Duke nodded.
''Well, it's full of ladies. Let's see how you get on.'' He turned to the man who was by far the largest of the old Hussars and said, ''Throw him over the gate.''
The man picked the Duke up by the seat of his pants, walked a few yards, and hurled him over the gate into the middle of a group of curious cows. All the soldiers laughed as the Duke lay in the fresh cow dung.
''My Lord, please accept my apologies. I have deceived you. I told you the field was full of ladies. I lied. A lot of ladies plus one male. In fact, I believe he is right behind you as I speak.'' There was another round of hilarious laughter before the men rode off.
Chapter 9
Charlotte and her father stood on the quay and looked at HMS Sutherland. It was an imposing sight. She was a recently commissioned, ninety-gun battleship. Charlotte had never seen a ship before, and the sheer size of it made her feel giddy. ''Do men really climb those heights to drop the sails?'' she asked her father.
''Yes, dear. Brave souls, all of them.''
''Mary, thank God,'' Charlotte shouted as a carriage stopped at the entrance to the naval yard. She ran and took her maid and friend into her arms. ''Oh, Mary. How I have yearned to see you again.''
''Me too, me too. I have all your things here,'' she said as she pointed to seven large pieces of luggage.
''You are simply the best maid, no sorry, you are simply the best friend a woman could wish for.''
''I have packed some very warm clothes, I thought you might need them where we are going.''
Two porters put Charlotte and Mary's cases onto a cart and wheeled them up the gangplank and onto the ship.
Mary stood next to Lord Melbourne and smiled at him, ''Thank you, Sir, for all you have done for me.''
''Don't mention it,'' he replied.
''Why are we leaving on a military ship, not on a liner?'' she asked.
''The captain's an old friend of mine. He told me he was going the way we wanted to go and offered us a lift. It'll be much more fun than sitting with a lot of stuffy people on a liner. Besides, if the Duke ever managed to get out of that cow field alive, he would be more likely to find us on a liner. He will never find us on this ship. And when we reach the other side, we will be beyond his reach, forever.
''I think we are all set now, don't you dear?'' Lord Melbourne asked his daughter.
''Yes I think we are,'' she said happily.
''Right ladies, take my arm. Let's go to the new world.''
****
Charlotte opened the door to her cabin and screamed, ''What are you doing here?''
''Your father and I thought it might be a nice surprise.''
''Kiss me, you fool. Don't ever frighten me like that again.''
Charlotte and Ralph kissed passionately. When their kiss broke, Charlotte was out of breath. ''I am not used to kissing for so long,'' she said.
''You'll have plenty of time to get used to it before we reach New York.''
''You were supposed to be waiting for me there. What happened?''
''Oh, my love, it has all been so sudden. One minute I was sitting in jail, listening to them building the gallows, and the next, there were what seemed like a hundred horsemen, breaking me free. They brought me to the docks and told me I was to sail to New York and wait for you there. Then I got a message I was to board this ship and wait for you here.''
''Thank the Lord. You are safe. I will never be able to repay my father for what he has done.''
''Neither will I. Never. Perhaps we can talk a little later? I want to have my way with you now.''
Charlotte nodded as he took her in his arms and kissed her again. This time, though, she felt his manhood pressing against her thigh.
They were both eager to be naked, and it wasn't long before Ralph lay between Charlotte's open legs. ''I want you, more than anything in the world,'' she said to him.
Ralph grunted, and Charlotte gasped when he entered her. As his shaft slid into her, he bent down and kissed her. She put her hand behind his neck and pulled him tighter to her. Her legs wrapped around his back as she bucked her hips under him. She matched his rhythm, encouraging him to thrust harder.
They both felt the ship beginning to move as it left the harbor. Ralph looked at her breasts as he thrust into her. He loved the way they bounced in rhythm to the movements of his hips. Charlotte opened her legs as wide as she could and put her hands on his buttocks. When she dug her nails into him, he gritted his teeth and pumped faster. Charlotte felt him ramming himself against her clitoris and she quickly began to feel her arousal building.
By now the ship had left the safety of the harbor and on a windy day, it began to roll gently. Without warning, Ralph pulled out of her and stood up. ''What?'' she asked. ''The window again?''
He nodded. ''Except they aren't called windows. They're called portholes. Now I want you to get up and look out of the porthole while I take you from behind.''
''You are very inventive, Ralph. I'm sure we're going to have a fantastic sex life.''
''This is just the beginning, wait until I tie you to the mast,'' he joked.
She stood up and looked through the porthole. She put her hands on the wall, one on each side of the glass. When she bent forward and offered herself to him, Ralph was so consumed by animal lust that he got to his knees, and put his mouth to her. When she felt his tongue licking her juices, she pushed back at him and opened her legs wider. He could smell her arousal, and it drove him to lick faster and deeper.
Charlotte had never experienced a feeling like it. The man she loved was performing an act on her that was so intimate, she wanted it to last forever. When she felt his tongue at the entrance to her, she had an orgasm.
Ralph felt her legs shaking and in a gentlemanly gesture, he stood up and held her. Soon he was inside her again. Charlotte gasped as his thrusts threw her tighter to the wall. Her breasts pushed against the cold glass, and it made her nipples harder still. Ralph was grunting now, and Charlotte realized he was going to come. She put a hand to her vagina and began to masturbate. She was keen to come with him. The sight of his future wife pleasuring herself in such an uninhibited way drove him over the top. When Charlotte felt a gush of hot liquid inside her, she too came.
****
''We've been lying here for hours. I need some air. Shall we go on deck?'' Charlotte asked.
''Yes, let's.'' They got up, put on some warm clothes and went into the bracing sea air.
''Ah look, Mary, our lovebirds have decided to leave the nest for a while,'' Lord Melbourne said, ironically.
''Yes, indeed. How kind of them to join us,'' Mary replied with a chuckle. Lord Melbourne and Mary were sitting on a bench looking at the gulls as they accompanied the ship on the first part of its journey.
''Very amusing, I'm sure,'' Charlotte said. ''Do you know, when we get to America, the first thing I am going to do is look for a husband for you Mary. Then I'm going to find a wife for my father.''
''In that case, please find one who is gentle, kind, and totally silent. My ears have had years of abuse, and they are in urgent need or repair,'' her father pleaded.
Charlotte peered towards the horizon. Black clouds had started to build up, threatening a storm. She glanced at Ralph, an inviting smile on her lips.
“A storm’s coming,” Ralph said, kissing Charlotte’s hand. “We had better get below deck.”
“Mmm. A storm.” Charlotte could already feel the warmth between her legs as she recalled that night at the inn. “I know just how we can ride it out.”
*****
THE END