Rescued From A Rake – A Regency Romance
Alice Ashmeer and her friends, Georgina and Sophia, were sitting on the terrace at the rear of Stanley Manor, a large house belonging to Lord Ashmeer. The house had extensive grounds and included a lake that Lord Ashmeer used infrequently for fishing.
''It's such a lovely day. Do you think we dare go for a swim?'' Alice asked her two closest friends.
''It really is the most tediously hot day. What do you say, Georgina?'' asked Sophia.
''Yes, lets. It was so much fun when we swam last year. The lake was so cool and there's never anybody around to see us. Come on, let's be daring,'' Georgina said.
''How long has your family owned Stanley Manor?'' Georgina asked Alice as they walked over the lawn towards the lake.
''About two hundred years,'' Alice replied. ''My father hates the place. He says it costs far too much to maintain.''
''But your father is the richest man in the county. Surely a few pounds for maintenance is of no consequence to him?'' Sophia butted in.
''He is indeed rich beyond belief, but he is what people in this part of England call, tight. He keeps his fingers firmly on his money,'' Alice said.
''Yes, that's how people get rich, by not spending anything. My father is rich but not nearly as rich as your father is. In fact, in comparison, I would say we are really rather poor,'' Sophia complained.
The other two laughed at Sophia. They both knew her father was rich enough to own a three thousand hectare estate.
''I do so like your dress, Alice. You look prettier than ever in pink. Your father may be the richest man in the county, but my dear, you are the most beautiful woman in the county. You could have any man you want,'' Georgina said.
''Nonsense. You two are more beautiful,'' said Alice.
When they reached the lake, they walked along the shore and stopped at a wooded area.
''I do hope nobody sees us. It really isn't lady like to swim,” Sophia said.
''Well, I don't care. I'm going in naked this time,'' Georgina announced.
''But you can't, what if somebody sees you?'' Sophia asked, horrified at the idea.
''There is nobody here. And so what if somebody sees me. I'm just a woman, not a monster.''
''Then let's all swim without clothes. It'll be so daring and so much fun. Swimming in undergarments is so heavy. Last year, I was almost pulled to the bottom,'' Alice concluded.
Alice and Georgina went behind a tree and began to take off their clothes. Sophia looked around nervously, sure someone would see them. When Alice emerged, she walked to the water’s edge and tip-toed into to the refreshing water.
Sophia looked at her and was instantly envious of Alice's body. Her legs were long and slender, her buttocks small and soft and her breasts perfectly formed. Sophia would have swapped her red hair and blue eyes for Alice's blonde curls and emerald green eyes, in an instant.
Sophia turned to see where Georgina was. When she saw her, she was surprised by the size of her breasts. Sophia, Alice and Georgina were neighbors in the high society life of Northampton, and they had grown up together. But they hadn't seen each other naked for many years. Every time they swam, they had worn some sort of garment.
''Georgina, you are a very wholesome woman,'' Sophia said. Georgina smiled and ran into the water. Sophia hung around at the water’s edge as Alice and Georgina walked out into the water. When the water reached their thighs, they both dived and swam off into the middle of the lake.
''Look at her. She is too afraid to take off her clothes,'' Georgina said as she and Alice trod water.
''I really don't know why. She has a stunning figure,'' Alice said. ''Sophia, come on. The water's lovely,'' she shouted.
Eventually Sophia disappeared behind a tree and emerged with her arms folded across her breasts. She skipped into the water as fast as she could, and as soon as it was deep enough, submerged her body from sight. When she reached the others she was quite out of breath.
''It's very cold, indeed,'' she said gasping.
The other two looked at each other and rolled their eyes in a display of irony. They continued their conversation, still treading water in the middle of the lake.
“What would you do now, if a man came along and took our clothes?'' Alice asked.
''Oh, that thought is too horrible to contemplate,'' Sophia said.
''I would chase him,'' Georgina said.
''But there would be a horrible scandal. You can't run around naked,'' Sophia observed.
''It would be a very difficult situation wouldn't it. Although it isn't very far back to the house. I think we would have to tear a branch full of leaves from a tree and walk behind until we got close enough to run inside and get some clothes,'' Alice ventured.
''As we are talking about daring activities, I have a suggestion. When we were on the terrace a few minutes ago, I told Alice she was beautiful, and she told you and I, Sophia, that we were more beautiful. Let's find out who is the most beautiful,'' Georgina said.
Sophia looked puzzled. '' But how do you want to do that?''
Georgina explained. ''There is a ball next week at the Ferguson's. Let's see which of us can fill our dance cards the fastest. The first one to get it filled, we will call the most beautiful of us, and there will be no more dispute.''
''Georgina you are an absolute genius. What fun it will be,'' Alice said as she let herself sink under the water.
The man watching from the far bank wasn't interested in stealing their clothes, but he was interested in seeing them leave the water.
*****
''You have such soft hair, Miss Alice,'' the lady's maid said, as she poured a jug of warm water over her. Eleanor was a plump lady in her sixties. She had long gray hair tied in a bun. It made her look strict, but she was in fact, the friendliest soul imaginable. Alice's mother had chosen her to be Alice's ladies maid because she had years of experience. She trusted Eleanor to temper her daughter’s youthful urges in choice of clothing.
''And you are the kindest maid I could ever have wished for,'' Alice replied. ''How long have you been at Stanley Hall, Eleanor?''
''Oh, a lot of years, Miss. Let me see, you were born, twenty two years ago and I was here many years before that. I'm afraid to say I can remember Stanley Hall when your grandfather was alive.''
''So you must have been a lady's maid to my grandmother.''
''Yes, I was. I was very young and quite frightened of your grandmother. Your mother brought her own lady's maid when she married your father, and, after your poor grandmother died, I became a house maid. That is, until you came of age. I was so pleased your mother asked me to be your maid. You are turning into the most beautiful young lady in England.''
''Eleanor, you are very good at exaggerating, I must say. On the subject of beauty, I have a bet with Miss Georgina and Miss Sophia, this evening. We are going to see who can fill their dance cards the fastest. Who does, will become the undisputed beauty among us.''
''That sound like great fun, Miss. I am sure you will win. You are so much more beautiful than they are. Now let's get you out of the bath and into a gown fit for a Queen.''
Eleanor held out an enormous towel and wrapped Alice in it as she stepped out of the water. ''Which gown do you want to wear this evening, Miss?''
''It is awful, but I can't decide. I suppose if I showed a little décolleté, I may have more of a chance of winning our little competition, but, on the other hand, I don't want to appear too vulgar.''
''How about this one?'' Eleanor said, holding up a white gown with hundreds of roses embroidered into it. ''It's a lovely color for a fresh young lady and I think it is daring enough, without being overly so.''
''Excellent choice, thank you.''
After Alice dressed, Eleanor stood back and looked at her. ''I am proud of you, Miss Alice. You are tall and blonde and your features are finer than any porcelain money can buy. You have a lovely figure and enough bust to attract any gentleman's roving eye. You are a credit to your mother and father. Whoever marries you, will be the luckiest man in the world.''
''Alice, are you ready yet? Why does it always take an eternity for you ladies to get ready?'' Lord Ashmeer asked his daughter.
''Because, father, we are gentle creatures that need nurturing, like flowers. You do want us to look our best don't you?''
''I suppose so, now where on earth is your mother? This eternal waiting is becoming quite intolerable.''
''Father, why are you so impatient. What's the matter?'' Alice asked.
''I want to get the best seat at the card table. If she doesn't hurry up, I will be doomed to sit next to the door and have to listen to all that ridiculous music.''
''That ridiculous music, father, is modern. All young people like it.''
''Well, to me it's just a blessed din. Ah, here she is. Finally, woman, please do hurry yourself,'' he barked at his wife.
''Jeremy are you talking to me? If so then kindly do not refer to me as 'woman'. Women work in factories. I am a lady and don't you forget it.''
Lord Ashmeer felt himself suitably chastised and they left for the ball.
*****
As soon as the Ashmeers arrived, Georgina came running up to Alice. ''I already have two dances in my card, only another six and you'll have to call me beautiful all your life,'' she said.
''What are you girls up to, whispering like that,'' Lady Ashmeer inquired.
''Nothing, mother, just a little friendly rivalry.''
''Well make sure you behave with a little decorum, we have a reputation to keep. Now please excuse me, I want to speak to Lady Hanley.''
''So, please tell me, who you have on your card?'' Alice asked.
''Now that would be telling,'' Georgina said secretively.
Alice looked at Georgina. She wasn't as tall as Alice and she was dark. Her brown eyes often looked sad. Georgina had lost her mother in a dreadful riding accident and she had never really recovered from the loss. Her father was heartbroken, and almost never left the house. But Georgina was plucky, and Alice always enjoyed her practical jokes immensely. Georgina was also sought after by a number of extremely rich suitors, none of who appealed to her.
''Here's Sophia, let's see how she is faring?'' Georgina said.
''And how many of the dashing gentlemen have you managed to snare so far this evening?'' Georgina asked. Sophia had red hair and pale skin and was probably the least attractive of the three. Nonetheless, she wasn't plain and could quite easily hold her own in the evening’s competition.
''Three, so far,'' Sophia replied enthusiastically
Alice felt quite dejected. Her father had been right, they had spent far too long getting ready, and now she was behind. ''Then, please excuse me, dear friends, for I shall have to make haste,'' Alice said as she walked away towards a group of handsome looking young men. One of whom she knew.
''Charles,'' she whispered, ''can I talk to you.'' Charles Argyle was the twenty year old son of Lord and Lady Argyle, the Ashmeer's neighbors. Charles and Alice had often played together by the lake when Georgina and Sophia were not available. He was tall and had jet black hair. He had inherited his rugged looks from his father who was a renowned naval officer.
''Alice. You look lovely. What can I do for you?''
''Thank you, Charles, for you kind compliment. I need your help. You see I have a wager with my friends. The first to fill their dance card shall forever be known as the most beautiful among us.''
''There is no doubt in my mind that you are by far the most beautiful. Which renders your wager quite pointless as far as I can see.''
''No, Charles. That's just your very kind opinion. But I am quite desperate to win, if I may be honest with you. Please introduce me to some of your friends.''
''Of course, I shall. We can't have you being beaten, can we?''
Charles introduced Alice to five of his friends and they all asked her to reserve a place for them in her schedule. Alice was quite elated. She was surely going to win.
The ball was a splendid affair. The Ferguson's were very wealthy and they had just built a new ball room. This was its grand opening. It had six enormous chandeliers, three down each side of the room. The tea and card rooms were the most luxurious on the ball circuit, and the orchestra had their own balcony.
As Alice glanced around, there seemed to be no shortage of suitors, but she knew precious few of them, and without being introduced it was not the place of a lady to talk to a gentleman. To Alice's horror, Georgina raised six fingers when she caught Alice's eye, and a few moments later, she read Sophia's lips as she said seven.
Alice had made up her mind.
''Excuse me, sir. I know it is certainly not my place to address a gentleman without an introduction, but I find myself in a slightly awkward situation.''
''Then prey tell, what can be so awkward that it brings you to leave the well-trodden path of social etiquette?'' The man Alice had addressed was the most handsome man at the ball. He was tall and dark, and his eyes instantly drew Alice's attention. She had never seen such beautiful blue eyes. His face was thin and his features fine, a most aristocratic and trustworthy individual, Alice concluded.
''Oh, it really is a terrible thing I am about to ask you.''
''Madam, either you tell me or I shall turn my back and continue my conversation. You decide,'' he said, impatiently.
''Very well,'' Alice said determinedly. ''I would be grateful if you and your two friends would give me your names that I may enter them in my dance card.'' Alice spoke fast, feeling her cheeks flush. She knew what she was asking was highly inappropriate and she wanted it to be finished as soon as possible. “I have a wager with my friends. I must win, you see.”
''Well, indeed, quite a cheek, if I may say so,'' he said, as one eyebrow raised above the other. ''In fact one could go so far as to say, quite shocking.''
''Sir, please. I apologize. Please ignore what I have asked, it was improper. I will now take my leave of you.''
''Do not be so hasty. Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement. Just a minute while I consult my friends.'' He turned to the two men standing next to him and talked to them. Alice could not hear what they were saying but their gestures left her in no doubt that they were referring to her. ''It is settled. You may write our names in your dance card.''
''Thank you, sir, you are most kind and you have helped me more that you know.''
''However, before I give you our names, you must promise me you will walk with me in the garden after our dance. The gardens here are magnificent and it is a beautiful summers evening. What do you say?''
Alice glanced around searching for her parents. She knew it was not fitting for a lady to wander around the gardens with a gentleman without a chaperone. But he really was handsome and most trustworthy. ''Sir, I would be happy to walk with you.''
Alice gave a little jump as she came up behind Georgina. ''It's full,'' she said.
''It can't be, you got here late and I was ahead of you. You must have cheated,'' Georgina said, a look of extreme frustration etched onto her face. She looked across at Sophia who instantly knew she had lost.
''Oh really, Alice. You win everything. Will you one day take pity on us?'' asked Sophia. ''It really is too much.''
''I am sorry, dear friends, but it appears I am the most beautiful one among us, and may you never forget it,'' Alice said with a smile on her face. The other two walked away and entered into a heated debate about how Alice could possibly have pulled off such a sudden victory.
The announcer shouted, ''the next dance will be a Brown's Reel''
''I believe this is my dance.'' It was the handsome man that had helped Alice fill her dance card.
''Sir Reynold, it will be an honor to dance with you,'' Alice said as she looked in her dance card to remember what his name was. ''You have been a great help to me this evening, I will never be able to thank you enough.''
Alice and Sir Reynold Edmonstone took to the dance floor. As they stood opposite each other, Alice looked at him more closely. He was indeed more handsome that was good for her. His blue eyes shone across the dance floor, and made her feel quite weak at the knees. He was broad chested and his legs appeared strong. She had no doubt he would be able to box even the largest of men to the ground. As the dance began, they circled one another and looked into each other’s eyes.
''Prey, where do you live Sir Reynold?'' she asked as they passed.
''In London.''
''And what do you do for a living, Sir?''
''I am a gentleman of leisure. I spend my mornings in bed resting, my afternoons taking tea with friends, and my evenings dancing with delightful ladies like yourself.''
Alice was quite shocked. Everyone she knew had a profession or at least an interest they followed. To do nothing but go to balls seemed like an empty existence.
''I assume from what you tell me, sir, that you have had many liaisons,'' Alice asked daringly.
''Perhaps I have. None more beautiful than you, though.''
When the dance ended, Alice and Sir Reynold bowed and broke away.
''Now, Miss Alice, if you remember you promised to walk with me in the garden.''
Alice searched once again for her parents. Again, they were nowhere to be seen. ''Of course. I would be delighted.''
The gardens at the Ferguson's house were huge. They employed four full time gardeners and three older men who came and went as required. The main lawn was at the rear of the house adjacent to the ball room. The back of the property was bordered by a wood and a neat path led between the lawn and the wood. The lawn was broken up into segments by magnificent borders full of asters, purple cone flowers, dahlias and foxgloves. In the very center was a statue of Aphrodite which towered above Alice and Sir Reynold as they strolled along the perimeter path.
''It really is the most beautiful garden I have ever seen,'' Alice said. ''They have thought of everything. Look, even a Greek Goddess.''
''Which one is it?'' he asked.
Alice was a little disappointed at his lack of knowledge. ''Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty, Love and Desire,'' she informed him.
''Then she is very appropriately placed.''
''Why do you say that, Sir Reynold?''
''Because that is what I now feel. Desire.''
''Sir Reynold, if I may say so, that is rather a misplaced feeling in this particular situation.''
''I disagree. It is a marvelous summer’s evening, the sun is setting, there is a heavenly scent of flowers in the air and the most beautiful of women is walking next to me. Tell me, Miss Alice, why would I not feel desire under such circumstances.''
''Because you have only known me for the shortest amount of time, and it is not proper.''
''Do you think your behavior in soliciting my friends and I onto your dance card was any more proper?''
Alice couldn't find an answer. She had acted improperly and she was painfully aware of it. ''However bad my behavior, Sir, I did not speak of such earthy things as desire.''
As they reached the back of the lawn where the wood started, Sir Reynold stopped and turned to Alice. ''I desire you, Alice, and I desire you now.'' He reached for her and pulled her to him. When Alice felt his lips on hers, she froze. His tongue tried to part her lips, but she kept them closed. He pulled her to him, and, to her horror, she felt his manhood pressing hard against the softness of her thigh.
''Do not deny me, Alice. To do so would have grave consequences.'' He took her arm and pulled her into the wood. Alice wanted to scream but she felt unable. Her whole being seemed paralyzed by the brutality of him.
''So let’s see what you've got under your dress, young lady,'' he growled. Alice put her hands on his to stop him lifting her dress, but he was too strong. She felt the cool air of the evening against her bare legs as he lifted her skirt higher. When he held it over her bottom, he pushed her further into the wood and found a fallen tree trunk. He bent her over it, and stripped her of her underwear. Alice began to sob. ''Sir, please. I have never....please don't, you will hurt me.''
''Stop whining, woman,'' he said. She heard a rustle of clothing and then she felt his hand over her mouth. When he entered her, but for his hand, her scream would have been heard miles away. As tears flowed over her face, he rammed himself into her. He reached round and painfully grabbed a breast. When Alice was beyond screaming, he took his hand from her mouth, and grabbed her other breast. He continued his onslaught for several minutes until he ejaculated inside her. Alice by this stage had passed out.
When she came round, Alice was still bent over the tree with her bottom exposed. She quickly got up, pulled down her skirts and straightened her décolleté.
When she tried to walk back to the ballroom, the pain between her legs was so excruciating, she had to stop. She sat on the grass for what seemed like hours before Georgina and Sophia came looking for her.
''Alice, there you are. We've been looking for you everywhere. What are you doing out here.''
When Alice lifted her head and looked at them, they both instinctively knew what had happened to her.
*****
Philip, the Duke of Norfolk, glanced at Stanley Manor as he got down from his coach. He had arrived in a splendid affair pulled by six black horses. The house he noted, was old, well over two hundred years. It had four leaded light bay windows on the ground floor, two each side of the front door. Upstairs the windows were smaller and there were more of them. The green front door had an open porch, held up by two sandstone pillars.
The butler had heard the Duke's coach arrive, and went outside to greet him. ''My Lord, welcome to Stanley Manor, I am Thomas, I will take you to Lord and Lady Ashmeer. They are expecting you.'' Thomas was surprised to see how young the Duke was, he was no more than three or four years older than Miss Alice. He also noticed how tall he was, at least six inches taller than Thomas, who was five feet ten.''
Philip followed Thomas into the entrance hall and waited for him to take his hat and hang it up. The Duke glanced around at his surroundings in an effort to ascertain the wealth of the Ashmeer's. The house he was in was much smaller than those of members of his social circle, but it was adequate. He noted the black and white tiles on the floor and the open fire place. He assumed the man portrayed in the picture above the mantel piece was one of Lord Ashmeer's ancestors.
''Please follow me, my Lord,'' Thomas urged. They walked through a large arch and down a corridor. Thomas stopped, knocked on a polished mahogany door, and opened it.
''The Duke of Norfolk is here to see you, Lord Ashmeer.''
''Please show him in,'' he replied.
When the Duke walked in, Lady Ashmeer's mood lifted somewhat. She had been crying all morning, and the prospect of a solution being close at hand buoyed her spirits. She was also charmed by the Duke's looks. He had long brown hair which was tied at the back. She noted how broad and strong he looked and when her eyes took in his lower half, she quickly averted her gaze for fear of embarrassing herself.
''My Lord, please be seated,'' Lord Ashmeer said.
The Duke sat and looked at the Lord. He was small and gray haired, probably in his late fifties, he imagined. He was more interested in his wife who was perhaps a little younger and very pretty for her age. She had a delicate demeanor and he liked her eyes, although on this day, her tears had caused them to be slightly red. She was sitting on a sofa in front of the large window that looked over the garden. Philip momentarily looked past to see what was outside. He was charmed by the well-kept law which sloped down to a beautiful lake. How different the serenity of the garden compared to the mood in the room, he thought.
''Lord Ashmeer, the situation we find ourselves in is, to say the least, unpleasant, and I am here today to discuss with you and Lady Ashmeer what might be done about it.''
''Indeed, I couldn't agree more, my Lord. It is a situation of the utmost severity. Perhaps, my Lord, you will be good enough to tell us what you know of the affair.''
''Of course,'' the Duke said as he composed himself. He was unhappy to have had to leave his estate and drive to the Ashmeer's. It was a grave situation, which called for action. He feared, however, the action he was going to have to take would change his life forever. ''There are very strong rumors, throughout society, that your daughter Alice and my younger brother, Sir Reymond Edmonstone, have had an affair.'' He paused when Lady Ashmeer let out a cry.
''I am afraid it is too late to stop the rumor as it has already spread over the whole land.'' he continued. Lord Ashmeer took out a handkerchief from his green waistcoat and mopped his brow. ''My brother, who I believe to be a good man, unfortunately spoke of the affair with some friends he trusted. Unfortunately those friends betrayed his trust and spread the word into the realms of evil gossipers. I fear, unless we take immediate action, the reputations of both our families will be ruined, forever.''
Lady Ashmeer could hardly wipe her tears away fast enough, and Lord Ashmeer’s complexion was now ashen.
''Well, my Lord, we must do all we can to put the damage right, as soon as we can. I must apologize to you for the inconsiderate behavior of my daughter. We have always brought her up to be reserved and gentle. Please be assured that we are appalled by her promiscuity. It has shocked my wife and I to the core.''
''And I, Lord Ashmeer, likewise apologize to you for my brother's behavior. He is young and high spirited and it seems the two got a little carried away in their lust for one another.''
''My Lord, thank you for you kind apology. It really isn't necessary. In my opinion they are equally to blame. As you say, they seem to have let their passion run away with them.'' Lord Ashmeer gave a reassuring look to his wife before continuing. ''I have talked to my wife at length, and we are unable to come up with a solution that will save our mutual reputations, other than sending our daughter into exile. That is a possibility. However we do love and care for her, despite her shortcomings, and we would be very loathe to banish her forever.''
''Quite so. She has offended the reputation of both our families, but banishing her to a foreign land forever seems a little harsh.” The Duke paused. “If I may, I would like to offer a solution I believe will serve both our purposes greatly. It will protect the reputation of my brother and your daughter, and restore the reputation of our respective families.''
Lady Ashmeer let out a sigh of relief at the prospect of a solution, even though she still had no idea what it entailed.
''Your daughter and I shall be married.'' Before he could continue, Lady Ashmeer applauded. ''I will sacrifice any chance I have of marrying for love for the sake of everyone involved. When society realizes your daughter is betrothed to me, all the rumors will disappear, and life will return to normal again,'' the Duke continued.
Lord Ashmeer was not immediately as convinced as his wife. ''You would do that to protect everyone? Give up the chance of marrying for love, and instead marry a woman whose reputation has been tarnished?'' he asked, quite astonished at the Duke's sense of duty.
''Indeed, Lord Ashmeer. That is my intention, and nobody will prevent me from that line of thought. Perhaps you would give me your opinion, that we may begin proceedings.''
Lord Ashmeer was a little lost for words, and, for the first time, his wife spoke. ''My Lord, thank you for your kindness. As Alice's mother, I have been unable to sleep for days. She has disappointed me in the extreme. On behalf of my husband and I, I would like to accept your more than generous offer.''
''Then it is settled,'' Philip concluded.
Lord Ashmeer pulled the bell rope and Thomas appeared. ''Thomas, please would you ask Alice to come to us, at once.'' Thomas nodded and set about his task.
The occupants of the room looked at each other in silence as they waited for Alice. When she walked into the room, Philip stood up and bowed. She curtsied. Alice looked pale and she had black rings under her eyes. Eleanor had tried to life her spirits, but nothing had worked. She stood in front of the Duke in a somber brown dress with a closed collar.
''Alice, this is the Duke of Norfolk. He is the elder brother of Reymond Edmonstone. He has come today to talk to us about a solution to the problem you have caused us.'' Alice looked at her feet and shuffled from one to the other. ''We have found a solution that is agreeable to us all. It will protect your reputation and that of Sir Edmondstone. Additionally, it will prevent the names of both families from being drawn any further into the mud.'' Alice looked at the Duke. Her faith in men had been badly dented, but as men went, he seemed charming and handsome. ''You and the Duke will marry,'' her father stated abruptly.
Alice's jaw dropped open. She had always imagined her marriage to be a happy affair, one in which she married for love. Now, that was a distant dream. ''Yes, father,'' she said resigned to her fate.
''My Lord, perhaps you any my daughter would care to walk in the grounds and talk?'' Lady Ashmeer asked.
''Yes, I think that is a good suggestion. We have much to discuss.''
Philip took Alice's arm as they walked on the lawn and down towards the lake.
''Miss Alice, what do you have to say for yourself? Perhaps you could offer me an explanation as to your indecent behavior with my brother.''
Alice's body had recovered quite quickly from the incident with Reymond, but she was having nightmares, and wasn't able to close her eyes for any length of time, without seeing terrible images. ''My Lord, it pains me greatly that you have been put out by my actions. I have nothing to add to what anybody else has said. I will marry you and be a good and faithful wife to you.''
''Do you think it will be as easy as that? Because of your foolish actions, I am forced to marry a woman I don't know and obviously do not love.''
''I understand, my Lord, but you will in time come to love me. Of that I am sure. I will do everything in my power to right the wrong I have done to you.''
''Very well. Let us plan our marriage and live our lives as God chooses, but I will never forgive you for putting me in this unenviable situation, is that clear?''
''Yes, my Lord, perfectly.'' Alice looked down the hill to the lake and wished she could go back to the day when she, Georgina and Sophia had gone swimming. On that day she hadn't had a care in the world, now her mind was laden with poisonous thoughts.
*****
Georgina and Sophia kissed Alice when they arrived at Stanley Hall for tea. They hadn't seen each other since the incident at the Ferguson's. Two days after the ball, when the malicious rumor had started, Lord Ashmeer had placed Alice under arrest. She was told to stay in her room and speak to nobody until the incident was resolved.
They sat on the terrace, and looked down to the lake. Georgina was wearing a blue muslin day dress, with a matching bonnet and Sophia was wearing a bright green dress which had a high waistline and dainty puff sleeves. Alice was again wearing a somber brown dress.
''A marriage?'' Sophia exclaimed. ''I do like weddings. They are such grand occasions, and to marry a Duke. Alice, you will be a Duchess, think of that. My friend a Duchess.''
''Well, I don't think it will be a grand occasion at all, Sophia,'' Georgina said angrily. ''What could possibly be grand about a forced marriage? If that man hadn't done what he did to Alice, none of this would have happened. I think you should tell your father, Alice. You should tell him what really happened.''
''I can't. Sir Reymond is a gentleman of the highest breeding, nobody would believe me. I have no choice but to marry his brother.''
''But it seems so unfair. It wasn't your fault. He forced himself on you and hurt you in the most intimate place. He is a scoundrel and he deserves something bad to happen to him,'' Georgina said, slamming her tea cup down, almost breaking the saucer.
''Georgina, Sophia, please listen to me. You are my dearest friends and I love you both. I am to be married because fate has dealt me a very bad hand. I must make the best of it, for the sake of my family and the Duke. I will marry the Duke and I will love him. Please do not pity me or think badly of me for doing so.''
''I admire your courage,'' Sophia said.
''Why don't you just tell the Duke what happened? Surely he knows his brother is a bad man, when it comes to his treatment of ladies,'' Georgina asked.
''I will not drive a wedge between the Duke and his brother. I am sure, in time, my steadfast love for the Duke will convince him that I am a good woman.''
''It's all my fault,'' Georgina added. ''If it hadn't been for my ridiculous suggestion, you wouldn't have needed to even speak to him.''
''It's not your fault Georgina, please don't blame yourself. Who knows, I may have spoken to him anyway. He was certainly handsome,'' Alice said.
''But from what you tell me, the Duke is even more handsome. I know you are being forced to marry him, but it could have been worse. He could have been a plain Duke,” Sophia said.
''Thank you, Sophia, that is a very comforting thought,'' Alice said, not quite sure whether it really was comforting or not.
Once Georgina and Sophia had drunk all the tea and eaten all the butterfly buns, they took their leave of Alice. It was six in the evening, and almost time for Alice to get dressed for dinner. Usually Alice would have gone inside after her friends had left, but she was waiting for someone, and he was late.
''Charles, finally. Where have you been?''
''Alice I am so sorry, father kept me. He can't stop talking about naval college and what lies ahead of me in my training. Listen, Alice, I've heard all the rumors, and I don't believe them. What did he do to you?''
Alice had never kept a secret from any of her friends and she wasn't about to do so now. ''He forced himself on me.''
''Oh, Alice. I am so sorry. When I'm a Captain, I'll have him press ganged and keelhauled,'' Charles said seriously.
''Thank you for your kind expressions of concern. What has happened cannot be changed. I will marry his older brother, the Duke of Norfolk, that everyone's reputation be protected.''
''But, Alice. You can't. You of all people deserve to marry for love.''
''He is very handsome and I will be a Duchess. I will never want for anything. My life will be more comfortable than almost anyone in the land.''
''But what is that without love?''
''Charles you are far too romantic to be a sailor,'' Alice said as the first smile she had had for several days crossed her lips. ''I am going to marry the Duke come what may. The reputation of my parents is too important to me. But I want you to do something for me. Something that I will be forever grateful for.''
******
Alice lay in the bath and held her breath as Eleanor rinsed her hair.
''Eleanor, you have been terribly quiet over the last few days. Are you unwell?''
''No, Miss Alice. I am quite well.''
''Then what is the matter?''
''It is not my place to say, Miss Alice.''
''Please, Eleanor. I consider you a friend. Please unburden yourself.''
''Those bruises, on your thighs, Miss. A man of honor does not do that to a lady. I know what has befallen you, and it has upset me more than you could ever know.''
''Oh, Eleanor. You are of course correct. Something terrible has happened. Something a gentleman should never do to a lady. |But it has happened, and I must move on.''
''I understand, Miss Alice, but I want to tell you one thing. Please, before you accept your fate and never mention the deed again, think of the next lady and the next after her. That is all I will say on the matter.''
''Thank you, Eleanor. You are very wise and kinder than is good for me. I wanted to talk to you anyway. I need your help and I hope you will agree.''
*****
All the servants at Stanley Hall lined up to wish Miss Alice well on her wedding day. As she left the house on her father's arm, they looked at her beautiful white dress and the veil that hid her face. They burst into applause. Eleanor was unable to prevent a tear running down her cheek as Alice nodded at her. Alice's father looked dashing in a black morning coat, gray waistcoat and blue cravat. Thomas had spent days polishing Lord Ashmeer's shoes, and when Lord Ashmeer looked down, he could see the clouds reflected in them.
''Are you ready, my dear?'' he asked Alice
''Quite ready, father,'' she replied. Lord Ashmeer banged on the inside of the coach, and they set off with a jolt. Lord Ashmeer had hired the coach specially because it was capable of being drawn by six horses, and he'd wanted to make a good impression. His daughter was marrying a Duke, and he had to put on a good show. He had even hired a marquee, and had it erected on the lawn for the wedding breakfast.
As was the fashion, the wedding was to be a small family affair only attended by family and close friends. Alice had chosen Georgina and Sophia to be her attendants, and when the coach stopped outside the church, they were standing ready to greet her. Alice’s father helped her down, and Georgina and Sophia, dressed in white dresses adorned with embroidered daisies, fussed around her for a short time.
Lord Ashmeer held out his arm for his daughter and they entered the church. When Alice was almost at the altar, she saw him standing next to the Duke. It had never crossed her mind that he would be the Duke's best man, and that she would have to stand so close to him, on the day of her wedding. She felt trapped.
After the vicar had pronounced them man and wife, Alice and the Duke walked out of the church into a guard of honor. Georgina and Sophia held up an arch made from Yew branches, and when they walked under it everyone clapped.
The Duke and Alice climbed into the grandest carriage Alice had ever sat in, and they set off back to Stanley Hall.
''Alice, are you alright? You looked like you had seen a ghost when you arrived next to me in the church,'' Philip said.
''I am quiet alright. It was just something of a shock to see your brother again.''
''I understand, but you will see him more often from now on, he is, after all, my brother. The affair you and my brother had almost cost me my reputation, and certainly cost me any happiness I might have found with a woman I loved. I would therefore, ask you to behave normally around him.''
There were thirty five people in the marques when the Duke and Alice cut the wedding cake. Alice smiled, and the Duke looked somber as the knife slid through the cake. As everyone tucked in, Reymond walked around the table and bent down next to Alice. ''You look lovely, my dear, and congratulations on your marriage to my brother. I didn't get a chance to kiss you at the church. It is of no consequence, however, there will be plenty of times when my brother is away on business. I visit you then and we can continue where we left off.''
Alice almost fainted. Despite the Duke's best efforts, she would never be rid of his detestable brother.
*****
When Philip and Alice arrived in London at the Savoy, they went straight up to the honeymoon suit.
Alice had changed after the wedding into a salmon pink gown and bonnet. On the way to London, Alice had tried to put the Duke's brother out of her mind. She was married now and surely her husband would protect her. She wanted to concentrate on her wedding night and give herself to him, in a way that he would enjoy.
The suit consisted of a regal bedroom, a lounge, and a bathroom. The floor was bedecked with a navy blue carpet in the lounge and bedroom, and gold and gray striped wall paper. The bed was a four poster covered with crisp cotton bed clothes.
The Duke sat and read a newspaper in the lounge as Alice busied herself in the bathroom. When she came out she was wearing a beautiful silk nightgown that clung to her breasts and hips. Her blonde hair was swept back and tied with a ribbon and her long smooth legs shone in the candle light. When Philip looked at her he saw her nipples pointing through the material, waiting for his touch. She was a picture of beauty, the like of which he had never seen before. Alice walked into the bedroom and lay down on the bed in a seductive pose. The Duke followed her and sat down on the edge of the bed.
''Alice, I have to talk to you,'' Philip said. ''You are beautiful and the most seductive lady I have ever seen. But I am not in love with you. What you and my brother did together is still fresh in my mind, and I find myself unable to touch you. I do no mean to be cruel or unkind, but those are my feelings, and, until they change I will not be able to touch you, let alone make love to you.''
''My Lord is wise, and I bow to your superior knowledge in matters of the heart. I understand, and I hope one day you will come to see me as I really am. Not a woman of a promiscuous nature, but a woman who is kind and loving and who can make you happy. You will come to love me, and one day you will desire me. I will wait for you patiently until that day.''
They slept in the same bed but did not touch each other. Alice didn't cry. She had cried all she could in the last weeks, and now it was time to stop and concentrate on her marriage and future happiness.
*****
Alice started her married life in Winthorpe Hall, the Duke's summer residence. The Duke owned three houses in all. A summer residence, or rather palace, a winter residence in London, and a house in Scotland that he used to entertain guests during the shooting season.
Winthorpe Hall was a massive house. Far larger than Stanley Hall, or any house Alice had ever been in. It reminded Alice of pictures she had seen of the Palace of Versailles. It had a beautiful raised terrace at the rear and a large ornamental garden.
Georgina and Sophia came to stay, and they had looked with open mouths at the opulence of the place. During their stay they had talked of old times and the future. Alice had been very sad to see them go, but she was a Duchess now, and she had responsibilities. Her husband still hadn't touched her, but she had a household to run and to a small degree it took her mind off the Duke's stubbornness. The household she reigned over included thirteen maids, six footmen, five gardeners, four coachmen, a cook, and innumerable kitchen hands.
The summer was drawing to a close, and Alice had decided what she wanted to do. When Philip came onto the terrace and sat next to her, she opened the conversation.
''It is time for me to reconcile my differences with your brother.'' Philip raised his eyebrows at her suggestion before she continued. ''It was just a moment of lust and silliness, and I really feel it is time to put it behind us. What do you say?''
''It would indeed be a step in the right direction, but it will never take away the fact that you did something very hurtful to our families.''
''Yes, my Lord, you are right. I realize I may never win your trust, but I would like to do all I can to do so.''
''So what do you propose?''
''I would like to invite you, and your brother, to Stanley Hall for a picnic by the lake. We will sit, talk, relax and eat to our hearts content. It is a lovely place and it will be a great opportunity to smooth things over. I will invite Georgina and Sophia. They will be most agreeable company for your brother, and, who knows, he may even take one as his wife.''
''Excellent idea. Yes, splendid, let's get him married off. It's more than time.''
*****
It was a lovely late summer’s day when Alice, the Duke, Reymond, Georgina and Sophia walked over the lawn, to the specially erected tent at the edge of the lake. The tent was open at the front and faced the lake. It was full of large cushions that they could lie on, and a thick carpet. Thomas had arranged for the champagne to be put on ice, and the food delivered when Alice gave him the signal.
''Isn't this lovely, everybody?'' Alice said. ''Thank you all for coming. It means a great deal to me. As you all know, Reymond and I got off on the wrong foot, and managed to cause a bit of scandal. I would like to use today to put that right.'' She glanced at the others as they stared at her.'' I want to make a toast if you would charge your glasses.''
Alice waited until everyone had a full glass. ''I want to toast Reymond and say how sorry I am that things happened as they did. To Reymond.''
The others lifted their glasses and toasted the Duke's brother. Alice looked at him. He still had those shining blue eyes and strong looking body, and he was still very handsome.
After they had eaten and finished the Champagne, most of them snoozed a little. Alice remained wide awake and looked over the lake. It was the place she knew and loved, and a place that had never let her down. Here, she felt at home.
''Oh, I see everyone is awake, why don't you take Reymond for a walk, you two,'' Alice said as she looked at Georgina and Sophia.
''I'd love to walk with Reymond,'' said Georgina
''Yes let's,'' said Sophia enthusiastically.
''Well, if you ladies insist, then who am I to refuse. It will be a pleasure to walk around the lake, with not just one, but two beauties,'' Reymond said.
''Then let's go,'' said Georgina and she got up.
''Don't forget to show Reymond the wood, will you girls? You know, where we used to climb trees when we were young.''
''Now, excellent idea,'' said Sophia. ''I would very much like to be in the woods with Reymond.'' Reymond looked at her and smiled. It seemed to be his lucky day.
The Duke and Alice sat and watched as the three made their way around the lake. Alice jumped as the Duke took her hand. ''Thank you for today. It has been lovely, and the girls seem to like my brother. It was most thoughtful of you to introduce them.''
''It was my pleasure.''
The Duke held her hand for longer than he had ever held it, and watched his brother and the two ladies disappear into the wood.
''It really is idyllic here. Did you spent a lot of time here as a child?'' he asked.
''All of it. I was never away from here. When I think of a home, I think of this place.''
''I would like you one day to feel........'' Philip was stopped in mid-sentence by a horrible scream. ''What on earth?'' He jumped to his feet. Alice got to her feet as well.
''In the wood,'' Alice said.
Charles had been on a lot of training exercises in recent weeks and he was more than a match for Reymond. He'd appeared from behind a tree and knocked him clean off his feet. Reymond was strong and had fought back, but Charles hit him in the groin with a savage blow. The pain was so great, Reymond had passed out. While Charles sat on him, Eleanor appeared from behind another tree, with a pair of scissors. Georgina and Sophia ran to her and stood patiently as she made an incision in the breast area of each dress. When she'd done that, she put her hand inside the hole and ripped the muslin material down and away from their breasts.
When Georgina appeared from the wood, the Duke and Alice were half way between her and the tent. When she saw them, she screamed, ''help, please help, he's gone mad. You have to help Sophia. He'll rape her.''
As they got closer, the Duke was horrified to see Georgina standing in a ripped dress with her breasts exposed. ''Cover her up,'' he said to Alice as he ran along the path and into the wood.
When he arrived at the scene, he was deeply shocked. In front of him on the path lay his brother with a man on top of him. To the right, Sophia bent over a tree with her breasts hanging out and her skirt raised.''
''Who are you may I ask?'' the Duke said to Charles.
''Charles Argyle. I am a neighbor. Half of this wood belongs to my property. I was enjoying a stroll after lunch when I saw this man assault two women. It was the most savage attack, and I apprehended him.'' He looked across at Sophia and gestured towards her. ''Just in time by the look of it.''
''Wait here,'' Alice said to Georgina. ''I'm going to finish this now.'' Alice ran into the wood and stopped next to the Duke. She surveyed the scene, and ran to Sophia. She put her arm around her, and spoke loudly, so that Philip could hear her.
''Oh my dear Sophia, I am so sorry. Please forgive me, I didn't think he would do this again after what happened to me. Will you ever forgive me?''
Sophia nodded. She was extremely embarrassed that the two gentlemen could see her breasts, but she had agreed to do it for the sake of her friend.
As Alice was helping Sophia, Eleanor appeared. ''Please excuse me, my Lord. I am a maid at Stanley Hall, and on Sunday afternoons, I walk in the woods. I saw this gentleman attack two ladies,'' she said pointing at Reymond. ''I was so afraid, I ran and hid behind a tree. It is only now that I dare come out of hiding. If it hadn't been for brave Mr Argyle, I dread to think what would have happened.''
*****
It was late when the Duke arrived back at Stanley Hall. Alice had arranged from them to stay there after the picnic, before traveling back to Winthrop Hall the next day. Alice was lying in her night gown when the Duke came into the bedroom. Alice didn't say anything, she could feel he wanted to unburden his heart.
''Alice, I have been a foolish man. Everything I assumed about you was wrong. He raped you on that evening, didn't he?''
Alice nodded.
''Oh Lord, help me,'' he whispered as his head sank into his hands. After he'd composed himself, he spoke again. ''In the last weeks, I have come to admire you. Not just your beauty, but your kindness and your undying faith that, one day, I would come to love you. Despite what I have done to you, you have remained resolute. You will never forgive me, I know, but I was trying to do the best for everyone under the circumstances, as I thought them to be. Why didn't you tell me, or your parents, what he did to you?''
''Because he is a gentleman, and I a mere woman. Whose word would everyone believe?''
''You are right. Oh Alice, please forgive me. I will never be cold or unpleasant to you ever again.''
''And what have you done with Reymond?''
''He is in the police station in Northampton.''
''And what will happen to him?''
''I assume he will go to prison. Mr Argyle and Miss Eleanor will surely bear witness to the attack.''
''Yes, they most certainly will,'' Emily said, knowing full well what she had agreed with them.
''Then he will indeed be sentenced. Four witnesses against his word. I suppose a few years in prison will do him good. And it won't be easy for him. Men in prison don't like people who attack women.''
''So that's it, then. We can now live our lives together.''
''Yes, we can.'' He looked at her in her nightgown and for the first time felt his desire for her overwhelm him. ''My dear, do you think I could perhaps......''
''Is it cold outside?'' she asked.
''No, why?''
''Come with me.'' Alice got up from the bed, took his hand and crept downstairs. As quietly as she could, she opened the doors to the terrace and led him to the tent at the side of the lake.
''They won't take this down until tomorrow. Make love to me here. Take two cushions and lay them down here. I want to feel you inside me as I look at the stars.''
He walked into the tent and took two of the largest cushions, and laid them down right at the edge of the water.
He looked at her as she pulled her nightgown over her head. When he saw her naked, he felt his manhood becoming hard. He pulled her to him and kissed her. It was a kiss of such deep longing, that Alice gasped when he let go. She gasped more when he dropped to his knees and pulled her pubic area to his face. As his tongue slipped between her legs, she opened them wider and threw back her head. His tongue probed and delved into every fold, before settling on her clitoris. When he took the tiny bud into his mouth Alice's legs almost gave way. She pulled away and lay down on the cushions.
As he opened her legs and put his mouth on her again, Alice glanced over the lake. It was calm, just like she felt. He stopped licking her and took off his waistcoat, shirt and trousers. In just an undergarment, Alice could see that he was fully erect and ready for her. With her feet, she encouraged him to take off the remaining garment, which he did. She gasped when she saw how long his penis was.
He wasn't finished with his mouth though, and again he knelt between her open legs. He liked up and down the length of her wetness and then around her entrance. Suddenly she arched her back and dug her nails into the cushion as his mouth sucked her clitoris. He continued to suck and flick his tongue over her until he felt her explode on him. She rolled her head from side to side and stretched her legs out straight as one huge spasm engulfed her. It was several minutes until she stopped trembling.
The Duke held her and kissed her until her orgasm subsided. When she had recovered, he flipped her onto her belly, lifted her hips from the cushions and entered her. As he thrust into her, she knelt in front of him and looked over the lake. Somewhere a bird squawked and the sound echoed in the silence of the night. It was more erotic than she could have imagined. Being taken in this way as she looked over the place that was her home.
He quickened his rhythm, and his hips began to slap hard against her buttocks. The vibrations brought her to another orgasm. She threw her head back and looked at the sky as her muscles tensed and waves flew from her vagina.
Suddenly she pulled away from him and walked into the lake. ''What are you doing?'' he asked
''Isn't it obvious? Come in and make love to me in the water.''
The Duke followed her in and wished he hadn't because it was quite cold. ''My God, Alice, I'm not sure I can make love to you in this cold. You know what cold does to muscles, it makes them contract.''
''Nonsense. Swim with me and you'll warm up.''
They swam to the middle of the lake, almost to the point where she had been with her friends a few weeks earlier. Alice stopped and pulled him to her. He looked delicious with wet hair and she instantly wrapped her legs around his torso. ''Thrust into me,'' she ordered. He did and it sent shock after shock over her. It was hard work for him as he had to keep them afloat, and thrust at the same time. But soon he found a technique which worked. The water lapped around them and soon he was grunting with the effort. When Alice reached down and cupped his balls he groaned and thrust into her harder.
''Tell me when you come,'' she requested.
When he was almost there, he said, ''Now.''
She pushed him from her, and dived under the water. She found his penis, put her mouth over him and sucked. When he ejaculated into her mouth, he screamed.
''I love you, Alice,'' rang over the lake. Alice didn't hear him, but it was already obvious to her what he now felt.
*****
THE END