A Lady’s Love – A Regency Romance
Sedgefield House was a magnificent English manor house, set in ninety acres of beautiful parkland. Lord Wallace, its occupant, had a seat in the House of Lords, and was the chairman of the company his father had founded over fifty years ago, Wallace Stock Brokers Ltd.
''What do you think, Emily? The roof is leaking, do you want to have it repaired now or after the winter has finished?''
His wife put down the book she was reading, and looked at him. ''Peter, I really don't know. Perhaps you could decide. Ask the builder what he thinks.''
''Alright, I'll see to it. It's just that you bought this house, and I always feel I should ask you when we need to repair something.''
''My dear, there really is no need for you to consult me. This house is yours, not mine. The law of the land clearly states that any fortune brought by a woman to a marriage automatically becomes her husband’s. It’s yours to do what you like with. When your late father and my father arranged for us to be married, it was for a sole purpose. That my wealth may help you after the financial crisis left you bereft of funds.” Emily paused. “Since our wedding three years ago, I have come to love you beyond imagination, all I have is yours and always will be.''
Peter Wallace looked at his wife. She was very beautiful and only twenty five, eight years his junior. She had blonde hair with ringlets, which dropped down the side of her head, framing her face beautifully. She was quite tall and slender, and her green eyes pierced every man's heart. When she'd bought Sedgefield House, she had spent almost a year redecorating and refurnishing it. It was now a beautiful home, and a very comfortable one.
In the evenings they often sat together in the drawing room. It was a long room with a beautiful fire place. On winter evenings, they were kept warm and cozy by enormous fires. They sat on separate sofas, each close to the fire. Their two Labradors, Milly and Flossy always fought for the warmest place, as they huddled down for the evening.
Shortly before bedtime, Joseph the butler came into the room, and asked Lord Wallace if he would like a nightcap. He usually partook of a whiskey before bed. This evening he did not.
''I'm tired, I'm going up. Will you come too?'' Emily asked him, hoping he would say yes.
''No, I want to finish this article. You go ahead. I'll be up shortly.''
Emily climbed the grand staircase, which led directly from the hallway up to the first floor. The landing was long. There were five polished mahogany doors on each side. Emily opened the third on the left, and went inside.
''Good evening, Mary,'' Emily said to the maid who was waiting for her.
''Good evening, my lady, I have prepared your bath and put out a clean night gown.''
Emily stood in the middle of the room as Mary undid her evening dress. It was a large room with a huge four poster bed, and a fireplace on the opposite wall. Mary had stoked the fire, and as Emily bathed, it crackled cozily. When Emily got out of the bath, Mary dried her and slipped her nightgown over her head.
After Mary had gone, Emily lay under the fresh bed sheets, and looked at the fire. She so wanted Peter to come up to bed. She waited as long as she could for him, but sleep overcame her and she drifted away. When Peter came to bed, it was one in the morning. Emily woke when he rolled under the covers next to her.
She moved closer to him and put her arm around him. She slowly let her hand glide down to the place she had been longing to touch all evening.
''Emily, please stop, I'm tired.''
''But Peter, we haven't made love for such a long time. I want you. Please take me.''
Peter didn't reply, he rolled onto his side, and closed his eyes. Emily played with his manhood for a while, but when she got no reaction, she rolled over, frustrated.
When the first shades of winter light began to fall through a gap in the curtains, Emily still hadn't managed to fall asleep again. When Peter woke, she watched as he got out of bed. He was a handsome man. The moment she had met him, she was attracted to him. Unlike her, he was dark and his skin was brown. When he stood naked at the foot of the bed, she noticed that he seemed to be leaner than when he'd last allowed her to look. When he slipped into his underwear, she saw how taught his buttocks were, and how strong his thighs looked. He left the room without saying anything.
When Emily came downstairs, she walked into the breakfast room. ''Good morning, Peter.'' she said, as she sat down at her end of the long table. Joseph put a pot of fresh tea in front of her, and a plate of toast. Peter always had eggs and bacon, but Emily's fine constitution wouldn't allow her to eat fat. Her day always began with toast and jam, followed by an apple.
''What have you got planned today, my dear?'' she asked Peter.
''I'm going up to London. I have a meeting. I won't be back until tomorrow. I'm dining with clients and then I'll sleep at my club.''
''You seem to be spending a lot of evenings in London these days.''
''It seems everyone is too busy to talk to their stock broker during the day. It is far easier to make appointments in the evening. After talking business all evening, I really do not feel like taking the journey home. It's very comfortable at the club.''
After Peter had gone, Emily finished her breakfast and put on her coat and walking shoes. Emily enjoyed walking the grounds of the Manor. In the frost and snow, everything looked quite spectacular. As Milly and Flossy bounded around the lawn, Emily looked at the house she had bought for them.
The front door was blue, and it had an enormous brass knocker in its middle. Emily made sure it was polished daily. Joseph was used to the phrase, ''it's the first thing visitors put their hands on.'' To each side of the door were four windows. On the left, the drawing room and on the right a small library, and Peter's study. Below the windows were flower beds, which at this time of year were empty and frozen.
''Hello,'' someone said, making Emily jump.
''Sir John, you really mustn't creep up on me like that. You could give me a heart attack.''
Sir John, Emily’s neighbor, was around Peter’s age and almost as handsome. He was a rugged type, always with his cravat loosened, his hair slightly tussled. Had Emily not been so in love with her husband, lonely at night, she could have easily fantasized about Sir John’s body that she imagined underneath his shirt.
“I was just out for a walk, and thought I would say hello.'' he said enthusiastically.
''I thought you were in the middle of having that enormous house of yours redecorated?'' Emily asked.
''I am, but the place has got sixteen bedrooms and countless other rooms. It's taking forever. It's full of workmen and if I didn't get out for at least an hour a day, I would go mad.''
''Are you sure they won't pinch any of your valuable furnishings? All they would have to do is steal one of your statues and they wouldn't have to work ever again.''
''Quite true, but Patterson is keeping an eye out.''
''How is he? He wasn't very well I heard.''
''Do you know, he's seventy five. He served my grandfather when he was a young man and he's remained faithful to the family ever since. He’s the most marvelous butler a man could wish for.''
''Well please treat him well. He is very old still to be working.''
''Where is Peter?'' John asked.
''Gone to London, to his office, and then on to his club.''
''Will he be away this evening?''
''Yes.''
''Splendid. Then you are free to come over to Eagle Lodge for dinner.''
''Thank you for you kind offer, but I have many things to do here. Please do not be offended.'' Emily was loathe to refuse because she knew how lonely Sir John was after his parents had been killed in a boating accident while on holiday in the South of France.
''Of course. Well, I'll be off.''
Emily watched him walk through the gate, and over the fields in the direction of his property.
*****
Peter looked out of his office window across Trafalgar Square. As usual there were hundreds of pigeons walking around, pecking at the ground. There were at least ten perched on top of Nelson's hat. He turned back to the room and sat at the enormous oak desk his father had bought, when he'd started their stock broking business, fifty years ago.
There was knock at the door and Jackson, Peter's clerk, came into the room. ''I just wanted to check on the fire, it's bitterly cold outside, and we shouldn't let it go out,'' he said, as he picked up a brass topped poker.
''When you've done that can you bring me the client list?'' Peter said. Jackson stoked up the fire, went out of the room and reemerged with a bundle of papers. He sat down opposite Peter, and handed them to him.
''Let's see,'' Peter said, as his glasses threatened to fall from the end of his nose. ''I'm especially interested in the investments we have made on behalf of Sir John Waterford.''
''At the bottom of the page sir. 'W', almost last in the alphabet,'' Jackson said, stating the obvious.
''Yes. I see. Not performing very well are they?''
''No sir, they are not. But may I remind you, we offered Sir John much advice at the time. We warned him not to invest in those stocks. Unfortunately, he didn't listen. It is of his own doing that his fortune is disappearing before his very eyes.''
''Indeed, I remember. It's very awkward, he's a neighbor and I don't want to see him go under.''
''I understand sir, perhaps you can talk to him and get him to sell, and at least retrieve some of his investment.''
''Yes, I will. Now what messages do you have for me?''
''Mr. Stopps called by, he wants to invest two thousand in the East India Rubber Company. Mr. Rawlings wants you to sell his stocks in GNER, and reinvest in some company I have never heard of, and Miss Pemberly send notice that you should meet her at five o'clock in the tea room at Claridges.''
''Thank you, Jackson. Just so you don't misunderstand, Miss Pemberly is also a neighbor of ours out in the Shires. She's in town to do some shopping and I said I would meet her to discuss her finances.''
''Of course, sir,'' Jackson said, as he lifted his tiny frame out of the chair. As he turned his back on Peter, and walked towards the door, he smiled at Peter's explanation of his association with Miss Pemberly.
*****
Peter lifted the collar on his coat when he jumped out of the cab. A biting wind was blowing down Brook Street, and the cab had been unable to drop him right outside Claridges because some workmen were digging a hole. When he got to the Hotel, he saw the doorman in his top hat and yellow coat, carrying some cases for an elderly lady, who it seemed had brought her entire belongings with her to stay at the luxury hotel.
When he went inside, he marveled at the sheer beauty of the place. The floor looked like a giant chess board, with its black and white tiles. Immediately to the right was a staircase with an exquisite oak handrail held up by decorative metalwork. He was pleased to see the welcoming fireplace. He noted that the giant chandelier overhanging the entrance hall still hadn't fallen down, as he always imagined it would one day. He turned to the left and walked into the busy tea room. Claridges was expensive, but it was very popular with the wealthy London set.
He spotted Miss Pemberly, sitting at a small table, in the far corner of the room. As he made his way to her, he could see something was different about her. She was dressed in a maroon bonnet made of silk velvet. It had an pink ribbon tied around the crown and down under her chin. She wore a maroon dress with a square décolleté which showed of the tops of her ample breasts.
''Miss Pemberly, how are you?'' Peter said as he took her hand to his lips.
''Quite well, Lord Wallace. And how are you?''
''Fine, thank you that you ask.''
The two then burst into laughter at their pretense. ''You look lovely,'' Peter commented as he let his hand brush over hers.
''Thank you. And you Peter, look your dashing self, as always.''
''Can you stay tonight?'' he asked anxiously
''Yes. Oh Peter, it has been so long since we were able to sleep in the same bed. I have so missed you.''
''And I you, dear Charlotte. My heart aches for you every time we are apart. How cruel life has been to me. Why did the Lord see fit to have me married off before finding you?''
''I don't know my dear, and I weep almost daily at the situation. If I were wealthy, you could divorce her and come to me. As you know my late father made some terrible financial decisions, and things are really quite tight for me financially. How are your finances coming along now, after your difficulties?''
''Not as well as I'd hoped. I still rely on Emily's money. I only hope one day that my fortunes will change. If they do we can be united. Until that time, my dear Charlotte, I'm afraid we must content ourselves with infrequent encounters like this one.''
''How much is Emily actually worth?''
''A vast amount. Enough to buy this street.''
''We are in the middle of London, and this is a long street, she must indeed be very wealthy.''
''She is. But let’s not talk of Emily. I want to know about what you have been doing since we last met.''
Charlotte studied John, as he poured the tea. His dark hair was long and curly, and his sideburns wide. He was tall and she liked the way he dressed. Always in a tailcoat and a colored waist coat. Today it was green with gray stripes.
''How is your mother?''
''Quite well, thank you for asking. Although Moat Hall has become a burden since our finances became so depleted. We have had to let three maids go, and she has to run the house with just a skeleton staff, it really is quite difficult. Do you know I can see your house from my room? I have to lean out, and crane my neck somewhat, but If I do I can just see it. It isn't far over the fields.''
''No, as the crow flies it really isn't far. If you take the road though, I believe it is three miles.''
There was a brief pause in the conversation, while they decided what to choose from the waiter who'd appeared with a stand, full of delicious looking buns and cakes.
''Peter, have you booked a room for this evening?'' Charlotte asked, curious to know where they would be spending the night.
''Yes, at the Savoy. We will go there after we have finished tea. I have booked a splendid room overlooking the Thames.''
*****
Emily spent the evening as usual by the fire. She was halfway through a sampler of a vase of roses, and she wanted to get it finished before Christmas. Tilly had beaten Flossy to the warmest place in front of the fire and she was snoring. Flossy got up and walked to the door, ears pricked. All of a sudden she started to growl. Milly jumped up and ran to join her. Their growls turned into barks and it was more than Emily's ear could stand.
''Girls, stop that awful noise, at once,'' she said, as she got up from the sofa and shooed them away from the door. Milly wasn't pleased though, and she turned around and ran back to the door again. ''What on earth is the matter with you two?'' Emily asked.
When someone tapped on the window, Milly and Flossy became very animated and barked loudly. Emily parted the curtains slightly and peered outside but could see nobody. She must have been hearing things she thought, as she walked back to the sofa. When it happened again she rang for Joesph.
''Someone is throwing pebbles at the windows. It is upsetting the dogs, please go and see who it is, would you,'' she asked.
He returned a few minutes later. ''My Lady, Sir John is here.''
''Sir John, what on earth does he want at this time of the evening? I suppose you'd better show him in.'' Joseph looked down his nose as he beckoned Sir John into the drawing room.
''Sir John, what are you doing here, and why were you throwing pebbles at the window? You frightened the dogs.''
When he opened his mouth, Emily could tell he'd been drinking. ''I wanted to see you. You wouldn't come to dinner, so I have come to you.''
''You've been drinking. Why do you think I would want to sit with a drunk man?'' Emily chastised.
''Lady Emily, I know you are unhappy, I can see it in your eyes every time I talk to you. Your husband neglects you. He is always in London, leaving you here in the countryside with precious little to do. Let me sit with you, and keep you company.''
''Sir John, as much as I value your concern, I must tell you that I am perfectly happy to sit here, and enjoy my embroidery. I have my dogs for company. I am quite content.''
''But your husband treats you so badly. You are beautiful and delicate and you deserve much more. I could make you happy. Do you not miss the warmth of a man?''
Emily did indeed miss the warmth of a man, and felt uneasy that Sir John had touched upon the subject. He was a very handsome young man, and she had reluctantly admitted to herself, on more than one occasion, that she was tempted by him. Her young body craved the feel of a man, and being denied by her husband, was beginning to test her self-control.
''I am a married woman, Sir John, and as much as I value the conversations we have when we bump into each other, you should never confuse my friendly approach to you, as being anything other than that. I am happily married and my husband is a great man, of whom I will hear no ill. Now please leave before I ring for Joseph and ask him to evict you.
When he'd gone, Emily sat in front of the fire and trembled. She did not like confrontation. She rang Joseph and asked him to bring her a small glass of whiskey, to calm her nerves.
*****
Peter closed the curtains in the suit he had booked at London's most expensive hotel, and turned to the beautiful woman standing next to the bed. Charlotte had changed into a nightgown and he into a robe.
''Charlotte, you are beautiful,'' he said as he stepped towards her. Her nightgown was of the thinnest material, and the neckline plunged in a V shape between her breasts. The hem was finished six inches above her knees and the sight of her soft thighs made Peter's manhood stiffen. He took her in his arms and kissed her. As he did so, he ran his hands through her hair.
As they stood and kissed, his hand reached under the thin material she was wearing, and slid up her thigh. When his hand slipped around and cupped a buttock, Charlotte sighed and pushed her pelvis against his manhood. She smiled when she felt his hardness poking through his robe, and into the V between her legs.
He lifted her off the ground as if she weighed nothing, and put her onto the bed. She looked up at him as he took off his robe, and stood naked before her. She wanted to run her hands over his broad chest and hard stomach, and to reach down and cup his considerable manhood.
Charlotte smiled up at him, as she invitingly raised the nightgown above her waist. When he saw the triangle of blonde hair between her legs, his penis became fully erect. When she opened her legs, and showed him her vulva, he quickly placed himself on top of her, and entered her. She gasped as he filled her and began to thrust. She ran her hands over his upper arms feeling the muscles talking the weight of his body, as he held himself above her. When he stopped thrusting, she intuitively knew he wanted to see her breasts. She pulled the night gown from her and threw it onto the floor. She had large breasts and her nipples looked up at him invitingly. His mouth was on them in the shortest of time as he began to thrust again.
Charlotte let out a moan of disappointment when he withdrew his penis from her, but soon sighed with pleasure, when she felt his mouth on her wet folds. She grasped his hair and let her fingers trace circles in it, as the tension in her belly mounted. When his tongue found her clitoris and stayed there, Charlotte clasped her legs shut against his head and came.
Before she had stopped shaking, he opened her legs as wide as he could and entered her again. She gasped and ran her hands over his strong back feeling his hot skin and the muscles below. When she reached under him and cupped his balls, Peter felt them tighten against his shaft as his spasms started. When he ejaculated into her, Charlotte held onto them, willing every last drop into her.
After their lovemaking, they slept in each other’s arms for two hours. When they woke, Peter ordered dinner and two bottles of champagne be sent to their room. They ate from silver trays and drank from fine crystal as they lay naked next to one another.
''You are a very good lover, Peter. I wish we could do this every day.''
''If we did it every day, it would become mundane, then you'd look for something else to excite you.''
''Why don't you leave her? We could be happy together.''
''We haven't a penny between us. How could we keep the lifestyle we have, without Emily's money. We would have to move into considerably smaller premises, and we would be frowned upon as paupers. No, I'm afraid I'm stuck with Emily, whether we like it or not.''
*****
Emily got up early and ate her usual breakfast. The dogs seemed more eager than usual to go for their morning walk, so she wrapped up well, and set of over the lawn, and through the gate into the field where the horses grazed in summer. There had been a keen frost, and the dogs left their footprints in the ice as they chased a few rabbits. She walked to the end of the first field and climbed over a wooden fence into the next. The dogs squeezed under the fence and continued their chase. Halfway across the field it began to slope quite steeply and she had a lovely view of the village below. The village was built along a single road, and Emily watched as a horse and cart made its way from one end of the village to the other. When she looked to the right, she saw Sir John's house. Why would anyone want to live alone in such a large house, she thought? She remembered his visit the previous evening, and how lonely she'd felt. A drunken man had been in her house and propositioned her, and her husband had not been there to protect her.
Emily walked down the hill to the end of the field, and followed a stream. She stopped, and watched the dogs as they splashed around in the water. When they got out and shook themselves, they send a fine jet of spray over Emily before she could jump out of the way. They continued their walk along the stream and crossed a wooden foot bridge into the village. There wasn't a soul to be seen. Emily turned left and walked out of the village and past a large house called Moat Hall, the home of Charlotte Pemberly and her mother. Emily noticed how the house seemed to be rather dilapidated, and wondered why. When Mr. Pemberly had been alive, the place was always well maintained. She hadn't seen Charlotte for a long time, not that they were friendly, but they had chatted on the odd occasion their paths had crossed at the village shop.
Shortly after the Pemberly's, she took the lane that led back up the hill, all the way to her house. When she arrived back, the dogs made straight for a large drinking bowl in the servants courtyard, and Emily went through the front door.
''James,'' she shrieked. ''Heavens, it's so nice to see you. What a lovely surprise. What is my little brother doing here? I thought you were bashing the enemy in France with your regiment?''
''Hello, Emily. It's nice to see you too. Although I am not sure the term little brother applies anymore,'' he said, as he looked down from a great height onto the top of her head. ''I have some leave, and I thought I would come and see you and Peter.''
''Splendid, how long have you got?''
''I can stay this evening, after that I'm going to see Harriet before I have to go back.''
''And who is Harriet, may I ask? Do I hear wedding bells?'' Emily laughed.
''Not yet. Harriet Brown lives in Uppingham. She's the sister of a friend I was with at Sandhurst.''
''And is she pretty?''
''Prettier than I deserve. Oh sister, I don't have the vocabulary to express how much I love her.''
''Then I am pleased for you, for you both. Now let me ring for Joseph, and get us a cup of tea. I'm quite exhausted after my walk.''
James and Emily spent the afternoon talking and playing cards. Peter arrived home just before dark. The dogs made a great fuss of him at the door as Joesph took his coat from him. When he walked into the drawing room, he greeted James and pecked Emily on the cheek. She had been hoping he would kiss her on the lips. When James and Peter became locked in a debate about the war with Napoleon, Emily decided she would go upstairs and get ready for dinner.
When she entered the bedroom, she almost fell over Peter's night case. Joseph had left it in silly place, she would have a word with him, she thought. As she fiddled with her hair, her eyes kept looking at the bag. Each time, she ignored the voice in her head, until she no longer could. She got up from the dressing table, picked the bag up and placed it on the ottoman at the end of the bed. She undid the buckles, and looked inside. She pulled out the shirt Peter had worn the previous day, and put it to her nose.
''James would you fill my glass again please,'' Emily asked her brother, when they were sitting at the dinner table. He obliged and Emily downed her second drink, in one.
''Steady on, you'll get drunk drinking at that rate,'' James said.
''Well you're here, and I want to celebrate the fact. I do miss you, and I worry about you. I hope France will fall soon. That that will put an end to these ridiculous wars.''
''I'll drink to that,'' James said as he raised a glass.
When Peter raised his glass, he avoided Emily's eyes. Emily stared at him.
''Peter, we have been invited to a ball,'' she said.
''Where and why?''
''It's at the Sutherland's, their daughter will be twenty one.''
''Really? What a dreadful bore that will be.''
''Peter, you are no fun. It will be just what you need to cheer you up.''
''Cheer me up? There's nothing wrong with me.''
''You have had a face like a wet Sunday since you came home. Everybody will be there. All local society. I have already said we will go, so you must come.''
''Very well. If you insist.''
*****
Peter walked the same way as Emily had done the day before, only at the wooden bridge, he turned right and walked through the village. After he'd passed the last house, he turned right and took a short lane that led to Bead House. Peter was amazed to see so many workmen around the place. It must be costing a fortune, he thought. Peter had always found the thirteenth century mansion eerie. It was tucked back into a wood and it was damp and dark.
He walked up to the front door, which was wide open shouted, ''Sir John.''
Sir John appeared from a room at the back of the hallway. Peter noticed how hungover he looked. His eyes were bloodshot and when he came closer he could smell alcohol.
''Peter, splendid. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?''
''I want to talk to you about your investments.''
''Then you'd better come in.'' Peter followed him across the entrance hall, down a corridor and into a study. It was the most untidy office Peter had ever been in. The desk was piled high with old newspapers, and empty whiskey bottles. The fireplace hadn't been cleaned out for days, and a fat cat lay on the only chair in the room. Sir John shook the chair, and the cat reluctantly got up, stretched and jumped down.
''Please sit down, Peter.''
Peter looked at the hairs on the seat and declined. ''I need to talk to you about the investments we made on your behalf in the Beaufort Hotel Project.''
''What about it?''
''The stocks have lost seventy five percent of their value.''
Sir John slumped down into the chair. ''How the hell could that have happened?''
''Quite simple really. As I remember I warned you at the time that this was an investment with high risk. When you invested, the hotel hadn't been built and, of course, there was no way of knowing how it would perform once it was finished. Now the hotel stands in the middle of London, and it seems few people want to visit it. The expected profits haven't materialized, and therefore the stocks have become far less valuable. This was an investment for someone with limitless means, someone who could risk some capital. Not for someone like you, Sir John.''
''Do you think there is any possibility the stocks may once again rise in value.''
''I think it unlikely. There are simply too many hotels in the capital.''
''Then I fear I am very close to financial ruin. I have instructed workmen to refurbish the whole house. Now I am not sure how I will pay for it.''
''I can only advise you to sell the stocks at their current value. At least you will be able to save some of your initial investment.''
*****
Emily looked at herself in the mirror. Mary stood behind her and grinned. ''You look lovely my lady,'' she said. Emily had asked Mary to do her hair differently. She had tired of the ringlets, and wanted something a little more adventurous. Mary had parted her hair in the middle and straightened it, so that it fell down the side of her face. ''You look like Cleopatra,' 'Mary added. Emily comforted herself with the thought that Mary had no idea what Cleopatra looked like.
Emily liked her new hair, but wasn't at all sure about her dress. When she'd had it fitted she'd loved it, but now it appeared a little too risque. She had bought it to excite Peter. But she and Peter weren't getting along, and it seemed strange for her to bear herself under those circumstances. On the other hand, she wasn't prepared to give up on her marriage and she wanted to do all she could, to attract the man she loved back into her arms. Perhaps her low décolleté would help in some way to attract his attention, she thought.
When Emily came down the stairs, Peter was in the hallway putting on his coat. When he looked up and saw how beautiful his wife looked, a ripple of guilt ran through him. ''Very nice,'' he said. Emily was taken aback that he had noticed.
The journey to the Sutherland's home, was a short one. When Emily and Peter's carriage arrived, they found themselves in a queue of carriages, all waiting to deliver their occupants to the front door. Emily sat patiently and looked at the house. The Sutherlands were an aristocratic family. The family had owned Staveley Hall since it was built two hundred years previously, and they had built extension after extension, until the house was almost as big as Sir John's.
Emily was helped down by the driver when it was finally their turn to alight. She took Peter's arm, and walked through the front door, into a magnificent entrance hall. The floor was made of local stone and had a warm yellow glow. There was a huge fire which welcomed guests on this cold winters evening, and it seemed no expense had been spared on flowers. Each column was adorned with large bouquets of imported red roses.
A groom took their coats, and showed them down a corridor and into the ball room.
''Lord and Lady Wallace,'' the announcer shouted as Emily and her husband entered the hall. It was very full indeed. In front of them, Emily saw many people dancing to the tune of the small orchestra, which was located off to her left, on a raised stage. Both sides of the dance floor were packed with onlookers. Peter and Emily pushed their way through the crowd, and stood at the back of the hall, next to the tea room entrance.
''I'm going to the card room, it's far too full in here,'' Peter said.
''Very well, I will stay here. I know some of the ladies here, I will talk with them a while.''
Peter strode off and left Emily standing by herself. She nodded at some ladies she knew from previous parties at the Sutherland's, and looked at the dancers. There were six ladies and six men lined up for a new dance. As the music started they bowed to one another, and began to move to various positions where they would dance around each other. It was quite a spectacular scene. The men were dressed in tail coats and brightly colored waistcoats, and the ladies in a variety of dazzling gowns. Emily began to feel a little more at ease when she saw some ladies had chosen to reveal even more bust than she.
''Lady Emily, how nice to see you here.''
''Sir John,'' Emily said, as she stood back from his whiskey laden breath.
''Would you dance with me?''
''Sir John, it is kind of you to ask. Unfortunately I shall not be dancing this evening. Thank you all the same. Prey tell me, are you quite well, you look rather off color.''
''I've had a nasty shock. You're husband called to see me and I'm afraid he did not come with good news. I stand on the verge of financial ruin, and it is likely I shall have to sell my home.''
''Oh, Sir John, it pains me to hear that. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.''
''It is below a man of my standing to accept help from a woman, although I do thank you for your kind offer. Please excuse me, my glass is empty.''
Emily stood alone again and looked around. She didn't recognize anyone she knew, so she decided to try her luck in the tea room. It too was very full, and quite stuffy. This time however, Emily did recognize some ladies and they beckoned for her to come and join them. Each of them was older than Emily and they were all married. Emily drank some very hot tea and listened to them talk of the exploits of their respective children. After a short time, she suddenly became quite faint and her complexion turned milky white.
''Are you quite well, dear,'' asked one of her conversation partners.
''No, I feel quite faint. I am very hot, I think it is a mixture of the tea and the stuffiness of this room. If you will excuse me ladies, I need some air.''
Emily walked out of the tea room, down the side of the dance floor and out of ballroom. In the corridor, it was slightly cooler but she was still far too hot. Instead of walking all the way down the corridor, and out through the official entrance, she opened a door in the side of the corridor and stepped outside. She began to feel better as the cold December air filled her lungs. She was standing on a path that seemed to run alongside the house. In front of her, there was a large oak tree and beyond that, a high hedge. Emily was mindful that she was dressed only in her ball gown and that she mustn't stay outside for too long, but she was enjoying the cooling effect of the cold air. She walked a few steps and leaned against the trunk of the oak tree.
When she heard voices, she listened to see where they were coming from. It appeared there were people behind the hedge. She could hear the voice of a man and a woman. She listened more intently as the woman spoke.
''And what will I get out of it, if I assist you?''
''I will make sure you never want for money ever again. Emily is rich beyond measure.'' When Emily heard her name, her heart began to race. Who were these people, and what were they talking about, she thought.
*****
In the card room, Peter had played four hands and lost every one. ''I'm sure my luck must change at some point,” he laughed. The man sitting next to him looked at him sympathetically, as he drew on his cigar, and send a ball of smoke towards the ceiling.
''Lord Wallace, I'm afraid a lot of people seem to be losing money these days, and not just at cards. The markets are in turmoil. What do you make of it?''
''It is very worrying. I'm afraid it is terribly difficult to find good investments. It isn't a good time now. We are constantly at war with France and war is never good for the markets. Everyone seems to get very jittery when the bullets begin to fly. The best place to have your money is, either in cash, in the bank, or tied up in land or property.''
''Yes, it's a terrible mess at the moment. I have lost quite an amount recently, but luckily I was sensible enough, to only invest a tiny fraction of my wealth in stocks. Not like the poor blighter in Bead House. His property backs onto mine and one day, he told me he's lost just about all he has, on some hotel deal in London.''
''How very unfortunate for him. Hotels are really not the kind of thing you should invest in at the moment thought.''
''No, quite. Peter do you know what the best investment is in life?''
''Prey tell me.''
''A good woman. Look at you. You have the best looking wife in the area and she looks after your household with such precision it is scarcely believable. Add in the fact that she is wealthy, and you have to conclude that such an investment could never be beaten.''
''Indeed, although I am not sure the fairer sex would be too happy if they knew we looked upon them as investments.''
''One exception to that rule is that woman in the village. What's her name? Ah, yes Mrs. Pemberly. She has no money whatsoever. Her husband left her almost bankrupt. And her daughter doesn't seem to help. I hear she swans around London spending what little money they do have.''
''Really? It's your turn again. Did you hear of the new alterations at Newmarket Racecourse?'' Peter asked, eager to change the subject.
*****
''Alright, I'll help you, but how do we go about it,'' the woman said.
''You have Lord Wallace's trust, do you not?'' the man said.
''Yes, I do. I only have to say the word and he jumps.''
''Good, then I suggest we proceed as follows.''
Emily felt as though she was going to pass out as she listened to their plotting.
''Get him to meet you at his office in London, and offer him a lift home in your carriage. I'll meet the carriage where the road runs through the forest and stop you. It will look like a robbery. I'll get him out of the carriage and shoot him. That way you can be a witness and give the police a totally false description of me.''
''But what about the driver? Surely his account will contradict mine?''
''I'll shoot him too.''
''And what makes you think Lady Wallace will marry you after the deed is done?''
''She’ll be lonely. She's twenty five, and after her husband’s funeral, she will be twenty six. Nobody will want such an old widower. I'll come along and provide her with company and understanding. After that, she won't want to be lonely, and she'll be bound to marry me.''
''Alright, Sir John. We will do it. Now I must get back to the ball, people will be missing me.''
Emily hid around the back of the tree as Miss Pemberly came from behind the bush and went back into the building. Sir John followed at a discreet distance.
*****
Emily looked out of the bedroom window and saw Peter getting into the carriage. He was going to London again, and again she was going to spend the night alone in Sedgefield House.
After breakfast she put on her coat and walking shoes and went into the garden. Milly and Flossy almost knocked Emily over in their haste to get outside. Emily headed for the gate and after the two dogs had visited the flower beds, they joined her. Emily wondered whether she should be out at all because there was a bitterly cold wind blowing from the north. She persevered and eventually reached the village. After the wooden foot bridge, the two dogs turned left as they always did. They were quite confused when Emily walked the other way. They soon caught her up and bounded past her. As Emily walked up the main street, she didn't see a soul. It must be the quietest village in England, she thought.
At the end of the village she turned right, and walked up to Bead House. Milly growled at the man who was chiseling a piece of stone into shape and Flossy chased the fat cat around the back of the house. Emily knocked on the door and waited. After and age Patterson appeared and showed her inside.
Sir John appeared. ''Emily,'' he exclaimed, pleased to see her.
''Sir John, can I come in and talk to you?'' she asked.
''Of course, it's very nice to see you.'' Emily walked inside and into the drawing room. Sir John made an attempt to clear away some bottles but gave up when he realized there too many.
''What can I do for you?'' he asked.
''Please, may I sit down? I have a delicate matter to discuss with you.''
''Of course,'' Emily sat on the moth eaten sofa, and stared at the empty fireplace.''
''Sir John, I come on the most delicate of missions. I want to apologize to you. I have been rude and inconsiderate toward you. When you visited my house the other evening, I sent you away. I now regret having done so. Will you please accept my apology.''
''Naturally. Please don't speak of it.''
''But I feel so bad. Please let me make it up to you. My husband will once again spend the night in London, and I will be alone. I would like you to come and visit me this evening. Come to dinner,'' Emily smiled at him.
''That would be lovely. Thank you.''
''And after dinner, please do not feel in any hurry to go home. I will have all the time in the world for you. If you understand me,'' Emily tried to look as seductive as possible in her winter coat and hat.
''Yes, I understand perfectly. May I ask what has brought about your change of heart towards me?''
''You are a very attractive man, and you were correct when you told me my husband treated me badly. He only has eyes for Miss Pemberly. I feel so alone, and I have found my thoughts turning to you more and more often. Please, Sir John, help me to feel a man's desire again.''
''My dear lady, of course I will do as you ask.''
''Alright then, I'll be off. I look forward to seeing you this evening.''
Emily whistled and the dogs came running from different corners of the garden. When she was out of view of the house, she leaned against a fence and began to cry. Milly came to her and put her head against her leg in a comforting gesture. When she felt able, Emily walked back through the village and up the lane to Sedgefield Hall.''
*****
Before dinner, Mary was surprised when Emily asked her to get out a summer dress. It was the most revealing dress Emily possessed. It had no back and a décolleté that just covered her nipples. The bottom half of the dress clung to her buttocks and thighs, showing of her feminine shape. ''Are you sure, my lady?'' Mary asked.
''Quite sure, Mary,'' Emily replied.
When Sir John knocked on the door, the dogs barked and Joesph opened it. When he showed Sir John into the room, Sir John stared at Emily's over flowing bust. Joesph tried not to, but he found it impossible.
''Joseph, please bring us a whiskey each. I told cook we'll be eating a little later this evening. I want to enjoy a drink or two first.''
''Yes, my lady. I see,'' Joseph said as he headed off to get the drinks.
When he returned, Emily lifted her glass and downed her drink in one. Sir John raised an eyebrow, and not wanting to feel left out, did the same.
''Simply delicious whiskey,'' Emily remarked. ''Let's have another.'' In all Joseph walked backwards and forwards six times before dinner.
''No Sir John, don't sit down at the end of the table, I want you here next to me,'' Emily said.
When Sir John sat down, Emily noticed he was a little unsteady on his feet. Emily leaned over, and took his napkin. As she did so, Sir John was able to see her bust in all its glory. When she put the napkin over his lap, she noticed something in his trousers twitch.
Joseph poured red wine and Emily once again downed hers in one. Sir John, not wishing to be outdone by a lady, did the same. During the meal they had three glasses of wine each.
When they had finished eating, Emily put her hand on Sir John's and smiled at him. ''We'll take coffee and brandy in the drawing room, please Joseph,'' Emily instructed. When Sir John got up, he rocked back and only saved himself from falling by holding onto the back of his chair.
In the drawing room, Emily polished off three brandies. Sir John wasn't able to finish the last one. Emily sat next to him and pulled his drunken head to her bust. “Sir John, before I allow you to have your way with me, I would like to know if you can do something for me?''
''Anything,'' he slurred.
''Tell me how I can be rid of my loathsome husband, that I may be united with you?''
Sir John glanced into Emily’s eyes. ''Ah, I have just the plan. I have already decided what I will do with him.''
''Then please, tell me when this will be, for I cannot wait to feel your arms around me as my new husband.''
''I will execute my plan on Sunday this week,'' he said as he hiccupped.
''Then let's drink to it,'' Emily said.
Joseph brought another brandy. After downing it in one, Emily pulled Sir John to her and pushed his head into her cleavage. As he inhaled her scent his desire was unable to keep him awake, and he fell asleep between her breasts.
When she'd thrown him off her, Emily called Joseph. ''Joseph thank you so much for your assistance. I have no idea how you made all those fruit juices look like whiskey, brandy and wine but you did a quite splendid job. Now as I explained, we will execute the second part of the plan now. Take him upstairs take his clothes off and put him in to my bed.''
Joseph did as he was instructed and when he was finished, Emily went upstairs to the bedroom. She looked at him lying under the covers in her bed and almost vomited. She drank a glass of water, and composed herself. Next, she changed into her night gown and sat in the arm chair.
It was almost nine o'clock in the morning when Sir John woke up. Emily was looking at him from the arm chair. She rushed to him as soon as she saw his eyes move. ''Oh, Sir John, you are awake. I have to tell you, nobody has ever made love to me, the way you did last evening. You were like a wild stallion. You were so big and hard and I have never experienced so many orgasms. Thank you.''
Sir John had a splitting headache and couldn't remember a thing, but Emily was such a good actress, he believed he had done the things she said he had.
''Please, Sir John, you told me last evening that you propose to....let's call it.....meet my husband on Sunday. Please don't disappoint me, because after he is gone, I will be yours, to do as you please with.''
When he left, Emily had all the bed sheets and blankets washed, and the bedroom cleaned from top to bottom.
*****
Peter lay with his head on Charlotte's lap as the coach made its way from London.
''I can't travel all the way to the village with you. You must set me down a mile away so nobody sees us. I will walk the rest of the way back to Sedgefield House.''
''Of course,'' Charlotte said, as she stroked his head.
The road from London to Sedgefield House was a journey of around thirty miles and took three hours. For the most part it was open countryside and the roads were reasonably passable. Things changed when the road passed through Finchley Wood. A passage of around three miles. The trees stopped sunlight from drying the road, and it was often wet and rutted.
When they reached the forest, the coachman slowed the horses to a walk and everybody clung to a hand rail, as the coach swung from left to right, through the rutted ground.
After two miles, the coachman was pleased with his progress. But he shouted out when he saw a hooded man on a black horse, standing in front of the coach, pointing a pistol at him.
''Put your hands up and get down,'' he said. The coachman got down and stood next to one of the horses. ''Get the people out of the coach,'' the rider demanded. The coachman went to the door and knocked. The two lovers had the curtain down, and weren't aware why the coach had stopped.
Peter opened the door and saw a man pointing a pistol at him. ''What on earth are you doing, sir?'' he asked.
''Get out of the coach and kneel down over there,'' he pointed to a place next to a tree. ''If you refuse I will shoot you. You do the same,'' he said to the coachman. ''Charlotte stay in the coach.''
Peter walked to the place the man had asked him to and knelt. The coachman knelt next to him. When Peter felt the pistol touch his skull he started to pray.
From somewhere in the forest there was a bang and a flash. The robber cried out in agony, and fell down next to Peter. Peter grabbed the pistol and stood up. The man was holding his knee. It was almost completely blown away. When Peter bent down and removed the robber's hood, he gasped. The coachman ran after Charlotte, and knocked her to the ground. Her screams frightened the birds from the trees, as he pulled her by the hair back to the coach.
When two horsemen appeared from the forest Peter thought they were Sir John's accomplices.
''Get down from your horses, this instant,'' he told them as he pointed the pistol at them. ''James,'' he exclaimed, as Emily's brother took off his hood. When Emily took of her hood, his mouth fell open. What is happening?'' he asked totally confused.
''I'll tell you what is happening,” Emily said. “Sir John and Miss Pemberly have been plotting to kill you. I found out about it, and as I am unable to shoot, I asked James to help me. As you can see by the state of Sir John's knee, he is an extremely accomplished marksman. These two wanted to kill you so that Sir John could marry me, and take my wealth.''
Peter looked at Charlotte, who was being held firmly by the coachman. She dropped her eyes from him. ''Emily I.......I don't know.....what …...to''
''James will go and fetch the police, once these two have been arrested, you will come back to Sedgefield House with me.''
*****
They arrived home in the dark. Peter rode James' horse home. James had taken a lift to London with the police. When Joseph opened the door, Emily nodded to him in recognition of the part he had played in foiling Sir John's evil plot.
''Joseph was a great help in foiling the attempt on your life, my dear,'' she said.
''Thank you, Joseph. I am not fully aware of the details, but my wife will no doubt inform me. I will see you handsomely rewarded for you efforts.''
''There is really no need, my lord,'' Joseph said in his usually modest fashion.
''Joseph, please bring two whiskeys into the drawing room. This time two real ones.''
''Now, Peter. Come and sit next to me,'' Emily said as Peter attempted to sit in his usual place. ''From now on you will sit next to me in the evenings.''
''Emily, I am so sorry for what I have done. I have been a fool. You are beautiful and clever and I have ignored you and behaved terribly badly.''
''It is no matter, Peter. I will always do everything in my power to protect our marriage, even if that means asking my brother to shoot someone. You are a very special man, I adore you, and I love you more than I can bear. All I ask is that you please try to love me back.''
''Oh Emily, I do. Until this evening, I didn't realize how much you mean to me. I do love you.''
''Then let's finish our drinks and you can take me to bed and prove your love to me.''
*****
When Peter took off his shirt and dropped his trousers to the floor, Emily could see how much he desired her. It was the first time in many weeks that she had seen his hard shaft. When she let her nightgown drop to the floor, Peter could see how ready she was for him. The soft curls between her legs shone with her desire and her nipples were erect.
They came into each other’s arms and kissed. It was too much for Peter, who was so racked with guilt that a tear escaped from his eye and rolled over his cheek. Emily watched it until it reached his jaw, then she liked it from him. Peter was overcome with desire and love. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. They lay next to each other and kissed. Emily loved the feeling as his penis rubbed against her soft thigh.
He got up and crawled to the end of the bed. He took Emily by the ankles and spread her legs wide apart. As he looked at her womanhood, his hard member twitched. He bent down between her legs and without delay licked the length of her vulva. Emily cried out and thrust her hips up from the bed. He licked her again. When his mouth fixed over her clitoris, and his tongue began to make tiny movements on her, she gasped and pulled his hair. As his tongue stayed fixed to the same spot, Emily felt the muscles in her belly tighten. When Peter did what he had never done before, Emily's orgasm hit her. His tongue on her clitoris and two fingers deep inside her, was too much.
She lay back and enjoyed the waves that made her body tremble. When they began to wane she pushed him onto his back, and took him into her mouth. He tasted salty and the scent of his sweat made her ache to be filled by him. She placed her hands on his strong thighs and felt the coarseness of the hair which covered them. As her head bobbed up and down, Peter played with her blonde hair. Soon it became too much for him and he pushed her head from him. As he lay her down, her legs fell open. He entered her without assistance in one hard thrust. As he parted his wife's sex, she groaned and thrust back at him, willing him on. As well as an over whelming feelings of love, Peter felt an overbearing sense of guilt. As he pushed into her he gritted his teeth and willed the feeling away. Emily looked up and saw his forehead covered in sweat. She ran her hand over it and licked his salty juice from her palm.
''Emily, I love you,'' he said. She had waited a long time to hear him utter those words, and she basked in the effect it had on her body and her mind. She wanted to feel his love flowing into her now and she matched him with her hip movements. When she tightened the muscles in her vagina, he pushed into her twice more and cried out her name. Emily put her hands onto his chest and screamed as his seed triggered another orgasm.
*****
When James knocked at the door to Sedgefield House, it was snowing.
''Look mummy, it's Uncle James.''
''My, my, you two are growing up.''
''Have you brought some Christmas presents for us?'' Harriet asked.
''Harriet, don't be so rude,'' Emily said.
''Yes, don't be so rude,'' little James added. ''Have you though?''
''Who'd have a three year old and a five year old?'' Emily asked James.
''Uncle James is a hero,'' Harriet said. ''Mummy told me.''
Peter walked into the room. ''James, Merry Christmas.'' he said to his brother in law. ''Yes Harriet, Uncle James is indeed a hero,'' he added.
***
THE END