A Twisted Affair

                                                                                1 The hall flooded with the elites of the State, it was brightened up by the lights and the gold chandeliers to the extravagance as they illuminated the entire hall, the chairs were made of gold velvets and the tables were covered with gold cotton tablecloths and the cutlery were gold. It was a gold party and everything and everyone was sparkling gold.    The elites waltzed about with a natural grace as they were in pairs and groups, making acquaintances or having discussions about the Society, a glass of champagne dangling in their hands as they enjoyed the evening.    It was a Society event and all the most influential elites were there to celebrate the safe Journey and arrival of the mighty and beautiful vessel, “Her Highness” back to the State from a long voyage overseas.    The party was hosted by its generous owner, Captain Reginald Hamilton and his young beautiful wife, Lady Renee Hamilton.    Renee sat close to her husband, looking beautiful in her gold velvet gown, she listened to the chats of the drunken men, as they discussed about the adventures of sailing and their encounters at sea with Pirates. It was always hilarious and outrageous.    She wondered if she’ll ever get used to the Society life, but never, never in her four years of marriage would she adapt to a life and a culture that wasn’t hers. She needed to escape from the babbles.    “Reginald, I feel dizzy.” Renee whispered into her husband’s ears.    Reginald turned to look at her, “Are you sure you’re alright?” he asked.    She nodded. “I need to retire to my room.”    “Mrs. Hamilton seem to be bored of our company.” A middle-aged man said, before gulping down what was left in his cup.    “I hate to leave this amusing company, Sir Philip but I feel rather dizzy from all the dancing and drinking, excuse me.”    “Permit my wife to leave the table, ladies and gentlemen.” Reginald announced, giving a slight bow.    He offered his hand as his wife stood to leave and smiled after her as she disappeared into the crowd.    Renee, greeted and smiled at the guests as she walked do the hall, she clearly needed to refresh and get back to typing her story, she was just in the middle of the amusing story she was writing when “Her Highness” arrived and her husband insisted to throw a large party.    She wished things could be more private in her marriage, not that there was anything private amongst the elites of the Society but there should be a way to restrict things.    She was aware her husband had a mistress, which was no bother to her except the fact that the whole Society knew of it and she was just like any other elites wife, whose husband had a mistress or mistresses and she was nothing like those women.    Renee felt cool breeze and she decided to go up the stairs, to the balcony where she could enjoy the breeze, relax and get a beautiful view the sunset over the unending meadow that surrounded the house.    As she approached the balcony, she saw a figure silhouetted just by the setting sun. He was tall and he filled out on his coat, as she approached him, the scent of his masculine cologne greeted her and as he turned to look, she figured her shoes did the announcing of her presence.    He made a slight bow. “Good Evening Miss.”    She walked slowly to meet the man, whose face she couldn’t see clearly and she smiled as he greeted her. “Good evening Sir, I hope I haven’t distracted you.” She said as she went towards the rails.     “No, I wandered here, my curiosity as to what could be up here overwhelmed me and I see, the view and the cool breeze was worth it.”     She smiled, as he turned to her and she saw his face clearly, he was fair, his eyes were small and bright, his nose pointed and his hair was full and short. He looked young.    “Then I’m not the only one that thinks this place sensational,” she said, taking a fill of the beautiful view, “I wonder at times if I’m the only one that just stays and stare at the beauty of nature, not to feel anything but just stare at the essence.”     He squinted at her, she sounded so out of the world they were. Perhaps she was a guest that has come to celebrate the arrival of “Her Highness”, the greatest ship in all of the country.     She glanced at him and laughed.    “Pardon me, I get so deep at times and I can’t help it.”    “You’re right and it’s amazing that you share similar thoughts about nature and beauty as do I.”     She smiled at him. “Mrs. Renee Hamilton.” She stretched her hand for a shake.    He shook her small delicate hand and he hesitated a moment before letting it go.    “Nigel Baileys.” He introduced in an exaggerated bow that made her laugh, he liked the sound of her laughter.    “You share the same name as my favourite author Nigel Collins.”     Nigel stared at the beautiful woman, she was slender and fair and her curly ebony hair was styled and pinned up. Her face was oval and her almond-shaped eyes were wide, a tiny pointed nose and small round, red lips. She was a goddess and when she smiled, she was heavenly.     “Your favourite Author is Nigel Collins?” he asked with interest.    “Yes, he’s such an adventurer and he has explored the world. He’s a living map, his writings about such distant places and his encounters with the people, especially the women.”    They both laughed.     “He could be really outrageous and excessively detailed about his encounters with foreign women. My favourite author is Mary Bell.”    Renee’s eyes lit up in interest. “How would she be anyone’s favourite.”    “She’s the only female author that dares to address the loopholes of Society, especially the exaggerated submission that is expected from the females of Society.”    Renee smiled, she was glad that there was someone that shares the same opinion about the Society’s degrading believes about females and their roles and he was a man, a very enlightened man.     The clock chimed and Renee was alerted, she had no idea it was late and there was light from the full moon that stood beyond them.    “It was a lovely evening discussing with you Mr. Baileys. I have to retire now.” She pleaded.    “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He bowed.    She smiled and turned to leave but as she was about to descend the stairs, he touched her,     “Meet me tomorrow, at 45, Main Street, room eighteen.”    “I’m married.” She replied simply, staring at his intense eyes.    “I know Mrs. Hamilton. I’ve never met any of your kind. Meet me there.”    Renee exhaled but she turned to leave. Nigel stared after her as if he has been struck.      Renee opened the door quietly; she took off her shoes and tiptoed across the room. She stopped to stare at her sleeping son. Richard was a miniature of his father, a heavy sleeper. He has been up and about with his father ever since “Her Highness” arrived, he, like every other four year old boy is age is equally fascinated.    Rachel, his twin, rather prefers to read and write about “Her Highness” she was very inquisitive and was eager to always learn. She dropped a light kiss on Richard’s forehead and turned to drop a kiss on Rachel’s forehead. They were her heart and soul.    As she made her way to her room, she thought about Mr. Baileys, his thought lingered and she could still perceive the scent of his cologne on her, his intense eyes were overwhelming and at the moment he requested she visit him, she almost agreed. There was something compelling about the man.     She opened the door to her room and found her husband.    “Where have you been?” he looked concerned.    “I was at the children’s room, you know how I love to watch them sleep.” She said as started to undress. She removed the hairpins from her hair.    “I wanted to be sure you’re well or I summon the physician at once.”    “I’m fine,” she answered.    Reginald went to his wife and dropped a kiss on her forehead.   “Would you return?” she asked expectantly.    Reginald thought for a moment, he understood the question but he looked away.    “I should be with my colleagues. We would be celebrating “Her Highness” through the night.    Renee masked the disappointment with a smile, Reginald dropped a kiss down her cheek and she watched as he left her room. He was going to be with his mistress.    She wanted him tonight; she wanted him to make her forget Mr. Baileys, and the way her body reawakened from just a light touch from him. She wanted her own husband to make love to her like a wanton and not with the cautiousness he observed with her as an eighteen-year-old.    She needed to be gazed upon, like a woman, she needed to be touched and caressed the way Mr. Nigel Collins touched the foreign women abroad. She needed to be loved but she doubted if she would. Reginald wouldn’t. He thinks her a child and she wasn’t capable of any womanly passion but she was. She was burning.                                                                            2    Renee gave a final glance at the dining table, it was set and decorated with a lot of delicacies. Reginald was expecting guests and he would throw a fit at the workers if there wasn’t more than enough food at the table even though Renee found it unnecessary but she felt better knowing the remains of the food go the workers and their family.    “There you are!” Reginald called out.    “Yes, just making certain everything is perfect for your guests.”     “Thanks Love.” He planted a kiss on her cheek    Renee turned slightly towards his lips but seemed he only had intentions to kiss just her cheeks.    “They should be here any moment.” He said, glancing towards the entry.    There was hardly a time they had dinner without guests and she longed for a time when she, Reginald and the twins could seat at a table for four and have an intimate dinner. The doorbell distracted her from her thoughts.    “They’re here!” Reginald announced.    The Valet led two men towards Renee and her husband.    Renee knew Peter; he was a young man, tall, and lanky. He was her Husband’s apprentice and Reginald never took his duty as a master lightly. He permitted Peter to take “Her Highness” of the last voyage to drop passengers that boarded to their destination across the world.    As the men approached, a familiar figure caught her eyes and the scent of that male cologne drifted and she knew it was him. It was Mr. Nigel Baileys.    Her eyes met his and something that she couldn’t fathom passed between them, she looked away.    “Peter!” Reginald called, stretching out his arms at Peter.    “Captain Hamilton!” Peter said with a wide grin.    Reginald and Peter drew each other for a tight hug. He turned towards Renee and gave her a slight bow.    “Mrs. Hamilton.”    “You’re welcome back Peter. You missed the party last night.”    “To my dismay Mrs. Hamilton, I had urgent business that needed attention. It was about clearing with the agencies,” he paused as he gestured toward the man behind him, “My cousin, Nigel Collins.”     Nigel bowed shook Reginald’s outstretched arm and he turned towards Renee and with gave a slight bow, his eyes not leaving hers for a moment.    “Dinner awaits us.” Reginald invited.    They settled and Reginald signaled that the Kitchen workers should serve, Renee wished, he would for once let her do the duties that were required of the mistress of the house.    Renee could feel Nigel’s eyes boring into hers and she was doing all she could to avoid a direct eye contact with his eyes.    They ate in silence to a point that it was only the clanks of the cutlery that could be heard. Reginald started a conversation.    “Peter, you’ve made me and the entire crew of “Her Highness” proud.” Reginald beamed with pride.    “It is an honour and I appreciate that you gave me the chance to prove myself to you.” Peter smiled.    “Nigel Collins rings a bell, the adventurer.” Reginald said.    “It’s alarming how he doesn’t know he is quite famous in the country and his books are on high demand.”    “I wouldn’t blame him for his lack of knowledge on how famous he is in the country; he is away most of the time.” Reginald stated.    “Pardon my ignorance gentlemen.” Nigel said with a smile.    “My wife here has all your book collections and she’s mostly locked up in her room reading your books that is when she’s not attending to the twins.”    “That’s amazing Mrs. Hamilton.” Nigel said, giving her a daring smile.    “I wonder how she was unusually calm upon hearing your introduction from Peter.” Reginald said, staring at his expressionless wife.    “My name is well-known but I am not in person, anonymity has been my way of maintaining sanity over the years.”    “I introduced him to you in strict confidentiality that his identity remains secret.” Peter said.    “Of course, you can trust my wife and me for that.” Reginald assured.    “Your secret is safe with us.” Renee managed to say.    They ate in silence and Renee’s eyes kept meeting Nigel’s intense ones, she could not deny the sensation she felt when he looked at her like that and there was no doubt he was attracted to her but she couldn’t fathom the strange awakening of her body when he was around.    “Now that we’re done eating, I and Peter would like to go to my study. I have designs I should like to hear his opinion about.” Reginald announced.    Peter stood, smiling in clear appreciation, Reginald joined.    “I doubt you would understand the nature of our designs but you and Mrs. Hamilton would certainly have much to discuss about your exploits.” Peter said.    “Certainly, I’d like to hear Mrs. Renee’s opinion on my latest release and the opinion of the people.” Nigel glanced at her as if daring her to oppose.    “It would be my pleasure.” Renee smiled.    The three men bowed and Renee watched as her husband and Peter made their way out.    “I’d like for us to go to the balcony.” Nigel said, drawing back her attention.    “That place is my private space Mr. Nigel Collins… or is it Baileys.” She emphasized on the name.    “Surely, you must know that it was not my wish to conceal my identity.”    “I understand.”    They exchanged looks, Renee wanted to talk to him, she wanted to go to the balcony and have the special moment she had with him the previous evening. She stood and caught Mr. Nigel satisfied smile.    Nigel trailed after her, she walked gracefully and so elegant in her red velvet dinner gown. Her figure was enthralling and it made his groin tighten as she took the stairs to the balcony.    The Sunset came in view and it was equally beautiful as the last night, the cool breeze greeted them and Renee went to the rail and rested her arm on it. Nigel was behind her, admiring the view of her and the sunset.    “You didn’t need to pretend to me. I of all people understand the hesitation of being a known author.”    Nigel went towards her. “I didn’t wish to, but I had to, returning after so many years of my absence and realizing how famous I’ve become. I needed to keep my identity while I’m home before I finally leave for my next adventure.”    “How were you able to send your scripts across?”    “I have agents who are discreet and they help with the publications and sales. All I do is to write.”    Renee nodded, “I love your books and I’m a faithful reader of you Mr. Nigel.”    “Call me Nigel.” He said.    “Call me Renee, and when you’re permitted not to observe any formality around me.” She stated.    That was the intriguing thing about her, she didn’t believe in Society and its shenanigans, neither did he and that was the reason Mary Bells was his muse but he think he’s found a replacement.    “Apologies for my forwardness last evening, the invitation I mean.”    Renee had thought about the man and his invitation through the night, she wanted to be close to him.    “Were you aware that you’d be calling at my place today?”    “No, my cousin insisted I escort him here and I should be wise to know no decent Lady would accept such an invitation from a stranger.”    “You’re no stranger Nigel, I’ve been in your head so many times to call you one.”    The statement mesmerized him and that moment, he fell in love with her.    “Would you come tomorrow evening? I’d like for you to come Renee.” He said with his eyes searching her face.    He needed time with her alone; in his own space without feeling he was intruding another man’s home and another man’s woman.    He wanted her to himself, he wanted her to be in his place and he wanted to be drowned by her essence and he wanted to have long conversations with her. He wanted her on his bed and the thought made him inhale as she turned to him.    She was contemplating his offer.    “I’ll be there, perhaps you could tell me about your adventures with the Lake woman.”    Nigel looked away. The lake woman was a woman he had met while crossing countries and he had written how she had convinced him to pass a night at her hut by the lake and how she had come to seduce him at the middle of the night.    Renee noticed Nigel was uncomfortable and she went closer to him.    “You don’t have to be embarrassed, it is one of the reasons we read you.”    “And I read Mary Bells, I’m in total fascination of the woman, whoever she is but then you Renee, you’re different and sensational and ever since last night. I couldn’t get your thoughts out of my head,” he took her two hands in his, “The times we’ll be seeing, starting from tomorrow evening, we should make the most of it.”    Renee couldn’t deny it, there was an attraction between she and this man and it was obvious from the way her breath became rapid and his scent clouded. She should leave, she should ask him never to call on her or propose a private invitation to her but she couldn’t, she wanted him.    He took a step towards her and he could feel her rapid breath, it was undeniable, they wanted each other and slowly he touched behind her head and tenderly placed his hand on her tiny waist and without hesitation, his mouth claimed her silky small and round ones, he dived in, savouring her lower lip but he could sense her hesitation.    His lips were exploring hers, her body was betraying her and in a flash she melted into him and she kissed him with a kind of urgency that she had never experienced.    His arms roamed her body as he kissed her, and her fingers brushed into his hair as she drew his head closer for a deeper kiss. She was lost in his mouth, in his body and as his tongue prodded hers, his hand slid up her gown and just when he was about to move his hand higher. She withdrew.    Renee was in daze, never did she believe she was capable of such passion and Nigel had ignited it in her. She starred at the man who was looking at her, his expression was unfathomable.    “I have to go Nigel.” She said and started to leave but his hand stopped her.    “We can’t deny this, I’ve known and been with women but never any like this. We can choose to love this and explore it Renee, I know you want it as much as I do. Please, do not ignore this.” He pleaded, staring at the figure that halted.    Renee knew he was right, she knew it was wrong too and she wished this was with her husband, she wished Reginald could be capable of such passion but he wasn’t and he had a mistress. She exhaled, she needed to feel this and all she wanted was behind. She turned to stare at the man who was looking at her in expectation.    “I’ll be seeing you.” She said and turned to leave.