The Compromised Duchess

Chapter 7

Laurel stared at her reflection in the mirror as Agatha dressed her hair, piling midnight tresses into an elegant coif at the top of her head. Her mind still wandered to the scene in the library and not for the first time today, she wondered what it would be like to be lost in arms of someone who made her moan in delight, who turned her into an unrecognizable wanton creature with absolutely no sense of propriety.

“Would you like the green muslin or the yellow silk one, My lady?” Agatha asked, done with her hair and opening the wardrobe to get pick out the two equally elegant riding habits and holding them up for her inspection.

“I think the green one will do Agatha,” Laurel replied, not taking her eyes off the mirror. “Please fetch my green gloves and hat too.”

Agatha placed the dress carefully on the bed, then opened a drawer and retrieved the requested items. Laurel rose, and allowed the maid to fasten the laces of her corset, then stepped into her chemise and shift and finally pulled the gown on. There was a discreet knock on the door and Agatha went to see who it was. She spoke quietly with the person for a few minutes then turned to face her mistress who was examining herself carefully.

“Lady Farnsworth is in the blue drawing room, My Lady.” She announced.

Laurel spun around one final time, then picked her gloves and hat and swept out the door, walking quickly towards the blue drawing room. A footman opened the door and she walked in to see her best friend sitting stiffly on a chaise, studying the fire. Amelia rose as soon as she saw Laurel and a blush stained her lovely cheeks.

“Hello Laurel dearest” She said with a nervous smile. “I must have caught you at a bad time, it appears you are on your way out.”

Laurel smiled and moved close to give her an affectionate hug. “Why all this awkwardness Amy?” she laughed, pulling away. “We have been friends since our schoolroom days....whatever could be the matter?”

Amelia smiled and resumed her seat, pulling Laurel down beside her. “I`m sorry about last night, it must have been quite a shock for you to walk in such a scene.”

“Believe me, I fancied myself dreaming at the time. Tell me, how long has this er......tryst been going on with my brother?”

Amelia blushed again. “You must think me forward, but to tell the truth, it happened quite suddenly last night at the ball. One minute Benedict and I were having a merry spat in the garden, and the next, I was in his arms...... later when you had gone into your chambers, he dragged me to the library and....well....we....you know.”

“Oh my!”

“I understand exactly what you mean” Amelia gushed, taking her friend’s hand and clasping it between hers.”

“Did he propose? Are we going to be truly sisters?” Laurel asked, eyes shining in excitement

Amelia nodded and leapt from the chaise. “As we speak, Benedict has gone to ask my father’s permission. Indeed Laurel, we are going to be sisters.”

Laurel squealed and hugged her friend. “I couldn’t wish for a better sister-in-law. Oh I’m sure Mama will be in raptures when she hears the news.”

The door opened and George, the Abbington butler peered in. “Pardon me My Lady, but the gentleman from earlier has arrived.”

“Oh Lord Giles,” Laurel exclaimed. “Please inform him I shall be down shortly.”

“Very Good My Lady”

Laurel turned back to her friend. “I`m sorry to cut short our meeting, but a previous engagement...”

“I shall be on my way. I’m sure Father will want to have a word with me.” Amelia said “How about we meet here , I believe Benedict wishes to break the news to the Duchess after supper.”

“I shall look forward to it dearest.” Laurel said and preceded her friend from the room, and descending the great stairs. Lord Giles waited by the front door, and his face lit up in a boyish smile that caused Laurel`s heart to skip, when he saw her.

“Lady Laurel, Lady Amelia, you ladies look absolutely splendid.” He swept off his hat in an elegant bow, as Laurel came to stand by his side.

Lady Amelia inclined her head gracefully in response. “Thank you Lord Giles. You certainly know how to flatter a lady.”

“I try to keep up.”He replied, his eyes twinkling in amusement. “May I have the pleasure of escorting you to your carriage?”

“And risk having Laurel come at me daggers drawn for stealing your attention?” Amelia teased, “I think not.”

Laurel giggled and linked her arm with Giles` “You may help me into your carriage since you seem so eager to play the white knight”

He looked at her and smiled. Amelia was struck by how perfect they seemed together and hoped her friend would find the same happiness she had.

“I would always happily save you from distress My Lady” Lord Giles spoke to Laurel, patting her hand. “You only have to call out for my help”

Laurel stared up at him, lost in the affection that was so obvious in his eyes. The moment lingered on, until Amelia discreetly cleared her throat.

“AHEM! I must be off. Lord Giles, a pleasure to speak with you and I hope we shall have cause to carry on our conversation. Laurel, till dinner.” She gathered up her skirts and stepped outside and was handed into her carriage by a liveried footman.

“Shall we?” Lord Giles led Laurel to his own carriage, an elegant contraption in red and gold, drawn by two magnificent chestnuts.

Laurel allowed herself to be helped into the carriage, the interior of which was just as splendid as the exterior, and sat on the plush seat. Lord Giles paused to give the driver instructions before coming in to seat beside her. Laurel held her breath afraid she would lose her senses if she inhaled his scent, he was so close, so close that his thigh brushed against hers when the carriage moved forward with a slight jerk, and his shoulders rubbed against her own with every movement.

Lord Giles could feel Laurel`s discomfort and he had to suppress a smile. He could feel a stirring in his groin at the close contact and he forced his mind to dwell on other mundane things so as not to embarrass himself and the lady. His plan was working smoothly so far, and it would be only a matter of time, before he would put the second phase into action. He cleared his throat and spoke,

“I hope you are comfortable My Lady?”

Laurel released the breath she had been holding. “I am, thank you. Your carriage is lovely.”

“It is, isn’t it? I had it specially ordered and it cost me a small fortune.” He replied. “But I must say it is certainly worth the effort”

“You’re right, I’m sure.”

The wheels hit a rut and Laurel was thrown against him. He put out an arm to steady her, deliberately brushing against her bosom. He heard the catch of her breath and she quickly pulled away, turning towards the window so he should not see the blush that spread across her porcelain cheeks.

“These roads are particularly bad this time of the year.” He said idly inspecting his gleaming boots. “I shall be sure to make mention of their deplorable condition at the next parliament session”

“The sessions must be frightfully dull.” Laurel said, grateful for the conversation. “Benedict says he often has to wrestle with extreme boredom during those sessions.”

“That’s because some of the old codgers tend to give long-winded speeches that can put even the most fervent loyalist to sleep.” He replied, laughing. “I`m surprised His Grace speaks to you of such things. Most gently bred ladies do not trouble their pretty heads with masculine affairs.”

Laurel felt a brief flash of anger at his condescending tone. “Most gentlemen tend to ignore the important aspects of daily home upkeep.”

“Touché” He replied. “Forgive my arrogance. I was simply using my sisters as a yardstick to measure all ladies.”

The carriage drew to a halt. Lord Giles opened the door and stepped out, the turned to assist Laurel.

The park was filled with lively people, all taking advantage of an extremely rare sunny spring day. Lord Giles retrieved a large picnic basket from the carriage, and a large blanket, and handed it over to the waiting footman. He led them to a shaded spot just under a large oak and directed the servant to spread the blanket. Laurel sank down and proceeded to extract the contents of the basket.

“I love eating alfresco.” she gushed, laying out carefully wrapped dishes that expelled a wonderful aroma. “There is something to be said about taking a meal in the open.”

“Yes, of course” Lord Giles replied, taking off his great coat and hat, then lowering himself on the blanket. “To be at one with nature is refreshing.”

They ate their meal in companionable silence, each lost in their own private thoughts until a shrill voice interrupted.

“Rosehaven! As I live and breathe.”

The stunning elegant Lady Brenton, widow of Lord Brenton, the Earl of Kent bore down upon them, with Lord Grayson in tow.

Lord Giles frowned and got to his feet. Damnation! The man was everywhere.

“Lady Brenton.” he called out pleasantly though he really felt like ignoring the intruders. “I had no idea you were in London.”

Lady Brenton simpered and fluttered her lashes. “The country turned out to be rather boring, so I decided to amuse myself by coming to London. Did you miss my company?”

What an outrage. Laurel thought indignantly. To flirt so shamelessly in public with another lady present was the height of rudeness. She regarded the tall,willowy, stunningly beautiful lady with angst. Barely out of mourning and already dressed in the height of fashion, this woman threatened her equilibrium, a situation she found highly unpleasant.

“Good afternoon Lady Laurel,” Lord Grayson said quietly, his eyes roving over her. Laurel bristled under his gaze.

“Good afternoon Your Grace.” she replied shortly struggling to keep her expression cold and distant. “How marvellous you decided to grace us with your presence.”

He narrowed his eyes at her tone, then a mischievous grin transformed his face, and in that instant, Laurel understood why he was called the greatest rake in all England.

“Impossible to avoid taking a leisurely stroll on such a beautiful day, Lady Laurel.” He replied. “Even if certain individuals would rather have me shot.”

Laurel felt her face heat up as the Duke’s words invoked a flood of memories she would rather forget. She turned away from him and faced the Countess who was currently doing her best to flutter her lashes at Lord Giles.

“I don’t believe we have been introduced” She smiled politely and held out her hand. The Countess stared at it as though it had suddenly developed two heads. Nevertheless, Laurel refused to be daunted “I`m Lady Laurel Abbington, sister to Lord Benedict, Duke of Trevelyan. Pleasure to meet you I’m sure.”

The Countess regarded this mere slip of girl, who seemed to have captured Rosehaven`s attention. She smiled frostily and inclined her head. “I’ve heard so much about you Lady Laurel. I hear the ton has named you this seasons incomparable? How charming. It seems we aristocrats must be getting desperate to name just anyone these days.”

Laurel returned the frosty smile and drew herself up to her full height. Even with this she still barely came up to shoulders of the two gentlemen who towered over her, and she was an inch shorter than Lady Brenton, who took advantage of this fact to look down at her.

“Hardly desperate,” she replied “considering the kind of people who are being admitted into polite society, and who seem to break the set rules with impunity.....such as.....mourning one’s deceased for less than is conventionally agreeable perhaps?”

Lord Grayson gave a shout of laughter at the barbed words. “My my!... it seems the cat’s claws have been unsheathed”

“I would ask you to mind whom you speak with, Grayson” Lord Giles cut in indignantly, “There are ladies present.”

“Gentlemen” Lady Brenton said placating, “It is too lovely a day to spoil with petty differences. Perhaps Lady Laurel would be kind enough to agree to a stroll around the grounds, and if you gentlemen would be so obliging as to be our escorts?”

Lord Grayson bowed in agreement. “Splendid suggestion, may I have the pleasure of your arm?”

Lady Brenton pouted. “I was hoping Lord Giles would have the honor. Oh well beggars certainly cannot be choosers can they Your Grace?”

“Indeed not” Lord Grayson replied in amusement and took the proffered arm. “Coming Lady Laurel? Lord Giles?”

Laurel gritted her teeth at the ridiculousness of the entire situation. However, she slipped her arm through Lord Giles` and allowed herself to be led away.

“I must beg your forgiveness for the intrusion” Lord Giles said as they walked slowly towards the river. “I know you had hoped for something entirely different.”

“It’s not your fault. One must be polite at all times even at the detriment of our comfort.” Laurel replied smiling up at him. “Though I must admit to being curious as to your acquaintance with Lady Brenton.”

“The earl and I were at Eton together.” Giles answered, “ as a matter of fact, I was a regular guest at Brenton House till he died. Naturally, Beatrice sought my help in settling matters to do with his estate.”

Laurel couldn’t help wondering just what sort of help had been sought. Widowed women in society were given much more freedom than their unmarried counterpart. Provided the year for mourning had been fulfilled, a widow could take as many lovers as she pleased and society would turn a blind eye to her conquests. Consequently A number of men died mysteriously after being married for less than a year, leaving their widows free to inherit huge fortunes and earn much more liberty.

“A pity about the earl’s passing. It must have come as a shock to lose such a great friend” She said aloud. “Lady Brenton does seem to have gotten over the shock, doesn’t she?”

“My dear, one can never fully get over the shock of losing a loved one.” He replied “A person can only strive to carry on living, but the memories always linger on.”

Their companions ahead of them stopped and Lady Brenton turned to face them. “Let us walk along the riverbank, the air seems clearer over there don’t you think?”

“An excellent idea Beatrice” Lord Giles called out. Laurel shuddered at his wanton use of the Countess` given name, but wisely decided to hold her tongue.

They all turned to take the narrow path that led to the sandy river bank. The gentlemen waited to allow the ladies a chance to precede them, then fell behind them. Laurel strolled alongside Beatrice Brenton who seemed bent on ignoring her by engaging in lively conversation with their male companions. Laurel stared out at the Thames, currently looking tranquil and glittering in the pale sunlight, wondering what it would be like to go for a swim. Then she recalled how Benedict had denounced the river as being 'as filthy as a den of iniquity' and thought better of it.

She moved slightly away from her group and wandered closer, till her boots perched just at the edge of the steep bank. She peered into the murky depths trying to see if she would catch a glimpse of a water creature. Suddenly, she lost her balance and with a loud cry, tumbled headfirst down the incline and into the freezing depths of the river, her heavy skirts quelling any hope she had of swimming to the surface on her own. She opened her mouth to scream again and her mouth was instantly filled with the foul tasting water, her lungs fighting for air.

So this is how I’m going to die? She wondered as her vision blurred, and her lungs burned for air. No warning, just this pain in my chest....how will Mama take the news? William....dear William, Benedict and Amy. The urge to sleep came upon her and she mercifully shut her eyes and drifted into unconsciousness.