The Compromised Duchess

Chapter 15

“May I propose a toast?” Lord Snell cleared his throat to get the attention of the large group of rowdy young aristocrats sprawled in various sitting and standing positions all over the gaming club. He grinned at the drunken expressions on each and every face, and clumsily lifted his goblet, tilting it so a few drops splashed to the floor.

“Zounds man!” someone yelled irritably, “Do shut up and sit, this is the fifth toast you are proposing”

There were sounds of assent and disagreement from the others but Lord Snell cheerfully ignored them all and continued loudly, his voice drowning out the protests. “To Rosehaven, as he embarks on a terrible journey into the doubtful state of marital bliss” He hiccuped and staggered slightly, but continued, “I wish to er......oh yes......congratulate the Marquis for capturing the hand of the lovely Lady Laurel. Here’s to an heir and a spare, as well as lots and lots of daughters”. He drank the whiskey in one gulp and chortled.

Lord Giles grinned and lifted his own goblet in approval, “Hear, hear”

“You lucky dog!” Lord Alston clapped him on the shoulder, grinning from ear to ear, “You have managed to steal this season’s most beautiful damsel right from under our collective noses. I’m sure you must have charmed her no end with your dashing good looks eh?

“Most assuredly so, my good man,” Giles replied laughing, “that, and my incomparable kisses and irresistible courting of the lady, made her quite anxious to become my wife.”

“How droll,” Alston replied, “you simply must teach me your methods. Women frighten me terribly, and I find myself so hatefully tongue tied when I’m in the presence of one, which most times lead them to the erroneous impression that I am a half wit.”

“Unfortunately, they are correct,” Giles sniggered, “You have no more brains than a sheep. However, I shall most graciously be of assistance, but that will be after my honeymoon, old chap”

“I say Alston,” Lord Snell said, breaking into the conversation, “you owe me twenty guineas for losing our bet,” he held out his hand and wriggled the fingers, “Pay up lad.”

Alston groaned and reached for his purse, “Bloody bet, I should never have agreed it” He morosely counted out the money and handed it over reluctantly.

“What bet?” Giles asked, raising an eyebrow in query, “Care to fill me in on the details and why I was not asked to participate?”

“That is because you are the bet,” Snell replied, recounting his winnings gleefully, while Alston looked as mournful as a lonely dog, “I bet against Alston that you would win the chit’s hand in marriage in less than a week. I won”

Giles burst into laughter, “Egad! I’m pleased you have such faith in my romantic prowess, Snell,” He drew out his pocket watch and glanced at it, then tucked it back into the pocket of his waistcoat and rose. “I must be on my way to formally declare my intentions to my beloved’s brother. It is nigh on three ‘o’ clock and she is most anxious to have me arrive on time.”

“The Duke should thank his stars that he is about to acquire such a distinguished brother-in-law,” Snell declared firmly, “I can think of no other more worthy to take on such a task.”

“Hear, hear!” a chorus of male voices agreed in unison. Giles grinned and bowed, sweeping off his top hat with a flourish, much to the collective amusement of his admiring and envious fans. Then he made for the exit, a smug smile on his face. He drew out a small velvet jewel box from his coat pocket and flipped the lid to once again examine the ring, a beautiful silver ring set with a large fiery ruby, that had been handed down to the first sons of the Hartwell line as an engagement ring for their intended to wear. A piece of paper fluttered out of his pocket and he caught it before it hit the floor, recalling that it contained an urgent summons from his father, delivered by a servant this morning. He had decided to put off answering the summons until he had finished his business with Lady Laurel.

Out on the busy street, Giles retrieved his horse from a nearby stable and rode to Trevelyan townhouse, feeling the a rush of excitement and anticipation at the thought of being able to claim Lady Laurel.

“Congratulations old chap,” he murmured to himself as his horse cantered down the cobbled road, “You are indeed magnificent”

******

'“Laurel dearest, Benedict has told me the dreadful news” Lady Amelia exclaimed, her eyes wide in alarm and pity for her dear friend. She hurried to the bed and threw her arms around Laurel. “Why didn’t you tell me you were passing through so much, I could have helped you?”

Laurel returned the hug, grateful for her friend’s support. Once again she felt tears pool up in her eyes and she blinked. “Oh Amy, I possibly couldn’t have bothered you,” she replied, her voice slightly raspy due to a sore throat, “Not when you have been so busy planning your wedding, I didn’t want to burden you with my own problems.”

Amelia pulled back, placing her hands on Laurel's shoulders and levelling her with a stern look, “That is utter rubbish. We have been friends for too long to let my wedding come between us like this.” she touched the healing bruise on Laurel's face. “That awful man, I should march over to his house right this minute and give him a talking to, he is a beast and needs to be shot.”

Laurel laughed despite the pain that lanced through her heart like a poisoned arrow. “You barely come up to his shoulder Amy, I think he would be more inclined to dissolve into fits of laughter than quake in fear.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow, “Really? Hmm, perhaps he will pay attention when he finds himself face to face with a carving knife.”

“Dear God!” Laurel exclaimed in amusement, “You do say the most awful things sometimes. Mama will wash your mouth out with carbolic if she heard you speak so.”

Amelia shuddered, “Your mother always makes me quake in fear when she levels that stern look in my direction, I then feel as if I should run to a priest and confess all my transgressions” She grinned and leaned forward conspiratorially, “Soooo, Laurel Abbington, you have been a naughty girl.... kissing Lord Grayson in the garden of his sister’s home, and not telling me about it.”

Laurel blushed and buried her face in her hands, “Oh dear god! I never should have told them about it.”

“Never mind that,” Amelia waved a hand dismissively, “Tell me about Lord Grayson. I have only seen him once or twice at social functions, but he is so breathtakingly handsome, with those eyes and that body...”

“You are soon to be a respectable married woman, Amelia Farnsworth” Laurel scolded, arching an eyebrow at her friend, “You should not be having fantasies about another man’s..er...physical attributes, only those of your intended.”

“Nevertheless, I am not blind.” she retorted, “I love Benedict to pieces, but I can still notice when another handsome devil walks into a room, can’t I? Now tell me, is he a magnificent kisser? Does he make your toes curl in delight at his touch?”

“Oh yes!” Laurel replied breathlessly, pressing a hand to her bosom, “it is the most wonderful feeling in the entire world, to be in his arms, but he infuriates me so much at other times that I’m tempted to knock him over the head for being so obnoxious.”

A sly smile spread over Amelia’s face at Laurel's words, she jabbed a playful finger in the air and declared loftily, “You are in love with him, aren’t you?”

“Don’t be absurd!” Laurel denied vehemently, rising from the bed and moving to the window to stare out. “But what does it matter anyway? I have caused trouble for him, and only heaven knows what Benedict and William have planned to do to him. He will despise the sight of me by the time this is over.” The pain returned in full force, and she felt as though she were drowning in a sea of misery. “He will never love me and it is all my own doing”

Amelia came to stand by her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Oh Laurel, do not despair just yet. Benedict told me the Duchess has invited him for lunch today. Perhaps, something good might emerge from it.”

“But what about Giles?” Laurel cried. “I don’t know what they have planned, but he is also coming here today, and Mama refuses to tell me anything else. I’m beside myself with worry, perhaps I should never have said anything,”

“We can only wait and see what happens,” Amelia responded. “And pray earnestly that things come to right in the end.”

The door opened and Agatha walked in, pausing to curtsy before she said quietly, “Her Grace has instructed that you should get ready for lunch”

Laurel nodded, feeling her pulse race in trepidation. She had no desire to dine with anyone, least of all having to face the Duke and still maintain a facsimile of composure. Without a doubt this was going to be the most uncomfortable luncheon in history, and it was all her fault for acting without thinking of the dire consequences such as now faced the entire family. And Lord Giles- she cringed in remembrance of the way she had almost given herself to him-what a fool she was.

“My lady?” Agatha queried when Laurel made no move to quit her contemplation of the grounds below, feeling a wave of pity for her mistress.

Poor girl, she thought with a quiet sigh, she is too good for this. Her lips thinned when she recalled the malicious glee with which some of the servants had welcomed the matter. She knew it would not take long for the scandal to spread to other households, but she desperately hoped the Duchess would be able to handle the matter quickly, otherwise, Laurel faced having to deal with a terrible scandal that would lead to her being ostracized from the ton.

Amelia squeezed her friends shoulder again and steered her away from the window to seat in front of the vanity. She beckoned for Agatha to undo the row of buttons that lined the back of the emerald morning gown, while she unclasped the pins from Laurel's hair, letting the rich dark curls spill down to her waist. Picking up a diamond encrusted hair brush, she gently ran it through the hair; all the while humming an Irish lullaby that she knew would help calm her friend.

Laurel stared at herself in the looking glass seeing a girl with wide, tired eyes, slightly swollen, still bruised lips, and cheeks, a girl who looked numb and lost to everything that was going on around her.

“I don’t think I can go through with this” she muttered to Amelia, still staring at herself as she rose so she could remove the gown, “I-I can’t face Thomas, knowing how much he probably despises me. I cannot face Mama, when I have proved to be such a disappointment and a failure to her and my brothers. I cannot bear to look at Lord Giles, and see the smug knowledge in those evil eyes of his. I cannot do that.”

“Of course you can” Amelia chided, “you are not a coward, and if Thomas does not understand the fact that you did what you did because you felt threatened by Giles, then he is no more deserving of your attention that Lord Giles.”

“Don’t you worry my lady,” Agatha added, as she helped Laurel step out of her crinoline, “Yer mother can never be disappointed in ye, and your brothers love ye with all their hearts.”

Laurel smiled at them grateful for the words of encouragement that served to still her fluttering heart. “I suppose I cannot avoid this inevitable confrontation, I only hope it is all over quickly”

She kept silent amidst the chattering voices of Amelia and Agatha, dutifully wearing the exquisitely tailored blue and gold silk gown, with its soft plunging neckline that ended at the swell of her breasts beneath the stiff whalebone corset she wore, split sleeves that fell from her shoulders, sweeping down gracefully to expose her smooth, ivory arms, with a gold braided belt that sat loosely around her waist, emphasizing its smallness, and the gentle flare of her hips. Her hair was drawn up in a ponytail at the top of her head, the ends spilling in waves all over her shoulders and back.

“Oh Laurel,” Amelia exclaimed, “You look ethereal”

Laurel spared one last glance at the mirror then shrugged. “Beauty will do me no favours today, Amy.”

“Still, it can do you no harm either,” Amelia replied, “Always know this, I shall be by your side throughout lunch, if you feel the situation is too much for you, simply ask, and I will intervene.”

Laurel embraced her friend, leaning her head on Amelia’s shoulder as she closed her eyes allowed her mind to drift. Then she gathered her wits about her and summoned a bright smile. “I think I can handle things on my own, but I shall bear that in mind.”

“Good” Amelia nodded and dismissed Agatha with a curt nod, “Let us join the others in the drawing room, it is almost time.”

“Of course,” Laurel replied, “But would you mind terribly if you went down first? There is something I must do.”

Amelia studied her face for a few moments wondering what she was up to, but Laurel simply grinned and playfully shoved her out, “Tell Mother I shall be down in a moment.”

As soon as a perplexed Amelia shut the door, she hurried to her writing desk and drew out a fresh sheet of writing paper and her quill, then sat down to write a letter, her pen flying over the paper as words poured out of her mind. When she was finished, she blew softly on the paper to dry the ink, then carefully folded it and slipped it into her bosom. Then she rose, took a deep breath and walked out to meet with her fate.

*******

Thomas glared at his stable master as Paul blubbered through a flimsy explanation for his horse not being saddled and ready for his use, when he had made certain to inform him early enough.

“Tell me again and more coherently this time, why my horse is still not ready?” He asked, enunciating each word slowly, struggling to keep his temper in check his eyes a stormy gray as he took in the man’s appearance. From his unkempt hair, bloodshot eyes and the smell of spirits that reeked from him, Thomas knew that Paul had probably spent the night in some tavern, perhaps with a lady of the night, and was suffering from the effects of too much drink.

“Y-your Grace,” Paul stuttered, feeling terrible at his obvious incompetence, “Thunder threw a shoe and I had to call for the farrier, but he has only just arrived, forgive me.”

Thomas sighed and dragged a hand through his hair, not caring that he was ruining the work of his valet. Today was definitely not his day, evident from the visit from Lord Abbington till now. He tapped his cane against a nearby pillar and looked at Paul in contemplation. It would take at least an hour before Thunder would be refitted with a new shoe, an hour he did not have to spare. It was already a few minutes to three, and he hated being late for any appointment.

“Saddle Gypsy, and be quick about it please,” he said, reaching into his pocket to draw out a small velvet box, and flipping the lid to inspect the content. He used a finger to trace the delicate emerald rose of the ring and smiled wistfully, before shutting the lid and replacing it back in his coat.

He’d had four hours to come to terms with the fact that he would be marrying the woman who had tricked him, and now he viewed the whole thing with mixed feelings-anger at being so openly manipulated and something else he could not quite identify but was oddly warm and pleasant.

A few minutes later, now mounted on his replacement steed, he set off at a brisk trot towards Trevelyan house. He would arrive late, a situation which displeased him, but could not be helped.

*******

Giles glanced about Lord Abbington's ornately furnished study and wondered again what could be keeping the duke. He had been brought here by the butler, who had then proceeded to inform him that the Duke was in a meeting but would join him shortly. He checked his watch, sighed impatiently and resumed his perusal of a book he’d taken from the ones that cluttered the enormous mahogany desk. It was on a history of India, and bored him to no end, but he read on, his jaw becoming tense with each passing moment. The Duke was being rude by making him wait for over ten minutes, and he hated being kept waiting. He flipped a page and stared at the illustrations of men riding elephants, making no attempt to read the notes at the bottom, explaining the illustrations.

“This is absurd” He muttered snapping the book shut and flinging it back on the desk. “How could he have forgotten that he has kept a guest waiting for more than good manners warrant?”

Just then, the door opened and Lord Abbington strode in, hands clasped behind his back, another young man whom Giles recognized as the second son, following closely behind. He frowned in irritation for he had hoped to speak privately with the Duke.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting Rosehaven,” Lord Abbington said with a pleasant smile that did not reach his eyes. “I'm sure George informed you I was otherwise occupied. Now what can I do for you?”

Giles glanced at Lord William who had taken a seat beside him, and was now staring back at him, with no discernible expression on his face.

“I had hoped for a private audience, Your Grace” he said, turning back to face the Duke. “What I wish to speak about is an extremely delicate matter”

Benedict crossed his arms in front of him and regarded the imbecile who had dared to cross his threshold, feeling a strong urge to leap across the desk and grab him by the throat. “Whatever you wish to say can be said in the Lord William's presence.”

Giles pondered the matter for a few minutes and grudgingly nodded. For the first time, he began to feel uncomfortable under the intense green eyed stare of the two men, and shifted slightly in his chair.

“Very well,” He began slowly, “Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of Lady Laurel's company and I have found her to be a delightful, charming and extremely thoughtful person.”

Benedict’s face darkened and he unfolded his arms so he could grab hold of the edges of the desk, to keep his hands from doing something violent. He caught William's eye and saw that he too was also fighting to keep his control.

“Go on” Benedict said through gritted teeth, turning away to stare at the fire so Giles would not see his murderous intent.

“I have fallen deeply in love with Lady Laurel,” Giles continued, tense now at the deadly atmosphere that seemed to pervade the room. “And it is my strong belief that the feeling is reciprocated by the lady in question, because I have bared my mind to her and have received a favorable answer, so I simply wish to formally ask you for her hand, for her to become my companion.”

The silence that greeted the statement was deafening. Giles saw William shift beside him, suddenly feeling like a prey in the presence of two predators. What could have possibly gone wrong? He wondered as he looked from one brother to the other.

They were interrupted by the ringing of the gong announcing lunch, Benedict looked at William in silent query and the latter nodded.

“You will join us for lunch, I trust you are hungry? After wards I will give you my answer.”

“I graciously accept Your Grace,” Giles said rising to follow the Duke into the dining room, strangely grateful for the reprieve.

Laurel hurried downstairs at the sound of the gong, the letter pressed against her breasts offering the only solace for the moment. She paused before the double doors of the dining room and took a deep calming breath, fished out the letter and handed it to the footman standing by the door with instructions to have it posted as soon as possible, then pushed open the doors and strode in, only to come to a halt after a few steps in, her mouth falling open in stunned silence when she noticed the guest.

“You!” She gasped finally, putting all her hatred and scorn into the single word.

Giles smiled at her and made to approach her, only to be restrained by William's hand on his sleeve. He frowned in irritation at the uncultured manners of the younger Lord Abbington.

Amelia left Benedict’s side and came to stand beside Laurel, taking her arm and leading her to her seat. The Duchess walked in, her eyes narrowing slightly when she noticed Giles, but she said nothing and simply walked to her seat beside her daughter and William.

The Duchess glanced around, noting the vacant seat where Lord Grayson should be. “It appears our other guest is running late. Though, I have strong faith that he will be here soon. However, we shall begin eating immediately.” She gestured for the servants to begin serving the first course, cold cucumber soup.

The conversation throughout lunch was stiff and painfully polite, carried on mostly by the Duchess and Lady Amelia, while the others sat in tense silence, Laurel staring at her food, too upset to eat, while William and Benedict forced themselves to eat, pausing occasionally to throw murderous glances in Giles direction. Giles did his best to be polite to his hostess, complimenting her on the excellent meal.

Laurel could bear it no longer, she rose abruptly, oblivious to the gentlemen that arose hastily in difference to her, and flung down her napkin

“This is preposterous,” She declared furious, “I cannot believe that he was invited to sit and dine with us, when he is the one responsible for my misery. Mother, I refuse to spend one minute more in this room with that....that evil being. I’m leaving”

She picked up her flowing skirts and hurried out of the room, ignoring Amelia’s call to her. She made her way to the garden, hoping to find some solitude there. She slowed as she came upon the bed of petunias that had just begun blooming and plucked a stem, which she held close, breathing in its warm fragrance.

“Laurel,” Amelia called, coming close to enfold her in a comforting embrace. “Don’t blame your family for what just happened. Benedict believes Lord Giles may not have had a chance to speak with his father, which explains his presence here.”

“I'm sorry I stormed out” Laurel said, “but I could not bear to look at his face again.”

“Well you must do so, for your mother has suggested we all assemble in the Yellow Room, at once.” Amelia replied. “I believe she is going to resolve this matter once and for all”

Laurel followed Amelia back into the house reluctantly. As they neared the partially open doors of the Yellow Room, they could hear raised, angry voices coming from within. Laurel hurried in and for the second time that day, was stunned to see Giles sprawled out on the carpet, William on top of him hitting him viciously, while Benedict looked on in grim satisfaction and encouragement. The Duchess was on her feet screaming at Benedict to stop William, but he shook his head stubbornly, planting a well placed kick in Giles' groin.

“Stop it” Laurel screamed, running to drag William away from Giles with Amelia’s help. William struggled between them, spitting curses at Giles.

“Benedict, you will stop this nonsense, or you can find yourself another bride.” Amelia screamed, “For heaven's sake can’t you see you are acting irrational?”

Benedict glowered at his fiancée, but reluctantly, wrenched William away from them, while Giles slowly got to his feet, his face already covered in bruises, his clothes tattered and glared at Laurel in pure hatred.

“You little b***h,” he spat at her, blood gushing from the cuts on his lips, “You will pay dearly for this”

Before anyone could react, Laurel flew at him in rage, bringing up her knee to connect solidly with his privates. He gasped and his eyes bulged out of their sockets, doubling over in agony, while Laurel stared at him in triumph.

“That is for every morsel of pain you have caused me, every mark and painful bruise you inflicted upon this body,” she said calmly. “You will never touch me again or I will gouge your eyes out next time.”

“I am going to make you regret this,” Giles gasped through the intense pain, “you will rue the day you did this”

“If you lay a hand on my future wife,” a voice said from the behind, “You will rue the day you made an appearance on this earth.”

Everyone turned to gape at the man leaning indolently against the door post, gray eyes blazing.