Lady Henrietta's Dilemma: Regency Suspense Romance Book 2 (Lords of Sussex) (16 page)

Henrietta followed her two friends to the carriage. Although it was still twilight, the street blazed with a hundred lights from the lamps of carriages and runners holding aloft blazing flambeaux.  Throngs of people, carriages, and litters filled the roads making it almost impossible to move at a decent pace.

‘Oh, I have never witnessed anything like this before, tis so different from our sleepy Sussex town.’ Henrietta
said, her face close to the carriage window.  Surely, her heart should lighten at such a spectacle of joy and frivolity, but not even the blazing torches could brighten the darkness of her heart.  Ambros declared his love for her, but that was when she was safely married. Now would he be in such a hurry to claim her for his own?  It was the custom for single men, and even those married to flirt shamelessly with married women, Yet, the prospect of being free from Vaughan far outweighed any sense of future loneliness. At least, she would be free to choose her life’s path. She was fortunate in having a father who upheld the roots of women’s rights, however, impaired those rights may be.

Feeling her friend’s despair, Isa took her hand. ‘Never fear, Henrietta, we shall come through this. From heartache, you will grow to love again. We all knew Vaughan was a bit of a rake, but never realized the extremity of his cruelty. 

‘Yes, he has gone too far now.  To hurt a lady is an abominable act, and one that must be addressed.’ Alex said. ‘But, we are with you Henrietta; you will not be bonded to that blackguard for long.’

‘Thank you Alex, it is just as well that I do not love him. It is harrowing as it is, let alone if I still loved him.’ She turned to Isa. ‘Was my love so shallow dearest? Am I so fickle that I could fall out of love so soon?’

‘You did not fall out of love Etta; you were brutalized. I do not know how you could have lived with him, knowing he blatantly sold you.’

‘True, even if I still loved him, I could not have stayed.  How could I ever trust him again?’

‘Exactly, love and marriage are based on trust.  So do not dwell on it Henrietta; he shattered your dreams, your heart. God knows what your papa would have done had he been here. We must gain the evidence for him.’

Reaching into her reticule, Henrietta reached for a handkerchief. She thought she could not shed any more tears, but still they came. To think that a week ago she married, a marriage now in shreds. In so short a time, Vaughan sold her.  How could he do it so callously? Was he addicted to the cards? Or was it sheer selfishness and greed?’ But now, she could not fret about it anymore; it was finished.  She turned her head to see a runner holding
a flambeaux aloft.  In the blaze of the torch, she did not see the two masked riders close behind, or the carriage with a ducal crest.

The queue to the Hotel was over a hundred yards long. People were alighting from the carriages and walking. ‘How do you feel about walking ladies?’ Alex asked. ‘We will be here at least half an hour or more.’

Isa pursed her lips. ‘Alack, our slippers will be soiled Alex, tis alright for you with Hessian boots, but us ladies wear satin and silk.’

‘Gad, then wait we shall – how irritating.’

Isa smiled; Alex was always so impatient. ‘What say you Etta? Do you care to walk?’

‘’Well yes, I mean tis not raining, and I think we could be stuck here an hour.’

‘Then walk we shall.’ Isa gathered her shawl around her, as Alex raised his cane to tap the carriage roof.

On alighting, Alex offered his arms to both ladies. Henrietta fought to smile, as Alex beamed down at her. ‘Two beauties on my arms, what more could a man ask for?’

Isa looked up, ‘Seriously now Alex, what shall we do once we see Vaughan? Do we just turn around and walk away?’

‘Let us see what
happens first Isa.  At least, we shall witness his indiscretion. Evidence enough for Henrietta’s papa to move on.

Henrietta said hesitantly, ‘I have no wish to speak with
Vaughan – rather we just act as witnesses.’

Reaching the hotel entrance, they admired the Iconic porch with the stone steps leading to a huge columned entrance hall.  Alex left them to give in his tickets, and as the girls did not bring pelisses to dispose of, they walked through the milling crowd to the ballroom. Henrietta held her breath at the sight of hundreds of candles lighting the walls and tables. With Isa, she looked up at a magnificent chandelier.

As they gazed up at the richly painted ceiling, Isa murmured, ‘Angels and cherubs have no place here tonight.’

Henrietta smiled, ‘More like it should be Bacchus and Aphrodite.’

‘Tis well lit here, so we should have no trouble finding our culprit.’

‘How so Alex, don’t forget we are all wearing masks. It may be a little more difficult than you think.’

‘Well said wife, so let us promenade.’ 

Henrietta held her
breath; there was row upon row of tables, already full. The jollity was reaching a crescendo, with people talking, shouting and singing. How could they possibly find him among so many? 

Alex said, ‘There are two rooms, this one is well lit, but the other
is quite dark. I think it’s for those who wish to rendezvous. But first, search this one.’

It proved to be a difficult task, so many men milled around the tables, jostling and arguing whilst the ladies sat bemused or laughing. At one point, Isa caught Etta’s arm. ‘La, I thought we dressed as trollops, but our garb is almost puritanical compared to the scanty apparel of these ladies.’

‘Ah Sir, you are greedy, you have claimed two lovelies,’ a male voice cried out ‘Surely you can spare one?’

A heavily built man minced forward, leering
, as he tried to take Henrietta’s arm.

‘No Sir, I am well suited, thank you.’ Henrietta said breathlessly. 

‘Well if you change your mind, just come and find me dear lady. I have untold delights to offer you.’ The suggestive slant to his tone implied much more.

Alex proceeded forward. ‘Try not to meet their gaze, be a little more flippant.’

‘Alex, some of the women are so beautiful.’ Isa murmured, ‘I think we have searched every table. He is not here Alex.’

‘Well there is the adjoining room.  I hesitate to take you both in there, but I can hardly leave you alone here. So stay close, and do not let go of my arm.’

Silently, they approached what could only be termed a cavern, barely lit.  It was a vast place, full of dark corners and black shadows, yet filled with the raucous voices of men shouting, laughing and swearing, whilst women shouted out uncouth replies, shrieking and giggling. Henrietta tried not to stare at some of the women seated on men’s laps in the most licentious positions.

Isa whispered, ‘La you would think they are almost….’

‘Yes – look that man is actually …. I never thought to see—’

‘God knows what they are up to in those dark corners?’ 

Henrietta felt a pair of arms grab her around the waist. In seconds, she
was wrenched away from Alex. Uttering a shriek, she fought to twist in her assailant’s arms.  Alex rushed forward, only for another man to clutch at Isa carrying her off to the depths of the cavern. Henrietta screamed out at him. ‘Go to her, find her. Go.’

In despair, he raised his hands, shouting, ‘I will come back for you.’

It was evident the man was intent on dragging Henrietta to some dark corner.  Gritting her teeth, she grabbed her attacker’s hair, and then kicked him in the shins.  As he bent forward, she twisted her body enough to stab his eyes. As he yelled, she gasped, giving him a sharp facer. But still, he clung on, now dragging her into the shadows. As he staggered past a table, she at last managed to twist around completely, bringing her knee up into his groin. Doubling up, he released her. Scrabbling on the floor, she ducked under a table, only to see him crawling after her. What was the man made of iron? As she went to kick him, to her surprise, his hands raked the floor, as he disappeared. She stared, as the table lifted from her, and she looked up into the masked face of a tall figure towering over her. Oh dear God, she was tiring, how could she fight him? Her brothers’ voices rang in her ears, ‘Come on Sis, rise to your feet, you can do it, come on now, fight for your life.’ She rose up, teeth, and nails ready, only to hear his voice. ‘Come my pet. It’s only me.’

Astonished, she stared at Ambros, at the Tricorn hat and mask. Glaring at him, she hissed, ‘Ambros? Tis you – you are that damned highwayman – my jewels. How dare you – how dare you?’

Grinning, he hugged her to him. ‘I will explain, all, for now let’s get you out of here.’

Alex walked over, keeping Isa close to him ‘Yes –
come we have to leave now.’

‘I can’t – I have to find Vaughan. We must have evidence.

‘I will take you to him.’ Ambros said, ‘He is seated not far away, and saw all. However, I don’t think he recognized you in your wig and mask.’

Alex approached his eyes wary, as he shook hands with Ambros. ‘Thank you Sir, I could not have saved these ladies without your help.’

‘Alex – this is Ambros, the man I have told you of, the Duke of Wiltshire,’ Henrietta interrupted. ‘He followed us here.’

‘At your service Sir
,’ Ambros bowed.

‘Why glad you turned up your Grace. So you know of this situation?’

‘Yes, indeed, I followed you, but was stalled by some drunken louts on entering this room. Enough though, I think it is time we confront Lord Bruges’

‘Yes, ladies, please stay close.’

‘So we are to speak with him then?’ Henrietta asked.

Yes m’dear, on second thoughts, I realized we have no choice. We must hear the truth from
his own lips. Now the Duke is with us, we have a valuable witness; no-one will question his word. Now stay close to us.’ Alex feared for the ladies in this den of sex and sin. Had he realized just how sordid the whole thing was he would never have allowed them through the door. 

Puzzled, Vaughan watched
them approach.  Already in his cups, he recognized Alex and Ambros immediately, even with the masks and hats, but not the trollops with them.

Taking off his mask, Ambros stood in front of Vaughan, ‘I am witness to your abominable behaviour towards your wife. She is indeed lucky it was I, with whom you arranged your scandalous scheme. I was able to protect her virtue.

Alex too unmasked, scowled at his one-time friend. ‘You cur, how could you treat a young lady so? You are not fit to call her wife.’

It was then Vaughan recognized Henrietta. He had the grace to flush and lower his eyes. How was he going to get out of this jam? Maybe he could talk her round later. In clipped tones he said, ‘Madam, I will see you later at home. We can discuss these ridiculous accusations then.’

Henrietta stepped forward, taking off her mask, ‘You have broken the edicts of the marriage contract my lord. ‘I believe, I see you have your mistress of three years with you.’

‘What this trollop?
Only just met her.’ Bruges postured pompously.

Ignoring him, Henrietta turned to his companion, ‘I believe I am addressing Miss Esther Taunton, am I not?

‘Yes, I am she.’ Esther whispered, her face pale and distraught. 

Bruges snarled at Henrietta, ‘Desist
madam, do as I say, get you back to the house.’

‘Oh no.’ Alex said curtly. ‘You will never lay eyes on this young lady again.  She is now under our protection—’

‘No-one Sir has the right to take away my wife. She is my property, and I do with her, as I will.’

‘Sir – I repeat, you sold your wife, the daughter of a Duke.’

‘Hah I have you there. Tis legal – duke or not.’ 

Ambros stepped forward, his hand on the scabbard of his sword. ‘Legal or not, I think her father will have views on that. You wed her to sell her. I owe this lady my life, now I will save hers. Beware Bruges, you are a Marquis, but an Earl and a Duke stand before you. We can ruin you in a breath.’

Glowering, Bruges drummed his fingers on the table, knowing he was beaten.

Seeing Henrietta’s eyes streaming with tears, Ambros gave a curt nod, and putting his arm protectively around her shoulders, led her away.

As Alex took Isa’s hand, he glanced down at the woman sitting beside Bruges. To his surprise she too took off her mask; he caught his breath, such a beautiful refined creature, her jade eyes greatly saddened. ‘Beg pardon madam, I wish I could have spared you this.’

Relieved to be back in the apartment, Esther sank into a chair.  She realized now was the time for truth.  They hardly spoke from the moment the two men and two young women dressed as trollops left the ball in patent disgust. Although she knew Henrietta by sight, she had at last come face to face with her, but in circumstances that left her shocked and despairing. She wished she could have just left, to run through the streets to freedom and dignity. But, where were her self-esteem and respect? How could Vaughan sell that young woman, so vulnerable? He was of that league of men who viewed women as juvenile creatures with very little physical brain, indeed an inferior species. Coleridge’s words rose in her mind, ‘Grief too sad for words.’

She had to face the reality of living with a cruel man who viewed women as chattels.
Oh God, the shame. Was it some sickness he suffered? Were the swings in his moods some disease?

David’s face rose before her, what was he doing now? Opening her reticule, she took out his
ring, the ruby glowed in the band of gold. Why did she hesitate to go to him?  But then, there was the babe, would he reject her for that?

The sight of his gift strengthened her,
Firming her lips; she replaced it in her reticule for safety.  Vaughan regularly searched her jewel box, if he lost at the games. Closing the clasp, she decided it was time then to break from this legal slavery.

She looked up as Vaughan
entered, a scowl on his handsome face. ‘So my dear, I think tis time for bed.’

Esther raised her eyebrows, where was his apology for this evening, his shame? Had he no remorse? ‘I think it is time we talked my lord. I have something to tell you.’

‘Can’t it wait?  I am tired and wish for my bed,’ he paused, ‘and you?’

‘No it cannot wait, I am with child.’ She blurted out the words, her heart beating tattoo in her chest.

‘What? A child? Whose?’ he glared at her in ill humour.

‘How could you ask that?’ she cried, rising from her chair. ‘You know I am faithful to you.’

‘Hmm, I have to take your word for it.  Many a man is cuckolded with lies dripping from a woman’s lips.’

Wary of the coldness of his voice, Esther walked over to the window, ‘Tis yours my lord.’ Wringing her hands, she waited for his response, his decision.

‘Then get rid of it madam, or leave.’

Catching her breath, she tried not to react. ‘How is that possible? Vaughan, this is your child – how could you even think to … to … end your child’s life?’

‘Don’t be so dramatic. Just do what you have to. It is known as a cleansing is it not?  I believe that’s what prostitutes resort to as a matter of course.’

Esther tried to stop the tears falling. He was right, that is what she really was, a prostitute. Oh dear lord, how she had fallen.
‘I will not – tis murder. It is also against the law.’

‘Come now, let us not fain hysterics.’

‘You leave me no option but to leave.’

‘Hah it is that easy is it? So, you have a lover? Do you think he will want you now, carrying another’s man’s child? You serve only one purpose madam, and that is to please men in bed.’

She stumbled across the room, trying to keep the sobs down. ‘You are so cruel. How could you? How could you speak to me so? I have been loyal to you. I cannot listen to any more. It is over.’

‘Good, now take that bloody maid and your stinking dog with you. You are despoiled, why should I care for your baggage?’

‘Is that what you call your child?  Baggage? God forgive you, for I will not.’

Chagrined, his face now beetle red he lunged towards her, catching her face
in his hands. ‘I care not if I mark you, you trollop, I swear it is not my child – damn you.’

Her head reeling, Esther cowered, ready to stave off the
blows, he must not harm the child. ‘Please I beg you don’t harm the baby.’ she screamed.

‘Gad, I will give you a couple of hours to pack your things, and be gone.’

Without another word, he rose from the chair, swigged down the last of his whiskey and strode from the room. As the door closed, Esther collapsed sobbing on the chair, little Lily whimpering at her feet. Picking her up, trying to quell the dog’s fears, she felt her heart would break for the child and for herself. How had it come to this?  She did not hear the door open or Lottie run to her side.

‘Ooh
milady – don’t – please don’t cry. He’s not worth it.’ Lottie hissed. Putting her arms around her, Lottie rocked her beloved mistress. 

As the sobs subsided, Esher let out a ragged breath.

‘I have no choice Lottie; he wants us gone. I have a little money, so we can find cheap lodgings somewhere.’

‘There’s the viscount – he loves you. He would take you in, he said so. Remember, he said, he
would  treat you like his sister.’

Esther thought of David’s ring, and took it out of the reticule; seeing the ruby glow in her hand, she felt his love, his strength, but she could not send it.  Vaughan had clearly shown her that no man would accept a woman carrying another man’s child.

Lottie touched her shoulder. ‘Oh milady, send for the viscount. Please he loves you.  He would not give you the ring if he didn’t want to help you. Please give it into my hand, and I will take it to him.’

‘No, I cannot impose upon him.’ 
Putting the ring back in the reticule, Esther felt Vaughan’s words run across her mind; she was despoiled, her child – baggage. ‘I have no option Lottie; my baby will starve; it will be born into poverty – no home, family. No I cannot let that happen.’ Yet all the while unconsciously, she held her hands protectively over her stomach. ‘The Parish would provide for us, but I am not registered in any village or hamlet, so I have no reputation, no rights. I have no choice; I must go through with it.’

‘Milady – you can’t – you could die – it is against the law, if they caught you, you would go to prison.’ Aghast, Lottie held her tightly. ‘Don’t please. I don’t want to lose you.’

‘I have just enough money to get us to England, After paying for lodgings, and the ….’ ‘Esther stopped, her tears falling. 'You can seek employment as a maid. I will give you a good reference, so do not despair.’

‘Tis not myself I fear for milady. What of your brother?’

‘No – he is a vicar, and I cannot keep the child a secret for long. He would not tolerate it. I begged him to help me when papa went into the debtors’ prison, but he refused.’ 

Seeing Esther’s sorrow, Lottie stood up, her mind racing, there had to be a way. ‘Come my
lady, let us get our things together.  There must be something we can do to save your baby.’ As she consoled her mistress and friend, Lottie began planning. ‘I’ll go make us a fresh pot of tea, and prepare a basket of food to take with us.’

‘Yes, good idea I did not think of that, ever my practical Lottie.’

With a determined look on her face, Lottie sped away, surreptitiously picking up Esther’s reticule. Once outside the room she plucked out the viscount’s ring and kissed it. Now determined, she went directly up the stairs to Blanche’s little bedroom. Waking the girl, she began to whisper.