The Decadent Duke (6 page)

"She was unquestionably a good wife and mother. Though the Maxwells were far lower than the Gordons in noble rank, she made him a magnificent duchess. She certainly devoted herself to helping the Gordon tenants, and by doing so made Father's fortunes grow. She started the local industry of weaving, and introduced the wearing of tartan into fashionable society, which in turn boosted Highland manufacturing. She taught the cottagers how to grow and dress flax. She urged Father to build mills, then convinced other nobles to start mills in their own Highland towns.''

"The spinning, dying, and weaving of wool have certainly helped to alleviate the scourge of poverty that is so prevalent in Scotland,'' Charlotte agreed. "She even became an advocate for children to be educated in how to grow crops, so they can take over their fathers' farms.''

"She became political only when she realized that more long-term solutions were needed to cure poverty. She was also a tireless patron of the arts in Scotland and then in England. Mother is an unparalleled hostess. No man could ask for a more accomplished partner.''

"True! Yet Father has rewarded her with a passel of bastards—there's thanks for you.''

"I know I complain about her, because of her shameless pursuit of titled husbands for her daughters, but I am extremely proud of her accomplishments. She is a force to be reckoned with.''

"You are very like her, Georgina.''

"Well, she has brought us all up in her own image to be unabashed sensualists and enjoy life to the fullest.''

"As well as her vivacity, you have her great beauty. Of course, you are more delicate and refined, and thankfully far more cultured. Mother has a coarseness about her that you didn't inherit, praise heaven! I assure you that the runt of the litter turned out to be quite a dazzling jewel.''

"Your praise is far too generous, Charlotte. I have myriad flaws that I don't always manage to keep hidden.''

 
On Saturday they arrived early at Lord's Cricket Grounds, and much to Georgina's amusement, she watched as a herd of sheep were rounded up and driven from the field. They were allowed to graze at Lord's to keep the grass short. "You gentlemen had better acquit yourselves well in the match today, or it will be said that the sheep have a better right to the grass than you do.''

"Cricket fanatics are impervious to insult,'' Charlotte assured her. "Let's stroll about before the match starts. It will give us a chance to show off our elegant hats and make disparaging remarks about the other ladies' dresses.''

Georgina was adorned from head to foot in pristine white. As well as a fashionable large-brimmed hat, she had brought a frilly parasol to shade her from the sun.

The two sisters made their way through the crowd, exchanging greetings with friends and acquaintances gathered to watch the sporting event that was gaining popularity with the upper classes.

"Lady Stafford believes she looks quite fetching in that bilious shade of green, when in actual fact it is simply retching!'' Charlotte looked over her shoulder. "Now, where did that boy get to?'' She had brought her eldest son to watch the cricket match.

"Charlie is with his father,'' Georgina assured her. "He's at an age where being thought a mother's boy is anathema.''

The ladies circled back to where they had left Lennox and Winchilsea, and found them conversing with a group of men who were obviously cricket enthusiasts.

Suddenly, Georgina stopped in her tracks.
Hell and damnation!
The dark, dominant, and dangerous devil she had encountered yesterday was deep in conversation with her brother-in-law. The two spoke as if they were friends.
They obviously know each other. The last thing I want is another encounter with the uncouth
brute.
She turned her head and adjusted her parasol so that the tall, dark male would not recognize her.

"Is something wrong?'' Charlotte asked.

"I think I must have dropped my gloves back there somewhere. I'll go and have a quick look, and catch up with you.''

Georgina walked back the way she had come, determined to put distance between herself and the authoritative male who had accosted her. The thudding of her heart in her eardrums was so loud that it blocked out the noise of the people in the crowd.
Why are you running away? Only a coward would retreat,
her inner voice accused.
I'm not running away,
she assured herself,
I'm simply avoiding an unpleasant encounter. I cannot abide imperious, domineering males who think they have God-given dominion over females.

Georgina did not return to her sister until Charlotte was sitting in the stands and the match was about to begin.

"Did you find your gloves?''

"No. Perhaps I forgot to wear gloves today.'' Her glance roamed the stands, surreptitiously searching for the dark man with the stern features. She finally spotted him standing close to the action. He had found an advantageous spot for his three sons to observe the game close-up. She deliberately moved her parasol to block him from her vision.

During the match, Georgina found she could not concentrate on the game. Her mind kept wandering to the dark stranger, and she grew most annoyed that he drew her thoughts like a magnet. Though she felt intense dislike for him, she could not deny that her curiosity was piqued. She lost track of the runs, and at the end of the game she had no notion which team had won.

"Charlotte, your husband played a first-class game.''

"Thank heaven the Sussex team won or there would be no living with him tonight. Let's find the carriage. Lennox and Winchilsea will be hobnobbing and celebrating for hours.''

Later that night, at dinner, Georgina tried to satisfy her curiosity. "Before the match today, I saw you talking with a big fellow with black hair,'' she said casually.

"I spoke with a lot of chaps,'' Lennox acknowledged. "Can you be more specific?''

"He had rather dark, arrogant features. He appeared to have his young sons with him.''

"Ah, that was John Russell, Lord Tavistock. He's the member of parliament for his district in Devonshire. He's quite a forceful speaker—has a commanding presence on the floor of the House. He's a sincere chap, with strong views. Seems to thoroughly enjoy representing the people.''

"John Russell? He's the Duke of Bedford's younger brother,'' Charlotte said. "The Russell brothers were orphaned at an early age, and brought up by their grandparents, the Marquis and Marchioness of Tavistock. Strange how dissimilar brothers can turn out to be. Marriage is anathema to Bedford, yet John couldn't wait. Against his grandmother's express wishes, he wed Elizabeth Byng in Brussels when he was only nineteen. He was a young ensign in the Foot-guards, and fought in Belgium.''

"Speaking of grandmothers, Elizabeth Byng's
grand-mere
was a Lennox,'' Charles remarked. "So John's wife is a distant relative of mine.''

"Lud, I wouldn't be surprised if the entire British aristocracy was related through intermarriage,'' Charlotte said dryly.

"Charlie is about the same age as John's youngest. They got along so well today that I invited him to visit us. He's taken a house for the summer close by on the other side of Dorset Fields.''

"I think we should extend an invitation for the Russells to come to the August races at Goodwood.''

Goodwood House was the seat of the Duke of Richmond, near Chichester in Sussex. The opulent mansion was filled with priceless treasures and had its own racecourse.

Georgina's spirits sank. She was sorry she had ever asked Charles who the man was. She assured herself she didn't have the least interest in the churlish lout.
I shall make a point of missing the Goodwood races

this year.
"Speaking of the Duke of Bedford, he flirted outrageously with me at Louisa's wedding. Our brother gave him a set down. It was most amusing.''

Georgina had managed to change the subject, and she made a determined effort to dismiss Bedford's brother from her thoughts. That night, however, John Russell haunted her dreams.

"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?'' John Russell crossed to the sitting room window to let some fresh air into the stuffy chamber.

"Please don't open the window. Drafts are very bad for me. I actually felt tranquil while you were all away this afternoon. I believe the boys are too much for me.''

John heard the plaintive note in her voice and strived for patience.
What sort of a mother cannot bear the presence of her own children?
"I hope you'll be joining us for dinner.''

"No, I'm not hungry. All I want is peace and quiet. I think I shall go up to bed and have Gertrude bring me a tray.''

"If you wish.'' John removed her lap robe and helped her to rise. He felt her stiffen at his touch, and quickly withdrew his hands. She had permitted no intimacy in almost nine years.

John accompanied his wife as she slowly climbed the stairs. Young Johnny, who was standing at the top of the staircase, smiled sweetly at his mother. "It was a great cricket match!''

"Your mother's not feeling well.''

"I'm so sorry, Mama. Would you like me to read to you?''

"No! I have a vile headache. Leave me be, Johnny.''

John saw the happy smile leave his young son's face, and he bit back a cruel retort. "I'll send Gertrude to you,'' he said curtly.
I should have left her in Devon. Sooner or later I'll lose control of my temper. If I hold it in much longer, it will erupt like bloody Vesuvius.

 
The next morning, John suggested that William get out his bat, and the four of them would enjoy a game of cricket. He cut some wood, made makeshift wickets, and then spent the next three hours pitching the ball to them. Not only did it give the boys much-needed exercise and fun in the fresh summer air, it kept them out of the house and away from their mother's continual disapproval.

When they returned, he sent them upstairs to clean up before lunch. He found Elizabeth on her usual chaise huddled beneath a lap robe. The sitting room shades were drawn to keep out any vestiges of sunshine, and John forced his hands behind his back to stop himself from lifting the blinds and flinging open the windows. "I hope you are feeling better today.''

"My chest feels tight. I have this constant fear that I won't be able to breathe. I'm terrified of suffocating.''

I'd suffocate too if I spent hours in this overheated room.
"I'm sorry, my dear. Perhaps if you stepped outside for a few minutes and strolled in the garden it would help you to breathe.''

"The scent of the flowers always brings on my headache, and what if I was stung by a bee? It happened once when I was a child. They seek me out for some reason I cannot fathom.''

There's no point in my asking her to join the boys and me for lunch—she would conjure an excuse to reject my request.
"I ran into Charles Lennox and his wife at the cricket match yesterday. He and his family are close by at Marylebone Manor for the summer. He invited us to drop in for a visit. John is around his oldest son's age.''

"Charles is married to one of those dreadful Gordon women. Married him for his money, no doubt, and his prospects of becoming the next Duke of Richmond.''

"But she is a duke's daughter. Alexander Gordon has vast wealth and lands in Scotland.''

"And by-blows aplenty.'' Her mouth tightened with disapproval. "His faithlessness reminds me of your brother, Francis.''

John clenched his fists. He had a very close bond with his brother because their parents had died when he and Francis were so young. "Francis is unwed, not unfaithful. Shall I accept the invitation?''

"They have a whole brood of children, probably all unruly. I couldn't stand it. You know my poor health won't allow me to socialize. It's out of the question, John; don't ask it of me.''

"Of course not. I understand. I think I'll take them up on the invitation. The boys would enjoy it. I'll give Lady Lennox your regrets.''

"Yes, that would be best.'' She pressed a languid hand to her head. "You'll be glad when I'm gone.''

How often have I heard that plaintive refrain?
"We'll go tomorrow. It will give you some peace and quiet.''