Lost Pleasures Found (The Montgomery Family & Friends Book 1)

by Vikki Vaught

  “I don’t want that either,” she said. “I shall sleep on the chaise, so I’ll be fine. I hope Kathryn can handle this ordeal.”

  “All we can do is pray that she can recover from this. Goodnight, my dear. I shall see you in the morning.” Then he kissed her cheek and went to deal with his uncle.

  The next morning, Henry sneaked his uncle out of the house without anyone seeing him. Bruises covered Theodore’s face, and he had a black eye, but he had gotten off lightly in his estimation. If Melody had not been there, he probably would have killed the bastard. He had never felt such strong rage before. Every instinct told him to kill the enemy, and that was exactly what his uncle was. He would make damned sure he never showed his face in England again.

  They made it through the rest of the holidays without anyone suspecting a thing. If anyone asked, they were told Kathryn was ill with a putrid throat. Melody and Helen took turns spending time with her. Little by little, she began to recover from the ordeal. Of course, it would take a while before his sister would feel safe again.

  Since Melody and Kathryn’s birthday were only a few days apart, his wife planned a small family party. His sister seemed to enjoy it. He hoped his sister would continue to recover. Her come-out was still planned, but he contemplated delaying it until next year. After all, she was only seventeen, and many girls waited until they were eighteen to be presented. Against his better judgment, Melody convinced him to go ahead as planned, feeling it would help distract Kathryn.

  The winter passed, and soon spring was upon them. A bevy of activity went on preparing the ladies for the upcoming season. Kathryn seemed to have returned to her former demeanor and had made several adorable sketches of Melody and the children.

  He met daily with his steward to lay out what needed to be done for the spring planting. Which fields to let lay fallow and which ones to plant. He spent much of his days roaming his estate and talking with his tenants.

  Several times a week, he went to the mausoleum to visit his father and brother, holding long conversations regarding the dukedom. This was a comfort to him, and he began to feel more confident in his abilities to manage his new responsibilities.

  He still struggled with his feelings towards Melody and what had happened during his absence, but he continued to ask for God’s guidance. If he could just stop the images of her with Brandon, perhaps he could accept her choices.

  * * * *

  They left for London the middle of March. All the ladies needed new wardrobes, since they would be out of mourning in April. The trip went by quickly, and they arrived at Montgomery House by four o’clock. After tea, everyone went to their rooms to freshen up and rest.

  Melody thought her new rooms were lovely. Looking around, she found the lavender painted walls with white crown molding and the French fruitwood furniture delightful. A beautiful counterpane covered the bed, which was a paler shade of lavender than the walls. White Belgian lace trimmed the edges and mounds of pillows lay at the head of the bed, and they matched the rest of the bedding. She could see herself luxuriating among all those pillows, waiting for Henry to join her.

  After seeing the ducal suite, she decided she would be quite comfortable in these rooms. Of course, her husband had told her to change anything she wanted, but the rooms were decorated to suit her tastes, so she would leave them alone.

  She wondered what his apartment looked like and decided to go explore. The door on the other side of the sitting room surely led to her husband’s bedchamber, so she went over and opened it, then entered. As she glanced around, she looked at the massive bed on a raised dais in the center of the room. A tingling sensation ran through her body when she dreamed of making love with Henry in that bed.

  The door opened, and her husband entered. “What a lovely surprise. Are you here to work your feminine wiles on me? I certainly hope so.”

  She laughed. “I’ll wait to do that tonight. I wanted to see where we’ll spend many enjoyable nights. I love my rooms, by the way. I shan’t change a thing. This chamber suits you, even if it is a bit opulent. I feel a bit sorry for your mother. She’s not going to like staying in the dowager suite, I’m sure. I wish she would warm up to me, but I suppose it’s wishful thinking. At least she has finally stopped the negative comments.”

  “She better not make any,” he declared. “I told her I would not tolerate her saying anything ugly to you.”

  “I do appreciate you speaking with her. I’m sure it was not a pleasant conversation. With so much happening and worrying about Kathryn, this is the first chance I’ve had to tell you.” She walked over to him and gave him a kiss. “Well, it will soon be time to go down to dinner, so I need to return to my chamber. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  The dinner that evening was amazing. Each course was magnificently prepared, and Melody would compliment Chef Michelle the next day. Henry’s mother chose to have dinner in her room, so everyone’s spirits were high. Helen was excited about the upcoming season and could not wait for the parties to start.

  Kathryn joined in on the discussion, but clearly her heart was not in it. After dinner, Henry chose to bypass his port and joined the ladies in the drawing room, where Mary entertained them on the pianoforte while Melody sang. Since everyone was exhausted from the trip, they retired early.

  The next morning, all the ladies went to see the modiste. They ordered day dresses, morning gowns, dinner dresses, and evening gowns, along with all the chemises, corsets and stays to go with them. Melody and Helen also ordered new riding habits. After they left Madame Devy’s, they went to the millinery shop and picked out new bonnets, and then, of course, they needed gloves and new slippers to match all their gowns.

  Once Melody and the other ladies finished their shopping, they went to Gunter’s for cream cakes and ices. It was a pleasant afternoon, and even Henry’s mother seemed to have an enjoyable time. Mary was not sure if she was ready to give up her mourning clothes. At last, Melody convinced her to at least wear half-mourning colors.

  New invitations arrived every day, but they would not accept any of them until after the fifth of April. In the meantime, it would give them a chance to see some of the other amusements in London. They went to Astley’s Amphitheatre, and she took Kathryn to the art museums. They attended a play in Drury Lane and went to the Royal Opera House in Covent Gardens, which she particularly enjoyed.

  Henry stayed extraordinarily busy with his responsibilities to the House of Lords. He spent his mornings at Gentleman Jackson’s gym, then usually had lunch with his friends. Afterwards, he spent his afternoons in Parliament, always keeping himself available to escort the ladies in the evening.

  Their new wardrobes arrived a week later, and Kathryn’s presentation gown was magnificent. As the new Duchess of Sanderford, Melody was also being presented, which set her pulse racing. They were also holding her ball on the fifteenth, the same day they would go to court. To say her nerves were frazzled was putting it lightly.

  She visited her aunt almost every day, and she had gotten in touch with Susan about volunteering at the orphanage. Needless to say, her days were full, and they had not even gone to their first party.

  The presentation at court went exceedingly well. Kathryn was breathtaking in her gown. She had looked so elegant and graceful when she made her curtsey. Melody had been anxious, but since her focus had been more on her sister-in-law than herself, she made it through without any mishaps. When they returned to the house, she checked on the arrangements for the ball.

  Standing in the ballroom, Melody breathed in the scent of all the hothouse yellow roses decorating the room. Gold silk gently draped the walls in-between windows, and it truly looked lovely. The wall of mirrors reflected the enormous chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling, making the room appear twice as large. In her mind’s eye, she pictured how it would look with everyone dancing tonight in a swirl of color from the gorgeous ball gowns, and the crystal chandeliers ablaze with hundreds of beeswax candles. Everything was ready, so
she only needed to dress.

  Henry came to her rooms and presented her with the yellow diamond family heirlooms. There was a tiara, necklace, bracelet, and earbobs to match. They were magnificent and matched her ball gown perfectly. After he fastened the necklace around her, he planted a hot kiss at the nape and gooseflesh danced along her shoulders. It astonished her that the slightest touch could still affect her so.

  “You are breathtaking. Your beauty will dazzle everyone. I’m so proud of you.” Henry hugged her close. “I know this has been so much for you to handle, but you’ve managed it so well. There is no need to worry. Your charm and grace will carry you through.” Then he offered her his arm. “Shall we go greet our guests?”

  The family went to the receiving area and waited. Susan and her husband, Viscount Hastings, were the first to arrive, followed by Henry’s friend, the Earl of Weston, and Lady Helton.

  For the next two hours, Melody greeted one lord and lady after another. Every person they had invited must have decided to attend. At ten o’clock, they dissolved the receiving line and went into the ballroom to open the dancing. Henry led her out to the floor, and Lord Weston partnered Kathryn for the first dance. It was even lovelier than she had imagined it would be. She began to relax, and Henry even had her laughing before the set ended.

  They strolled around the room, stopping to talk to some of Henry’s friends and other guests. They approached Susan and her husband and stopped to chat. Her friend gave her a quick hug. “You look radiant tonight, and the decorations in the ballroom are magnificent. How did everything go at your presentation this afternoon?”

  Feeling a huge sense of relief, now that the ball was underway without mishap, she sighed. “I was terribly nervous, but I think I was so concerned about Kathryn I didn’t worry over mine. Are we still going to the orphanage tomorrow at eleven?”

  Susan nodded with her usual enthusiasm. “Oh yes, that’s still a good time. Are Helen and Mary coming with us? They usually go whenever they’re in town.”

  “They are,” she replied. “At first, Mary wasn’t sure she would go. Eventually, I was able to convince her. I think it’s good for her to get out more. I need to check on Kathryn, so we can talk more tomorrow.”

  Having asked Susan to dance, Henry escorted her to the dance floor and Melody went to find Kathryn. She found her sitting in a chair against the wall, looking despondent. She had hoped she would cheer up. Obviously, she was still having trouble putting the incident with her uncle behind her. She was so shy, she would probably have trouble attracting a husband.

  Of course, Kathryn insisted she was not interested in marriage, but she could always change her mind, and she was still quite young. It might have been better to wait another year for her come-out. With all that had happened, she had felt that going ahead with her presentation would help take her mind off the debacle. She would have Henry introduce her to some nice young men.

  She smiled at Kathryn. “Why are you sitting here by yourself? Where’s Helen? I haven’t seen her recently.”

  She perked up. “She’s dancing with the Duke of Somerset. I think she likes him. Of course, he’s a little old. That doesn’t seem to bother her, though. I was speaking with your aunt. She just left for the card room. I appreciate all the effort you put forth for my ball. I’ve always dreamt of the day I could attend one.”

  Melody was relieved to see her more animated. “You’ll grow tired of them before the season ends. Have you met anyone who interests you?”

  “If you are referring to men, then the answer is a resounding no. I’m really not interested in marriage. I still want to be an artist. By the way, when are you and Henry going to sit for me?” she asked. “I want to do your formal portrait, but neither one of you will commit to a time.”

  “I think it will be difficult since we’re in London. I shall definitely get Henry to commit once the season ends. I see my aunt across the room, and I’ve been trying to talk to her all evening. Let me know if you need anything.” Then she hurried off.

  She traversed the perimeter of the dance floor until she came to her aunt. Before she had a chance to talk to her, Lord Weston requested the next dance. She ended up dancing quite a few sets before she spoke with her aunt. Henry came over, since it was time for the supper dance.

  As they waltzed around the dance floor, Melody suggested he introduce some nice young men to Kathryn. “She’s sitting with the wallflowers and chaperones. I want her to have a good time. She says she is, but I worry. She’s grown even shyer since the incident.”

  “I introduced her to several of my friends, and all of them requested a dance, so that should help,” he mused. “I appreciate all the effort you put into this ball. Helen’s certainly having a good time. I believe she’s danced every set this evening.”

  “She’s so vivacious, she attracts hordes of admirers.” Recalling what Kathryn had said about Helen, she included Henry in her concern. “I do feel the Duke of Somerset is too old for her, and I don’t care for him at all. He’s so full of himself. Helen seems to be attracted to him. I hope he doesn’t end up hurting her. There’s something about him that doesn’t sit well with me.”

  As he escorted her off the dance floor, he assured her, “I don’t know very much about Somerset, but if my sister’s interested in him, I’ll definitely have him investigated.”

  They found Kathryn and went into supper. There was a wide array of choices, from lobster patties and oysters to finger sandwiches, and several different kinds of fruit and cheeses. The chef’s ice sculptures were works of art. Delicate French pastries covered large silver trays, and the guests were devouring them.

  After supper, she finally talked to her aunt. She was having a superb time, and she mentioned that several of her friends had commented on the ballroom and had raved over the beautiful decorations. A flash of pride at her accomplishments filled her.

  She was pleased everyone seemed to be having such a splendid time, and so far the evening had come off exceedingly well. She even noticed Mary having an enjoyable time. Melody had danced with her brother, Mr. Bronson, and was glad he seemed to be doing well. As the ball came to an end, her aunt was one of the last to leave.

  “Darling, you really did have a wonderful turnout tonight. This could very well be the most talked of ball of the season. I shall see you tomorrow afternoon.” Then her aunt kissed her cheek and left.

  Exhausted by the time the last guest departed, Melody was more than ready for bed. Helen was glowing and chattered all the way upstairs. When they arrived at the top of the landing, Kathryn thanked her, saying she’d had a splendid time, then went to her room.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Henry quickly washed, put on his dressing gown and sent Mansfield away, then went to Melody’s bedchamber. When he entered, she was still in her dressing room talking to Millie. Once she had donned her night rail, she dismissed her maid. He could see she was clearly exhausted. He pulled her close and gave her a kiss, then picking her up, he carried her to bed, and she fell asleep before her head even hit her pillow.

  Crawling into bed beside his wife, he pulled her into his arms and softly kissed her temple. He cuddled her in his arms for a long time, just watching her sleep. She looked so lovely with her cheeks flushed a delicate pink and her deep golden lashes resting against her soft skin. Then at that moment, it smacked him square in the face…he no longer resented her decision to remarry.

  He was actually proud of her for standing up to all she had endured when she thought he had died. Melody was right, even with Nelson there to watch over her and their daughter, his parents would have still found ways to make her life miserable. Just look at the way the duchess ignored Mary Elizabeth. She never visited the nursery, and when on occasion she saw their daughter, she looked at her with such disdain. It would have been ten times worse without him around.

  His maternal grandmother had attempted to explain why her daughter was so cold and distant. His mother had witnessed her little sister, Ellen, d
rowning when she was ten, and since she did not know how to swim herself, all she could do was call for help as she watched Ellen flounder, then sink out of sight. Evidently, his mother felt responsible and had closed herself off and refused to become attached to anyone after it happened. While tragic, it still did not excuse her behavior toward her children, and now her grandchild.

  With this realization, his spirits lifted and peace flooded his soul. He wanted to wake Melody and tell her he loved her, to apologize for his ill treatment since his return, but he did not want to disturb her rest. She had worked tirelessly, putting everything together for the ball. It dawned on him he had not told her he loved her since his return. He would make the time tomorrow and tell her he was sorry he’d been such a horse’s arse.

  I can’t believe I have not told her.

  I truly am a selfish and self-centered bastard sometimes.

  He hoped Melody could forgive him and still loved him. He would do whatever was necessary to win his way back into her affections. He needed to do some serious wooing, starting tomorrow. Feeling a huge sense of gratitude, he thanked God for opening his eyes at last. He gently kissed her forehead, closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

  Unfortunately, he did not have a chance to talk to his wife the next day, other than briefly, to let her know he had to travel to Doncaster. His steward had sent an urgent message letting him know there had been a fire and several of his racing horses had been lost.

  Since he had to take Stallings and Mansfield with him, he ordered the ducal coach. He would not be able to travel as speedily with them along, but he had no choice. Stallings had to come with him. He was in the middle of putting together a bill for Parliament, and he could not afford to wait until he returned to work on it.

  They traveled practically nonstop, only breaking their journey to eat and change horses, so they made the trip in three days. Once he arrived, his heart dropped to his feet when he saw how extensive the damage was. It would require more time to repair than he had originally expected. His main concern was for his horses. One of his best racers had perished. He had planned to start using him for stud next year.