A Seven Year Hitch

by Mary Beeken

  “If you like, we can retire there now and enjoy a nightcap in comfort,” Gerry told him. “I can always call the others to join us when their game is finished.”

  “Oh no,” Charlie was adamant. “It is not often Stephen loses at billiards and to do so to Uncle William is a rare treat and one I must see.”

  Erica let out a sigh, albeit a silent one, if they had decamped to the library, everything would have become incredibly complicated. She slipped into the formal reception room, reserved for receiving afternoon callers and therefore one she knew was guaranteed to be empty, and waited for Gerry and Charlie to return. She did not have long to wait and, after checking the corridor, she quickly dashed to the library and whisked inside, closing the door softly behind her.

  Leaning her back against the wooden panels, she took a moment to steady her breathing whilst looking around to check she was alone. The only light in the room was that of the moon that filtered through the large, floor to ceiling windows that were evenly spaced along the length of one wall. The ormolu clock chiming the hour of eleven, had her hurrying to a book lined section of the wall near the fireplace and after a moment or two of fiddling, the whole section swung outward, revealing a hidden staircase at the top of which stood Robert Prentiss. The light from the lantern he held momentarily blinded Erica and she raised a hand to shield her eyes.

  “You had better extinguish that. There are still people up and about so we’re have to be careful,” she whispered to him and whilst he put out the light, she secured the bookcase, once more closing off the hidden passageway.

  Ross took a sip from his brandy balloon and savoured the rich taste of the liquid as he rolled it across his tongue before swallowing. His movement did not alert the other occupants of the room to his presence and he remained ensconced in the deep winged chair until they had departed, with the faintest whisper of noise, from the library. He then stood and languidly stretched before placing his glass down and following in their wake.

  Their destination, he surmised would be her office situated at the far end of the house and the most direct route to it would be past the billiards room. Ross deduced that his wife would consider that a might too risky and would opt for a more circuitous route thus giving him time to reach there before them.

  With a stealth that had outwitted many an adversary, Ross arrived in time to secrete himself behind the curtains in the sitting room before Erica and Prentiss swept in with a great sigh of relief. Closing and locking the door, Erica set about lighting some candles.

  “We should be safe to talk now providing we keep our voices low,” she assured Prentiss before opening the door to the study and continuing her task in there. Prentiss followed her through and within moments, they were deep in discussion.

  “Benson and Sons are pushing for an answer. They would have me believe there is another buyer in the frame but on consideration I believe them to be bluffing in the hope of pushing the price up,” Prentiss began.

  “More than likely,” Erica said, “I have studied their books and have discovered many errors that have led the company into trouble. More a case of bad management than anything.”

  “I drew the same conclusions and only marvelled that they have lingered for so long.”

  “Reading between the lines, I would say that under Benson senior all was well but in recent years, with the onset of age related illness his judgement has been somewhat impaired, but he refuses to relinquish full control to his son, who it must be said, lacks experience.”

  “I vote that we proceed with our offer. We could bring Seaton in to turn things around and perhaps look to sell the company on in two years,” Prentiss said.

  “I have another suggestion we could consider, but you may not like it,” Erica said tentatively.

  “If you think to turn this into another of your charity cases, think again!” he uttered sternly.

  “Not precisely, it’s just adapting things slightly but we still stand to make a profit, probably a larger one,” she replied.

  “Go on then, let’s hear it!” he sighed, resignedly.

  “The son has potential. His father married later in life and having ensured a university education for his son; he studied Mathematics up at Oxford, he did not have time to instruct him in the ways of the business before falling ill. I suggest we offer them a retrieval package. For part share of the company, we will iron out the issues and train Benson Junior to eventually take control of his family business.”

  “It is a plausible idea and having met the younger Mr. Benson, I feel he would be amenable. We would have to ensure the full retirement of his father, though, at this stage,” Prentiss said. “What percentages did you have in mind?”

  “Initially, we would own sixty to their forty until the company is back on track. I estimate that we would have recouped our investment, and made a small profit, within two years and would therefore include a clause to pass back a further twenty percent after that two-year period. We would give them an option to buy our forty percent after five years providing Benson fulfils his potential,” Erica told him. “A conservative estimate of our overall profit is in the region of thirty thousand pounds.”

  “Seems a fair deal. I shall draw up the details and present them to the Bensons. I will of-course, include the customary terms for the employees,” Prentiss assured her before moving on to the next item on the agenda.

  “Apart from reporting that the sale of Morrell’s Pottery has been completed, everything else can wait until your family has departed. However, I do need your findings on the Government case.”

  Robert Prentiss and Erica had met in her first season and had instantly become firm, platonic friends. She had cautiously mentioned her interest in shares and business activities but unlike others of the ton who would have been shocked, he had encouraged her. Finding her to have an astute mind and a gift for figures, he had embarked on educating her in the ways of his business, namely buying failing companies and resolving their problems before selling them on. For the last few years they had been partners, with Erica’s true identity being kept secret by simply letting it be known that ‘Eric Hurst’, was a recluse.

  The level of their success and business acumen had come to the attention of the Government who had initially approached them to assist with an embezzlement case that needed careful investigation and had subsequently sought their help with other sensitive issues.

  “It’s complicated,” Erica slumped back in her seat and flicked through a file. “Very cleverly orchestrated to conceal the illegal activities and I must say, succeeded very well; they even had me hoodwinked for a while. There is more to this than just corrupt business dealings though and must advise you to be on your guard.”

  “You think they could be dangerous?” Robert asked.

  “Everything suggests they are laundering money through the ‘houses of ill repute’ but from what Brent managed to discover, I strongly suspect there is some tie to France. As we are investigating this for the Government, I would assume it has been for the French cause and not ours,” she told him.

  “Have you been able to identify the main man behind it, which was after all the task with which we were entrusted?”

  “Yes, as it happens. I believe it to be a man called Albert Harrison. Have you heard of him?”

  “Yes, a thoroughly nasty character but one who has the entrée to the fringes of polite society. He can often be found in Gaming Hells and at the parties of the rather fast matrons: fortunately though, not anyone likely to come into your orbit. He also has the French connection in that his mother was an émigré,” he informed her.

  “But would that not make him oppose Bonaparte, not support him?” she asked.

  “Not necessarily. Men like Harrison are only loyal to themselves and their own ambitions. Look how he exploits the women in his brothels. According to Brent, not all of them are there willingly, and some are as young as twelve.”

  “The man’s a monster! Once he and his cronies have been appr
ehended, we will have to do something for those poor girls. I shall speak to Uncle Richard about procuring premises,” she stated emphatically.

  “Are you in a position to expose them?” Prentiss asked.

  “I believe so, but I would appreciate your assessment of the evidence I have uncovered, just to be sure. I have it all down here ready so perhaps you could go through it tomorrow and then we will have to find a pretext for grabbing some time to liaise after dinner.” she said.

  “That is all very well, my dear girl, but what about your new beau? He is unlikely to allow you to disappear with me for more than a minute or two. He believes me to be a rival for your fair hand,” Prentiss told her laughingly.

  “No he doesn’t, Robert,” Erica told him.

  “Affianced couples are allowed time alone together, so perhaps we should pretend to an engagement and that would give a clear message to Trevellyn too, unless of-course you wish to encourage him,” he continued, much struck by the idea.

  “I am not encouraging him but believe me, a bogus engagement would not deter him!” she replied hotly.

  “You haven’t told him of our strange, but true, platonic relationship have you?” he asked. “For most men of our acquaintance would never believe it, you know.”

  “I however, am not like most men,” came a deep and amused voice from the doorway. “But I would object to the engagement.”

  Erica jumped out of her skin and Prentiss spun round; spilling his drink.

  Trevellyn was lounging in the doorway, perfectly at ease.

  “Trevellyn, I distinctly remember locking the door! Have you no respect for people’s privacy?” Erica demanded.

  “Forgive me, sweetheart. My years on active service have made it so that I cannot help but investigate when secret missives are passed and clandestine meetings are arranged. Once a spy, you know, always a spy I suppose,” he shrugged his shoulders, resignedly but the sparkle of mirth in his eyes belied both his words and the gesture.

  “How much did you hear?” his wife asked warily.

  “All of it. I deduce that the two of you are business partners with a little Government investigation work on the side. Am I correct?”

  “Quite correct, Trevellyn. I am sure you are aware of the delicacy of the situation. It is imperative that Miss Wilmshurst’s connection to business does not become common knowledge. Our peers, as you know, are not enlightened when it comes to women and work,” Prentiss was at his most autocratic, demanding Trevellyn’s silence.

  “I do not share their narrow mindedness, Prentiss, but I do object to her being exposed to the danger which is inherent when investigating the likes of Harrison,” The Marquis was equally high-handed.

  “As her business partner and close friend, I will ensure her safety, but by what right do you object, My Lord?” Prentiss drew himself up to his full height and stood rigidly, surveying the Marquis.

  “Oh for pity’s sake, stop it Robert, and you Ross. You are acting like a couple of bull terriers fighting over a bone and I most definitely am not a bone!” Erica tried to intervene but as neither man showed any inclination to back down, she added; “Robert, Trevellyn is Ross Devereaux.”

  That certainly prompted a response.

  “What?” Robert swung his gaze on her and when she nodded, he laughed. “In that case I concede that your rights as her husband outweigh mine.”

  He then held out his hand to Ross who took it with a grin of his own.

  “Neither of you have any rights over me. And Robert, don’t go making friends with him because he will not be around for very much longer.”

  “My darling wife is having a little difficulty adjusting to me being here,” Ross told Robert “But she’ll soon come around.”

  “Humph!” Was Erica’s only response as she stalked off to her sitting room and, kicking off her satin slippers, slumped onto a sofa.

  A knowing smile was exchanged between the two men, before they too joined her.

  “So no doubt you can enlighten me as to your whereabouts for the last seven years and explain why you deserted Erica so soon after your wedding, without so much as a forwarding address,” Robert said as he took a seat on the sofa opposite to the married couple.

  “Just give him the abridged version, Trevellyn, I would at some stage like to seek my bed tonight,” Erica implored but then blushed when she witnessed the look that passed between her two companions.

  “To sleep, Robert! Trevellyn and I will be seeking an annulment just as soon as he loses the wager and signs the papers.”

  “Tell me all!” Robert demanded. “This gets more intriguing by the moment.”

  Half an hour later and after much bickering, Prentiss had been apprised with the whole of the circumstances including the terms and conditions of the wager.

  “I thought you wanted the details of the wager to remain between us,” Ross said to Erica when they came to the end of the explanations.

  “Robert is a very dear friend and can be trusted,” she told him. “Don’t think you can manipulate him like you can all my relatives.”

  Glancing at the clock, Robert gathered together the files Erica had given him and stood to leave, assuring her that he would analyse all the evidence the following day.

  “I would imagine everyone has retired now but there’s no point taking any risks,” Erica said as she quietly opened the door and barefooted; for she had left off her stockings as a concession to the summer heat, trod quietly along the corridor in the direction of the library.

  “It would be best if I went first,” Ross overtook her and strolled past the games room, which now stood silent and empty. Signalling for them to wait, he continued on to the library and ascertained it was empty before gesturing to them that all was well.

  “Where does this passage lead?” Ross asked as Erica fiddled with the opening latch.

  “Down to the abbey ruins,” she explained. “It is how we managed to enact the ghost walk and the disappearing trick.”

  “We use it on a regular basis for business meetings because nobody is any the wiser to my comings and goings and therefore in no position to misconstrue our motives,” Robert added. “I shall see you both tomorrow. Good-night.”

  I need to clear my desk and extinguish the candles in my office before retiring so I will bid you goodnight too, My Lord,” Erica said to Ross, hoping that he would accept his dismissal but knowing it was unlikely.

  “That would hardly be gentlemanly of me to leave you down here on your own; in the dark,” he smiled.

  “This is my home, Trevellyn, I have wandered around in the dark on more occasions than I care to count. Nothing is going to happen me,” she persisted, futile though she knew it to be.

  “How did you discover your talent for business?” Ross asked, hoping to distract her.

  “Great Uncle James taught me estate management and relinquished the responsibility to me. He also introduced me to the world of finance and trading on the stock exchange. It was he who set up my ‘Eric Hurst’ persona. When I met Robert, we recognized an affinity between us and before long, he was asking for my assistance in various projects. It was not then too great a step to form our own company,” she told him adding proudly. “We are rather good at it.”

  “So my wife is not only beautiful but also intelligent and wealthy,” Ross said, walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “How could I possibly let such a jewel slip away from me?”

  “I am not beautiful and the requirements you drew up for your ideal wife did not include intelligence. And finally, you told me yourself you are disgustingly rich, and do not need a wife who is an heiress. Although,” she added teasingly, “it probably does not compare with my obscene fortune!”

  Ross’ only answer was to trail kisses along the sensitive area of her neck.

  “Ross,” Erica protested, “It’s late!” but could not suppress a groan of pleasure as he transferred his kisses to the other side. She relaxed back into his embrace, leaning against the
broad expanse of his chest and enjoyed the feel of his warm mouth on her skin.

  When he felt her become pliant he allowed his hands to trail along her sides, first running them over the curve of her hips before leisurely retracing their path and rising to caress the swell of her breasts. She shuddered with desire and Ross pressed his advantage. Cupping each breast in his hands he felt the weight of them before rubbing his thumbs across the tightly furled buds that hardened and peaked beneath the soft material of her dress. She gasped and leaned more heavily against him, her eyes closed, savouring his touch.

  Ross continued to caress one breast but deftly unhooked the tiny pearl buttons that ran down the front of her bodice and pulled loose the ties on her chemise. The front of her dress fell open, revealing her beautifully rounded breasts in the moonlight. Erica was startled to feel coolness on her skin but before she could register her semi naked state, Ross had gently grasped each exposed orb and was gently kneading them. He marvelled at their generous proportions; big enough to fill his hand and ooze between his spread fingers as he squeezed. While continuing to knead one, , he took a nipple on the other between his thumb and forefinger and gently rolled. With a gentle pinch he then released it before doing the same to her other breast.

  Erica’s bones had turned to liquid and without the support of Ross’ arms about her and his hard chest behind her; she would have found it impossible to stand. She was incapable of coherent thought; her mind clouded by the desire sweeping through her. A bolt of longing shot from her engorged breasts and pooled between her legs. Erica groaned again; louder. She did not protest when she was swept up in her husband’s arms and lowered onto the sofa.

  Accepting that he was stretching his self-control to the limit, Ross took a moment to drink in the sight of his wife lying languid with desire, her breasts gloriously nude. Resisting temptation no longer, he swooped down and took one hard peak into his mouth, running his tongue around it before sucking, first gently but then, when she whimpered, more forcefully. Erica raked her fingers through his hair before clutching it tightly while her body, of its own accord, arched up and pressed against his lean, solid torso. Ross raised his head and looked into her eyes, heavy with yearning, all the while kneading a pearl-white orb. Satisfied with what he saw, he lowered his head and claimed her mouth with his own, enticing her lips apart and plunging his tongue deep, entwining it with hers, demanding a reaction.