A Sordid Situation

by Vivian Kees

  Chapter Two

  Eugenia wasn’t without disappointment. Two days passed and she didn’t hear from Mr. Hawthorne.

  The needlepoint she concentrated on did little to hold her interest, or to distract her mind from the images of him. His lips, strong hands, and his masculine scent—spice and musk intermingled with something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  “Darling…. Darling, where are you?” called a high pitched voice, just outside the parlor doors.

  Eugenia smiled. It could only be one person. Only one woman would be so bold as to waltz into a house unannounced.

  “In here, Jordanna,” she called in return. She waited but a moment before the raven haired bon vivant, not much older than herself, entered the room in an explosion of overt smiles and gestures.

  “I know it’s been forever, but today, when I stepped out of bed, I thought…it’s a gorgeous autumn day and I should pay a visit to my best friend in the whole wide world. I was literally aching to see you. It’s been forever and a day, since my last visit.”

  Eugenia laughed, tossing her needlepoint aside. “You, my dear, should have opted for a career onstage.”

  “I haven’t the temperament for it. All those ups and downs, can you just imagine? And that’s behind the scenes, if you get my drift. I’d be washed up and dead within a year.”

  “You are scandalous.” Eugenia giggled. “Oh, the things you say.” She clasped both hands against her chest, laughing harder.

  “I’m a delight to be around, admit it.” Jordanna swirled around the middle of the parlor to accentuate her point, before taking her place across from Eugenia.

  “All right, all right, I admit it. You, my dear, are a much needed breath of fresh air.”

  Jordanna closed her eyes and raised her hands outwards. “My psychic intuition tells me…wait, I almost have it. You have something to share…something…you’re just dying to tell me.” She opened her eyes and grinned. “So out with it!”

  “I met a man,” announced Eugenia. A wry smile crept across her lips. “And I’m not sure it’s entirely good.”

  “A man? Is he handsome? Is he rich? Well, come on! Don’t you dare hold anything back.”

  Peppered with questions, Eugenia took a deep breath and let it out.

  * * * *

  Never in his entire life had Cal encountered a woman who had enchanted him so. Enchanting being the perfect word to describe how he had become immediately taken with her. She had him held fast, under her spell.

  He paced his office, glanced out one of two windows overlooking the street. And again, his thoughts fell to her, instantly arousing him.

  She had ordered him away, yet had he detected some hesitation on her behalf? His pulse quickened at the thought of her wanting him. He closed his eyes and imagined her lips tracing his. Her taste, sweet. Her scent, intoxicating—a delicate mix of lavender and strawberries….

  Cal poured a glass of whiskey, and then placed the crystal decanter back into his cabinet, pondering the whole situation.

  She was first and foremost a lady. He respected that, even if he lusted after her in unspeakable ways.

  The idea came to him after his second glass. He sat behind the desk and started to draft a letter. He grinned as the words flowed and when he finished, he sealed it within an envelope. He’d drop it into her mail slot personally to ensure delivery. If she responded, the possibilities could be endless.

  He pictured her reading the words, and then in horror, tossing everything into the fireplace. Yet there was no harm in trying, and if she said yes, the arrangement he proposed could benefit them both in ways beyond words.

  * * * *

  When telling any story, it was always best to start at the beginning.

  “I’m destitute,” blurted Eugenia, not knowing any other way to put it. She paused, waiting for Jordanna’s reaction.

  “You can’t be serious? I can’t fathom…. How did this happen?” Jordanna sat back in her chair, in an obvious state of shock and disbelief.

  “William apparently had a penchant for gambling. I mean, I knew he liked the cards and that he frequented the halls, but I never thought he’d be so irresponsible to lose everything. And now the collector has come calling on the debts. He was here yesterday and presented me with the proper documents. Legally, I don’t have a leg to stand on. I no longer own anything, nor do I have any money.”

  Jordanna listened in obvious awe, yet Eugenia knew by the look on her dear friend’s face that none of it was sinking in. “This isn’t right. It has to be some mistake. You must do something.”

  “What can I do? Don’t you think I’ve went over that many times already? It’s a done deal. Mr. Hawthorne has the right to collect what’s owed to him.”

  “How could William do this to you? And to think, to add further insult to injury he then went and—”

  “Killed himself,” Eugenia finished. Her heart still ached for William at times. It was hard to say those two horrible words aloud.

  “I’m sorry. I should never have brought that up. It was never my intention to upset you further. I can’t even imagine going through something so terrible.”

  “If only you knew. The whispers, the looks. They pretend it never happened, but it did. And nothing can ever change that. It was a selfish act and at one time I hated him for it. There, I said it. I admit to hating him for a short period.” But unfortunately her anger only provided a minor release. “I do forgive him, and in time I will forgive him for this too. It will take time, but it will come. Everything happens for a reason and I just need to believe that. Never question the divine, for what will be will be.”

  “Oh dear, this is so depressing. We need to get out, have some fun, and attend a ball or two or even three. A year has passed. Your mourning is over.”

  Eugenia sighed. “Fun’s the last thing on my mind. I can’t fathom doing such things right now.”

  “So this man, this Mr. Hawthorne, what’s he like? After hearing this, he seems to be a downright dastardly rake. But that’s just my opinion,” stated Jordanna.

  “He’s handsome and I know I shouldn’t notice such things, but it’s hard not to when it’s presented right in front of one’s face.” She blushed, remembering what he did.

  “Do go on,” encouraged Jordanna, her eyes popping with curiosity. “Did he make any advances towards you?”

  “It was more than that. He kissed me and, well…”

  “Scandalous, I love it,” squealed Jordanna. “If I had a glass of champagne, I’d make a toast. It’s about time you loosened your strings. You’re far too uptight. So what else?”

  “He made me an offer.”

  “Marriage?” Jordanna’s eyes lit with excitement. “A spring wedding would be so utterly romantic. Wouldn’t that be glorious?”

  “It isn’t marriage, I barely know him. However, he proposed that I may be able to stay at Collingwood, if I agree to his terms.”

  Jordanna gasped, leaning forward. “You’ll be a mistress! I think you should go for it. No one needs to know, and you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. That is of course, unless you’re not interested in him.”

  “He’s fetching, I can’t deny that. But if people were to find out the rights of it, I’d be ruined.”

  “You’ll be ruined none-the-less if they find out William left you penniless. You’ll become an outcast. I shudder to think how cruel some can be.”

  “It’s nothing new, Jordanna. You came from nothing and I came from less than nothing. We both hide our pasts out of sheer survival. It hasn’t been easy, but we managed. We married men who loved us and could look beyond it. I don’t want to lose what I have and I couldn’t bear to lose you as a friend and confidant.”

  They’d met first at Eugenia’s engagement party, fast becoming the best of friends. Something inexplicable had drawn her to Jordanna, and it wasn’t long before the twosome disclosed the truths about one another.

  “I just need to face facts. If I want to
stay here, there is only one thing to do,” she added. “And you’re right. I’ve worked too hard to let all of this go.”

  “That’s my girl.” Jordanna dabbed her eyes with a lace handkerchief. “You and I are kindred spirits. We may not be sisters by blood, but the stars have fated us otherwise.”

  “We are and there’s no denying that. We’re sisters in the truest sense of the word.” Eugenia smoothed out her skirt. “Now, let’s stop this talk and have tea, or something stronger.”

  “Something stronger,” chimed Jordanna. “The stronger the better.”

  “Coffee?” Eugenia joked.

  “Not what I had in mind, you silly thing.”

  “Then shall we adjourn to the library? That’s where the best is kept. A sniffer or two of brandy will do us both good.”

  Two hours passed and before they knew it, it was time for Jordanna to toddle off home.

  “I’m slightly tipsy. Perhaps I shouldn’t have had that third.” Jordanna giggled. “I hope Henri isn’t too observant. He hates it when I drink.”

  “If he should notice, just blame me. He’ll simply think I’m a bad influence. His opinion of me is low already.”

  Jordanna braced herself against the large mahogany desk. “Actually, Henri likes you. He has never said one ill word against you.”

  The maid entered, interrupting their conversation which came to a sudden halt. “Mrs. Wareham, this just arrived for you.” She cast a disapproving look in Jordanna’s direction. “I thought it best to get it to you straight away.”

  Eugenia nodded, accepting the envelope. “Thank you.”

  “Well, I’m off. I can see myself out,” Jordanna said, pushing past the maid. “Eugenia, you will have to come for tea soon. Promise me you will.”

  “I promise. Next Wednesday looks open.”

  “Then it’s set. Ta-ta for now, mon cherie.”

  “She is a bold one,” spat the maid, her face contorted in disgust.

  Eugenia shot up one hand to silence her. “That will be quite enough. Mrs. Champion is a very good friend and a well respected member of the community. I will have none of that. You can leave now.”

  The maid nodded and cast her gaze downward before quietly departing.

  Eugenia sat behind the desk and held her breath as she opened the envelope, reading the words on the paper.

  Ms. Wareham,

  In regards to our meeting, I would like to apologize if I overstepped the boundaries of decency. I assure you, that was never my intention. I was sincere in my offer to allow you to stay on at Collingwood House.

  Rest assured, nothing in life comes without a price, and I consider this just another business transaction like any other.

  The bottom line is, I find you incredibly enchanting and intriguing in a way that I have never experienced before. I’m perplexed as to why you have this effect on me. Every time I think about you, I feel intoxicated from head to toe.

  I want one night with you. One night, where you will submit to me in every way I require. If you refuse, I’ll understand. But if you agree, you will benefit far beyond you could ever imagine.

  Sincerely,

  C. Hawthorne

  Intoxicated, enchanting and intriguing. She smiled and re-read the letter. He was serious, even if she didn’t think he was—it was right there in ink. Strangely enough, she was considering his proposal. When he had touched her, she did not want it to end, and if it wasn’t for the moment and circumstance they had found themselves in, she might have allowed him liberties.

  She had felt his strength, his muscles, and his erection through his trousers.

  Eugenia downed the last of the brandy. She had a decision to make. Of course, there was little to consider.

  Pulling stationary from a drawer in the desk, she drafted a response and sealed it within an envelope, and as she did, she got the feeling she was also sealing her fate.

  Chapter Three

  Cal grinned as he read Eugenia’s response. She was a vixen underneath her veneer of sensibility.

  The letter had been there on his desk that morning when he arrived at the office. It was a pleasant way to start the day.

  Mr. Hawthorne,

  After much thinking on my behalf, I feel it’s in my own best interest, but against my better judgment, to take you up on your offer. I await your reply.

  E. Wareham

  At once, he drafted a reply.

  Ms. Wareham,

  I’m pleased that you have considered and accepted my offer. You will come to my house tomorrow evening at seven. I assure you the utmost discretion will be taken. I’m located at seventy-eight Harcourt Road

  .

  Did I mention that this pleases me to no end? If not, let me state it here and now for posterior. It does!

  Sincerely,

  C. Hawthorne

  * * * *

  Eugenia smiled when she finished reading the letter. Seven, indeed.

  She’d dress in her best gown and would wear her black silken cloak as a disguise. Since the distance was but a few blocks and she could easily walk there, Eugenia decided not to use her driver.

  Darkness fell early this time of year. It was a perk of the autumn season and this would provide her with further anonymity.

  It was business, nothing more and nothing less. And as such, that’s exactly how she would treat the situation.

  William had been much older than she. When Eugenia married him, she expected that sex would simply become a part of her wifely duties—it was expected of her. Unfortunately, William lacked interest and in the last few months of their marriage, he took to sleeping in different quarters.

  On the scattered occasion he’d come calling, it was always late at night, hurried and over before she knew it. She had grown to believe that was it. That was the marriage bed. Real intimacy between a man and woman did not exist. She was never meant to enjoy it. Not even her years at the…. No, she wouldn’t think of that, not at this time. Never again!

  When Mr. Hawthorne touched her with his hands and lips, it felt good, so good that something inside her had been roused—like an awakening. She shivered at the thought, knowing there was so much more they could do. Was a woman to enjoy it, like a man? Curiosity overwhelmed her.

  That evening she partook an early dinner and retired for the night. She’d need her rest. Tomorrow was an important day and she had to be ready for everything that was to be thrown her way.

  In bed, snuggled under the bedclothes, Eugenia thought of the mysterious man, and what was to come between them. She smiled, closed her eyes and let the images come to her. Images of him, his body, his lips, his hands, and things she only dared dream.

  * * * *

  The following day passed by quickly in a flourish of preparation. Cal had ordered the house to be cleaned from top to bottom. Fresh flowers adorned every vase and had been distributed throughout the house, while the cook prepared dinner downstairs in the kitchen under his strict direction. Everything had to be perfect for tonight. There was no room for error.

  The servants had been given the night off. Privacy tonight was a priority. He had promised her discretion and it could not be compromised at any costs.

  “Surely sir, you’ll need at least one girl to stay behind and serve,” said the cook, as Cal entered the kitchen, her crisp white apron constraining the majority of her hefty bulk. “It’s not proper for you to do such a menial task. It’s what you pay us for. Cara would be more than happy to stay on.” She flashed a glance at the young girl who stood at her side.

  “Under different circumstances I’d be inclined to agree with you. However, this is an important dinner and I want the house to myself. My client values their privacy. You do understand? There is to be no one here.”

  The cook nodded. “If that’s what you wish, sir. Everything will be ready to go before I depart. All you need do is remove it from the warmer. I trust you’re familiar with the layout of the kitchen?”

  “I am.”

  “Very goo
d, sir. I’ll be finished up within the hour.”

  * * * *

  As the evening darkened, seven drew near. Eugenia felt her nerves seize control. So far, everything had gone just as she had planned. Once again, for the second night in a row, she partook of an early dinner and then retired to her room for the rest of the night. She hoped that after their work was done, the servants would do the same.

  The plan was to slip out the back door and into the garden when the time was right. The trees and shrubbery would help obscure her from view, just in case anyone inside the house happened to be looking out the windows. She’d keep her head down on the street, and would acknowledge no one. It was always easy to fall into the crowd in a city, and she was grateful for that.

  Eugenia took one glance in the full length mirror and sighed at what reflected before her. She pinched her cheeks for color and did a half turn, and then slipped into the black cloak, sliding the hood over her head. The whole effect was striking. She was suddenly transformed into a woman of mystery, a woman with a mission. Not to mention, the black silk was a wondrous contrast to her pale, alabaster skin.

  Slipping into the hall, she stopped and listened for any signs of life. The house remained silent, except for the rapid pounding of her heart.

  Taking each step one at a time, she carefully descended the stairs to the lower level of the house. From there she passed the main hall into the sunroom and out the back door into the garden.