Lord Rakehell

by Virginia Henley

  Anne smiled her secret smile, and picked up the sherry decanter.

  • • •

  During October Anne attended many balls and entertainments, and she anticipated an encounter with Lord James Hamilton at every affair. She took special pains with her wardrobe, wanting to look elegant when they met. She daydreamed about him endlessly, and even practiced the things she would say. But each time, she was doomed to disappointment and poured out her heart on the pages of her journal. With each new invitation, however, her hope was renewed. When she was invited to the annual ball being given by Lord Hamilton’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn, at Hampden House, her heart soared with happiness. Anne reasoned that every member of the Hamilton family would be present at the Green Street mansion, including James.

  When she arrived, Frances took her by the hand. “Come, I want to introduce you to my sister the Countess of Dalkeith. Jane has been invited to be a lady-in-waiting to the queen,” Frances told Anne.

  “Has she accepted?”

  Frances lowered her voice. “She had no choice really. Over the years, Mother was asked twice by Victoria to be Mistress of the Robes, and turned her down both times. My sister Jane has a sweet nature and accepted the post of lady-in-waiting to save face.”

  “I don’t envy her sharing duties with my sister Emily. If as you say, the Countess of Dalkeith has a sweet nature, my bossy sister Emily will run roughshod over her.”

  When Anne curtsied to the countess, Jane immediately reached for her hands and raised her. “Oh, please, Lady Anne, there is no need for such formalities with me.”

  “Congratulations on your appointment to the queen.” Anne tried to sound sincere.

  “Ah, I can see Frances has given you all the details.” The young countess couldn’t hide her amusement. “I shall be joining your sister Emily at Buckingham Palace. I’ve been paying attention to all the fashionable gowns tonight, and I must tell you how much I’ve been admiring yours.”

  “Why, thank you. My status as a debutante decrees I wear white, but I seldom follow rules to the letter. I push the boundaries with my own designs.”

  “Your overskirt with the golden acorns is not only exquisite; it is very clever.”

  Music floated in the air and Frances pulled on Anne’s sleeve. “Excuse us, Jane. I gave Mother a list of certain eligible bachelors. I hope they accepted.”

  Her sister smiled. “You won’t know until you look in the ballroom. It was lovely to meet you, Lady Anne. I hope you enjoy the dancing.”

  The moment Anne entered the ballroom, the Marquis of Hastings made a beeline for her and asked her to dance.

  “By any chance, do you suppose your brother-in-law Westmorland will be here tonight?”

  “Let me guess. You want to know if he put your name in to the Jockey Club?”

  “Precisely.”

  Anne saw her chance to kill two birds with one of cupid’s arrows. “If he doesn’t come tonight, we could drive out in your carriage to Curzon House and visit him on Sunday.”

  “That’s extremely generous of you, Lady Anne.”

  “Not at all. I shall ask my dearest friend Florence Paget to come for the ride.” She stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. “She is absolutely mad about you, Henry.”

  “The Pocket Venus? She’s here tonight with Henry Chaplin.”

  “Chaplin is her parents’ choice, not hers. I’m sure a marquis can easily outmaneuver a viscount if he puts his mind to it.”

  When the dance ended, Anne sought out Florence and told her what she’d planned. “I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you.” She made her way back to Frances, who was surrounded by her three titled sisters and their attractive noble husbands. Anne found an immediate rapport with Harriet, recognizing instantly that they were kindred spirits.

  “My friend Anne will most likely be our sister-in-law in the not too distant future. John Claud is madly in love with her, and tells everyone who will listen that he intends to marry her.”

  Speaking her mind as always, Harry said bluntly, “Anne would be wasted on John Claud. He’s too immature. Anne, do you happen to know my brother James? He’s a confirmed bachelor of course, but a beautiful wife is exactly what he needs. I shall put a bee in his ear if he shows up tonight.”

  Harry’s words made Anne beam.

  As it turned out, every member of the Hamilton family was there, barring James. After two hours, Anne gave up all hope. John Claud gave her his undivided attention. As they talked, and laughed, and danced together, she took special pains to hide her devastating disappointment.

  Later that night, when she opened her journal, she sat for a long time. Her heart felt bruised because she was beginning to believe it was hopeless. She sighed deeply and wrote: Fate is conspiring to keep us apart.

  • • •

  Fate, however, was rather busy at the moment with the affairs, or rather affair, of the Prince of Wales. Upon his return from Germany, Teddy began his studies at Cambridge University. Governor Bruce leased a private residence in the town for the heir to the throne and realized his mistake almost immediately. Within a week, the red-haired actress who had visited the Grenadier Guards’ camp in Ireland arrived. When Bruce registered his objection, the prince loftily informed him that Nellie Clifden was there at his royal invitation.

  An alarmed Bruce reported the prince’s indiscretions to his father. Bruce feared that the liaison could not be kept secret for long, and since Prince Albert was the highly esteemed chancellor of the university, the slightest whisper would sully the reputation of the royal family.

  “I need your advice, Abercorn.” Prince Albert was clearly agitated. He handed the letter from Bruce to the man who had been his groom of the stole, and his confidant, for fifteen years.

  The duke, who knew the prince consort was under the weather from a recent bout of influenza, tried his best to downplay the situation. “On November ninth your son will be a man of twenty. This is likely his way of celebrating his rite of passage.”

  “The queen is beside herself that Bertie is consorting with a woman of ill repute. She fears that whispers will be leaked about this shocking liaison. Scandal, above all other things, is abhorrent to Victoria.”

  “I understand it is one of the queen’s ironclad rules for Society, and she sets an impeccable example for all her people, but I doubt if your son’s youthful indiscretion will become a full-blown scandal, Your Highness.”

  “Her Majesty worries about scandal, but I have deeper concerns such as blackmail!” Albert took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow.

  Abercorn could see how agitated the prince consort was, and realized it would be impolitic to downplay the matter further. “Yes, better to be safe than sorry. If handled with discretion, I’m sure the young woman can be persuaded to return to Ireland, and none will be the wiser.”

  “We must put a stop to this sordid affair. Both the queen and I are in a panic that it could lead to pregnancy.” He ran his hand over his receding hairline. “Your son James handled the situation at the Kildare military camp. He took the blame upon himself, which was most commendable. Unfortunately, Lord Hamilton is not attending the prince in Cambridge. He’s taken his seat in Parliament, I believe.”

  “James will doubtless travel to Cambridge to celebrate the Prince of Wales’s birthday. If you wish it, Your Highness, I’m sure he would not hesitate to go up a few days early and take care of this delicate matter. As lord of the bedchamber to your son, he considers it his sacred duty to serve and protect the heir to the throne.”

  “Thank you, Abercorn. We must nip this in the bud before the whispers begin.” Prince Albert’s haggard face was set in deep lines of worry. “I shall rely on his, and your, discretion.”

  • • •

  When the session in the House ended, James Hamilton joined his uncle Lord John Russell. The grave topic of discussio
n was the American Civil War. Eleven states wanted an independent Confederacy, led by its president, Jefferson Davis.

  “Though Britain depends on American cotton for our textile industry, we cannot extend diplomatic relations to the Confederates,” John Russell declared.

  “Prime Minister Palmerston is urging a policy of neutrality. War is an internal matter and should be settled by peaceful negotiation,” James Hamilton agreed.

  Abercorn arrived and placed a hand on each man’s shoulder. “The Union wants to prevent us from recognizing the Confederacy. I agree that we must not take sides.”

  “Hello, Father, were you in the Lords today?”

  “No, I’ve just come from an audience with Prince Albert about a personal matter.”

  John Russell excused himself and joined Prime Minister Palmerston.

  James raised his eyebrows.

  “It’s the Prince of Wales. Seems he no sooner arrived in Cambridge than he sent for his Irish companion. Governor Bruce is agog over his playing house with the actress and has reported the matter to Prince Albert and Her Majesty. You know how abhorrent scandal is to the queen. She is adamant that this must not get out.”

  “If the prince has practiced discretion, gossip should have been avoided.”

  “Prince Albert is worried about blackmail, and both he and the queen are in a panic in case the young woman becomes pregnant.”

  “I’m going to Cambridge. He turns twenty this week; I will be expected at the celebration on Saturday.”

  “If I were you, I’d go tomorrow. Prince Albert is relying on you to put a stop to it before the whispers start.”

  “I’ll see what I can do. I’ll leave at first light.”

  “The prince may not listen to reason now that he’s turning twenty.”

  “I’ll handle it . . . one way or another. You may depend upon it, Father.”

  • • •

  “James, you came early.” Prince Teddy saluted Hamilton with his half-full glass of brandy. “We’ll make a week of it!”

  “Your Highness, let me be the first to wish you happy returns of the day.” James threw Charles Carrington a look of censure and received a helpless shrug of the shoulders from the prince’s attendant.

  “You’ll never guess who’s here.” The prince was beaming.

  “Don’t tell me your family arrived before me? I had no idea they would travel to Cambridge to celebrate your twentieth birthday with you, Teddy.”

  In spite of the spirits he’d imbibed, the prince sobered immediately. “My parents aren’t coming, are they?” Teddy put the glass down and stood up. “Nellie’s here!”

  “I think it best if we move Miss Clifden from your residence to a hotel. Just in case members of your family arrive for your birthday.”

  “Excellent suggestion, James. Will you take care of the arrangements?”

  “My pleasure.” He saw Carrington motion with his head and grasped the significance. “I take it the lady is occupying the east wing?”

  Teddy nodded. “Morning sun . . .”

  I wager she doesn’t see the light of day until afternoon.

  James made his way to the east wing, tapped lightly on the first door, and entered.

  Nellie, wearing a flimsy wrapper, was enjoying a full-course English breakfast. “Lord James! How lovely . . . you’ve come to celebrate His Nibs’s birthday.”

  “Hello, Nellie. I’m here to rescue you.”

  She laughed. “From what, pray?”

  “From yourself. Tell me, what would you do if Her Royal Majesty the Queen walked in and found you eating breakfast at three in the afternoon?”

  Nellie blanched and set down her knife and fork. “She’s coming?”

  Though James knew that Queen Victoria would avoid Cambridge as she would an outbreak of bubonic plague, others were not to know that.

  “Since the Prince of Wales celebrates his twentieth birthday this week, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that the royal family could descend en masse.” He paused to let her digest his words along with the sausages. Then he smiled. “If you will pack your things, I’ll take you to the Royal Cambridge Hotel and get you settled in a room.”

  Relief brought color back to her face. “Oh, thanks so much. That’s a grand solution.”

  • • •

  An hour later, James booked Nellie into the Royal Cambridge under the name of Mrs. Renfrew and carried up her two bags himself. He helped remove her cloak, offered her a chair, and sat down facing her. “Nellie, I feel we can speak plainly and there need be no subterfuge between us.”

  She nodded and looked at him with speculation.

  James took out a leather billfold from his jacket pocket.

  She threw him a coy glance, and the corners of her mouth went up. “You devil, James. My value has risen lately, but for you, ten quid.” She stood up, and twirled about for his inspection, letting him see what a bargain he was getting.

  James closed his eyes. “My dearest girl, I am not propositioning you. Let me explain the situation. In order to avert a scandal involving the Prince of Wales, you must return to Ireland.”

  “But I don’t want to return to Ireland. I want to stay in Cambridge.”

  “That is impossible, Nellie. Prince Albert is the highly esteemed chancellor of Cambridge University. If it became known that the Prince of Wales was carrying on an illicit relationship with an actress, it would cause a scandal that would harm the royal family. Naturally, you won’t be returning empty-handed. I’ll make it worth your while.”

  “It’s no secret. Everybody in Cambridge knows. Teddy isn’t ashamed to be seen with an actress.”

  “Good God! No wonder the hotel clerk gave me a knowing look. Nellie, I give you no choice. You will listen to reason. The Prince of Wales is inexperienced in the ways of Society, while you are a woman of the world. This affair is over.”

  She raised her chin. “Perhaps not.” She paused and gave him a calculating look.

  James was shrewd enough to anticipate what Nellie was up to.

  “I might be having a baby. How will you handle that, Lord James?”

  “I will simply acknowledge paternity, and give your child my name.” James reflected that it wouldn’t be the first time he’d stepped in and taken the blame for an unwanted pregnancy.

  Nellie stared at him in outrage. “What the hell would be the point of my having a baby if the world didn’t know its father was the Prince of Wales?”

  “Precisely,” James said quietly.

  The wind went out of her sails. “Then you might as well know I’m not having a baby.”

  “I think that’s a wise decision, Nellie.” His voice was kind.

  “You said you’d make it worth my while?”

  “Of course. You will be well rewarded. Five hundred pounds.” He opened his leather billfold. “A hundred pounds now, and I will deposit the rest in the Bank of Ireland, in your name, to be withdrawn upon your return to Dublin.”

  By the surprised look on her face, James knew Nellie was impressed.

  • • •

  “Going back to Ireland?” Prince Teddy’s voice was incredulous. “I don’t want Nellie to leave!” He stood up. “Where’s my coat?”

  “Your Highness, please have a seat while I explain.”

  “Carrington, get my coat.”

  Charles threw James a helpless look and brought the overcoat.

  The prince thrust his arms into the sleeves, then stood waiting for James to explain.

  “Since your father has held the exalted position of chancellor of Cambridge University for more than a dozen years, it would be like a slap in the face if you caused a royal scandal to erupt in this hallowed town.”

  Teddy nodded. “Yes, a slap in the face.”

  Christus, this is payback for him denying you a m
ilitary career. “It won’t just reflect upon Prince Albert. Your mother, the queen, is head of the Church of England, she is the Defender of the Faith, and represents the moral authority in the kingdom. You must understand that as heir to the throne you have an almost sacred responsibility. You must never be the cause of a scandal that would undermine the queen’s authority or blacken the reputation of the royal family.”

  “I promise to be discreet.”

  “You have already been totally indiscreet. Nellie says it’s no secret—that everybody in Cambridge knows of the affair.”

  “She is no longer staying in my residence. My visits to the hotel will be clandestine—after dark—no one will know of them,” Teddy insisted.

  “Your Highness, a full-blown scandal can only be avoided by ending the liaison and having Miss Clifden leave the country.” James poured the prince a small measure of brandy and handed it to him. “Your father is livid. He’s in a towering rage. Under the circumstances you have only one option. You must apologize for your indiscretion, and vow it will never happen again.”

  Teddy turned red in the face and set down the glass of brandy. “Am I to be denied all female companionship?”

  “Until this dies down, yes.”

  Teddy brightened. “Then Nellie can return?”

  “Nellie is an actress with loose morals. She is totally unsuitable. Such an affair leaves you wide open to blackmail or worse. I take full blame for this. I should never have introduced you. But having a fling at an Irish army camp is a world apart from installing a whore at your residence in this hallowed city of learning. You must see that, Your Highness.”

  “What do other men do?”

  “They make discreet arrangements with noble married ladies of their own class, whose husbands turn a blind eye. A well-bred mistress who doesn’t flaunt herself is perfectly acceptable in high-class Society.”

  Teddy looked forlorn, and James realized that the inexperienced prince would not know how to approach such a woman. Nellie Clifden had been easy, and vulgar, and fun.