Lord Rakehell

by Virginia Henley

  “Whatever shall I say to Nellie? How can I make her understand?”

  “I have already explained the situation to her and she understands perfectly. Nellie has been well paid for her services. I feel confident she won’t cause any trouble for you or the royal family.”

  The Prince of Wales sat down. “I was thoroughly looking forward to a celebration party on my birthday with my good friends. Not that I have many.” His spirits were deflated, his face morose.

  “A celebration party in Cambridge is out of the question,” James declared. “But there’s nothing to stop us from having a birthday bash somewhere out of town.”

  The prince brightened. “Where do you suggest?”

  Suddenly, James’s face lit up. “Why, Newmarket of course. It’s less than ten miles away. Carrington and I both have carriages. We can do the rounds. Our first stop can be the White Hart Country Inn, only four miles from here. Then there’s the Golden Boar, the Black Horse Inn, and the Olde Bull near Newmarket.”

  “The Rowley Mile Grandstand has special events nights that include an evening horse meet, followed by a musical concert,” Carrington added.

  “Next day, we could visit the training yards, and even take a look at Tattersall’s sales ring. I can’t think of a better gift than a new horse for your birthday.”

  “By Jove, that sounds just the ticket!” Teddy exclaimed with delight.

  Chapter Five

  I n Grosvenor Square, Lady Anne sorted through the post on the entrance hall table, saw an envelope addressed to her from Curzon House, South Audley Street, Mayfair, and went in search of her mother.

  “Here’s an invitation from my sister Adelaide. The Earl and Countess of Westmorland are hosting a formal dinner on Thursday night; then next day the guests will be transported to Apethorpe Hall for the weekend.”

  “It’s an annual party,” her mother explained.

  “Yes, but I’ve never been invited before,” Anne pointed out.

  “It coincides with Newmarket’s last racehorse meet for the year. Henry Fane usually has one of his horses entered.”

  “How very fortunate for Henry that Apethorpe Hall is conveniently close to Newmarket. If you have no objection, Mother, I would love to accept this invitation.”

  “I’m sure your father would be delighted if you spent the weekend with your sister. Just don’t ask me to join you, darling.”

  Anne laughed and kissed her mother’s cheek. “I won’t. Thankfully I don’t need you to chaperone me at my sister’s entertainments.”

  “Apethorpe Hall is exceedingly grand. Both Queen Elizabeth the First and her successor King James were often entertained there. You had best pack your most elegant outfits. I shall lend you one of my furs for the races.”

  “Oh, lovely. I shall accept this invitation immediately.”

  • • •

  “James, old man, how can I ever thank you?” Prince Teddy stood back to admire the huge bay gelding that his friend had bought for him at Tattersall’s.

  James had chosen the horse because it was almost identical to the one that the Prince of Wales had ridden at the army camp in Ireland.

  The trio of males had quaffed and smoked their way to Newmarket the previous day, and James marveled at Teddy’s capacity for brandy and cigars. He had begun to realize that his royal friend had a large appetite for all things, if the two plump barmaids he’d slept between at the Olde Bull were any indication. James was immensely thankful that the pair hadn’t the faintest notion that the young bull was His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. And though Teddy had told the ladies he would be back for more tonight, James thought it best that they move on to the Cadogan Hotel in Newmarket.

  “I’ve arranged for Tattersall’s to stable him until we return to Cambridge.”

  “You think of everything, James. I can’t wait for the afternoon races.”

  James couldn’t wait either. After the close proximity of Teddy’s cigars he felt like a smoked kipper, and was looking forward to an afternoon in the fresh air of Suffolk.

  Two hours later, while Teddy and Charles Carrington were watching the first race, James was at the betting window placing wagers. He nodded to Henry Fane and wondered if he was running one of his horses in the thousand-guinea race. James placed a bet for the prince and one for himself, then turned from the window in time to see Fane hand a ticket to his female companion. She was a stunning beauty with a profusion of red-gold curls, and she was swathed in a luxurious, silver-gray fox fur. You lucky bastard, Fane. Not only is she exquisite-looking; she’s young enough to be your daughter. I wouldn’t mind a piece of that tasty morsel!

  • • •

  Anne’s heart turned over in her breast and began to beat wildly. She did not dare believe that the sinfully handsome man who had greeted her brother-in-law was Lord Hamilton. She had seen him only once, more than three years ago, but the picture she carried in her mind greatly resembled the dark male who had nodded to Fane. Anne was so excited she couldn’t breathe, couldn’t hear, couldn’t even think coherently.

  Henry Fane held out two tickets. “You can take your choice between Lord Derby’s horse Sagitta, or Lord Falmouth’s Hurricane.”

  Anne blinked and tried to focus. “Lord Derby has such ridiculously bushy gray sideburns. I’ll take Hurricane. Lord Falmouth is rather distinguished-looking.”

  Henry laughed. “The owner’s looks is the strangest criterion for choosing a winner I’ve ever heard of. Still, some people throw darts at the names of the horses. To each his own, I suppose. Let’s get back so we can watch the race.”

  “Let’s not rejoin the old-boys club, Henry. Six disapproving brothers is more than I can stomach today. Why don’t we just go down to the rail and watch the race?”

  By the time they arrived, Anne was breathless with excitement. Still she managed to pose a casual question. “Who was that dark gentleman you greeted at the betting window?”

  “That was young Hamilton. The Prince of Wales must be here this afternoon.”

  “Are you sure that was James Hamilton?” she gasped. He was even taller, darker, and more handsome than she remembered. “I know his sisters very well.”

  “Hamilton’s a young rakehell. He’s been seen in brothels all over the country, and Ireland too. Rumor has it he’s been showing the prince the ropes. Stay away from him, sweetheart.”

  Anne’s heart contracted. All her happiness drained away. It felt as if Henry had stabbed her. It cannot be true! John Claud has always insisted his brother is a rake, but I never, ever believed him. I’ve spent the last three and a half years of my life idolizing James Hamilton. Surely I haven’t been wasting my time dreaming about a man who is nothing but a libertine?

  Because she had been true to him for almost four years, Anne could not help feeling that James had betrayed her somehow. She tried to banish him from her thoughts by focusing on the horse race. She watched Sagitta pull ahead of Hurricane, but in the stretch another horse passed both of them, and won by a nose.

  It was declared that Nemisis was the official winner of the race.

  “Oh dear, neither one of our horses won. You wasted your money, Henry.”

  “Hurricane came in third. You won a small amount, I warrant.”

  “Really? I shall go immediately and cash in my ticket.”

  “I can do that for you, my dear.”

  “Not a chance, Henry. I want to wallow in the thrill of victory!”

  When she arrived at the ticket window, a line of men was before her. Suddenly, she came face-to-face with James Hamilton, who had just collected his winnings.

  The dark devil swept her with an appraising look that took her breath away.

  Hamilton tipped his hat. “You could do much better than Fane, sweetheart, unless you enjoy being an old man’s darling.”

  Anne gasped, and drew her fur close, as if it w
ould protect her. “Your reputation precedes you, Lord Rakehell.”

  “You shouldn’t believe any of the things you’ve heard about me,” he admonished solemnly. Then he winked. “Actually, they are much worse.”

  “You tempt me beyond belief.” She gave him a freezing look of contempt.

  James couldn’t hide his amusement. “Debauched as I am, perhaps I could even thaw a beautiful Ice Queen like you. Allow me to buy you a drink and I’ll show you that fire and ice are an irresistible combination.”

  Anne drew in a quivering breath. For years she had dreamed about this dark, handsome lord. She’d pined for just a glimpse of him, longed to meet him at a ball, imagined him dancing with her, and fantasized about his kisses. Now here he was before her in the flesh, with his eyes telling her he found her desirable. Refuse the insolent devil!

  She licked her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I’d love a drink.” She gave him a saucy, sideways glance. “But I warn you, it will take more than champagne to make me melt.” He hasn’t the faintest idea I am a lady. In fact, he thinks I’m Henry Fane’s mistress. Rather than repel her, the thought excited her. What fun!

  • • •

  James ushered the young beauty inside the refreshment pavilion where libations were being served, and seated her at a small table. Then he pushed his way through the men at the stand-up bar to get their drinks. When he returned with the glass of champagne and mug of ale, he was not the least surprised to see she had attracted every male eye.

  James sat down and raised his tankard. “I offer a toast to the loveliest lady attending the races today. I am the envy of every man here, and I don’t even know your name.”

  She picked up her glass and took a dainty sip. “How devastating for you.”

  His eyes crinkled with laughter at the teasing game she was playing. “You enjoy being elusive.”

  She took another sip and shook her head. “I prefer being exclusive.”

  He caressed her with his eyes. “You have no idea what you are missing.”

  She ran her finger around the rim of her glass. “Nor do you, my lord.” Her mouth curved with amusement and she whispered, “How devastating for you.”

  “If you won’t give me your name, at least tell me where you live. I’d like to send you flowers.”

  She took another sip of champagne. “I live in London.”

  James masked his frustration with a lazy smile. “Such a fashionable beauty could live nowhere else. Could you be a little more specific?”

  “And put you out of your misery?” she teased. “I’m afraid not.”

  It was a game, and though his vivid imagination conjured games he’d love to play with her, this particular game wasn’t one of them. But she was so delectable, he couldn’t take his eyes from her.

  Suddenly, he realized the Earl of Westmorland was striding toward them.

  “There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Sweetheart, I was concerned for your safety.”

  “Henry.” With a fluid movement she slid to her feet and pulled her fur about her. She kissed his cheek affectionately. “Thank you for rescuing me, but I was in the very safe hands of Lord Hamilton.” She gestured to the champagne and gave James a radiant smile. “I truly appreciate your gallantry, my lord.”

  He looked into her green eyes sparkling with mischief and knew he felt more than a passing attraction. The secretive beauty had quite taken his fancy. “It was my pleasure to be of service, mistress.” He deliberately emphasized the last word, and he knew it amused her.

  James watched her depart on Westmorland’s proprietary arm. He was confident that it wouldn’t take him long to find out the name of Henry Fane’s latest ladylove.

  • • •

  Anne was on her way to her mother’s sitting room for afternoon tea, and to share details of the exciting weekend she’d spent, when she heard her sister Emily’s voice. Anne immediately returned to her room, and sat down to sketch a new winter dress.

  Anne’s mother, however, could not escape her stepdaughter Emily’s visit.

  “I dropped in at Beaufort House this morning to visit my sister Georgiana. Since my duties to Her Majesty prevented me from accepting Adelaide’s invitation to Apethorpe Hall, I knew Georgiana would describe the weekend in detail.” Emily set her cup and saucer down with deliberation, and patted her lips primly with her linen napkin.

  Her stepmother knew Emily had a bone of contention sticking in her craw, and waited patiently for her to voice her criticism.

  “My sister told me that Anne attended without you chaperoning her, and she was actually wearing a fur coat.”

  “Your father isn’t much of a racing enthusiast, as you know. But he encouraged Anne to accept the invitation. She hardly needs a chaperone when visiting her sister.”

  “But the fur coat. At her age, surely she doesn’t own such a garment?”

  “Actually she does. It was a gift from her father,” the countess lied. “He didn’t want her to be cold at the races.”

  “That’s another thing that Georgiana told me, that I could hardly believe. The Newmarket race meet is usually attended by just the gentlemen. It gives the ladies the opportunity for a private get-together without the ever-intrusive male presence. Apparently Anne flaunted convention and swanned off to the races with Henry Fane.” Emily stood up to take her leave. “I’m telling you this for your own good, my lady. If Anne gains a fast reputation, she will ruin her chances for a good marriage.”

  “It is so comforting to know that you have your sister’s best interests at heart. Anne will be sorry to have missed your visit.”

  Five minutes after Emily departed, Anne joined her mother in her sitting room. “Thank heavens she’s gone. She always has an ulterior motive when she visits.”

  “As we Irish say, she likes to stir the shyte!”

  Anne laughed. “I love your irreverent humor, Mother.”

  “Poor Emily. I think she was feeling sorry for herself because she had to miss the weekend at Apethorpe Hall.”

  “Well, I’m certainly glad I went. I had a marvelous time.”

  “I’ve decided to let you keep the fur coat I lent you. I believe it’s going to be a cold winter, darling.”

  • • •

  House of Commons

  November 12, 1861

  William, Earl of Dalkeith, and member of Parliament for Midlothian, hailed his young brother-in-law at the end of the day’s session. “Hello, James. This American Civil War will seriously affect our cotton supplies.”

  “Yes, the price of cotton will go sky-high.”

  “You haven’t been in the House for a week. Nothing wrong, I hope?”

  “I went to Cambridge for the Prince of Wales’s birthday and we ended up in Newmarket for the last race meet of the year.”

  “Well, that sounds enjoyable, but I don’t envy you playing nursemaid to Teddy.”

  James laughed. “Sometimes it gets complicated, but nothing I can’t handle. I ran into Westmorland at the races. He had a most attractive young woman on his arm. Have you heard any rumors about a new mistress?”

  “Haven’t heard his name mentioned with any mistress, new or old. His obsession is horses. During the winter, when the racing season is over, he usually takes his seat in the Lords. Perhaps our brother-in-law Lichfield knows about his personal affairs.”

  “It’s not important. Just a matter of idle curiosity, really.”

  “I’d better remind you that your sister’s annual masked ball is coming up. You’ll be getting your invitation shortly.”

  “Thanks for the warning, William. Although I know Jane sets great store by these things.”

  “All women do, and if you want to hear the latest gossip, about Henry Fane or anyone else, a ball is the ideal place.”

  As James left Parliament, he chided himself. It’s more t
han idle curiosity. I won’t be satisfied until I find out who she is. I think I’ll drop in at St. James’s Street on my way home.

  At his sister’s house, a footman let him in and he went upstairs unannounced, where six-year-old Thomas spotted him.

  “Uncle James! Uncle James!” As he ran headlong down the hall that led from the schoolroom, his two younger brothers followed him and joined in the chant.

  James swung Thomas in the air and laughed. “I always get the same welcoming committee.” Georgie and young James, his namesake, each grabbed a leg and hung on as their favorite uncle staggered a few steps.

  “For shame, you young hooligans,” Rose, the head housekeeper, admonished. “Your fingers are still sticky from your tea. Go and wash your hands immediately. Your father will be home any minute.”

  “What’s all the racket?” James’s sister Harry emerged from the nursery carrying her baby daughter. “Oh, it’s you. I thought it was Thomas.” She turned and handed one-year-old Florence to her new nursemaid.

  “Hello, Jenny. You seem to have settled in at the madhouse.”

  Jenny smiled and bobbed him a curtsy. “Lord James.”

  When she took the baby into the nursery, James again thanked his sister for providing a place in her household for Jenny.

  “Oh, she’s a godsend. We were desperately in need of another nanny.”

  “You don’t think the boys will be too much in her condition?”

  “Good heavens, Jenny isn’t looking after the hooligans. She’s my daughter’s nursemaid. You mustn’t worry about her, James. In January, when her time comes, we’ll take very good care of her.”

  “You’re very generous, Harry.”

  “As are you.”

  “Financially perhaps, but that doesn’t compare with what you are doing.”

  “Oh, here’s Thomas. Hello, darling. Look what the cat dragged in.” As she lifted her face for her husband’s kiss, her arms slipped up about his neck.

  Harry’s face radiated love and James thought for the thousandth time that they made an ideal couple.