Lord Rakehell

by Virginia Henley

  James gave Alix an encouraging smile. “Do you prefer a palfrey, or a hunter, Your Highness?”

  “I don’t need a horse with an easy gait, my lord. I prefer a mare with a little spirit.”

  “Brava . . . you and Lady Anne will get along famously.” He nodded his head in Anne’s direction. She had taken the lead and was walking past the stalls to select a mount for herself.

  “I think I’ll take the gray,” Alix decided. She colored slightly. “I’m used to a regular saddle, if that’s permissible.”

  Anne overheard her. “Whatever you decide is permissible, Your Highness. I’ll take the black hunter with a regular saddle.” She led the black from its stall and handed it over to a groom. “I believe the queen’s ladies will expect sidesaddles,” she confided.

  Out of consideration for the ladies, James chose a gelding. He helped the princess into the saddle and before he mounted, he caught his breath as Anne approached him.

  “Alix has a slight hearing problem,” she confided in a murmur, then led her black from the stables, mounted, and fell in behind the princess and James.

  I should have known Anne’s thoughts were not focused on me.

  Two grooms joined the party and Anne indicated that they should attend the queen’s ladies, who were primly perched upon their sidesaddles.

  Alix turned her head toward James. “Are you up to a full-out gallop?”

  He laughed. “Be my guest.”

  The Princess of Wales took off at a gallop and James stayed close beside her. They crossed an open field filled with buttercups, and when they came to a small stream, she didn’t hesitate but rode straight through it.

  Anne kept pace with the pair before her, but they left the two ladies and their grooms far behind. When the home farm came into view, they drew rein and slowed to a trot.

  Alix beckoned Anne. “Ride beside me while we explore this amazing farm. James tells me it provides everything that Osborne House needs.” She laughed at the hens and geese clucking and honking as the horses approached. “The farm reminds me of my childhood. I love the animals and the smells.”

  Anne pointed out some newly born lambs who seemed to be skipping among the ewes. It made her think of the lambing at Gopsall Hall, and her father.

  James saw the look of delight on Anne’s face suddenly vanish and an anguished expression take its place. Her thoughts steal her happiness.

  They were served lunch in the farm kitchen and Anne was delighted that the princess enjoyed every mouthful of the plain fare. The queen’s ladies, however, looked completely out of place in the rustic setting.

  After the tour of the farm, James led the way to the Solent. “This is a private beach. The water is never really cold. It’s warmed by a gulf stream.”

  “We can come and swim one afternoon, if you like,” Anne offered.

  “That would be lovely. The sea in Denmark is far too cold for swimming. Whatever is that?” Alix pointed to a huge canvas box on wheels.

  “Ah, that is Her Majesty’s bathing machine,” James said.

  Anne explained further. “It allows a lady to go into the water without being seen. It gives the queen complete privacy from prying eyes.”

  Both young women, picturing Victoria working the ridiculous contraption, went off into peals of laughter.

  The corners of James’s mouth lifted as he joined in their amusement. He was relieved to see Anne laugh. But it was short-lived, and in repose she looked sad.

  From the beach they rode east on the property where a miniature fort complete with barracks had been built in a previous century. “I warrant the fort was built as protection from wicked European invaders, yet here I am.” Alix laughed in jest, and both Anne and James realized that the Princess of Wales had a sense of humor that surfaced when she felt safe.

  In the late afternoon they visited the Swiss cottage that sat in a meadow of beautiful wildflowers where red squirrels scampered. Instead of tea, they were served hot Swiss chocolate and buttery hamantaschen pastries.

  That night at dinner, Teddy described everything he’d bagged at the hunt in great detail. Dessert was being served before it occurred to him to ask his bride if she had enjoyed her day.

  “I had a lovely day, thank you, Edward. We visited the home farm where everything for Osborne House is grown. The greenhouse even produced these delicious strawberries we are eating for dessert.”

  Prince Teddy frowned. “I hate the farm. When I was a boy, my parents insisted I grow a vegetable patch. Father inspected it regularly and always found fault.”

  • • •

  Once again it was midnight before Anne bade the princess good night at the door to the master bedchamber. Though the day had been filled with activity from dawn till dusk, Anne knew that she would once again take a walk through the garden to the summerhouse. The solitude had brought her a measure of peace the previous night, so that she had been able to sleep.

  Tonight she slipped on a velvet cloak over her dinner dress, and went down to the garden. As she passed the formal beds on her way to the summerhouse, she breathed in the heady scents of hyacinth and iris, and when she passed the pond, the unusual fragrance of marsh orchids stole to her. Early-blooming lilac bushes surrounded the summerhouse and their perfume filled the night air.

  The moon looks as if it’s sailing across the sky, but of course it’s the clouds that are moving. Inside, moonlight shone through the white latticed walls making patterns across the wooden floor. Anne sat down and she was again consumed with thoughts of her mother’s shameful affair. She and her mother had always been exceptionally close, more like bosom friends than mother and daughter, and she wanted to exonerate her of wickedness. But she knew that such a ménage à trois was decadent, so she laid the blame squarely at the feet of the men.

  When I get back to London, I shall confront Leicester and ask him outright if I am his daughter. Now that her decision was made, she decided to push it to the back of her mind. She wouldn’t think about her next step—that would depend upon his answer.

  Anne looked up at the call of a nightjar, and a paper tucked into the lattice caught her eye. She stood up and took down the folded note. I know something is troubling you. It was signed with the initial J. Though there was nothing to indicate that it was intended for her, she knew that it was. James must have seen me come here last night. He knows that I have been worrying. Thank God he doesn’t know what it is. A wave of comfort washed over her. He cares about me. It isn’t because he’s on the prowl. Anne’s mouth curved. Well, if I’m honest, he likely is on the prowl, but at the same time he does care about me.

  She tucked the note into her bodice between her breasts. Next to my heart. The thought banished the darklings and lingered until she undressed and slipped the note under her pillow. When her dream began, James was in bed with her, holding her fast.

  Chapter Sixteen

  T he following morning, the Prince of Wales was off on a shoot. The estate had an abundance of pheasant, red-legged partridge, and wood pigeons. This time he insisted that James join the hunting party.

  The ladies, left to their own devices, had no trouble finding enjoyable diversions.

  “My mother taught me how to drive a carriage. Every week she takes a drive through Hyde Park. Let’s ask the grooms to harness one of the carriage horses to a phaeton and we can take a ride,” Anne suggested.

  Alix’s eyes lit up. “That sounds wonderful. I’ve driven a donkey cart—do you think you could teach me to drive a carriage?”

  “Absolutely. It takes a bit of courage. My mother is fearless and I suppose I take after her. I believe that if you have the desire to do something, that’s more than half the battle.” To be polite, Anne asked the queen’s ladies if they would care to join them, but was delighted when they declined.

  Alix smiled and murmured, “We are free as larks for the rest of the day. I’m very
relieved that Edward doesn’t insist that I hunt.”

  “Yes, the prince has a passion for it and will likely hunt every day he is here. Lord Hamilton was coerced into joining him today, though he doesn’t enjoy the sport.”

  “That’s unusual. Gentlemen are usually avid hunters.”

  “The Hamiltons have an estate in Ireland, where hunting is frowned upon.”

  “Have you known James for a long time?” Alix inquired.

  “Yes. Our families are friends and we live fairly close, although James no longer lives with his family. His sister Frances is my dear friend, and his younger brother John Claud has often partnered me at balls, and has accompanied me on rides in the park.”

  “John Claud is courting you?”

  “Well, I cannot deny that he is very attentive, and makes no bones about how he feels about me, but I prefer that we remain good friends.”

  The groom led the horse and phaeton from the carriage shed and when the two ladies climbed up, he handed the reins to Anne. “I should accompany you, Your Highness. I’m sure Her Gracious Majesty would not approve of ladies driving alone.”

  Anne raised her chin. “I would be offended if you weren’t so ridiculous. I drive a carriage in London, I’ll have you know, so this is a doddle.”

  As Anne slapped the reins and the horse trotted forward, Alix giggled. “What is a doddle? I never heard that word before.”

  Anne grinned. “It’s English slang. It means easy—like a baby’s game.”

  “As well as teaching me how to drive, you can teach me English slang!”

  “Done! Let’s see, a man is a bloke, a horse is a nag, and a policeman is a copper.”

  Alix nodded. “That bloke was acting like a copper when he said ladies shouldn’t drive nags alone.” Both girls went off in peals of laughter.

  Before the day was over, Alix was handling the reins with great confidence. Anne was both surprised and pleased to learn that the princess enjoyed speed and threw caution to the wind when she made turns.

  “When we return to London, I shall ask for my own carriage and we will drive in this Hyde Park you speak about,” Alix declared.

  Anne grinned. “I’ll borrow my mother’s carriage and we’ll have a race.”

  Alix laughed. “We’ll have to watch out for the coppers!”

  Anne assumed a haughty expression. “They wouldn’t dare arrest the Princess of Wales. You will become the toast of London!”

  • • •

  When Anne bade Alix good night, she was glad to see that the princess no longer had a look of dread on her face. She doesn’t look exactly eager, more resigned than anything. It’s so sad that it isn’t a love match. Anne immediately thought of her own parents’ marriage and subdued a shudder. I’ll never marry without love, she vowed.

  The moment Anne entered her bedchamber, she knew she would once again walk to the summerhouse before she returned to sleep. As she reached for her cloak, she wondered if there would be another note for her, and her pulse began to race.

  Tonight there was more cloud and the moon was only visible for fleeting moments.

  The fragrance of the night-blooming stocks was heady, and she took deep breaths, savoring the scent.

  When she entered the summerhouse, her glance went to the spot on the lattice where she had found the note. Though there was hardly any light, she was disappointed to see there was no folded paper tucked there.

  “Don’t be alarmed.”

  Anne didn’t jump when she heard his voice. She was thrilled that he had been awaiting her. “You never alarm me, James.” You have a beautiful voice, like dark velvet.

  “You took the note I left for you. Will you share with me what is troubling you?”

  “It’s a personal family matter. It’s nothing you can help me with, truly.” Anne realized he wouldn’t be satisfied unless she gave him something more concrete. “My brother Montagu is off to the army any day now and it won’t be the same at home.”

  “But you’ll be at Marlborough House most of the week. I sense there is something more that is troubling you.”

  Her mind searched for something plausible. “Well, if I’m being truthful, I have been concerned about Princess Alexandra. It’s such a daunting, complex role she must fulfill as the Princess of Wales, Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law, and Edward’s bride. I’ve advised her about the first two, but I’m at a loss about the third.”

  “Has she confided in you about her husband?”

  Anne shook her head. “No. But I sense she’s not an eager bride.”

  “The princess is young and innocent, and her bridegroom rather callow in spite of the fact that he’s a royal prince.”

  “Has Teddy said anything to you about Alix?”

  “I would never divulge the things he says to me in private, but I do try to advise him and make suggestions that I hope will ease their path and solve some of their difficulties.”

  “It’s sad that they are not in love with each other.”

  “They may never fall in love,” he warned gently.

  “Marriage without love would be intolerable.”

  “Not many marriages are love matches, yet many are successful.”

  “Well, I hope they make a success of it, in spite of the fact that it was arranged. She could hardly turn down a marriage proposal from the British Prince of Wales.”

  “How about you, Anne? Have you turned down any marriage proposals?”

  “Oh, dozens,” she said lightly. “Most of them from your brother John Claud. Though it doesn’t discourage him in the least.”

  “Are you serious?” James asked quietly.

  “Nothing discourages him. He has informed me he will ask me again, when he wins the seat for Londonderry.”

  “I meant were you serious about turning him down?”

  “Absolutely serious. I warned him he was in for a rude awakening.”

  “You have no intention of becoming his wife?” James asked carefully.

  “I won’t marry without love. I’m deeply fond of John Claud, but there is no . . .” She hesitated, searching for the right word.

  “Desire,” he finished the sentence for her.

  Moonlight suddenly illuminated his face.

  Anne caught her breath at its intensity.

  James stepped closer and lifted a tendril of her red-gold hair. “There is desire between us . . . at least on my part,” he murmured.

  Anne shuddered. His closeness was so compelling, she felt mesmerized.

  He ached to take her into his arms, yet hesitated. His reputation as a rakehell was legendary, and he didn’t want Anne to think this was merely a passing flirtation. James stepped back. He took her hand and lifted her fingers to his lips. “If there is anything I can do for you or Princess Alix that would make your stay more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He bowed his dark head. “I am your devoted servant, Lady Anne.”

  • • •

  Each day took on a pattern. A duck hunt or game shoot was arranged by Prince Teddy. The men returned at dusk, and after dinner stayed in the billiard room until midnight.

  In the mornings, Anne designed dresses, gowns, and riding outfits for the princess, which would be made when they returned to London. And in the afternoon they either rode or drove in the phaeton about the estate, and even ventured farther about the island.

  Anne did not again visit the summerhouse late at night. That would look like she was throwing herself at James Hamilton. She did look forward to seeing him at dinner each evening, and thoroughly enjoyed the intimate glances he bestowed upon her.

  After only one week, James knew that Teddy was becoming bored with the “honeymoon.” While shooting billiard balls into pockets for small wagers, the prince spoke longingly of the entertainments he would host when he returned to London. The racing season was a
bout to open and James knew Teddy would become a fixture at every racecourse within fifty miles of London.

  “Why don’t we make up a party and go into Cowes?” James suggested. “The weekends bring out the yachting crowd, and there will be lots of amateur enthusiasts as well as professional racers practicing for the Cowes Week Regatta.”

  “Splendid idea, James.” The prince glanced round the table and beamed. “The ladies will enjoy it too. It’ll give me a chance to show off the Princess of Wales to the crowds.”

  The following day, Saturday, three carriages transported the royal party into Cowes. Alix, garbed in a summery white dress and a straw leghorn to protect her from the sun, strolled about on the prince’s arm, smiling and waving at the cheering crowds who had gathered to watch the yachts tacking about on the Solent.

  James gallantly offered his arm to Anne and they sauntered along the promenade following the royal couple. When the two couples stopped to watch an impromptu race, it was left to James to answer Alix’s questions.

  “A spinnaker is the colorful round sail hoisted at the front of a yacht when it’s running downwind. The Solent is a tricky course because of its double tides.”

  “I’d like to learn how to sail,” Anne remarked. “With a good wind it would be exciting.”

  “The danger makes it exciting. If you’re serious, I’ll teach you,” James offered.

  Anne’s pulse began to flutter. “Lord Hamilton’s father, the Duke of Abercorn, keeps a yacht to take the family to their ancestral home in Ireland. Here at Cowes in August they hold a racing regatta known as Cowes Week.”

  “I have an idea.” James looked at Teddy. “Why don’t we make plans to return in August for Cowes Week? The crowds make merry with parties, and wagers, and there are marquees overflowing with food and drink. The public houses stay open all hours, and each night ends with a fireworks display. You could offer a ‘Prince’s Cup’ to the winner of the yacht race. I believe it was your predecessor the Prince of Wales who started the racing regatta back in 1826.”