A Ladys Pleasure

by Jolie Cain

  She had to leave town. She would return to Melksham. Yes, that was it. She would go home and, if by some amazing chance she was with child, she would consider it a blessing. Richard need never even know, she thought. She could swear Caro and Stephen to secrecy as to who the father was. She could pretend that she’d had an affair with another man if Richard ever asked. She would raise the child, and love it more than any child had ever been loved. Oh, she knew it would make her an outcast from society, but truthfully, she had never been much interested in the social set. Only a few close friends like Caroline and Stephen mattered to her at all. And they would support her. For the rest, she didn’t care one whit. It would cause a scandal, of course. But she could weather the storm. Yes, that is exactly what she would do.

  “I know exactly what you must do, Lily.” Caroline’s words echoed her own thoughts so closely that for a moment she didn’t even realize her friend had spoken. Then she smiled. They thought a lot alike.

  “Yes, me too. I’ve made up my mind.”

  “You must fight for him.”

  “Yes, I’ll leave…what?” She could hear the astonishment in her own voice as she finally comprehended what Caro had just said.

  Her friend turned to face her, a determined light in her eyes and a stubborn tilt to her chin. “You must fight for the man you love, Lily. For your child’s father. For the life that you can have together.”

  Lily laughed, though the sound was singularly lacking in humor. “Don’t be ridiculous, Caroline. He doesn’t want me. That’s obvious. I refuse to humiliate myself by throwing myself at a man who doesn’t want me.”

  “I don’t believe it. Not for one second. I’ve seen the way he’s been when he’s around you, the way he looks at you. He cares. Deeply. I think he’s running scared, is all. He has probably realized that his feelings are getting all tangled up in your relationship. He’s frightened. It’s a typical male reaction, Lily.” Caroline nodded as if emphasizing the accuracy of her statement. “Believe me, Stephen was much the same way. It’s an instinctive reaction in men to run when they know they’re about to be captured.”

  “That has got to be the most asinine thing you have ever said to me, Caro. And you have said some pretty insane things before. But that one takes the cake. Richard is not afraid, for goodness sakes.” She shook her head. “You’re not going to change my mind.

  I’m going home, Caro. The sooner the better. I won’t hang around and be the duke’s pathetic former lover. An object of pity for the ton.”

  Caroline frowned. “I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.”

  Lily shook her head. “What are you going on about now?”

  “You’re a coward, Lilith Elaine Morely. A yellow-bellied coward.”

  “What?” Lily drew herself up. “I am no such thing.”

  “You’re afraid to fight for your man. That’s pretty cowardly if you ask me. I always thought you were brave, Lily. But I’m beginning to see another side of you, and I have to say I am not impressed.”

  “I…I…I…” Lily was speechless. Was Caroline right? Was she giving up without a fight? Was Richard and what they had worth fighting for? What a question. Of course he was. And when had Caro become so damn smart? Maybe she was right. Lily was acting like a coward. What was it Wollstonecraft said? Ah yes… How can a rational being be ennobled by anything that is not obtained by its own exertions? Well, perhaps it was time to exert herself.

  “You must try, Lily. You will be so sorry if you don’t.”

  Still she hesitated. “I don’t know if I can. What if I try and he rejects me? I would die.”

  “Pshaw. A little embarrassment. What’s that to you? But wouldn’t you rather go down fighting than skulk off to Melksham like some beaten dog, too pathetic to even try?

  Wouldn’t you rather know for sure? If there’s even the slightest possibility…”

  Maybe… Lily thought. Maybe she should. But…“I…I wouldn’t even know how to begin to fight, Caroline. I’ve never fought for a man before. Or where to start.”

  “Luckily I do. And we’ll start where women of courage always start.” Caro’s eyes had a wicked glint. “With your wardrobe.”

  Lily started to grin.

  * * * *

  Richard waited anxiously at White’s for Stephen to join him. So far their plan was working perfectly. He’d cooled things off a bit with Lily, hoping that she would begin to miss him and realize how much she had begun to care for him. Stephen was supposed to launch the latest salvo this afternoon, and Richard couldn’t wait to find out what had happened. At last he saw his friend making his way across the room toward him. He took in Stephen’s wide grin and felt a rush of relief. Good news, then.

  After Stephen had sat down and ordered a drink from a passing waiter, Richard asked, “So, tell me. How did it go?”

  His friend chuckled. “I wish you could have seen their faces when I said you’d been in town for several days. It was priceless. They were both completely speechless, and I can tell you that is not Caroline’s usual state. I’m surprised your ears aren’t burning. I’d be willing to wager my entire estate that you are the only topic of conversation between those two right now.”

  Richard took a sip of his drink and sat back. “I just hope we haven’t gone too far with this, Stephen. Are you sure this is going to work?”

  “Absolutely. You’ve got to be willing to fight for the woman you love, Richard. You said you’d be willing to try anything.”

  He shook his head. “I know, but…I don’t want to hurt her. Or to send her haring off back to Melksham with her tail tucked between her legs thinking I’ve rejected her.”

  “Are you kidding me? Lily? Running away? Not on your life. She’s a fighter, that one. So you’d better be prepared to brace yourself. There’s no telling what she and Caro are plotting right now. Neither of those two women is likely to let this go by without any return volleys. You can bet that they’ve got something in the works.”

  “You’re sure she wasn’t hurt or anything?”

  “Positive. Although…”

  “Although what?”

  “ Well, now that I think on it, she did look a bit as if she’d been crying.”

  “Crying?” Richard rose halfway out of his seat. “I need to go and talk to her right away. I should have known this was a bad idea.”

  “No. No. Wait. I know what it must have been. I bet Caroline told her our news.

  They were probably tears of joy.”

  “News?” He sat back down. “What news?”

  The waiter chose that moment to set Stephen’s drink in front of him, and he reached out to pick it up and raise it high.

  “Congratulate me, my friend. Caro and I are expecting a happy event.”

  Richard broke into a huge grin. “Good lord. Congratulations indeed. That is excellent news.” He raised his glass and clinked his glass to Stephen’s. “Here’s to the next little Brentwood. May he or she look like their mother.”

  They both drank, and then Stephen smiled. “That’s another reason why you two need to get this settled as soon as possible. My son or daughter is going to need a playmate or two.”

  Richard laughed and shook his head. “I’ll do my damndest to accommodate you, Stephen.”

  Chapter Seven

  Lily entered the ballroom of the Marquis and Marchioness of Rumsford, her stomach in knots but determination stiffening her spine. She paused on the top step, aware that she was the focus of several sets of eyes. Her gown was, in her own personal opinion, utterly gorgeous and outrageously shocking. A pale green and silver confection, it hugged her bodice and set off her gentle curves in a way no debutante would dare risk for fear of being considered fast. The neckline was low, lower than anything Lily had ever dared wear before, and she feared with each breath that a nipple might pop right out over the tulle that lined the top edge of the gown. It was also tight, pushing her already generous breasts to a wanton display. Her hair was a glorious
cloud of dark curls, and her lips held a knowing smile she’d practiced for an hour before the mirror that afternoon. Caroline had been right. This was a battle, and she was wearing full armor for the fight she was about to wage.

  She, Stephen, and Caro proceeded on down the steps and into the crowded ballroom.

  Trying to appear inconspicuous, she surreptitiously searched the room for any sign of Richard. He had to attend tonight. She and Caroline had discussed it. This was one of the premiere balls of the season, and everyone who was anyone would be here. As they made their way through the crowd and came to a fairly empty spot, Stephen was hailed by an acquaintance. They halted to speak to the gentleman and his wife, and it wasn’t long before they were surrounded by a large group of people, several of whom were gentlemen who wished to step into the breach left by the absence of the Duke of Carlisle.

  Lily forced herself to false gaiety, laughing and conversing with her importuning suitors as though she were enjoying herself utterly. If anyone were watching, they would never guess her inner uncertainty or nervousness. She accepted their offers to dance and to fetch her champagne until she thought that her face would freeze into a permanent smile.

  Where was Richard? If he didn’t show up tonight, this whole act would have been for naught. She exchanged a worried glance with Caroline.

  Acquiescing to yet another request for a dance, this time from a handsome cavalry officer, she and her partner joined the couples circling the dance floor. Thankfully it was a quadrille, so she didn’t have to worry about keeping up with the conversation. She was just exiting the dance floor with the officer when she turned around and met the dark eyes of the duke. She watched as his gaze traveled the length of her body in a slow, measured stare. When his eyes reached hers, they were blazing with a familiar fire. She was about to step forward and speak to him, when a woman’s arm slid through his.

  “Darling, you promised me this next dance. It’s a waltz, and you know how I love to waltz.” Lily’s gaze flew to the woman clinging so tightly to Richard’s arm. The striking blonde looked familiar, but Lily couldn’t quite place her for a moment. Then it struck her.

  Caroline had pointed her out to Lily one night at the theater. It was Ann Fortesque. One of Richard’s former mistresses. She felt as if she’d been punched in the stomach. She wanted to turn and run but forced herself to lift her chin and turn away before she had to watch Richard pull the woman into his arms and waltz her around the dance floor. The officer escorted her back to where Caroline stood, a distressed look on her face. She’d obviously seen the whole thing.

  “Gentlemen,” Caroline stepped forward and took Lily’s hand, “I hope you will excuse us for a few minutes?”

  Dragging Lily by the hand, she pulled her down the hall to the lady’s retiring room.

  Luckily it was empty. Caro took her by the shoulders and gave them a quick shake. “Get a hold of yourself, Lily. You’ve gone white as a ghost. You can’t let Richard see you like this.”

  She just slumped down in a nearby chair. She knew her face must be pale with shock. “I don’t know if I can go through with this, Caro. Did you see him with that woman?”

  “Oh, fudge. He’s not interested in Ann Fortesque. For heaven’s sake, he gave her the congé months ago. If he’d still wanted her, believe me, he wouldn’t have ended things.

  And you look ten times more beautiful than she ever thought about. Did you see the look on Richard’s face when he saw you? Ha! He knows his days are numbered. Just ignore any of his former lady loves that he tries to dangle in front of your face. Richard has never been one for re-tilling ground he’s already planted, if you know what I mean. He’s doing exactly what I suspected. Running scared.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Absolutely. Now pinch your cheeks and get some color in them. And go out there and fight for him, Lily. Remember the plan.”

  Lily took a deep breath and stood up. Doing as her friend said, she pinched her cheeks and bit her lips to put some color in her face. Squaring her shoulders, she went out to rejoin the battle.

  It took her a while before she spotted Richard again. This time he was with a voluptuous redhead that she didn’t recognize. She looked at Caroline who leaned over to whisper. “Lady Martha Edwards. She’s been trying to get her hooks into Richard for several months, but he’s managed to avoid her like the plague. He never did go for overblown doxies.”

  Lily smiled at Caroline’s assessment, but when she glanced back over to where Richard and the lady had stood, she spotted them slipping out the door that led to the back verandah. Right before they disappeared from sight, she saw Richard look back for a moment as if seeking someone. Then the lady spoke, and he turned back around. Her eyes narrowed. She very much suspected that he had been looking for her. Now why would he do that? What on earth was he trying to pull? Her eyes hardened. She had had it. Enough was enough. If he wanted to break with her, he could have the good manners to say it to her face. To end it this way was rude and cowardly.

  Really, if this was the way he ended all of his affairs, she was surprised any of his former lady loves would even speak to him. Then she realized that he hadn’t. It was obvious he had still been on good terms with Mrs.Fortesque. And she had never heard the first hint that he had been callous and unfeeling in any of his previous relationships. No, she was the only one he had treated so disgracefully. But why? Why would he treat her so differently? The light began to dawn. Caroline was right. She hadn’t been certain until this very moment, but now she was. The dimwitted clodpole. He was deliberately trying to make her angry. To keep her at a distance. Or to make her jealous. Could that be it?

  But why would he want to make her jealous unless…the light was beginning to dawn.

  “Will you please excuse me, Caro? There’s something I really must do.”

  Before Caroline could say anything, Lily turned and headed towards the doors through which Richard and his ladyfriend had exited.

  It took her several long minutes to locate them. When she finally spotted the couple, they were standing very close together in a dark corner, seemingly engrossed in one another. The lady’s hand was on Richard’s arm, and he was leaning close, as if they were about to kiss. When the woman leaned closer, pressing her breasts against Richard’s chest, Lily reached a breaking point.

  “That does it.” Gathering her skirts, she quickly headed for the duo, ignoring the stares and comment she was exciting, no doubt at the expression on her face and her obvious destination. As if sensing the looming disaster, Richard looked up just as Lily reached out and grabbed hold of the woman’s arm. Yanking her away from the duke, she shoved her face right up against the startled one before her.

  “Listen to me, you brazen hussy. Keep your hands off of Richard or you’ll be sorry.

  The duke is mine. Do you hear me? And if I ever see you near him again, I’ll tear every hair out of your head.”

  Shocked exclamations could be heard from those observing the confrontation, but Lily didn’t care that she was causing a scene. The woman’s face turned red, but then she drew herself up and shot her a withering glance. She sent Lily a pitying smile that infuriated her even more. “Obviously he’s not yours or he wouldn’t be out here with me.

  It’s plain who he prefers. You really should take the hint, Lady Morely. It’s time to cut your losses. You’re not wanted here. Why don’t you just scurry on back to your little country cottage and find a gentleman more your sort? You’re out of your element here.”

  Then she reached up and kissed Richard right on the mouth.

  Lily saw red. It barely even penetrated her consciousness that Richard had not responded to the kiss. Had, in fact, backed away from the lady, a look of startled alarm in his expression. All sense of propriety or decorum was lost. Lily pulled the woman around to face her again. “I’ll show you who’s not wanted.” Drawing back her arm, she slapped the woman hard across the face, her palm stinging from the impact.

  The furious lady let
out a shriek. “You crazy bitch!” She dove forward, grabbing Lily’s dress and giving a sharp tug. Lily heard the rip of fabric, but was too busy grabbing her opponent’s hair and yanking it to pay any attention. Her own hair was pulled. Dimly she heard the distant screams and cries of dismay, but she paid them no mind. She was fighting for her man, and it felt damn good. She was going to rip this man-stealing slut to pieces.

  Suddenly she was grabbed from behind and pulled, kicking and screaming off the lady. “Let me go. Let me go. I’m not finished.”

  “Good God. I’ve created a mad woman.”

  Lily recognized Richard’s voice. She stopped struggling and stared at the object of her fury.

  Mrs.Fortesque looked like she’d been dragged through a briar patch. She too was being restrained by someone. Lily realized it was Stephen just as she heard Caroline’s voice saying weakly, “When I said you should fight for your man, Lily, I was speaking more metaphorically, you know.”

  She heard Stephen say, “I’ve called for your carriage, Richard,” then she was being set down and quickly marched through the crowd, Richard’s hand on her arm in an inflexible hold. He ignored the stares and mutters of the partygoers, leading her straight to the exit and out the door without a single word. He stuffed her into the carriage that waited at the front steps before quickly following in after her. He signaled the driver to go before sitting back on the opposite seat and turning to stare out the window.

  Lily was appalled at her own behavior. The silence stretched between the two of them as the carriage made its way through the streets. Oh, my heavens. What on earth had she just done? She closed her eyes in disbelief. She knew she would be the object of gossip tomorrow. Hell, for the rest of the season. And she had probably humiliated Richard beyond redemption. He would never forgive her. And poor Caro and Stephen.