The Decadent Duke

by Virginia Henley

  Francis Russell took her hand to lead her onto the floor. “I shall simply tell the prince to bugger off.”

  “I was warned your manners were shocking.”

  He gave her a look that was close to a leer. “Do I shock you, Georgina?”

  “Not at all. I know someone with far more atrocious manners than you.”

  The duke looked offended. “Name him.”

  “John Russell.”

  She looked up and saw her father. “Here’s the Cock o’ the North come to partner his daughter in the first reel.” She took back her hand. “I’m sure you’ll excuse me, Your Grace.”

  Supper was not served until three in the morning. A knot of young gentlemen surrounded Georgina and escorted her into the supper room. Both Prince Edward and the Duke of Bedford were annoyed at the competition.

  The more Georgina Gordon teased Francis Russell and rebuffed his overtures, the more determined he became to ensnare her. Her fresh beauty was a stark contrast to his aging mistresses. To the duke, her challenge was irresistible.

  “You’re a betting man, Edward. A thousand guineas says I can tempt the little vixen into a liaison before you.”

  “You’re on, Bedford. A prince trumps a duke any night of the week. It’ll give me a chance to win back some of the money I lost to you at the races.”

  In Russell Square, the Duke of Bedford used his key to open the front door. His brother, John, who had just come downstairs, eyed his evening clothes. “Good morning. You’re just in time for breakfast.”

  “Couldn’t eat a thing. I’m stuffed to the gills.” Nevertheless he followed John into the breakfast room. “I’ll tell you one thing, the Duchess of Gordon put on a sumptuous spread. It’s no wonder the royals never miss one of her entertainments. You should have come with me. Everyone we know was there.”

  “Why would I wish to attend a coming-out ball?”

  “For the food . . . for the music . . . for the delightful company. John, you are in danger of becoming a dry old stick. These affairs are not simply to dance with the debutantes.”

  “But surely that is expected. It would be bad form to not dance with the debutante.”

  “Bad form, yes. That’s exactly why I didn’t dance with Lady Georgina. I seldom do what is expected. The saucy baggage told me I had shocking manners.”

  “The young lady could use some lessons in manners herself.”

  “I wouldn’t mind giving her a few lessons, but manners wouldn’t be on the agenda,” Francis drawled.

  “I didn’t think your taste ran to virginal debutantes.”

  “Oh come on, I warrant you wouldn’t mind having a go at her. The two of you have crossed verbal swords. You must find her attractive, and by what she said about you, you certainly piqued her interest.”

  “What did Georgina Gordon say about me?”

  “She said that she knew someone with far more atrocious manners than me. When I asked her to name him, she said, John Russell.”

  John chuckled as he recalled their first encounter, and their last.

  “There, you are capable of laughter after all. Come to the Devonshire House ball with me tomorrow night. I guarantee you’ll find plenty of things to amuse you.”

  It was two o’clock in the afternoon before all the Gordon ladies arose and gathered in the breakfast room to read the society pages of the various newspapers.

  “Listen to what the Times has to say.” Georgina licked her lips and read: “Fair and lovely as the rest of the duchess’s female offspring are undoubtedly, Lady Georgina seems to outrival them all. Her eyes with magic power endued, fired many a youthful heart and produced many a wistful glance.”

  Charlotte read from her paper: “Georgina’s fascinating form, grace of gesture, and pleasing manner quickly inspired the whole company and made them totally forgetful of the severity of the season or the cares of the world.’’

  Jane interrupted. “Never mind the weather report. What does it say about me?”

  “Here it is,” Susan said: “Mirth and plenty reigned around. The noble hostess herself, who was all attention, pleasantry, and conviviality, looked not for these ten years past more engaging or more youthful.’’

  Pleased as Punch, Jane remarked, “The Times can always be counted upon to print the gospel truth.”

  “There’s more about me. They describe how I opened the ball with Lord Henry Petty and mention the lively tunes played by Neil Gow, who was brought especially from Scotland. “The Marquis of Buckingham officiated, and where he presides hilarity and good humor are diffused on every countenance.’’

  Charlotte added: “The ladies eager to resume the mazey dance soon summoned the gentlemen from the supper room. After two or three country dances, Scotch reels commenced, which did not finish till six in the morning, when each with seeming regret separated from a society in which all were delighted.’’

  “Such a triumph!” Jane declared. Her ecstasy lasted only a moment. “Was there no mention of the Prince of Wales and Prince Edward attending?”

  Susan picked up another society page and scanned it quickly.

  “Yes, it’s all here. They go on to remark that it was a stylish occasion and mention all the ladies’ dresses and hair ornaments.”

  “Read the last bit,” Georgy insisted.

  Susan continued: “The incomparable Lady Georgina outshone all the other debutantes.’’

  “Lud, there’ll be no living with the little cockroach,” Charlotte declared.

  “Incomparable little cockroach, if you please!”

  Jane’s brows drew together in a frown. “Georgina, I did not see the Duke of Bedford partner you. I am sure you could have enticed His Grace to dance, if you’d encouraged him with your irresistible charm.”

  “I did my utmost to discourage him.”

  “I beg your pardon, Georgina? I sincerely hope that was a facetious remark. Surely I do not need to remind you that the Duke of Bedford is the most eligible bachelor in the realm?”

  “Francis Russell is not interested in marriage,” Louisa said with a toss of her auburn curls.

  “Not many dukes are,” their mother pointed out. “Because you failed to snare the prize is no reason to discourage your sister. Georgina, it is up to you to ply your feminine wiles and engage his attention. That is the first step. Once you pique his interest, I will do my utmost to encourage and promote a relationship.”

  Georgina shot a look of alarm at Charlotte.

  “She was in great demand by all the gentlemen last night. Surely it is far too early to set her sights on just one.”

  “Dukes are few and far between, Charlotte, especially unwed dukes with vast wealth and property. We cannot allow this one to slip through our fingers. We must all make a concerted effort on Georgina’s behalf. Each of you must plan an entertainment in the coming weeks and make sure Francis Russell receives an invitation. We will coordinate our strategy.”

  “Mother, you make it sound like a military campaign,” Georgina protested.

  “And so it is,” Jane assured her. “You must engage the enemy; then, en masse, we will overcome his defenses, and when he is most vulnerable, you deliver the coup de grace.”

  Georgina licked lips gone suddenly dry. “And what is the finishing blow?”

  “You seduce him, of course.” The duchess gathered up the newspapers so she could read them again. “Georgina, what are you planning to wear tomorrow night to the Devonshires’ ball?”

  “I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath from my own ball.”

  Charlotte commiserated. “Poor Georgy. From now on you’ll be plunged into a continual and frenzied social swirl of entertainments. Thank God I’m only expected to put in a token appearance at Devonshire House. Then we are off to Goodwood so the children can spend time with their other grandparents.”

  “Goodwood House will make a spectacular setting for your ball, Charlotte. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond’s opulent mansion filled with priceless treasures is just the sort
of place to impress the Duke of Bedford. I’m sure Her Grace of Richmond will do her part to launch our incomparable Georgina.”

  “Well, enjoy yourself at Devonshire House, Georgy. We are off home to Kimbolton as soon as I’m packed. I miss the children,” Susan admitted.

  “Kimbolton Castle is the perfect setting for entertaining. With all those bedchambers, it is a simple matter to accommodate weekend guests. I am counting on you, Susan,” Jane admonished.

  “Get lots of rest, Georgy,” Susan advised. “Whenever you accept an invitation, you won’t see your bed before six in the morning.”

  Chapter 11

  John Russell opened the note that a parliamentary page handed him and read: I would greatly appreciate a word in private. It was signed with the initial P, and John knew it was from William Pitt. At the afternoon recess, he made his way to the prime minister’s private chamber.

  William Pitt shook his hand. “Thank you for coming, Russell. Please have a seat. Though we are on opposite sides of the floor, at the moment we have common interests.”

  John nodded. “The union of Great Britain and Ireland.”

  “I want to propose an Act of Union. If you can work behind the scenes and guarantee me a dozen Whig votes, I believe we can get it passed in the House of Commons. Once we have a union, Catholic emancipation will quickly follow.”

  “What about the king’s objection?”

  Pitt steepled his fingers. “That is a delicate matter, and one I would not discuss with any other Whig. Can I trust your integrity? Will you work for the common good, rather than cry for a regency that would bring down the House?”

  “I pledge you my word.”

  “I have been in King George’s company on several occasions recently and have come to realize he is no longer capable of a detailed interference in politics.”

  “Simply put, you will not mention emancipation to him.”

  “Exactly.”

  “The Act of Union will have to be passed by the parliaments of both countries,” John cautioned.

  “Chief Irish secretary, Lord Castlereagh, assures me their parliament will agree to the union if, once it is passed, we promise to allow Catholics to become members of parliament, and if we remove the duties on Irish goods sold in England.”

  You will achieve it through the age-old Tory method of patronage and bribery, which are against my principles. Still, I am quite willing to hold my nose to achieve Catholic emancipation. “I will get you your Whig votes, Mr. Prime Minister.”

  Pitt rubbed his nose. “Your brother Bedford is an intimate friend of the Prince of Wales and Charles James Fox, is he not?”

  “Point taken, sir. I will keep to myself what you have told me in strictest confidence about the king.”

  Pitt rose and shook John Russell’s hand. “My deepest thanks, Lord Tavistock.”

  On his way home to Russell Square, John decided his good friend Holland would be the first Whig member he would approach. For some reason Henry hasn’t been in the House for the past two days. I’ll visit him at home tonight.

  Francis greeted him when he arrived. “Hello, John. I hope the rain holds off. Are you sure I cannot persuade you to come to the Devonshires’ ball tonight?”

  “No, I’m off to Kensington to see Henry tonight.”

  “The Hollands won’t be home, John. They’ll be at Devonshire House, along with everyone else we know.”

  “Do you think so?” John asked skeptically.

  “I know so. They were at the Gordons’ ball until six in the morning. Lady Holland certainly won’t pass up an invitation to Devonshire House.”

  “That explains why Henry wasn’t in the House for the past two days. Francis, I’ve changed my mind. I will attend the ball.”

  It was after ten o’clock when the Russells’ carriage arrived at the gates of Devonshire House. Empty conveyances filled the courtyard and were lined up on the long driveway, so John suggested that their driver take the carriage home.

  A battery of footmen stood in the entrance hall, waiting to take the guests’ cloaks. John tried not to stare at their scarlet and sepia livery. Francis wasn’t exaggerating when he said I’d find plenty of things to amuse me.

  “Loo!” The Duchess of Devonshire swept forward to embrace Francis. “Your presence guarantees that my daughter’s coming-out ball will be a triumph.”

  “Your Grace, I took the liberty of bringing my brother, John.”

  “Lord Tavistock, you do us great honor.”

  John kissed her outstretched hand, and with iron determination kept his glance from straying to her towering wig, adorned with pink ostrich feathers. “The honor is mine, Your Grace.”

  She turned her attention back to Francis, tucked her arm beneath his, escorted him to the ballroom, and led him straight to her daughter.

  John followed them to the ballroom entrance, spied his friend Lord Holland, and made good his escape.

  “Henry, you’re just the man I want to see.”

  “John, I’m glad to see you here. Beth will be delighted. She’s off dancing with Richard Sheridan. Let’s go and have a drink. There are three rooms set up with refreshments.”

  Over a glass of burgundy, John turned the conversation to politics. “Pitt is going to propose an Act of Union, and put it on the floor of the House for a vote. If you and I and a few more Whigs vote in favor, it will pass.”

  “You can count on my vote, John. What about Lennox? He’s here tonight. Well, speak of the devil, here comes Charles now.”

  “Join us in a glass of wine,” John invited, “while I shamelessly solicit your vote.”

  “You caught me just in time. Charlotte longs for her bed. We put in a token appearance only to repay a social obligation.”

  John explained to Charles that his vote was needed to pass the Act of Union.

  Lennox was more than happy to oblige. “We are on our way to Goodwood tomorrow, so let me know when the vote is to take place, and I’ll be there.”

  Georgina bade her sister good night.

  Charlotte whispered in her ear, “Your beauty is so vivid tonight, you put the other debutantes in the shade.”

  As Charlotte and Lennox departed, the Duchess of Gordon turned her attention to her youngest daughter. “The Duke of Bedford is here, though our hostess has shamelessly monopolized him since the moment he arrived.”

  “I didn’t notice. I was dancing the cotillion with Prince Edward.” And had a devil of a time with his wandering hands.

  “Royal princes cannot offer marriage—dukes can,” her mother pointed out. “You are naturally flirtatious, Georgina. When Bedford addresses you, I’m sure you can entice him to dance.”

  “I will do my best.” Mother will never stop nagging me until I dance with the arrogant duke, so I’d best get it over with.

  Georgina saw her friend Dorothy and joined her. “You are in great demand tonight. You haven’t missed a dance.”

  “Your brother partnered me. He’s so handsome!”

  Georgina spied Francis Russell heading straight for her. She took a deep breath and smiled.

  The Duke of Bedford ignored her completely. “Lady Dorothy.” He gave an elegant bow. “Would you do me the honor of allowing me to partner you in this dance?”

  Lady Dorothy giggled and allowed him to take her hand.

  Georgina was amused. He is paying me back for the deliberate snubs I have given him. She saw her friends Beth and Henry Holland and walked toward them. Before she reached them, a gentleman garbed in elegant black joined them. She blinked in disbelief as she recognized John Russell.

  Lady Holland suddenly became all aflutter. “John, my dear, how delightful to see you here.”

  Russell raised her fingers to his lips. “Beth, you look lovely tonight, as you always do.”

  She slapped his sleeve with her fan. “Flatterer.”

  Good God, Beth is acting kittenish. She actually finds the dark devil attractive.

  Russell’s glance moved politely to Georgin
a, and to her utter dismay, she felt herself blushing as usual. Damn you to hellfire; you always have this disquieting effect on me.

  Beth said prettily, “Allow me to introduce my friend Lady Georgina. She has just made her debut.”

  John’s eyes met Georgina’s. “The lady and I are acquainted.”

  “Oh, how silly of me,” Beth said, laughing.

  Without taking his eyes from Georgina’s, he said, “May I partner you in the next dance, my lady?V

  “Thank you, John,” Beth replied. “I would love it!V

  Georgina knew he had meant her. He gave her a rueful smile of apology. We just communicated without words. We read each other’s minds. His smile left her feeling strangely breathless.

  Lord Holland said happily, “That leaves me to partner the most beautiful debutante of the Season. I’ve been waiting all night.”

  When the floor cleared and a contradance was announced, Henry said regretfully, “Just my luck.”

  “Sorry, Henry. It’s too bad there won’t be any reels tonight.”

  The gentlemen led the ladies out and the couples formed two lines facing each other. In a contradance, everyone changed partners. Before it was over, each man would partner every lady.

  When Georgina realized that her next partner would be John Russell, she experienced a small ripple of panic. As they stepped toward each other and he took her hands, she blurted, “Is your wife here tonight?” Then she blushed again. Damnation! The arrogant devil will think I have a tendre for him.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Because once again my curiosity outweighs my good manners. I’d like to know what she looks like.”

  “My wife looks like an angel.”

  His tone had finality about it, warning her that he did not wish to discuss his wife with her. He placed his hand on her waist to swing her around, and she imagined she felt the heat of it seep through the delicate material of her gown. She flushed again, and shivered. His dark eyes saw and her blush deepened.

  Georgina felt weak with relief when he moved down the line to the next lady. She saw that her new partner was the Earl of Lauderdale, and it gave her a chance to recover her composure.