by Tia Siren
****
''Mary,'' Lord Melbourne whispered as she walked down the bleak corridor in the servant’s quarters.
''Lord Melbourne,'' she exclaimed. She dropped the tray she was carrying.
''Mary, get your things and come with me. You're coming back to Eaton Hall.''
Chapter 5
''All rise,'' the clerk of the court shouted
''Members of the jury,'' said Justice Fielding. ''It is my duty, in summing up the case against Ralph Bellingham, to single out the salient points of the case, which you may come to an informed and correct verdict. Let me first refresh your memories of the alleged facts of the case.
''The court has heard how, on the twenty-first of September, in the year eighteen fourteen, Ralph Bellingham is alleged to have attempted to murder The Duke of Eddington. Bellingham is alleged to have unleashed a blow, of such force, it was likely to have killed the Duke. You have also heard how the Duke has suffered since. His vision has been severely impaired, and his memory is not as it used to be.''
'The accused was apprehended after a comprehensive search by His Majesty's Constabulary. Bellingham was found, just four days after the alleged incident, not more than twenty miles away. The prosecution has presented Mr. Bellingham as a professional thug of dubious character. It is clear that Mr. Bellingham worked for the Duke for two years before the incident. The prosecution has also alleged, that during that time, Mr. Bellingham carried out several similar attacks, unbeknownst to his employer.''
Judge Fielding stopped and took a sip of water before continuing. ''As to Mr. Bellingham's character, the prosecution has painted him to be a man of low morals and a thug. The defense, however, has indicated that Mr. Bellingham was acting to defend a lady, who the Duke was treating in the most despicable manner. That is, in a sexual manner to which the lady herself had not consented. The case for the defense was centered around the Duke's treatment of Miss Mary Cumberland, a lowly servant at the Duke's residence. They have alleged that the Duke treated her appallingly over a number of months and that any right-minded man would have been driven to defend her. In fact, the defense has indicated, that it would have been a neglect of a human being's duty, not to have acted.''
Judge Fielding lowered his voice and looked over his half-moons glasses as he continued. ''Having heard both sides, it is my duty to make the jury aware of certain facts. Firstly, the Duke of Eddington. He is an aristocrat of the highest reputation. His family has served this country in various capacities for two hundred years. Anyone bringing his character into dispute has to make a cast iron case against him. The jury must decide if the defense has done so.
“Secondly, evidence. When Mr. Bellingham was apprehended, he was carrying a truncheon. A weapon, at least similar to the one with which the Duke was struck. The jury has seen the implement and confirmed that it was blood-stained.
“Thirdly, Mr. Bellingham's character versus that of the Duke. Mr. Bellingham is a man, who has worked in a variety of dubious occupations, all in the area of private policing. Members of the jury, in this case, we have a man of impeccable character, who alleges that he was assaulted by a man of lesser character. The defendant, when arrested, had a weapon about him similar to the one with which the Duke was struck.
“I ask you to retire and consider your verdict. I must add that you should give very careful consideration to this case. If convicted, the defendant faces a penalty of death by hanging. Attempted murder is a crime of the gravest nature. Attempted murder of a man of the Duke's standing, is graver still. Please retire to consider your verdict.''
Chapter 6
Castle Prison
York
20th October 1814
My dearest Charlotte,
You may be wondering why you have not heard from me recently. Especially, as we have written to each other so regularly since the incident with the Duke.
I love you, as no man could ever love a woman. Your last letter, in which you reciprocated your love for me, has made me the happiest man alive. That you are safe, and out of the way of the Duke, pleases me more than anything. It was my intention to join you, once you had indicated your love for me.
Unfortunately, my dear, something has come between us. I have been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of the Duke. The trial is almost over, and I fear that it has not gone well.
My love, you should know that you occupy my thoughts at all times, and it is with the heaviest of hearts that I must say goodbye, forever.
I am sure you will go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life. That I hope, above all else.
My dearest, from the bottom of my heart, accept my sincere apologies for ever returning you to the Duke. It was an act of the utmost selfishness.
I love you. May God keep you safe.
Your Ralph
****
''Charlotte. Where have you been, I have been worried sick about you?''
''Father, I am sorry for leaving and not telling you my whereabouts. I am so afraid of the Duke that I went into hiding in London. But something terrible brings me back you. Ralph Bellingham, is in prison.''
''My dearest daughter. Mr. Bellingham has been sentenced to death at York. He will be hanged on Monday. Please don't upset yourself. We tried all we could but the prosecution had a strong case, and Mr. Bellingham did hit the Duke, whatever the circumstances.''
Charlotte pushed her handkerchief to her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
''Charlotte. So you dare to come back here?'' Lady Melbourne said as she entered the drawing room at Eaton Hall. ''We had given you up for dead.''
''I was explaining to father what happened. I am in love with Mr. Bellingham, but he has been.....'' Charlotte broke down in tears.
''That man is a scoundrel and a would-be murderer. How the poor Duke survived that vicious attack, only the Lord knows.''
''Mr. Bellingham saved me from a terrible fate that evening. The Duke deserved it. He is a despicable man, who treats women so badly it is unmentionable.''
''The Duke is a man of honor. You have brought shame on our family. The Duke has threatened us with prosecution for damages to his reputation. It could ruin us. It's all your fault. You are selfish and undeserving. You could have been a Duchess. But it seems you were happy to consign yourself to the gutter, with a murderer. I am pleased to tell you he will be hanged. And good riddance. The whole business has made me so upset. I'm going to lie down.''
Charlotte couldn't control the sobs that wracked her body as her mother left the room. Tears began to well up in her father's eyes as well.
''Charlotte. You know I love you dearly. I want to apologize to you for being such a weak father. You mother is a tyrant, and I have accepted her behavior on too many occasions. I promise you, I will be stronger for you against her in the future.''
''I don't know why you don't leave her. She is terrible towards you, and she is a spiteful mother.''
''Your mother is a wealthy woman. And although a woman's wealth becomes her husbands at the time of marriage, I have always respected the fact that it was her wealth that gave us this lifestyle. I will not abuse her trust.''
''Father, what am I to do? I love a man who will be hanged. I want to die with him.''
''Please, my love, do not talk like that. In time, you will come to terms with the situation and move on with your life. My dear, you are just twenty-one. You have your whole life ahead of you. You will meet someone else one day and live a happy life. I suggest you go back to London and forget about happenings here. I will write to you and come and see you when I am able. Perhaps you would like to see Mary before you go.”
''Is she here?''
''Yes, I brought her back from the Duke's. I am afraid you will find Mary a much changed young lady. She suffered some terrible abuse while she was in the employ of the Duke. I believe, that now, she is as happy as it is possible to be, under the circumstances.''
Charlotte ran to Mary and hugged her when Mary entered the room. ''I am so sorry, I le
ft you. Please forgive me. I thought Mr. Bellingham would bring you to me.''
''He would have Miss, but he was arrested. I am only thankful that your father rescued me. The Duke did some terrible things to me. I am afraid I won't be able to bear............'' Mary broke down before she could say, 'children.'
''Oh Mary,'' Charlotte said as she held her and stroked her hair. ''What has he done to you? I am so sorry for getting you involved in this mess. I will make amends, I promise.''
''You should leave, Charlotte. I don't think it's safe for you to be around here. If the Duke hears you are here, I am sure he will do something terrible.''
''Mary, look at me. I will do what is right now. For everyone's sake.''
Chapter 7
''Charlotte, what a surprise. How dare you come here after running away and leaving me for dead,'' the Duke said. Charlotte was standing in the same cold reception room she and Mary had stood in when Ralph had returned them to the Duke some months ago.
Charlotte looked at him and winced at what she was about to say. ''My Lord, I have come to you today to offer you my sincere apologies. I have made a grave mistake, and I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me. It was wrong of me to deny you my body and my soul. I have learned a valuable lesson, and I promise you, if you take me back, I will prove to be the most caring wife you could wish for.''''Take you back, do you think I am mad? You are a.....''
''My Lord, please accept my apologies for interrupting, but I would like to ask your kind permission to come closer to you. I have something I think you will like.''
''What on earth could you possibly give me that would change my opinion of you?''
Charlotte stepped towards him, looked him in the eye, and lifted her skirts. She put a hand to her drawers and lowered them. The Duke swallowed hard as he looked at her most secret part. ''This is for you, My Lord, and you alone. You can take me whenever you chose. I promise you, if you take me back as your wife, I will always be wet and ready for you. Here, feel.'' Charlotte took his hand and rubbed it over her vulva. ''All this will be yours, forever. Please consider carefully before you deny me.''
''And what should I do in return? I feel there is something you want from me. Surely, you haven't just come back to tell me you want me, without attaching conditions. Not after you have run away twice.''
''My Lord is very perceptive. I bow to your foresight. I have just two things to ask. First that you drop the charges against my parents.''
The Duke raised his hand to his face and sniffed. ''If you promise to give yourself to me as and when I command, I shall indeed drop the charges. Your parents are, after all, an insignificance. And what is your second request?''
''That you ensure the release of Mr. Bellingham.''
''Ha. Now, madam, you are overstepping the mark. That will not happen. The man is a would-be-murderer. If I weren't so strong, I would be dead now. No, that man will hang for what he has done. Of that, there can be no doubt.''
Charlotte swallowed hard and decided she had no choice but to throw herself at his absolute mercy. ''Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, my Lord. Please allow me to show you precisely what I mean.'' She felt for his manhood and traced her finger over it. When she knelt before him, he gasped. ''Relax, my Lord. Realize what can be yours.''
She snapped open the buttons and took out his penis. She wrapped her hand around it and opened her mouth. Before she could take him, however, he came over her hand.
The Duke gasped as he recovered from the most erotic moment of his life. ''I will see his sentence is commuted to life imprisonment. No less. That's my final word.''
Charlotte had no more ammunition. She knew that if the Duke wouldn't free Ralph now after she had performed oral sex on him, he would never do so. Her decision was simple. Was Ralph's life worth tying herself to the Duke forever?
''I agree, my Lord. If you arrange to have Mr. Bellingham spared, I will consent to be your wife.''
''And perform those acts you promised?''
''Yes, my Lord.''
''Then I shall arrange it. I will have a maid take you upstairs. Until the wedding, you will sleep in a room next to mine. I will go and clean myself now.''
When the Duke had closed the door, Charlotte vomited. The maid arrived and looked at the mess on the floor. She understood.
Chapter 8
St James Church was filled to capacity. The marriage of a Duke was a rare event, and the churchwardens had made sure the church looked better than it had ever done. At the alter, there were giant bouquets of white orchids. Each pew had a bunch of fresh wild flowers hanging from it, and the entrance to the church was bedecked with a thousand ribbons in the colors of the Eddington coat of arms. Guests had traveled from far afield, even as far as the colonies.
As The Duke looked behind him, he saw row upon row of well-wishers, dressed in the finest clothes money could buy. ''So this is it, no going back now,'' his best man said.
''No, she will soon be mine to do what I want with,'' he replied.
****
''We're too soon. A bride should be a little late. Please pull up here and wait for a few minutes,'' Charlotte shouted to the coachman.
''Are you sure you want to go ahead with this madness?'' her father asked. She'd asked him to give her away. At first he had refused, but once he'd realized she would not change her mind, he'd decided it would be best if he came to support her.
''Father, I have no choice. I will not see Mr. Bellingham hanged.''
''But you would condemn yourself to a life of abuse for him.''
''Let us not talk of it anymore.''
''Very well. If you would allow me, I would like to get out of the coach and smoke a cigar. It will calm my nerves.'' Lord Melbourne opened the door, got out of the coach and lit up. He walked towards the coachman and beckoned him to him.
''Sergeant, is everything ready?''
''Yes, Sir. It is.''
''Good. Remember, Sergeant, this is out last campaign. Let us remember the glorious days of our past and make this fight of good against evil our finest hour.''
''Yes, Sir. The men are ready. We await your signal, Sir.''
Lord Melbourne got back into the coach and took his daughter’s hand. ''Well, my dear, are you ready?''
''Yes, father,'' she replied reluctantly
The coach took five minutes to get to the church. Lord Melbourne got out and gave his hand to his daughter. Charlotte dismounted and was greeted by a round of applause, from some of the village women who had turned out to see her. She looked radiant. She was wearing a white bonnet and a white dress with a white mantel. In her hands was a magnificent bunch of daisies, her favorite flower.
''Take my arm, and I'll take you to your husband,'' Lord Melbourne said.
The organist saw the signal that the bride had arrived and started to play the Wedding March. The congregation stood and gazed at the beautiful bride as she passed them. When they reached the altar, Lord Melbourne gave his daughter to the Duke. When he did so, he scowled at him.
Lady Melbourne was busily wiping tears of joy from her cheeks when Lord Melbourne walked passed her. She looked nonplussed as he walked straight past her, down the aisle, and out of the church. Outside, he stood next to the door so that he could hear the service in progress. He listened intently as the vicar quoted the Book of Common Prayer and announced the first hymn.
After twenty minutes, it was time. He knew that the vicar would soon ask his daughter the question that he didn't want her to answer.
When Lord Melbourne gave the signal, they appeared. His cavalry. A bunch of old men, dressed in their moth-eaten uniforms, mounted on magnificently groomed horses. The sergeant, who had been the coachman, was now wearing his old Hussars uniform as well. In his hands were the reigns of Lord Melbourne's horse.
He handed him a silver sword. ''I thought the regimental sword may prove useful,'' he said.
''Thank you, Sergeant, very thoughtful of you.''
''Dismount, men. The sergeant wi
ll hold your horses. As we practiced, we will march into the church in formation and apprehend the scoundrel.''
Lord Melbourne heard the vicar say, ''Do you, Charlotte Emily Melbourne, take....''
''Quick, march,'' he shouted. Lord Melbourne raised his sword, and the soldiers marched into the church behind him.
As their boots crunched on the sandstone floor, the vicar looked up and stopped speaking. The congregation turned around and looked as the men marched in perfectly timed steps towards the altar. When they reached the Duke, Lord Melbourne said, ''We are arresting you. You will not marry my daughter today or on any other day. Men, seize him.''
Two burly soldiers took the Duke by the collar and held onto him while Lord Melbourne spoke to his daughter. ''Charlotte, do not ask any questions now. Everything will become apparent as time passes. I cannot allow you to ruin your life. You are to come with us.'' He then addressed the congregation.
''Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is a day, which will live long and proud in my family's history. It is the day when I finally realized how precious my daughter is. I am taking this deceitful man away from here. My men and I are going to teach him a lesson he will never forget. He will never abuse a woman again. Thank you all for your understanding.''
Next he addressed his open-mouthed wife. ''This is what all those regimental dinners were for. Practice for a day when someone needed a bunch of old Hussars to help them. I bid you farewell. You may keep the estate. It is after all, yours. My solicitor will be in touch with you regarding the divorce.''
He marched in front of his men again, back down the aisle and out of the door. ''Right men, mount your horses.'' As the men mounted, one of them slung the Duke, head first, over his horse and got into the saddle. Charlotte sat behind her father and put her arms around him.
“Let's go,'' he shouted. The nonplussed village women, who had been waiting to see Charlotte and the Duke appear as a married couple, looked on as twenty horses kicked up the dust and cantered away from the church.