Tears freely rolled down my cheeks as I held his face in my hands. “Jude Deveraux, you have made me a wanton woman with no will of my own. The devil himself could not break my resolve with his lovely words or pretty trinkets, but I find my resolutions dissolve into dust when it comes to you.” Bending to kiss him, my tears bathed his face.
Slipping the ring on my left hand, Jude placed the box back into his pocket and stood. “Come with me,” he said, pulling me behind him to the door.
Jude pulled open the door as Honore turned. “Honore, you are the first to know. There is to be a wedding. How would you like to be my best man?” Jude asked as surprise registered on Honore’s face.
“Congratulations, my friend. I would be honored to be your best man,” he said, shaking Jude’s hand. “If you will forgive me but it is our custom.” Smiling, Honore took hold of my shoulders and kissed me on both cheeks. “Congratulations, Lady Stewart.”
“Please . . . this practically makes us family, call me Angelina,” I said.
“Angelina it is then,” Honore said.
“Let us go open some champagne. Father promised to put some on ice,” Jude said enthusiastically, pulling me down the hall toward the stairs.
“How did you know I would say yes?” I asked, pulling him to a stop, narrowing my eyes at him.
“I didn’t, that is why they are only on ice and not already opened.” He kissed me as he grinned from ear to ear. “Let’s not keep them waiting any longer.”
Jude stopped halfway down the hall poking his head in a room. “You there, Mary, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir,” the young maid curtsied and bobbed her head.
“Run downstairs and tell my father, ‘she said yes.’ He will know what it means,” Jude ordered. “And be quick about it.”
“Jude, slow down, we haven’t even told my father,” I insisted, pulling on his arm. “This is moving too fast.”
“But I did ask your father Monday, and he gave his blessing. So you see it is all very proper and I wish to make the announcement before you change your mind.” He looked down at me as I hesitated. “Honore, will you excuse us a moment?”
“Certainly, my friend.” I watched Honore walk away wondering what I had gotten myself into this time. Had I been too rash? Had I answered this all important question too quickly?
“Ma amour. Bella Ange. Forgive my enthusiasm, but I wish to shout my love for you from the tallest mountain. You have made me a very happy man this day, and I wish to share the good news. Smile for I truly do love you and only you. Ma petite tresor. Come we will do this together.” His persuasive words and tender looks alleviated my fears. How could I say no?
We descended the staircase arm and arm. Philippe and Genevieve met us near the bottom landing.
“Excuse me. May I have your attention, please. My son Lord Deveraux, the Duke of Bayonne would like to make an announcement.” Philippe proclaimed loudly to his dinner guests as champagne glasses were passed around.
“After much compelling inducement liberally applied, I have convinced Lady Stewart to consent to wed. So please raise your glasses with me and toast my beautiful bride to be, Lady Stewart.”
Shortly after the toast we made our way around the room to accept the well wishes offered, I noticed that Lady Walter was nowhere to be found after our announcement.
Sarah was simply giddy with excitement and talked relentlessly about wedding preparations on the ride home. She was nearly heartbroken when I insisted that we drop her off on our way. She was however consoled by the promise to meet on Friday to further discuss wedding preparations.
Mother and Father had waited up for us and were happily surprised that I had accepted Jude’s proposal. One might have thought me an old maid of which my parents were relieved to unburden themselves.
Looking back on that night it felt like a beautiful dream I wished I would never awaken from. Like everything else, all good things eventually come to an end.
16
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 1763;
NIGHTMARES DO COME TRUE
ITH MY IMPENDING WEDDING DATE only three weeks away, I was feeling slightly on edge. To make matters worse I still had an eerie feeling that I was being watched everywhere I went. I could not shake the overwhelming sensation that seemed to follow me.
Jude promised that he would be home by the fourteenth or fifteenth of the month at the latest and I had been anxiously awaiting word from him.
Jude and Honore had left on business to “tie up loose ends” as he had put it right after our engagement was announced, but not before he proclaimed the date of our wedding would be Saturday August the fifth. Realizing that it was uncustomary to set a date so close to the engagement, Jude’s excuse was that he needed to return to Bayonne and that sea travel could be treacherous in the winter.
Sarah and I were on our way to the dress shop in London for what I hoped would be the last fitting for my wedding gown.
I had grown accustomed to the presence of bodyguards and learned each of them by name. Today Gordon, Emerson and Carlyle accompanied us to the fitting.
When we were out and about, Mr. Gordon was the superior officer and gave the orders. He was also the one to open the carriage door and send Emerson or Carlyle ahead to the shop to secure the premises.
“Thank you, Mr. Gordon,” I said genuinely to him, as Sarah and I entered the shop through the door Gordon held for us.
“My pleasure, Lady Stewart and Lady Burgess.” He gave us a gallant sweep of his hand then preceded us into the shop. “I will take my usual seat if you need me. Emerson, far wall and Carlyle, you have the door,” Mr. Gordon ordered.
“Lady Stewart, how wonderful to see you today. I have a room ready for you, and Lara will help you try on your gown,” Prudence Wheatly graciously greeted us.
“Mrs. Wheatly, you are always so prompt,” I said as Sarah and I followed her to a room.
“Good morning, Lara, how are you doing today?” Sarah asked as Lara assisted me out of my gown.
“Very well, Lady Burgess, and you, Lady Stewart, are you excited for the impending wedding?” she asked, making pleasant conversation.
“Of course, now that the preparations are nearly complete,” I said as I stepped out of my gown. “I am hoping this is the last fitting.”
“I have finished the stitching and the gown is just beautiful,” Lara assured me.
Retrieving the wedding gown from the other side of the room, she carefully carried it over to us, presenting the beautiful gown as if it were the crowned jewels. Made from cream Mantua silk with patterned Spitafields silk, the gown was magnificent. A modest square neckline, fitted three quarter sleeves with gold scroll embroidery at the elbow and around the bodice. Delicate three-inch cream lace dangled from the sleeves. The gold embroidery continued in a scalloped pattern at the edge of the skirt.
“It seems the bodice is a little tight, Lara. Is there anything you can do about that?” I mentioned as I tugged at the bodice.
“I don’t understand. The gown fit perfectly last time,” she said, completely puzzled by the fit. “I will let it out here and here, it will be fine. It will require one more fitting,” Lara indicated, pointing to a couple of spots.
“Thank you so much, Lara. What you do with a needle and thread is magical,” I gushed, slipping out of the gown.
Sarah helped me back into my gown giving me a questioning look as I turned to present my back to her.
“Have you been eating lately? Not that you look bad. It’s just that I have noticed you looking extra busty as of late,” Sarah asked as soon as Lara had left the room with my wedding gown.
“Sarah, you are simply scandalous.” Feeling somewhat indignant as my cheeks colored, I looked around to make sure no one had overheard her.
“I am just saying being in love seems to agree with you, that is all.”
“I could use some tea before we head back,” I said, changing the subject.
“I thought you would never ask,” Sarah said ent
husiastically, while walking to the door. “Shall we be off then?”
“Mr. Gordon, we are going to tea,” Sarah said, assuming control of the situation.
“Very good, Lady Burgess,” he replied, giving his men a signal.
“Lady Stewart, what a fortuitous happenstance running into you here today,” a voice said from the corner.
I turned slowly to identify the familiar voice. “Lady Walter, I did not see you standing there in the corner, how lovely to see you again,” I said, lying through my teeth.
“Might I have a private word with you, Lady Stewart?” she asked, making it sound more like a demand than a question.
“I am afraid we were just on our way out to tea,” I said, trying to avoid being alone with the detestable woman.
“This will just take a minute. I won’t bite,” she said, moving closer to me. I hesitated a moment then decided that I was curious to hear her out.
“Mr. Gordon, if you will take Sarah to the carriage, please. I will be along shortly,” I said, looking at him helplessly.
“Emerson will take Lady Burgess to the carriage, Carlyle and I will be just outside the door. I won’t hear any arguments, Lady Stewart,” Mr. Gordon added with authority when I gave him a look.
“If you think it best, Mr. Gordon. Thank you. This should only take a minute.”
I turned my attention back to Juliette Walters. “Now, Lady Walters, what is it that I may help you with?”
“I just wanted to pass on a warning to you,” she said after Mr. Gordon and Carlyle stepped outside.
“What would you need to warn me about, Madam?” I asked feeling suspicion prickle at the back of my neck.
“If you truly love Jude, you won’t marry him.” She narrowed her eyes, taking a step closer to me than necessary.
“Why in the world would you say such a thing?” confusion clouded my mind.
“Because he is mine and he will always be mine.” Acid tainted her words.
“You have lost your faculties and I don’t have to listen to this,” I said, indignation and anger rising up I turned to leave.
“I know his secret, and if you don’t walk away, I cannot be responsible for what happens to him,” Lady Walters said, sounding like a petulant child. “There are those in authority that would take considerable umbrage to Lord Deveraux’s past undertakings.” Her words stopping me where I stood as a chill ran up my spine.
“What is your true agenda, Lady Walters?” I asked turning on her. “Clearly you don’t really love him or you would never have married someone else.” The frosty words rolling off my tongue like icicles as I advanced on her. “So what is it you wish to accomplish by keeping us apart?” I screamed at her with a murderous glint in my eyes causing her to flinch in surprise.
“I married that fat old pig so that I would be in a position to better our status. And I was winning him back until you came along,” she hissed through her teeth.
“You did what you did for the advancement of no one else but yourself, Lady Walters. You had no thought of Jude in your master plan. Now that he is of higher ranking you wish to better your status once again. You are no better than a common bint,” I hissed back at her.
“I will not warn you again, Lady Angelina Stewart.” Her face turned so red with anger I thought she might strike me, even as I dared her to.
“Is everything all right, ladies?” Mrs. Wheatly asked hesitantly, as she cautiously entered the room.
“Yes, of course, Mrs. Wheatly. Lady Walters was just a bit confused. I am hoping she has it all straight in her mind now, for her sake.” Directing my words at Juliette, I turned my back to her and walked toward the door. I could feel Lady Walters’ piercing stare follow me.
Mr. Gordon saw me coming and immediately opened the door. He escorted me to the carriage giving me a hand up. “Is everything all right, Lady Stewart?” he asked, concern showing in his eyes as he turned and looked toward the shop.
“Yes, yes, everything is fine,” I reassured him as my words sounded flat to me.
He paused for a minute then looked back at the shop, then back at me before he shut the door.
“Angie, what happened?” Sarah asked, sensing something had changed.
“I have a headache, and I just need to lie down before the masked ball in the park tonight. Do you mind if we forgo tea today?” I said, trying to sound cheerful and avoid direct eye contact with Sarah. She could always tell when I was lying. I really just needed to see Jude again. He would know what to do.
“Of course I would not mind, whatever you want,” she said, patting my hands as she studied my face. “Mr. Gordon, we are not feeling up to tea today. I think we will simply go home,” Sarah informed Mr. Gordon out the carriage window.
“Your wish is our command,” Mr. Gordon said gallantly, giving the signal to the other men to head for home.
I opened the curtain and stared out the window. That familiar feeling of dread had returned, and it sat in the pit of my stomach, like a meal that won’t digest.
“Sarah, will you send word to Lara that I would be grateful if she could come around to the house with the dress when she is finished with the alterations.” My words were spoken absentmindedly as I continued to stare out the window.
“Yes, I would be happy to, Angie. Is there anything else I could do for you?” Juliette’s words were still ringing in my ears. Pulling my eyes from the window, I just stared at her for a minute. “You look really pale, Angie, are you sure you are feeling all right?
“Yes, of course, it’s just this nagging headache. I will be better once I lay down. Don’t look so worried, Sarah,” I said to her, hoping my words rang truer in her ears than they did in mine.
17
WHY DO WOMEN’S FASHIONS HAVE TO BE SO ABOMINABLY UNCOMFORTABLE?
EST AND QUIET DID LITTLE to ease the tension that was building inside of me. The feeling of impending disaster continued as I prepared for the ball.
Black and white was the theme colors of this year’s masquerade ball being held in Vauxhall Gardens. I had picked out a black-on-black brocade gown with loose fitting three quarter length sleeves and a full skirt. I had donned a white powdered wig with a black and gold mask.
“Why do women’s fashions have to be so abominably uncomfortable?” I mused as Anna tightened my corset. “Honestly you will have to leave me some room to breathe, Anna,” I complained.
“Sorry, Lady Angelina, but the top . . .” her words trailed off.
“Now that really hurts, Anna,” I said, giving her the eye. “I can’t imagine what the problem is. Just leave the top looser and don’t tighten it anymore or you will choke the very life from me.”
“Lady Angelina.” Her tone caused me to stop what I was doing.
“What is it, Anna?” Something in her voice made me turn to look at her.
“Is there any possibility that you could be with child?” Her tentative question caught me off guard as Anna fidgeted with her hands. “The only reason I question is you are late this month and your breasts have gotten larger and they seem to be tender.”
Realization dawned as I sat down in the nearest chair. Why hadn’t I seen that small little fact myself? It all made sense. Being on edge, not feeling exactly myself, of course, I was with child. What did I expect?
“Anna, you are to tell no one about this!” I said, standing up. “Let’s finish getting ready, I have a ball to attend.” Now I had another secret to keep.
I was getting worried that I had not heard from Jude but decided he had probably been delayed somewhere along his travels and that I would attend the ball with Jonathan and Sarah.
Our detail consisted of Mr. Burns, nicknamed Burney, Jones, Smithy, and Duncan. Burney was the senior member and therefore in charge.
Mother and Father decided to take a carriage with Lord and Lady Burgess, meeting up with us at the park.
Sarah was so excited about the ball she hardly noticed my pensive mood, but Jonathan did. He reached over giving my hand a
squeeze.
“Angelina, you simply look ravishing tonight. Too bad, Lord Deveraux, isn’t here,” Jonathan said without thinking.
Sarah poked him in the ribs with her elbow. “Jonathan! What a thing to say.” Sarah cried.
“Well, it is true. I think it a crime that so much beauty should be left to one man,” Jonathan protested, smoothing it all out with a compliment directed at Sarah and me. I smiled and Sarah melted.
I could almost guarantee the two of them would be getting engaged before the season was through. What a lovely pair they made. Sarah and Jonathan had both gone with white brocade trimmed in gold and truly made a stunning pair.
On arriving at the park, Burney sent Jones and Smithy ahead to secure the entrance and make sure the path was safe.
Burney opened the carriage door, assisting Sarah and me down, as Duncan ran point.
The park was well lit with torches and lanterns lining the paths. Large swaths of black and white fabrics had been hung, lending an air of jubilation and grandeur to Vauxhall Park.
A stage for dancing had been built along with an orchestra stage above it. No expense had been spared. The atmosphere was lively and the air felt magical.
People entering the park presented their invitation, and a special ribbon was tied to their wrist. Anyone found without a ribbon on their wrist would be escorted from the park.
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