“Where can I contact Greenways away from the Wynstanleys?”
“He’s free most evenings and usually frequents the King’s Head in Dover Street. I don’t ask what your interest is in the lady. If I were a betting man I’d guess she’d won the pot. I suppose you wish to read Mallinder’s file?”
“If you would permit me to see it, I no longer have any official standing.”
“Your resignation has not been recognized. My instructions are you remain active and are on indefinite leave. I was asked to dig up some dirt to compel your return. I had to trawl through all your business dealings and affairs. They were mightily miffed when I informed them there was nothing unsavoury they could use against you. I must say your file made some enthralling reading. The version I gave them was very expurgated. Sebastian, you must know you were too good for them to let you go?”
***
Sebastian’s visit to England’s chief spy-master did not go unnoticed. He knew he might be followed from Grey’s, but he was not recognised. He limped for a few streets before finding a hackney carriage and directed the driver to a small theatre. He entered by the stage door, but the watcher waited in vain for the wounded soldier to leave. When the show was over a horde of young gentlemen were admitted to the green room, the watcher followed them in, but could not locate the man he had followed. He did not notice the pretty, but unusually tall maid servant who followed the leading lady to her carriage laden with bags and bouquets.
No-one noticed Sebastian using the key to let himself in through the servants’ entrance of Langsdown House, late that night. He entered the library where his father was dozing with his feet up beside the fire. The Duke did not recognise the plainly clad maid as she entered and gracefully curtseyed. The Duke had sent the servants to bed as requested by his son and was about to dismiss her from his presence, when he realised who stood in front of him. He spluttered a bit and stood up.
“I’ll explain in a bit, father, but right now I need your assistance. Prescott would give notice if he saw me in this rig. Estelle has laced me so tight I can barely breathe and all the buttons are at the back. Will you act as lady’s maid? Do you think I make a fetching brunette?”
An hour later Sebastian sat relaxing in a comfortable dressing gown; relieved to be released from his corsets. He had scrubbed the paint from his face and sat sharing a glass of claret with his father. His Grace had seen him leave the house dressed in his previous disguise, but had not quite got over the shock of seeing his return. He understood why Sebastian had wanted to throw off his shadow. If his visit to Grey became known, then a lot of erroneous assumptions might be made.
“I don’t like to say this Sebastian, but you looked a bit too practiced at curtseying.”
“I always got the female parts at school and Cambridge, Father. My Juliet was acclaimed. I was six inches taller than Romeo and he sulked, because he had wanted to play Juliet! I was told I was more believable in female dress than in breeches as Rosalind.”
“Can Estelle be trusted not to gossip? School theatrics aside I think it might be hard to explain why you came home dressed as a girl.”
“Estelle was the mistress who nursed Francesca, the girl Mallinder battered. Estelle can be trusted but she expects to be paid.”
“That’s not likely to be a problem to you, is it?”
“She refused money or a new necklace. She demanded my personal services. I told her I was going to marry and intended to be faithful. She said I hadn’t proposed yet and would not be fobbed off. She was appalled when she saw my fencing bruises, thought I had acquired some exotic tastes.”
“Estelle’s price is a night in my bed. She says my services are worth more than a diamond necklace. It appears I am a very expensive whore, father. I think she laced me so tight because I kept trying to find an alternative way to pay her. She was in hoots when she got me dressed. Her protector will have my scalp if he finds out!”
“You haven’t got a current mistress, so at least you’re not breaking your own rules.”
“Estelle is looking forward to turning the tables on me. I fear my former sins may have come back to haunt me. She muttered something about ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune.’ She has her own rules for the evening planned.”
“It might be an idea if I marry at the Castle, father. Apparently at least four of my former mistresses have been discussing getting together to give me a special farewell celebration to my bachelor status.”
“You have only to refuse to attend, Sebastian.”
“From what I’ve heard they considered my co-operation unlikely and unnecessary. They were planning to abduct me. I hear some of my so called friends are in on the plot.”
“So you think this demand of Estelle’s maybe to arrange this party?”
“I asked if she’d heard of the plan and she admitted she had. She wants me to herself, not to share. So I think it’s relatively safe, but I’ll install a couple of strong footmen in Covent Garden in case.”
“Then you didn’t hear of it originally from Estelle?”
“No, Grey told me. Some new lad of his thought he’d overheard a foreign plot to extract information from me. After further enquiries they discovered the details and were all in stitches. First time I’ve ever seen Grey laugh. Apparently the girls don’t much like the idea of me marrying and think I’m too puritanical in my views. They think any respectable girl will cry off when the story goes around. The Ministry is gleefully hoping they will succeed for obvious reasons.”
“I still don’t see how you getting drunk with some of your ex-mistresses could do that much damage.”
“I doubt if the ladies intended to let me drink, father. The girls’ plans were more ‘Classical’ in nature. You saw the murals at Pompei on your grand tour. The ones they won’t let the ladies see. That is what they had in mind. My being seen dressed as a maid could be laughed off as a silly prank. If I was caught with a respectable woman then I’d have to marry her. If I was found in bed with four courtesans at the same time, no father would let me marry his daughter. I wouldn’t be received anywhere, I’d have to go abroad!”
Chapter Eleven
Lord Stephen McKinlay entered his bet against a new runner in Brook’s gaming book. He wagered two thousand guineas on Miss Alicia Lambert. A couple of young bloods noted Sebastian’s friend’s bet and took a small punt that he might have inside information. The rest doubted that such an insignificant young lady would become the gorgeous Marquis’ choice. Why should he pick an only moderately pretty girl, when there were so many more beautiful young ladies eager to encourage him?
Even those few who had heard the rumour she would become Maud Prestyne’s heir doubted that would influence Sebastian. He was heir to a substantial Dukedom and always seemed to have plenty of ready cash. The Marquis had passed over more beautiful heiresses, whose funds were guaranteed. Stephen was offered better odds than he expected, even though it was known how close he and Sebastian were. It always amazed him how many of his acquaintance undervalued Sebastian’s intelligence.
Sebastian was occupied paying his debt to Estelle. He had been celibate since arriving back in England, so it was not really a trial for him. He found the change in their relationship rather intriguing. She had honed her skills in how to please a man, but he had acquired more experience while on the continent and was determined to pay her for her help generously. She was exhausted before him and slept on his shoulder with her auburn curls tumbled over his chest. He had feared she might use the time to try and persuade him to take her back, but she did not importune him except to raise her to heights of ecstasy again and again.
He had taken the precaution to employ some ex-soldiers as footmen. They might have lacked in the effacing skills expected of the best footmen, but Sebastian couldn’t fault their ramrod backs in deportment. Estelle woke smiling from her sleep.
“Good morning Estelle, I wondered how you explained your absence to your current protector?” Her reply surprised him.
“Are you really getting married Estelle?” She nodded.
“Who is the lucky man?”
“Leonard Green, you might not have heard of him. He’s not a member of the ton. I like him. I think he’ll be good to me.”
“I know Leonard well. He is a man of his word. I’ve had business dealings with him. If he offered you marriage, you’d be foolish not to take him. He’s a charming man and rich enough to keep you in jewels and fripperies for the rest of your life. Ask him to invite me to the wedding. Is my debt paid Estelle?” Sebastian said stroking her hip.
“In full Sebastian, you were even more wonderful than I remembered.”
“I wondered whether I could pay you to do me another small favour.”
“What do you need this time?”
“I was thinking of holding a small party here. I hoped you would deliver the invitations.”
“Who is invited? I think you are thinking very wicked thoughts, Sebastian.”
“Oh I am, about how you’d want me to pay for the favour. I want you to invite all my former mistresses and their protectors. A couple of my girls are respectably married and won’t be able to come. You can invite Leonard. He won’t mind. It will be a very correct party. We will hold it in just over two weeks’ time on Tuesday at eleven. Tell them that I am pre-empting my bachelor party.”
“You’re taking an awful risk, Sebastian.”
“I don’t think I am. Remind them of my rules and why I always said they should behave and dress like ladies in company.”
“You always said you didn’t want to be embarrassed and if your father, the Duke walked in, you would be able to introduce us without blushing.”
“I’ll invite Miranda. Just don’t tell them I am also inviting my father.”
“Amalie is between protectors at present. Should I invite her?”
“Tell her I am inviting Lord Stephen McKinlay as her escort. I intend to give him this house as I no longer need it and I owe him a favour.”
“Now how would you like me to pay you, Estelle?” Sebastian whispered and his fingers traced small circles down the side of her thigh as he gently brushed his lips over the nape of her neck.
***
Major Mallinder presented himself at the Wynstanley’s home and asked to speak in private to Sir Anthony. Sir Anthony ushered him into his study, but did not invite him to sit or offer him refreshments.
“What can I do for you, Major?” he asked somewhat coldly.
“I would like to ask your permission to pay my addresses to your ward, Miss Lambert.”
“I must refuse you my permission, Mallinder. I feel as her trustee I would be failing in my duties, if I should consider your suit.”
“I esteem Miss Lambert greatly and would be honoured to make her my wife.”
“As I esteem Miss Lambert extremely highly, I must therefore repeat my refusal to countenance your proposal. Now I think that concludes our business. Let me show you the way out.”
When the front door had closed behind the Major, Sir Anthony sought out Alicia. She was reading a story to his sons in the nursery.
“When you have finished the story Alicia, could you please spare me a few minutes of your time. I will await you in my study.”
Alicia finished the story and descended the stairs, wondering what Sir Anthony wanted to tell her. He had spoken politely but had looked a little grim.
“I’m sorry Alicia for being so abrupt. Please sit down I have something to tell you.”
Alicia sat and waited demurely.
“Major Mallinder called this morning to request permission to address you. I refused him my permission. You are a sensible girl so I’ll tell you why. I would prefer this information goes no further than this room. I have been told in confidence he beat a woman very badly and stole from her. I believe the story and I have heard some other unpleasant reports of him that I cannot repeat. He is living on credit and that is running out. I intended to talk to you about him and ask you to be very careful around him, but he came before I had an opportunity. I fear he may try to compromise you and force you into marriage. I know you like to make your own decisions about things, but I am sure that man would make you very unhappy.”
“Thank you Sir Anthony. I would have refused him anyway. Greenways told me not to trust him and he has always given me good advice. I thought he was quite nice at first, but I find I believe the story too. What do I do now? How shall I treat him in future?”
“You should behave politely but formally. Do not encourage his attentions, but do not directly snub him. But be very careful not to let him get you alone with him. I shall have my servants refuse him entry to the house and Chalcombe intends to do the same. Try when you are at functions he attends to stay close to friends. If he tries to make an assignation with you I hope you will inform me or Lady Sophia. I’d prefer you to take Greenways with you when you walk, as well as your maid for the time being.”
“Those sound sensible precautions. I will follow your advice Sir Anthony. I can’t thank you and Lady Sophia enough for all you have done for me. I know you acted for my protection. I will try to avoid him. I am very grateful for your warning.”
***
Sebastian spent the afternoon having a fencing lesson with Lady Madelaine. She had some interesting training suggestions. She had him skip rope fast then made him duck and swerve while she and a pair of footmen bowled cricket balls at him. He had to do left hand only press ups. Then she fought him with their wooden swords, while a footman crouched at each side of the room holding the ends of a loose rope. At erratic intervals the two men would lift the rope to mid-calf and Sebastian would have to fight on jumping over the rope or fall painfully to the floor. He now fought left handed as well as right handed, but the sessions had lengthened and he tired less easily. The first lot of bruises were fading and he was acquiring less new ones at each session.
Sebastian next made a call on Lady Jersey, whose butler opened the door.
“Her ladyship is not at home to visitors, sir,” he declaimed to Sebastian.
“She might see me, please take her my card,” Sebastian persisted and asked him to send up his card.
The butler soon returned, followed by Sally Jersey herself, dressed in a very expensive sapphire blue robe. She was berating her butler.
“Hodges, you don’t try to turn Sebastian Vernon away. I am always at home to him.”
She showed Sebastian into a drawing room and sent Hodges for refreshments. Sebastian bowed over her hand and then kissed her cheek.
“Ravishing robe, Silence, you’re looking good enough to eat.”
“Naughty boy, I might wish you’d come to seduce me but I know better, even if that silly pompous fool Hodges doesn’t!”
Hodges entered with a tea tray, followed by a footman carrying some small cakes and biscuits. He stiffly placed the tray on the table and backed to the door.
“Hodges, I know you heard what I said, so stop sulking. The Marquis doesn’t drink tea. Would you like coffee or something stronger, Sebastian?”
“Coffee would be lovely, Sally.”
“One coffee Hodges, please, strong and black.” Sally Jersey poured herself a cup of tea and offered Sebastian a cake or biscuit. He took one and ate it slowly.
“So what can I do for you that you must wake me from my nap, Sebastian?”
“I want two things, Sally. I’d like what every Mama wants for her daughter, admittance to your holy of holies. I need vouchers, don’t I?”
“I doubt if you turned up at the door correctly dressed without vouchers, you would be turned away Sebastian. You could always twist one of the other patronesses around your finger. There’d
be an outcry from the mamas if we barred you. So what is the other thing, Sebastian?”
“I want you to present me as a suitable partner to waltz with to a particular young lady.”
“Is the young lady expecting to be singled out in this way?”
“No, Sally and I fear she may be rather miffed. She might snub me, but won’t dare snub you Sally. May I have the vouchers?”
Lady Jersey ruffled through a reticule and brought out a set of vouchers and held them just out of Sebastian’s reach. Hodges came in with Sebastian’s coffee and he thanked him.
“I have the feeling you are going to do something outrageous, Sebastian. I’m not sure I should give them to you. Who is the young lady?”
“You will be the first to know, but only after you let me through the portals of your temple, Sally. The news would be around town twice before the doors opened. The girl might bolt.”
Early that evening Sebastian entered the King’s Head. He was not exactly disguised, but Weston’s immaculate tailoring was absent and the decent knee boots he wore were certainly not made by Hobbs. He wore a plain brown coat which was fairly loose on his shoulders and was clearly not the work of a master tailor. He looked respectable, but not too affluent. He picked out the groom he had seen behind the riding party in Green Park easily and asked him if he could buy him a pint.
“That’s very decent of you sir, but I don’t know you and don’t see why you should put yourself to the trouble,” he stated suspiciously.
“May I start again, that was a clumsy approach of mine. Do you recognise me Mr. Greenways? I am told I am not easily forgotten. Someone might have pointed me out to you?”
“I don’t know your name sir, but I’d recognise that golden stallion of yours anywhere. You ride well, weren’t dressed in that coat when I saw you in Green Park. So are you going to tell me what this is about?”
“Certainly if you let me buy you that pint and we could sit over there, where we can talk without being overheard?”
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