The Decadent Duke by Virginia Henley
News of a duel spread like wildfire, and the guests clustered about the declared enemies. The Duke of Manchester, in his capacity as host, and the prince’s brother, tried to talk sense into the inebriated challenger.
“He’s not really a French Musketeer, Edward. It’s a masquerade costume,” Frederick explained. “Put your sword away before you do yourself an injury.”
“Who is it, then? In the name of the king I demand that you remove your mashk.”
Georgina, closely followed by Francis Russell, eagerly joined the spectators. When she saw it was her seductive French Musketeer who was involved in the quarrel, she was horrified.
Prince Edward could not be pacified. He reached up and snatched the mask from the Musketeer’s face.
Georgina, and everyone watching, gasped when they saw the man before them was John Russell.
With jaw clenched and his hand on the hilt of his sword, Russell took his leave of the company.
The whispers began immediately.“The decadent devil. He’s only just buried his wife,” Lady Jersey stated.
“Good riddance, from what I’ve heard. Rumor has it he helped her to the grave,” Lord Jersey, wearing a devil’s costume, added.
“That’s a damned lie,” the Duke of Bedford declared coldly to Prinny’s whore and her cuckold spouse. “My brother was deeply in love with his wife. John was a devoted husband. He came tonight at my insistence. His mourning has almost consumed him.”
“I humbly beg your pardon, Your Grace.” The devil withdrew immediately, dragging his advocate after him.
Georgina shuddered. Is it possible he had a hand in his wife’s death? She didn’t want to believe it, and yet she suspected that deep down he was a dangerous man, perhaps capable of violence.
She had heard Francis defend his brother vigorously. Her dark suspicions melted away as Bedford’s words echoed in her head: My brother was deeply in love with his wife. John was a devoted husband. His mourning has almost consumed him.
Georgina closed her eyes. What must it be like to be loved like that by your husband? That’s the sort of marriage I want!
The masquerade ball resumed, as did the delicious, scandalous whispers. All agreed it was the height of decadence to party when one was supposed to be in mourning. As the rumors spread, they became embellished with dissolute details about both Russell brothers. It was obvious that the Gordons had ensnared the Duke of Bedford and lured him away from making a match with the Devonshires’ daughter. Secret wagers were placed on whether Lady Georgina’s virginity would induce Bedford to give up his bachelorhood or whether he would steal the prize without a firm commitment to marriage.
Chapter 18
John Russell held my breast in his hand and kissed me! Did some part of me know it was he behind the mask when I willingly went to the secluded gallery with him? Georgina’s heart fluttered erratically. I behaved wantonly, going weak when he murmured French words and falling into his arms the moment he touched me.
Her fingers brushed across her lips; then her hand moved lower and cupped the breast he had held. We are antagonists. He provokes me to madness. Yet in spite of it, I am sexually attracted to him. Georgina asked herself: In spite of it, or because of it? She shook her head. “That’s absurd!”
“The whole of society is absurd.” Francis took her hand and led her onto the ballroom floor. Their hostess had ordered the orchestra to play a lively tune, and she announced a mazey dance in hopes that the unfortunate episode would be forgotten.
Georgina became progressively light-headed and preoccupied with disturbing thoughts. During the dance, when Francis spoke to her, she didn’t hear his words, she simply smiled.
An hour later, she found herself alone with him in one of the galleries and couldn’t remember how she got there. When he drew her into his arms to kiss her, she protested. “Please, Francis, you mustn’t.”
“Georgina, I must. I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with you.”
“That’s absurd!”
“Yes, I know. I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want you. I can’t wait any longer. You’re driving me mad. Come with me.v
“Come where?” she asked, as dismay rose up in her.
“To my chamber, of course.vHis hand caressed her bare shoulder. “You are ripe for love tonight.”
She tried to organize her thoughts. “We . . . we cannot go together, Francis.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot you’ve never done this before. I’ll go first; then after a few discreet minutes, you follow. You do know where my chamber is?”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
The ride back to Woburn Abbey cleared John Russell’s head, though it did little to cool his temper. He was livid that drunken Prince Edward had unmasked him, and equally furious with himself for attending the masquerade.
He laughed bitterly at his own folly. "“Lady Georgina Gordon doesn’t even pay lip service to chastity! There was absolutely no need to worry that Francis would take advantage of her. The prey becomes the hunter . . . huntress,” he amended with disgust.
John stabled his horse and sought his chamber. Knowing that sleep would not come easily, he immediately began to pack for his journey to Tavistock. The moment my brother returns from Kimbolton, I shall leave.
Georgina awoke with a start, and immediately looked to see if she was in bed alone. She heaved a great sigh of relief as her head cleared. “I remember now.” She had watched silently until the Duke of Bedford disappeared into the shadows; then she had hurried back to the ballroom and found her sister.
“I’m afraid I’ve had too much to drink. I feel unwell. Will you please walk me to my room, Susan?”
Georgina felt a bit guilty. She had inferred to Francis that she would go to his room when she had had no intention whatsoever of doing so. The Duke of Bedford will be furious. But look on the bright side—perhaps now he’ll stop pursuing me.
She avoided going down to breakfast by asking for a tray in her room. When her mother arrived, she realized she was trapped.
“What are you doing in your chamber? I’ve searched everywhere for you, and never in a million years did I expect to find you holed up here.” The Duchess of Gordon plucked the toast from her daughter’s fingers. “These three days of the Duke of Bedford’s visit have been arranged for your benefit, as you are well aware, my lass. The duke has been pacing this past hour, watching the staircase for a glimpse of you.vJane paused for a breath. “It’s all very well to play the elusive game to arouse his interest, but once his appetite is whetted, it is no longer a game, but a deadly serious mission.”
You sound exactly like the Duchess of Drinkwater. “Yes,” Georgina said earnestly,“we must strike a blow that will palsy every effort of our rivals.”
“That’s the spirit.” Jane was deaf to the mockery. “They don’t call us the ’Gey Gordons’ for nothing.”
“Mother, gey means overwhelming and self-important.”
“Exactly—a Gordon and a Russell are a perfect match!”
“I shall dress immediately and come downstairs.”
“Be sure to wear something . . .”
“Something that will give him a palsy?”
The duchess gave her daughter a level look. “If by palsy you mean something that will shake him to the core, that will do very nicely, Georgina.”
“You look absolutely radiant.” Francis kissed her hand.
God Almighty, you’re not even drawling your words in that irritating, arrogant fashion. You are all earnest this morning. Georgina decided a lie was in order. She touched her brow. “I don’t feel radiant. I almost passed out last night from drink. I don’t remember a thing, but my sister Susan tells me she had to put me to bed.”
“Pauvre petite,’’ he commiserated.
Oh, please don’t speak French. It does strange things to my innards. With a straight face, she said, ”Je ne parle pas français.’’
“You are such an irresistible contradiction, Georgina.” With adoring eyes he gazed d
Damnation, it’s my virginity that lures you. I warrant that’s quite a novelty to you, Bedford. Georgina embarked on her second lie. “Pray don’t deceive yourself, Francis. I am far from pure.”
She saw the bulge form in his riding breeches. Hellfire, everything I do and say arouses you. Shall I hint that it was a footman to put you off me? She warned herself not to be completely stupid. “I have been ardently wooed, you know, and turned down more than one proposal of marriage.”
“I take it your suitors were not dukes.” His drawl was back.
She gave him a coy glance. “A lady never tells.”
“I believe the adage is: A gentleman never tells.”
She laughed in his face. “From what I hear, if a gentleman makes a conquest, he believes it gives him bragging rights.”
“That would prove him no gentleman. Dukes of the realm are a different breed, my dearest Georgina.”
“You forget, Francis,” she said dryly, “my father is a duke.vGeorgina glanced out the window and saw Charlotte’s children playing in melted snow with Susan’s offspring. “Oh, I cannot resist jumping in puddles. Would you care to join my nephews, nieces, and me for some fun and games, Your Grace?”
“The fun and games I have in mind do not include melted snow.v
Her wicked juices stirred. “Are you sure? A rubdown with some ice might be rather stimulating.” She opened the casement window and shouted to Mary, “I’m coming out to play.” She flicked a glance at Francis and warned, “Gird your loins.”
Georgina avoided the duke until dinner. Since it was to be his last night at Kimbolton, she did not have the audacity to absent herself. All the Gordon daughters and their noble spouses sat down to the late meal with the exception of Louisa. Marquis Cornwallis was in France trying to negotiate a peace treaty, so Louisa and her new husband were coming to spend Christmas with the rest of the family but were not scheduled to arrive at Kimbolton until the following day.
The conversation was lively and often downright bawdy with the duchess and her loquacious, vivacious daughters recounting the lion’s share of entertaining anecdotes, while the men laughed, drank, and tolerated injuries to their pride when it was their turn to be the butt of jokes.
As Georgina watched Francis Russell, she was dismayed that he seemed to bask in the family fun as if it were a unique experience for him. He laughed at the broad jokes and totally drank in the flattery that Jane Gordon heaped upon him.
“Lady Georgina, you promised me a tour of the galleries to see all the art that this splendid castle boasts. Shall we?”
You are a shrewd sod to invent a promise I made and announce it to all. I cannot call you a liar before my mother, and I cannot refuse to accompany you without seeming churlish.
“I should be delighted.vShould be, though I am anything but. “I’m afraid you may be disappointed, Your Grace. Kimbolton’s paintings cannot compare to the art collection at Woburn Abbey.”
“You must come to Woburn to view my paintings, since you are an art aficionado. Your mother has told me of your many talents.”
“Not all of them, I hope,” she murmured. She saw desire kindle in his eyes and dreaded what might come when they were alone. It’s my turn to gird my loins. She picked up her paisley shawl and wrapped it about her in a way that covered her breasts.
When they arrived in the first gallery, he stopped walking. Francis drew her into his arms and kissed her. His mouth tasted of brandy, and she tried to pull away after the first kiss.
Francis sighed at her reluctance. “I know you want marriage, Georgina. You play a clever game of advancement and withdrawal, and though I hate to admit it, I am caught in your web. After much consideration, I’ve decided to make you the Duchess of Bedford.”
You haven’t even asked me. You have simply decided.
“Your Grace . . . Francis . . . I am aware of the great honor you do me, but I am afraid that I cannot marry you.”
The duke, taken aback, stiffened. Then he laughed and took her hands. “I have overwhelmed you. You think yourself unworthy of such an exalted position. But I’m in love with you and want you for my duchess.”
You are about to learn that you cannot have everything you want. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. I cannot accept your proposal.”
“I refuse to take no for an answer, simply because I know you do not mean it.”
She withdrew her hands from his. “You are delusional.”
“Damn it, Georgina, are you going to make me court you like some pathetic lovesick swain?”
“Francis, that is not my intent.” You need no help from me to make you pathetic.
“I invite you, and your family, of course, to come to Woburn for the New Year’s celebration. Please don’t refuse, Georgina.”
You think dangling the prize of the great abbey will make me change my mind. “Tis plain you think me mercenary, and that is an unforgivable insult.
“I’m sorry, I should extend the invitation to the Duchess of Gordon. You totally distract me and make me forget my manners.”
“You will find her in the drawing room.” Georgina curtsied. “Good night, Your Grace.”
“I didn’t expect you tonight. I was writing you a note.” John was surprised when Francis arrived home after dark. He had assumed his brother would return to Woburn the next morning, and had ordered his carriage be ready early so that he and Johnny could be on their way to Tavistock before Francis returned.
“And I didn’t expect you at the masquerade,vFrancis said.
“My curiosity about Kimbolton overcame my better judgment.v
“Lady Jersey called you decadent.vHe chuckled. “You, of all people. I was infuriated that Prinny’s whore and her pathetic cuckold of a husband hinted you had a hand in Elizabeth’s death. I was so affronted that they dared pass judgment on a Russell, I called him a liar in front of the whole company.v
“Thanks, Francis. I can fight my own battles.v
“Oh, I didn’t go as far as challenging him to a duel. I simply lied through my teeth. I loudly announced that you deeply loved your wife. Told him your grief had almost consumed you. That should put a stop to the whispers.v
John’s jaw clenched. “Not if I know the gossipmongers.v He kept a rein on his temper. “I hope the incident didn’t ruin your stay with the Gordons.v
“Not at all. The courtship is going swimmingly, old man.v
“You are officially courting Lady Georgina? With a view to marriage?v
“Marriage? Well, I wouldn’t go that far—not yet. But one thing is certain. The young vixen is madly in love with me.v
Why the hell did I ask? “The boys opened their Christmas gifts from me earlier. Johnny and I will be leaving at dawn, so I shall wish you happy Christmas now. Good night, Francis.”
“I know you’re the Lord of Misrule, George. But who are you dressed up as?” Charlie Cornwallis asked his wife’s brother.
“Good King Wenceslas, of course,” Huntly replied, tipping his crown over one eye. “Here to hand out the presents.”
The Gordon clan was gathered around the Christmas tree in the great hall at Kimbolton. Georgina was flanked by her sister Louisa and her favorite niece, Mary, and each lady’s pile of gifts grew apace. She was curious about a present that simply said it was from Father Christmas. She tore off the wrapping eagerly, but was appalled when she saw the contents: a frilly white corset, lace stockings, and a pair of silver sequined garters. “Bloody hell!” she muttered.
“What did you get?vMary’s curious eyes shone with excitement.
Georgina quickly covered the box. “Just some stockings, darling. What did you get?v
“It’s a hat! A grown-up hat with lovely feathers. Georgy, it must be from you!”
vDidn’t you read the card?”
“I don’t need to read the card. Onl
“Rubbish. I only gave you a hat of your own so you won’t ruin all mine.”
When the gifts were opened, Louisa showed Georgina all the lovely things she’d received, and Georgina displayed her presents for Louisa . . . except the one from the bloody Duke of Bedford. She smiled to mask her growing anger.
“You missed the masquerade ball.” Georgina gathered her gifts to take them upstairs to her chamber.
“People in masks frighten me,” Louisa confided. “How did the visit with Francis Russell go?”
“It lived up to Mother’s expectations, if not mine.”
“What about his expectations?” Louisa asked anxiously.
“The duke is doomed to disappointment,” Georgina said flatly.
“Good . . . he is a complete sensualist,” she whispered confidentially.
Georgina glanced down at the boxes she held. “I never would have guessed.v
When Georgina reached her chamber, she was seething and sat down to pen a note.
Father Christmas gave me this gift by mistake. I am returning it to you so that you may rectify the insult. This sort of present is simply not acceptable. I would suggest jewels.
“If I make it plain I am only interested in his wealth, the disgusting swine will stop pursuing me.”
She rewrapped the box, addressed it to the Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey, and asked the Manchesters’ majordomo to see that it got to its destination first thing in the morning.
As darkness began to fall the following day, a small package was delivered for Lady Georgina by a footman from Woburn Abbey. Her mother took delivery and brought it to her immediately.
“Well, aren’t you going to open it? It’s from the Duke of Bedford,” she said breathlessly.
He’s called my bluff. She tore off the paper, and lifted the lid of the small velvet box. The ring was a large oval amethyst surrounded by diamonds. Georgina’s heart sank. Then she summoned her bravado, slipped it on her right hand, and said, “Very pretty.v