Authors: Stella White
He is the only officer to be awarded an honor of the magnitude after this most difficult battle.
''What do you think of that, then?'' Alice's father asked her, when she'd finished reading.
Sophia was too emotional to answer. ''Is Alice at home?'' she asked after a short time. I must speak to her.
''I believe she is. Alice,'' he shouted at the top of his voice.
''Father why do you have to shout so.....oh hello Sophia. What a hero David is. I am so pleased he has returned to you safely.''
''So am I. Alice can I please talk to you? I need your help most urgently.''
The two ladies walked into the garden and sat under an apple tree.
''Alice, I have been most senseless and shortsighted. May the Lord strike me down for the injustices I have done to David. When he returned to me he was magnificent in bed and totally exhausted me.''
''Then why was he so pathetic on your wedding night?''
''He was afraid. He knew he would go to war and the poor man was frightened. It is totally understandable, if you give it some thought.''
Alice looked at Sophia and nodded. ''Indeed it is. Oh, I have just realized your problem. You and the Duke.''
''Yes, precisely. I now have the most enormous problem. I do not want to be unfaithful to David. He is the most wonderful man. Sensitive and brave. But I know you told me how difficult the Duke can be. What am I to do?''
''Go to him and tell him. All you can do is throw yourself at his mercy. Your husband is a national hero, he may understand and let you go.''
''Very well, I agree. I have no choice but to ask for him to be sympathetic to my situation.''
*****
12 Greys Inn didn't look so inviting as it had when Sophia stood outside the door. She knocked and waited. After what seemed like an age, the Duke answered. His shirt was open and his hair disheveled. He had lip rouge on his neck.
''Sophia, it isn't' our day. Go away, I'm busy.''
''Please, my Lord. I need just the briefest moment of your time.''
''Then prey speak woman. I haven't got all day.''
''I am afraid I cannot see you any longer. My husband has returned home and it is my intention to remain faithful to him from now on. I am sorry. I ask you to accept my decision.''
''Madam, you are a disgrace. First you come to me because your husband can't get it up. You beg me to relieve you of your sexual burden, and now you are rejecting me for the very man that drove you to me.” The Duke grabbed Sophia’s arm. “Unfortunately for you, I will not be used in that way. You will uphold the arrangement we have. You will visit me, every three days or I will expose you and your husband. I don't think he would find it very amusing if society suddenly finds out he has problems satisfying his wife.''
''Is that your final word, my Lord? Can I not throw myself on your mercy? I have been foolish and feel punished enough. Please my Lord, don't make my suffering any greater.''
''You should have thought about that before you betrayed your husband. What kind of a woman are you?''
''The very worst kind, it seems.''
''Yes. And if you are not in my bed on Wednesday as we agreed, you will regret it for the rest of your life.''
*****
Sophia stood in front of the most imposing building she had ever seen. As she looked up she saw the words, 'War Office.' She held her breath for a second and pulled the giant oak door open. When she was inside, she saw the most beautiful staircase. It was a split staircase that joined on a platform halfway up. The hallway she was in echoed with footsteps, as civil servants walked to and fro about their business.
She walked up to a desk behind which a bald man was sitting. He looked over his spectacles and said, ''Yes, madam. How may I help?''
''Good afternoon. I was wondering, if it might be possible to have a word with the Duke of Wellington?''
The man looked her up and down and began to laugh. ''The Duke of Wellington?
THE
Duke of Wellington,'' he mocked. ''The Commander in Chief of all British Forces. The man who has just won our country its freedom at Waterloo. Do you mean that Duke of Wellington or is there someone else here with that name?''
''You mock me, sir. Perhaps I am deserving of it. However, I would kindly ask you if it is possible to make an appointment with the Duke?''
''Madam have you just lost your husband at the Battle? Because if you have, there is a building just down the road to which you can go for support.''
''No, I haven't just lost my husband, thank God. I need to see the Duke.''
''Really. There is no more I can do for you. The Duke of Wellington is a national hero, he doesn't have time to see people who just drop in off the street.''
''My husband is Captain David Marshall.''
The man stood up suddenly and bowed. ''Please forgive my impertinence. We do however from time to time get some ridiculous requests. Now let me see. I have no idea whether the Duke is in the building or not. If you would kindly wait here, I will see.''
''Thank you,'' Sophia said gratefully.
When the clerk returned, he just nodded and gestured. Sophia followed him up the spectacular staircase and down a wide corridor. They stopped outside a double door and the man knocked. He opened the door and gestured for her to go inside. It was a side office. A young man in uniform was sitting behind a desk. When he saw her, he stood up and bowed to her. ''Mrs. Marshall. It is an honor to meet you. Your husband is one of the bravest men to have served in the British Army. You must be very proud of him.''
''I am very proud of him.''
''The Duke has asked me to keep you here for a few moments while he finishes his meeting. Would you be kind enough to take a seat?''
Sophia sat down and watched the young officer continue writing. He was very young indeed. The sound of horses’ hooves rose from the street below as she looked out of the giant sash window up to the sky.
When the double door to the main office opened, the young man sprang to attention. The man who left the office looked terribly important and vaguely familiar to her. When she realized it was the Earl of Liverpool, the Prime Minster, she felt out of her depth and suddenly very nervous.
The young man came from behind his desk. ''Madam, please follow me.''
''My Lord, this is Mrs. Marshall.''
Sophia curtsied as the Duke of Wellington got up from his chair, came round the table and took her hand.
''Madam. It is a pleasure to meet you,” the Duke said. “Your husband is a brave man. One of only a few it has been my pleasure to command. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?''
Sophia studied the Duke of Wellington. He was tall and had dark hair, brushed forward. He was well over six feet and broader than any man she had ever seen. He looked like a Roman Emperor more than a British General.
''My Lord, it is kind of you to see me. I am humbled that you found the time. I will come to the point. I will only ever in my life ask you once for your help, and that day is today. While my husband was away defending his country, I was propositioned by a man of the most devious character. I flatly refused his advances. Since that time, he has threatened to make up a story about my husband that simply is not true. My husband has been through a lot, and I do not want to burden him.''
The Duke studied Sophia now. He was charmed by her. After years of military service, it was always refreshing to see beautiful women in his office and not stuffy politicians. This was the country he fought for, a country that could produce magnificent women like Sophia.
''I see. And what, may I ask, is this man threatening to say about your husband?''
''My Lord. It is a very delicate matter and one a lady should in all probability not discuss outside the home. However, I feel I have no choice. In plain words this man has told me that if I don't lie with him, he will tell the world that my husband is impotent.''
''I see, and why can't you just tell this man to be off and have done with him?''
''Because my Lord, he is the Duke of Beaufort, one of the richest men in London. Who will believe me and my husband against a man as powerful as him? He has the power to ruin us.''
The Duke raised an eyebrow and Sophia noticed a look of anger cross his face. ''Jenkins,'' the Duke shouted. The young man appeared.
''Find out where the Duke of Beaufort lives, send some men round to his home and drag him here. At once.''
''My Lord, I can tell you where this despicable character is usually to be found. 12 Greys Inn.''
''You heard the lady, Jenkins. Send twenty men round there and bring him to me.''
*****
Sophia passed a very agreeable hour with the Duke of Wellington. He told her story after story about battles he had been involved in, and campaigns he had fought. He also talked about Napoleon. When he referred to David, the Duke was especially complimentary. ''Your husband can go to the top of the military if he so wishes. He is a man of steel,'' he said.
''He was very frightened before he left for France, my Lord,'' she said.
''There is not a man alive who isn't frightened of battle. I have seen grown men cry like babies before a battle, but once it started, stand their ground and fight with dignity. Do you think I am not frightened sometimes?''
''My Lord. I have learned a lot in the last few days about the feelings of a man and I would not suggest that at some point in your life you have not been scared of something.''
''You are correct. I am often scared, but I march on through it.''
There was a knock at the door. It was Jenkins. ''My Lord, the man is here, I have to tell you he is being rather difficult.''
''No matter, show him in.''
The Duke stood up as a handful of guards carried the Duke of Beaufort into the room. When he saw Sophia, he scowled at her. ''Is this the man of whom you spoke?'' the Duke of Wellington asked.
Sophia nodded.
''Alright. Men set him down.'' They dropped the Duke and he landed in a heap on the floor.
As he looked up he saw the imposing figure of the Duke of Wellington towering above him.
''I hear you have been less than kind to this young lady. What do you say?'' The Duke of Wellington said.
''My Lord, I think there must have been some misunderstanding. Miss Sophia is a delightful young lady. No one could ever do her harm. I do not know to what you refer.''
''Let me make it plain. If you contact this lady again or even speak of her to anyone, or if you contact her husband or even speak of him to anyone, I will have my henchmen, as you call them, hang you from London Bridge. I command thousands of men, and I am sure a lot of them would be only too happy to take a man, who spends his time avoiding military duty and blackmailing women, to the bridge to have some fun with. Do you understand?
''Yes, my Lord. I do.''
*****
Sophia sat on the edge of their bed and looked at David asleep. It was well into the afternoon, and he had slept all day. When she stroked his hair. He opened an eye. ''Hello, my love,'' she said. ''How did you sleep?''
''Long and well. I feel quite refreshed now. What have you been doing today?''
''Oh, I went to see Alice, and I had a few things to attend to in town. Nothing too important.” Sophia brushed her husband’s cheek. “I am so proud of you, words cannot begin to explain.''
*****
THE END
Rescued From A Rake – A Regency Romance
Alice Ashmeer and her friends, Georgina and Sophia, were sitting on the terrace at the rear of Stanley Manor, a large house belonging to Lord Ashmeer. The house had extensive grounds and included a lake that Lord Ashmeer used infrequently for fishing.
''It's such a lovely day. Do you think we dare go for a swim?'' Alice asked her two closest friends.
''It really is the most tediously hot day. What do you say, Georgina?'' asked Sophia.
''Yes, lets. It was so much fun when we swam last year. The lake was so cool and there's never anybody around to see us. Come on, let's be daring,'' Georgina said.
''How long has your family owned Stanley Manor?'' Georgina asked Alice as they walked over the lawn towards the lake.
''About two hundred years,'' Alice replied. ''My father hates the place. He says it costs far too much to maintain.''
''But your father is the richest man in the county. Surely a few pounds for maintenance is of no consequence to him?'' Sophia butted in.
''He is indeed rich beyond belief, but he is what people in this part of England call, tight. He keeps his fingers firmly on his money,'' Alice said.
''Yes, that's how people get rich, by not spending anything. My father is rich but not nearly as rich as your father is. In fact, in comparison, I would say we are really rather poor,'' Sophia complained.
The other two laughed at Sophia. They both knew her father was rich enough to own a three thousand hectare estate.
''I do so like your dress, Alice. You look prettier than ever in pink. Your father may be the richest man in the county, but my dear, you are the most beautiful woman in the county. You could have any man you want,'' Georgina said.
''Nonsense. You two are more beautiful,'' said Alice.
When they reached the lake, they walked along the shore and stopped at a wooded area.
''I do hope nobody sees us. It really isn't lady like to swim,” Sophia said.
''Well, I don't care. I'm going in naked this time,'' Georgina announced.
''But you can't, what if somebody sees you?'' Sophia asked, horrified at the idea.
''There is nobody here. And so what if somebody sees me. I'm just a woman, not a monster.''
''Then let's all swim without clothes. It'll be so daring and so much fun. Swimming in undergarments is so heavy. Last year, I was almost pulled to the bottom,'' Alice concluded.
Alice and Georgina went behind a tree and began to take off their clothes. Sophia looked around nervously, sure someone would see them. When Alice emerged, she walked to the water’s edge and tip-toed into to the refreshing water.
Sophia looked at her and was instantly envious of Alice's body. Her legs were long and slender, her buttocks small and soft and her breasts perfectly formed. Sophia would have swapped her red hair and blue eyes for Alice's blonde curls and emerald green eyes, in an instant.
Sophia turned to see where Georgina was. When she saw her, she was surprised by the size of her breasts. Sophia, Alice and Georgina were neighbors in the high society life of Northampton, and they had grown up together. But they hadn't seen each other naked for many years. Every time they swam, they had worn some sort of garment.
''Georgina, you are a very wholesome woman,'' Sophia said. Georgina smiled and ran into the water. Sophia hung around at the water’s edge as Alice and Georgina walked out into the water. When the water reached their thighs, they both dived and swam off into the middle of the lake.
''Look at her. She is too afraid to take off her clothes,'' Georgina said as she and Alice trod water.
''I really don't know why. She has a stunning figure,'' Alice said. ''Sophia, come on. The water's lovely,'' she shouted.
Eventually Sophia disappeared behind a tree and emerged with her arms folded across her breasts. She skipped into the water as fast as she could, and as soon as it was deep enough, submerged her body from sight. When she reached the others she was quite out of breath.
''It's very cold, indeed,'' she said gasping.
The other two looked at each other and rolled their eyes in a display of irony. They continued their conversation, still treading water in the middle of the lake.
“What would you do now, if a man came along and took our clothes?'' Alice asked.
''Oh, that thought is too horrible to contemplate,'' Sophia said.
''I would chase him,'' Georgina said.
''But there would be a horrible scandal. You can't run around naked,'' Sophia observed.
''It would be a very difficult situation wouldn't it. Although it isn't very far back to the house. I think we would have to tear a branch full of leaves from a tree and walk behind until we got close enough to run inside and get some clothes,'' Alice ventured.
''As we are talking about daring activities, I have a suggestion. When we were on the terrace a few minutes ago, I told Alice she was beautiful, and she told you and I, Sophia, that we were more beautiful. Let's find out who is the most beautiful,'' Georgina said.
Sophia looked puzzled. '' But how do you want to do that?''
Georgina explained. ''There is a ball next week at the Ferguson's. Let's see which of us can fill our dance cards the fastest. The first one to get it filled, we will call the most beautiful of us, and there will be no more dispute.''
''Georgina you are an absolute genius. What fun it will be,'' Alice said as she let herself sink under the water.
The man watching from the far bank wasn't interested in stealing their clothes, but he was interested in seeing them leave the water.
*****
''You have such soft hair, Miss Alice,'' the lady's maid said, as she poured a jug of warm water over her. Eleanor was a plump lady in her sixties. She had long gray hair tied in a bun. It made her look strict, but she was in fact, the friendliest soul imaginable. Alice's mother had chosen her to be Alice's ladies maid because she had years of experience. She trusted Eleanor to temper her daughter’s youthful urges in choice of clothing.
''And you are the kindest maid I could ever have wished for,'' Alice replied. ''How long have you been at Stanley Hall, Eleanor?''
''Oh, a lot of years, Miss. Let me see, you were born, twenty two years ago and I was here many years before that. I'm afraid to say I can remember Stanley Hall when your grandfather was alive.''
''So you must have been a lady's maid to my grandmother.''
''Yes, I was. I was very young and quite frightened of your grandmother. Your mother brought her own lady's maid when she married your father, and, after your poor grandmother died, I became a house maid. That is, until you came of age. I was so pleased your mother asked me to be your maid. You are turning into the most beautiful young lady in England.''
''Eleanor, you are very good at exaggerating, I must say. On the subject of beauty, I have a bet with Miss Georgina and Miss Sophia, this evening. We are going to see who can fill their dance cards the fastest. Who does, will become the undisputed beauty among us.''
''That sound like great fun, Miss. I am sure you will win. You are so much more beautiful than they are. Now let's get you out of the bath and into a gown fit for a Queen.''
Eleanor held out an enormous towel and wrapped Alice in it as she stepped out of the water. ''Which gown do you want to wear this evening, Miss?''
''It is awful, but I can't decide. I suppose if I showed a little décolleté, I may have more of a chance of winning our little competition, but, on the other hand, I don't want to appear too vulgar.''
''How about this one?'' Eleanor said, holding up a white gown with hundreds of roses embroidered into it. ''It's a lovely color for a fresh young lady and I think it is daring enough, without being overly so.''
''Excellent choice, thank you.''
After Alice dressed, Eleanor stood back and looked at her. ''I am proud of you, Miss Alice. You are tall and blonde and your features are finer than any porcelain money can buy. You have a lovely figure and enough bust to attract any gentleman's roving eye. You are a credit to your mother and father. Whoever marries you, will be the luckiest man in the world.''
''Alice, are you ready yet? Why does it always take an eternity for you ladies to get ready?'' Lord Ashmeer asked his daughter.
''Because, father, we are gentle creatures that need nurturing, like flowers. You do want us to look our best don't you?''
''I suppose so, now where on earth is your mother? This eternal waiting is becoming quite intolerable.''
''Father, why are you so impatient. What's the matter?'' Alice asked.
''I want to get the best seat at the card table. If she doesn't hurry up, I will be doomed to sit next to the door and have to listen to all that ridiculous music.''
''That ridiculous music, father, is modern. All young people like it.''
''Well, to me it's just a blessed din. Ah, here she is. Finally, woman, please do hurry yourself,'' he barked at his wife.
''Jeremy are you talking to me? If so then kindly do not refer to me as 'woman'. Women work in factories. I am a lady and don't you forget it.''
Lord Ashmeer felt himself suitably chastised and they left for the ball.
*****
As soon as the Ashmeers arrived, Georgina came running up to Alice. ''I already have two dances in my card, only another six and you'll have to call me beautiful all your life,'' she said.
''What are you girls up to, whispering like that,'' Lady Ashmeer inquired.
''Nothing, mother, just a little friendly rivalry.''
''Well make sure you behave with a little decorum, we have a reputation to keep. Now please excuse me, I want to speak to Lady Hanley.''
''So, please tell me, who you have on your card?'' Alice asked.
''Now that would be telling,'' Georgina said secretively.
Alice looked at Georgina. She wasn't as tall as Alice and she was dark. Her brown eyes often looked sad. Georgina had lost her mother in a dreadful riding accident and she had never really recovered from the loss. Her father was heartbroken, and almost never left the house. But Georgina was plucky, and Alice always enjoyed her practical jokes immensely. Georgina was also sought after by a number of extremely rich suitors, none of who appealed to her.
''Here's Sophia, let's see how she is faring?'' Georgina said.
''And how many of the dashing gentlemen have you managed to snare so far this evening?'' Georgina asked. Sophia had red hair and pale skin and was probably the least attractive of the three. Nonetheless, she wasn't plain and could quite easily hold her own in the evening’s competition.
''Three, so far,'' Sophia replied enthusiastically
Alice felt quite dejected. Her father had been right, they had spent far too long getting ready, and now she was behind. ''Then, please excuse me, dear friends, for I shall have to make haste,'' Alice said as she walked away towards a group of handsome looking young men. One of whom she knew.
''Charles,'' she whispered, ''can I talk to you.'' Charles Argyle was the twenty year old son of Lord and Lady Argyle, the Ashmeer's neighbors. Charles and Alice had often played together by the lake when Georgina and Sophia were not available. He was tall and had jet black hair. He had inherited his rugged looks from his father who was a renowned naval officer.
''Alice. You look lovely. What can I do for you?''
''Thank you, Charles, for you kind compliment. I need your help. You see I have a wager with my friends. The first to fill their dance card shall forever be known as the most beautiful among us.''
''There is no doubt in my mind that you are by far the most beautiful. Which renders your wager quite pointless as far as I can see.''
''No, Charles. That's just your very kind opinion. But I am quite desperate to win, if I may be honest with you. Please introduce me to some of your friends.''
''Of course, I shall. We can't have you being beaten, can we?''
Charles introduced Alice to five of his friends and they all asked her to reserve a place for them in her schedule. Alice was quite elated. She was surely going to win.
The ball was a splendid affair. The Ferguson's were very wealthy and they had just built a new ball room. This was its grand opening. It had six enormous chandeliers, three down each side of the room. The tea and card rooms were the most luxurious on the ball circuit, and the orchestra had their own balcony.
As Alice glanced around, there seemed to be no shortage of suitors, but she knew precious few of them, and without being introduced it was not the place of a lady to talk to a gentleman. To Alice's horror, Georgina raised six fingers when she caught Alice's eye, and a few moments later, she read Sophia's lips as she said seven.
Alice had made up her mind.
''Excuse me, sir. I know it is certainly not my place to address a gentleman without an introduction, but I find myself in a slightly awkward situation.''
''Then prey tell, what can be so awkward that it brings you to leave the well-trodden path of social etiquette?'' The man Alice had addressed was the most handsome man at the ball. He was tall and dark, and his eyes instantly drew Alice's attention. She had never seen such beautiful blue eyes. His face was thin and his features fine, a most aristocratic and trustworthy individual, Alice concluded.