Chapter Seven

The dream had come back.

Allegra lay sweating on her soft pillow, trying desperately to thrust the horror behind her. It had been many months since she’d had one quite so vivid, and she knew it had to have been the Rajah’s words that had triggered the memories.

As her breathing slowed and her heart rate returned to something near normal, her anger rose. Why did this have to happen? No sooner did she find a new chance for a better life and a few chance words revived horrors she thought she’d left in her past.

Her mind churned, and she decided to face this dream head on, willing her imagination back into the room where she had been standing before she woke. Perhaps by consciously remembering, she could put this behind her for once and for all.

She closed her eyes and imagined marble, icy cold beneath her feet.

In fact, she was cold all over, because her garments had been taken from her. The only thing between her and nakedness was an assortment of wispy silk draperies that barely covered her breasts and were tied loosely around her hips.

She was afraid to move lest they drop off and leave her bare to the eyes below.

The mask on her head was almost too heavy for her neck. Grecian in design, it hid most of her face but left plenty of eye space, through which she could see...she could see...oh God.

Clenching her teeth, Allegra forced herself to relive the nightmare that lurked in her mind’s eye.

She was standing on a raised flat-topped column, barefoot, holding a large mace that Charles had stolen from some actress’s props closet. She was supposed to be the Empress of Love presiding over an orgy—she wasn’t sure if Charles had the history right, but he had certainly managed to perfect the art of the orgy.

Three women writhed on the carpet at the base of her plinth.

All were “actresses” who had come down from London for the party. The other guests were off doing who knows what, and Allegra always tried to feel grateful that Charles saved her for these little tableaux of his, rather than forcing her to share in the other activities.

She knew that it was because, selfishly, he was trying to get an heir on her and wasn’t about to risk his lineage.

In her mind, Allegra glanced downwards, realising that the three women were now almost totally nude.

Hands slithered and caressed, lips kissed, mouths suckled, and fingers groped and flickered across bodies, which blended, separated, and merged into one pulsating mass of flesh.

Groans of desire rose from the floor, echoed by Charles who was greedily watching the display. His trousers were thrown over a nearby chair, and his open shirt did little to conceal his arousal.

Every now and again, he would stroke himself, but he was very controlled in his own actions, preferring to let the sights before him do the work.

Suddenly, with a cry, the women jumped up and grabbed Charles.

They tore his shirt into shreds, leaving the sleeves hanging by his cuffs like strange wings. They led him, naked, to the column and turned his face to it, tying his hands to the two mouldings, which protruded from either side of the plinth.

He was spread-eagled at Allegra’s feet, looking up at her with a drunken grin.

He wasn’t looking at her face.

One woman crawled between Charles and the column, the others grabbed straps from nearby tables. As they began their fun, Charles’ face showed his ecstasy. Each lash with a leather strap forced him further into the mouth of the woman crouched in front of him. His shrieks of pleasure echoed around the room.

Allegra prayed that they would finish it for him because she knew if they stopped too soon, he’d drag her to their room and take her with such force she’d be sore for days.

He’d never understood that she loathed these games. They disgusted her. He was always surprised that she wasn’t “wet and ready for him”, but took his pleasure anyway, leaving her sobbing and in pain. Her muscles locked as she forced herself to look down.

A gentle tap sounded on the door.

Unable to move, it took several moments for Allegra to recall where she was.

The tap came again.

Jumping out of bed, she grabbed her old wrapper and hurried to the door. Could there be something wrong with the girls? A burglar? The house was on fire. All these thoughts tumbled chaotically through her mind and vanished without a trace when she opened the door and stared into the hot blue gaze of Lord Allenbridge.

“Are you all right?” he asked quietly.

Allegra gaped at him.

“I heard you cry out as I passed your door—I was concerned.” He allowed his gaze to follow the lines of her throat down into the warm and soft shadows that were revealed by the thin wrapper.

She gasped and shivered as his eyes passed across her breasts. Her nipples contracted involuntarily, and she was sure he knew what was happening to her. A blush began in her cheeks and spread like wildfire as she realised the impropriety of their positions and her state of undress.

“I, um...no, thank you. I had a bad dream, that’s all...it’s...I’m fine...”

She stuttered into silence, unable to drag her eyes away from this mouthwateringly luscious man who was staring at her like she was a loaf of bread and he hadn’t eaten in a week.

“I’m glad. Get some sleep then, I’ll see you in the morning.” And with a brief farewell nod, he left her and strode silently into the darkened hallway.

Allegra closed the door and leaned against it, one hand on her breast as if to stop her heart from leaping out of it. She smiled as she recalled his gaze—heavens, the man knew how to make her shiver.

Her pillow seemed a lot more welcoming this time as she lowered her head, and she realised the nightmare had completely gone. She drifted off to sleep, but now her dreams were much more pleasant.

For some reason, the ghosts of the past had been banished and replaced by a pair of very blue eyes.

The following days were filled with activity for Allegra and the twins.

There were shopping trips for dresses and fripperies, each purchase being carefully analysed (by Grace) and considered in the context of colour and design (by Penelope), so Allegra knew that when she finally made a decision on an outfit, it would be correct down to the last ruffle and bow.

A firm friendship grew between the three, and Allegra was gratified to see the twins beginning to rely upon her counsel.

Penelope had been the one to suggest that they invite a hairdresser to Bridgeford House to show them the latest styles, and it had only been a short step from the curling iron to the scissors.

How it had happened, Allegra wasn’t really sure, but she now wore short feathery fronds around her face which allowed her soft hair to gently toss itself all over the place and catch the sunlight.

She felt the style was an appropriate reflection of her new life, which also seemed to be catching the sunlight and letting air into some old, dark places.

It had been hard to put that night at the Jameson’s behind her and she still blushed with embarrassment at the thought of the scene she had created. But the heat and the press of the crowds had provided sufficient excuse and Lord Allenbridge had seemed relieved to have such a perfect reason to quit the gathering.

Indeed, they had been out of the door and into the carriage practically before Allegra had recovered her wits.

However, the Jamesons had understood, in fact she had received a large bouquet from Nigel the next day, a fragrant mix of violets and lilies-of the-valley. Pip had frowned, but she’d been charmed with it.

Gloriana and her brother had been constant visitors ever since, and had been part of several excursions and balls—but without their Indian guest, who, it was announced, had gone out of town for the present.

Two things were becoming clear to Allegra.

First, that Nigel Jameson had developed a serious interest in her, and second, that Gloriana was determinedly pursuing Lord Allenbridge.

Both these subjects were under discussion at the breakfast table as Runcorn brought in the mail one morning.

“This was accompanied by flowers, My Lady...” said Runcorn, laying a note next to Allegra’s plate. “As were these...”

Two similar notes went to Penelope and Grace. “I have asked the maids to put the flowers in the large salon if you should wish to see them. They are in the vases nearest the door.” Runcorn sniffed slightly.

The girls giggled. “I know, Runcorn, it’s an awful waste of money, isn’t it? But it does keep you and everyone busy in the mornings...” teased Grace.

They all knew the vast amounts of floral tributes that poured into Bridgeford House each morning were actually a source of pride to the staff, who felt the popularity of their two “Young Misses” reflected well on them.

“Thank you again, Runcorn—what would we do without you?” Penelope smiled over her teacup.

“Don’t mention it, Miss Penelope. Are there any instructions for the staff today, My Lady?”

Runcorn turned toward Allegra, having quickly acquired the habit of consulting her as to the day’s schedule.

Lord Allenbridge had happily relinquished much of the running of Bridgeford House into Allegra’s capable hands, and she was determined to earn her keep by making sure things ran smoothly. So far, they had.

Mostly because neither party wished to acknowledge the almost palpable sizzle in the air that sometimes occurred when they were in the same room together and had managed to remain pleasantly cordial to each other.

“Well, I think we will be in for luncheon today, but then we have some visits to pay this afternoon, and this evening—it’s Almack’s, again , is it?”

Bright smiles lit up the two faces. “Yes indeed, Cousin.”

“Sir Vivian is to escort us this evening...,” said Penelope.

“...And Mr. Redfearn is coming as well...,” finished Grace.

“And I suppose that you two have made assignations with a half-dozen other young hopefuls for dances?” inquired Allegra with a grin.

“Weellll...that nice Lord Hythe did ask me to save him a set of the country dances...” Penelope replied rather self-consciously.

“And Uncle Pip did say we were not to show any preference for any particular gentleman, if at all possible, to keep the gossips quiet,” added Grace, sensibly.

Allegra nodded her agreement. “Your Uncle is quite right—there will be plenty of time to show where your interests lie when you have met as many eligible gentlemen as possible, and made a decision. Until then, it’s best to enjoy yourselves and be fancy free.”

She paused for a moment. “Have you met anyone who might come to occupy a special place in your emotions yet?”

She couldn’t resist the casual inquiry since the girls had been so popular and so busy that she felt it her duty to keep abreast of any romantic developments, as well as social ones.

“Oh no, Cousin,” stated Grace emphatically, with a little shake of her head.

“Not yet, Cousin, it’s too soon, I think.” Penelope agreed with a serious look on her delicate features.

“By the way, speaking of attachments, is your note from Nigel Jameson?” Grace neatly turned the tables on Allegra, and grinned as a slight blush stained her cousin’s cheeks.

“Yes, I’m afraid it is,” sighed Allegra.

“But he’s very nice,” offered Penelope.

“I know, and that’s part of the trouble. I don’t seem to be able to make him understand that I am not interested in him in that way—but I value his friendship. Oh dear. How am I going to be a good chaperone to you two when I can’t get myself out of a situation like this?”

“It might be easier if we weren’t together with the Jamesons quite so much,” said Grace with her customary good sense. “But that is difficult with Gloriana being so much in evidence this Season, and so determined to be Lady Allenbridge.”

Allegra looked up, wondering if she should allow that comment to go unrebuked, trespassing as it was upon Lord Allenbridge’s personal affairs. However, it was undeniably the truth, and as such, could not be challenged.

She bit her lip, troubled by the rather unpleasant thought of someone else taking pride of place in Pip’s house. And heart.

“I would love Uncle Pip to be happy, but I don’t think that Gloriana is the person to do it...” mused Penelope. “She’s too...too...”

“Brittle?” finished Grace.

“Exactly.” Penelope smiled across at her twin. “She doesn’t smile with her eyes at all, and I get the distinct feeling that underneath, she’s calculating each little gesture as to its effectiveness.”

“She’s probably got a scale of movements. Batting the eyelashes would be a four, um...a toss of the head would be a seven...”

“Oh, and that delicate little touch of the fingers on a gentleman’s arm?”

“Definitely a nine, don’t you think, Cousin?” Grace giggled.

Allegra tried bravely to keep a straight face, knowing that this was not a proper conversation at all, but agreeing wholeheartedly with the twins’ assessment of Miss Gloriana Jameson.

“What I think is that you two are extremely naughty,” she chastised sternly. “And you’re going to make things even more difficult if you go on, because I’m holding an invitation from the Jamesons to join their picnic next week. They would like us to accompany them on a trip out to Wandle Park. Now how am I supposed to spend the day, when I shall be mentally assigning a numeric value to Gloriana’s every move?”

The three ladies enjoyed a companionable laugh, and the sound brought a smile to Pip’s face as he entered the breakfast room.

“Well, I’m happy to see you all in such high good humour this morning,” he said as he gathered his repast and settled himself at the table. “May I inquire as to the source of the laughter?” His eyes warmed as they brushed over Allegra’s grinning face.

“Oh, we were just looking forward to this evening at Almack’s,” quickly answered Allegra. “And wondering if we should accept the Jamesons’ invitation to picnic at Wandle Park. It is their country estate, I believe?”

Pip’s face betrayed none of his feelings as he listened to Allegra, which was quite a challenge. He liked the sound of her voice. It haunted him, filled his dreams, and sometimes he wondered if he was going quite mad.

He drew in a breath. “As it happens, Wandle is one of the more beautiful landscapes, especially at this time of year—I believe a former Jameson enlisted Capability Brown’s landscaping talents. It might be worth a trip to see the flowers. How do you all feel about it?” He looked around the table.

“It sounds lovely, Uncle. Gloriana writes that there will be several carriages and we may invite guests if we care to. Do you think Sir Vivian might wish to accompany us?” Penelope’s eyes were guileless as she asked the question.

“I wouldn’t mind a trip to the country, especially if it’s a nice day, and if we ask Mr. Redfearn, then the numbers would be even. Perhaps you could even get a little work done, Uncle, and not feel that the day was wasted for you because I wouldn’t want to go without you in attendance,” added Grace with a determined little nod.

“Neither would I...” agreed Penelope.

“Indeed, your presence would be most gratifying, my Lord,” quietly added Allegra. “It will be a full day’s outing, I believe.”

“Then by all means accept for us, Cousin. How could I possibly disappoint such an eager audience?” smiled Pip.

“Oh, thank you, Uncle Pip.” said Grace happily.

“You’re so kind to us, Uncle Pip,” laughed Penelope.

“Enough, enough,” interrupted Pip. He raised his hand in the classic fencing gesture of submission. “Don’t you two toadies have other things to occupy yourselves this morning?”

“Indeed we do.” answered Penelope teasingly. “There’s fields to be ploughed...”

“...and chickens to be fed,” giggled her twin, rising from the table. “If you will excuse us, we’ll get on with our chores.” The two girls left, each bestowing a light kiss upon their Uncle Pip, who was not quite sufficiently blasé to avoid colouring up.

“My word, what enthusiasm this early in the morning.” He turned to refill his cup and recover his countenance.

“They are wonderful, aren’t they? I so enjoy being with them—each day is a pleasure,” said Allegra sincerely.

“I am gratified that you feel that way, and pleased for the twins, of course. I do believe that this arrangement has had a happy result for everyone, don’t you? An ideal and excellent notion.” answered Pip.

“Unquestionably,” agreed Allegra.

“I must confess to a small concern though,” she continued after a slight pause. “It’s probably silly of me, but this pace of activities does seem a little hectic.” She shook her head. “Just last week, we attended three functions in one evening. If I could prevail upon the girls to sleep a bit later, then I might not worry, but they will insist on getting up bright and early. I wonder how long they can stay the course.”

Pip nodded in agreement. “This dratted Season always creates that sort of madness—but it is quite acceptable, even necessary sometimes, for you to be adamant in directing the girls’ activities. Let’s say we make a house rule. No more than two parties in one night, unless they agree not to rise until at least ten the next day?” He raised an eyebrow at Allegra.

“That sounds most reasonable, my Lord.” Allegra sounded relieved that the matter had been resolved so neatly. “I’m sure the girls will accept your dictate, and I must confess I shall enforce it strictly—we do want to see the Season to its completion.”

“Are you finding it too exhausting?” Pip looked at the young woman across the table, but was unable to detect any signs of fatigue. “I must confess that after you fainted at the Jamesons’ party, I was a tad concerned that we might be asking too much of you. To step into the role of chaperone for two such lively girls at the height of the Season—well, it’s a lot to ask of anyone.”

Especially someone I want all to myself for a while.

“No, no, not at all.” Allegra’s answer was quite emphatic. “The challenge and the excitement of doing so many new things and meeting new people all the time is stimulating. I haven’t stopped being thrilled by it all yet.”

“So that first night when you fainted...?” pursued Pip, unwilling to leave the subject now that it had been brought up.

Allegra closed her eyes for a moment as if to recall the night.

Pip felt as if she was shutting him out of her thoughts. He frowned. “I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s all right. You aren’t prying.” She looked at him, in control of herself once more. “I can only appreciate your consideration. You never pressed me for any explanation, although one was certainly due. I was, I must confess, tired by my experiences with Madame, and the room was intolerably hot. But it wasn’t that...”

Allegra’s eyes focused on a distant point, and once again Pip felt she was reliving the experience. “The Rajah’s voice—no, not his voice—his...his intonation, seemed oddly familiar somehow and his words...well...what he said reminded me of an episode in my past which I thought I had successfully put behind me.”

A tiny shudder crept over Allegra’s body and Pip’s senses prickled as he felt her distress. He could almost see the fine hairs on her forearms stand up in fear.

“My dear Ally...” The informal address slipped unnoticed from his lips.

Her eyes snapped into awareness and in an instant she was herself again, her customary self-control taking over and bringing her safely back to the present. “Forgive my silliness, my Lord.”

She smiled apologetically at Pip, who was half out of his seat.

“Only if you will drop this ‘my Lord’ business and do as your charges do—call me by my given name?” Pip felt a sudden rush of need to hear his name from her lips.

“Now that would not be appropriate—and well you know it.” said Allegra, scolding.

Disappointed, Pip picked up his cup.

“However,” mused Allegra, “... perhaps we might compromise with the cousin form of address—that shouldn’t cause any talk and will make things more comfortable, will it not?”

Pip realised he had stopped feeling comfortable about Allegra some time ago, but was reluctant to pursue that train of thought—danger might well lie in that direction.

She’s a widow and I simply cannot seduce her under my own roof. Dammit.

He sighed. “Indeed, a most agreeable solution. We shall get in some practice before the Jamesons’ picnic. I hope the weather holds, as the azaleas are held to rival any in England and will be worth the visit.”

Pip wondered if Allegra would actually have the opportunity to call him anything at all given the fact that Gloriana would probably affix herself to his side and stay there for the entire day.

He swallowed down the feeling of distaste the thought gave him, and ignored the voice that pointed out how welcome another woman would be, were she to affix herself to his side. For more than just a day, too.