Chapter Seventeen

"Well, old man, should I congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials? Or must I call one of my oldest and dearest friends out for scandalous behavior toward my sister?" Eli drawled casually to Charles whilst kicking back and sipping a scotch.

Charles had just entered the study at Rotherford Hall. He'd hoped for a moment alone to reflect on his time with CeCe. However, he was to be disappointed. It appeared that his brothers Robert and Spencer were also there to witness his humiliation as they were in company with Eli. Each of the gentlemen had glasses of their own and wore a matching set of stupid grins hinting at their male superiority.

Charles flushed darkly. "How is it that you three seem to know so much about my personal affairs?"

"Somebody needed to take the lead," Robert muttered into his drink, causing the others to smirk.

Spencer, not one to be left out, added his own quip. "A deaf, dumb, and blind man would have more insight than you have lately."

"Tell me. Am I to alert my seconds?" Eli asked with feigned nonchalance. "Will we be engaging with pistols at dawn?"

"No, damn you," Charles huffed and walked over to the buffet to grab the crystal decanter and pour himself a drink. "CeCe's finally accepted my suit."

At that announcement, the three men cheered, followed by a toast to the happy couple. All teasing aside, Charles was fully aware these three men had his best interest in mind. A rueful smile crossed his face.

"I say there, little brother," Charles whipped his head around to Robert, who was speaking. "You may want to change out of that jacket; there seems to be a bit of mud on the back."

Eli snorted. "However, could that have happened?"

"He must have fallen from his horse," Spencer said. "That's the only way I can think of to explain the twigs in his hair."

"If you are just going to poke fun at me, I will take my leave of you," Charles said, throwing back the remainder of his bourbon in one swallow and rising.

"There is a bit of grass sticking to his trousers as well. Maybe he had to wrestle one of Mr. Johnson's chickens?" Eli went on as if Charles hadn't spoken.

Spencer gasped. "Again?"

"Must have been a terrible scuffle," Robert added, eyes dancing. "They do have a history, you know."

"I hesitate to ask, brother dear." Spencer's look could only be described as the cat who'd gotten into the cream. "But feel that I must inquire… How does the other party look?"

"Bastards," Charles muttered before stalking to the doorway. "Just so we clear," he added, "you are all dead to me."

Laughter followed him all the way down the hallway.

**

CeCe slipped into the side door and hustled up the servant's entrance. Thankfully, reaching her room unnoticed. From there, she rang Yvonne for hot water to be brought up for her to bathe.

"If you don't mind me saying so, Miss CeCe, you seem very happy today," Yvonne commented as she added the scented oils to the warm water. Turning back to CeCe, she helped undo her buttons and removed her soiled gown.

The maid knew better than to mention that a few of the buttons she'd properly looped that morning had somehow come apart. There also appeared to be a small tear in her stockings. Yvonne noted the glowing look of a woman in love, a woman who had been well-loved.

"I am so very happy, Yvonne. I suppose that I should be telling my family first, but I just can't seem to hold it in. I am going to marry Charles Rotherford."

"I'm so pleased for you, miss," Yvonne congratulated her young charge. But a moment of worry overtook the maid. Employment was always a tricky proposition. Perhaps Miss would want to change to another lady's maid once she married. It wasn't unheard of. Even among the serving class, there were class distinctions between the staff and the positions they held. The idea of returning to the housemaid position turned her stomach.

CeCe was immediately concerned when she saw Yvonne's crestfallen expression. Leaning over to take the older woman's hand, she asked. "Whatever is the matter, Yvonne?"

Yvonne colored, embarrassed at showing emotion in her position. "It is nothing, miss. I am truly happy for you and Mr. Rotherford. He is an honorable man."

"And yet you look as if you might cry," CeCe responded. "You've known me nearly my entire life, Yvonne. I've asked you any number of impertinent questions, and you've always done your best to serve me well. Please feel that you may speak freely. What is wrong?"

Yvonne's lips quivered. "I don't mean to cause trouble, miss. I should be happy in any position at Mangrove Manor."

"Any position?" CeCe blurted out, confusion lacing her ton. "Do you no longer wish to be my lady's maid?"

"I should like that above all things, miss," Yvonne said fervently. "But I know some gentile ladies prefer a more skilled attendant after they wed."

"Well then, I suppose it's for the best that I am not like most ladies. You mean a great deal to me, Yvonne. I would no sooner replace you than I would live in a tree. Your position as my lady's maid is secure. That is if you wish to remain with me."

Yvonne's eyes widened with surprise and relief. "Oh, miss, you are too kind. I would be honored to continue as your lady's maid."

CeCe smiled warmly. "Then it is settled. Now, help me out of the rest of these clothes and into the bath, please."

With gentle skill, Yvonne assisted CeCe in undressing and settling into the warm water. As she began to wash her mistress's back, she couldn't resist asking, "How did Mr. Rotherford propose?"

CeCe was only too happy to share the details at the grotto with Yvonne as she stepped into the steaming water of the bath and sank into its depths. With a moan of delight, CeCe rested her head against the rim.

"Oh, it was the most wonderful afternoon," CeCe said, her voice soft and dreamy.

Yvonne nodded, her hands working to wash CeCe's hair. "I'm glad for you, miss," she murmured softly. "I have often felt you and Mr. Rotherford would make the perfect match."

"Now," CeCe continued, splashing some water playfully at Yvonne's to tease her. "Tell me about the marriage bed. I know, you said you wouldn't tell me until I was ready. Yvonne, I am going to be married. I couldn't be more ready! What kind of things happen in there?"

Yvonne blushed and looked away briefly before composing herself once more. "Oh, well... it's where a man and his wife share their intimacy after they are wedded," she said hesitantly. "They... they lay together beneath the sheets..." She trailed off as she tried to find the right words.

"Yes, I know that part," CeCe laughed softly. "But what about before? What does Charles do?"

"Well... he... um..." Yvonne stammered. It was clear that this was uncharted territory for the maid. After all, she didn't want to scare the girl. "He undresses and joins you under the covers."

"There has to be more," CeCe pressed on curiously. "You see, I saw Charles' manhood just this afternoon. It looked angry and red. What does he do with it?"

Yvonne took a deep breath before answering. "I really feel this might be a better conversation to have with your mother."

"Mother?" CeCe expostulated. "Whyever would I do that? I want the truth, not some watered-down version of the mechanics one might view in the stables."

"Merde, miss, you will be the death of me," Yvonne teased, shaking her head. "If you must know, your body has a place for its member to be inserted. While he kisses and fondles you, that special place will begin to ache with need. It will lubricate itself in preparation for what is to come. I will warn you. The first time can be uncomfortable. But I have a special oil that will help ease you through if you wish."

"I do wish," CeCe breathed in excitement. "Then what?"

"Then he moves within you. The friction between lovers ignites a fiery passion that cannot be described in words, but trust me, miss. It is wonderful."

"Wow," CeCe said with a sigh. "Is it always this way in the marriage bed?"

"Sadly, no, miss," Yvonne motioned for her charge to stand and began to dry her body. "Some men are not generous lovers. They take instead of coax and steal instead of give. With all things, there is a balance. If you wish your marriage bed to be a happy one, consider what makes your lover go wild. That passion will flame between you, and all will be well."

"What happens afterward?" CeCe asked.

"Afterwards?" Yvonne echoed. "That depends. Some retreat to their own bed chambers. But if you are lucky, your lover will cuddle up beside you and go to sleep. Making love can be a messy experience. The male member releases a pearly white liquid containing his seed. This is how babies are able to take root in the woman's womb."

CeCe's eyes grew wide. "Indeed?"

"Yes, miss. Now, let's get you dressed. You have a big announcement for your family, do you not?"

Before Yvonne could pull out a dress, CeCe's bed chamber door slammed open to reveal the baroness in an agitated state.

"I'm sorry to intrude, darling," she said hurriedly. "But I must speak with you immediately.

"Of course, Mama, I won't be but a moment," CeCe motioned for Yvonne to bring her dress from her wardrobe. Yvonne dressed CeCe in record time.

"No then," CeCe said, walking to the vanity and taking a seat so that Yvonne could comb the tangles out of her auburn hair. "What seems to be the problem?"

"I've got a delayed missive from your father. He's coming to Mangrove Manor and will be arriving at any moment. I cannot fathom comprehending what he must be thinking. The letter says something about Cousin Elizabeth and a scandal in town. Have you any word of this?"

"Father is coming here to Mangrove Manor?" CeCe asked woodenly. "This is news."

"Yes," her mother wailed. "That horrible man could be walking through our front door at any moment. I've taken such pains to avoid him. Whatever did that blasted chit do?"

CeCe shook her head. "I honestly haven't heard any gossip from town. I can't imagine what she is embroiled in—she's such a prude. Do you know her whereabouts?"

"Undoubtedly, they are hiding out in the Dragon of London's lair. Those two are cut from the same cloth, I'm afraid."

CeCe snorted with laughter at her mother's cattiness. "I hadn't realized you'd picked up on our little nickname for Aunt Stephens. I know I should be ashamed, but I cannot find it within myself to do so. Now then, we must formulate a plan. For the moment, let's take care of logistics. Yvonne, please go ring for the housekeeper and the butler."

"Yes, miss," Yvonne answered hurriedly as she scurried off to perform her task.

"Do you have a plan?" Eloise asked hopefully, wringing her hands. "Because I fear my senses have taken a leave of absence."

"I always have a plan," CeCe replied cheekily. "We shall have the butler summon Eli at Rotherford Hall immediately. In fact, ask that the family join us as well. We are going to need all of the support we can get. I'll instruct the housekeeper to air out Father's bedchamber and make the blue guest room available for you. You do not need to have to endure a connecting door to Father's chambers."

"Yes," the Baroness agreed heartily. "What else?"

CeCe considered. "We will send Robert and Spencer to brave the dragon's den. They will go and fetch Aunt Stephens and Cousin Elizabeth. Do not worry, Mother. I will be right at your side. We will handle this."