Chapter Five

T he affable Duke of Clarence sat quaffing claret in Woburn’s library in the company of his host and a crowd of male guests.

John Russell signaled his son Jack, who spoke up on cue. “We have arranged a hunt tomorrow in your honor, Your Highness. The pheasants are particularly plentiful this year. There will be no need to beat the bushes—the dogs will flush them out. You won’t get better shooting in all of England.”

“Splendid! I was hoping for a game shoot and brought along my guns, just in case.”

“Jack has agreed to help me manage the estate. For our many friends who come to Woburn for the game, my son has agreed to organize all the hunts from now on.”

“You are indeed lucky to have such fine sons, Bedford. You are blessed.”

Abercorn kept a straight face, though inwardly he was amused. The king’s brother had sons aplenty, albeit illegitimate. He had fathered five sons with the Irish actress Dorothea Jordan, who all bore the surname FitzClarence .

Once the Duke of Clarence had been fortified with wine and mollified with the promise of a good hunt, John Russell brought up the subject of his son’s ambitions for a naval career. “Now that Edward has completed his studies at Oxford, all he talks about is joining the military. I told him he could seek no better advice than yours, William. No man breathing is more informed about the navy than the former Admiral of the Fleet.”

Abercorn was amazed at how adroitly Bedford handled the Royal Duke. With a combination of charm, flattery, and familiarity, he induced Clarence to use his influence and put in a word for Edward at the Admiralty, which would ensure a plumb naval commission. Edward is extremely fortunate to have John Russell for a father. My stepfather, Aberdeen, is so dour and abrasive that he offends everyone he deals with.

Bedford refilled Clarence’s glass. “Drink up, William. It will fortify you against the impromptu ball the ladies have planned for this evening.”

In the Venetian drawing room, the ladies were regaling Princess Adelaide about the birthday ball they were holding that evening.

“Oh, I simply love to dance,” Adelaide admitted, “but I’m not sure I brought a suitable ball gown.” She put her hand up to her hair, rather self-consciously.

“Nonsense, Your Highness. We are completely informal here in the country. We don’t wear Parisian fashions at Woburn, I assure you. And if you like, I’ll have my maid do your hair in the latest style,” Georgina suggested.

“Princess Adelaide, you have such lovely thick, shining hair,” Louisa declared. “If it were fashioned into large curls and pinned up high with glittering ornaments, it would be extremely flattering.”

“I shall take your advice, my dear. I find it decidedly pleasant to be surrounded by young people. It makes me feel alive,” she confided.

Lady Sophia hurried into Louisa’s bedchamber. “I hear the pipers and the violins. I don’t want to be late for the dancing. Will you help me fasten my gown, please?”

Georgy threw her sister a look of disgust. “I told you our dresses were out of style, Lu. Slim empire gowns are decidedly old-fashioned. Waists are back to their natural place, and everyone in London is wearing full skirts and puffed-out sleeves.”

“It won’t matter tonight, Georgy. The young men from Oxford won’t know what the latest styles are,” Louisa assured her. “Mother will have new gowns made for us before we make our debut. She’s very fashion conscious.”

“We have only three bachelors to partner us tonight, Sophia, so please don’t push yourself forward and take advantage. You’ll have to seek a husband elsewhere.”

“Georgy, I’m not husband hunting. As a matter of fact, I’m being courted.”

Georgy’s mouth fell open. “By whom?” she demanded.

Sophia blushed. “His name is Thomas . . . Lord Thomas Cecil.”

“I believe Cecil’s brother is the Marquis of Exeter,” Louisa declared.

“Damn and blast! I must be the only twenty-year-old in England without prospects!”

“The night is young—you may very well have prospects before the ball is over.”

The musicians had finished tuning their instruments by the time the three young ladies arrived in the ballroom. All the married ladies had their husbands in tow. When Georgina arrived with the duke and saw that the bachelors were conspicuous by their absence, she lost no time in going below and rounding them up. She herded them to the third floor and signaled the musicians.

The first dance was a quadrille, and when Teddy Fox asked Georgy to partner him, she was eager to comply. Then Abercorn bowed before Princess Adelaide. She bestowed a radiant smile of thanks upon him and tripped forth as lightly as a girl.

George Grey partnered Lady Sophia, and Johnny clasped Louisa’s hand and led her onto the floor. Lu wasn’t embarrassed that her brother partnered her. He was one of the few males with whom she felt comfortable. These four couples formed the first square and went through the eight intricate figures that made up the dance. By the time the quadrille was over, the ice had been broken and everyone was laughing.

Georgina announced that a mazey dance would be next. Teddy Fox bowed before Louisa. “Would you guide me through this one? I’m not sure of the steps.”

She smiled at him. “Everyone gets mixed up in this one, though it’s simple enough. The ladies and gentlemen form two lines facing one another. Then the top couple raises their arms to form an arch and the other couples dance beneath it.”

The dance went smoothly enough until George Grey, who was partnering Georgy, forgot it was their turn to form the arch and the entire thing became a muddle of confusion. Good-natured laughter ensued until they all managed to straighten themselves out and finish the dance.

The duchess and her best friend had concocted a plan. Beth whispered to Georgina, “I think now would be a good time.”

Georgina held up her hands to gain her guests’ attention. “We will now have a cotillion, where everyone changes partners when the music stops. But Lady Holland tells me the latest craze in London is a kissing dance. So when the dance ends, the gentleman will kiss his partner!”

Whistles went up from all the males in the ballroom.

Louisa drew in a quick breath and she felt her cheeks grow warm. Mother and Beth have come up with this plan because I told them I’ve never been kissed. I should leave! An inner voice told her this was the only way she could win her wager with Georgy. When George Grey asked to partner her, she was on the horns of a dilemma. Should I run or should I stay? For a moment Louisa was rooted to the spot and then George took her hand and led her into the dance.

Each time the music stopped, there was a tangible air of anticipation. When it started again, everyone laughed and changed partners. The dance went on and on, as the musicians played a few bars, ceased playing for a beat or two, then resumed the music.

Georgina watched the couples closely. When at last she saw James Hamilton take her daughter Louisa as his partner, she signaled the musicians to end the dance.

When Louisa heard the music stop, she drew in a swift breath. Oh, please, please, play on! She waited as three beats stretched into four and she was suddenly gripped by panic. This cannot be happening to me! She glanced up and her eyes met Abercorn’s triumphant gaze. Her long black lashes swept down immediately and lay fanned against her pale cheeks. She stiffened as she felt Hamilton’s powerful arms envelop her. She could hear her heartbeat thudding inside her eardrums as fear spiraled through her belly.

To Louisa, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. She felt the pressure of his hands on her back as he drew her close. Her lashes flew up in time to see his dark head bend toward her and his lips descend slowly to take possession of her mouth. She gasped for breath and as her lips opened, her eyes closed and Abercorn kissed her.

She held herself rigid, but gradually his compelling closeness overwhelmed her. She stopped thinking and starting feeling. Her stiffness melted and her lips softened beneath his possessive mouth. His male scent stole her senses and his hard, muscled body pressed against hers, luring her to raise her arms and cling to him. She heard the whisper of her gown as it brushed against his marble- hard thighs. Her lips could taste the raw desire of his mouth as he bent her to his will. And then it was over. She felt dismay that the kiss ended and she staggered as he withdrew his powerful arms from her. She gazed up into his dark eyes. I’ll remember your kiss forever.

Louisa blinked as if awakening from a trance. Dear God, you must never let the dominant Irish devil know the effect he had on you! She raised her hand and slapped his face. She knew immediately it was the worst thing she could have done. He grinned down at her knowingly. The slap told him exactly how devastating his kiss had been.

She heard everyone clapping and her cheeks burned with chagrin. When she glanced around at the other couples, however, she realized they were not looking at her and Abercorn. All eyes were on the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, who were locked in a passionate embrace. Her mother’s words echoed in her mind: Darling, a kiss is such an insignificant trifle. Louisa now realized that was a blatant lie. There was absolutely nothing trifling or insignificant about Abercorn’s kiss. Or her parents’ for that matter.

The musicians began to play a slow waltz. Hamilton swept her into his arms and led her around the floor in sweeping circles. Louisa did not protest. She was determined to show him that she was indifferent to both his looks and his charm. One thing was certain. She must never allow him to kiss her again.

John Russell gazed down at his beautiful wife. “I love you, little girl.”

Georgina touched his face tenderly. “I know you do, my darling.”

“Will you waltz with me?”

“I would love it above all things!” She had more good sense than to ask him if he was up to dancing.

“There’s method in my madness,” he confessed as he led her slowly about the floor. “After this dance, the Scottish reels will begin, and all hell will break loose.”

“I remember the first time you put on a kilt and partnered me in a Strathspey.”

“I remember it too—the bloody kilt swung up and revealed my bare arse!”

“You have a very manly arse, old man,” she whispered provocatively.

“Flattery, begod!” he teased.

“Well, I’ll be damned. My sister Charlotte is waltzing with the Duke of Clarence! I’m willing to wager she is the one who asked him and not the other way around.”

“That’s a safe bet. The Gordon sisters are all bold as brass.”

“Poor John. You got the runt of the litter, I’m afraid.”

“I got my heart’s desire. Not many men can say that.”

Georgina stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “At midnight, it will be Georgy’s birthday. I think we should give the girls their presents tonight. What do you think?”

“I want what you want. Always have . . . always will,” he vowed.

“And that’s the reason I love you.” She smiled up into his eyes.

For the next two hours the pipers took over and the dancers became raucous as one Scottish reel followed another, interspersed by lively Strathspeys. It was thirsty work and the champagne and whiskey imbibed by the Russells and their guests induced them to cast aside their inhibitions and celebrate life to the full.

At midnight the assembly moved to the supper room. As a large candle-lit cake was wheeled in, everyone sang “ Happy Birthday” to Georgy and Louisa.

Georgina presented the birthday girls with identically wrapped presents. All the guests gathered round to watch the sisters open the gifts from their parents.

Louisa carefully removed the ribbon and paper to reveal a velvet jewel case. She caught her breath as she raised the lid and saw the glittering necklace. She had always been in awe of the famous Russell diamonds and was thrilled that her father and mother were bestowing part of the exquisite collection on her. She glanced at Georgy, knowing she was opening a similar gift of diamonds. In all, there were four necklaces, as well as numerous brooches, bracelets, and pairs of earrings.

Louisa threw her father a radiant smile. As her mother fastened the necklace about her throat, she asked, “How can you bear to part with them?”

“Jewels should be worn, not hoarded away in boxes. Display them proudly, darling, but always remember that your own beauty outshines any diamond.”

As her mother fastened Georgy’s necklace about her throat, Louisa caught a fleeting look of disappointment on her sister’s face. It was gone in a trice as all the ladies gathered round to admire the precious gems, with oohs and aahs.

William’s wife Elizabeth turned on her heel and abruptly left the ballroom. Her husband followed her reluctantly, knowing he would feel the brunt of her jealousy.

“Bessy!” he called after her, but knew she would neither turn around nor wait for him, as she rushed in outrage to their suite in the east wing. The moment he closed the door, she turned on him like a wounded tigress.

“How dare she?” She beat her clenched fists against his chest. “The diamond collection is part of the Russell inheritance. She has no right to adorn her wretched daughters with jewels that belong to the Russell family. They are priceless heirlooms. I want you to go to your father immediately and tell him that we object. Strenuously object. The audacity of the woman is beyond belief!”

Elizabeth drew in a swift breath as a low knock came on the door.

William opened the door and admitted his brother Johnny.

Lord John spoke quietly. “The woman , as you call her, is the Duchess of Bedford.”

Bessy turned away in anger and paced about the chamber. Then she returned to face her husband’s brother. “To our great sorrow she is the duchess. But that doesn’t give her the right to give away the Russell diamonds.”

“She has every right. My father gave her the jewels as a wedding present.”

“She has him wrapped about her little finger. Without doubt she is the most flagrantly extravagant woman in England. She entertains as if she were royalty.”

“I would give the pair of you a little advice. Don’t make Georgina your enemy. Father truly loves her. She has it within her power to get him to change his will. If he chooses, he can disown the sons he had with his first wife and leave everything to Georgina’s children.”

“What Johnny says is true, Bessy. You must stop being vindictive toward her.”

“William, you are weak as water. You don’t have the courage of your convictions.” She threw Johnny a contemptuous glance. “Why do you champion her?”

“When Georgina married Father, she gave him both love and support—things that were lacking in his first marriage to our mother. She also loved me as if I were her own son. I know she can be extravagant and outrageously outspoken, but her generosity of spirit simply outweighs all her flaws.”

“I think our absence will be noted, Bessy. It’s best that we return.”

“I refuse to worship at the shrine of Georgina and her daughters. You may return and kowtow if you choose, William. I bid you good night, gentlemen.”

Caught between the devil and the deep, William chose to return with Johnny. “Unfortunately Bessy has a haughty and unbending nature.”

“I warrant she may never feel affection for Georgina, but she would be wise to show a little respect,” Johnny advised.

By two o’clock, most of the men were legless with drink and declared they had danced enough to last them a lifetime. Some of the ladies retired, but Georgina and the birthday girls joined the more intrepid gentlemen in the long gallery where the gaming tables lured the revelers to try their luck.

The Duchess of Bedford partnered Lord Holland against her sister and the Duke of Clarence. They played whist for an hour until Charlotte threw down her cards in disgust. “Lud, that time I cheated and still lost.”

“The cards are against us, m’dear,” Clarence declared.

“Never mind, William, perhaps you’ll have better luck in the hunt tomorrow.” Georgina knew if the royal duke didn’t seek his bed soon, he would be unfit for the shoot.

“I shall retire, if you will be good enough to lead me to my chamber, Your Grace.”

Charlotte beckoned her daughter Sophie, who had been playing faro with her Russell cousins. “What about your girls, Georgina? Do you think it prudent to let them gamble until dawn with these young vultures?”

“Charlotte, you know prudent isn’t in my repertoire.” She glanced around the gallery. William had fallen asleep on a couch with a drink in his hand. Johnny was having an animated conversation with young Abercorn, and Georgy was giggling happily as she sat playing faro with Teddy, George, her brother Edward, and her sister. “Georgy is extremely impulsive, but no more than I was at her age.”

When Louisa saw that her mother was retiring, she rose from the table. She hadn’t been able to concentrate on her cards because her thoughts were filled with Abercorn. The effect of the kiss they had shared still lingered. Though she vowed to put it from her mind and focus on the game, she found it impossible to forget. She glanced quickly in Hamilton’s direction and saw he was deep in conversation with Johnny. She joined her mother and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for a lovely birthday celebration, and thank you for the precious gift.” She touched the diamonds that lay against her throat. “I will cherish them always.”

“I find more pleasure in seeing my daughters wearing the diamonds than in wearing them myself.” Georgina took firm hold of the Duke of Clarence, and Lord Holland offered his arms to Charlotte and Louisa.

As she walked from the gallery, Louisa vowed that she would not look back.

At the faro table, Edward had lost every game for the last hour and George Grey hadn’t done much better, since they were both three sheets to the wind. “It doesn’t seem fair that m’sister is having all the bloody luck.”

“Of course it’s fair. It’s my birthday. . . . I can’t lose!” Georgy declared.

“In that case, I’m done. My pockets are to let.”

“I agree,” Grey said owlishly. “Not decent to resheive a drubbing at the hands of a female . . . speshly one dripping in diamonds.” He stood up and made his unsteady way from the long gallery.

“I didn’t want diamonds,” Georgy confessed. “I wanted a new horse. A big male hunter like yours, Teddy.”

“In that case, I’ll put up my horse against your necklace,” Teddy offered.

Georgy picked up her glass of champagne and drained it. “It’s my birthday, Teddy. I can’t lose,” she warned.

“Won’t let a female beat me,” he asserted aggressively.

Edward let out a loud snore as his head dropped to the gaming table.

It caught Johnny’s attention. “I seem to be the last Russell standing.” He removed the drink from William’s hand and lifted his brother’s feet onto the couch. “Good night, Abercorn. I’ll see you at the hunt tomorrow.”

James Hamilton got to his feet and stretched. He had thoroughly enjoyed his conversation with Lord John. He hadn’t been paying much attention to the gamblers since Louisa had retired with her mother. He glanced over at the table and frowned when he saw Georgy was still drinking and gambling. He moved toward the table with a feeling of disquiet.

Georgy’s eyes glittered with recklessness as she unfastened her necklace with unsteady fingers and laid it on the table. “You are about to lose your favorite mount, Teddy. I’ll cut you for it—high card wins.” She reached confidently toward the deck of cards, cut it, and turned up a jack. She laughed with abandon. “Jack is my lucky charm!”

Teddy sat still with a stunned look on his face. Then he reached out unsteadily and cut the deck. When he turned up a king, he threw back his head and laughed raucously.

Furious, Georgy picked up the necklace and threw it at him. “Damn you to hellfire, Teddy Fox! Keep your bloody horse!” She jumped up angrily, knocked over her chair, and began to stalk away.

“Don’t be a sore loser, Georgy. I’m sure you will think of some way to persuade me to give you back your diamonds.”

Abercorn asked quietly, “You put up your horse?”

“Wouldn’t you, for a chance to win diamonds?” Teddy asked.

“I’m rather fond of my horse, but I’d hazard a throw of the dice if you’d be willing to bet the necklace.” Abercorn pulled a pair of dice from his pocket and rolled a seven. He gathered them up and handed them to Teddy, who dropped them three times before he managed to get a firm grip on them. James knew Teddy was so intoxicated, that it would be a miracle if he remembered anything in the morning.

Teddy cast the dice and rolled a three. It slowly sank in that he had lost. “Damnation,” he cursed. “I didn’t want to lose my hunter.”

“You didn’t lose your horse, Teddy. We were playing for the necklace.”

A look of relief transformed his face. “Oh, all right then.” He fished in his waistcoat pocket and handed over the diamonds.