Chapter Eight

Montagu House, London August 1894

D owager Duchess Louisa turned away from the memories of her past so that she could focus on the family members who had gathered to celebrate her long life.

“Thank you, John Claud.” Louisa took a sip of champagne from the glass her son had brought her. She was rather proud that he was aide-de-camp to the queen. “Does Victoria enjoy French wine?”

“She much prefers a dram of whiskey.” John Claud winked at his mother.

“Ah yes, a habit Victoria picked up when she and Albert came to stay with us for the second time in Scotland. I clearly remember being mortified at your behavior.”

“I was only nine years old.”

“Certainly old enough to know better. When I presented you to the queen, you immediately stood on your head. To add insult to injury, you were wearing a kilt! I scolded you profusely and when I brought you back to the queen so you could apologize, you promptly did it again.”

John Claud grinned. “Mother, you have an amazing memory.”

“It is fortunate for you that Victoria’s memory is no match for mine, or she would never have made you her aide-de-camp.”

“You never know—she may have admired my arse.”

“True. Why should she be different from all the other females you’ve attracted over the years?” She tapped his arm with her fan. “Shush, here’s another speech extolling my virtues. I wonder when they’ll start on my vices?” She thought fleetingly of Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, and smiled a secret smile.

Louisa Jane, the Duchess of Buccleuch, raised her voice in an attempt to make herself heard above the chatter and clinking of glasses.

“The changes our dear mother has seen in her lifetime are absolutely profound.”

Poor Louisa Jane was pressured into accepting the appointment of mistress of the robes to Queen Victoria when I turned it down.

“Did you know that Mother is the last person living to have visited Carlton House, the magnificent residence that belonged to the late King George IV?”

Louisa’s thoughts took flight, winging back over the years. King George’s death is indelibly marked in my memory. Not because poor old Prinny turned up his dropsical toes, but because I had just discovered my sister and Abercorn by the lake in flagrante delicto. Oh, how I loathed and detested the Irish devil!

It was almost a year before I saw him again . . .

Belgrave Square, London May 1831

“I know the exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art marks the official opening of the season, but I’d prefer not to attend,” Louisa confided to her sister.

“Because Edwin Landseer is exhibiting his paintings?” Georgy asked.

“Exactly. Since William’s wife, Bessy, has gossiped that Landseer is Rachel’s father, half of London will be wondering and whispering.”

“If we attend the exhibition it will give the lie to such gossip. If we stay away, it will confirm it. Apart from that, every titled bachelor in London will be there. I’ve waited two long years for my season, Lu, and I refuse to waste one day of it.”

“I didn’t mean to be thoughtless, Georgy. Of course I’ll attend.”

“I knew you would change your mind. I’m wearing blue, so please don’t choose the same color. I’ve heard that men prefer blue over any other shade.”

When the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and their daughters alighted from their carriage in Piccadilly, they joined the fashionable throng gathered at the Academy of Art.

Wearing a white dress with a red sash and a matching hat decorated with silk poppies, Louisa stood out from the other ladies in the crowd.

The prime minister’s son, George Grey, saw her immediately and greeted her warmly. “It would give me great pleasure to escort you through the exhibition, my lady.”

Teddy Fox took Louisa’s hand and raised it to his lips. “I prefer that I escort you, though if you insist, I suppose George Grey may tag along.”

“Neither of you has any manners,” she whispered. “You must include my sister.”

Georgy appeared as if from nowhere. “Teddy! Congratulations on winning the seat from Horsham.” She suddenly pretended an interest in government affairs. “Lu and I are dying to come to the visitors’ gallery and watch you on the floor of the Commons.”

“You’ll find me on the back row benches, not the floor, I’m afraid.”

Georgy rubbed his arm and gave him a saucy glance. “It isn’t like you to be modest, Teddy. I’m sure you’ll soon thrust yourself to the forefront.” She pulled on his arm. “Let’s go this way. You can explain the paintings to me.”

Earl Grey kissed the Duchess of Bedford’s cheek. “If John didn’t come, I’ll be happy to act as your escort, Your Grace.”

“Having the honor of being escorted by the prime minister of England will make me the envy of every female here today.” Georgina tucked her arm into Grey’s. “John did accompany us, but because he’s Landseer’s patron, they’ll tour the exhibition together.”

Prime Minister Grey introduced his sister Hannah and her husband, Edward Ellice. He was a Scottish Whig MP, whom Grey had appointed Whip in his new government.

“I’m delighted to meet you. I shall add you to the invitation list for my daughters’ debutante ball next week.”

Lady Grey greeted Georgina. “We shall all come and you must return the favor. We are hosting a Prime Minister’s Ball in June.”

“Mary, it sounds trés elegant. We will be honored to attend.”

Mary lowered her voice. “Don’t look now, but I believe the Duchess of Kent and her daughter Victoria are about to join us.”

Prime Minister Grey made the introductions, and the duchess spoke directly to Georgina. “Lady Bedford, I know your husband is the patron of Edwin Landseer. My daughter is enchanted with his animal portraits, and we are simply dying to meet him.”

“Of course. Mr. Landseer will be honored.”

Twelve-year-old Princess Victoria stood gazing at Lady Louisa. In addition to her dark beauty, the colors she had chosen to wear drew every eye.

Lu smiled warmly at the plain young princess. “Are you enjoying the exhibition, Your Highness?”

“Oh yes, especially the animal portraits by Edwin Landseer. They are so lifelike. I would love him to paint my little dog. He’s called Dash.”

“You couldn’t have chosen a better artist,” Louisa said truthfully.

The Duchess of Kent swept Louisa with an envious glance. “Come along, Victoria. It’s rude to stare. Lady Bedford has agreed to introduce the wildlife artist to us.”

“I sincerely hope that today put an end to the speculation about Lanny and me.” Georgina Russell removed her bed robe.

Her husband John came up behind her and kissed the nape of her neck. “To hell with society’s speculation. We know better, my love.”

“We can only hope that now, all London knows better.” Georgina climbed into bed.

John followed her and took her in his arms. “You never used to let gossip trouble you, little girl.”

“It’s just that when it comes from a member of the family, people are more apt to believe it.”

“I’ve made it plain to William that we will not receive Bessy again and that she is unwelcome at Woburn.”

“Poor John. I am a sore trial to you.”

“You are my heart’s desire. I adore you.” He captured her lips in a passionate kiss. “Take off that nightgown. I want to make love.”

Georgina slipped out of the silk night rail and came over him. John groaned as her lush breasts pressed against his chest and her unbound hair brushed against his face. When her hand moved down between their bodies and she stroked his erection, he cried out at the pure pleasure she aroused in him.

John knew he was the luckiest man on earth. When his stroke left him paralyzed down one side, she had nursed him until he regained his strength. I was left with a limp and a useless arm. That’s when Georgina helped me regain my manhood. She didn’t hesitate to take the dominant position and make love to me.

Heat leaped between them as they lost themselves in the sensual mating dance. They didn’t hear the knock on their bedchamber door. They were in the throes of an earth-shattering climax and only became aware of Louisa after they had spent.

“Oh! Forgive me . . . I’m so sorry.”

Georgina raised her head and asked huskily, “What is it, darling?”

“I . . . it was . . . it was . . . just a silly question about our presentation to the queen.” Louisa backed out of the doorway.

Her mother said softly, “I’ll answer all your questions in the morning, Lu.”

Louisa returned to her own room. She was shocked at walking in on her parents while they were making love. Yet witnessing the sexual encounter made her examine the conclusions she had drawn that her father was incapable of siring another child. A wave of shame washed over her when she recalled the sinful thoughts she’d had about her mother. The evil suspicions she’d harbored about Edwin Landseer’s lechery were even worse. I am ashamed of my wicked thoughts! Yet at the same time, Louisa felt joy that her parents still honored their marriage vows and remained faithful to each other.

The next morning, when Georgy awakened, Louisa sat down on her bed.

“What are you looking so smug about?”

“Last night I walked in on Mother and Father making love.”

“Well, I’ll be damned!”

“So, all those malicious things Bessy said about little Rachel are untrue. We should have known better, Georgy. Father isn’t the sort of man who would allow his wife to be unfaithful to him.”

“What did you see?” Georgy asked avidly.

Lu stared at her sister in disbelief. You want to hear the intimate details! “I saw enough,” she said quietly.

Georgina inspected her daughters’ appearance before they departed for St. James’s Palace. Both were dressed in pristine white gowns with demure necklines, leg-o’-mutton sleeves, and white gloves. “I think it best to save your diamonds for your debut ball. We don’t want to outshine Queen Adelaide.”

“I’m glad Georgy will be presented first. I have nervous butterflies.”

“That seems strange, Louisa. You have no trouble performing onstage.”

“That’s different, Mother. Tonight I have to be myself.”

“I remember my presentation at Court as if it were yesterday. I wasn’t sure my father would come from Scotland. When he showed up, it filled me with confidence and my nerves vanished. You’re very lucky girls. Your father wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Do you like my hair upswept?” Georgy asked. “Does it make me look taller?”

“Yes. You look absolutely lovely,” Louisa assured her.

At St. James’s Palace, they alighted from the carriage and joined the large crowd slowly making its way to the main entrance. Inside they joined the throng gathered in the anteroom outside the presence chamber, where the debutantes were to be presented to Queen Adelaide.

“Dorothy!” Georgina Russell greeted her girlhood friend, the eldest daughter of the late Duchess of Devonshire. “I haven’t seen you in a dog’s age.” They had been debutantes together and had been presented to the queen on the same night. “Don’t tell me your daughter Blanche is being presented tonight? What a lovely coincidence.” Georgina introduced her two girls to Dorothy, Countess of Carlisle, and her daughter, Blanche Howard. She made a mental note to add their names to the invitation list for their ball.

Charlotte, Dowager Duchess of Richmond, with her youngest daughter in tow, pushed through the crowd toward the Russell ladies. Sophia also was being presented tonight. “Is that Dorothy Cavendish?” Charlotte asked her sister. “Lud, she’s still tall and gawky, though not nearly as slim, heaven be praised.”

“Her daughter Blanche is being presented tonight.” Georgina sighed. “Yet one more debutante entering the marriage market.”

Charlotte assessed Blanche with one sweeping glance. “The gel is as plain as a pikestaff. Good thing she has the Cavendish and Howard wealth to lure a husband.”

“I remember at the Devonshire’s debutante ball you said that all mothers thought their geese were swans . . . even ours.”

“Lud, that was a lifetime ago, Georgina. I’ve managed to marry off six of my geese and I hope and pray Sophia will be no exception.”

“Number seven is a lucky charm.”

Charlotte crossed her fingers. “If Lord Thomas Cecil doesn’t escape, Sophia will be wed in her first season.”

The presence chamber doors finally opened and the crowd entered the long room and stood against the wall. It was hung with rich tapestries and royal portraits, with a prominent painting of the late King George taking precedence.

The Royal Chamberlain stood ready to announce the noble families and the name of each debutante being presented, in alphabetical order.

Louisa watched Blanche Howard walk down the long chamber until she reached Queen Adelaide, who sat enthroned at the far end. She replied to a brief, formal greeting then moved on quickly.

Georgy began to fidget with her hair by the time Sophia Lennox’s name was announced, and Lu hoped her sister could control her impatience. Because their name was Russell, all the other young ladies would be presented before them.

The Duke of Bedford bent his head and whispered to Louisa, “They’re saving the best for last.”

Lu looked up into her father’s eyes and in that moment knew how much he loved her. It filled her with confidence for what lay ahead.

The best part of an hour went by before the chamberlain announced: “Lady Georgianna Russell, first daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.”

Lu held her breath as she watched her sister make her way down the long chamber. She prayed silently that Georgy would not misstep. She gave a sigh of relief when her sister managed to curtsy without wobbling.

Then it was finally her turn. The chamberlain announced: “Lady Louisa Russell, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.”

Louisa straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, and took the first step that would lead her down the length of the chamber to the waiting queen. She knew every eye was on her and when she reached Adelaide, she remembered to smile.

“My dearest Louisa, I am delighted that you are being presented tonight. You are the image of your beautiful mother. I hope you will attend my drawing rooms while you are in London.”

Lu made a graceful curtsy. “Thank you, Your Royal Highness. It is a great honor to be here tonight.” Louisa was startled when Adelaide rose from her throne seat and took her hand. Then she realized it was because she was the last debutante to be presented.

Queen Adelaide led Lady Louisa and her other royal guests to a reception room where buffet tables filled with canapés, fancy desserts, and fine German wines stood against the walls.

King William greeted John Russell warmly and the pair was soon engrossed in conversation.

“It’s very gratifying that we are personal friends of the king and queen of England.” Georgy picked up a glass of golden Rhenish wine and sipped it. “This tastes like stallion piss,” she murmured to Louisa.

Lu grinned. “Well, at least it’s imported stallion piss.”

Queen Adelaide kept the Duchess of Bedford by her side. “I have persuaded William to throw a royal ball in July.”

“That’s a marvelous idea, Your Highness. Now that the country is out of mourning, society is avid to be entertained at Court. Why don’t you be daring and make the royal ball a masquerade? Londoners will fight over invitations.”

The queen’s presentation affair was over by midnight. On the carriage ride back to Belgrave Square, Georgina said, “Adelaide told me she plans to throw a royal ball. I planted the seeds for her to make it a masquerade.”

“Costume balls encourage licentious behavior,” John said with disapproval.

His wife took his hand and squeezed it. “Yes, I remember.”

Georgy nudged her sister with her elbow and whispered, “A guinea says I’ll be more licentious than you.”

“You’ve had more practice.” The minute Lu said it, she felt bad. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. A royal masquerade ball should be great fun. I can’t wait.”

“I’ve invited Johnny to accompany us to the theater tomorrow night,” Georgina informed her daughters. “We have our own box at Covent Garden.”

“Father, is it true you own the theater?” Louisa asked.

“I own the land that both the Theatre Royal and Covent Garden are built on, Lu. That’s why we enjoy free tickets for any of the performances.”

Free tickets! I shall tuck that information away and make use of it some afternoon.

James Hamilton arrived at the theater an hour before the curtain was due to go up and made his way backstage. He spoke to a matronly woman whose arms were filled with costumes. “I’m looking for a young lady by the name of Kitty Connelly. Could you point me in the right direction?”

“Ye must mean Kitty Kelly. Follow me, m’lord.”

The stage dresser opened a door and led him into a room where a dozen females were in various stages of undress. James was amused that none of them appeared flustered at the arrival of a male. He spotted her immediately by her mane of lovely red hair. “Hello, Kitty. I’m just returned from Ireland and promised your mother I’d look in on you.” Mrs. Connelly had been the housekeeper at Barons Court, Tyrone, as long as he could remember.

“Lord James!” She fastened her dressing gown and threw her arms around him. “That’s so kind of you. I know she worries about me being here in wicked London, but I’m getting along famously. I changed my name to Kitty Kelly—it’s a stage name.”

“I stopped at your lodging to inquire after you and the landlady directed me here. It’s a bit run-down, Kitty, and in a rather rough area.”

“It’s all right. I can look after myself. I’m only in the chorus—I don’t earn a fortune.”

“After the show, I’ll take you somewhere for supper so we can talk.”

“Thank you, Lord James.” Her eyes sparkled. “Sure an’ all, that would be lovely.”

“You never used to call me Lord James when we were children.”

“That’s because I was an ignorant lass who knew no better.”

I’m afraid I was the one who was in ignorance. “I’ll come backstage for you after the performance.”

The Duke and Duchess of Bedford, their two daughters, and Lord John took their seats in their private box at Covent Garden Theatre just before the curtain rose. Every seat in the house was filled because the musical play The Brigand had received a good review in the Times.

Louisa was beside herself with anticipation. She loved the crowd, the theater trappings, and the atmosphere of eager expectation of enjoyment. She leaned forward as the orchestra began to play the overture and focused her attention on the maroon velvet curtain. When it rose, the ladies of the chorus sang and danced an introduction to the first characters that would appear. Lu was enthralled by the ladies’ costumes and face paint.

She imagined herself down there on the stage and knew that she was just as talented as most of the girls performing. She tapped her feet to the music and memorized the words being sung. She experienced a pang of regret when the ladies of the chorus left the stage, but she was soon caught up in The Brigand’s plot.

As the curtain descended for the intermission, Louisa clapped with great enthusiasm. “Isn’t it wonderful?” she exclaimed.

“The hero is rather dashing.” Georgy licked her lips over him.

The duchess, always eager to mingle with friends and acquaintances who would gather in the foyer to parade about and exchange gossip, stood up. Lord John, ready to accompany her, got to his feet. The Russell daughters chose to stay with their father, and Johnny said he would bring them back drinks.

When the pair returned, they brought back more than glasses of champagne.

“Look who we bumped into,” Johnny declared.

Louisa stared into the dark eyes of James Hamilton.

“Do have a seat, James,” Georgina invited. “As you can see, there is plenty of room. Our box can accommodate at least a dozen.”

James bowed to the duke. “Your Grace.” His glance swept over Georgy and Louisa.

“Ladies.” He deliberately took a seat directly behind Lady Lu.

To cover her shock at seeing Abercorn, Louisa took a gulp of champagne. It went down the wrong way and forced her to cough. Johnny gave her a couple of sharp taps on the back and by the time she could breathe again, the lights were dimming and the curtain was rising. I shall refuse to speak to the lecherous swine!

Louisa banished the image of Abercorn and her sister as she had last seen them at Woburn’s lake. She tried to focus on the dancing ladies of the chorus, as they explained in song what was about to happen. But her attention kept straying to the man sitting behind her. His close proximity was a compelling force that seemed to engulf her. Her heart hammered in her breast and her pulse raced erratically. With difficulty she forced her concentration back to the stage, but she pictured Abercorn in the role of the strutting brigand and totally lost the thread of the story. Frustrated and annoyed, she vowed to come and see the musical play again.

When the final curtain descended and the thunderous applause died down, the Duchess of Bedford invited James Hamilton back to Belgrave Square for a late supper.

“Thank you, Your Grace. Unfortunately, I have a previous engagement.”

Louisa heaved a sigh of relief. But as she eyed him making his way backstage, her relief evaporated and was replaced by indignation. I warrant his previous engagement is with a chorus girl!

“I thoroughly enjoyed the play.” James helped Kitty into her cloak. “I had no trouble picking you out in the chorus.”

“With flaming hair like mine, how could you?”

A short walk from Covent Garden Theatre led them to a small hotel on Bedford Street with a private dining room. James was amused when his companion stared about in awe of her surroundings. When she saw only men at the tables, she hesitated. “Are you sure, Lord James?”

“I’m quite sure, Kathleen. Please call me James.”

“I’ll call you James, if you’ll call me Kitty.”

“That’s a deal. What would you like to eat?”

“You order for me. I’ll have the same as you.”

James ordered lamb cutlets with mint sauce. It came with new potatoes, baby carrots, and a green salad. He also ordered a bottle of claret. Kitty had a healthy appetite, and James enjoyed watching her eat. As he drank his wine, his thoughts went back to the meeting he’d had with his Irish attorney Rowan Maloney when he reached his majority.

Though he had inherited his grandfather’s titles when he was seven, the deeds to Barons Court and the other properties in Ireland, England, and Scotland had been held in trust until he turned twenty-one. The income from these properties would now come directly to him rather than his legal guardian, the Earl of Aberdeen.

James had been pleasantly surprised when his attorney handed him a letter from his grandfather to be read when he reached his majority. The patriarch had attached few strings to his bequests, but he had revealed a secret on the second page:

I arranged with my attorney a generous annuity for Mrs. Connelly. Kate was far more than a housekeeper to me in my later years. I freely admit to you that I am the father of her child, though Mrs. Connelly prefers that this be kept from Kathleen. I charge you to make sure that Barons Court will always be a home to them.

“Kathleen . . . Kitty, now that you’ve had a taste of wicked London , as you call it, would you like to return to Barons Court?”

“Oh no, m’lord, I mean James. I absolutely love London! Barons Court is a lovely place, especially for a visit, but I couldn’t live there . . . not after living in London.”

“Well then, I want you to think of it as a safe haven—if you ever need one. You will always be welcome there.”

“Thank you, James. That is most kind and generous.”

“Your mother would never approve of the lodging house where you are living. I want to take you back there to pick up your things. Then I’ll take you to my townhouse until we can find a more suitable place for you.” To forestall her refusal, he had thought up a ready lie. “My attorney in Ireland has informed me that my grandfather bequeathed you a small allowance once you turned eighteen, which I must administer. There can be no better use for it than providing you with a decent, safe place to live.”

“Your grandfather? The only thing I remember about him was his curly beard.”

“You were very young when he died. He left an annuity for his loyal housekeeper and a small allowance for you.”

She gave him a skeptical smile. “I’ll believe you—thousands wouldn’t.”

He glanced at her ruefully. “You can see through my subterfuge.”

“It’s very generous of you, James. I don’t know what to say.”

Abercorn grinned. “Say: I will leave everything in your capable hands, James.”

Kitty gave him a seductive smile. “It will be my special pleasure to leave everything in your capable hands, James.”