15. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

John Reads the Letters

F red congratulated himself for having dealt with the bulk of his paperwork. It had taken hours of his concentrated time, but he had no visits from John, or any other visitors, so Fred could get his work done in peace. When he finally came out of the library; Mr. Winston stood. “Is he still in the study?”

“Yes, my lord, without a word.”

“Thank you, Mr. Winston.”

John continued to pour over the letters when Fred strolled into the study. “Did you read all of these letters?” John asked without looking at Fred. Fred walked to his desk and laid down the paperwork, then turned to see John with a kerchief in his hand and a letter in the other. Fred walked over to the table.

“Sadly, yes I did.” Fred’s heart ached as he recalled the soulful letters from Little Stevie girl.

“I’m close to being done, but…this is heartbreaking. I have stopped several times and walked away from the letters in an attempt to gather myself before I continued with this onerous quest to find an indication, sign, hint, lead! Something besides causing a grown man to weep over her dedication to continuously write letters to a monster that would abandon her. Her invitations for him to come to see her. Her gentle requests for her to see him on the holidays.

I’m slightly confused about Stevie’s letters thanking Papa for certain things he sent to her. They sounded fairly nice. We don’t know for sure, but she seemed to be thrilled with them.” John put his hand down on the stack of letters as if they were the embodiment of the small, gentle creature that continued to love a man she had never met. It seemed as if John had projected the essence of Little Stevie girl through those letters.

So far, I have found nothing – not even a hint of where she might be. When we were all at Eton, writing home on occasion, did we not reference the school or a teacher? Something?”

“I know I did. I wrote Papa about Michael Crumb and the pure evil actions he performed to upset the more vulnerable students. Remember, he stayed away from the four horsemen. But he took advantage of the more vulnerable. Do you recall, that he sexually assaulted Lord Ralph Sloan’s younger sister; pretty girl. I think her name…Ada. Yes, Ada.”

“Yes, but Crumb finally met his maker. I believe he was immediately dispatched to perdition.” John quieted. His thoughts went to Glenda. He considered, with multiple stab wounds, it seemed a miracle she was able to say anything. “I must return to reading about this beautiful, lonely Little Stevie girl.” He quickly looked to the stack of kerchiefs to his left. “I suppose I have enough to help me get to the finish.”

“It is excruciating. I’m not ashamed to admit it. I defy any man to read these letters and not weep for this sweet child.” Fred seemed resolute about the impact of those letters.

“It is close to the dinner hour. Will you stay and sup with me?” Fred thought a good dinner and a few glasses of scotch might cheer them up. And he had not shared his news about his visit to Venus.

“That sounds perfect. Tell Cook the guest needs an extra decadent dessert which always seems to cheer me up.” John had a weakness for sweets but one would not know by looking at his physique. A sweet treat was what he needed after reading those letters.

Fred nodded in understanding. “Will do, my friend. Will do.”

Jonathan finally finished the letters. The two discussed the letters over a couple of scotches. Fred rang the table bell to inform Mr. Winston they were ready to dine. “Then we will take a nice ride through the park to shake the dinner off.”

“That sounded good until you added the ‘shaking,’ part. Perhaps we should ponder on it.”

The Fashionable Hour

“Margaret, you should be ready by now. We will miss the fashionable hour completely if you don’t hurry. I have been ready for over ten minutes. What could be taking you so long?”

Margaret stepped out of the dressing room. “It is sometimes difficult to select a bonnet. I’m ready. I hope ou sorry excuse for a butler told Horace to hitch up the open carriage.”

“Yes, if he failed to do so then we may as well wait until tomorrow.” Helen sounded disappointed. Excitement ran through her at being able to ride through the park in her new pelisse and day dress.

“Come, Helen. Shall we go and see if Mr. Boardback did his job?” They swept down the stairs, walked to the stable, and saw the carriage ready. “The butler did his job!” Margaret declared happily.

“No, my lady. I heard you asking him earlier today. I told Horace to do it.” Calvin walked over to the carriage and helped the ladies up. “If I may be so bold, I don’t understand how such a worthless butler continues to work here.”

“Yes, Papa and I are in full agreement but Mama…”

“I understand. Well, you ladies have a good time and be safe.” Calvin stepped away from the carriage as Margaret led the horses out of the stable and into traffic.

“Helen, I am excited. This is the first time we have gone through the park during the fashionable hour.” She looked over and smiled at Helen. She could see Helen was excited, as well. They sat up in the carriage, heads high; as if they did not notice others glancing at them as they rode to the park.

“The traffic seems to get worse almost daily.” She used the little whip to tickle the horse's rear, urging it to move through the maze. The girls rode into the entrance of the park and began to see many gentlemen on horses, carriages of all kinds with two or more ladies together, or ladies riding with gentlemen. It was more exciting than she imagined. “It is a shame people in the park must suffer the malodorous effects of the Thames and the surrounding factories.”

“You are correct. It takes some of the excitement out of the adventure.” Helen held her handkerchief to her nose.

“It seems the farther we ride into the park, the worse the fog gets. It is going to be like this until we escape for the summer.” Margaret saw the fog getting worse as they rode towards the Thames.

“It is a brownish, reddish color. How can it be? What is causing these strange colors?” Helen began to tense; more than ready to turn around, but she knew Margaret, so she said nothing.

“I think we should turn around, Helen." Much to Helen's relief. "I can hardly see ahead. I would hate to hit another carriage, or worse, a horse.” She pulled the carriage over slightly and began turning the horse when two surly-looking men stepped out from the shrubs.

“How ‘bout you lovelies han’ over them bags a’ yourn.” They were both on Margaret’s side but one of the men walked around to the other side to reach for Helen. Helen screamed so loudly that the man stepped back for a second and gave Margaret the time she needed. She slapped the horse’s rear with the whip, then began to whip the man next to her. Helen screamed again. The man next to Margaret tried to reach for the whip, but Margaret raised the whip high over her head.

Helen cried out. “Help!” No sooner had she called out for help than she heard hooves fast coming in their direction. The sound of horses made the two rascals run back into the woods, much to her relief.

“Ladies, ladies, are you al – Lady Margaret? Good heavens, Margaret, what are you doing out here in this terrible fog?”

“I suppose the same thing you and Lord Herbert are doing.”

“What the devil happened?” Lord John asked.

“Two bandits tried to stop the carriage and wanted our reticules,” Helen answered. Her voice trembled.

“Where did they go? Which direction?” Fredrick asked.

“They ran back into the woods,” Helen responded, still trembling in shock.

“I doubt we will find them but we can try,” John said to Fred.

“One of the men has whip marks on his face and hands.” Margaret let out a small chuckle. “You should have seen his face. He will not forget the consequences of his nefarious attempt this evening.”

“Good heavens, Margaret. He could have taken the whip from you. Then where would you have been?” Fred sounded angry.

“I whipped the horse’s backside first, then the scoundrel. If he did take my whip, I already had the horse running. At least I did until you both rode up.” Margaret sounded so confident. She did not want Fredrick to know she felt as frightened as Helen sounded.

“Such a smart action to take. Who taught you?” Fredrick wondered if some suitor taught her.

“Horace, the stable boy.” She smiled at John. Why would she not? The last time she saw Fredrick, he looked at each lovely lady at the ball, but her.

“Well, tell Horace I said thank you. It was a smart thing to tell you.” As soon as he said it, he realized how ridiculous it sounded. “Allow us to escort you out of the park. I would not take any more chances.”

“Thank you, Lord Fredrick, Lord Jonathan. I, for one, would greatly appreciate it.” Helen continued to be visibly shaken.

“I think we would be fine, my lords,” Margaret stated, wanting to sound self-assured, even as her hands trembled holding the reins.

“Nonetheless, we are escorting you back to your townhouse. I don’t trust those bandits not to try again. The fog is too thick for you ladies to be out.”

“Fredrick!” Margaret said rather curtly.

“Good heavens, Margaret. Just – just.” He took a deep breath. “We are escorting you home. Enough said.” Fred would not be deterred. He would not allow her to be in danger when he could protect her. What if I had not come along? She is too beautiful to be out here alone.

John could feel the tension between Lady Margaret and Fred. He decided some conversation on any topic would be in order. “You ladies look no worse for the wear. Your pelisses are beautiful.”

“Thank you, Lord Jonathan. You are a keen observer. Some gentlemen are completely oblivious.” Margaret hoped the lob hit its target.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” Fred looked away as he said it loud enough for Margaret to hear. Margaret smiled. It did, indeed, hit the intended target.

“Will you be attending the ball this weekend, Lord Jonathan? A man as handsome and charming as you should have your choice of ladies.”

“I am holding out for one in particular,” John said. He knew he was beginning to agitate Fred, which was fine by him. Fred could use a little agitation. “But I will be there for a few drinks and friendly conversation. So, I assume you ladies will be attending?” He was feeding the fire.

“Yes, Helen and I have already promised dances to a few of the gentlemen. We would hate to disappoint them.”

“Of course. You, ladies, are so popular. You would disappoint many gentlemen with your absence.” John’s remark intended for Fredrick, more so than the ladies.

“Thank you, Lord Jonathan. Your flattery is appreciated.” Margaret never once looked over at Fred.

“Pay attention to the traffic, Margaret.” The muscles around his jawline began to bulge. “You can’t be carrying social conversations in the middle of this traffic.”

“Lord Fredrick, I have been driving a carriage since I graduated out of leading strings.” The answer, a little too harsh.

“Oh, so it is Lord Fredrick now.” He looked at her. She was beautiful. “Fine. I only want to get you home.” The color of her pelisse and dress brought out the subtle color of her skin and accentuated her raven hair.

“You are right. An accident on the road would not be timely. Have you spoken to Lord Addams?” Margaret asked Fredrick, without looking at him, of course. Forgetting Helen’s newfound tendre for Lord Addams.

What a curious question. “Is there something you wished to ask him about or…” He failed to complete the question; at a loss as to how to ask. He remembered Martin saying something about Margaret having a tendre for one horseman in particular. He could not accept that. Mine , he kept saying as she drove the carriage, so strong-willed and beautiful. Not looking at him at all. It occurred to him, she went out of her way not to look at him.

“No, no…simply wondering. Usually, Lord Addams is in attendance with you two gentlemen. Only an observation.” She smiled rather too smugly. His eyes bore down on her. He squirmed in his saddle. Looking away from Margaret, he slapped his hand on his thigh.

Oh, good heavens. She is interested in Henry? Could she not see Henry had a piqued interest in Lady Helen? She is not Henry’s type by any stretch of the imagination. I should tell her . Henry seemed to like the most oddly shaped ladies. Thin. Breasts were not his interest. Henry preferred legs and hips. Odd taste, to Fred’s mind.

Henry? Pushaw! Fred found Margaret sensuous with a lovely face, gorgeous raven hair, lips screaming to be kissed, bosoms that were worthy of caressing, hips made for sex, and a bottom that had the most luscious shape. He imagined her attributes and recalled the night at the ball – on the terrace – it resulted in a granite-hard cockstand. He wanted to feel her flesh up against his. Those emerald eyes would never pierce Henry’s with want. He would make sure of it.

“Margaret, would you please take me home first? I need to return home and see Tassy. I will return after dinner. I promise.” Helen had been terrified by the attempted robbery and wanted to see the people who loved her and had cared for her since the very day of her birth.

“Are you sure?” Margaret knew she would have to deal with Fredrick alone if Helen went home first.

“Yes, please. I will return after dinner. You know how Tassy is. If I have failed to return home after a day or two, she becomes distressed and sends James to fetch me home.”

“Alright. I understand.” Margaret held the reins in one hand and gave Helen a hug with the other. She should have known Helen would still be shaken after the incident at the park. Helen’s shrill screams should have been enough for Margaret to understand Helen would be undone for days.

“It is dark already. Do you need me to drive the carriage for you?” Fred did not want Margaret driving the carriage all alone in the dark.

“I could get home from Helen’s house with my eyes closed,” Margaret answered rather pertly.

“Please don’t attempt to prove it.” His voice sounded most disapproving.

The carriage pulled into Helen’s house lane and stopped. Fred dismounted and assisted Helen out of the carriage. “This is most kind of you, Lord Fredrick. I must admit, I am still a little shaken from those bandits.”

“Lady Helen, 'tis understandable. I would have been shaken as well.” Fredrick lied and Helen knew it.

Helen called out goodnight to Margaret, thanked Fredrick again, and went inside. Fredrick walked back to Mercury, contemplating how to deal with Margaret with her continued barbs. He had just the thing to keep her quiet.

John thought this a good time to bow out and leave the two alone. “Fredrick, I need to return home before it becomes much darker.” Fred needed to spend some time alone with Margaret. Whether he knew it at the time or not.

“Fine. Send me a missive on the morrow. Give me your schedule so we can all meet to see if anyone has made any progress.”

“Will do. Good night, Lady Margaret.” And John rode off.

Fred walked Mercury behind the carriage.

“What are you doing, Lord Fredrick ?” Margaret emphasized his name. It irritated him.

“I am tying Mercury to the carriage. You know what I’m doing, don’t you, Lady Margaret?”

“I can get myself home, but thank you for being so thoughtful, Lord Fredrick .”

“Move over. And take that damn bonnet off. It is now dark.”

She let out a ‘phew,’ but she scooted. He took the reins in hand and watched her as she removed her bonnet. “Are you happy now, Lord Fredrick ?”

“No.” He grasped her by the nape of her neck, put an arm around her waist, and pulled her body across his to face him. “Woman, you are driving me crazy.” His eyes narrowed with fire and anger. He pushed his hand into her hair.

She tensed at his look. “If you think I’m – “

His eyes glared into hers. “You want Henry? Compare him to this.” His mouth crushed onto hers and feasted as if she was his prey and he had an unsatisfied hunger – only for her. Her resolve unraveled as she lost all thought other than his lips on hers. He thrust his tongue into her mouth and she moaned in desire for something she could not define. The pins fell from her hair as he pulled to get a handful.

He spoke into her mouth. “I want your hair down. I want your hair all over me.” He kept one hand in her hair, while the other hand slid down her neck, and lower, to unsnap her pelisse. Quick fingers searched for her nipple until he found it. His thumb slid across it until he broke the kiss, pulled her head back, and put his mouth over the peak of her nipple through her dress. He bit and she squirmed.

“Oh, Fred,” she gasped. He pulled her head back to him. His eyes seemed dark and smoldering.

“What, Margaret? Are you thinking about Lord Addams now? So tell me. Do you want me, Margaret?” He dared her to say the words he seemed desperate to hear. He ached for her. He wanted to feel himself inside her. He could think of nothing else.

“Fred, I don’t know. Whatever this is, I....” She answered in that low sultry voice that only made him lose all thought. Her eyes looked into his with some unnamed passion. Something she had never felt. Something unidentifiable. She knew that her nipples ached and she felt a throbbing between her thighs. She ached at her core. These were unfamiliar sensations. She put her hands inside his topcoat. “Kiss me again, Fredrick.”

He put his hand under her dress and began to slide his palm over her knee, to her inner thigh, and put his hand on her. Where she had never been touched by anyone before. “God, you want me, don’t you, Margaret?”

“I…” She pushed against his hand. He spread the creases of her mound to find that gorgeous pearl; desperate to touch it. She moaned. He kissed her hard. He kissed her possessively. He moved his finger across her nub and as he moved across it, he could feel it engorge. She mewled against his lips. Her eyes were closed and her head leaned on his shoulder.

“Look at me, Margaret.” She lifted her head and looked at him with hooded eyes. Her breathing fevered, frenetic. “Look at me, Margaret. Only me.” His fingers kept moving. She licked her lips and he kissed her again. “Henry can’t make you feel like this, Margaret. I’m going to make you come.” His other hand searched for her nipple. “You are going to come. Open your eyes. I want to see you as you come on my hand. He felt her tense up. He pinched her nipple and her orgasm exploded.

She opened her mouth to cry out and he put his mouth over hers to swallow it. He had his mouth over hers, wishing to kiss her somewhere else. He wanted to taste her. Her rhythmic contractions caused her to continue to moan. He held her, ran his hands through her raven hair. He never thought it possible – she looked exquisite in her release. He never knew his cock could get this hard. He had never wanted anyone with such desperation. She finally withered onto his shoulder.

“Oh, my, Fredrick.” Her mind flooded her with questions she eagerly wished to ask. “What happened to me? I loved it. I want more. Such an indescribable feeling. Fredrick.”

“I am the first one to bring you to completion, as well?” Of course, he was – he knew it. It only heightened his sense of possession. The only one… Good heavens. What am I doing? “What am I doing? Margaret. I – I should not have done this to you. You don’t deserve this. Margaret, I am…I am so sorry. I need to get you home.” What are you doing? You selfish bastard. Trying to take her in a carriage like she’s some kind of doxy.

“Fred. Let me decide what I do and don’t deserve. This is the second time you have done this. Yes, you do need to take me home.” She sat up and turned around. Her hair a mess. He could not look at her. He felt like both his heart and his cock were going to burst out of his clothes. She straightened her dress and picked up her bonnet, hoping to tuck as much back underneath it as possible. They rode the short way in silence.

Fred pulled into the lane of her house and stopped under the portico. He tied the carriage horse up to the small hitching post. He walked around and held out his hand to assist her. She slapped his hand away without looking at him. She started walking away. “Margaret?” He wanted her. He wanted to apologize – for being such as arse. He wanted to say…He had no idea what he wanted to say. He did not want all a relationship entailed. He had no idea what he wanted.

She turned around. “Fredrick, I don’t think Henry will have as difficult a time in making up his mind, so you need to make up yours. But don’t waste my damn time. Don’t play me for a damn fool.” She walked toward the portico. He walked behind the carriage, untied Mercury, mounted, and slowly rode away.

What the hell? He had never wanted any woman so badly in his entire life. Now, what the hell am I going to do? She cursed at him. What a shock. Different. He had never expected to hear curse words out of her lovely mouth. But he deserved them – and more.

Margaret’s Story

Margaret stormed through the front door. Of course, Mr. Boardback perpetually nowhere to be found. “Margaret?”

“Yes, I will be right there. I have something personal to attend, Mama.”

“Oh, yes. Well, you go ahead. Come down when you are done. We want to talk with you.”

“Yes, Mama.” She went quickly up the stairs and into her bedchamber. What the heck did I do? So arrogant, crazy, confused, OH! She had no time to consider his behavior. She had to do something quickly with her hair, check her face, and go downstairs with a calm demeanor. She had quite a shock when she looked in the mirror to see her lips all swollen.

She hoped her mother and father could not recall what could cause such a thing, but from what she had observed of her parents, she was fairly sure they would instantly recognize what had happened to her lips. She had some powder. She tried to put a little around her mouth. She had no time for anything else. She put her hair in a loose chignon. She would be able to explain the mess. She decided to tell them the truth about the attempted robbery in hopes that they would be impressed by her action. She looked at herself, one last time before heading downstairs.

“Where have you been? You should have been home over an hour ago. Your father and I have been so worried.” Margaret, tentatively, started to answer their questions, when she heard the door ringer.

“Mama, where is your sorry excuse for a butler?” She knew Helen was at the front door – waiting. She walked to the front door, trying to formulate something to say to Helen before they went into the small drawing room together. She whispered to Helen. “I’m going to tell the truth about the hooligans, but I went into the house with you. You decided you would come after you ate. Alright?”

“Yes, but you owe me an explanation later.”

“Yes, help me get through this first.” They walked into the small drawing room together.

“Have a seat, Helen. I need to tell Mama and Papa about what happened.” So she started the story exactly as it occurred. “Then two lords heard Helen’s screams and found us. I had full control of the reins as I turned the carriage around, but the two gentlemen insisted on following us out of the park. I managed fine, but they wanted to make sure we made it home safely. They rode on either side of the carriage until we arrived at Helen’s.”

“Who were these lords? I must personally thank them for looking out for my two most favorite young ladies on earth.” Her father got up and used the bellpull. “I hope that idiot comes. Ginny, we must talk, again, about this horrendous excuse for a butler.” He went and sat back down next to Ginny. “I will give him five minutes.” He straightened his waistcoat and pulled his pocket watch from his fob pocket. “Five minutes.” He put the watch back. “Now, the names, please. I’m obligated to thank them.”

Margaret should have realized that Papa would wish to thank the two gentlemen. “They were Lords Herbert and Windham.”

“It meant very much to me. And most kind of them. I must admit, those blackguards were frightening. Margaret reacted amazingly. Her imperturbability was like none other; most impressive. She took the whip to the horse, then began using it on the one scoundrel, and she accomplished it before Lords Herbert and Windham arrived. I admit to being petrified.” Helen reached for Margaret’s hand. “And I know you felt their escorting us unnecessary, but I considered it most chivalrous of them.”

“Margaret, I’m proud of the way you handled such a dire situation. Like Helen, I am grateful that Lords Herbert and Windham escorted you home.” Her mother nodded in agreement with Edward.

“I know neither of you have had dinner. Go see if Cook is still in the kitchen. She can put something together for the two of you.” Helen and Margaret excused themselves to go to the kitchen. Margaret?”

“Yes, Mama?” Margaret cringed, fearing a reprimand.

“I’m proud of you, Poppet. Not only are you beautiful, you are a brave and smart young lady. You are a force to be reckoned with, daughter.” Ginny smiled at Margaret and nodded slightly. Edward patted Ginny’s hand.

“Your mother has the right of it, darling girl.”

“Thank you, Mama, Papa. Your praise means more to me than you know.”

“Now, go and get something to eat,” Papa said.

Walking into the kitchen, the cook, Elspeth, stood by the prep table, preparing a ham. “So, ye’re for a nip a’ somethin’ after yer misbehavyng.”

“Elspeth, what are you talking about? Helen and I were at the park when hoodlums attempted to rob us of our purses.” She walked around her, checking for anything still left out to eat.

“Ah’m nae talkin’ a’ that. Ye cannae fool Elspeth. Mi willnae say nothin’ to yer faether or mither, but y’ken ye wur misbehavyng wi thon gentleman. Ye remember ye’re a lady.”

“Yes, ma’am, Elspeth. I am so confused about that man. But I will try to behave.”

“Aye, lassie. Now, tha’ two of ye’re wantin’ ta’ eat. Mi’ll fix ye somethin’. Go sit in tha’ wee breakfast room. Mi’ll bring it to ye.” Then she pulled Margaret to her and kissed her on the forehead. “Gee.”

“She loves you like Tassy loves me.” Helen smiled. It comforted her to have someone who cared for her and would never think less of her for her foibles while coming into her own.

“Yes, but someone must have seen or heard me when Fredrick brought me home.”

“You must tell me exactly what occurred between the two of you after I went in the house.”

“I will.” But she would leave out quite a bit. “One lucky thing – you get to have another dinner.”

“I’m glad. I could not have been more nervous; I hardly tasted my dinner at home.” Margaret got tickled. Helen ate all the time, regardless of the circumstances. “I’m serious, Margaret.” Helen looked at her so sadly.

“I know, Helen. I know.”