8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

What Happened?

H elen looked at Margaret. “What happened between you and Lord Fredrick? Why did he not speak to you? Where did you go?”

“I will tell you when we get home.” Margaret’s mind was muddled. She kept running it through her mind. He sought her out. They danced. They had champagne. Not enough. He backed her against the wall. She had the most magnificent feeling. She never dreamed kissing would feel so…so otherworldly. And when he cupped her breast she had moaned.

She had this unexplainable feeling, urge, ache. She wanted him to do more. She did. Then he stopped. Treated her like someone he had recently met and did not particularly care for. Did he only want her for…for what? He told her if they had stayed out on the terrace any longer…. My gosh, I never heard the word before. I don’t know what it meant, but he said he would have done it in front of everyone on the terrace.

The Maxwells collected Lady Helen and their daughter. “I noticed you ladies never lacked a dance partner throughout the evening. The gentlemen were keeping the two of you busy on the dance floor. I hope you both had a nice evening.” Margaret’s mother asked, knowing full well from their expressions they most certainly did.

“I had a wonderful time. I thought the musicians were excellent.” Helen responded, looking to Margaret for some response to her mother’s question.

“I did as well. We danced with all the gentlemen that we danced with at the spring ball, plus a few more.” Margaret did have a nice time. Lord Fredrick’s erratic behavior had confused her. She continued to run the scenario through her mind and wondered, was she too forward? Had she been too aggressive?

“Helen, are we taking you home tonight or will you be staying overnight with us?”

“I would like to stay over, if it is alright with you, Lord and Lady Maxwell.”

“We can take you by your house so you can let your mother know, alright?”

“My mother went out of town.” Helen had her head down to avoid their stare.

“Who is staying with you, Helen?” Lord Maxwell asked.

“The servants are there. I’m used to staying with the servants. It is fine. I will let Tassy and Mr. Teller know where I am. They worry.” Helen tried to smile at Margaret’s parents, embarrassed for them to realize staying with servants was a normal occurrence – because it was.

Lord Maxwell knocked on the roof. Abel stopped the coach and Lord Maxwell called for him to go to Lady Helen’s.

“Thank you, Lord and Lady Maxwell. I will be quick.” Abel knocked the step down and assisted her out. Helen walked as quickly as she could with a ball gown on. Lady Maxwell observed a gentleman open the door for Helen. “Margaret, is that the butler?”

Margaret had no reason to look. Mr. Teller had been their butler for as long as Margaret could remember; and he loved Helen, as did the housekeeper and the cook. “The butler, Mr. Teller; the housekeeper, Mrs. Garrison; and the cook, Tassy; all told me more than once, as soon as Helen married, they were going with her. Tassy thought of Helen as her child. Helen’s mother might leave for weeks at a time and never even bother to tell her or write to her.”

“And what of her father? Lord Green?” Lord Maxwell’s brow furrowed.

“She never sees him. He puts money in an account of some kind for her. That is how she can afford her gowns and books. Her mother gives her nothing.”

“That is terrible. And Helen is the sweetest young lady.” Papa said as he hugged his wife.

“Papa, she almost cried tonight when you called her “darling girl”. No one has ever referred to her in words of endearment.”

“I will endeavor to do so more often,” Papa said. “You know how much your mama and I adore you , yes?”

“Please say that you do, Margaret. It would tear my heart out if you thought for one second of your life that your father and I had no love or affection for you.”

“I know that. I see parents like Helen’s and I think I’m so blessed.” Margaret looked out the window. “Here she comes.”

“There you are, darling girl. Do you have everything you need?” Papa was wonderful.

They arrived at the Maxwell’s and Abel let them out under the portico. They entered the house sans butler.

“Where is your butler? What does Muriel call him? Boardback. I think that is so funny.” Helen knew the Maxwells were most unhappy with their current butler, but no one would fire him.

“He is so terrible.” Margaret looked at her parents, aggravated that they failed to discharge him.

“I have told your mother many times I would be happy to do the honors, but she always says, ‘We should give him another chance.’ How many of those can he have before he has used them all up, my love?” Lord Maxwell gave Margaret a quick hug.

“Darling, we should talk about this upstairs.” She took his hand and started toward the staircase.

“Lady Maxwell, that is so unfair.” He turned to look at Margaret and Helen, waggled his brow, and winked. “Goodnight ladies. See you on the morrow.”

“Helen, what would you like to eat? I know you are hungry,” Margaret offered.

“Oh, yes, well, whatever is in the kitchen. I will eat leftovers.” Helen would never disappoint. She loved to eat.

“I will go into the kitchen. Mr. Boardback is no place to be seen.” Margaret had it with him – worthless. He had to go.

Howie, the footman caught Margaret in the hallway. “My lady, what may I do for you?”

“Howie, where is Calvin? Where is Mr. Boardback? Oh, it hardly matters. Could you ask Cook to make a plate for Helen? Leftovers will be fine.”

“Lady Margaret? Did you need me?” Calvin came in from the stables. “I was helping Abel. Can I get you anything?”

“No, you are fine, Calvin. I’m only disgusted with Mr. Boardback.”

Calvin brought his fist to his mouth to cover a chuckle. “Lady Muriel’s name for him.” He eyed Howie in the kitchen with Elspeth. “If Howie is taking care of you, I would like to go back out to the stables and assist Abel and Horace.”

Margaret went back into the drawing room. “When Cook gets your plate together, we can go upstairs. Then I will tell you what happened.”

“I’m so anxious to hear. Are you alright?” Helen saw Margaret’s face and suddenly realized it might not have gone well. “Whatever it is, I promise, it will be alright.”

Margaret tried to understand what had happened to better explain the turn of events to Helen, but it seemed too confusing for even her to explain.

“Tell me, tell me, Margaret!” Helen filled with anticipation.

“Shall we get our ablution done and our night rails on before I go into all that, please Helen?”

“If you insist. But you are only making me think more ominous things, the longer you take.” While they prepared for bed, they talked about what book they would read together. Helen wanted to continue with the book they had been reading. “Are you ready to get into bed, Margaret? Get that book. I’m going to let you read while I eat.” Helen decided not to bring up the incident of the evening until Margaret wanted to discuss it. She lifted the plate of food off the nightstand and began eating.

“Helen, you would eat in your sleep if you could create a way to do it.” Magaret had to titter over Helen’s constant eating.

“Margaret, I’m sorry. I’m hungry.” Helen managed to say in between bites.

Margaret crawled under the bed, pulled out the book, then got into bed. “We folded the page we stopped reading on.” Margaret sat with the book in her hands, but she only stared at the cover. “He kissed me.” Her gaze remained fixed on the book.

“He did! Well, did you like it? How did it feel? Tell me.” Margaret continued to keep her focus on the unopened book.

“Wonderful. It made me feel so…so…like I wanted more.” She finally looked at Helen.

“I’m confused. What do you mean?” It made no sense to Helen.

“It was not at all what I expected. He…he ran his tongue along my lips and I opened my mouth because it tickled a little and it surprised me. When I opened my mouth, he put his tongue in it.”

“Oh my. That is awful. What did you do?”

“No, it felt…wonderful. I can’t explain it. I could have kissed him all night.” Margaret stared into space with a strange smile on her face.

“You could have kissed him all night with his tongue in your mouth?” Helen shook her head, then took another bite of sliced ham. “I don’t know. It does not sound very hygienic.”

“Oh, Helen, wait until someone kisses you. I think you will change your mind.” Margaret decided not to tell Helen about Fredrick touching her breast. But that had been amazing, too.

“Then what happened? When you both walked back to Lord Henry and me, he never looked at you and he never spoke to you. I don’t understand. Why would he kiss you and then not talk to you?”

“I don’t know…confusing. All of a sudden, he pushed away from me. He said something about getting back before someone tried to find us. We were walking back and he looked straight ahead. I stopped and asked him if I did it right. It seemed that made him somewhat agitated. And then he blurted out.” She put her hand to her mouth and took in a breath. “He said…are you ready?”

“Yes, yes. And then he said what? For heaven’s sake, Margaret!”

“He said, ‘If you had done it any better, I would have fucked you out there in front of God and everyone.’ What do you think that F word means? I’m sure it is a bad word, but I have never heard it. So, I guess I kissed him well enough. Where can we find out what that F word means?”

“I have no idea. I would be afraid to ask. It does sound rather crude. I wonder what he meant. It sounds like you did well, don’t you think?” Helen truly had no idea. She had never been kissed either, but the tongue thing sure sounded less than pleasing.

“Let’s start reading this book again. Maybe the word is in here.

Fredrick, What Happened?

The ride to Fred’s house – a quiet one. Henry sensed Fredrick was uneasy about something. Something had happened at the ball. Henry knew it involved Lady Margaret, but he knew better than to wave a red flag in front of the bull. As the coach rolled up the lane, Henry reached for his portmanteau. “What time do you look to be riding out of here on the morrow, my good man?” He would not look at Fredrick as he asked. Still unsure of his mood. Most unusual behavior for him. Fred had always been the ‘devil may care’ type.

“I would like to head out before the roads get busy. What do you say to the break of dawn?” The coachman opened the cabin door. Fred stepped out and turned around. “Hand me the bag.” Henry did as he Fred asked, then stepped out. “Shall we go inside for a small repast before we retire for the evening?”

“Good evening, my lords. You are home a little earlier than I expected.” Mr. Winston remarked as they came through the door.

Fred ignored the comment. “Could you have Cook make up a small tray with cheese, bread, olives, and any fruit still about?”

“Right away, my lord. Will you be in the study or the library?”

“I think the library. There is more scotch in there.” Fred canted his head for Henry to follow. Daniel arrived quickly in the room retrieving the scotch and glasses. He delivered them to the low table between the two gentlemen.

“I shall bring the meal for you when Cook has it ready. Will that be all, my lord?”

“Yes, Daniel, thank you.”

Fred reached for the scotch and poured a healthy amount into his glass. “Are you as thirsty as I am? Would you care for a healthy shot as well?”

“I think not, Fredrick. I will take half as much if you please.” Henry would let Fred take a few sips before he inquired as to his sudden change in mood at the Walpole’s ball. Henry had anticipated they were going to stay much longer. At least until John arrived. Although, the horsemen knew the balls mattered little to John. Likely, he turned around and returned home to his loving family. Hah. John’s home life had been pathetic for many years.

John’s father had run through the estate money, which had been considerable, soon after John’s grandfather died. It took a matter of mere months to obliterate the money that should have lasted for at least another three generations. Liquor, opium, gambling, and harlots ran through it. Along with father’s so-called his friends. Where were they all now? John had been able to rejuvenate the family coffers, but his wastrel father had no access to any of it.

“I’m sorry we missed John. Although he is rather stoic by nature, I believe he enjoys observing the gaiety which is sorely lacking in his home.” Henry thought this a segue into Fredrick’s sudden change of mood.

“Yes, I know. He is rather ironic. I loved my parents, yet they are gone. He loathes his father yet he still lives. Honestly, I am amazed. He should have died long ago from opium, alcohol, and French pox or all three.”

Daniel came in with the food tray, plates, and serviettes. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”

“No, Daniel. This is perfect. Tell Cook.”

“Yes, my lord. I thanked her on your behalf earlier.” Fred had to keep him. He would find a place for him. It seemed that Daniel had learned well from Mr. Winston.

Henry reached for a plate and started putting food on it as he looked at Fred. “What happened between Lady Margaret and you this evening? I thought you had been looking forward to dancing. You had one dance with her, you disappeared, and the next time I saw you, you seemed disagreeable. You interrupted my evening. I was having a grand time. So, what happened?”

“Nothing. I had decided it would be wise to get back here early and get a good night’s sleep so we could strike out early in the morning.” And if I had stayed any longer, I would have taken her into that garden and ravished the hell out of her. How dare she be so damn responsive. I know what it is, I need to find another mistress. It has been too long. But when he thought about it, Margaret took over the space. Those unbelievably full, warm lips and those breasts. He had slowly and sensuously eased his hand up from her waist to cup her breast. He almost had his thumb on her nipple when he came to his senses. “Good heavens. What was I thinking?”

“What the deuce, Fred. Have you gone addle-pated? You are talking to yourself now? What are you talking about?” Henry wondered exactly what the hell had happened at the ball. “Fred, did you fall and hit your head at the Walpole’s tonight?”

“Henry, you are being ridiculous. I’m fine. Only…oh, nothing. I’m fine.” Fred picked up his plate, agitated. He added a few pieces of cheese and a few grapes and picked at it.

“Well, I had a lovely time speaking with Lady Helen. She is interesting to talk to. Well-read and knows a lot about the outdoors, nature, plants, insects, and animals. I’m interested in those sorts of things but not enough to read a book about them. Hell, all I have to do is ask her .” Henry snickered and looked to Fred for a response. Fred gave a small chuckle, not paying much attention at all.

“Yes, Lady Helen is a lovely, sweet, and innocent. I shan’t need to remind you. Both Lady Helen and Lady Margaret are innocent – naive when it comes to men. Don’t toy with her affections. She is special.” Fred began to glance at his hands. His cuticles? Perhaps?

“Who are we talking about now? Lady Helen or Lady Margaret?” Henry took a sip from his glass. “This mood of yours is all about Lady Margaret. It is, is it not? And don’t deny it. What happened? You tried to kiss her and she slapped you?”

“Of course not.” Henry could see Fred becoming more irritated.

“You tried to kiss her and she let you?” Fred’s eyes darted up at Henry. “That is it! You kissed her, and she scared the shite out of you. Now I understand why you were so anxious to get the hell out of there. You wanted to get away from her before you did something stupid.” Henry clapped his hands and rolled back into the chair. “The sweet, luscious innocent got the notorious rake at sixes and sevens.”

“I would advise you to change the subject, Lord Henry Elbert .”

Henry put his hands up. “Yes, my lord.” He stood. “I will have Mr. Winston show me to my room. Give me twenty minutes in the morning and I will be ready to go.” Henry walked to the door. “Good night, my friend.”

Fred had been an arse. He had taken his frustration out on his friend. Martin would have told him to stand up and clear the room. Thank heavens he was on his honeymoon. Henry, bless him, such a much more docile gentleman. Fred would apologize in the morning. He had no excuse for his behavior. He could only imagine what Margaret thought of his abrupt behavior.

All he could think about were Margaret’s luscious lips and his mouth over them. He ran his hands through his hair. He allowed one little kiss – one little kiss to get to him. You thought you had her, did you not? She almost dropped you to your knees. Then, to add insult to injury, she asked you if she did it right. Fred. You are a complete and utter fool.

“My lord, I showed Lord Addams to his room. May I be of any further service?” Mr. Winston sounded ready to find his bed.

“No, Mr. Winston. Tell Daniel. You both go and get some sleep. I want to be up around dawn. Need to leave before the traffic escalates in the morning.”

“Good night, my lord.”

“Leave the lamps on in the hallway. I will take care of them.” He decided to have one more scotch. That might help him sleep.

Foxed and Crop Sick

Fredrick woke with Mr. Winston gently shaking him. “Lord Fredrick. My lord? Lord Fredrick?”

Fred opened his bloodshot eyes and looked up at Mr. Winston. “What are you doing in here, Mr. Winston?” Fred attempted to open his eyes slowly, He looked around. “Good heavens, I fell asleep in here?”

“Yes, my lord. You wanted to leave at dawn? It is dawn. Shall I wake Lord Henry? I have yet to hear any sound coming from his bedchamber.”

Yes, you probably should. I need to get up and prepare for the ride, myself. Would you get Max to have the coach ready in thirty minutes? Tell Ben I want him to go as well.”

“Yes, my lord. Anything else?”

“Breakfast? Can Cook make some scones and meat pies for us to eat on the road?”

“Yes, Cook has already made scones. It shan’t take her long to make the meat pies.”

“Good. Thank you, Mr. Winston.”

Fred put his head in his hands and made a loud groan. He had too many ‘one more’s’ trying to put one voluptuous emerald-eyed beauty out of his head so he could sleep. He thought he probably owed her an apology, but what the hell would he say? It would be better to keep his distance. He did not need to have some sweet innocent infiltrating his sleep time. He only needed to find another doxy at Venus; one to take care of his preferences or look for another mistress to fill his idle time.

He stood, then sat back down. Last night; not exactly the night to be over imbibing . I need to shake it off. I doubt I'll run into her since the high season is over. There are only a few more balls left. I don’t have to speak to her. Right? Right. I certainly don’t have to dance with her. Right? Right. Never do I need to kiss those warm, plump, soft lips again. Right? Right? Oh, hell.

He packed a small portmanteau and walked down to the kitchen. Henry sat at the small breakfast room table, having eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes. Henry picked up his cup of tea and looked up at Fred. “Damn, Fred. Did someone break in and beat you to a pulp? You look awful.” He stared at Fred as he chewed on a piece of bacon.

“Don’t harass me. I’m not up to it.” He walked into the kitchen. The cook, Mildred, had packed a basket.

“I put a jar of coffee and a jar of tea in there. And next time you sleep in that library I will come in there and whip you like I did when you were little and misbehaved.” Mildred waved her finger at him and gave him a scolding look.

“I know. I had a lot on my mind.” He shrugged.

“I don’t care. Such is not the behavior of a lord. You understand me?”

“Yes, Milly. I will be a good boy.” He gave a pat on her head. She handed him the basket.

He looked into the basket. “Is this all?” He looked down at her and winked.

“No,” She snapped at him. “I put something in there to help with you being crop sick.” She shook her head. “Now, go on.” Midred had been a second mother of sorts. She was a short, stout, dark-haired lady with scolding brown eyes.

“Henry, are you ready to go?” Henry stood as he picked up his scone.

“I’m not the one that overslept. Yes, I’m ready.” He walked over to Mildred. “Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, Milly.” Henry was barely able to hold his cackle as he looked over at Fred. Mildred shook her head.

Max had the coach turned around to ride out. “I got Ben up here with me. We are ready, my lord.”

“Alright. Let me get in here and we are away.”