Chapter Fourteen

April 1862

J o sat in the coach with her husband, George Downs, Marquess of Whitestone. They were finally back from their surprise second honeymoon, on the Continent. Shed thought their sojourn in the country to be their honeymoon, but then Whitestone had announced a surprise tour of Europe and in truth, it had been a restful trip without Whitestones family in tow.

Butterflies danced in her belly as the vehicle rocked side to side. Shed been feeling poorly all day, but had pulled herself together so she could attend their first ball as a married couple.

Josephine, if you are feeling poorly, you do not need to attend the ball tonight. I can send you home and have the coach come back for me. Her husband reached over and tipped her face up toward his with a finger under her chin.

She let her lashes drift down to hide the turmoil that burbled beneath her placid surface. In the last three months, she had come to like him very much. He was proving to be a kind and attentive husband, if not a man she was in love with. She tried to remind herself that she was very lucky. Her father could have chosen any number of horrible men to sell her off to. It just so happened that this man was gentle. Thank you, my lord. I am feeling much recovered and would very much like to attend this evening.

He grunted. Very well then. Should you find yourself taking a turn, do let me know.

Of course. Jo doubted shed say a word, not until shed had time to search the guests for two in particular. She was hopeful she might see Linc and Arthur at the ball, even if only from a distance.

Half an hour later, she found herself moving through the receiving line to greet their hosts. Once in the ballroom, her husband directed her over to his brothers wife, who stood with her daughter-in-law.

Lady Agnes Downs, Mrs. Beatrice Downs, you remember my wife, the Marchioness of Whitestone. Whitestone gave her hand a squeeze as the two women curtsied to her.

Lady Downs, Mrs. Downs. I am pleased to see you all again. Jo darted a worried look at her husband. She had not mentioned to him the less than warm welcome shed received from the women at their wedding reception, nor his sister and her nephews treatment at his country house. It seemed no one in the family would welcome her.

She supposed she couldnt blame them; besides being new money, she also represented the likelihood that her husbands brother, Lord Downs, would not inherit the title of Marquess. That is, if she was capable of bearing him a child.

Her gut churned at the thought. Whitestone was kind enough, but his family were a pit of vipers. The thought of raising a child in the midst of such people worried her. She sighed. Of course there was little to worry about at the moment. Possibly never. After all, shed never fallen pregnant with her first husband, and the man had tried. Repeatedly.

Unaware of her distress, her husband continued, If you dont mind, I shall leave my wife in your capable hands. Agnes, I would appreciate you guiding her through the festivities, as she is still learning who is who and how to navigate these waters.

Of course, my lord. Wed be happy to guide your new bride. Agnes curtsied to her brother-in-law and attempted to smile at Jo as Whitestone made to depart their little group.

Excellent! Whitestone turned and bowed to Jo. I shall collect you for the first waltz later.

Thank you, my lord. Jo curtsied to her husband and watched his retreating back as her heart sank.

It was hard to ignore his familys blatantly ingratiating behaviorparticularly when it changed in a thrice, once her he was gone.

The coldness of Agnes brown, glittering eyes sent a shiver of alarm down Jos spine as she faced the women. She had suspected when theyd met during her reception, but now she could say with certainty she did not like the woman. Not one bit.

Agnes cast a critical eye up and down her form. Jo had liked her deep blue gown when shed dressed that evening. It paired beautifully with the sapphires that her husband had given her while they were on their honeymoon. It would seem Agnes did not share her appreciation for her gown.

I can see I need to take you in hand, my dear. Agnes waved her fan in front of her face even as she added insult to injury by not addressing Jo properly.

Im sure you must have a great deal of advice to offer. Jo offered a slash of a smile.

Indeed, I do. Agnes puffed up, oblivious to the sarcasm lacing Jos comment, and leaned over to speak far too loudly with her daughter-in-law. I see that American girl who caused such a scene at the Lytton ball has arrived. She snapped her fan closed. The gall of that girl to show her face.

The pair huddled together to gossip about the poor woman, which allowed Jo to slip away. She sidled to the outer edge of the ballroom and sought a vantage point that would allow her to spot her quarry, but circling the space, she found no perfect spot to hide. Instead, she came across the two men she had hoped to see. Spotting a potted fern, she slipped behind its fronds and attempted to blend into the wallpaper as she watched them from behind.

The pair stood together, one dark head leaning against the blond. Jo wished she could hear what they spoke about, but instead settled for appreciating them in profile. Staying tucked behind the plant allowed her to watch as their hands brushed in an ever-so-subtle gesture that spoke volumes to her. Then one of their friends joined them, saying something that caused them all to laugh. Her heart squeezed, momentarily stealing her breath.

Realizing she had been gone quite a while, Jo eased back around the ballroom to where she had left her husbands relations. There she found the snobbish women still gossiping about the other attendees of the ball. She slid back into place beside them. Pulling her fan out, she gently stirred the warm air of the ballroom.

Where on earth have you been? Agnes leaned around her daughter-in-law to address Jo. I was just about to send for Whitestone.

I slipped off to the retiring room for a few moments. Jo was surprised the woman had even noticed she had disappeared.

Its not safe for you to wander about on your own. Agnes looked pointedly at her. There are rakes and rogues a plenty at these events. Why, I even saw some of those Lustful Lords traipsing about.

Im sorry, those who? Jo wasnt sure what the woman was prattling about.

Precisely my point. How can you know who to avoid and who to speak to at these events? You require my guidance. She tipped her head ever so slightly toward a group of men and women who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Youd do well to steer clear of that group of hedonists. The Lustful Lords are trouble, not the type of people the Marchioness of Whitestone should associate with. She sniffed delicately as if to punctuate her point.

Jo stared at the group Agnes had indicated, shocked to see Linc and Arthur among them. Nonplussed, she replied honestly. I was not speaking to them.

And well you shouldnt, Agnes stated flatly. Her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Downs, nodded in agreement.

Deciding that silence would hold her in greater stead, Jo bit her tongue as the ladies continued on with their gossiping. Ignoring their pointless conversation, she angled herself slightly behind Mrs. Downs so she could watch the group Agnes had indicated.

The group seemedfriendly. The women were all dressed in the first stare of fashion and the men impeccably turned out. Handsome to a man, she wondered why they were called the Lustful Lords. Agnes suggested they were rakes and rogues, but that was not how she thought of Linc and Arthur. They had been her protectors, her loversthey had never taken advantage of her. In fact, shed been shocked when they had appeared on her doorstep in London, trying to save her from her fate.

When a countess greeted their group and drew Agnes into a conversation, Jo seized the opportunity, daring to ask, Excuse me, Mrs. Downs?

The woman was the nicest of the family, so it was no surprise when the pretty brunette turned and offered her a small smile. Yes, my lady?

Why do they call them the Lustful Lords? Jo asked. Curiosity now mixed with her earlier upset stomach to churn in a nauseating ball. Did she truly wish to know the answer to her question? What would it change?

Mrs. Downs giggled. Because they were all confirmed bachelors and roguesat least, until the last two years. Theyve suddenly all fallen in love and married.

Jo felt all the blood leach from her face as her stomach twisted. Had they been married men? All of them?

Well, all but three. Im not sure which three are still unwed. Mrs. Downs glanced over at the group.

With the blood rushing back to Jos face, relief flooded her body. So not married . Well, she had to assume they were two of the unmarried three. Didnt she?

What little she knew of the men did not support the idea of either of them being married while they had engaged in such vigorous erotic activities with herthough that obviously no longer mattered, now she was a married woman.

Waving her fan once more, Jo smiled back at the woman. They must have married extraordinary women.

Oh yes! The ladies are nearly as notorious as their husbands are now. Ive heard they are friends with a woman who once ran a brothel.

Jo gasped. Oh my!

Its amazing, really. Despite all the rumors about them, no hostess would dare leave them off her guest list.

Agnes said something that pulled Mrs. Downs back into their conversation, leaving Jo to consider what she had learned. They knew a former brothel owner? How fascinating! More than ever, Jo wished events had unfolded differently.

As she stood there alone with her thoughts, her earlier wave of nausea returned. Working her fan faster, she leaned toward Agnes. Im afraid I am not feeling well. I believe I shall go find Whitestone.

Hell likely be in the card room. One of the footmen can fetch him for you. Agnes said as she turned to greet some of her friends who had just arrived.

Grateful for the escape, Jo turned and went in search of her husband. It would seem she needed the carriage.

The next morning Jo laid in bed, her stomach not feeling well once again. She finally conceded, after much nagging from her maid, that it was probably best to call for the doctor. In her gut, she suspected what was wrong but voicing itsaying it aloudwould be bittersweet.

The doctor finished his exam and closed his bag. My lady, I am pleased to inform you. That you are with child.

Jo mustered up a small smile for the doctor. I was fairly certain that was the case. Thank you for confirming.

He patted her hand. I know you dont feel well just now, but that should pass before long. Try eating some dry toast or crackers in the morning to help settle your stomach.

Thank you, doctor. She let her eyes slip closed as he turned to leave.

Despite the nausea churning with the dollop of sadness inside her, Jo pushed the errant feeling aside and hauled herself out of the bed to ring for her maid. She needed to dress and find her husband with their news. He would certainly be pleased to hear that she now carried his child.

The question was, would she bear him the coveted heiror a girl?