by Vikki Vaught
Doncaster Stables produced some of the fastest racing horses in England, and he brought in quite a bit of revenue from his stud fees. Not only did he feel the loss of his horse keenly, the lost income would hurt. He sent Melody a message to let her know it would be several weeks before he would be able to return.
Damn!
Why did this have to happen now?
It will be weeks before I can start winning my wife’s affections.
* * * *
After Henry’s carriage pulled away, taking him north, she moved from the window and slumped against the back of the sofa. Ever since they had worked together to help Kathryn overcome what his uncle had attempted to do to her, a new accord had developed between them.
When he so tenderly carried her to their bed the night before and held her close as she fell asleep, she sensed part of the wall Henry had erected had begun to crumble. She ached to tear that barrier down completely. The timing could not be worse for them to be apart. She prayed he would not reconstruct the crack while he was away.
The days went by swiftly, because they had a ball or some kind of party to go to every day, and when they did not, they usually went to a play or the opera instead. Melody particularly enjoyed the opera, and the ducal box gave her the best view in the house.
She worried over Kathryn’s continued withdrawal. She had even stopped painting and had cancelled several of her art lessons. Whenever she attempted to talk to her, she insisted she was fine.
Helen tried to talk to her as well. Kathryn grew paler and thinner by the day. By the end of the week, she evidently felt so poorly she did not leave her room. Melody needed to do something regarding this turn of events right away.
That afternoon, she went to Kathryn’s chamber, with Helen for reinforcements, and knocked on the door. There was no answer. Melody tried the door, and it would not open. Her sister-in-law did not answer when they called her name either. She decided enough was enough and used her key to enter. As she opened the door, she noticed the drapes closed, not a good sign.
She approached the bed, and Kathryn was asleep. Deep circles lined her eyes, and her skin tone looked ashen. Helen touched her shoulder and got no response. When Melody shook her hard, she still slept on. By this time, she grew alarmed. She called for one of the footman and sent for the doctor. Even though they continued to try to awaken her, she slept on.
At last, Dr. Holland arrived, and Simpson showed him to Kathryn’s room. After fifteen minutes, the doctor came out, shaking his head. With great trepidation, Melody asked, “What is amiss with Lady Kathryn? Were you able to awaken her?”
“I did get a response, but then she fell asleep again, Your Grace.” Dr. Holland looked at her. “She’s been taking laudanum, I suspect, and I would say quite often and in large doses. Has she suffered weight loss and a need to sleep more than usual?”
Laudanum? Lord, how was she getting it? “She has. We’ve been worried for quite some time. She recently experienced something traumatic. Ever since then, she’s withdrawn. She hasn’t shown her usual enthusiasm for any of her normal activities. What does this mean, Doctor?”
“I believe these symptoms indicate opium poisoning, and she’s addicted to the substance,” the doctor replied. “I will need to wean her off the drug.”
“Oh, goodness,” she murmured, fear escalating her voice. “Will Lady Kathryn be all right?”
“It’s too early to tell,” the doctor said. “I must tell you, it is a painful process. She’ll become extremely ill and angry to the point of violence when she no longer has access to the drug. She will need constant supervision to ensure she doesn’t get her hands on any more laudanum.” He paused for a moment. “Do you have any idea where she’s been getting it, Your Grace?”
Melody looked at Helen. “Were you aware she’s been taking laudanum?”
Twisting her hands nervously, she said, “She’s complained of megrims, so I knew she had taken it occasionally, but I had no idea to what extent. We should talk to her maid and see if she knows where she has been obtaining it.”
Melody rang for Kathryn’s maid, Sarah. While they waited for her to arrive, she asked, “Doctor. I’m not sure I understand what you are talking of when you speak of addiction. Can you please explain?
“Addiction occurs when the body starts to physically crave the drug. It can be painful for her to go too long without laudanum,” he explained. “There will be acute stomach cramping, her muscles will ache, and she’ll experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over time, she will become irrationally overwrought, believing everyone is out to hurt her. Have you observed any of these symptoms?”
Before they could answer, Sarah entered and curtsied. “I received your summons, how may I assist you?”
“Did you know Lady Kathryn was taking laudanum?” Melody demanded, her tone strident, so unlike her usual softer tone.
Sarah twisted her hands. “Yes, Your Grace. I’ve been so worried. She kept wanting more and more of it. She sent me to the apothecary every day to get it. She’s nauseated all the time, but after she takes the laudanum, she feels better.”
Dr. Holland nodded. “That explains how she’s getting it, and she’s definitely experiencing the symptoms of addiction. I will try to stay close at hand; the next week will be the most trying time for her.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Once Lady Kathryn gets through this next week, what else will we need to do?” she inquired.
“You will need to watch her constantly,” he stated. “Even after her body stops craving laudanum, her mind will continue to demand it. I must tell you that few people have the determination to leave the substance alone. Lady Kathryn must stay away from it completely if she is to recover.”
The next week was every bit as trying as the doctor had predicted. They took turns helping him care for Kathryn. She could not hold anything in her stomach, vomiting every time she tried to eat. They changed her sweat-soaked night rail and bed linens several times a day. Toward the end of the week, she fell into a more natural sleep. The worst part of the physical addiction was over, but now came the time for her to deal with the mental cravings.
Before Dr. Holland departed, he reminded them, “Please call me if she starts to exhibit any more symptoms. I wish you good fortune on keeping Lady Kathryn away from laudanum. I cannot stress how important it is that she does not take any.”
Looking contrite, the maid told her, “I feel responsible for Lady Kathryn, because I should have come to you, Your Grace, and told you what was happening.”
“Sarah, you’re not to blame,” she assured her. “We all failed to realize how troubled she had become.”
Sarah became Kathryn’s constant companion. She made sure her charge ate and did not take any laudanum. The first few days after the doctor departed, Kathryn was quiet and biddable, since she was so weak from the aftermath of her ordeal. Once she started to regain her strength, she became irritable and at times alarmingly angry. She would shout at Sarah, and then start crying, pleading with them to give her laudanum.
Kathryn constantly complained of the headache and believed that only the drug would make it go away. Melody became increasingly concerned that her sister-in-law would find a way to get the substance. It was devastating when she would beg and cry. When she did not get the laudanum, she shouted obscenities, words Melody did not know she even knew.
One day, while Melody was reading to Kathryn, she finally broke down and started to talk about what had happened to her. She blamed herself, because she had not told them the complete truth.
Kathryn began to cry. “Uncle Theodore has been after me for years. It started when I was six years old. As I grew older, he cornered me whenever I was alone. The only way I kept my sanity was to lose myself in my art. Every time my uncle came to visit, I became nauseated, just thinking about what he wanted me to do. Once he left, the nightmares and sleepwalking started.”
As Kathryn told her story, her heart clenched and tears cascaded down her face at the pain h
er sweet sister-in-law had endured at the hands of that monster. She sat and held her as they both cried.
From that day onward, Kathryn started to recover emotionally. She began painting again and spending time with Helen. She had Melody and her children sit for her so she could do their portrait.
Melody received a message from Henry telling her he would be home by the end of the week. It had been an eventful four weeks, and she’d missed him desperately. She had written, giving him an account of what had happened to Kathryn. His response tore her heart apart. He even threatened to go to the continent and strangle his uncle.
Throughout the crisis, the dowager duchess refused to acknowledge the seriousness of her daughter’s condition. She would not believe her brother had hurt Kathryn. She went to her parties and made her social calls, ignoring all that her daughter was going through. She could not understand how she could be so callous toward her own child. If there was ever a time when Kathryn could use a mother’s love, it was now.
Kathryn started coming out of her shell. She embraced all the entertainments that were available. Full of exuberance at the balls, she sought out other young women and befriended them, especially the shy ones. She was still wary of men, but she did dance whenever a gentlemen asked, and even seemed to enjoy it. It was truly a miracle, and Melody was so happy for her. Henry would be so pleased when he returned home and saw the change in his sister.
At last, Henry returned on Sunday. When he stepped from the coach, her pulse jumped as she drank in the sight of him. Her heart swelled to the point she feared it would burst as he hugged her close and kissed her forehead. “It’s been a long four weeks. I’m sorry you had to deal with so much while I was away.”
She murmured, “I’m just happy you’ve returned. I missed you, Henry.”
“I as well, sweetheart.” He released her and turned to Kathryn and embraced her. “I’m so proud of you. I had men in my regiment who became addicted to laudanum, and I saw how difficult it was to overcome. Many of them were not able to conquer their affliction. You’re a much stronger person for having gone through this and come out whole. Hopefully, you’ll no longer suffer from the nightmares and sleepwalking.”
Kathryn beamed at her brother’s praise. “I haven’t had a single nightmare in the last two weeks. I’m so glad you’ve returned. You must come to my studio tomorrow so I can show you the painting I did of Melody and the children.”
“Certainly, I look forward to seeing it.” He turned to Helen and gave her a hug. “Thank you for being such a huge help to Melody while I was away. I truly appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” Helen replied. “It’s good to have you home.”
Melody intervened, “After you’ve had a chance to wash away your travel dirt, you can tell us the news concerning Doncaster stables.”
When Henry joined them for tea, he gave them the depressing news regarding the fire. Her heart ached as she listened to him speak of the damage with so much pain in his voice. Clearly exhausted from his journey, she suggested, “Why don’t you return to your rooms and rest until dinner?”
He sighed wearily. “I think I will. I shall see you this evening.” He kissed her cheek, then stood. Melody watched him go. Perhaps after a nap, he would feel restored.
That evening, she received a note from Henry letting her know he had requested a tray and would not join them for dinner. He would see her the next morning after he had a full night’s rest. Disappointed, she decided to make it an early night as well and retired immediately following dinner.
The next morning, she went to his study, and after knocking, entered. He came forward and kissed her cheek. She smiled. “Good morning. I trust you’re feeling better today?”
“Much better,” he assured her. “I just needed a full night’s rest in my own bed after being away for so long. I’m fully recovered today.”
She took a seat in front of his desk. “Good. I must admit, I was a bit concerned last night when I received your note. I’m sorry you had such a grueling time in Doncaster.”
He leaned forward in his chair. “It was difficult, but the stables will survive this loss. I’m sorry you had to deal with this situation involving Kathryn alone. Thank you for taking such good care of her.”
“I’m just relieved she’s doing so much better. You will be amazed at the changes in her. She actually seems to enjoy the parties and balls. She’s still shy, but she accepts requests to dance from the gentlemen and has made a few female friends.”
“That relieves my mind,” he replied. “I would still like to wring my uncle’s neck, and I will if he ever sets foot on English soil again. Now, tell me what else has been happening.”
They spent a pleasant hour discussing some upcoming invitations. Then Stallings interrupted them, needing to speak to her husband regarding a letter from one of the men working on the bill with him. She excused herself and left them to their discussion.
Henry stayed busy the first week he was back from Doncaster. They barely spent any time together, and Melody was getting discouraged, because they had barely talked. She had believed they were growing closer before he went north. Well, this had to stop, or they would never get past their problems. It was time for him to move on, so she decided to talk to him the next day.
The next morning, Henry left the house before she had a chance to speak to him. The first time she saw him was at tea, and of course she could not talk to him with others around. She noticed a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “What are you up to?”
Grinning mysteriously, he teased, “That’s for me to know and you to discover. I thought we could go out tomorrow night, just the two of us.”
Looking puzzled, she asked, “Where are we going?”
“All I will tell you,” he continued to grin like a Cheshire cat, “is that you’ll enjoy it. Oh, and by the way, you will need a domino and a mask. Be ready at eight o’clock. Now, no more discussion, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I need my tea.” Melody handed him a cup, and he continued to grin at her, but no matter how many times she tried to get more information, he steadfastly refused.
When she returned to her room, she decided to have plans of her own. She would seduce Henry. He had not come to her bed since he returned from Doncaster, and besides, she was tired of him always being the one to initiate their lovemaking. She was determined to get him to admit he loved her.
After she visited the children the following afternoon, she had Millie draw her a bath. She’d purchased some lemon-scented bathing salts that would drive her husband wild. She washed her hair and rinsed it in lemon juice to make it shine and bring out the lighter blonde streaks. After she finished, she luxuriated in the tub until the water cooled.
She planned out her seduction and prayed she would be successful in getting Henry to tell her he loved her. She refused to accept that he did not, and her aunt’s encouragement had helped convince her he still did. After stepping from the tub, she worked her verbena-scented lotion into her skin. She decided to take a short nap and told her maid to awaken her in an hour.
She awoke refreshed and prepared for the evening. Henry had sent her the family heirloom sapphires. They would match her new gown perfectly. While she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she smoothed down the bodice of her deep royal blue taffeta evening gown, noticing how well the low décolletage showed off her bosom.
Although she had gained a little weight, it was in all the right places. Where before she was pleasantly plump, now her curvaceous figure belonged to a mature woman. Millie had twisted her hair up on top of her head, with ringlets cascading to her shoulders. Her maid used the sapphire and diamond studs to accent her hair, and they sparkled as she turned her head. She dabbed perfume behind her ears and between her breasts, where she hoped Henry would kiss her later that night.
Finally ready, she inhaled to calm her rapidly beating heart and went downstairs. Henry watched her descend, and his mouth hung open. His smoldering eyes told her he found her enticing,
just what she wanted. He held out his hand, and she placed hers in his. Then he raised it to his lips and kissed her fingers.
Chills ran from the tips of her fingers to her toes, in anticipation of what she had planned. She boldly allowed her eyes to roam slowly from her husband’s head to his evening shoes, noticing how well his tight-fitted black tailcoat molded his powerful shoulders and arms. His royal blue embroidered waistcoat matched her dress perfectly and made his startling blue eyes even brighter than usual.
He placed the dark blue domino around her shoulders and kissed the side of her neck right below her ear, causing a tingling sensation to spread in her belly. He turned her around, and she became mesmerized as she looked into the depths of his eyes as he murmured, “You look radiant this evening.” The husky tenor of his voice sent shivers down her spine. “The other men will be green with envy when they see you on my arm. Come, my dear, let us depart.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The ducal carriage waited for them when they stepped outside. Henry helped Melody in and sat across from her with his back to the horses. His loins tightened as he gazed at his lovely wife. She looked dazzling, and there was an entrancing twinkle in her eyes. He could not wait to see her reaction to Vauxhall. She had mentioned on more than one occasion how much she longed to visit the pleasure gardens.
As the carriage traveled along, she raised a brow. “You’ve kept me in suspense for two days. That is long enough. So…can you finally tell me where you are taking me?”
He smiled at her. “We shall be there shortly, relax and have a little patience. I promise, you will enjoy yourself.”
Finally, the carriage pulled to a stop. When Melody stepped from the carriage, her eyes widened, delight glittered in her hazel-green eyes. “Vauxhall Gardens. Oh, I’ve always wanted to come here.”
