Whom Shall I Marry... an Earl or a Duke?

by Laura A. Barnes

  “Lady Sophia, I was hoping my letter did not frighten you away.” Belle rose to welcome Sophia into her parlor. When she clasped her hands, she held them, looking deep into Sophia's eyes. Their gazes connected. Yes, they did share a kinship. How weird that you could experience a bond of friendship with somebody you only just met.

  “I will admit to no fright, but an extreme sense of curiosity instead.”

  “Please join me on the sofa, I had cook prepare tea and dessert for our visit. I hope you like lemon squares.”

  “Actually, they are my favorite.”

  “Excellent, my cook made an abundance. Another friend who is coming to dinner tonight loves them as well and I have promised him a few. Well, that is if we do not eat them all now. It would serve him right.” Belle laughed.

  “I would hate to disappoint your friend. However, once one passes between my lips, I admit I cannot stop from devouring them all.”

  “I heard the wonderful news of your friend Sidney’s marriage to Lord Wildeburg. They make an enchanting couple, do they not?” Belle poured their tea.

  “Yes, Wilde was the perfect man for her. Hopefully, he can learn to curb her need for everything to be an experiment.”

  “I’m afraid, from what I have heard, he will only indulge her every wish.”

  “You are probably correct. I only speak out of fear on becoming her next research project.”

  “What kind of research?”

  “She wishes to find the perfect love match for me. For somebody who always swore romance and love wasn’t real, Sidney has suddenly changed her mind due to her own circumstances. I fear nobody will be safe from her interference.”

  “I envy your friendship with one another. You are very close.”

  “As close as sisters, if we were so.”

  “That helps to understand her reason then. She only wants you to find the same happiness she has captured.”

  “Yes, however at the moment ‘tis near impossible.”

  “May I inquire why?”

  “A certain gentleman has put me under his spell. However, he is spiteful except for the moments when he is kissing me. I know I should not speak of this, but I sense you can keep a secret.”

  “Yes, dear, and I will keep yours.”

  “That is why I have accepted your offer for tea. I needed somebody to confide in who wouldn’t judge me.”

  Belle offered her the plate of lemon squares. Sophia consumed several as she explained her encounters with Sheffield. Belle didn't judge or interrupt as Sophia tried to explain her feelings for the unbearable man. Before Sophia knew it, she'd eaten the entire offering of the sweet dessert. Also, a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

  “Please extend my apologies to your friend. There are no treats left for him.”

  Belle smiled as she assured Sophia that her friend would understand.

  While Belle sensed Lady Sophia would agree to Sheffield’s invitation, she was furious at him for his reprehensible behavior. How dare he accost this lovely creature for his own whim? She deserved better than him. But Belle saw the same connection between this couple that their friends shared. In the end she knew Lady Sophia would bring Sheffield to his knees. Hopefully, in the meantime, Sheffield could curb his arrogance. Belle feared that to lose this lady would be his last chance at redemption. She hated to deceive Lady Sophia, because she felt a friendship forming, but if she could draw these two souls together in love, then it would be worth the deception.

  Sophia rose from the divan and wandered around the room. She admired the classic beauty. “Your parlor is lovely.”

  “Thank you, my dear. I will hold your confidences close to my heart. However, you are excluding the main scene from your interaction with Sheffield, are you not?”

  Sophia spun. “I don’t understand.”

  “I think you do. The previous time you visited, you encountered Sheffield. Did you not?”

  “How ...”

  “Nothing passes my attention. Even though, to be honest, your time spent alone with Sheffield did. I apologize for risking your virtue. Between your friend’s scandal and my own problems, I was otherwise occupied. I’m unsure on how I can make amends to you.”

  “There is nothing to make amends on, because nothing happened.”

  Belle beckoned Sophia to return to the couch and held her hands between hers. “Sheffield calls you 'Violet' and requests your undivided attention. He holds the belief you are my new girl. Your beauty enamored him. Though I imagine it’s more than your beauty that grasps his attention. Your time together has sparked a flame inside him.”

  “But ...”

  “Yes, I am fully aware of the unorthodox request. How do I inform him the girl he requests is not one of my girls, but a lady of the ton? On the other hand, if you decide to accept his offer, how do we hide your identity? Is this something that would interest you?”

  “I do not know if I should be flattered or offended.”

  “How do you feel?”

  Sophia blushed. “Flattered,” she whispered.

  “You are interested?”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought perhaps you might be.”

  “How?”

  “You are here, having tea in my parlor. If your imagination was not curious about my invitation having to do with Sheffield, why else would I invite you here?”

  “My wishful thinking convinced me it could only be because of him.”

  “Well, you were correct. This situation will be on your terms, my dear. He won’t set the rules, you will. Are you sure of your decision? This will ruin your virtue and no gentleman will marry you. You can still walk away and nobody would be the wiser.”

  “I am aware of my options. However, my heart and the feelings Sheffield arouse within my body are begging me to say yes. I will feel these emotions with no other man but him. If I do not grab this opportunity, then it will be a decision I shall regret for the rest of my life.”

  “Very well. What are your requirements?”

  “I must wear a veil; he can never learn my true identity. He must agree to this. The only problem I have is that during the time we spent together in this room, I did not speak. I will have to, won’t I?”

  “Yes, my dear.”

  “He will recognize my voice. How will I be able to fool him?”

  “That is easily remedied. You are not aware of your own capabilities. Your voice takes on a huskiness when you speak emotionally, different from when you are angry. Also, take in the factor that while he is in your company as ‘Violet’ he will not be thinking with his head. He will not pay attention to your voice, only on how you make him feel.”

  “What about my virginity?”

  “I will explain to him how your virtue was never fully ruined. Then, I will discuss with him the terms of your mask and if he wants to take your virginity. If he does not agree, then there is no contract. I will only ask you one more time, before I continue. Are you committed to this arrangement?”

  “Yes. However, it can only be for a short while. A week only. After that he must release me and forget about our time together. If he will not agree, then we cannot move on.”

  A knock sounded against the door. Belle went to answer and whispered with Ned about a problem needing her attention. With directions issued, Belle closed the door and turned. With an observing eye, Belle watched the beauty as she sat calmly on the sofa. She'd underestimated the young lady. She expected Sheffield’s offer to offend Lady Sophia. But as they talked, it was obvious Lady Sophia’s feelings for Sheffield were about as powerful as Sheffield’s were for the young girl. She wished no ill harm to reach her on this arrangement, but Belle knew in her heart that Sophia was the one for Sheffield. The man may not realize he needed a happily ever after, but he did. And Belle would be the one to give it to him.

  “Will you be able to stay here for a few hours tonight? It appears Sheffield is here and requesting your answer. He doesn’t know that you are here. But I informed him I wou
ld have an answer. It would appear he is impatient to know what you have decided. If he approves of your stipulations, he will demand to see you. I can prepare a room for your time together filled with a wardrobe of attire more appropriate for your meeting, and a variety of masks for your approval.”

  Sophia rose and walked to the window. She stared out at the dusk settling for the evening. The sun was dipping low casting dark shadows in the backdrop. She was confident in her decision, and her need to see him overruled all practical thoughts. While nervous, she also held an excitement to be with him. With a deep breath, she turned to Belle with a nod.

  “I will need to write a note to send home.”

  “Excellent, let me show you to your room, so you can prepare. Do you need me to explain love-making to you Sophia?”

  “No, I prefer to learn from Sheffield, if he agrees to my terms.”

  “Very well, my dear. If at any time you change your mind, do not hesitate to inform me and I will take care of Sheffield. Also, there will be a bell in the room to ring for my assistance.”

  “Thank you, Belle. I hope you do not think any less of me for agreeing to this preposterous arrangement.”

  “Nonsense, I am a mistress of the night. It was not so long ago that I was in your position on discovering the hidden emotion of love. If you will follow me, we can progress with the evening.”

  Sophia followed Belle along the hallway, leading deeper into the privacy of the house. There were no girls hanging in the open doorways. When Belle pushed the door open, it was to find a bedroom as magnificently decorated as the parlor. The walls were painted a dark blue with streaks of white blended in. A makeup stand stood in the corner with bottles of perfume and brushes. Everything a girl would need to prepare for a night of pleasure. Belle walked to a wardrobe that displayed a variety of silken garments. She showed Sophia the bell for assistance. When Belle left, Sophia explored the room. She fell against the mattress and spread out her arms. Her hands stroked back and forth against the softness. Sophia arched her body as she imagined being joined by Sheffield. Was she really going forward on this outrageous agreement? Yes, it would appear she was.

  She rose from the bed and discarded her clothing, hiding them in the wardrobe. When Sophia encountered the silky garments, she pulled a few out for inspection. Some were scandalous, bringing a blush to her cheeks. There was no way she could wear these. As her fingers rifled through the sexy lingerie, she found a modest negligee. Sliding the garment over her head, she let the soft blue silk envelope her body. It had slits up both sides of her legs, so when she walked they teased the admirer with her hidden charms. White lace crisscrossed across her breasts with a low vee. Thin straps held the garment on her shoulders. She crossed to the bench and unbound her hair. Brushing it out, she slid some over her left shoulder. When she opened the drawer, she found a selection of masks. She pulled out one with pink silk and pearls decorating the slim apparel. This one didn't tie but clipped to the sides of her hair. Sophia made sure he wouldn't reveal her identity and checked her appearance in the mirror. She stood amazed at the transformation from the prim, proper Sophia to the temptress Violet. Was she one and the same?

  She went to the divan near the window and lay down to rest. It surprised her how calm her nerves were. She should be nervous, or at the very least sneaking out to return home. But no, as her eyes drifted shut, she eagerly anticipated his arrival.

  Chapter Seven

  “You have kept me waiting long enough, Belle. If you did not receive an answer for my request, then you leave me no choice. I will withdraw my membership to your club. Once I leave, others will follow.”

  Belle smiled as Sheffield continued his rant. She'd decided to make him stew for a while. It served him right, since he'd threatened her. Which only made her delay Sophia's reply longer. Yes, Sophia Turlington had him tied in knots.

  “What are you smiling about? Do you not understand that I am threatening your business?”

  “Yes, I am quite aware of your empty threats.”

  “They are not empty.”

  “We both know they are.”

  Sheffield sighed as he slumped into her chair, tossing back his drink. The whiskey burned as it slid into his gut. If she didn’t have the answer he desired, then there would be more to drink tonight.

  “Well?”

  “Well what, Your Grace?”

  Sheffield scowled. “You damn well know what.”

  Belle laughed, ready to put him out of his misery. “There are a few conditions you must agree to.”

  “Anything.” He was striding to the door to meet his beauty when the word conditions registered. “What? No.”

  “Yes, or else she will not agree. Then you can continue being your overbearing, demanding self, only to be rejected by a lovely woman. I had the chance to talk with her this afternoon and you are correct. She is divine.”

  “What do you mean, you talked to her this afternoon? She is one of yours. You’ve already talked to her.”

  “No, she isn’t one of mine.”

  “Explain, Belle,” he growled.

  “Very well. When you brought your request before me, I realized you were not talking about any girl in my employment. You were discussing an innocent lady of the ton. One who called on me to discuss an incident. I'd left her alone to address another problem when you seduced her, while under my protection.”

  “She took part most willing, I assure you.”

  “Yes, from what I understood from our conversation; she enjoyed your skills in the love-making department.”

  “Let me get this straight. I have ruined an innocent lady. So, instead of offering a contract for our time together, I should offer for her hand in marriage?”

  “Yes, that is what I am suggesting. However, the lady doesn’t wish to be wedded to you, only bedded by you. She does not regard you as husband material, but one she could entertain an affair with. And I am apt to agree with her.”

  “What would be wrong with accepting my hand in marriage? She would be a duchess, one of the highest honors in the realm. She would never want for a thing.”

  “I do not think she cares two figs for status, only on how her husband would treat her. I think she requires love, something you would lack to give any woman.”

  “Hah! Love is but a wasted emotion.”

  “Therefore, she will lie with you, and you need not consider marriage. She realizes she is ruined from your time spent together and wants to enjoy your company again.”

  “Then why are there stipulations?”

  “She wants to keep her identity a secret. She feels if you would discover who she is, you will demand marriage.”

  “That I will not do. I have already selected the lady I wish to make my bride. Violet won’t have to worry that I will force her into a commitment.”

  “Then you will agree to her terms?”

  “If I do, can I visit her this evening?”

  “Yes, she is awaiting your answer in one of the private rooms as we speak.”

  Sheffield came back from the door. “Then yes to all. Now, which room is she in?”

  “Do you not want to hear the terms—”

  “No, I don’t give a damn what they are, as long as I can see her.” He turned and opened the door to search the house for Violet.

  “Not yet.”

  Brought up short again he slammed the door and stood angrily against the panel. Would he ever get the chance or was this all a game?

  “What are they?”

  “First, whenever she changes her mind, you will understand and release her from the agreement.” He growled at the first request but agreed, or he would never get to see her. “Second, she will wear a mask at all times. You will not coax her to remove it, nor will you take it off her face.” He nodded. Belle knew the next two requests would make the decision final if he was in agreement.

  “Two more, the first is that Violet is a virgin. You have ruined her, and another gentleman has twice.” Before Belle could ex
plain the fourth request, Sheffield pounded his fist against the door.

  “Who was he?”

  “He?”

  “Who harmed her? What is the man’s name? I will ruin him, and he will wish he never harmed my Violet.”

  Belle stood in shock at his display of anger. Throughout the entire time she had known Sheffield, he had never portrayed an ounce of anger of any sort. Now here he was threatening to do harm for a lady whose true identity he didn’t know. Worse yet, he wanted to harm himself. How ironic this farce became. It would also appear Sheffield was even more enamored of Violet than he was prepared to admit. He referred to her as 'mine'. Was he even aware of how he spoke of her?

  Belle would have to lie to him.

  “I am unaware, Violet did not confide in me the gentleman’s name. Only that on two separate occasions he violated her, then spoke to her as if she was nothing.”

  “No bother, I will speak with Violet about this man.”

  “Did you hear what I said about her virginity?”

  “Yes, and I am honored that she will bestow me with this gift. It clears my mind that no other man has touched her. I will teach her on how I wished to be pleased. The final request?”

  “This will only last for one week.”

  “No.”

  “Yes, or else you will not spend a minute in her company. Do you agree?”

  Sheffield reluctantly accepted again that if he didn't agree, then he would have no stolen moments with her. He would agree for now and try to persuade her later. She would change her mind after they spent time together. He was aware of his charm and his prowess under the bedcovers. He didn't doubt he couldn’t talk her into more.

  Sheffield bowed before Belle. “Yes. Now, are you going to inform me where I can find her, or do I have to tear your house apart looking for her?”

  Belle laughed at his eagerness. Part of her was unsure that she should allow this affair to happen, the other part of her whispered on how it was a match made in heaven. They only needed a gentle nudge to realize they were perfect for each other.

  “She is in the midnight room.”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Belle, for making this possible.” Sheffield kissed her on the cheek.