The Irish Duke

by Virginia Henley

  “They tolerate each other well enough. He overlooks her extravagance and turns a blind eye to her admirers.”

  “That’s because he loves her. Just as your father loved me.” She sighed and then leaned forward and said earnestly, “James, promise me you will never marry without love. Marriage can be difficult even at the best of times, but when you are starved for love and affection, it eats your heart and deadens your soul.”

  He squeezed her hand. “That’s an easy promise to make.” I made my choice a long time ago. Lady Lu pretends complete indifference to me, but the kiss told me all I need to know. Her innocence and vulnerability are irresistible to me.

  “You have found someone?”

  “Let us say that I have my eye on a certain lady.”

  “James, you are so young. You won’t do anything impetuous, will you?”

  “Of course not. At least not until I come of age,” he teased.

  She smiled tenderly. “You are my firstborn and therefore very special to me. Because you lost your father at such an early age, you were forced to mature early, far beyond your years. I am grateful that you are like a father to Claud. The woman you marry will be a very lucky lady.”

  When the three brothers arrived home from Harrow the next day, they brought momentous news. “King George is dead! Our headmaster got the news this morning from Windsor Castle.”

  “Poor man,” Harriet said with sympathy. “That means the Duke of Clarence will be crowned king. James, didn’t you tell me he was a guest at Woburn?”

  “Yes. For a royal prince, William was very down to earth. I quite liked the man. When I danced with Princess Adelaide a few days ago, I had no notion she would soon be queen of England.”

  James’s half-brothers glared daggers at him. They already envied him his athletic physique and his titles. Now they were chagrined that he was a friend of the new king and queen of England.

  James caught Claud’s eye. The two brothers, well versed in politics, knew the turmoil Prinny’s death would cause in government circles. The pair went outside so they could speak in private.

  “Won’t the king’s death trigger an automatic election?”

  “Yes. Wellington’s Tories will have to run for reelection,” James confirmed.

  “Since Aberdeen is foreign secretary, won’t that mean he’ll lose his office?”

  “For the time being, at least. He’ll have to run for reelection and his temper will be foul. The Whigs will give the Tories a run for their money, I can tell you.”

  “I don’t want to be here when Aberdeen arrives. I cannot tolerate the overbearing bastard. Can’t we leave for Ireland?” Claud pleaded.

  “I hate to leave Mother to bear the brunt of his temper. And we should attend the king’s funeral. Try to be patient.”

  That night, James’s mother broached the subject of her husband’s return to Bentley Priory. “Aberdeen will be furious at losing his office and consumed with worry that the Whigs will win a majority and form the next government.”

  “Have no fear. I won’t allow him to vent his temper on you, Mother.”

  “Actually, James, I think there would be less tension if you and Claud weren’t here. I am well aware that Bentley Priory is yours, but so is Aberdeen. The underlying currents would fill the very air with strife. Not only his daughters, but also his sons would take sides against you in any disagreement.”

  “I am a match for them, Mother. The odds don’t trouble me in the least.”

  “But it would be less stressful for me, James.”

  He felt his throat tighten. “Of course. How insensitive of me.” James enfolded his mother in his arms. He thought of Prinny’s funeral. He knew Louisa would be there and regretted that he would not see her. “Claud and I will leave for Ireland tomorrow.”

  Chapter Eight

  Montagu House, London

  August 1894

  Dowager Duchess Louisa turned away from the memories of her past so that she could focus on the family members who had gathered to celebrate her long life.

  “Thank you, John Claud.” Louisa took a sip of champagne from the glass her son had brought her. She was rather proud that he was aide-de-camp to the queen. “Does Victoria enjoy French wine?”

  “She much prefers a dram of whiskey.” John Claud winked at his mother.

  “Ah yes, a habit Victoria picked up when she and Albert came to stay with us for the second time in Scotland. I clearly remember being mortified at your behavior.”

  “I was only nine years old.”

  “Certainly old enough to know better. When I presented you to the queen, you immediately stood on your head. To add insult to injury, you were wearing a kilt! I scolded you profusely and when I brought you back to the queen so you could apologize, you promptly did it again.”

  John Claud grinned. “Mother, you have an amazing memory.”

  “It is fortunate for you that Victoria’s memory is no match for mine, or she would never have made you her aide-de-camp.”

  “You never know—she may have admired my arse.”

  “True. Why should she be different from all the other females you’ve attracted over the years?” She tapped his arm with her fan. “Shush, here’s another speech extolling my virtues. I wonder when they’ll start on my vices?” She thought fleetingly of Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, and smiled a secret smile.

  Louisa Jane, the Duchess of Buccleuch, raised her voice in an attempt to make herself heard above the chatter and clinking of glasses.

  “The changes our dear mother has seen in her lifetime are absolutely profound.”

  Poor Louisa Jane was pressured into accepting the appointment of mistress of the robes to Queen Victoria when I turned it down.

  “Did you know that Mother is the last person living to have visited Carlton House, the magnificent residence that belonged to the late King George IV?”

  Louisa’s thoughts took flight, winging back over the years. King George’s death is indelibly marked in my memory. Not because poor old Prinny turned up his dropsical toes, but because I had just discovered my sister and Abercorn by the lake in flagrante delicto. Oh, how I loathed and detested the Irish devil!

  It was almost a year before I saw him again . . .

  Belgrave Square, London

  May 1831

  “I know the exhibition at the Royal Academy of Art marks the official opening of the season, but I’d prefer not to attend,” Louisa confided to her sister.

  “Because Edwin Landseer is exhibiting his paintings?” Georgy asked.

  “Exactly. Since William’s wife, Bessy, has gossiped that Landseer is Rachel’s father, half of London will be wondering and whispering.”

  “If we attend the exhibition it will give the lie to such gossip. If we stay away, it will confirm it. Apart from that, every titled bachelor in London will be there. I’ve waited two long years for my season, Lu, and I refuse to waste one day of it.”

  “I didn’t mean to be thoughtless, Georgy. Of course I’ll attend.”

  “I knew you would change your mind. I’m wearing blue, so please don’t choose the same color. I’ve heard that men prefer blue over any other shade.”

  When the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and their daughters alighted from their carriage in Piccadilly, they joined the fashionable throng gathered at the Academy of Art.

  Wearing a white dress with a red sash and a matching hat decorated with silk poppies, Louisa stood out from the other ladies in the crowd.

  The prime minister’s son, George Grey, saw her immediately and greeted her warmly. “It would give me great pleasure to escort you through the exhibition, my lady.”

  Teddy Fox took Louisa’s hand and raised it to his lips. “I prefer that I escort you, though if you insist, I suppose George Grey may tag along.”

  “Neither of you has any manners,” she whispered. “You must include my sister.”

  Georgy appeared as if from nowhere. “Teddy! Congratulations on winning the seat from Horsha
m.” She suddenly pretended an interest in government affairs. “Lu and I are dying to come to the visitors’ gallery and watch you on the floor of the Commons.”

  “You’ll find me on the back row benches, not the floor, I’m afraid.”

  Georgy rubbed his arm and gave him a saucy glance. “It isn’t like you to be modest, Teddy. I’m sure you’ll soon thrust yourself to the forefront.” She pulled on his arm. “Let’s go this way. You can explain the paintings to me.”

  Earl Grey kissed the Duchess of Bedford’s cheek. “If John didn’t come, I’ll be happy to act as your escort, Your Grace.”

  “Having the honor of being escorted by the prime minister of England will make me the envy of every female here today.” Georgina tucked her arm into Grey’s. “John did accompany us, but because he’s Landseer’s patron, they’ll tour the exhibition together.”

  Prime Minister Grey introduced his sister Hannah and her husband, Edward Ellice. He was a Scottish Whig MP, whom Grey had appointed Whip in his new government.

  “I’m delighted to meet you. I shall add you to the invitation list for my daughters’ debutante ball next week.”

  Lady Grey greeted Georgina. “We shall all come and you must return the favor. We are hosting a Prime Minister’s Ball in June.”

  “Mary, it sounds trés elegant. We will be honored to attend.”

  Mary lowered her voice. “Don’t look now, but I believe the Duchess of Kent and her daughter Victoria are about to join us.”

  Prime Minister Grey made the introductions, and the duchess spoke directly to Georgina. “Lady Bedford, I know your husband is the patron of Edwin Landseer. My daughter is enchanted with his animal portraits, and we are simply dying to meet him.”

  “Of course. Mr. Landseer will be honored.”

  Twelve-year-old Princess Victoria stood gazing at Lady Louisa. In addition to her dark beauty, the colors she had chosen to wear drew every eye.

  Lu smiled warmly at the plain young princess. “Are you enjoying the exhibition, Your Highness?”

  “Oh yes, especially the animal portraits by Edwin Landseer. They are so lifelike. I would love him to paint my little dog. He’s called Dash.”

  “You couldn’t have chosen a better artist,” Louisa said truthfully.

  The Duchess of Kent swept Louisa with an envious glance. “Come along, Victoria. It’s rude to stare. Lady Bedford has agreed to introduce the wildlife artist to us.”

  “I sincerely hope that today put an end to the speculation about Lanny and me.” Georgina Russell removed her bed robe.

  Her husband John came up behind her and kissed the nape of her neck. “To hell with society’s speculation. We know better, my love.”

  “We can only hope that now, all London knows better.” Georgina climbed into bed.

  John followed her and took her in his arms. “You never used to let gossip trouble you, little girl.”

  “It’s just that when it comes from a member of the family, people are more apt to believe it.”

  “I’ve made it plain to William that we will not receive Bessy again and that she is unwelcome at Woburn.”

  “Poor John. I am a sore trial to you.”

  “You are my heart’s desire. I adore you.” He captured her lips in a passionate kiss. “Take off that nightgown. I want to make love.”

  Georgina slipped out of the silk night rail and came over him. John groaned as her lush breasts pressed against his chest and her unbound hair brushed against his face. When her hand moved down between their bodies and she stroked his erection, he cried out at the pure pleasure she aroused in him.

  John knew he was the luckiest man on earth. When his stroke left him paralyzed down one side, she had nursed him until he regained his strength. I was left with a limp and a useless arm. That’s when Georgina helped me regain my manhood. She didn’t hesitate to take the dominant position and make love to me.

  Heat leaped between them as they lost themselves in the sensual mating dance. They didn’t hear the knock on their bedchamber door. They were in the throes of an earth-shattering climax and only became aware of Louisa after they had spent.

  “Oh! Forgive me . . . I’m so sorry.”

  Georgina raised her head and asked huskily, “What is it, darling?”

  “I . . . it was . . . it was . . . just a silly question about our presentation to the queen.” Louisa backed out of the doorway.

  Her mother said softly, “I’ll answer all your questions in the morning, Lu.”

  Louisa returned to her own room. She was shocked at walking in on her parents while they were making love. Yet witnessing the sexual encounter made her examine the conclusions she had drawn that her father was incapable of siring another child. A wave of shame washed over her when she recalled the sinful thoughts she’d had about her mother. The evil suspicions she’d harbored about Edwin Landseer’s lechery were even worse. I am ashamed of my wicked thoughts! Yet at the same time, Louisa felt joy that her parents still honored their marriage vows and remained faithful to each other.

  The next morning, when Georgy awakened, Louisa sat down on her bed.

  “What are you looking so smug about?”

  “Last night I walked in on Mother and Father making love.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned!”

  “So, all those malicious things Bessy said about little Rachel are untrue. We should have known better, Georgy. Father isn’t the sort of man who would allow his wife to be unfaithful to him.”

  “What did you see?” Georgy asked avidly.

  Lu stared at her sister in disbelief. You want to hear the intimate details! “I saw enough,” she said quietly.

  Georgina inspected her daughters’ appearance before they departed for St. James’s Palace. Both were dressed in pristine white gowns with demure necklines, leg-o’-mutton sleeves, and white gloves. “I think it best to save your diamonds for your debut ball. We don’t want to outshine Queen Adelaide.”

  “I’m glad Georgy will be presented first. I have nervous butterflies.”

  “That seems strange, Louisa. You have no trouble performing onstage.”

  “That’s different, Mother. Tonight I have to be myself.”

  “I remember my presentation at Court as if it were yesterday. I wasn’t sure my father would come from Scotland. When he showed up, it filled me with confidence and my nerves vanished. You’re very lucky girls. Your father wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  “Do you like my hair upswept?” Georgy asked. “Does it make me look taller?”

  “Yes. You look absolutely lovely,” Louisa assured her.

  At St. James’s Palace, they alighted from the carriage and joined the large crowd slowly making its way to the main entrance. Inside they joined the throng gathered in the anteroom outside the presence chamber, where the debutantes were to be presented to Queen Adelaide.

  “Dorothy!” Georgina Russell greeted her girlhood friend, the eldest daughter of the late Duchess of Devonshire. “I haven’t seen you in a dog’s age.” They had been debutantes together and had been presented to the queen on the same night. “Don’t tell me your daughter Blanche is being presented tonight? What a lovely coincidence.” Georgina introduced her two girls to Dorothy, Countess of Carlisle, and her daughter, Blanche Howard. She made a mental note to add their names to the invitation list for their ball.

  Charlotte, Dowager Duchess of Richmond, with her youngest daughter in tow, pushed through the crowd toward the Russell ladies. Sophia also was being presented tonight. “Is that Dorothy Cavendish?” Charlotte asked her sister. “Lud, she’s still tall and gawky, though not nearly as slim, heaven be praised.”

  “Her daughter Blanche is being presented tonight.” Georgina sighed. “Yet one more debutante entering the marriage market.”

  Charlotte assessed Blanche with one sweeping glance. “The gel is as plain as a pikestaff. Good thing she has the Cavendish and Howard wealth to lure a husband.”

  “I remember at the Devonshire’s d
ebutante ball you said that all mothers thought their geese were swans . . . even ours.”

  “Lud, that was a lifetime ago, Georgina. I’ve managed to marry off six of my geese and I hope and pray Sophia will be no exception.”

  “Number seven is a lucky charm.”

  Charlotte crossed her fingers. “If Lord Thomas Cecil doesn’t escape, Sophia will be wed in her first season.”

  The presence chamber doors finally opened and the crowd entered the long room and stood against the wall. It was hung with rich tapestries and royal portraits, with a prominent painting of the late King George taking precedence.

  The Royal Chamberlain stood ready to announce the noble families and the name of each debutante being presented, in alphabetical order.

  Louisa watched Blanche Howard walk down the long chamber until she reached Queen Adelaide, who sat enthroned at the far end. She replied to a brief, formal greeting then moved on quickly.

  Georgy began to fidget with her hair by the time Sophia Lennox’s name was announced, and Lu hoped her sister could control her impatience. Because their name was Russell, all the other young ladies would be presented before them.

  The Duke of Bedford bent his head and whispered to Louisa, “They’re saving the best for last.”

  Lu looked up into her father’s eyes and in that moment knew how much he loved her. It filled her with confidence for what lay ahead.

  The best part of an hour went by before the chamberlain announced: “Lady Georgianna Russell, first daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.”

  Lu held her breath as she watched her sister make her way down the long chamber. She prayed silently that Georgy would not misstep. She gave a sigh of relief when her sister managed to curtsy without wobbling.

  Then it was finally her turn. The chamberlain announced: “Lady Louisa Russell, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford.”

  Louisa straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, and took the first step that would lead her down the length of the chamber to the waiting queen. She knew every eye was on her and when she reached Adelaide, she remembered to smile.