Hat Trick

by Morris Fenris

  Her eyes brightened. “That would be lovely.”

  Robert was surprised that she had agreed, but he was elated that she had. He wanted to speak with her about Elisabeth and express to her how he was missing her, physically and emotionally.

  “Allow me to escort Elisabeth back to the sewing room and then I will join you on the back lawn.”

  Robert sighed. He relented and excused himself from the table.

  Adelaide left Elisabeth at her door with a kiss. “I should not be long.”

  “Adel I do not want you to rush. You should take the time to be with him. He does care for you.”

  Elisabeth watched from her window as the wedded couple strolled out beyond her vision.

  Robert took his wife’s hand leading her over the lawn and through the back field to the edge of the woods where they found a well-worn trail. “If memory serves, I believe our secluded getaway is this way.”

  Adelaide smiled, holding his hand. “Yes I agree, but why now Robert? I asked you to do this days ago.”

  He hesitated and cleared his throat. “I suppose I realized how much I am neglecting you.”

  “Oh, and what made you come to this realization?”

  “If I am to be honest, I see all the time that you have been absorbing with Elisabeth. This is a time for repose, Adelaide. You should not be sequestered in that sewing room day and night, with the help.”

  Adelaide dropped his hand and wrapped her arms about herself, swallowing hard. “Elisa is not the help, Robert. She is my friend and I won’t have you speaking ill of her.”

  He was taken aback by her defensive words. The guilt he had felt for ignoring her turned to understanding. “Adelaide is there more to Elisabeth that I should be aware of?”

  This stopped her in her tracks. “What are you saying?” her jaw was set and she puffed out her chest.

  Robert took her by her shoulders, gently and let his blue eyes look into the depth of her eyes. “Adelaide, things are different here. You are treating Elisabeth as if she is…” he paused, “well, as if she were an interest of yours.”

  Her silver eyes dropped.

  “Is that it Adelaide, have I neglected you so that you have turned to her for comfort? Or are you trying to punish me? Trying to show that you don’t need my attention?”

  She shook her head, “No.” she pouted at his confrontation.

  “Than what is it Adelaide, are you bored, is it a game, you want to hurt me? You don’t even open your suite door to me anymore.” He had raised his voice and was now shaking her by her shoulders.

  “Robert stop!” she yelled. “This is not a game and I don’t mean to hurt you. Elisabeth is my friend, more than my friend,” this time she paused, “we are intimate.’ Adelaide watched his face, prepared for him to become enraged. Robert’s expression did not falter. “Are you upset with me?”

  “No, I in fact am not. I am intrigued.” he mentioned in a clam tone.

  She looked at him with wonderment.

  Robert released her shoulders and took her hands. “Adelaide, you are my wife, I want you happy and if Elisabeth makes you happy then I would not deny you that.”

  Adelaide smiled.

  “However,”

  Her smile disappeared.

  “I would like to be a part of what makes you happy.” He waited.

  “You want to be with us?” her facial features were riddled with confusion.

  “Maybe not with you, but watching, so that I can perhaps learn.”

  Adelaide gave this some thought. She could agree, but she was only one part of the equation. “I will have to speak with Elisabeth.”

  Robert nodded, “Of course. Adelaide, as your husband, I think I have a right.” he added.

  Elisabeth stretched upon the bed; something had roused her from the afternoon nap she had decided upon. Her hours had been so filled with sewing and Adelaide she was becoming deficient on proper rest. Having Robert occupying some of Adelaide’s time had given her an opportunity to catch up. The soft knocking on her door happened again and she realized that was what had stirred her from her light slumber.

  “Please come in.” She adjusted her skirts and sat up on the edge of the bed.

  Adelaide appeared from behind her doors. “Were you sleeping?”

  Elisabeth smiled. “Only briefly.” She patted the bed, “Come sit with me. How was your walk?”

  Adelaide fidgeted.

  “Are you alright, Adel?”

  She moved to the bed and sat beside Elisabeth taking her hand and laying it to her lap. “Elisa, I told Robert about us.”

  Elisabeth felt her mouth drop open. Her eyes looked at her friend with disbelief. “Is he terribly upset?”

  “No he was surprisingly calm about the full situation.”

  “What does that mean for us?” Elisabeth was suddenly apprehensive.

  Adelaide wrapped her arms about Elisa. She stroked her hair and kissed her cheek. “We are still as we have been, Elisa. That will not change.”

  Elisabeth smiled, but waited for the additional statement she knew was still on Adelaide’s lips.

  “Robert has requested that he be able to attend.”

  Elisabeth pushed back and stared at Adelaide. “Attend? You mean he wants to…” she could not finish the question.

  “No no, he wants to observe only, so that he can learn more of me.” She swallowed, “We don’t have to do this if you are uncomfortable.”

  Elisabeth sat silent, giving it some thought. She cared for Adelaide and she was not willing to lose that feeling again after having it gone for so long before. She nodded, “Alright.” she agreed, “when?”

  * * *

  Chapter 11

  “Why is there not another sleeve?” Robert tried to adjust the invisible material that should have mirrored the slip of organza on Adelaide’s opposite shoulder.

  She swatted his hand away as she stood on the fitting platform. “It is a new design, Robert. It will be all the rage back at home. Stop fussing about.”

  Elisabeth stood off to the side, near the window, keeping a tight rein on her tongue. She was nervous and it showed in her demeanor as she fidgeted with her arms wrapped about her, keeping a safe distance from the couple. “Adel turn, so that he can see the effect from behind.”

  The petite blonde turned on her toes, flashing an endearing smile to both her husband and her lover. She was in her glory, with all eyes upon her. Robert scratched at his chin and his elbow held in his opposite hand, trying in earnest to see how this gown was appropriate in any aspect.

  “The color is lovely, Adelaide, but I don’t see the style and must it be so revealing?” His eyes lingered at his wife’s cleavage.

  “My heavens, Elisa how can we expect a man to know current fashion?” she laughed at her husband’s ignorance and then stepped from the platform to crossing to Elisabeth at the window. She allowed her finger’s to reach forward and stroke her friend’s cheek in obvious affection. “That is why I adore you Elisa, you see the new beauty.”

  Robert sat stoic and unamused on the settee.

  Elisabeth felt that she needed to defend him, trying to maintain a peace amongst the three. “I am sure Robert has his opinion, but he knows it makes you happy. You will love her under the chandeliers and glowing candle lights at the next gathering, won’t you Robert?”

  “As I always do.” he nodded with a sincere smile from his seated position.

  Adelaide huffed and gathered up the hem line of her dress so that she might cross the room with more authority. “You two are hopeless.” Her dainty fingers pushed through the rack of finished dresses until they settled upon the familiar sky blue gown she had given to Elisabeth weeks ago. “Elisa, let Robert see you in this.” She had changed the focus of her dress to Elisabeth. “You must see her in it Robert, she is absolutely stunning.”

  Adelaide laid the dress aside and began to assist Elisabeth with the removal of her skirts and her blouse. Her fingertips were sure and gentle as she freed each
button from its secure harness. Elisabeth’s hand shook as they met Adelaide’s, halting her progress for a moment as she looked in to her eyes. “Are you sure?” she whispered, holding her eager finger’s still against her breast.

  Adelaide nodded and smiled, adding a lingering kiss to Elisabeth’s lips. “It is okay.”

  Robert sat silent; his sapphire eyes gazing at the duo without emotion.

  “Look at me Elisa.” She turned the girl’s face to hers. “It’s only me.” Adelaide kissed her again and then continued to undress her. She kept Elisabeth’s focus on her as she removed each garment, laying kisses to her exposed skin to calm her and let her know it was alright.

  Elisabeth did not need the reassurance beyond her first kiss. She adored Adel and felt secure in her decision to allow Robert to observe. What she had not planned for was her need to return that observation. With Adelaide’s back turned to the settee and Elisabeth facing it, she had the prefect view to his figure. He seemed indifferent for the most part, but as she watched she saw the subtle changes in his glance, or the shift in his position. When Adelaide left her mouth to kiss the valley of her breast, his spine stiffened and his eyes widened. As she traveled back to her mouth, he relaxed. Elisabeth was intrigued and the butterflies that Adelaide drew forth in the hollow of her stomach fluttered with an intense furry as she watched Robert.

  The silky gown was buttoned around Elisabeth’s frame and the two adorned women stood together as they had before, arm and arm while Robert remained seated taking it all in.

  “Anyone would be hard pressed to resist us. Don’t you agree Robert?”

  He nodded, licking his drying lips.

  Adelaide was less than enamored with his reaction. She had thought they looked beyond lovely. Her heart fell when she realized he did not see them as she did. Her emotions began to burn with the need to prove to him that what she wanted was lovely and he should see it the way that she envisioned it. Her fingers returned to buttons and clasps and her mouth eagerly sought out Elisabeth’s lips.

  Adel took control and it stunned Elisabeth for her to do so with a revival of desire. There usual intimacies were laced with mutual need and equal sharing of touch and taste, but today Adelaide appeared insatiable as she nipped and pecked at each new area of exposed skin on Elisabeth’s body, drawing low sensual moans from her throat.

  Robert was still. He watched Adelaide as if he were watching a less than entertaining match of lawn games. His interest was not in his wife’s abilities, he was well aware of her talents. Robert was more interested in what Elisabeth would do. She appeared so docile under the controlling hand of his wife and he began to tire of the game. The rules only changed once Elisa met his gaze. Her glance became less sensual and more demanding. He straightened his frame upon the settee.

  Adelaide’s mouth was on hers and her hands had begun to explore the heated hollows of her skin. Elisabeth writhed and let her breath come in gasps as Adel manipulated her form. It was when she looked to Robert that her heart skipped a beat. His face had been transformed from a man of little interest into the sultry glare of the tall blonde, Thomas. She blinked several times unable to keep her physical body from reacting. Adel felt it was her doing that brought out the desire, but it was the dream like image of Thomas watching her that had Elisa’s blood boiling hot. Elisabeth matched Adel kiss for kiss until they were in a struggle for control upon the platform. Robert had edged to the brink of falling from the settee.

  Elisa had the upper arm and as she turned Adel to her stomach and raked her nails down the small blondes back, her eyes never left the man’s face. She was seeing Thomas at every turn and her desires were heightened to overflowing need. She nipped at Adel’s bare shoulders, bringing forth soft muffled mews from the girl’s lips. Elisa allowed her fingers to travel beneath Adel’s slip while she held her to her abdomen upon the discarded dresses on the center of the platform. Her fingers explored and pulled forth pleasure from Adel the like of which Robert had never heard from her lips. In an instant he was at Elisabeth’s side.

  Robert joined Elisabeth, mimicking her moves, his eyes intent on her face as Adel arched and writhed beneath their manipulating touches. He body was tense and ached and she called out Elisa’s name. This act brought such pain and jealousy to Robert’s heart that he pushed Elisa’s hand aside, knocking her back from her knees onto her bottom. Adel unaware until his mouth was at her ear demanding that she say his name. Adelaide struggled beneath the weight of his form above her, until she had loosed herself from his grasp.

  She crawled to Elisabeth who remained stunned sitting beside the platform. Her hands cupped the dark haired girl’s face and she kissed her lips. “Are you alright?’

  Elisabeth nodded, her eyes still wide with shock.

  Adelaide stood up and grabbed her robe. “This was not how it was supposed to be, Robert.” She clearly blamed him and stormed from the room; leaving Elisabeth confused and still shocked.

  Robert stood and straightened his clothing, offering his hand to Elisabeth. She promptly swatted it away and came to her senses.

  “Do you see what you have done?” she wrapped her own discarded blouse around her exposed body. “Why must you upset her so? She wants to please you, always. You can’t even see that because you are so blinded by what a man is supposed to be known for with a woman.” Elisabeth was ranting, she knew it, but she could not stop. Seeing Adel so upset, picturing Thomas for reasons she could not yet explain and having a showdown of force with Robert had left her in a whirlwind of emotions. “Adel loves you dearly, but she wants to grow be her own woman and not only your wife. She’d like you to know that feeling to and go with her, but you are so blind I doubt you even know the true woman you married. Thomas has the wrong spouse pegged to be blinded by society and riches. It is you who is so concerned with appearances.” She accused and stormed from the dressing room “Get out.” She screamed and the tears began to fall and stain the sheer white material of her shirt.

  Robert exited the room without a word, his own mind a mixed up mass of confusing thoughts and emotions.

  * * *

  Chapter 12

  “Margot, is the Countess in her suite?” Elisabeth pinned the final lose strand of dark hair into place before standing from the dressing table and making her way to the double doors of her room.

  “Yes Ma’am she has been secluded their all morning and does not wish to be disturbed by the staff,” she dropped her voice to a whisper, “or the Earl.”

  “Thank you Margot.” Elisabeth’s footsteps were quiet as they led her from her own suite down the hallway toward Adelaide’s rooms. She rounded the corner and bumped into Robert. He was standing tall and steadfast, almost as if he had been waiting for this moment in time.

  His hands grasped at her upper arms, steadying her on her feet. “Excuse me Elisabeth; I didn’t see you coming in such a hurry.”

  Elisabeth pulled herself free from his hands, her skin vibrated with anger at his touched, while he seemed to be nonchalant about the whole situation. “Robert I am going to see Adelaide. Margot says she is refusing to see anyone.”

  “The woman is misguided. I have been to see the Countess already this morning; she is quite well and will be attending breakfast straight away.”

  Elisabeth was confused and disbelieving. She set her jaw, “I’d like to confirm that for myself, if you would please step aside.”

  Robert did not budge, he placed his hand on Elisabeth’s shoulder and spun her around to the opposite direction and began to walk her back to her own rooms. “Adelaide apologizes for her performance. She realizes she has made an unfair decision pulling you into our private affairs and she thinks it best that you return to London, today.”

  Elisabeth’s mouth opened and closed in disbelief. “No, she would have sought me out and told me so herself, I do not believe you.”

  His hand absently patted her shoulder, faking solace and concern for the girl. “She could not bring herself to say the words to you for
fear of hurting you more. She asked me to make the arrangements. Of course you will still design for her, but where you are more suited to do so, in your own home. Margot has already begun to pack your items. The carriage will be out front promptly.”

  Tears were now streaming over Elisabeth’s cheeks. “I don’t understand. Did she truly state this?”

  “It is best for everyone involved, Elisabeth. I will leave word with her that you asked after her wellbeing and that of course you only wish what is best for her. We will be in to collect the garments when we return. Do take care.” With that Robert dismissed himself and left Elisabeth in the care of Margot who had indeed begun to pack her bag and trunk with clothing and personal items.

  Elisabeth was numb as she climbed, alone, into the velvet seat of the carriage. Her body did not register the jostle of the carriage as it proceeded down the path away from Lovelace manor, out of the Grays and back to Bond Street. Her heart lay at her feet and she was certain she would never recover it.

  Adelaide sat in her dressing gown beneath her coverlet sipping cold, stale tea that had been resting on her bedside stand for the majority of the evening and early morning hours. She had not allowed anyone in to refresh it or to maintain the order of her room. She wanted quiet, time to think, time to adjust to her situation. The events that had taken place the past evening were disturbing to her. She was so very fond of Elisabeth, her heart raced whenever she thought of her face or her name was mentioned. Why did it not happen for Robert any longer? What had happened to their marriage?

  Did Adel still love him, had she ever? She did have feeling for him, but they were mixed. She was angry that he could not meet or accept her needs. He could not see that Elisabeth made her happy. She was content with their situation as it had been; Elisabeth had part of her time while Robert had the other. She knew it sufficed for Elisabeth, why could it not work for Robert as well? She needed answers.