“I should not have told you,” Mama sighed. “Everything will be settled once your father returns.” She pushed on Helena’s shoulders, making her sit at the dressing table.
“When will that be?” Helena flinched as her mother roughly brushed her hair.
“I’ve already written him in California—”
“Mama! It could be months!”
“Yes, well, it could very well be. But you needn’t concern yourself with that.” She inelegantly pinned Helena’s hurried chignon.
“But in the meantime I could be meeting someone far more…appropriate.”
Mama gaped at her in the dressing table mirror. “Dr. Christopher is a fine man, Helena.”
“But he isn’t a duke, Mama. And you always said I had to do better than what you did, I mean as far as station is concerned.”
“I should strike you for your insolence.”
“That wasn’t meant as an affront to Papa,” Helena said quietly. “I love Papa. You know that. But you have been telling me since I was fourteen that I needed to marry well. And why.”
“Yes, of course.” Mama appeared uneasy. “Well, sometimes things change.”
Her mother’s nervous fragility emboldened Helena to dare say aloud what she, and probably others, had been thinking all along. “Why should I marry him when it is you who is sharing his bed?”
Mama’s eyes flashed in panic, her forehead twisted in worry. “Who told you that?”
“No one, Mama. But I know you leave after you think I’ve gone to sleep. And he is ever so attentive when we see him at parties, perhaps overly so.”
“Dr. Christopher is spending his private time to treat me. With your father gone, I have no one to turn to.”
It was more than that. There must be a certain physical intimacy between the doctor and Mama, otherwise, why wouldn’t she just seek out the company of her daughter?
“Mama, if you need someone to talk to, I would love to be your friend. To comfort you, as you have always done for me.”
“My sweet child.” Mama pulled her from her chair and drew her into her arms. “It isn’t that simple.”
Which only confirmed her suspicions. “It’s his pleasure machine, isn’t it, Mama?”
That elicited a sigh. “When your husband goes away for months at a time, you’ll understand.”
“But why would a London doctor ever need to leave me?” she blurted impertinently.
Mama let out a little grunt. “Yes, of course. Why would he?” She smiled and patted Helena’s shoulders. “You’ll be a lucky wife.”
Helena had to say it, she knew she had to say it. It was her last appeal. “Mama, I don’t love him. I mean, I like him, I suppose. He’s polite and kind. But I certainly don’t love him.”
“You’ll grow to love him. Trust me.”
“I really don’t think he loves me, either.”
“He esteems you, dear. That is sufficient.”
“But why can’t I marry the man I love?” she lamented. “You married the man you loved.”
Mama lifted Helena’s chin to look her squarely in the eye. “Are you in love with someone, dear?”
Helena felt herself blush. She couldn’t tell her mother about Nicholas. He wasn’t a duke. He was only a doctor, just like Dr. Christopher. There was nothing to recommend him except that she was absolutely, positively, irrevocably in love with him. And she was certain he loved her back. “There are some men I feel a certain way with when I dance with them. I think it might be love. I certainly don’t feel the same way around Dr. Christopher.”
“Ah. I see.” Mama smiled in understanding. “I think what you need is another visit or two to Dr. Christopher’s office. He can set your heart at ease. You’ll see.”
Helena sighed as she followed her mother down to the parlor where they would wait for Lady Banbury’s carriage to whisk them off to some tea or other. She didn’t much care anymore. What was the point if she was already engaged?
She pouted and played with her gloves, stretching them and picking at the buttons. Why was she the one who had to redeem her mother’s name in the eyes of the Marquess and Marchioness of Richmond? She barely knew them and certainly did not care what they thought. Why didn’t she get to marry for love too?
Nicholas, oh Nicholas…
She bit her lip to hide a smile. Thoughts of him inflamed her body, inspired her dreams and provoked her brain to scheme. What if she could do exactly what Mama had done? If she became pregnant with Nicholas’ child, then she would have to marry him! Mama and Papa would insist upon it. The plot gave her hope. But seduction was hardly her forte, and every time she saw him it was by utter chance. Surely they would have to be left alone for quite a bit of time. But how to make that happen? She simply did not know how to begin.
* * * * *
Nicholas’ time at the estate proved to be an exhausting but very rewarding few days.
The Viscount Ravensburgh—Bertie—came to pay his last respects to the earl. The dying man was happy to see his nephew, remarking in awe how much like his brother George Bertie had become. Before Bertie left, the cousins were able to spend a morning reminiscing. Nicholas intimated that he hoped the viscount would be chosen as the earl’s heir.
“If the honor befalls me, Nicky, I will certainly accept my duty,” he had said quietly. “But right now I am in love and I would like to immerse myself in that luscious feeling for a moment. I really don’t want the headache of this estate. I’m sure you understand.”
Of course, Nicholas had said, quashing a pang of envy for his cousin’s love affair. But Bertie had been nothing but responsible and duty-driven from far too young an age. It was time he experienced the pleasures of life.
By chance, the boy Percy—who, it turned out, was no longer a boy but the very handsome and dashing Marquess of Norrington—had also decided to visit the earl on his deathbed. Percy had put the unfortunate relationship with Jack behind him, although he still felt tremendous guilt about the Countess of St. Albans’ death. He was going abroad on a sort of Grand Tour to put some distance between himself and his old life.
“My father doesn’t know, Nicky, about the affair with Jack. He hopes I’ll find a pretty girl of some venerable European aristocratic bloodline and settle down. But I’m not entirely sure I want a girl, even a pretty one.”
If only Percy could marry Helena. She and Nicholas could be lovers without her husband really caring.
In his final discussions with his father, the idea of Nicholas himself settling down had been brought up several times. His father seemed overly enthusiastic to pass on nuggets of wisdom to his one son who had any sense. And who was still alive.
“And your medical practice, how is that?”
“I am working with a rather eccentric doctor. But I think I will be able to go out on my own very soon.”
“Good, good.” His father’s breathing had become torturous by the end. “You’ll be able to support a wife and children?”
Nicholas had flushed at that. “Of course, Papa.” He found it had become easy to agree and obey, to slip into old childhood ways now that it was the child caring for his parent.
“Lavinia writes that you are looking for a wife.”
Nicholas had chuckled. “It is rather Lavinia who is looking for a wife for me.”
His father’s gaze was eerie. “And have you found one yet?”
“I thought I had but it turned out she was promised to another. I’m still looking.”
“You’re a handsome young man, Nicky. I’m sure you have women falling head over heels for you every day.”
Nicholas knew he had blushed at that. “It’s more difficult than you might think, Papa.”
“Well, you have a lifetime to find someone. When you find her, you’ll know. You must cherish her, Nicky, as well as love and respect her.”
“Yes, Papa.” Nicholas had held back tears knowing full well his father was looking to him to rectify the mistakes of his past and redeem the family name.
“Will you bring her to live here?”
Nicholas had been utterly taken aback by that. He had then tried to convince his father that he was not interested in inheriting the title and that Bertram would be a far better candidate to replace him as earl.
His father had agreed quietly that Bertram had very admirable qualities and had not broached the subject again.
That night the Earl of St. Albans died. Nicholas had been in the room but had dozed off, the exhaustion of worry finally having caught up with him. He left the next morning, saddened and dazed, Mason assuring him that he could handle the matters of the estate with the solicitor.
On the train home to London, Nicholas had no idea what to expect when he got there. Would Helena already be married? It had only been a few days, so of course not. She would probably be formally engaged, though. Maybe there would be a soirée in her honor. Perhaps it would turn out that she was fond of her fiancé. Maybe Nicholas himself would realize the lucky man was the better choice.
Then, for some reason, Nicholas found himself wondering if Penelope Hardcastle would be attending any of the same events as he that coming weekend.
Chapter Thirteen
“Dr. Ramsay, sir, I take it you had a nice visit with your family?” Grace wanted to be as polite as possible. She needed the young doctor on her side.
“Thank you, Grace,” he said uncharacteristically morosely. “Actually, my father died. But I am glad I was able to spend time with him at the end.”
“Oh Doctor! My condolences, sir.”
She busied herself about the office, tidying up children’s toys and books, shuffling papers, putting pieces of equipment and furniture in their proper places. Dr. Ramsay’s first day back had been a full one, with almost no break between patients.
Mrs. Jennings knocked on the door before entering with the tea tray.
“Thank you, Mrs. Jennings.” Poor Dr. Ramsay seemed rather tired.
“Can I pour you a cup of tea, sir?” Grace asked as she shooed the old lady out.
“Yes, please. Thank you, Grace.” He wolfed down a sandwich.
“Busy day, sir.” Grace hardly knew how to begin. She suddenly felt a little nervous.
“Yes. I take it Dr. Christopher saw very few of my patients while I was gone?”
“He saw them what came in without an appointment. Urgent matters, you know. Otherwise, he’s been busy with his research, sir.”
“Hmmph.” Dr. Ramsay gave her a dubious smirk. “And how has he been treating you? He’s not taken gross advantage of you, has he?”
“I really don’t know what you mean, sir. I like Dr. Christopher. A lot.”
“Ah, I see.” He eyed her with concern. “Then you don’t mind being party to his little, uh, experiments?”
“Oh no, sir!” She warmed and knew she had blushed crimson at his insinuation. “And his experiments are really quite clever. Did you know, sir, that the electro-mechanical device can be used on a man?”
He started at that, his third sandwich poised before his mouth. “A man?”
“Yes, well, really it is a most delicate subject, but a man has an area inside that can benefit from such stimulation.”
Now it was Dr. Ramsay’s turn to blush. “And you witnessed this?”
“Yes, sir. We hired a nice-looking young man. I watched, then I held the wand while the doctor took notes.”
“Good God,” he muttered under his breath. “The things that man makes you do.”
“If you must know, sir, I quite fancy the doctor. I’d do anything for him.”
Dr. Ramsay clearly did not know what to say to that, at first. He took a sip of tea then cleared his throat. “Grace, I don’t want to see you hurt. Dr. Christopher is far above your station. I fear he might not see you in the same way as you see him. It’s best you do not get too emotionally attached.”
“I do understand that, sir. But if I may be bold, sir, Dr. Christopher and I are very much alike. I would hate to see him with someone who would not appreciate his motivations and desires.”
“Well, your heart will be safe for a while at least. I’m not sure he’s really looking for someone at the moment. I know he’s been involved with a woman recently, but that is a temporary arrangement.”
It was said with genuine regard for her emotional well-being. Grace was deeply touched. It made what she had to tell him all the more difficult.
“But sir, if I may, there is someone the doctor wants to be with. I think it’s horrible really. She’s young and, well, rather innocent if you ask me. I don’t think she quite understands what he’s all about.”
“Well, well, well. So the doctor has found love in the few days since I’ve been away. I certainly was not expecting that.”
“I don’t think it’s proper love, Dr. Ramsay, sir. I think it’s like part of his experiment.”
“His experiment?” His brow crinkled.
“Yes. You see, he needs a virgin.”
“A virgin?” He paled as realization descended upon him.
“Yes, sir. You see, he’s gotten what he needs out of me for the experiment, but, well, I’m not a virgin.” She flushed at her admission. “He was going to get a virgin, like, in another way, see, then he met this young woman. She’s very beautiful. He told her mother that if she does not let her daughter get engaged to him, he is going to have relations with her so she’s no longer fit for anyone else. He really wants to use the machine on her and take notes, and when he’s done he’ll have a proper honeymoon, if you know what I mean, sir.”
“Good God.” Poor Dr. Ramsay looked horrified. “Have you met her?”
“Yes. So have you.”
“I have? Grace,” he said with exasperated annoyance, “who is she?”
“Miss Helena Phillips, sir.”
All color drained from the doctor’s face until he looked as if he were going to be sick. “Are you sure?” His voice was ghostly.
“I am, sir. I know how upsetting this must be for you. So I need you to stop him. I need you to make sure my Julius does not marry that girl.”
* * * * *
Nicholas was beside himself with rage and grief. When Grace had told him about Helena it was as if he had been hit over the head, then revived in the middle of a bizarre nightmare. He had dashed out of the office straight to Lavinia’s.
“Is this true?” Nicholas stormed right past her beleaguered butler into her study.
She was standing in the middle of the room, frozen, holding an open newspaper, her usually lovely dark amber eyes bloodshot from tears of disbelief.
“My God, Nicky. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Lavinia held out the Daily News for him to see. It was the engagement notice for Miss Helena Phillips and Dr. Julius Christopher.
“Christ!” Nicholas slumped onto the couch. “She can’t possibly want to be with that man.”
“No, no, she can’t. I don’t understand how this happened.” She crumpled the paper in disgust and threw it on the floor.
“I’ll tell you how it happened!” Nicholas stood and began to pace frantically. “The mother! Somehow he’s blackmailing her.”
“Julius does not need money, Nicky.”
“No, of course not.” He paused briefly. “It’s some sort of perverted sexual blackmail.”
“Hmm, I suppose I could see that.”
“Mrs. Phillips and her damn clouded judgment! If Helena doesn’t need to marry a duke, why can’t she marry me?”
“I don’t know. I simply do not understand.” Lavinia stared vacantly at the Daily News on the carpet.
“Yes, well, I’ll tell you why! It’s his blasted experiments with women and their sexual desires. He told me once he was going to buy a virgin at a brothel. Now it looks as if he has his sights set on Helena. And he’s blackmailed Mrs. Phillips into giving her to him.”
“Oh dear.” Lavinia plopped onto the couch.
“I heard this from Grace, his maid. She’s in love with him, it seems, and wants to stop
the marriage. She asked for my help.”
Lavinia steepled her fingers pensively. “Well, Nicky, it seems to be in your best interest to help Grace, then.”
“Yes, I had actually thought of that. But how? What could we possibly do?” Nicholas hesitated at a wicked thought. “There’s always seduction.”
“Nicky, don’t you dare!” she hissed. “With Helena’s family history, Mr. Phillips would take you to court. He would win too.”
“Because I’m from a family of violent libertines?” he said snidely.
“Don’t be daft.” Lavinia glared at him. “Because current practice by our upstanding judges is to defend the moral fabric of our society. I might be dragged in for conspiracy, even.”
Nicholas offered his hand and pulled her into his arms. “Look, Vinny, I would never, really,” he assured her. “It would disgrace us both. I’m just so…so lost.” Lost didn’t begin to cover it. Anger, hatred, desperation, anxiety, need… With so many emotions it was difficult to put any of them into words.
Lavinia took his hands in hers. “I’ll have to think about this, darling. And we must be careful. If anything goes wrong, Julius could sue for breach of promise.”
Nicholas’ stomach turned. “As if Helena has actually promised anything to that man. Besides, he can’t. She’s not twenty-one.”
“The engagement could last for years, really.”
Which meant years of so-called experimentation. “Not if I can stop it beforehand.”
“Look, darling, I’ll talk to Charlotte. She must know how to contact Mr. Phillips. He cannot possibly accept such an arrangement. He’ll think Julius is after her money.”
“Which is the one thing he doesn’t care about.”
“Well, most men do. Mr. Phillips will just assume.”
“I’m stopping this marriage, Vinny, by any means necessary.”
Lavinia ran her fingers through his hair. “Go upstairs and take a bath. I’ll call on Charlotte. She’ll know it’s important if I show up at this time of evening. And if you’re still upset when I get back, I’ll help you relax.”
“No. I’m going home. I really need my own rooms to think.”
ThePleasureDevice Page 14
