The Decadent Duke

by Virginia Henley

  “I hated him because Louisa told me Francis did the same thing to her. But I never wished him dead, John.V

  The depraved bastard boasted to me that he had bedded Louisa.

  “When Mother insisted that I go into mourning for Francis, I kept my mouth shut and donned weeds, knowing it would keep me off the marriage market.”

  Georgina began to cry softly, and John enfolded her in his arms and rocked her. “Hush, darling, hush. He isn’t worth your tears.V

  “But when we married, I knew you loved and mourned your brother, and I pretended to do the same. It was very wrong of me to deceive you like that.V

  John laughed softly. “I was madly jealous of your love for Francis. Though I tried to control it, I found it impossible.”

  “The only one I loved . . . ever loved . . . was you.”

  John’s heart soared, hoping against hope that what she said was true.

  “When you came to Paris and asked me to marry you, I was overjoyed. I had made a pledge to myself that I would never marry a man who didn’t love me. Even when we stood before the minister and exchanged our wedding vows, I was convinced that you loved me. Then Susan dropped her bombshell, and told me you were marrying me out of duty to restore my reputation and honor me with the title I’d been promised. It shattered my dreams and crushed my happiness.”

  John knelt before her and took her hands. “I knew Susan had said something to you that was devastating . . . something that drained away your happiness. But, Georgy, I swear to you that was a lie. I did not ask you to marry me out of a sense of duty. I asked you to be my wife because I loved you. I was in love with you long before I had the right.”

  Inside her, joy began to blossom. “Truly, John?”

  “I swear it on my life. My friend Holland read me a letter he got from his wife in Paris. She said that Eugene Beauharnais was lovesick over you, and your mother was eager to make a match for you with Napoleon’s stepson. It threw me into a panic. I knew I had to go to Paris and snatch the prize away from him.V

  Georgina’s eyes flooded, and a tear ran down her cheek.

  “Darling, don’t cry. You’ve shed enough tears.V

  “These are tears of pure happiness, John.VShe slipped her arms about his neck and lifted her lips for his kiss.

  He searched her eyes. “Do you feel well? Does your head hurt?”

  “Not at the back, where I have the lump.” She brushed her fingers across her forehead. “I have a slight headache.”

  “That’s concussion. You must rest, but not actually sleep for a while, or you risk slipping back into a coma.”

  They sat together on the window seat, reveling quietly in their newfound intimacy.

  In the evening, Mr. Burke brought them supper trays, and as they ate, they watched the sun set. When the orange, harvest moon rose in the dark sky, John carried his wife to bed and propped her against the pillows.

  Georgina removed her petticoat and tossed it away. “I don’t want anything between us tonight, or ever again.”

  John undressed, slid into bed, and gathered her in his arms. “Sweetheart, I’ve never spoken to you about my first wife because my marriage was unhappy. Elizabeth suffered from melancholia, but after Johnny was born, it became so pronounced, it affected all our lives. All she wanted to do was lie on a couch in a darkened room, and her mind was filled with such dark portents that I thought she had been touched by madness.V

  Can this be true? I thought she was an angel.

  “When I became member of parliament for Tavistock, she refused to come to London with me. I put my two older sons in Westminster school and left her in Devon. A nursemaid brought up Johnny until he was old enough for Westminster. I should never have left him at home with her—she blamed him for her melancholy condition. When he started at Westminster, I knew he was lonely, but it was preferable to leaving him with Elizabeth and her vindictive ways.”

  Georgina touched John’s cheek. “I had no idea. I thought you had a loving marriage and were heartbroken when she died.”

  “A couple of years ago, I discovered she was addicted to laudanum, which of course made her condition far worse. I forbade her the stuff, warned her maid against indulging her, but she became a secret addict. Last year, I took her to her sister Isabelle at Longleat. Elizabeth took an overdose, and when I got there she was in a coma. I revived her, but in the night she took more and killed herself.”

  Georgina’s arms tightened about her husband. “John, I had no idea. No wonder you always looked like you were trying to control a dark, inner fury.”

  “I often wished she were dead, and so when it happened, I was covered with guilt and remorse.”

  “Guilt is a dreadful thing to live with. I felt terrible guilt over Francis.”

  “I think it’s time we stopped feeling guilty and started to enjoy our happiness.” He feathered kisses across her temple. “For years I’ve longed for a woman who is vivacious, who would fill my life and my sons’ lives with fun and laughter and joy. When at last I found you, and was lucky enough to make you my wife, I couldn’t believe my good fortune.”

  Georgina’s heart began to sing.

  “Then you fell into a coma, and I was racked with fear that I might lose you. I didn’t want to contemplate life without you. Johnny was even worse than me. You are the mother he’d always longed for. You love him unconditionally, and the thought of having you snatched away was more than either of us could bear.”

  “It feels glorious to be loved so completely,” she whispered. “Did you know that I lost my heart to you the very first time I saw you?”

  “Georgy, you’re fibbing. You were furious with me for ordering you to go home.” He nuzzled her ear. “I remember your exact words: Go to the devil, old man!>

  “I dreamed about you that night. I was fishing in the River Spey and almost drowned. You rushed in and saved me. When you held me safe in your arms, I had never felt that secure before in my life.”She kissed the corners of his mouth. “You called me little girl, but it was a term of endearment. You knew very well I was a woman grown.”

  “Yes, I found that out when Charlotte invited me to lunch at Marylebone Manor. You were so audacious, I wanted to take you across my knee and tan your arse.” He kissed her eyelids, and his hand caressed her bottom. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  “I’m glad. Did you ever dream about me?”

  “My dreams about you were so sensual and decadent, they would shame the devil.”

  “Tell me!” She clung to him seductively. “No, better yet, show me.”

  “You little wanton, you’ll have to settle for cuddling tonight. You are to remain quiet. Tomorrow night is another story. The passion I will arouse in you will make you wild and wicked.”

  She smiled her secret smile. “I love you so much, John.”

  “And I love you more than life, little girl.”

  During the next months, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford entertained the members of the houses of parliament at Woburn on a weekly basis. With Lady Georgina as their hostess, her guests knew they could count on politics and pleasure, the two things they enjoyed most.

  John allowed Georgina to wear whatever she wished, and promised her that he would make an effort to curb his need to control her.

  In the House of Commons, Addington, unable to overcome the combined opposition of William Pitt and Charles James Fox, saw his majority evaporate. His previous allies joined the opposition, and when he lost his parliamentary support, Addington was forced to resign. In the spring, William Pitt was returned to power as prime minister of England, and everyone rejoiced.

  Lord and Lady Holland were frequent guests at Woburn. Henry took John aside. “Prime Minister Pitt wants to see you, John, when you are next in London.”

  “Ah, he wants to tell me he has achieved Irish Catholic emancipation,” John jested.

  “That will never happen so long as King George is on the throne. I imagine he wants to thank you. It was due to your powerful
influence that he is once again prime minister.”

  “I don’t need thanks, Henry. It’s sufficient to know that Georgina and I helped. Still, a request from the PM can’t be ignored. I suppose I should attend a session of the Lords while I’m in London, though I will likely be bored out of my mind.”

  That night in bed, John and Georgina discussed all that had happened during the day, as they did every single night. It was the lovers’ private, special time together, when they lay in each other’s arms and whispered for hours.

  “Henry said Pitt wants to see me. Will you and Johnny come with me to London?”

  “The Abbess is about to have her kittens. Neither Johnny nor I want to leave Woburn at the moment. I mustn’t tell John I threw up my breakfast this morning, or he won’t go to London. “You go, darling, if you can bear to drag yourself away from me.”

  “Vain little minx.”

  She bit his shoulder. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.”

  “Bedford, thank you for coming. There’s something important I’d like to discuss in private.”

  “It is my pleasure, Mr. Prime Minister. If there is anything I can do, all you need do is ask.”

  “Not so fast, Your Grace. I am about to propose something, but if you have any reservations I hope you won’t hesitate to say no. You have always championed the Irish, and Catholic emancipation has been a cause close to your heart. Though we managed to pass the Act of Union, Dublin has no real political status. To compensate we must provide them with pomp and pageantry. Charles James Fox and his nephew, Lord Holland, have proposed that I appoint you lord lieutenant of Ireland.”

  “You do me great honor, Mr. Prime Minister.” Henry, you old dog, you didn’t give me a hint.

  Pitt held up his hand. “The position of viceroy pays only twenty thousand pounds per annum. Unfortunately, the expenses are several times that amount, and only a wealthy and generous man could take it on.” Pitt cleared his throat. “I can think of none more suitable for this appointment than the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. Lady Georgina’s vivacious charm and political savvy would make her the perfect vice queen. If you will take this appointment, you have my heartfelt thanks and appreciation.”

  “Mr. Pitt, it is my great honor to accept.”

  Chapter 33

  “Father’s home!” From an upper window, Johnny had seen his father’s carriage drive in. He rushed downstairs and ran to the stables. “My cat had two kittens, a boy and a girl. And I watched them be born.”

  “Witnessing the miracle of birth is an unforgettable experience.” He handed Johnny a traveling bag, picked up the other, and the pair headed to the house.

  Georgina had quickly donned one of her husband’s favorite dresses and was eagerly awaiting him in the reception room. The moment Johnny carried the bag upstairs, Georgina threw herself into her husband’s arms. “Darling, I’ve missed you so much!”

  John kissed her soundly, set her feet back on the carpet, and they said in unison, “I have something to tell you.”

  John laughed. “Ladies first.”

  “We are going to have a baby!”

  John was stunned. “Good heavens, I thought you were going to tell me the cat had kittens.”

  “That’s when it dawned on me. I was telling Johnny the gestation period for a cat was six weeks, and we began to count. Then it hit me. I began to count the days since my last menses, and realized what was causing my morning sickness.”

  “That’s marvelous, sweetheart. You look absolutely radiant.” With their arms about each other, they entered the sitting room. “Georgy, why don’t we get married again? The last time was just a private ceremony, but now I want you to have the wedding you deserve. The one you always dreamed of, where you invite half of London.”

  Georgina’s eyes sparkled. “John, you are such a romantic at heart. That is a splendid idea. Oh, Mother will be absolutely thrilled to death. I must write and tell her the news immediately.” She hurried over to her writing desk. She sat down and smiled up at him. “What was it you wanted to tell me?”

  “I’ve been appointed lord lieutenant of Ireland.”

  Georgina shot out of her chair. “John! You devil! Why didn’t you tell me immediately? This is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me. Beyond marrying you and having a baby, of course.”

  He picked her up and swung her round. “Pitt thinks you will make the perfect vice queen. Your main duty will be hosting parties for Dublin society. As well as Dublin Castle, we will entertain at the vice-regal lodge in Phoenix Park, which has seventeen acres of parkland. The castle has sumptuous state apartments and a throne room.”

  “We’ll be like royalty! We’ll take Johnny, of course.”

  “Of course.”

  “But first, I must make plans for our wedding. It will do double duty as our going-away party. This is all so exciting!”

  John Russell had no illusions about his appointment. He knew it would be extremely difficult to govern a deeply divided country. On principle, he was opposed to any system of exclusion, and believed concessions to Catholics were necessary for peace. Violence often flared in various counties, and it would be his job to restore calm and order.

  He voiced his concerns to Georgina. “It won’t be all beer and skittles, you know. We’ll often find ourselves in delicate political situations.”

  “If we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a ball and supper at the castle, it will greatly please the Catholics. I have decided to have all my clothes made in Ireland, and shall encourage any ladies who come to court to do the same.”

  “And give up your decadent Parisian fashions?” he teased.

  She laughed. “In a few months they won’t fit me anyway.”

  “We’ll be apart some of the time. You’ll have to hold the fort in Dublin while I tour the counties to encourage agriculture, and I’ll have to sit in on magistrates’ hearings and various disputes.”

  “I will dutifully support you in all things, John.”

  “Being the wife of a politician is second nature to you, Georgy. You’ve always been a champion for the underdog.”

  “I had a good teacher. Oh, and speaking of Mother, you mustn’t mind when she arrives and starts organizing and planning for the wedding. We deprived her of throwing the wedding of the decade when we said our vows at a private ceremony. This time I want her to be able to indulge herself without any thought to expense.”

  “You are a most considerate daughter, Georgy. You have a generous heart.”

  “Au contraire! I have a generous husband.”

  “Here comes the bride!”

  Georgina glided between the assembled guests, followed by her four sisters holding up the long train of her wedding gown. The ballroom at Woburn was festooned with roses and lilies, and their delicate scent perfumed the air.

  Alexander, Duke of Gordon, resplendent in his Black Watch kilt, once more gave his daughter Georgina to John Russell, Duke of Bedford, and took his place beside his duchess, Jane. She was at the pinnacle of her matchmaking career, and preened appropriately.

  When the bride and groom plighted their troths, and the minister pronounced them man and wife, Georgina, hand in hand with John, turned to the assembled guests and announced, “I want to share a secret with you.”

  John held his breath. I know she is an audacious baggage, but surely she isn’t going to announce that she’s with child?

  Georgina bestowed a radiant smile upon her audience and said, “I shall put an end to your speculation. I want everyone to know that this is Britain’s greatest love match!”

  John breathed with relief and grinned from ear to ear as the guests sent up a loud cheer.

  Four chambers adjoining the ballroom had been turned into reception rooms where buffet tables were laden with copious amounts of beef, pork, lamb, game birds, and of course the famous Spey salmon. The desserts were spectacular, and the wedding cake was a triumphant tower of magnificence. The Sevres china, Waterford crystal, and ornate
Georgian sterling silver duly impressed the two hundred guests.

  Awash with champagne and whiskey punch, the haut ton danced the night away, as country dances gave way to Scottish reels, strathspeys, and finally the ’Gey Gordons.’

  At three o’clock in the morning, the guests gathered at the foot of Woburn’s magnificent staircase and cheered as the handsome groom swept his beautiful bride into his arms and carried her upstairs. Then the revelers trooped outside for a spectacular fireworks display.

  “Shouldn’t we join them for the fireworks?” Georgina teased.

  John bit her ear playfully. “I’ll give you skyrockets!”

  Inside their bedchamber, she knelt on the window seat, watching the illuminations that lit up the sky.

  John saw her close her eyes and knew she was making a wish. He slid his arms about her. “What are you wishing, Georgy?”

  “I wish that we will always be as happy as we are tonight.”

  “I’ll do my best to make it so, little girl.”

  In bed, as a prelude to making love, they lay whispering.

  “I love you with all my heart, Georgy.”

  “Why do you love me?” she demanded precociously.

  “Because you are a joyous creature who loves and lives life to the full. You have a passion for nature, and children, and animals, and I never tire of hearing you laugh. Your silvery laughter is the loveliest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  He rolled with her until he had her pinned beneath him in the bed. “When I capture your soft, warm mouth it tastes of delicious laughter and sensual anticipation. It’s intoxicating to know that you want me as much as I desire making love to you. Your eagerness spurs me to possess you body and soul, and lure you to surrender your essence to me.”

  “Mmm, tell me more.”

  “I love to lose myself in the tempting, honeyed depths of your body, where you allow me to indulge any wicked fantasy that I thirst and crave. You bring me blissful, almost unendurable pleasure that allows me to escape. Your lovemaking takes me to a place where only rich, dark sensation exists.V