“Sarah! Sarah, look at me.” I was desperately trying to make eye contact with her as I sat down on the garden bench.
“You will judge me, and I just can’t bear the disgrace,” she finally said with a sob in her throat.
“Sarah, you know me better than that. I would never judge you. We practically grew up together. You are like the sister I never had. I would die first before I betrayed you. I swear it!” I cried as I sat there next to her taking her hand in mine.
“If it is a matter of trust, I will tell you a secret first. One that I never revealed to anyone else, and you better take it to your grave as well, or I will have to kill you myself.” The tone in my voice revealed to Sarah that I was about to share a truly great secret.
Sarah sat looking at me with her large, crystal-blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “I swear, Angelina, I would never reveal your secret.” The sincerity in her voice and on her face made me confident.
“When our ship was captured and the pirate captain took me to his ship. I was alone with him. He kissed me.”
“Oh, dear Lord, Angelina did he, well, you know, did he hurt you?” she said wide eyed and unblinking as she took my hand in hers offering comfort.
“No, he didn’t hurt me. I kissed him back. He wasn’t what I expected. He was intelligent and brilliantly smart for a pirate. He talked to me like I was a human being with a brain. We talked about politics and books and worldly matters. It was exhilarating. And then he kissed me and I kissed him back. And I liked it!”
“Angelina, how truly scandalous of you,” she said as a spark of my old friend surfaced.
“No, you don’t understand. He didn’t just kiss my lips. That’s why no one can ever know. I think he has ruined me for any other man,” I told her.
“What do you mean, Angelina? Ruined you? Did he violate you?” she asked, concerned.
“Not in that way. I just mean he was the most wonderful kisser. Not like that time Thomas Mortly tried awkwardly to steal a kiss from me when we were sixteen. Do you remember that?” I asked her.
“Absolutely horrifying if I recall,” Sarah said with a laugh.
“I don’t think I could ever let anyone touch me like that again. It was so passionate and intimate all at the same time. I just don’t think that it would be the same.”
“Oh, Angie.” Her words came out as she began to sob. She turned her head to hide her face and the tears that spilled from her eyes.
“Sarah, talk to me. What is the matter? You can tell me.” Turning her face around gently with my hand and looking into her tear streaked face. “Please talk to me.”
“Oh, Angelina, I have made such a mess of it,” she cried.
“Made a mess of what? Sarah, what have you made such a mess of?” pulling a hanky from my pocket and handing it to her.
“I let someone touch me in an intimate way.” Sarah started crying anew.
“Sarah, it’s going to be all right. Just tell me what happened. Is that what you were going to tell me about before I left?” I asked.
“Yes. I mean no. I mean, oh, Angelina.” Putting her head on my shoulder, she took a deep breath, trying to gain control of her emotions.
“Sarah, just say it. You are safe with me.” Tipping her face up to mine, I looked at her, again trying to reassure her.
“Darcy Montgomery and I were going to have a child. I wanted to tell you and then I was going to tell him that I was with child.”
“Well, what happened next?” I eagerly prodded like someone halfway through a good book, impatient to get to the end.
“I went to find him in the park at our usual spot and saw him with Agnes Newton,” she said, grief laced with irony.
“What do you mean you saw them together in the park?”
“They were kissing and then his hand was all over her breast,” Sarah revealed her pain with words of derision dripping from her lips.
“What did you do?” I asked, impatiently.
“I went home, and when he called on me later that day, I had George turn him away. And I refused to see him again.” With the words out, Sarah was finally freed from her isolation that had confined her for so many weeks.
“Well? Go on, what happened next?” I pushed for more details.
“I cried and refused to eat, and Mother finally asked me what was wrong and I told her.”
“You didn’t!” Shock hung heavily in my words.
“I had to. You were gone, and I was all alone. I didn’t know what else to do.” More unshed tears sparkled in her eyes as she recalled how helpless she had felt.
“Mother insisted that we travel to a spa in Ireland. She didn’t even tell Father the reason. She just said we were going. She fired Mary before we left. I was sad, but Mother said it was for the best.
“While I was at the spa, they made me drink some awful tea, and they put me in really hot water. Three days later, I lost the baby.” The pain and guilt she still bore reflected in her eyes as she grabbed herself about the middle as if she were reliving the pain of that day.
“I am so sorry, Sarah, that I wasn’t here for you. But why did you hide this from me? You know that I will never betray your confidence. Never!” I stood and started pacing.
“I always knew Darcy Montgomery was a snake. The plundering, despoiling lout. Why, I could skin him alive, leave his bloody carcass on display in a public place as a reminder to all the other snakes slithering about on their bellies in society!”
“Oh, Angelina, you will never know just how much I have missed you.” Her eyes sparkled again.” I am so terribly glad you and I are friends, but did I ever tell you that you truly are bloodthirsty and more than a little strange?” Sarah teased, allowing a smile to creep in. “Of course, I say this to you with nothing but love.”
“Maybe once or twice.” Walking back to her and taking her hand to help her from the bench. “No more talk of snakes or lusty pirates,” I told her with a laugh. “Oh, did I tell you that my pirate had incredibly deep blue eyes? I could have dove into them and not cared that I was drowning.” As I joked with her to lighten the mood, we continued to walk and talk our way through the garden for an hour.
8
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1763;
BRING IN THE COURT JESTERS
XCITEMENT HAD BEEN BUILDING FOR weeks in anticipation of one of the biggest parties of the season—King George III’s Annual Venetian Breakfast held every year. I really don’t know why they call it a Venetian Breakfast, it always starts in the afternoon, lasting well into the evening.
It was an excuse to dress outlandishly, consume fine wines in excess and eat exquisite foods to one’s full content.
There are jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, musicians, and singers from all over London. Some of the entertainment are brought in from foreign countries to enliven and astound the guests, as well as the king. The atmosphere is lively with just a touch of debauchery, and everyone wants to be there.
King George married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on September 8, 1761, in Chapel Royal, St. James Palace. The first heir to the throne was born eleven months later on the twelfth of August and christened George IV.
This year the royal couple was expecting their second child later in the summer, but Charlotte refused to miss out on the festivities.
King George purchased Buckingham House last year and spent the year renovating the house and gardens into a family retreat. He was determined to turn it into a show place for his lavish affairs.
Everyone lucky enough to receive an invitation planned their wardrobe with care. Dress shops were busy around the clock designing one of a kind gowns so over the top that the parade of scantily clad women vying for attention was truly entertainment in itself.
Elaborate shoes were designed and made to match the gowns and tiny little quirky hats fashioned to sit on top of the ladies wigs or hair that had been greased, powdered and piled high on their heads. Extravagant fans and delicately designed parasols were provided to guests courte
sy of the king for protection from too much sun and intimate moments.
It really was a spectacle to behold. The who’s who of London’s town would be in attendance.
I opted to be more conservative than most, choosing a satin gown dyed in the brown to burnt amber tones that would change hues as I walked, giving it an exquisite texture. A delicate design of vines and flowers stitched around the collar twisted down the bodice and along the cuff of the low cut dress in gold thread with tiny pearl beads sown throughout. The skirt of the gown opened as I walked revealing a delicate petticoat underneath of ivory with emerald green and gold stitching with tiny pearls beading to match the top. A corset was called for with ample layers beneath the skirts to give the illusion of poof.
I chose to wear a wig instead of greasing and powdering my hair. It was always so difficult to wash the grease completely out, and it would leave a dull sheen to my hair for a week. A wig was securely in place adorned with strings of pearls. The stage had been set, and all the players had arrived.
Let the orchestrated chaos begin.
Sarah and I had agreed to arrive about two o’clock and meet at the nearest fountain upon entering the garden. We knew that it was a safe bet that there would be multiple fountains so the importance of being specific would prove a significant detail.
Mother, Father, Jonathan, and I arrived at ten minutes after two; and I was very excited. The line of carriages was long as people arrived and were helped out, one by one, then escorted to the entrance to have their names announced. After that, we greeted our host, the king and his immediate party as they stood in a procession line.
There was art on display in the main hall as the line slowly moved through and the artists themselves in attendance answered questions or obtained commissions for future work or portraits from the very wealthy.
One portrait caught my eye as I stopped to study it further. It was of a little boy that appeared to be about five years of age. He was dressed in a beautiful royal blue outfit with lace on the cuffs. He was looking for his puppy as it hid under a chair from him.
My question was, how did the artist capture this scene when clearly neither the boy nor the puppy would stay still for any length of time?
“How very lovely you look today, Lady Angelina. That gown sets off your coloring most desirably,” the simpering voice came from behind me.
“Mr. Montgomery, I do not recall giving you leave to address me by my given name.” I fixed Darcy with my best high and mighty societal stare.
“Please forgive me, Lady Stewart, I was under the impression that you and I could be friends.” As he attempted to look properly rebuffed, an air of insincerity lingered in his words.
“I didn’t realize they started letting the masses attend the king’s parties!” I scoffed, rebuffing Darcy Montgomery in hopes that he would get the point and avoid me at all costs. Unfortunately, he wasn’t that bright.
“Madam, you cut me to the quick, and my only desire is to be amicable.” His whine grated me to my very marrow and I wished for him to disappear.
“Sir, we are neither comrades nor equals in my eyes. I do not understand why you insist on playing the simpleton?” The shock on his face told me that I had hit my mark as I continued to press the point. “And in the future, I would be appreciative if you would refrain from approaching me in public or private since I neither intend to befriend you nor bring merit to your social climb. I would be more inclined to assist you in your social descent, Mr. Montgomery.” The acidic tone dripped from my lips as I punctuated each word, then turning my back on him to further emphasize my point. “Good day to you.”
He stepped close behind me so anyone who might observe us would think that we were having an intimate conversation. “You have always been an uppity bitch, and you will get yours one day. I will see to it personally! Mark my words, Lady Stewart. Mark my words,” Darcy said with real malice in his voice as he dared to touch my neck with his finger. His malodorous fragrance and foul breath on the back of my neck turned my stomach as he leaned in for emphasis.
My shaking hand rested on the dagger in my pocket. The weight of the blade felt like a balm to my nerves. I closed my eyes and visualized the dagger sinking deep into his chest. Taking two deep breaths to steady my hands I opened my eyes to find him gone. A wave of relief washed over me as I sought out the security of my family near the head of the line.
Jonathan sat with me by the fountain as I waited for Sarah to arrive. If I didn’t know better, I would wager my brother was smitten with my best friend. Jonathan had simply smiled sweetly at me when I had suggested it.
From our vantage point we had a clear view of everyone entering the garden area in their outlandish attire.
Lady Carvon and Lord Baltimore came through together, even though they were not a couple officially. Lady Carvon had lost her husband three years prior and Lord Baltimore had lost his wife four and a half years ago. Neither one of them had remarried, but the rumor was they spent a lot of time together.
Lady Charlotte Edwin was very entertaining with her dress that revealed more than any of us wished to see. The bodice was made of white Norwich crepe that was almost see through, cut low off the shoulder with the bodice plunging even lower still. She didn’t even have the decency to place a lace hanky in her décolletage. One’s imagination certainly didn’t have to work hard at all. The skirt opened in front to reveal delicate pale pink petticoats so thin I thought I saw the outline of her legs.
Prince Edward, Duke of York was in attendance along with his wife, Princess Mary of Albany. Their attire was somewhat conservative and yet the debauchery that took place in the hedges later that evening I hear was completely scandalous and observed by more than a few guests.
Lady Sarah Lennox and Lord Lennox had on coordinating attire and were by far the best dressed couple in attendance. Their garments were made with ivory brocades, with gold and green leaf pattern stitched around the cuffs. The pattern was mimicked on her bodice and sleeve as well as his jacket and breeches worn with white stockings and gold shoes.
Sarah Burgess came floating across the lawn in her elegant white silk gown trimmed in rose pink threading and satin bows. Her hair was fashioned high on her head with a sweet little hat with delicate pink and white flowers throughout. She was a picture of gentility and grace.
The color had returned to her face, and she had gained a couple of pounds due to my daily hounding and threat to force feed her if she wouldn’t eat. Our bond of friendship was stronger than ever.
“Dear Jonathan, how wonderful it is to see you,” Sarah said as she offered my brother her hand.
“You are truly a vision of perfection today, Lady Sarah,” Jonathan said, planting a kiss on her delicate hand.
“Why, Lord Stewart, you do know how to turn a phrase and a lady’s head.” Then turning to me she greeted me with a wide smile and hug. “Angelina, what an incredible gown you are wearing.”
“I am afraid I pale in comparison to your elegant beauty, dear friend,” I said, taking her by the arm as we started walking toward the festivities. “Jonathan, you had planned on joining us?” Looking back I gave him the eye that said, you better hurry along if you are coming.
“Yes, of course.” Jonathan had to take large steps to catch up.
Leaning over, I whispered in her ear. “I have to warn you that Darcy is here, and he and I had a most unpleasant exchange earlier. I dare say I left him in a rather foul mood, so stay close to Jonathan or myself.” The color completely drained from Sarah’s face. “Sarah, keep it together. One mistake cannot define us, so hold your head up and don’t stop smiling. We are here to have fun today. Take hold of Jonathan’s arm and let’s have fun.”
We stopped to watch a band of jugglers immediately followed by trained dogs dressed in little outfits that walked on their back legs. Everywhere we looked there was entertainment surrounding us.
There were strategically placed tables with food and fruit over- flowing.
Servants w
andered through the crowd passing out glasses of refreshments. Everything one could desire was simply at your fingertips. The entire day was perfect except for the looming presence of Darcy Montgomery.
“Jonathan, are those your friends Lords Lacroix and Deveraux?” Sarah asked.
Jonathan and I turned to see the other party just a few feet away.
“My good friends, how pleasant to see you here. Please come and join us.” Jonathan extended his hand in friendship to them both, as a woman I had never met before draped herself all over the two men.
Coming face-to-face with Jude Deveraux in his entire refined splendor was breathtaking. His three-piece suit charcoal gray silk was trimmed in black velvet with silver and green stitching of vines, leaves, and pheasants which lined the front of his coat and cuffs. The richly elegant attire combined with his height and regal stature caused woman to swoon at his feet. Even dressed as a dandy he radiated masculinity and vitality. I didn’t think that it was possible for his shoulders to look broader, but they did.
“Allow me to introduce you to Lady Elyse Barrett,” Jude said, while staring directly at me, gestured to his right.
The woman standing next to him was slightly shorter than me with her hand resting possessively on Jude’s arm. I could tell her hair was dark but she had it greased, powdered and piled high on her head. The decollate of her dress was more than revealing as her abundant assets spilled out from the top. Her face was also powdered in the old style with a small black heart drawn on her right cheek bone, and her lips and eyebrows had been painted. I could tell she had once been very pretty, but the years had taken their toll. The powder caked on her face showing fine lines made her look somewhat comical.
Jude had been studying my face intently as I looked Lady Elyse Barrett up and down. When our eyes met, he lifted his one eyebrow in that familiar way. I could not tell if he was asking a question or throwing down a gauntlet of challenge, but either way, I would not take the bait. Biting my tongue while stemming the laundry list of insults that begged to be released from my mouth, I chose instead to go a different way.
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