The Marquis' Mistake

by Giselle Marks

  Tied up at the side of the river was a large ornate barge. Eight rowers were in position and the Master welcomed them as Sebastian helped her board. Greenways and the two ex-soldiers followed seating themselves aft. Sebastian showed her to a seat at the rear of the boat and suggested she remove her riding hat. He helped her into the most gorgeous fur-lined emerald green pelisse she had ever seen. It had a hood trimmed with the same pale cream fur and fitted perfectly. There was a matching muff so she would be comfortably warm during their trip up river.

  Alicia wondered how Sebastian could have had it made to fit in so short time. Dismissing how he had organised everything as unimportant, she settled into her seat, intending to enjoy herself and forget about being angry with him. Sitting beside her, he pointed out the sights as they passed by. Alicia relaxed beside him in the breeze, conscious of his every breath and slightest movement but elated by his presence. His single-minded determination made her doubts seem irrelevant.

  The journey was pure pleasure for Alicia. They conversed of everything and of nothing of any moment. Neither Sebastian nor Alicia mentioned marriage; they simply sat talking at ease with each other. Sebastian’s dark eyes lingered on her as they talked, but he made no move to pull her into his arms. She resisted the desire to snuggle closer to him just to feel his touch.

  Sebastian’s thoughts were not all on Alicia. He had personally told the government’s watcher his plans for the day. They agreed that travelling by river would put off any shadow. Even if they guessed his destination, following by road was slower. Entry to Hampton Court Palace was only with very special permission. Mallinder’s men would find following her within the Palace walls nigh on hopeless. Sebastian was troubled, as until Alicia was safely married she was at risk from Mallinder.

  If she were wed to himself or some other unexceptional man, then both Lady Maud and Alicia would be out of danger, unless Mallinder also killed her husband. Pushing aside the idea of Alicia marrying another with a sudden pang of jealousy, he considered how to foil any attempt of Mallinder’s to compromise or abduct her. He doubted Grey could keep his watchers on her indefinitely. Some other emergency could require their skills at any moment.

  Sebastian knew Mallinder was running out of time. He would be getting desperate. Desperate men were dangerous men. Their actions were unpredictable as they had little to lose. It only needed one opening, one mistake on his or Alicia’s part for Mallinder to make his move. If Mallinder got Alicia in his clutches, Sebastian dreaded what would happen to her. She would be ruined in body and soul. Lady Maud’s life expectancy would be zero. Alicia’s would be long enough only for Mallinder to get control of Lady Maud’s fortune. If living under Mallinder’s domination could be called living.

  Francesca and Greenways’ friend’s daughter were only two of the young women Mallinder had dragged to the pits of degradation. If Grey’s conjectures were correct they were only a tiny part of the evil that was part and parcel of Mallinder’s life. To Mallinder, women were not to be admired and pleasured, they were to be used. Sebastian loved the company and bodies of women, but had always tried to care for and protect them. He despised men who thought only of their own pleasure and abused their women. So Mallinder was the epitome of everything he abhorred.

  Sebastian had checked the urge to vomit when he understood the totality of Mallinder’s crimes. That creature would do anything to further his own aims and comfort. The succession of wretched women he had abandoned to their fate had only been mentioned among other more criminal activities, he was suspected of. The hanging of Sir Robert Dickinson earlier in the year ostensibly for attempting to murder the Earl of Chalcombe crossed Sebastian’s mind. Sir Robert for all his brutality to women, leading young men to financial ruin, blackmail and spying for profit for the French had been an innocent compared to Mallinder.

  If half of what Mallinder had been implicated in was true, he was guilty of several murders, torture, extortion, procuration, blackmail, theft and some very unsavoury business dealings. Worse, Grey believed he had a protector or protectors within Horse Guards or the Government who covered up his activities. How a man who had run roughshod over the nation’s laws was at liberty Sebastian failed to understand. His illicit dealings must have earned him huge sums of money; more than sufficient for him to no longer need to go such ends. Yet he was living on credit which was running out. Admittedly his file reported he was an incurable gambler, but even Peter had not been that expensive! Sebastian added stupidity to the list of Mallinder’s crimes.

  It would be easier to protect Alicia if they resided in the same house. He found it frustrating to rely on Wynstanley’s vigilance. Although he trusted Greenways to watch out for his mistress, he had a prickly feeling of danger whenever Alicia was out in public. The feeling vanished when in Chalcombe House where no harm could come to her, but even on the river he felt a faint unease. It was almost as if he could feel Mallinder’s enmity. He reviewed the precautions being taken by himself and Wynstanley and hoped they would be enough.

  Avoidance was always preferable to mounting a rescue. Grey had warned him Mallinder was being more circumspect in his movements, as if aware he was being watched. He had slipped his surveillance twice. His whereabouts had been unknown for some hours. Grey had changed his shadows, but there was no guarantee he would not spot the new men. Sebastian wanted to take Mallinder out of the picture permanently himself. Grey was hoping Mallinder would lead him to the bigger fish within the administration. He had persuaded Sebastian reluctantly to postpone his revenge.

  The barge reached Hampton Court Palace but rowed on further past. Access to the Palace was no longer permitted from the riverside. The boat moored and Sebastian assisted Alicia to the side. Not far from the bank was Sebastian’s curricle with his chestnuts held by what looked to be a boy of about ten years old. In front of the chestnuts were three superior horses held by grooms. Walking closer to the vehicle, Alicia realised the person holding the horses’ heads was a very tiny man, smaller than her by half a head. From his wrinkled weather-beaten face she guessed he was around forty years old.

  Sebastian assisted Alicia into the curricle and handed her the reins before climbing to the seat beside her. Greenways and his ex-soldiers mounted up. At a signal from Sebastian, the tiger released the horses. Alicia held them stationery as he scrambled into the seat behind theirs. Once he was securely aboard, she let the team move in the direction of the Palace following Sebastian’s instructions. Sebastian sat back and crossed his arms, letting her drive, making no comment to distract her. He was quietly impressed. Once they were on the road to the Palace, Alicia asked Sebastian why they were driving a distance of only a mile or so.

  “We could have walked this distance. There was no need to bring your curricle all this way Sebastian.”

  “I thought we might drive back, so I sent Randall,” he indicated his tiger sitting behind him, “to drive the curricle down last night, so they would be fresh for the trip back to London.”

  They reached the gates of the Palace which were thrown open for the Marquis’ cortege to enter and shut behind them as they passed through. Sebastian indicated the direction of the stables and the three riders followed them. As Alicia pulled to a halt, Randall jumped down and went to hold the horses. Sebastian sprang down and carefully helped Alicia descend. The other men dismounted and stabled the horses. The stables were fairly empty so there was ample room for the seven horses. They waited while the chestnuts were unharnessed and the mounts unsaddled.

  Then Sebastian led the whole group to a side entrance entering the Palace. An elderly gentleman dressed in the fashions of twenty years earlier greeted them. He wore no wig but his own white hair was tied neatly back in a black bow. Sebastian introduced him as Mr Cuthbert Vernon, but called him Uncle Cuthbert. He guided them along the highly ornamented corridors towards the main State rooms.

  “Cuthbert is not really my uncle but is a distant cousin; because of the age difference I’ve always called him Uncle. He lives in
one of the apartments in the Palace and is always pleased to have family visit.”

  They toured the State Rooms and Alicia was fascinated by the gaudily painted carvings. When they had seen all the important rooms, Cuthbert led them to a small dining room where two men wearing Gunter’s uniform had set out a generous buffet for the group of seven. Greenways seemed uncomfortable that he and the other servants were to share the table with the Marquis and Miss Lambert, but Sebastian explained it had been simpler to arrange that way.

  “Sebastian, I was very much saddened to hear of your brother Peter’s death. May I offer you my condolences? Shocking for so young a man to die,” Uncle Cuthbert said.

  Sebastian thanked him, then Uncle Cuthbert quizzed him for news on an interminable list of family members. Sebastian answered him, admitting he hadn’t seen several of the more distant family for years. Randall remained silent through the meal although Greenways and the two ex-soldiers tried to include him in their conversation.

  “Randall took a bad fall as a jockey which rendered him stone deaf. He couldn’t hear the starting orders so had to retire. If you tap his shoulder and speak directly to him, he can lip read quite well,” Sebastian told the others.

  “It is kind of you to employ him considering his handicap, Sebastian,” Alicia declared.

  “I saw his handicap as an advantage. He is very good with horses. There are times I prefer my conversation not overheard. Now Gentlemen I am going to show Miss Lambert the maze. I don’t think we need chaperoning. Have the horses ready in an hour’s time. We will be little over an hour.”

  Greenways looked at his mistress to confirm she accepted the Marquis’ suggestion. She nodded and took his arm as he led her through more corridors to another exit. Greenways followed them to the gardens, waiting by the door for their return. Sebastian escorted Alicia through the formal gardens behaving perfectly respectably. Once they rounded the corner of the entrance to the maze he took her in his arms and kissed her. It was a quick kiss, but it had a powerful effect on Alicia. Then taking her hand he picked up the pace, running to the centre of the maze together. He did not hesitate at any of the turnings as he clearly knew the way.

  Collapsing in giggles onto a bench in the centre of the maze; Sebastian held her in his arms until their laughter faded away. He bent his head to hers, but did not kiss her. His lips hovered just above hers and stopped. Alicia looked up into Sebastian’s eyes. She waited for his kiss, but he made no movement, but she could see a question in his eyes. This time she must make the move. Alicia put her arms around his neck to draw him closer. Her fingers tangled in his blond curls, opening her mouth as their lips met allowing him access. Now he drew her into his lap intensifying the kiss as she clung tightly to him. His hands stroked her back over the fur-lined pelisse, but didn’t move to touch her more intimately.

  Alicia ached wanting more as she was held tightly against him while their lips and tongues entwined, but it was Sebastian who drew back. He did not release Alicia, but turned her slightly so her head was resting against his chest.

  “Alicia could you now tell me what your real objection to me is? You enjoy my company and kisses. Why are you so determined not to marry me?”

  Alicia was flushed with partially fulfilled desire, but she slowly pulled herself together to answer Sebastian’s question. Looking away from Sebastian’s melting brown eyes she made a decision. It was time to tell him the truth even though it was embarrassing.

  “We met under rather awkward circumstances, Sebastian.”

  “In Chalcombe’s library when you eavesdropped. Your ability to keep a secret is a valuable attribute, not a fault. I don’t understand why that should make you refuse to marry me.”

  “We were introduced there, but we met in Cambridge. I was travelling to my aunt’s in Aylesbury and stayed overnight in Cambridge. You were drunk and thought I’d been sent as a birthday present.”

  There was a long pause before Sebastian replied. It explained everything, the naked portrait, her attempts at avoiding him and the faint feeling of recognition he had experienced.

  “I was dreadfully at fault in not believing your protests sooner. I apologise profoundly for my behaviour which was not that of a gentleman. Or what I expect of myself. I utterly regret distressing you. When I sobered up I felt appallingly guilty for how I had treated you. I offered to marry you because I had compromised you. I still want to, if you can find it in yourself to forgive me.”

  “How can I marry you, Sebastian? Knowing after I left your room, you tumbled some whore into your bed. I will always think of you with that woman.”

  “You have every right to be angry, but I didn’t bed the woman Lord Stephen sent. I paid her to leave. I desired you so much I didn’t want to let you go. I refused her because it was you I wanted to bed. I nearly fired my valet for pushing you into the room. If you wish I’ll dismiss him.”

  “You didn’t bed her?”

  “I didn’t, she was reluctant to leave. I had to threaten to have her thrown out.”

  “Was she so ugly you couldn’t bring yourself to…”

  “She was quite beautiful and I felt churlish refusing her. But how could I make love to her, when I still wanted you? Every girl I have been introduced to since we met in Cambridge I have found wanting, because they did not match up to you. I dreamt of you being in my bed every night for weeks after Cambridge. I was terribly disappointed I did not know where to find you and that because of my behaviour I must dismiss pursuing you. I am sorry I did not recognise you straight away, but when I first held you in my arms I knew that no other lady would ever do me.”

  “I’m not beautiful and you’ll soon tire of me Sebastian. I couldn’t bear it if we married and you regretted it.”

  “You are beautiful! You’re the only woman I would marry. Until meeting you I never even considered marriage. It was only after Cambridge I decided to look for a bride because something was missing in my life. It wasn’t until I held you in my arms at Almacks, I realised what was missing. I was missing you. You would have saved me from several months squiring girls I have no interest in ever meeting again, if you’d accepted my proposal that night.”

  Sebastian lifted Alicia off his lap and knelt in front of her and she giggled.

  “Please Alicia, will you forgive me and give me your hand in marriage.”

  “Get up Sebastian, the grass is damp.”

  “Not until you give me an answer.”

  “I should say no, Sebastian. But I fear if you kiss me again I might say yes.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Alicia and Sebastian finally re-appeared from the maze. Alicia had not absolutely accepted Sebastian’s proposal, but had agreed not to oppose his courtship. She remained unsure marriage to Sebastian would work, but hoped he would not change his mind. Sebastian was content he had extinguished her objections. The quicker they married the better for aside from Mallinder’s threat he was finding holding back from seducing her, physically very trying.

  Alicia drove back. Sebastian was exhausted having slept little for several days. When they reached a quiet stretch of road he asked her to spring the horses and settled down to doze silently beside her. Alicia was flattered he was so confident in her driving skills. She left him to sleep while she tooled his team. With little traffic the chestnuts ate up the miles. When they neared London, he woke and looked at his watch. Asking whether she was tired, he offered to drive through the busier streets of town. She willingly handed over the reins.

  Driving directly to the Wynstanleys he stopped to assist Alicia down.

  “I’m sorry to have to leave straight away, but I promised to take my grandmother to the theatre and I must change. I agreed to pick her up in forty minutes time. Can you change in fifty minutes?”

  “I think so. I’d like to see ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ but we haven’t eaten since two.”

  “I’ll arrange dinner. I assume Lady Margaret will be considered an adequate chaperone?” Alicia assented she would.<
br />
  “Then my carriage will be at the door in fifty minute’s time.”

  Sir Anthony was waiting for her when she got in. They had all been invited to a musicale that evening. Alicia had not intended to go as she had already heard the star soprano and not enjoyed her singing. She explained to Sir Anthony she had agreed to go to the theatre with the Marquis and Lady Henderson would be chaperoning her. Satisfied with this arrangement he did not enquire about the sumptuous velvet fur-lined coat and muff she was wearing or mention that Yellow Star had been returned to his stables earlier in the day. She ran upstairs to change hurrying Sally to get her ready in time.

  Major Mallinder went to the musicale having discovered the Wynstanleys were expected and assuming Alicia would accompany them. By hovering in the entrance hall talking to some of his acquaintance he observed Sir Anthony and Lady Sophia’s reception. Noticing Miss Lambert’s absence he moved closer to his hosts overhearing Lady Sophia make Alicia’s apologies. Hearing she had accepted an invitation from the Marquis to the theatre in Lady Henderson’s company, he left the musicale at once. Wishing the Wynstanleys had mentioned which theatre they were attending. Mallinder dismissed several of the current productions as unlikely to interest Alicia, so with three possible theatres he found a hackney to visit them trying to unearth which had a box reserved for the Marquis.

  All three theatres were in close proximity, but the first two had no reservation for the Marquis of Farndon. The third theatre clerk revealed, for the disbursement of half a guinea, the Marquis was patronising their establishment. Mallinder bought a seat and entered the theatre although the play had already begun. The first two acts were performed without an interval as the play was in five acts. When the second act finished he had no difficulty locating Miss Lambert seated between Lady Henderson and the Marquis in one of the upper boxes. He tried to catch her eye, but she had been distracted by seeing Lord Stephen McKinlay among a party in one of the other boxes, chatting intently to a very beautiful brunette who was trying not to stare at Sebastian. Alicia caught Steven’s eye and gestured for them to come over, but Steven shook his head and continued talking to the girl.