Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
Sophie couldn’t hide her astonishment. “I can’t believe we are doing this.”
Benedict laughed at her shocked expression. “Do you want to convince the staff or not?”
Sophie rolled her eyes, barely able to contain her laughter. “Yes, but I don’t know if I can do this or if I will even be good enough to be convincing. Couldn’t we just leave a rumbled bed for the maid to find?”
Benedict gave her a wicked grin. “I have no doubt you will excel in this endeavor, and I suppose we could simply leave a few rumbled sheets around, but you must admit, this will be much more fun.” He reached for a glass of champagne on the table. The remnants of the dinner that had been brought to her room were still sitting there. “Maybe you should drink some more, it might help.”
Sophie grinned and took the glass from him. “I don’t think I can drink enough for this not to be mortifying.” She took another sip.
Benedict could see that the champagne was beginning to take effect. “Of course, we could always go for the more traditional approach.” He gave her a wink. “I am beginning to think that is where I would cast my vote.”
Sophie gave him a coy glance then laughed. “I think this would be better, don’t you?”
Benedict grinned. “Less complicated but not as pleasurable.” He took the glass from her hand letting his fingers graze hers before drinking the remainder of the champagne in the glass. “You will have to take my word on the last part.” He sat the glass down. “Now, we need to get started. I have a reputation to uphold and the fact that I have had a beautiful woman alone in a bedchamber for the past four hours and have still not bedded her could be a cause for concern.”
Sophie took a deep breath. “Alright, you said all I had to do was to make just a few sounds, right?”
“Exactly, noises that indicate intense enjoyment and pleasure would be appreciated. And they don’t have to be particularly loud unless the mood hits you. A little bounce or two on the mattress wouldn’t hurt either.”
Sophie giggled. “Yes, your wicked reputation is at stake. What will you do?”
“Besides watch you?”
Sophie playfully slapped his hand. “Yes, what is your part in this charade?”
“You will see. Shall we get started?”
Sophie’s eyes widened when he moved the headboard causing it to hit the wall softly at first. He held his hand out to indicate that it was her turn. She closed her eyes and made a soft moan.
“Very good, but you might want to be a little louder. Pretend you are enjoying your favorite sweet treat,” Benedict whispered.
Sophie looked away, not able to do this with him watching her, and once again made a soft moan. Benedict had told her to try and imagine something pleasurable, something that brought her intense joy. She sighed again this time a little louder.
Benedict watched in amazement as Sophie became more enthusiastic. For a virgin, she was remarkably accurate in her vocalizations. He felt his cock begin to twitch and started to question the wisdom of doing something so erotic with a woman he couldn’t bed. When Sophie threw her head back and let out an even more wild seductive sound, almost but not quite a scream, Benedict stood from the bed quickly and moved across the room.
Sophie looked at him, surprised at his actions. “Did I do something wrong?”
Benedict raked a hand through his hair. “No, you did it very well.” He felt a fine sheen of sweat beading on his forehead.
“Is that it? I imagined it would take longer than a few seconds. Should we continue or do you think that was convincing enough? I know you do have a reputation to consider. Are you always this fast?”
Benedict clenched his fists. “Bloody hell, woman. I will have you know that when I take a woman to my bed, she has no complaints about my performance. I am rather skilled in that area but enough with the questions. That’s enough for tonight. I’m sure the staff is convinced.
Sophie smiled and he felt his heart beating faster.
“So, what now?”
“We sleep. I’ll return to my room, and you will stay here.” He moved quickly to the connecting door that led into his bedchamber. He had to get the hell out of her room and away from her. “Goodnight, Sophie.”
He walked through the room and closed the door softly behind him. Bloody hell, what had he been thinking, and how did a woman that had never been tupped before sound so damn tempting and seductive? He reached up and ripped off his cravat and tossed it on the floor. He should go back to The Lair, but if he left now the servants would gossip and that would make the uncomfortable little display, they enacted a few minutes ago worthless. He would just have to stay the night and wait until tomorrow to return to his life. He took off his shirt and moved to the bed, but even after he closed his eyes, he kept seeing her face, her smile, the sparkle in her eyes. He could almost still hear those delectable little noises she had made and felt the urge to hear them for real, to make her feel the pleasure that only making love could bring her. He threw an arm over his eyes after blowing out the candles beside the bed. This was going to be the longest night of his life.
Sophie struggled with the buttons at the back of her gown and lamented the fact that she didn’t have the use of her maid tonight. After finally getting out of her dress, stockings, and chemise, she went and retrieved the nightgown Bella had packed for her. It was a delicate little piece, mostly sheer with a bit of lace. Sophie held it up and thought that Bella would be disappointed to know that no matter how much she wished it, nothing romantic would occur tonight.
After slipping on the thin nightgown, Sophie moved over to the bed, turned back the covers, and blew out the candle. As she lay still listening to the silence surrounding her, she couldn’t help but be grateful for Benedict. Seeing her brother today made her realize just how close she had come to a terrible fate. She thought back to her time at the abbey and how lonely and scared she had been. Knowing winter was coming and worrying about how to keep herself fed and warm with no help from her brother. Now she was propped up on thick pillows, a warm fire burning in the hearth, ample food, and drink whenever she wished for it. But most importantly, she was no longer alone. She had met Bella and was thankful for having a new friend and of course, there was her husband. While he was a husband in name only, it was comforting to know that he would be there to protect her. Their relationship was one of friendship as well, and she was most thankful for that. She sighed and pulled the covers up to her chin and closed her eyes. Tonight, she could sleep without fear, without the anxiety that had been plaguing her for the past months knowing her brother was in London losing everything her family had amassed over the years. Tonight, everything would be peaceful, and tomorrow her new life would begin.
Sophie was having breakfast alone when Nathaniel came to inform her that The Duchess of Avanley was waiting to see her.
Sophie eagerly finished up her breakfast and moved to the blue drawing room where Nathaniel had asked the duchess to wait for her. When she entered the room, Isobel was pacing back and forth in front of the large windows that faced the street.
“Good morning, Bella.”
Isobel spun around and moved closer to her. “Under normal circumstances, I would never disturb a newly married bride the day after her wedding, but since you and Kingston insist on this union being strictly business, I thought what harm could come from a visit.”
Sophie chuckled as her new friend stared at her as if trying to see if things had changed after their supposed wedding night. “Did you come by just to see if we had changed our minds?”
Isobel rolled her eyes. “Certainly not. I came to see if you would like to take a ride through the park with me. I have a barouche outside, and the weather is perfect for an outing. Charles left the house early this morning, and the children are with their nurses. Since Persephone and Catherine left London early, I hate to admit that I have been so bored and thought it would give us a chance to get to know each other better.”
Sophie gave Bella a wide happy smile. “It has been a long time since I have been able to enjoy the park. Let me get my bonnet and parasol, and I will join you.”
Sophie hurried up the stairs. This was her new life, no longer burdened with worries and scandal created by her brother. It was a chance to start fresh and she was determined to enjoy every second.
The Devil’s Lair
Kingston sat behind his desk going over accounts and ledgers as well as counting the take from the previous night. Now that he had married Sophie and had met with his uncle’s solicitor here in London, he was ready to go ahead with his plans for expanding his gaming empire to Brighton.
The letter he had received from his uncle yesterday was short and to the point. The doctors did not hold out much hope that he would survive the month, and the solicitors were well aware that the responsibilities of the dukedom now firmly rested on his shoulders. They would do all they could to make the transition as easy as possible. His uncle’s London solicitors were putting together information regarding all the properties owned by Kenworth, and the staff at all the estates had been made aware of his uncle’s imminent death. His uncle requested that he make a point to visit Kenworth Park as soon as possible so there would be no doubt in the legitimacy of his claim to the dukedom. His uncle had gone on to say that knowing Benedict would be taking over as his heir lifted a heavy burden from his shoulders, and he was confident that the future of Kenworth would be safe in his hands.
Benedict had read the letter twice and wondered if his uncle’s confidence was misplaced. He never sought to claim his birthright. He had never wanted the burdens and responsibilities that many of his friends already had. The freedom to do as he wanted, when he wanted, with no one to care for, or to be responsible for, was the life he had set out to have. Now not only was he saddled with a very large and powerful duchy, but he also had a wife. A wife in name only, but nevertheless, she was his.
After Sam left his office, he drew out a bottle of brandy from the drawer of his desk and pulled out the cork. He had slept very little last night thinking of Sophie. The way her smile seemed to warm his soul and the way the twinkle in her eyes caught the light from the candles. His little rouse in the bedroom didn’t make things any easier either. He imagined the sounds she made and the way she would pull her bottom lip between her teeth when she was nervous. He poured a hefty amount of brandy into the glass and drank. Yes, she was his now and no one would ever hurt her again.
He had not expected any more trouble from her brother. He imagined the young pup was somewhere licking his wounds, trying to think of another way he could reclaim the fortune he had lost. One thing he would never reclaim was Sophie.
“Drinking alone, Kingston? Are things that bad already?”
Benedict looked up to see his friend Charles leaning casually against the doorframe. “I’m going to have to speak to Sam about letting people in before noon.”
Charles chuckled as he moved further into the room and took a seat across from him. “How was your wedding night?”
“I will not answer that question from a man who kept his beautiful wife at arm’s length for more than a year.”
Charles grinned. “Touché” He reached for a glass and poured himself a drink. “But I must say that once I did accept her, and more importantly got my arms around her, it has been most pleasant ever since.”
Benedict rolled his eyes. “I don’t need to hear any romantic stories, Charles. Things are not the same between me and Sophie. We understand each other.”
His friend nodded. “Very well. Being a thorn in your side was not my original reason for coming here today.”
“But yet, you still succeeded in that endeavor.”
Charles took another sip of brandy. “Isobel and I will be leaving for Brighton tomorrow. If you and your new bride are ready to leave London, you are more than welcome to travel with us. Sometimes it is safer to travel in numbers. You are more than welcome to join our entourage.”
“Entourage?”
Charles shrugged his shoulders. “Yes, three carriages total. One for Isobel and myself, another for the children and their nurses…”
“You hired more than one nurse?”
“They are my children, Kingston. Seeing that I gave my own nurse a significant amount of trouble as a child, I thought it would be wise to be proactive. They are twins, but they each have their own nurse. Anyway, back to what I was saying, the third carriage is for the servants traveling with us, Isobel’s lady’s maid and my valet. It will also carry more luggage, and of course, I will have several outriders for protection. If you would like to join us, you may.”
“I had already planned on leaving by the end of the week, I suppose a day or two earlier would not be that much of an inconvenience. I will speak with Sam and make the necessary arrangements here at the Lair. Then I will make preparations for us to be gone from Kenworth House.”
“Excellent, Isobel will be glad to know that Sophie is not to be left behind in London alone. We both know you spend the majority of your time at The Lair, that leaves a great deal of time for her to get lonely.”
Benedict leaned back in his chair and drank the remainder of the brandy in his glass. “Does Bella like Sophie?”
“She sees a lot of herself in her. If it had not been for Persephone, Isobel would have been quite alone in London. She is trying to return the favor, so to speak.” He stood from his seat. “I’m sure you have much to do. I would like to leave at first light if possible.”
“Yes, I should get busy making arrangements and let Sophie know we are leaving tomorrow. At least Prinny will be happy. He will assume London was just too depressing in his absence and with him retreating to Brighton, we simply had to follow him.”
Charles laughed. “Yes, it will definitely boost his ego. I will see you tomorrow.”
Benedict began putting away the ledgers. He had never left the Lair for very long, but he was confident in Sam’s abilities to handle things in his absence. Besides, with most of the ton already leaving for their country estates or Brighton to follow the prince, the Lair was not as busy as it typically was during the season. Leaving for Brighton early would give him the extra time needed to evaluate the potential for a gaming house in the seaside town as well as time to go over more of his uncle’s accounts. While he had met with his uncle’s solicitor on more than one occasion, he had still not had the opportunity to truly grasp everything connected to the duchy. Perhaps he should consider traveling to Kenworth Park after leaving Brighton to visit his uncle.
Hyde Park
“Isn’t it a glorious day?”
Sophie had put away her parasol to hold her face up to the sun. “It is rather nice for this time of year. I wish there were more people about London.”
“I enjoy the season, but sometimes the crowds become too much. One night when coming home from the opera, we were stuck in the carriage for more than three hours and we were only a few blocks from Avanley House.”
“Three hours? That must have been terribly frustrating, I detest being cooped up in an enclosed carriage for an extended period of time.”
Sophie saw her friend’s cheeks pinken. “Well, Charles and I always find some way to occupy ourselves. I’m sure you will find carriage rides more pleasurable now that you are married.”
At this, Sophie laughed. “You are still holding out hope that Mr. Kingston and I will somehow develop romantic feelings for each other. Please put those thoughts aside and accept it for what it is.”
Bella sighed heavily as she opened her fan. “Very well, I will say nothing more on the subject…today.”
The driver continued along the carriage paths around the Serpentine. Bella raised a hand over her eyes to shield her face from the sun. “It appears as if we have a newcomer to London.”
“A newcomer?” Sophie asked as she strained to look in the direction Bella had indicated.
“Yes, a gentleman I have not seen before is riding in our direction. Do you happen to know who it could be?”
Sophie leaned forward to study the rider. He was riding a dark gray horse and was dressed in the finery of a gentleman, but she had never seen him before. Although, it had been some years since she had been to London.
The rider pulled his horse to a stop beside the carriage. “Good morning, ladies. I must consider myself lucky to meet such beauties while out in the park today.”
Bella nudged her in the side. “It is a lovely day, as to how much luck you possess; I cannot attest to that.”
The man gave them a devastatingly handsome smile that made his deep brown eyes sparkle. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ambrose Devereaux, Earl of Warrick.”
Bella smiled sweetly. “Good afternoon, my lord. I am Isobel Newberg, Duchess of Avanley and this is my dear friend, Mrs. Kingston. Perhaps you know our husbands.”
The man’s horse shifted slightly, and Sophie couldn’t help but notice the way Lord Warrick’s thighs tightened around the animal in order to guide him back to where he wanted him to be.
“I am afraid I have been out of the country for the past two years, your grace. I have been in India, and I spent some time on the continent. I have only recently returned to London and renewing old acquaintances as well as making new ones.” His eyes instantly fell upon Sophie again making her cheeks flame.
“How interesting, my lord. I have read a few books about India. I would be fascinated to hear of your travels,” Sophie replied as Bella giggled softly beside her.
The earl maneuvered his horse closer to the carriage giving the ladies a better view of his countenance. His eyes were a deep chocolate brown, and his hair almost the same color. He was muscular in build with high cheekbones and a perfectly straight nose. As far as anyone could see, the man was nearly flawless.
“I would be honored, Mrs. Kingston, but I’m certain the two of you have more important things to do on a sunny day like this than listen to my boring stories.” He tipped his hat to them and once again gave them a devasting smile. “It was a pleasure to meet you, your grace. Mrs. Kingston, if we meet again, I will be happy to share the adventures I had while traveling abroad, but I will warn you, they are not as exciting as one might believe.”
“We hope you enjoy being back in London, Lord Warrick, and it was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully, we will see more of you in the future.” Bella said before asking her coachman to drive on.
Sophie looked back and saw the earl nod in her direction before turning his horse back toward Rotten Row. “He was very nice, wasn’t he?”
Bella tried to suppress her chuckle. “Very nice and very handsome. Goodness, that man will make many a husband jealous with the way he smiles at the ladies.” Bella opened her fan and began waving it in front of her cheeks. “I’m sure when the season rolls around again, he will have the unmarried maidens of the ton tittering behind their fans.” She turned toward Sophie and winked. “A few of us married ones as well.”
Sophie laughed as she craned her neck around to see if she could still catch another glimpse of the handsome lord. “I suppose he will.”
“I wish Persephone were still in town. I’m sure she would know who he was and why he has been away from London. She and Catherine make it their business to know as much about the members of the ton as possible. Persephone was a wealth of knowledge when I first came to town.”
“Yes, I look forward to meeting them both. Will they accept the regent’s request that they go to Brighton?”
Bella nodded. “It is difficult to refuse a royal summons. One must have a very good reason for not obeying one of Prinny’s commands. Ian and Emma McDonough will be returning to Scotland. He has a great many responsibilities there, but I believe everyone else will be attending, even if only for a few days. I know Mr. Kingston has discussed with Charles his plans to open a new gaming house there. I was unsure if his plans had changed since he discovered that he was the heir to the Duke of Kenworth and with his uncle’s poor health I thought he might have put aside that idea.”
Sophie shrugged her shoulders and pushed a strand of hair out of the way that had fallen into her eyes. “He doesn’t seem to want to talk about his uncle, but you must remember that our relationship is strictly a partnership. He doesn’t feel the need to share his personal life with me. He has mentioned his interest in expanding his business and the possibility that he would open another gaming establishment in Brighton, but he has not spoken to me about how long we will be in residence there or where we will go after.” She tugged at her gloves. “I’m sure he will be most anxious to return to London and The Devil’s Lair.”
Bella sighed heavily. “While I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the company this morning. I should return home. I will want to make certain everything is ready for our departure tomorrow.”
Sophie gave her a warm smile. “Thank you for inviting me out this morning and thank you for being a friend. I have not had a chance to make many friends over the years and was unsure how I would be received in London after the scandal created by my brother.”
Bella placed a hand over hers. “Nonsense, I’m sure by the time the season arrives, the ton will have forgotten all about your brother. Besides, you will have a powerful and influential force backing you.”
Sophie tilted her head and narrowed her eyes in question. “A powerful force?”
Bella laughed. “Yes, the most powerful in England other than the monarchy itself. The duchesses! There are five of us that will rally behind you, and with us supporting you, there will not be a force strong enough to usurp us.”
Sophie was indeed thankful for Bella’s support. If not for her, she might feel very alone in London since Benedict intended to spend the majority of his time at the infamous gaming hall that most of London frequented. There was no reason for her to expect more, he had been clear on their arrangement, and she was thankful that on the rare occasions they were together, they enjoyed each other’s company. But it would still be nice to have a group of friends and she was grateful for that and anxious to meet the other duchesses who kept London abuzz.
When the carriage came to a stop outside Kenworth House, Sophie was surprised to see the servants so busy. It looked as if they were either getting ready for an esteemed visitor or about to close up the house.
“It looks like you may be going to Brighton sooner than you expected.” Bella gave her a hug and wink. “We will see each other again soon.”
“Yes, in Brighton, and from the looks of things, sooner rather than later.”
Sophie walked up the stairs to where Nathaniel was waiting for her. “Good afternoon, Nathaniel.”
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Kingston. Mr. Kingston would like to leave for Brighton tomorrow. He sent word to have your things packed and ready to leave at first light. Some of your purchases from Madame LaCroix have arrived and have been put in your room, the remainder of your purchases will be shipped to the residence in Brighton.”
Sophie’s eyes widened at the news. “Oh, thank you, Nathaniel. Has Mr. Kingston returned?”
“No, madam. He said that he would see you tomorrow. He will return here tonight, but it would be rather late.”
Sophie tried to hide the disappointment she felt at that announcement. “Thank you, Nathaniel. I will make certain I am ready to depart in the morning.”
Nathaniel gave her a small slightly sympathetic smile. “The maids will be happy to pack your things for you, and the chef is preparing roast beef for dinner. If you need anything, please let me know.”
Sophie smiled brightly and leaned over to kiss the older man’s cheek. “Thank you for everything. I will miss you, Nathaniel.”
The older man blushed red. “If I may be so bold, Mrs. Kingston. It is a pleasure to finally once again have a lady of the house, and when the time comes, I believe you will be a marvelous Duchess of Kenworth. It will be a privilege to serve you.”
Sophie was touched by his remarks and felt her eyes mist with tears. He bowed deeply before walking away, and Sophie made her way to her chambers. If she was to leave at first light, there was much to do.
It was half past three when Benedict returned to Kenworth House. Nathaniel had left a few lights burning for him, and the footman who stood watch at the front door was the only servant still about. Benedict took off his greatcoat and handed it to the man before making his way up the stairs to the duke’s bedchamber. He had still not gotten used to the fact that this would soon be his London residence. He was much more comfortable at The Lair, but Sophie was here and regardless of their arrangement, he couldn’t seem to shake her image from his mind. He decided to leave The Lair with Sam and return to check on her. He knew she would be asleep by this time of night, but he couldn’t dismiss the intense feeling he had to set his eyes upon her.
When he came to the door of her bedchamber, he hesitated just a moment wondering if seeing her would only make sleep more difficult. He pushed those thoughts aside and opened the door, crossing the room as softly and quietly as he could toward the bed where Sophie lay sleeping. Her thick chestnut curls spilled out beneath her on the white pillow. There was little light from the moon coming through the window and her form was shrouded in shadows. The covers had moved past her waist and one of the sleeves of her nightgown had slipped off her shoulder. She was exquisite, a vision that would make any man burn with desire at the sight of her. His fingers itched to touch her, but he forced himself to walk away.
When he went to the adjoining room, he wondered how he would be able to resist something so delectable, something so heavenly. She was beautiful and charming, and while technically she belonged to him, he knew he should abstain from the urges he was beginning to feel for his young bride, but he was much too wicked for abstinence, and doing the right thing had never been his forte.