Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Seaside town of Brighton, England
It was very close to midnight when the carriage came to a stop in front of a large dark gray stone townhouse owned by his uncle and now belonging to him as the new Duke of Kenworth in the fashionable district of Brighton. It was situated along the Steine and was not far from Prinny’s residence at the Marine Pavilion. Tomorrow, he would take Sophie there to meet the prince and show her the construction and designs that the prince had conceived for the expansion he had planned over the next few years. Avanley’s house in Brighton was only four houses down from Kenworth’s. They were certain to see a lot of them while in the seaside town before Charles decided he had had enough and retreated to Avanley Hall in the country.
Sophie had fallen asleep on the opposite side of the carriage. She was leaning against the side and even the abrupt stop of the horses didn’t wake her. She looked to be resting so peacefully he hated to disturb her, so he scooped her into his arms as he exited the carriage.
Sophie knew instantly the moment Benedict put his arms around her, and while she longed to remain asleep and relish in the safety and warmth she felt as he held her, being carried about like a child was not the first impression she wanted to convey to the staff.
Benedict watched her eyes flutter open. “You were sleeping so soundly; I didn’t want to wake you. Besides, it is too late to do introductions to the staff.”
She struggled a bit. “You should put me down. I can walk. The servants will not know what to think of me if you go about carrying me like this.”
Benedict reluctantly released her, and she swayed just a bit as her feet touched the stones. “Very well, as you wish.”
He placed her hand on his arm and escorted her to the large front doors. He had already made arrangements ahead of time, so they were expected. Whether or not the staff knew of his uncle’s death, he was uncertain.
When they reached the top of the steps, the front door was opened and a man probably in his late sixties appeared wearing a black sash over his livery. He bowed deeply. “Welcome to Brighton, your grace.”
Well, that was one question answered.
“Thank you, I apologize for our late arrival. My wife and I are both exhausted from the journey as you can imagine. Can you please show us to our rooms, we can worry about formal introductions in the morning?”
“As you wish, your grace, but your uncle only kept a minimal staff here as he didn’t visit often.”
Sophie stepped forward. “Might I ask your name?”
“It is Henry, your grace.”
Benedict watched as Sophie’s smile spread across her face. “My husband and I thank you for your assistance and offer our sympathies for the passing of the former Duke. I’m sure you and the other members of the staff feel the loss.” She reached out and placed her hand on his and Benedict saw the transformation on his face.
“Your grace is very kind. If you will follow me, I will show you to your rooms, a footman has already been instructed to bring your things upstairs.”
Benedict watched as his wife began to follow Henry up the ornate staircase. He decided to remain downstairs, giving her some time alone before going to his own rooms. He looked around at the house. It was quite impressive but not nearly as much as Kenworth House in London. He wondered what his uncle’s staff thought of him, the owner of London’s most infamous gaming house being the next Duke of Kenworth. Thankfully, he had Sophie to help him with the transition. He had marveled at the way she introduced herself to Henry. It had not occurred to him that the servants would be affected by his uncle’s death, but Sophie had instantly sensed exactly what the man needed, and in turn, had won his respect. He had no doubt that in time she would win the hearts and loyalty of all the servants under his employ.
He waited until his trunks had been brought upstairs and followed behind the young footmen carrying the remainder of his things. Sophie’s trunks had already been moved to her rooms, and he imagined that she was preparing for bed or even already in bed by now. He would not disturb her tonight.
Henry was waiting for him at the top of the stairs. “Your rooms have been made ready and connect to the duchess’ chambers. I have already informed the duchess that if she needs anything to please ring the bell in her chambers, and I will see personally to any of her requests. I extend the same courtesy to your grace, and let me say, that I, as well as the entire staff here in Brighton, are pleased to serve you.”
“Thank you, Henry. I appreciate your loyalty and service to my family.”
Henry bowed deeply and moved back down the stairs. Once Benedict was in his rooms, he took a minute to look around. His uncle’s decorative tastes were much more conservative than his own, and he wondered what Sophie would think of the provocative and immoral Roman orgy mural he had painted over his bed in his apartment at The Lair. The room was very elegant and traditional, it looked very much like the bedchamber of a duke, just not a wicked one.
He glanced toward the connecting door that led to her rooms. One day he would take her to The Liar, the first place he saw her, and he would make love to her in his bed there. But now, other business required his attention and unfortunately bedding Sophie would have to wait.
Sophie had risen early and had one of the maids draw her a bath. After the lengthy journey, she looked forward to a long hot soak in a tub. As she sat in the steamy water, she wondered what Benedict had planned for the day. She leaned her head back against the rim of the tub and when there was a soft knock at the door, she thought it was the maid returning with some extra linens and fragrant oils for the bath water.
“Come in.”
Benedict wasn’t sure why he decided to go to her room instead of waiting for her to come downstairs, but when he opened the door to see her lying back in a steaming tub of hot water, he said a silent thank you to whatever celestial being caused him to make that decision. Her eyes were closed, and her hair was pinned up with a few damp ringlets clinging to her skin. She was submerged and only the tops of her breasts were visible from where he stood, and while he wanted nothing more than to go over and lift her from the water so he could sink his cock deep inside her warm willing body while licking the water from her breasts, that was not the reason he had come to seek her out. He was there to inform her that they were expected at the Pavilion at noon.
He stepped further into the room, clenching his hands into fists at his sides. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Sophie’s eyes flew open, and she crossed her arms over her chest. Benedict couldn’t help but grin at her sudden response. He had already seen quite a bit of her in the carriage and had looked his fill before he announced his presence.
“Is everything alright? I wasn’t expecting to see you until later today.” Sophie couldn’t help but notice the predatory look in his eyes as they raked over her body.
Benedict paused and wondered how upset Prinny would be if they were very, very, late for his luncheon. He sighed heavily knowing there was no way to avoid it even if all he wanted to do at the moment was to tup his wife.
“We are to meet the prince at the Pavilion at noon. He has a luncheon prepared for us and wishes to extend his sympathies at the death of my uncle as well as his congratulations for me ascending to new heights and inheriting the dukedom. I’m sure he is relieved that my uncle requested no mourning for his passing. Prinny hates for his plans to be ruined by anything so inconsequential as someone’s death. He has many amusements planned for the upcoming weeks and it would have been rather boorish for my uncle’s death to have cast a dark shadow over his entertainments.” He took a step closer and deliberately peeked down at her lying in the tub. “While I was just coming to inform you of today’s plans, I was not expecting such a delightful treat. Seeing you like this makes me wish to continue our lessons.”
Sophie’s cheeks pinkened at his reminder of what had occurred in the carriage between them. He had not spoken much to her since that day, and she wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but from the look on his face, she knew he was still interested in continuing what they had agreed upon.
Benedict took one more lingering look before turning to leave the room. “I will wait for you downstairs. Please be prompt, Prinny detests tardiness.”
Once he was gone, Sophie slid down underneath the surface of the water. The man really was quite vexing, but one thing she wasn’t confused about was the feelings that came over her anytime he looked at her as if she were his favorite sweet treat. May the heavens help her for being wanton, but she was looking forward to another one of their lessons.
Benedict stood on the landing at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Sophie to appear. He hoped that she would not keep him waiting for long. When he heard the rustle of her dress and soft footsteps, he looked up and once again was surprised at the vision before him.
She wore another one of Madame Lacroix’s creations, this one was a pale lavender. Her hair was elegantly styled, and she looked every inch the duchess she now was. She was magnificent, there just wasn’t another word to describe her. He couldn’t imagine how she escaped her first season without a string of marriage proposals. The men of the ton must be blind because when Sophie was in a room, he couldn’t imagine how anyone could notice another woman.
Sophie smiled brightly, pleased that her husband seemed to have lost any words at her appearance. “I am early, just as you requested.”
Benedict mentally shook away the carnal thoughts that seemed to continuously keep forming in his mind. “Yes, Prinny will be much appreciative of that.” He wrapped her cloak about her shoulders as he escorted her outside to the waiting carriage.
Once inside, Sophie could no longer hide her excitement. “I must confess that I am thrilled to be going to the Pavilion. I have heard it is very unique in its architecture and decor and the prince has many plans to expand it.”
Benedict couldn’t help but be drawn into her cheery mood. He smiled at her exuberance. “I have not been to it before, but I have heard rumors.”
Sophie looked out the window of the carriage as they made their way down the street. “I hope I can contain my enthusiasm enough so that I will not embarrass you. I never imagined being able to dine with the prince.”
Benedict chuckled. “Dining with Prinny is an adventure. He loves indulgence and sometimes serves up to twenty courses. Hopefully, this luncheon will not be one of those times.” He saw her nervously fiddling with her fingers, he reached over and took her hand and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Thank you for being so gracious last night with Henry. I had meant to tell you sooner, but it had been such a long journey, and I didn’t wish to disturb you.”
Sophie blushed prettily at his praise. “I was only trying to do what I thought was right. My mother was always kind to our servants, and they loved her.”
Benedict nodded and released her hand. “Your mother taught you well, and while the circumstances surrounding our union might be different from others, I am pleased with my decision to have you as my duchess, even if I will not be much of a duke.”
“You shouldn’t speak like that, and I don’t believe that for a second. I think you will make a fine Duke of Kenworth. Just because it wasn’t in your original plans doesn’t mean it wasn’t what you were meant to do.”
Benedict scoffed at her statement. “I was meant to own The Lair, to make it the most profitable gaming house London has ever seen, and I have been successful in that. Now, if I find the time to be right, I will expand into Brighton, and I have every intention of being successful here as well. That you can be certain of, my dear.”
Sophie turned away. “I have no doubts. The Lair is your priority, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your knowledge and influence to increase the holdings of the dukedom. I’m sure you can be just as successful there, and your tenants and the servants you employ will be grateful to you for your attention.”
Benedict listened to her words and a part of him surged with pride that she had so much confidence in his abilities, while another part of him hated the fact that he might disappoint her in that endeavor.
The carriage pulled up to the Pavilion and Benedict helped Sophie to the ground. She took several minutes to look around at the commotion surrounding the royal residence. Since the Prince had decided to expand his residence at Brighton, he had commissioned the designer John Nash to oversee the project. While Benedict had seen the plans, it was difficult at the moment to picture exactly how splendid the Pavilion would be once completed.
“It doesn’t look like much now, but in a few years’ time, it will be the most magnificent structure around. I’m sure Prinny will show you his visualization for the residence after luncheon. He loves telling everyone about his concept and expansion ideas on what the future Pavilion will look like.
They walked up the steps and were met by two footmen dressed in the royal livery. The doors were opened, and as they stepped inside, Benedict heard Sophie suck in her breath at the opulence before them. While the Pavilion may be under construction, the small area where Prinny resided while the construction was taking place, was still every bit a royal residence.
“Kingston, my dear friend.”
Benedict bowed deeply as the prince came forward wearing a deep frown and a concerned look on his face.
“Your majesty, I came as soon as possible.”
“My dear friend, under the circumstances, I am just pleased you were able to come at all. I extend my sympathies to you on the death of your uncle. While I did not know him well personally, I do know that he and my father were friends during their youth. I was informed of his death yesterday and also of his wishes that you do not adhere to a relegated period of mourning. I must confess, I had feared you would not be able to attend the festivities I had planned for the next two weeks, but as it was his wish that his death not be mourned, I think we shall continue with our plans and do our best to adhere to his wishes.”
Benedict nodded, that was more sympathy from Prinny than he expected. “As you know, my uncle and I were not close. I am sorry for his death but fully understand the reason for his request.” He turned toward Sophie and took her hand tugging her forward. “You remember my new bride.” Benedict watched as the prince’s face transformed, and he knew there would be no more talk of death or bereavement.
The prince took her hand and raised it to his lips as Sophie sank into an elegant deep curtsey. “Of course, one doesn’t forget a woman this lovely. Welcome to Brighton, my dear duchess.” Prinny released her and held out his hand for them to come further into the palace. “Come join us, a few more of our friends have already arrived and luncheon will be served soon.”
Benedict placed Sophie’s hand on his arm as they followed the prince into the elaborate room where several others were waiting.
He glanced around the room and saw not only the Duke of Hawksford and his lovely wife Persephone, but the Duke of Leicester and his duchess Catherine along with a few other peers he did not immediately recognize. Charles and Bella were notably absent, and he wondered if they were planning on attending.
Hawk stepped forward, his ubiquitous ducal presence radiating about him. Out of all his friends, Hawk was the one whom he found most intimidating.
“I suppose both my sympathies and congratulations are in order Kingston. I am sorry to hear the news about your uncle. I was surprised to learn of the connection between the two of you. After being friends for so many years, you never mentioned your connection to Kenworth.” He glanced over to where Sophie was clinging to Benedict’s arm. “But I will say you are most fortunate to avoid the hordes of unmarried ladies eagerly seeking to snag a titled husband. This must be your lovely new bride.” Hawk took Sophie’s hand just as his wife Persephone joined them. “I am pleased to meet you. Your husband and I have been friends for many years.”
Persephone stepped forward and took both of Sophie’s hands in hers. Her effervescent nature could melt the stoniest countenance and put anyone at ease. “Yes, congratulations. My name is Persephone, and I am also pleased to meet you. Would you care to join me? We can let the men talk about all the boring things they enjoy, and I will introduce you to my sister-in-law. It will give us some time to get to know each other as well.”
Sophie glanced up briefly at Benedict but seeing that he had no desire to keep her by his side she smiled brightly at the duchess. “I would like that very much, thank you.”
Benedict watched as the two ladies walked away to join Catherine on the opposite side of the room.
“I have heard rumors of your hasty marriage. Perhaps you would like to fill me in on the details. I much prefer hearing the truth as opposed to rumor,” Hawk said quietly.
At that time, Leicester stepped toward them. “Yes, please enlighten us. Because the last time we saw you, there was a pretty little actress draped across your lap, and no mention of marriage ever came into the conversation, what little conversation there was.”
Benedict smiled knowing this was coming. He fully expected his friends to have questions concerning his abrupt marriage and the circumstances surrounding his new title, but he had hoped that they would not start the interrogation as soon as he walked through the doors.
“There isn’t much to tell. Sophie is the sister of Lord Pettigrew, the young lord who lost his entire inheritance at the Lair several months ago. Sophie was put in a rather unfortunate position because of his actions, and since I also found myself in a rather unexpected position, we came to an agreement that would be beneficial to the both of us.”
Hawk’s brow furrowed in confusion. “An agreement?”
Kingston narrowed his eyes. “Our marriage is more of a business agreement. We both had a need and saw where a union between us would be advantageous. She has the protection of my name, and I have her connection and help when it comes to navigating through the ton. Despite her brother, her lineage is impeccable. She will make a wonderful duchess. Nothing more than that.”
Leicester laughed. “Nothing more? Does that mean that you haven’t bedded her?”
Kingston didn’t answer and felt the question to be more than a bit intrusive.
Hawk grinned as if he were holding the answer to some sort of secret. “Well, that answers my next question.” He took a glass from the tray of a passing footman as did the other men. “She is beautiful. I can’t believe we have not seen her in London before.”
“When she was in London enjoying the season, we were more than likely doing everything we could to avoid young ladies of her age,” Leicester said as he watched Sophie across the room interacting with his wife and sister-in-law.
“She only had one season before her brother became Viscount, and once he came into the title, he spent the majority of his time gaming and whoring. She was virtually ignored by her brother, that is until she had something he needed.”
“Well, it looks like she will not be ignored any longer,” Hawk replied as he tilted his head toward the ladies where a gentleman had come forward to join them.
Kingston watched as the man bowed to the ladies and then reached for Sophie’s hand with a familiarity he didn’t miss.
Kingston took a sip of his wine and watched as Sophie’s eyes lit up and her smile widened at whatever the bastard was saying to her.
“Who is that? I haven’t seen him in the Lair or around London.”
Hawk took a breath and another sip of wine before answering. “That, my friend, is the Earl of Warrick, he has just recently returned to England from India. Rumor has it that he made quite a fortune while there but has returned to take his responsibilities more seriously. He comes from an excellent family with a fine lineage.”
“Yes, he returned to take care of his family, two sisters, and a brother, I believe,” Bella said as she walked up beside them causing the three men to turn in her direction.
“Hmm, how is it that you know so much about the young lord, Bella?” Kingston asked as he looked from Bella to Charles who was standing protectively behind her.
Bella shrugged her shoulders. “Sophie and I had the pleasure of meeting him the day before we left London while taking a carriage ride through the park. I asked Charles about him when he came home that evening. Lord Warrick seems like such a nice young man and extraordinarily handsome, don’t you think? I’m sure the ladies will be fawning over him once the season commences again. We shall just have to wait and see what his intentions are. I have not heard if he would be seeking a bride. At his age, none of you were actively considering marriage.” She tilted her head to the side and gave Kingston a sweet smile. “At the time of our meeting in the park, he seemed quite smitten with Sophie. I see that hasn’t changed. It’s a good thing your marriage is only a business arrangement and not a love match.” She placed her hand on her husband’s arm and looked up at him lovingly. “I think I will join the other ladies. Gentlemen, I do so hope you enjoy catching up.”
They watched as Bella walked away to join the group of ladies congregating around the young earl.
“What exactly does this business arrangement mean?” Hawk asked as he arched his brows curiously.
“It means that not only has our friend Benedict not bedded his beautiful new bride, but at the time when it becomes advantageous to them both, they can go separate ways, Kingston concentrating on his business and newfound responsibilities of the Duke of Kenworth, and his lovely duchess can take her place in society or do whatever she sees fit. It sounds like the perfect arrangement, does it not?”
Kingston looked back and glared in Charles’ direction. “I refuse to discuss my wife or our mutual agreement with the three of you. It is a matter that is strictly between me and Sophie.”
“That’s all well and good, my friend, but do you not realize what will happen if you continue this farce? It will be discovered that your marriage is not as it should be, and she will become victim to every rake and lecherous rogue in the ton.” Hawk narrowed his eyes. “I know this because a few years ago, I would have been one of those men. Trust me, a lady that looks like her with a husband that is less than concerned about her bedroom activities would have been sniffed out within minutes.”
Leicester let out a long and low whistle. “I never thought of it like that, but Hawk is right. Married ladies are often sought out for a quick dalliance. Lord Whitmore’s wife took her lover’s right under her husband’s nose. I heard that one time, she had a lover in her room with her husband sleeping right next door.”
Kingston frowned as he watched the earl lean closer to Sophie saying something that made her laugh. “If I told you that I have no intention of sharing my wife with anyone, would you cease your cackling and meddling in my life? I swear the three of you are no better than the dowagers that sit on the edge of the ballrooms gossiping about everyone they see.”
“I would take offense if I didn’t regrettably recognize the comparison. We simply don’t want to see you make some of the same mistakes that we ourselves have made in the past. I am glad that you have come to see the ridiculousness of your proposal on your own without my constant badgering. I knew you would never allow such a thing. The idea was ludicrous and would never have worked, no matter what kind of arrangement you try to convince yourself that you have.” Charles said with a satisfied grin. “You would have been challenging men to duels in no time.”
“Dueling is illegal, but I see your point,” Benedict replied as he continued to watch his wife interact with the young earl.
“Since we are beginning to sound like a bunch of old dowagers, let’s discuss something closer to your heart and more to our liking. Do you still have plans to open another gaming house here in Brighton or now that you have assumed the role of Duke of Kenworth, have you abandoned the idea?” Hawk asked.
“My being the new Duke of Kenworth will not have any bearing on The Lair or my expansion into Brighton, if I choose to do so. While we are here at Prinny’s behest, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to survey the area, look at properties, and decide if I feel it would be profitable. As the three of you know, I will do nothing if I do not see the potential to heavily increase my coffers.”
“Excellent. I would be interested in going with you to look over the buildings. Anything to make my time here in Brighton more interesting,” Charles said as their attention was drawn to the ladies just as another burst of laughter rang out from the group.
“I think we have talked enough for one night about marriage and business. Shall we join the ladies or just continue to watch from afar as Warrick persists in charming them?” Leicester asked already moving toward the group.
Kingston finished off the glass of wine he held in his hand, clenching the stem of the glass tighter as Warrick leaned closer, his arm brushing against Sophie as he said something to make her blush. He stalked toward her and casually placed his hand on the small of her back when he reached her side. He knew it was a possessive move, and while he had told himself repeatedly that he was not the sort of man to be jealous of the attention Sophie would receive from other men, he couldn’t fight the feeling.
Sophie suppressed a shiver at Benedict’s touch and was surprised at the intense frown on his face when she looked up at him. “I am glad you joined us. The earl was just telling us stories of India. Have the two of you met before?”
Benedict pulled her closer to his side, an action not missed by the rest of the group. “No, I have not had the pleasure.”
Charles eagerly stepped forward. “Then it would be my pleasure to formally make the introductions. Ambrose Devereaux, Earl of Warrick please meet our dear friend, his grace Benedict Kingston, the new Duke of Kenworth. Of course, you are fortunate to already be familiar with his lovely wife, Sophie.”
Kingston narrowed his eyes as the young lord bowed deeply.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, your grace. I had the pleasure of meeting the duchess in the park only a few days ago. I was surprised to see her again so soon.”
The man’s pleasant nature and perfect smile made Benedict despise him even more. “I’m certain you were.”
Sophie looked up at him sharply confused by his clipped response.
Before anyone could say another word, the prince came over. “Luncheon is to be served, If I may, I will escort the newest duchess into the dining room.” He reached over and took Sophie’s hand and placed it on his arm. He watched as the other ladies joined their escorts and was surprised to find Bella standing next to him.
“If the prince gets to escort the newest duchess, I think I should be escorted by the newest duke. Do you mind being my escort, your grace?”
Kingston wasn’t sure he would ever get used to the title he now carried but offered Bella his arm.
“I am happy to see Sophie fitting in nicely with everyone. She has the uncanny ability to charm anyone, as you can see by the way the earl was watching her. I think she will make a marvelous duchess,” Bella said as they followed behind the others.
Kingston didn’t like being here, he didn’t like the pomp and circumstance surrounding Prinny, and he didn’t like the implications being made about Sophie and Warrick. “I had no doubts in her abilities.”
Bella looked up at him with a sweet conniving smile. “And while I don’t agree with your decision concerning your marriage, I am glad to know that you will be understanding of the attention she receives. An arrangement like yours has no room for jealousy.”
Benedict’s steps faltered. Jealousy? Was that the emotion he was so obviously displaying? Angry, possessive, suspicious, and maybe a touch envious that Warrick was the recipient of Sophie’s bright warm smile and enchanting laughter, but was it so apparent that he was jealous? No, he had always been a bit of a gambler and was well-practiced at schooling his emotions. While jealousy was a new sentiment for him to experience, he must learn to hide his feelings better. It was never a positive thing for a man’s emotions to be so easily read. He looked over to where his wife had been seated next to the flattering Earl of Warrick and thought one more time that he had to have more control over his emotions. Being jealous would be unwise, but if Warrick put a hand on her, he would not hesitate to drag the young lord out by the scruff of his neck, regardless of what Prinny or anyone else had to say about it.