Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Eighteen
Later that evening as Benedict held his wife in his arms while they lay in his bed, he couldn’t help but wonder at the sense of contentment he felt. The Devil’s Lair had always been the center of his world, making money and building an empire his top priority. Now that Sophie was in his life, it made him ponder the future, a future that someone was trying to steal from him. How would he be able to search for the person responsible and keep her safe?
Sophie stirred against him, and he tightened his hold on her. The more he was with Sophie, the more he wanted her. At first, it had startled him to think that while in Brighton, he had not really thought of the Lair often, nor did he miss the excitement it had at one time offered him. He had thought about Sam and wondered if he was having any trouble managing the establishment in his absence, but the desire to return to London was not as strong as he had thought it would be.
He closed his eyes and tried to rest, but the incident that afternoon was weighing heavily on his mind. It’s not as if he had not been in danger before. While working with Charles and their friend Camden Davenport, there had been many instances when he had faced danger head-on, but this time it was different. He had more to lose now. Perhaps he should take Avanley’s advice and send for Davenport to assist with his search. Since sleep was not going to come easily for him tonight, he thought about going to the study and sending a letter to Harrison at the War Department in London. Davenport had worked as a spy for Harrison and his superiors for years, and he would know where to find him.
As the thought of leaving his bed crossed his mind, Sophie’s bare leg moved over his and she pressed her body against his. His cock instantly sprang to life. His hands moved under the sheets to caress her smooth naked skin, tomorrow would be soon enough to send a missive to Harrison if he did not change his mind by then. Tonight, he had more important things to do, like making love to his wife again for the third time that evening.
After waking up alone in the duke’s chambers, Sophie decided that after a quick breakfast, she would take a walk along the Steine taking advantage of the fresh sea air and the sunshine. Henry had informed her that Benedict had left early that morning as he was meeting with the Duke of Avanley and would be gone for the majority of the day. With Benedict being away, and her faced with the boredom of being alone, Sophie thought a nice walk in the warmth of the day would do her good.
The Steine was crowded this morning with many of the ton arriving for the long season. She nodded her head and smiled in greeting as she passed some of the other ladies and gentlemen who had also decided to enjoy the rare, pleasant weather. Her lady’s maid had accompanied her but had not proved to be a very talkative companion.
Many of the elite had traveled to Brighton to bathe in the ocean waters. It had become quite a popular pastime to bathe in the waters along the coast. There were places designated where the ladies could enjoy the water in private away from the prying eyes of the gentlemen. Catherine, being the adventurous sort had convinced Bella to accompany her today, and Bella in turn, had tried to persuade Sophie to join them. But Sophie was not inclined to swim out into the cold waves. So, she had decided against joining her friends and instead had chosen to simply take a walk along and visit a few of the local merchants in town.
Sophie turned her head to address the lady’s maid who was following along dutifully behind her. “It is a lovely day today, isn’t it Sarah?”
“Yes, your grace.”
Sophie’s smile turned down a little as the young maid immediately dropped her head clearly not interested in continuing the conversation. She turned back to ask the young woman another question when she accidentally bumped into a large body.
“Oh, my goodness. I’m so….” Her words froze in her throat as she glanced up into the face leering down at her.
“No apologies, necessary, Miss Pettigrew.”
Sophie felt a cold shiver run up her spine as she recognized the man standing before her.
The man took off his hat, and in a flourish, bowed before her. “Ah, but I had forgotten. Your brother told me just a few days ago that you had married, married to the proprietor of the Devil’s Lair, nonetheless. The very man to see to your brother’s downfall. Most ironic don’t you think?”
Sophie narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders determined not to be intimidated by the man before her. “My brother created his own downfall. He has no one to blame but himself.”
She did not recall the name of the man before her, but she did remember the last time she had seen him. He was one of the men her brother had brought with him to the abbey on his last visit when he had made the reprehensible proposal that she should allow herself to be set up as one of London’s high-priced courtesans.
His eyes dropped to her feet and slowly raked up her body until they settled on her face once more. “I must tell you that I was terribly disappointed to hear of your marriage. I believed you would have been…. brilliant in the role your brother suggested.” He reached up to touch her face and Sophie instantly backed away.
“Let me pass!”
He chuckled as he took a step closer causing her to retreat further. “Darling, we would have been so good together. I don’t know if your brother properly informed you, but I am a wealthy man and would have set you up in style. We could have seen the world, you and I, but instead, you chose marriage to a man who will never favor you above the Devil’s Lair. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to at least be second, but what am I saying, Kingston is wealthy and will keep you very comfortable with his deep pockets.” He arched his eyebrows as he leaned down closer to her. “It seems as if there is not much difference in the arrangement he has offered and the one your brother suggested.” He looked around. “Where is Kingston, by the way, I haven’t seen him about town. Has he already left you to return to his den of iniquity in London? A man like him would never be able to give you what you deserve.” He licked his lips and Sophie felt a wave of nausea wash over her.
She tried to sidestep away from him again, but this time he reached up and grabbed her arm squeezing painfully.
“Keep in mind, my dear, that when you grow tired of being left alone, tired of being just another one of Kingston’s acquisitions, I am not opposed to sharing my bed with a married woman. I won’t even make you beg.”
Sophie tugged on her arm, but he wouldn’t release her. She looked around at the people mingling around them but didn’t want to cause a scene that would get back to Benedict, nor did she want the rest of the ton to discover what her brother had suggested. The grip the man had on her arm was hurting her, but she refused to cry out. She was about to demand her release when a deep voice came from behind her.
“Release the lady at once, or you will meet me with pistols at dawn.”
Sophie looked behind her to see the Earl of Warrick coming to her defense.
The man quickly dropped her arm and took a step back. “Warrick, I had not heard that you were back from India.”
The earl came to stand protectively in front of Sophie. “As you can see, I have. It appears as if you have not changed your ways, Hartley. Still having to harass and badger women to get their attention?” He stepped closer causing the other man to look up just a bit. “I will give you some much needed advice, you will find it in your best interest to never harass this particular duchess again. Do I make myself clear?”
The man looked from Warrick to Sophie, confusion evident on his face. “A duchess?”
Sophie took some pleasure in seeing the look of perplexity on his face. “Yes, my husband is the Duke of Kenworth.”
The man’s confusion turned to bitter laughter. “Kingston? The Duke of Kenworth? I swear that man has the luck of the gods on his side.”
Sophie felt a wave of humiliation wash over her, she just wanted to leave. She wanted to go back home and never venture out again, the earl took a step forward to put himself between her and her brother’s friend, and then he took her hand and placed it on her arm.
“May I escort you, your grace?”
Sophie sent him a grateful smile and inclined her head.
As they passed her brother’s friend, who was still giving her a condescending grin that made her want to shirk away, Warrick stopped long enough to deliver one more threat. “I will hear no more of your harassment of the lady. If I do, you will deal with me.”
Sophie kept her eyes downcast as they walked on leaving the man from her past behind. She felt a mixture of relief and embarrassment. If Warrick knew what her brother had tried to do, what would he think of her?
He remained silent as they continued to stroll through the crowds that had gathered on the popular thoroughfare. Sophie’s maid had remained quiet during the confrontation and had allowed herself to fall back a few steps as they walked.
“Thank you for coming to my aide today. The man is a friend of my brother’s and I had only met him once before. He is not an acquaintance of mine, nor do I wish him to be.”
The earl placed a hand over hers. “The man is Viscount Hartley, and he is exactly the kind of man your brother would be drawn to.”
Sophie looked up at him quickly. “You know my brother?”
He gave her a sad smile. “I have met him only once, and I must say, I was not impressed. His sister on the other hand is quite lovely and nothing like her brother.”
Sophie blushed and looked away. If Warrick knew her brother, it was entirely possible that he knew of her situation. “I think I have had enough fresh air for the day. I should return home and rest before the ball tonight.”
“Then allow me to see you safely home, your grace.”
Sophie allowed the earl to walk with her back to the house where she and Benedict were staying. When they reached the front steps. Her hand dropped from his arm, and he bowed deeply.
“Thank you again for coming to my assistance today. I owe you a debt of gratitude.”
Warrick lifted her hand to his lips for a brief kiss. “You owe me nothing, your grace, but if you would like to repay me in some way, I would be honored if you would save me a dance tonight at the ball.”
“Of course,” Sophie gave him a small smile before hurrying up the steps into the house. Once inside, she dismissed her maid until it was time to get ready for the ball.
As she handed her cloak to Henry she asked, “Has his grace returned home, yet?”
“No, your grace. He did say he would be here in time to escort you tonight.”
Sophie nodded. “I will be in my rooms if you need me for anything, Henry.”
“As you wish, you grace.”
Sophie hurried up the stairs to the duchess’s chambers and once inside she went immediately to the settee by the fireplace. Her hands began to tremble. The incident with Lord Hartley had shaken her, and if he was bold enough to confront her on a crowded street surrounded by members of the ton, then others who knew of her brother’s proposition to make her a courtesan would surely not hesitate as well. How long would she have to deal with the shame her brother had caused because of his actions? Once they returned to London would she be forced to defend herself again and again? Would Benedict eventually become ashamed of her past? These questions swam through her head as she stared into the flames. She closed her eyes and laid her head back against the cushions. Perhaps it would be better if she lived a life in seclusion, out of sight of the wagging tongues of the beau monde that could so easily destroy any hope she ever had of a peaceful life.
Later that evening
After spending the day with Avanley, Benedict had made it back home with only enough time to bathe and dress for the ball Prinny was hosting at the assembly rooms that night. While he had always tried to avoid gatherings such as this, preferring to spend his time at the Lair, tonight was different. This would be his first appearance within the ton as the Duke of Kenworth and with Sophie as his duchess by his side.
He had yet to see her since his arrival home, and as he waited impatiently downstairs for her to make an appearance, he began to grow concerned when she did not emerge.
“Henry, has the duchess been downstairs today?”
The older man took two steps forward before clasping his hands behind his back. “Yes, your grace. She went for a walk this afternoon with her lady’s maid but has not ventured from her room since her return.”
“Hmm, please inform the coachman that we will be longer than expected.”
Benedict moved quickly up the stairs stopping once he reached the door to her rooms. He knocked lightly but when there was no answer, he opened the door and walked inside. He scanned the bedchamber and found her sitting on the chaise beside the window staring plaintively outside. She had not even noticed his entrance. She was dressed for the ball, wearing a beautiful ballgown the color of garnet, her white gloves, and fan sitting beside her.
“Sophie?”
She jumped, startled by his voice, and rose quickly from where she was sitting.
“I apologize, have you been waiting long?”
“An eternity,” he jested as he stepped closer. When he saw the frown lines between her eyes and the way her eyes seemed to have lost their sparkle, he became concerned.
“Are you ill, love? We can certainly send our regrets if you are feeling unwell.”
Sophie reached down for her gloves and began pulling them over her arms as she tried to avoid the look of concern she saw on his face. “I simply lost track of time. I am fine.” She reached for her fan and moved toward him.
As she made to move past him, Benedict reached for her arm and pulled her to a stop. “You are upset. What happened today, Sophie?”
She looked up at him surprised that he could read her so well and pasted a fake smile on her face. “Whatever do you mean? I had a lovely day.”
Benedict knew when he was being lied to, and his dear wife had already proved what a terrible liar she could be, and he was certain that she was lying to him now. “Henry said you went for a walk and after your return, you stayed to your rooms. Then I find you, somberly staring out the window, not excited at all about the ball or the beautiful new gown you are wearing. I am not a fool, love. Something must have happened while you were out today, and I want to know what it is.”
Sophie sighed heavily and chuckled a bit hoping he would not discover the truth. “I am most excited about the ball and the lovely new gown I am wearing tonight, I simply lost track of time. I have been a bit tired today, that is all.” She gave him her best smile. “Now, shall we go? I’m afraid I have already caused us to be late.”
Benedict didn’t believe her, but he would not persist with questioning her, at least for now. He followed as she descended the stairs and made her way outside to the waiting carriage. Something had happened to steal the light from her eyes, and he was determined to discover the truth behind it.
Brighton Assembly Rooms
“Outward appearances seem to suggest that you have entered the ton as the new Duke of Kenworth with very little opposition. I can’t help but wonder if it is because of your lovely bride. She has been most charming tonight. Even the old dowagers seem approving of her,” Charles commented as they stood off to the side of the ballroom and watched as their wives twirled across the dance floor in a quadrille.
“That was one of the reasons, I married her. Her pedigree is impeccable.”
“Bloody hell, Kingston. She is your wife, don’t speak of her as if she were a horse you purchased at Tattersalls.”
Benedict rolled his eyes and turned to give his friend an exasperated look. “I was merely making a statement, but yes she has been most charming this evening as I had no doubt she would be.”
“Well, the good news is that you have almost made it an entire day without someone trying to put a bullet through your heart.” He took a sip of his champagne as his grin spread across his face. “Of course, the night is young. There is still time.”
Benedict kept his eyes on Sophie as she moved around the ballroom. She had not been herself this evening, but once they had arrived at the assembly rooms, a mask seemed to descend upon her, and she played her part as dutiful duchess to perfection. She smiled and chatted happily with those around her, and he realized that she truly was born for a role such as this. He was just about to step forward and request a dance with his duchess when the Earl of Warrick materialized beside her.
Benedict suppressed a feral growl that threatened to burst forth as he watched the young earl bow as he took Sophie’s hand before raising it to his lips. Sophie demurely lowered her eyes, but it looked as if she was accepting his invitation to a dance. At least it was not to be a waltz.
“Ah, it seems as if your favorite suspect has decided to join us. Don’t look so livid, at least with Warrick here in your sight, you should have no fear of him hiding in the shadows waiting for an ambush,” Charles replied with a teasing grin as he regarded the ferocious stance of his friend.
“You don’t think he could be the person responsible for yesterday?”
Charles shook his head. “I think there are many people that would be on my list before Warrick, her brother for example. What does Warrick have to gain with your demise other than making Sophie a beautiful young widow? A distant relative hoping to inherit the dukedom or her brother seeing revenge would be higher on my list than a lovesick earl.”
Benedict had been so intent on watching Sophie that he didn’t notice that Leicester had joined them.
“Lovesick earl? You must be speaking of Warrick.” Both men turned to glare at him. “From what I hear, you should be thanking Warrick,” Leicester said earning puzzling looks from both his friends.
“And how is that?”
Leicester shrugged his shoulders. “It is just rumor mind you, but Catherine was told something this evening by Lady Milton that you might find interesting.”
Benedict narrowed his eyes. “Rumors? You have never been one to listen to rumors.”
“True, but Catherine is most convinced that this one has some basis in truth.”
Avanley sighed heavily. “Are you going to tell us what was said or are we to guess? I’m not sure how this is done, since I do not tend to sit with the dowagers gossiping about my peers.”
Leicester’s lips turned down at the insult. “While walking along the Steine this morning, Lady Milton said she saw Sophie accosted by Lord Hartley. According to Catherine, Lady Milton told her that Lord Hartley and Sophie were having words, and the young lord was reluctant to release the rather tight hold he had on her until Lord Warrick came upon them. Warrick inserted himself between the two of them and had a few words of his own with Hartley.” He looked to Kingston. “Did Sophie fail to mention the incident to you?”
Kingston clenched his hands into fists as he felt a nearly all-consuming anger overcome him.
Charles put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Keep in mind this is rumor and you have no idea what was said. I would certainly find out the truth from Sophie before I accused her of a false allegation.”
Kingston didn’t bother to respond to his friend’s advice. He pushed his way through the crowd to take his place on the edge of the dance floor. He watched as Sophie and Warrick participated in a country dance where they switched from one partner to the next. His eyes were locked on her and when the music stopped, he made his way to her side. Warrick was bowing over her hand and made no move to retreat when he saw Benedict moving in their direction.
“Good evening, Kenworth. Your wife is a lovely dancer. You must count yourself extremely blessed to have found such a lady of her caliber, grace, and beauty.”
Benedict frowned as he looked from Warrick back to his wife. “Yes, I am most fortunate.”
Sophie felt the tension between her husband and Lord Warrick.
Warrick turned to her and smiled once more. “Perhaps the two of you would like some time alone.”
Sophie returned his smile. “Yes, thank you again for the dance, my lord.”
Benedict waited until Warrick was far enough away that he could not hear what would be said between them.
“You look as if you could use some fresh air, darling. Come walk with me,”
Sophie tried to smile as he took her by the arm to lead her through the throng of people. “It is getting rather warm in here.” Once outside she took a deep breath as she looked up at the stars.
Benedict maneuvered her away from the entrance so they could talk without prying ears listening. “Are you enjoying the evening, Sophie?”
She turned to face him as she flipped open her fan. “Yes, although I can’t remember a time when I have danced so much. I have had so many partners tonight that I am afraid tomorrow my feet will have blisters.”
Benedict had never been one for subtlety, especially when he wanted information. “What happened in the park today, Sophie?”
He watched as her smile faltered and her face paled. She looked away but did not retreat.
Sophie let out a soft sigh and clutched her hands together. “I had hoped the incident had gone unnoticed.”
Benedict put a finger under her chin and gently turned her face toward him. “Tell me, Sophie. What happened between you and Warrick?”
A look of surprise came over her face. She shook her head slightly. “Lord Warrick?”
Benedict narrowed his eyes. “I heard there was an incident.”
Sophie felt her cheeks warming. “Yes, but Lord Warrick was not involved. He merely assisted me in removing myself from the situation.”
“Damn it, Sophie! What happened?” Her body shuttered when he raised his voice and he reminded himself to remain calm.
“While walking in the park, I accidentally bumped into a man. You might even know him, Lord Hartley. I didn’t know his name at the time, I only recognized him as one of the men that had come with my brother to the abbey the night that he suggested….” she hesitated, “The night he informed me of his brilliant plan for my future.” She lowered her head, as embarrassment swept over her. “Lord Hartley recognized me as well and knew of my brother’s proposition. He also let me know that he had been one of the men interested in obtaining…my services. When I tried to move around him, he refused to let me pass. Lord Warrick came upon us and insisted Hartley release me and he escorted me home.” She looked up and almost shrank back from the fury she saw in Benedict’s eyes. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you would be ashamed. I know you never wanted the title of Duke of Kenworth, but you are also not the kind of man that would want a scandal attached to your family’s name.”
She felt the tears gather in her eyes but willed them not to fall. She was stronger than this. She would not allow anyone to humiliate her again. “I didn’t want the shame of my brother to follow me, but I am afraid it has. I am sorry.”
Benedict had never felt fury like this before. He put his hands on her shoulders and forced her to face him. “What did Hartley say to you?”
“It’s of no consequence now. I just want to forget that it ever happened.” She put a hand to her hair, nervously pushing astray curl back behind her ear. “Can we just go home? I don’t feel like returning to the ball.”
Benedict took her hand in his and began dragging her behind him. “I will send you home in the carriage. There are things I need to attend to first.”
Sophie pulled back. “Benedict, please. You don’t have to do this. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Can we please just pretend it didn’t happen?”
Benedict’s anger was nearly consuming him. “No, Sophie! What kind of a man would I be if I let an insult to my wife go unanswered? Hartley will pay for his behavior and his treatment of you.”
“But if you confront him, everyone will know.”
“Everyone already knows, Sophie! If Hartley was bold enough to confront you in public, do you think he would have any scruples about telling everyone that he knows? Do you truly think your brother will keep his mouth shut? He is probably telling anyone that will listen simply hoping to see your reputation tarnished in the eyes of the ton.”
Sophie felt her knees grow weaker. “What should I do?”
“We aren’t going to hide from it or pretend this insult didn’t happen. I will deal with Hartley and when I am done, there will not be anyone within the ton that will doubt the ferocity at which I will defend my wife. I refuse to let this go unanswered, and when I see your brother again, I will deal with him too.” He took her hand and continued dragging her toward their carriage. He opened the door and assisted her inside but didn’t say anything before closing the door and instructing the driver to take her home.
He watched as the carriage started down the lane, and he made his way back with every intention of dragging Hartley out of the assembly rooms by his throat. The man had insulted her, and he would never let that stand. As he walked back toward the assembly rooms, his red haze of anger clouding his judgment, he thought of Warrick. He wanted to be angry with him too. After all, he had been there to defend and protect Sophie when he was not. That thought alone made him furious.
The stains of music drifted in the air, but he was focused on one thing, finding Lord Hartley. When he reached the door, he was met by Avanley, who was effectively trying to block his entrance.
“Get the hell out of my way, Charles.”
Avanley calmly and irritatingly took a sip of his drink. “You can’t do this here, Kingston.”
“Bloody hell! The man insulted my wife. What would you do?”
“Exactly what you are going to do, but I would not do so here.” He stepped closer. “There is a reason Sophie didn’t tell you about the incident today. She obviously was concerned with the scandal. The girl was born and raised in the ton. She knows full well the consequences that could occur if the ton decides to sink their teeth into the story of what her brother intended to do to her.”
Benedict raked a hand through his hair angrily. “I want the ton to know! I want them to know exactly what I will do if they disparage my wife.”
Charles remained annoyingly calm. “And you will do this by beating the hell out of Hartley, or do you plan on shooting him in the middle of the assembly hall? Either way, Sophie will be the one to suffer the most.” Charles shrugged his shoulders noncommittally. “That is unless you hang, but as you are now part of the upper level of the aristocracy, they more than likely would just see you transported, privilege of peerage can be useful at times.”
“I can’t believe you are suggesting that I allow this insult.”
“Oh, I’m not suggesting that at all. But there is a time and place for everything. You remember Hargrave and the insults he reaped upon Emma, McDonough’s duchess? Have you seen him in London lately? Or for that matter anywhere?”
Kingston knew his friend Davenport had been waiting on Hargrave back at the man’s home the night he had insulted Emma at the opera. He and McDonough had made certain Hargrave left for the continent and nothing more had been heard from him.
“So, you want me to lie in wait for him?”
Charles’ lips lifted into a dangerously predatory grin. “I’m just suggesting that you should deal with him in a less public place. Prinny would be most upset to have his ball ruined by bloodshed and you attacking Hartley would only make the ton salivate for more. And while I know that you don’t care for what the ton thinks, you must consider Sophie.”
“Very well, I will wait, but not for long.”