The Rake's Progress - Chapter 10

The Rake’s Progress - Chapter 10

Welcome to the world of Regency romance as we continue the story of a Regency Rake in the Rake’s Progress written by Miss Louisa Ayling. 

In September 1810, Horatia finds herself in a new city. Her mother had decided that the Bath season would be ideal for her daughter to taste a different environment to meet a new group of people., to allow her to submerge herself in some new company.

Will Horatia make new friends and be in the company of some different gentlemen?

So, shall we discover whether Horatia is missing having Matthias in her life?

Transcript

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Welcome back to the world of Regency Romance as we continue the story of a Regency Rake in the Rake's Progress, written by Miss Louisa Ailing. In September 1810, Horatia finds herself in a new city. Her mother had decided that the bath season would be ideal for her daughter to taste a different environment to meet a new group of people, to allow her to submerge herself in some new company. Will Horatia make new friends and find herself in the company of some different gentleman, and will she discover that she is missing having Matthias in her life? Late September 2010. The Assembly Rooms, Bath. Having arrived and settled down in Bath a couple of days before, Horatia now found herself in another hot ballroom, crammed with the fashionably dressed ladies of Bath made up of every silk or satin hue, contrasting with the dark tail-coated gentleman. She glanced around trying to see if there was anyone she recognized from the last London season but felt disappointed to not see anyone she knew. Then there was the cacophony of sounds from the orchestra, as well as the chattering people that was a plague on her ears and her senses. The strong sweet smell of various perfumes made her feel quite nauseous, but Mother had insisted that they attend the bath season. She was determined to display Horatio in front of as many gentlemen as possible, and coming to bath was just another opportunity not to be missed, as London had not provided the results she so wanted for her daughter. A prestigious marriage, preferably with a title. Lord Templeton had been a bitter disappointment, as he seemed very keen to be with Horatia, but he seemed to have disappeared on several occasions and not been seen anywhere during parts of the London season. As her husband had informed her in a vulgar fashion that the young man was sowing his wild oats and gaining much experience in partaking of sex with various female tutors of differing types, me dear, as all young gentlemen do. It's where we learn to fuck properly, you know. Well, that did not help Horatia to gain him as her husband if he was enjoying himself elsewhere. Going to Bath was the only option. Maybe there was a different crowd there, less competitive too. So, Horatia found herself, yet again, standing on the periphery of the dance floor, in the vain hope that someone would ask her to dance. Much to her chagrin, it was already supper time and not one dance to be had. Giving in to her appetite, she found her mother and they went into the supper room together, selected a few items from the buffet table, and with a glass of champagne they sat with a Lady Winters, a widow who resides in Bath with her sister, a Dowager Countess Sherrington, whose son is the Earl of Ashburton, whom they become associated with since arriving in Bath. Lady Stanweek, Miss Stanweek, it's so nice to see you both this evening. Are you enjoying bath? Most certainly. Lady Winters, walking in Sydney Gardens has been a most enjoyable pastime now, the weather is a little cooler, but still warm and sunny. Lady Stanweek replied. The pump room is the perfect place to meet people as well. No, we plan to visit tomorrow. I have heard that there is a concert here on Thursday evening, are you aware of it? Of course, Lady Stanweek, I will be attending with my sister and her youngest son. It will be delightful. They will entertain us with some Beethoven on this occasion, I believe. But we are promised Madame Catalani, such a beautiful soprano in a week's time. You should attend. Miss Stanweek, you will love her, such a pure voice. I saw her in Covent Garden two years ago. An outstanding performance. We will most definitely be attending, Lady Winters, will we not, Mama? Yes, most definitely, my dear. One has to partake of all that Bath has to offer. They continued to sip champagne and nibble on a petty fours. Then, Lady Winters' face blossomed into a beautiful smile. My nephew, Justin, has just arrived. She stood and waved her hand enthusiastically. A tall, handsome gentleman in his red officer's uniform traversed his way around the room to greet his aunt. Good evening, Lady Winters, Aunt, I'm so pleased to find you in this crush. The young officer bowed over his aunt's hand and pressed a kiss on it. I see you have made some friends already. Good to see, Justin, my boy. Yes, I have. May I introduce you to Lady Stanweek and her daughter, Miss Horatia Stanweek. He turned and bowed to Lady Stanweek, taking her hand. Lady Stanweek, a pleasure to meet you, madam. He then turned to Horatia, and her breath caught in her throat. Oh my! she thought, looking up at him, as he took her hand in his long-fingered grasp. Miss Stanweek. Delighted. His blue-gray eyes twinkled with mischief as he continued to hold her hand a little longer than necessary. Maybe you would honor me with a dance later. Of course, ah? Horatia looked up at him. Apologies, I do not know your full name, and it would be impolite to call you by the name Lady Winters addressed you with. Well, how remiss of us, Miss Stanweek, I'm Captain Justin Sherrington, so please would you hand me your dance card? He took the card and saw the empty spaces, and looked up to her through his lashes, with a quirk of a smile on his lips crinkling the outer corner of his eyes, so can I add my name to any dance or two that I would like? Why, of course, Captain, but no more than two, although rightly it should only be one. Well, let's break convention, and make it two. He handed her card back and noted he had chosen two waltzes of different styles, one being the French waltz and the other the German waltz, the latter being a little risque. He remained by Lady Winter's side talking about family and the fact he would be traveling over to the peninsula in a few months' time, back with his regiment, watching Horatia whilst she danced a country dance with Lord Hycliffe, a friend of her brother's. There was now another officer standing next to Captain Sherrington, she noticed as the dance came to an end, but she was soon claimed by her next partner, Lord Lacey, for the Cotillion. Once she had been returned to her mother's side, the captain quickly introduced Major Daniel Forsyth to Horatia, who asked for her dance card to see if there was anything remaining, and it turned out there was a lancer set after the French Waltz, which he signed his name against. She was pleased to have the opportunity for a rest before the waltz, so the captain asked if she would like refreshments. When she affirmed her decision, all three ambled through the crowd to make their way to the refreshment table over to the other side of the ballroom, chatting as they moved around the perimeter. The gentleman's eyes looking over the assembled crowd around the floor and on the dance floor, nodding at known acquaintances and obviously making connections with others. So, Major, are you also for the peninsula soon? Horatia asked as she sipped a coolly refreshing lemonade. Sadly, yes. I leave in two weeks' time, whereas my friend here is not in the continent until after the new year. Isn't that so, Sherrington? Yes, my regiment is joining those already out there in March, so I have some time to continue to enjoy society and the company of beautiful young ladies. His eyes twinkled wickedly over the rim of his glass before he took a sip of his wine, making Horatia react with a slight blush on her cheeks and a tingle that radiated down her body to her lower abdomen. Well, I'm sure there will be plenty of young ladies who will entertain you, Captain. Especially as you are classed as one of the season's catches, so the matchmaking mamas are saying. Horatia stated, making the major laugh, drawing attention to them. Horatia could see the sudden interest in the young ladies who had been an earshot, as they started to navigate their way in their direction. I think we should move from here quite quickly, Miss Stanwyck. Oh no, I think you should stay and enjoy the company. Horatia suggested, as she moved away, leaving the two gentlemen to their fate with a pretty smile on her face and twinkling eyes that only just hit her mischievous behavior. The captain shook his head in disbelief with a slight smile touching his lips, at the fate that she had left him, and the major, facing. Horatia weaved her way back to where she had stood before, smiling as she placed her empty glass on the tray of a passing footman. You're a naughty puss, Miss Stanweek, you have left the poor young gentleman to those feminine clutches that they find abhorrent. By what Captain Sherrington said, I believed I was helping him, Lady Winters. He mentioned that he would not be joining his regiment until March and was going to use the time to enjoy the company of young ladies. So I thought I would help his cause. Lady Winters laughed at Horatia's reply. Well, looking yonder, I believe you have helped them a great deal, but fair warning, they may wish to take their revenge at some stage. Well, I will fight that battle when it happens, Lady Winters. Lady Winters patted Horatia's arm. For a gentle-looking young girl, you have a remarkable strength of character, I believe. You do not suffer fools gladly, methinks, Miss Stanwyek. Lady Winters stated, as she watched her nephew's progress with the young girls and their mama surrounding him and his friend. But, much to my relief, and theirs also, I do believe they are making some progress in rebuffing such unwanted attention. They may like the company of young girls, but they do like to be able to make their own choices in the matter. Lady Winters looked at the Horatia with an assessing eye, then returned her attention back to her nephew. They've escaped the clutches of the enemy and are making their way back to safety, by my side. Horatia noticed too. They do look relieved to have an opportunity to retreat and regroup before the next campaign is waged by the enemy. Lady Winters laughed at her words. Succinctly put, Miss Stanweek. She replied and continued to laugh even when the two officers arrived. The captain crooked up his left eyebrow, in a questioning expression. Dear Aunt, what or who has you in such joviality, may I ask? I hope it is not at our expense. It was just what dear Miss Stanweek had just said about your escape, she made it sound like a military maneuver, which I thought was so apt under the circumstances, and very amusing to boot. Pray, may I inquire of what was it that you said, Miss Stanweek? I just mentioned that you both looked relieved to have had an opportunity to retreat and regroup before the next campaign is waged by the enemy, that is all. Touche, Miss Stanweek, touche. The captain stated, with a slight bow of his head, and the major just laughed, patting his friend several times on his back companionably. There's going to be many a battle for you here and in London, my friend. The Major replied laughingly. Are you brave enough then to defend your corner, Captain? Well, I'm hoping to have the assistance of my friends and family to support me, Miss Stanweek. But there will be times when maybe they are not around for you, what then? I believe I am man enough to fight my own battles. Even against the matchmaking mamas? Horatia asked, amusing Lady Winters, who was enjoying the witty conversation. Ah. Now that could be a full-on battle as opposed to the small skirmish I have just faced. That might need a full-on assault. You mean you have not developed tactics that could mean a deliberately easy withdrawal from the field? Maybe you have some useful ideas that I could implement, Miss Stanweek? Much to my mother's dismay, although I have read much about the peninsula campaign and Wellington's tactical approach, I cannot recall one for this situation, sadly, maybe the major would be of more use, or even Lady Winters. Her comments made them all laugh, including her mother. You have quite a wit, Miss Stanweek, and also seem to be well read too. Unusual as so many of the young ladies' heads are too full of romance novels, fashion and dance partners. Lady Winters declared. Horatia confessed. The dancers started to leave the floor, and Horatia realized that her French waltz with Captain Sherrington would be next, so when the first few introductory notes filled the air, the captain turned to her. I believe this is our waltz, Miss Stanwyck. He said, as he offered her his arm to escort her onto the floor. She quickly found herself held by the waist after the normal courtesies, as they whirled on the balls of their feet around each other and around the other dancers, their hands clasping over their heads. It was a wonderful sensation, dancing with the captain. He performed elegantly but led her extremely proficiently around the room, avoiding the other couples. Being so close to him made her senses tingle. His height and powerful build showed his control, but he smelt delightful, his cologne was masculinely seductive sandalwood with bergamot, lavender, and a musky base, blending with vanilla soap and the natural scent of the man. His essence was intoxicating, which added to the whole experience. They spoke very little but they seemed to be assessing each other. Miss Stanweek, you fascinate me. You have the most seductive perfume, or is it just you? Horatia blushed becomingly. I wear only Gardena, Captain, nothing more. He took a deep breath. It is so pure and tantalizing to my senses. If you were a bloom I would definitely pick you. Keep you to myself. If I'm not watered, I might wither though. I would look after you, care for you. You would never wither in my hands, Miss Stanwyek, another lemonade soon, I believe. His blue-gray eyes deepened as he looked into her green ones, and drew her hand up and kissed her knuckles, before escorting her from the floor as the music stopped. After her dance with the Major, she had the opportunity to stand with her mother and Lady Winters before another partner came up to ask her for another country dance. The captain with the Major had circulated with the other guests of the evening, but the captain was by her side once more before with a glass of lemonade and ready for the German waltz. He escorted her onto the floor and she felt a quiver pass through her at his touch. This German waltz was even more intimate than the French waltz, and when he placed his hand firmly on her lower back, it made her gasp as he drew her close. Relax, Miss Sternweek, I'm not going to devour you, my love. It's just a waltz. She looked up at him and gave him a tremulous smile. Ready? She nodded and he suddenly moved with the music, pulling her even closer as they whirled into the dance. It took her breath away, but it was exhilarating, and her heart beat a faster rhythm, blushing from the exertion. A smile burst onto her face. Now that's much better, Miss Stanweek. He said with an answering smile. You look so beautiful when you smile, so you should always smile. You flatter me, Captain. I'm not beautiful, just acceptable. You underestimate your charms, Miss Stanweek, your modesty does you proud. Well, coming from a handsome gentleman, I suppose I should take the compliment in good faith. I would not lie to you or flatter you with flowery compliments, I only state what is true. Horatia's blush deepened and she looked away, feeling self-conscious from his intense attention. The music slowed to indicate the end of the dance, they paid the expected courtesies and he placed her hand on his arm to escort her back to her mother, but he slowed their progress. He looked down at her. I think I like you, Miss Stanweek, and I'm sure we will cross paths again very soon. Yes, I believe we will. He returned her to her mother's side and soon left, taking Lady Winters and the Major with him, with Horatia and her mother following quickly behind them, and settled into the Winters' carriage taking them home, both in their own thoughts. As she made her way up the steps to their front door to enter their small rented townhouse, as the carriage pulled away to return the Lady Winters and the two officers to their own residence. Well, that was a successful evening, Horatia. Much more successful than the two London seasons. So, it seems, Mama. So, it seems. Horatia confirmed her own thoughts.