That Rake's Progress - Chapter 15

That Rake's Progress - Chapter 15

A Rake is always an intriguing character, a rogue, but a Regency Rake even more so. Now let us continue the story of one in the world of the Regency romance in Chapter 15 of

That Rake’s Progress 

Written by Miss Louisa Ayling.

Arriving at a Christmas houseparty in Berkshire, the Stanwycke family settle down to enjoy themselves.

Captain Sherrington makes his intentions known, which Horatia accepts, as expected by her parents.

Will the good Captain help Horatia to push her thoughts of Matthias away?

What will the New Year bring?

Transcript

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A rake is always an intriguing character, a rogue, everyone loves and wants to conquer a naughty boy. A Regency rake? Even more so. Now let us continue the story of one in the world of Regency Romance in The Rake's Progress. Written by Miss Louisa Ailing. Arriving at a Christmas house party in Berkshire, the Stanwyck family settle down to enjoy themselves. Captain Sherrington makes his intentions known, which Horatia accepts, as expected by her parents. Will the good captain help Horatia to push her thoughts of Matthias away, or is he just another rake? What will the new year bring? 23 December 1810, let the house party begin. 23 December 1810, let the house party begin. They arrived in fading sunshine along a gravel path that led through large iron gates hanging on tall stone pillars. The house glowed a yellowing orange as it appeared when they rounded a bend on the tree-lined driveway, giving way to an open drive with sweeping lawns. As they reached the front steps, the doors burst open, a butler and two footmen appeared, followed by a tall, handsome gentleman in a red uniform who came down the steps to greet them. Her father alighted from the carriage first. Good day to you, Lord Stanweek. I'm Captain Justin Sherrington. May I say it's a pleasure to meet you, and that you have all arrived safely. Why, thank you, Sherrington. Good to meet you at last. Horatia's father replied as he held out his hand for a firm handshake that was reciprocated following a slight bow. Lady Stanweek, good to see you again. Captain. Thank you for your kind invitation. The captain stepped forward to offer his hand to Horatia, as she alighted from the carriage. She blushed prettily, her eyes demurely lowered, and as she reached the drive he raised her hand, kissing her knuckles after bowing over it. She curtsied, looking up into his fathomless eyes, that appeared to be a deeper blue than their usual grayness. Miss Stanweek, a pleasure to see you again. Captain Sherrington, and I, you. Help me down, Horatia, please. Spoke a slightly whiny-sounding young voice, which broke the spell. So, who do we have here? The captain asked. This is my sister, Captain. Miss Adelaide. The captain took the little girl's hand to help her down the carriage steps. When on the drive, he bowed over her hand in greeting. Miss Adelaide. An honor. Adelaide blushed, giving a wobbly curtsy. Hello, Captain. She replied, the captain turned to the other coach to see three tall gentlemen standing there. May I introduce you to three of my brothers? Of course, I'd be delighted, Miss Stanweek. Captain Sherrington, this is my eldest brother Jonathan Stanweek, George Stanweek, and Captain Harold Stanweek, whom I believe you may have something in common with. The greetings made, the gentleman decided on first names whilst on this visit. The captain escorted the Stanwyck siblings into the house, with Horatia's hand placed securely on his arm. Everyone was soon settled, and taken in for light refreshments to meet the Sherrington family and a few other guests. Dinner would be at 8, so they all went to change for the evening. Dinner was an elaborate affair. The Countess spent an inordinate time in discussion with Horatia most of the evening, and the captain confirmed that his mother liked her. His father would like her too. Who would not? Were his words. Over the next few days, there were excursions planned, tomorrow was the Yule Log celebration, with the Christmas Day feast planned the day after. The day following Christmas Day, the gentlemen were going hunting, as was tradition, and the ladies had a tea party planned in the orangery where a pianoforte sat for the ladies to entertain, together with cards and a chessboard, a game Horatia really enjoyed, which the captain found out to his peril that evening. The days flew by, all were entertained and Horatia was enjoying the visit. A ball was to be held in the evening going into the new year. The captain asked Horatia to come on a walk in the winter garden with him, as it was a dry sunny day. They both wrapped up warm, and her maid joined them, for propriety's sake, walking some distance behind. They reached a clean wooden bench, the captain asked if she would like to sit. They had not been there long, sitting quietly, she noticed he seemed a little on edge. He turned purposefully towards her and took her hand in his firm, warm grasp. Miss Stanwyek. I think you must realize that I enjoy your company. I feel comfortable with you, and the feelings I have for you have only deepened since our first meeting in Bath. Your feelings I am understably unsure of, but I find I can no longer hold back and not tell you of mine. You have captured my heart, I have fallen in love with you, Horatia. He slid to the floor in front of her, on one knee. She noticed her maid's smile, who discreetly turned away. Miss Stanwyek, will you consent to be my wife? Will you marry me, Horatia, so that I can love you for the rest of our lives? I cannot live another day without knowing your answer. Horatia just looked at him in disbelief. This lovely, handsome man wanted to marry her? Tears started to form in her eyes. She felt them overflow her lower lids then trickle down her cheeks. Do. Do you really mean it, Captain? You wish to marry me? Yes, my love, I'm afraid I do. On these words, Horatia's face broke into a radiant smile with tears continuing to fall. Yes. Yes, I will marry you, Captain. He took a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe away her tears. Then sat back on the bench. You have made me the happiest of men, Horatia. I love you, my darling. He took her in his arms and gently placed his lips on hers, they were soft and warm but with a controlling firmness of someone who knew what they were doing. He deepened the kiss a little, changing position, nibbling her lower lip, which made her lips part on a gasp at the onslaught of feelings, in tingling waves down her body to her abdomen. Her heart fluttered wildly. He took the opportunity to deepen his kiss further, his tongue gently touching the inside of her lips, her mouth and then her tongue. She was spiraling into new territory where he knew the rules, but she was a novice, it was exciting, she could not deny it. His hands moved on her back caressingly, holding her against him. He felt hot all over, there was a tingling feeling down below. Then she realized one of his hands had cupped her breast through her gown onto the cloak, he squeezed, caressed, and she became unfocused. Everything around her disappeared. He found her distended nipple through her gown. She gave another gasp as he caressed and squeezed it, she heard a sob, realized it was hers, making him give a growl in his chest. His kisses moved to her cheek, out to the soft skin below her ear. She quivered at the caress of his lips, he gently sucked, licked and nipped with his teeth, down her throat, stopping to pay attention where her heart beat and fluttered at the V-shape at the base of her neck, then out along her collarbone. She felt hot and boneless. Oh Justin. She said, breathlessly, dragging in a deep breath, her head dropped back, arching her spine, her breasts felt swollen and constricted in her gown under her thick cloak. His warm hands were still on her breasts, first one then the other, but his mouth had followed down to her decollette to the straining mounds of her breasts, exposed by the low neckline of her gown. She was so hot she enjoyed the cold air on her flesh and suddenly realized that he had unbuttoned her gown to touch, caress, and gain access to her. Justin! She said loudly. What are you doing? Shocked, now trying to lift her gown. She looked around and her maid was out of sight. Justin just looked at her and removed her hands from her bodice. You are so beautiful. I just had to see you, to touch you. Feel your soft skin. Horatia, I love you. I want to make love to you. I know we have to wait for our wedding night for full lovemaking, but I want to worship you and your body. He looked up into her eyes, glowing with a mix of intrigue, want, and fear. She was an innocent. Not like the women he had bedded before. Experienced widows and courtesans. Horatia, I'm not going to hurt you or take your virtue. I love and respect you, I will not push you beyond what you are willing to give. I will not force you to do anything you do not want, my darling. Don't be frightening. I know, Justin. I have never had a fiance before, so this is all so new to me. She replied looking down, then peeped up shyly at him. She could see kindness in their depths, together with smoldering heat. But, I did not dislike what you were doing, Justin. I can actually love you without taking your virginity, but not out here in the cold on a park bench. I would make love to you in the warmth. Cocoon together. His finger ran along her jaw, down her throat, then bent his head down to touch her lips with his. She ran her tongue over them. Horatia, you don't know what you do to me. He placed his lips firmly upon hers and kissed her again, putting her under his sensuous spell. She felt that liquid heat pooling in her groin, she felt warm and moist, she wanted to squirm, move her hips. She was panting, couldn't catch her breath, she heard her own moans, then his growling moan in answer. His hand melded on her breasts, again she pushed it further into his hand, as if she wanted to get nearer, it felt so sensitive. Her hands held his coat lapels, she clung on to stop herself falling away into an abyss of sensation. His lips left hers, she felt his warm mouth, flicking tongue on her bare nipple, his hand cupping her breast from below, lifting it up towards his mouth. He suckled it. The sensations spread downwards, she moaned, made a little careening sound in her throat, but pushed her breast further into his mouth, as if she was trying to join her body to his. She felt wanton, she wanted him to take more of her. She was craving his attention all over her body. She suddenly felt cold air, he had lifted his head, she felt dizzy and had to grip the bench for support. I'm sorry. I should not have. He had stood up abruptly, breathing heavily, he scraped his fingers through his hair. She looked at him, she could plainly see his arousal in his pantaloons, then her wide eyes went upon his face. He looked in pain, he scowled. I should not have. I apologize for taking liberties, Miss Stanwyek. Horatia, Justin. It's Horatia. Her temper was breaking through the feeling of being stunned by what had happened. The shock of her body's treacherous behavior. We are engaged, so you have nothing to apologize for, Justin. I'm as much to blame. Do not ever say you're sorry for worshiping me. I should have stopped you, but I didn't. He just stood there, frozen his fingers halfway through his hair. His scowl fading slightly. I am embarrassed to say that I was actually enjoying your worshipping, but I am getting cold, so I suggest we tidy up, finish our walk and return to the house for a hot drink. He looked into her eyes, a smile slowly started to spread over his face, gradually melting his scowl. Now, I know why I love you. You can act in dangerous situations, able to take control and deal with it. Turn around. Under her cloak he buttoned up the back of her amber velvet walking dress, lowered the cloak and softly kissed her nape, which disturbed her, as a painful memory flashed into her thoughts. Once he was happy she could reappear in the house, he escorted her back to join the others, both in their own thoughts. He would go in search of his mother and father, as Horatia did hers, after making arrangements where to meet. 29 December 1810. The announcement. Sitting in the countess's favorite drawing room overlooking the sprawling natural garden down to the lake, the captain stood in front of both their sets of parents. Taking Horatia's hand in his, he smiled at her. I have an announcement to make. Again he looked at Horatia, almost as if were seeking her approval of what he was about to say. She gave a slight nod, then he turned to his audience. I am pleased, no, delighted to announce that Miss Stanwish has consented to be my wife. They all stood then. The gentleman shaking hands and the ladies hugging, crying with tears of happiness. The captain took Horatia's hand, raised it to his lips in a loving gesture, his eyes lided but looking into hers. He mouthed the words I love you, but she could not bring herself to say it and just said, Me too. He squeezed her hand, a happy man. Champagne appeared, Ronson the butler appeared carrying a tray, they sipped and talked about the wedding. The two mothers were already discussing where and when, the dress, the decorations, Justin just squeezed her hand again, and grinned. She smiled back, she should be blissfully happy. He was a handsome, kind man. There was just one thing stopping her complete happiness. She had tried so hard to dismiss him from her thoughts, but he was still there in the background. The official announcement, which came as no surprise to the rest of the guests, took place at the New Year's Eve ball. Champagne flowed and the dancing continued well into the morning of the new year. 1 January 1811. A new year. Horatia was startled awake by her annoying sister, much earlier than she wanted to be. She was exhausted, 7 in the morning, after climbing into bed at 3, was definitely not going to put her in a good mood. What do you want, Aidie? You're going to become a Mrs., you're getting married. She chanted several times in a sing song voice. Then she stopped, then looked serious. That's good, Risha, that means I will become a duchess. She rushed out of the room chanting repeatedly. I'm going to become a duchess. All the way down the hall, until Horatia could hear her no longer, flopped back on the bed, and drew the covers over her head. It had snowed during the night, so out of the window it looked as if someone had dusted the countryside with a liberal dusting of icing sugar. It looked beautiful. Ah, you're up, miss. I've brought you some breakfast, and to see to the fire. Thank you, Peggy. I saw Miss Adelaide earlier, she was singing that she was going to marry a Duke. The things that she gets into her mind, she never surprises me, Miss Stanweek. I know. She sang it to me at seven this morning, after she sang I was becoming her missus. Oh dear. And you only got to bed four hours earlier. I bet you're exhausted. I do not feel all that energetic. She suddenly felt the ring on her finger, looking at it as if it was unreal. Wiggled her fingers so that it twinkled in the pale sunlight. That's beautiful, miss. He knows what you like. A good choice. He must really love you. Yes, I believe he does. Horatia sighed. You are tired, Miss. Have your breakfast and get some rest, I'm sure they'll all understand. Peggy suggested. So, Horatia did, she slept for another couple of hours. When she eventually came down, everyone swamped her with questions about her ring, the wedding date, wedding breakfast, and she felt overwhelmed by the attention. When the captain saw what was happening, he quickly retrieved her from the situation. Thank you, Justin. I'm not used to all that attention. That's fine, my love, I can quite understand. The captain looked at her then took hold of her hand to find a quiet place for them to just sit and talk, as he realized that she would be returning to her home tomorrow and wanted to spend some time alone with her. Finding a little used drawing room, he closed the door then locked it so they would not be disturbed. He placed his hands on each side of her face and brushed his lips against hers. She trembled slightly from the sensuous contact. He drew her down to sit on one end of the sofa and pulled her into a kiss. Horatia enjoyed his kisses. They made her tingle all over, especially when his kisses deepened. Warmth radiated throughout her, pooling between her legs. She wanted his hands on her, she craved for his touch, and he did not disappoint. His hands roved up and down her back, caressing her. He pulled her against his hard muscular body. He had removed his coat, so he was just in his linen shirt and waistcoat. She wanted to feel him too, but she was too shy to experiment, so just clung to his shoulders, his muscles rippled under her hands as he moved, which excited her. Oh my god, you are so beautiful, Horatia. So beautiful. He said softly over her lips, breathing rapidly onto them. How I love you. His eyes a dark intense blue looked deeply into hers. A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth. His lips took hers again, this time more hungrily, like a man starved. His fingers deftly unbuttoned her bodice, loosening it, revealing her creamy breasts with their mahogany brown nipples, that budded due to his arousing kiss, and the fabric of the fine silk of the bodice. He broke the kiss just to gaze on her beauty. His breath hitched in his throat. So beautiful. He watched his fingers slide down to touch them, making a moan emanate from her throat. Oh Justin! She cried, flexed her back, pushing her breasts into his hand. He fondled, stroked, caressed, and then circled her nipple, she shuddered at his touch, moaning again, then he took the bud and rolled it between his thumb and fingers, she was panting, pushing herself urgently into him. She clutched and squeezed his shoulders as she did. Her body seemed to move of its own accord. She wanted to move her hips, when his mouth finally took her breast, she made a strange careening sound, made him growl, rumbling in his chest, almost animal-like. She realized that she was now laying along the sofa, he was sitting beside her but leaning on top of her. You taste so good. He licked, sucked and then nibbled her nipple, biting it between his teeth. Her hips writhed, and her hands slid down his shirt. Please, Justin, I want to touch you, like you are touching me. She pleaded. He quickly unbuttoned his waistcoat and threw it on the floor, his cravat followed, then Horatia nervously unbuttoned his shirt and undid the ties. She slowly put her hands on his chest, but she needed more access. She tugged it, it slid out of the confinement of the buttoned waist of his pantaloons, so her hands went under the hem, Justin just lifted the hem and removed it. His muscular physique was beautiful, skin taut, smooth and tanned across his chest. She tentatively touched in awe, making his body quiver. Stroking his torso, finding his nipples, so she gave them the same treatment as he had been giving hers. When she kissed one, then suckled and gently bit, he hissed with an abrupt intake of breath, clenching his teeth at the erotic sensation. You're beautiful too, Justin. Horatia said breathlessly, then blew air over his nipple. He reached down and was kissing her again, ravenous, questing, taking the kiss to the next level. She was like a drug to him, he just could not get enough, but knew he could not take all of her, not yet, although he craved to. He wanted to touch her, explore her hidden depths, but controlled his lust for her, but only just. Not today, but over the following months he would find the time to see her, to show her the ways to make love, without that final step. That was for their wedding night, which he wanted to be special, memorable. Although he was finding it difficult to control his ardor, he would not push past that final barrier until it was right, his honor as a gentleman would hold him back. But only just.