The Rake's Progress - Chapter 17

That intriguing Rake, he can seem so innocent although deceptive, as he hides as a gentleman, but the Regency Rake can be even more well hidden by his clothing and manners, as he is usually in plain sight, trapping the unwary. Let's see how that Rake is getting on in

The Rake’s Progress 

Written by Miss Louisa Ayling.

The winter starts to break, so although still cold, those at Stanwycke Hall but with it comes a messenger for Captain Sherrington.

Will the Captain leave Horatia, after her thorough seduction, where they share their love for each other?

Will Lord Stanwycke use an opportunity to escape to his freedom in town?

Let us discover what happens next in their story in Chapter 17.

Transcript

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That intriguing rake. He can seem so innocent although deceptive, as he hides as a gentleman, but the Regency rake can be even more well hidden by his clothing and manners, but he is usually in plain sight, trapping the unwary. Let's see how that rake is getting on. In My Rake's Progress. Written by Miss Louisa Ailing. The winter starts to break, so although still cold, those at Stanweek Hall, but with it comes a messenger for Captain Sherrington. Will the captain leave Horatia, after her thorough seduction, where they share their love for each other? Will Lord Stanweek use an opportunity to escape to his freedom in town? Let us discover what happens next in their story in chapter 17. The 25th of February 1811, Stanweek Hall, Sussex. Very early in the morning, the sound of hooves in a desperate hurry pounded up the drive, the rider sliding from the saddle, his feet hitting the ground at a run before his chestnut gelding, his head tossing and mouth and body in a lava, came to a shuddering halt. Peston swung the door open before the rider had reached the top step. An urgent message for Captain Sherrington, sir. The messenger was in his red uniform, and stood to attention after saluting the butler. Urgent, you say, Lieutenant? Yes, sir. Do you need a reply, Lieutenant? No, sir, only that it reaches the captain, sir. His receipt of the message is sufficient, sir. The captain will know what to do. I will ensure he gets it straight away, Lieutenant. On these words, one of the footmen came forward and Heston gave his instructions, and the footman quickly disappeared and soon returned to confirm delivery. Thank you, gentlemen. The lieutenant saluted, ran down the steps, then slid another message from his pocket to confirm the address, leapt up onto his horse and galloped away, back up the drive. Within ten minutes, Captain Sherrington was at the breakfast table, informing Lord Stanweek of his imminent departure, as demanded by horse guards, as it seems that he will be deployed even earlier than expected, which could mean an earlier date for him to sell out and marry Horatia. They agreed to the words of the official announcement for that he was sitting eating his repast when Horatia rushed in the door. Both gentlemen stood. Make a more ladylike entrance, please, Horatia. Her father barked. Sorry, Papa, good morning, Papa. She looked directly at the captain, trying to catch her breath. Good morning, Justin. Good morning, Horatia. Heston just told me that you had a messenger arrive this morning. From horse guards. Is anything wrong? He kissed her knuckles, Horatia slid into a chair next to his, and then he sat down again. Yes, sadly. My date for deployment has been brought forward, so I will be leaving as soon as my bags are packed, I'm afraid. He looked up from his repast into tear-filled eyes. No. Say it isn't so. Horatia insisted. I'm afraid it is. I am bound for Lisbon within the next few days to meet up with Lord Wellington. Now Horatia's tears fell. It is just not fair. She sobbed. Nothing's fair in this life, I'm sorry to say, Horatia, it is something you have to get used to. You cannot marry a military man and expect him to sit at home with you whilst his regiment is elsewhere. Lord Stanwyck stated to his daughter, he stood and left the room, thinking of his own escape to town. So, I need to get packed, and write a few letters. Your father has offered to get a messenger to ensure my brother and sister receive them, to let them know what is occurring. The sooner I finish my service with my regiment, the sooner I will be able to return. I have nine months left, so I should be home just after Christmas, and we can marry once I'm back in England. Her face looked so forlorn. I was only really just getting to know you, Justin. I know. Sit and eat with me, Horatia. I would like to spend as much time with you as possible before I have to leave. He ensured she had a cup of chocolate and a warm sweet buttered bun in front of her. He lowered his voice, for her ears only. Maybe you could help me pack. He whispered and wiggled his eyebrows, with devilment twinkling in his eyes. Horatia went pink, but she did not disagree. They made their way up the stairs after breaking their fast, with the captain playfully pulling a giggling Horatia up to his room like children up to mischief. And, they most certainly were up to mischief. They reached his room, checked there was no one to see them as he opened the door, dragged her in and shut and locked it swiftly. The captain stood with his back to the door and just looked at her, as she stood looking back at him with longing and eyes glazed with tears. He could stand it no longer. He pulled her into his arms and held her firmly against him in an emotional hug. Oh God, I so wished this was next year, and the blasted war was all over and we would never have to parted ever again. He said softly, his throat tightening with sorrow as he spoke. Me too. She sobbed. I love you so much, Horatia. So, so very much, he took her beautiful face, now tear-stained, into his hands and kissed her eyelids, her damp cheeks and finally her plump, coral-colored lips. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding in as she gasped, changing the angle, allowing him better access. They kissed and kissed, until when they parted, they were both breathless. Please love me, Justin. Horatia stated. His eyes darkened into sensual pools, making her want to just dive in. Are you sure? He said, gently pushing a fine curl behind her ear with his long elegant fingers. I've never been so sure. I will be able to hold the feelings you give me until your return, my love. Horatia replied in the posity she didn't feel, with a slight smile touching her lips and a twinkle in her eyes. She slid her hands down to his lapels and pulled him closer to her and reached for his lips. Please. She pleaded coyly against his lips. How can I disappoint you, darling? His lips softly covering her, and quickly becoming a devouring kiss, as he unbuttoned her body so that it swiftly drooped to expose her breasts, and he quickly gave them his full attention with his hands as he continued to deepen his kiss, ravishing her lips thoroughly. He started to trail his lips out to her ear, nibbling and kissing her earlobe and caressed her ear with his tongue and she moaned. His hands slid her dress over her hips, and it pooled on the floor around her feet, with her chemise following. His lips worked their way down her neck, he lathered her breasts with his tongue, kissing and suckling, cupping her other breast, his fingers rolling her nipple between his thumb and finger. Her head fell back, giving him better access, whimpering at the sensations invading her, and sending liquid warmth down to pool in her lower belly. She was wanting to touch him, he had removed his coat, so she undid his waistcoat and his shirt. With his lips still on her nipple, she slid out of his waistcoat but had to move away to remove his shirt, but soon returned and scooped her up, took her to the bed and sat her there. He sat next to her and removed his boots, fine wool socks and then his pantaloons, he was not wearing any small cloths, so now he was naked whereas she still wore her silk stocking held up by delicately embroidered garters, but his hand stayed hers when she reached to remove them. No, leave them on. I love the way you look in them. You're such a seductress. He mumbled in a low raspy voice, and touched his lips to hers, and placed a hand on one of her garters, running his finger under its edge, around her thigh on her sensitive skin, making her tremble. He continued to move his fingers in circles on her inner thigh, sending Horatia into a panting quiver. Justin, she said breathlessly, as her hands rovered over his smooth muscular chest, her fingers brushing through the fair hair of his chest, she found his nipple, squeezing it made him hiss. Oh my god, Horatia, I just wished I could bury myself in you. I want you so much, but I know that is not possible until we wed, then I promise you that I plan to love you fully, day and night, whenever I can. Oh Justin, make love to me as much as you can. Please, Justin. He moved her onto the bed, and pushed her back as he crawled on the bed to join her. I will. I need to take this image of you with me, in my mind and heart, to know what I have to come back to, what I will be missing whilst I'm away, my love. He very slowly took her lips with his, then ran his tongue down her chin, neck, between his breasts down as he continued to caress her breasts, on his way to her belly button, which he circled then probed suggestively. Horatia was writhing under his attention. He continued downwards, down to the caramel thatch that sat protectively over her sex, but he didn't stop until he reached her inner thighs, where kissed, sucked and flicked his tongue. Eventually he opened her thighs to give his tongue access to her cleft. He slid it through the warm, dampness to find her bud. Horatia cried out and squirmed, lifting her hips to get him closer. The captain grasped her hips to hold her in place as he pleasured her with his tongue driving her wild, building the tension within her, spiraling her out of control, sucking her nub, nipping it gently with his teeth, then soothing it with long strokes of his tongue. She clasped onto his scalp, gripping his head, pushing it closer to her. His tongue found the entrance to her sheath, gently circled it then flicked about it, Horatia was gulping for air, moaning, then he probed her first with his tongue, then a finger, then two. Horatia writhed under his skillful attention, and she felt her whole body tightening with excitement growing higher, then suddenly brilliant stars burst inside her, as she screamed out his name. She jerked and shuddered in the pinnacle of her climax, then was panting heavily. The captain slid up over her, kissing her breasts, neck, ears, cheeks, and finally her mouth. He had to control the urge to push his hard erect cock into her sheath, so he rolled to her side as she slowly came down for her ecstasy. She blinked her eyes open. Hmm. That was amazing, Justin. She complimented, as she stretched like a cat. My pleasure, darling. He said as he leant down to kiss her soundly on the lips. Hmm? So, it's my turn now to give you pleasure, Justin. She said, twiddle the hairs on his chest with her fingers. You don't need to. He kissed her again. Oh yes I do, I want to add it to my memory to last until your return, my love. She leant up her elbow and pushed flat on his back and straddled him. Her position gave him the urge to lift his hips, his cock so wanted her to sheath him. I think you had better move, Horatia, this is torture, my sweet. She naughtily rubbed herself on him, he hissed loudly and clenched his muscles, as a shudder of restraint filled his tense body. Don't, Horatia, just stop. She grinned but then settled herself between his legs and treated him to the same exploration as he had given her. Stretching up to kiss, then like he had, her breasts enticed him so much as she moved he just had to caress them until they were out of reach as she kissed, licked and nibbled her way over his chest, with special attention on his nipples, down to his belly button and downwards to the nest of blonde hair that cradled his twitching erection. She licked his cock, and it surged more erect, straining for attention, then she fondled his balls, before licking and sucking them. Oh, God, Horatia, that's so good. Yes. He groaned, a gravelly sound from his throat. She then kissed the tip of his cock, and wrapped her small elegant fingers around it, and stroked it a few times, his hips lifted off the bed, his hands clenched the covers. His hips writhed jerking upwards. The expression on his face made him look like he was in pain, she checked he wasn't. Don't stop, Horatia, my love. He said through gasps of air. That's so good. She slid nearly all of his cockstand into her mouth, and he thought he might faint at the exquisite sensation of her mouth sheathing him. She started slowly pulling up then sliding down again, she did this a few times, watching his reaction. He was panting heavily, his chest rapidly rising and falling, watching her through the slits of his eyelids as they flashed open, then closed again in sheer delirium, so she quickened the pace slightly, sliding down and then up, repetitively, getting faster. Oh, God! Horatia! Oh God, I. Aye, God! Yes! Yes! He was now pushing into her mouth, which frightened her a little at first, until she understood and squeezed his balls gently with her hand. Yes. That's it, God. He shouted, making a guttural growl in his chest, whilst pumping his seed into her mouth, she convulsively swallowed as he continued to pump. So much, she thought she might drown. Eventually, he jerked until he became still. After he lay recovering from his explosive climax, he grasped her shoulders and pulled her down next to him, to cuddle her, squeezing her close to him, never wanting to let her go. Then he kissed her, with the taste of his seeds still in her mouth, which he found extremely erotic. I love you. I love you so very much, Horatia, I cannot believe I have to leave you, but I will be back. I promise you, darling. I'm going to miss you so much, Justin, I wish you didn't have to go, that we could marry tomorrow. He looked down at her beautiful face, still flushed from their lovemaking. He ran a finger tenderly over it. I want to remember you just as you are right now. In this moment. Naked, pink and so, so very beautiful. He pushed a tendril of hair from her eyes. My Horatia. He kissed her. My fiance. He kissed her again. My eternal love. He slowly kissed her, taking the taste of her sweet lips into his mouth and skin, savouring every flavor, but knew he needed to go away, very soon. I wish we could stay like this forever, Justin. You and me both, my love, but you know I have to leave. Come, let's get up. We need to get dressed. Horatia clung to him on his words, not wanting to let him go, as tears started to run silently down her cheeks. I know, my love. This is hard for both of us. He spoke softly whilst wiping her tears away with his thumbs, then kissing her cheeks, her eyes and then her lips again. Clasped her firmly to him before he released her and swung around to sit on the edge of the bed. He stood, leaving her alone on the bed. She watched him go to the washstand, pour some water from the pitcher into the basin, dip a soft linen cloth in it, then wash his cock and balls, drying them ready to dress. She slowly rose to dress, but knew she had to return to her bedroom to repair her hair and retrieve the gift she'd had made for him to take with him. She reached up to kiss him before she quietly left the room, returning to her room to ready herself for his departure. Not long after she was sitting in the drawing room with the door open, so she would hear him in the main hallway, waiting for him. It was still early, and her mother was still in her chamber. The commotion of traveling bags arriving, she quickly raced into the hall to see him standing in his red uniform, directing the footman to transfer them out to his carriage. He heard her approach and swiveled around to watch her. Drinking in her sweet face and then breathing in her delicate scent of gardenias blended with her natural essence. Does my father know of your departure? Yes, I have already been to see him in his study, he said he is preparing to travel to London soon, also. He asked me to promise to return, I told him only death would stop me. Oh, don't say that, Justin. She cried out as tears started to fall. Do not tempt fate, my love. I'm in God's hands, he will decide not me, and I believe he wants us to be happy. They slowly made for the door, hand in hand. Heston handed her a cloak, Justin placed it lovingly around her shoulders and she went out into the cold air down the steps to his awaiting carriage, the horses' impatient, snorting breaths visible in the air. This was the final farewell, and the captain swung around to face his beloved Horatia. I have never found a departure so hard as I am finding this one. I love you, Horatia, I'm going to miss you every day, but you are with me in my heart. Now I understand the words of the bard, parting is such sweet sorrow. He bent down to kiss her, took her into his arms and didn't want to let go, a loud snort and the clanging of a shifting horse drew them back to reality. Oh, I nearly forgot. He pulled out a sealed letter. For you, my darling. Give it to your father to put in his safe. He will give it to you only if necessary, but I promise, I will be back to tear it up before you get to read it. He squeezed her tightly. Horatia, this is so difficult, but I need to be on my way. I understand, Justin, I just wished you didn't need to go. They looked into each other's eyes, then Horatia remembered. I have this for you, to take with you. She handed him a velvet-lined box. He opened it to see a beautiful miniature portrait of her likeness on a diamond-studied fog. He looked down at it, turning it over to reveal the locket of her hair, and then into her eyes with such tenderness. It's beautiful. Thank you so very much. You do not know how much this means to me, darling, I will place it next to my heart. He kissed her one last time, very thoroughly. Stepped away, bowed and swivelled on his heel and strode to the carriage. On the step he took one final look at his fiancee, the woman he loved before mounting the step into the carriage and took his seat. The footman closed the door, that click indicating the finality of him leaving, and the carriage rumbled away. Horatia stood in the bitter wind until the carriage was out of sight. He was gone. Her face was streaked with tears, chilling on her cheeks, just as chilled as her heart. She returned to the warmth of the house, but she felt cold and dead inside. Finding her father, she handed him the letter, he nodded and placed it carefully in his safe, hoping for Horatia's sake, the next time he saw it he would be handing it back to Captain Sherrington.