My Rake's Progress - Chapter 24

Even though marriage is a big step for both a gentleman and a lady, and it seems to worsen as the happy couple marries at an older age, as they are both used to their bachelor or spinster lifestyle, particularly if the male party is a rake, like our Regency Rake 

In My Rake’s Progress 

Written by Miss Louisa Ayling.

The London season of 1815 and a ball at a houseparty in Royal Berkshire does not end well for Horatia.  

Matthias is sent away with a flea in his ear, but realises that Horatia’s reaction had been for a reason that he needed time to think about, as the war has ended with the Battle of Waterloo, his work with the ~Home Office has come to an end too!

What happens next for Matthias and Horatia? Let’s take a look in Chapter 24!

Transcript

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Even though marriage is a big step for both a gentleman and a lady, and it seems to worsen as the happy couple marries at an older age, as they are both used to their bachelor or spinster lifestyle, particularly if the male party is a rake, like our Regency Rake. In My Rake's Progress. Written by Miss Louisa Ailing. The London season of 1815 and a ball at a house party in Royal Berkshire does not end well for Horatia. Matthias is sent away with a flea in his ear, but realizes that Horatia's reaction had been for a reason that he needed time to think about, as the war has ended with the Battle of Waterloo, his work with the Home Office has come to an end too. What happens next for Matthias and Horatia? Let's take a look in chapter 24. July 1815. Horatia noticed Matthias's absence, and wondered about it as she sat in the green drawing room. She realized she had been so angry with her fiancé that she had spoken quite sharply at him, when all he had only shown his concern for her. Regret settled over her like a shroud, as she never usually took her anger out on people. It pricked her conscience, and she knew she needed to apologize, but was unsure when or where this could occur. She decided that unfortunately he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she could not forgive herself for her behavior towards him. Would he ever forgive her? The house party continued with Matthias's absence, as she recognized that he had not returned, and knew it was her fault. Wherever she sat, and it didn't matter which room within the house or the gardens she was in, she could hear one trill voice above all the others. Mrs. Hornsford's voice seemed to permeate every corner of the room, the house, the estate even, and it had begun to grate on Horatia, it irritated her at every opportunity. The simpering and feminine giggles appeared to scintillate the gentleman who hung on her every word, whereas for Horatia it sounded like an inexpertly played violin, screeching its out-of-tune notes, bombarding her ears. The court of gentlemen surrounding her gazed longingly at the bodice of her very low-cut gown, almost mesmerized by the rise and fall of the soft, plump, creamy mounds on view. If she was to cough or sneeze, Horatia decided that she would probably not remain confined within it, it appeared to only just about obscure her nipples, and she believed that was what the gentleman's fascination was. Were they betting on such a disaster with glee, as gentlemen do? Why on earth would Sir Benedict bring such a woman to a house party that his fiancee was also attending? Was he mad? Horatia wondered. Well, Miss Stanweek, I was very excited to see that you were amongst the guest list. Said a smoothly seductive masculine voice, of the tall broad-shouldered Corinthian who now stood before her. His deep blue eyes searched her face, as a curl of his deep mahogany hair dipped over his brow, as his hard, sculpted face with its square jawline broke into a radiant smile that softened his features when he realized she recognized him. Lord Desmond. She stood to Bob a curtsy to his bow. It is so good to see you, my lord. You are looking very well. Yes, I am very well, I'm pleased to say, thank you, my dear. May I? Horatia sat again, this time further over on the green silk brocade sofa, where he indicated where he wished to sit. Why, of course, my lord. I see that the gentlemen are being well entertained. Is that why you look a little peeved? I are. I cannot lie, but peeved is an understatement, livid is probably a better word to describe how I feel. Having been here for three days already, I see the same pattern daily. Mrs. Hornsford has all the gentlemen enthralled with her numerous stories, adventures, friends and exploits that they have no ears for anyone else, including my fiancee, I regret to say. Or eyes, it seems. You've noticed, I see. If you look around the parlour at present, you will take note several groups of women, some young, some mature matrons, but all are being ignored by their husbands, fiances, and by the bachelors, etc., so I will not be the only female who is not happy with the situation. Well, except for Sir Harvey. Yes, so I can see, but Sir Harvey's wife is a jewel. He looked in Melissa's direction. But I did notice that woman holding court and I have chosen to ignore her. He said rigidly, with almost a viperish snap. Is this because you do not like her or is it a masculine tactic to attract her attention, my lord? He gave a bark of laughter, attracting a few glances in their direction. Touche. I'm afraid you were right with your first suggestion. I have watched her progress socially in London, and I'm surprised that Sir Benedict decided to bring her here, especially with you in attendance, Miss Stanweek. That's my thought too. It definitely surprised me, I can tell you. I have never been so embarrassed. I'm not sure what possessed him. I did think he'd stopped seeing his mistress as he was engaged to you, but it appears he has not. He watched Horatia's face start to look like thunder, and mottle alarmingly. Lord Desmond placed his hand on her arm to stop her doing something she regretted. Keep calm, dear Miss Stanweek. It will not change things if you cause a scene, I am disgusted with him, humiliating me in this manner. How dare he! She hissed under her breath. Bide your time, my dear. He will slip up, and that will put you in a position to expose him, with you being the wounded party of cause, and him the scoundrel. Yes, I expect you are right. Horatia sighed despondently. I thought that this was it. I thought I would at last be married to a gentleman whom I could respect and spend my life with. Miss Stanweek, you must ensure that when you do marry it is someone you can truly respect, and I do not believe that Sir Benedict is that gentleman, to be honest with you. In fact, his behavior has been despicable, and it does not warrant your respect at all. Lord Desmond looked at Horatia's forlorn expression and patted her hand. Chin up, Miss Stanweek, do not let him see that he is affecting you. Appear as if you were naive and have not noticed, that will ensure that he feels confident to continue towards him showing his true colours, leading to him making a terrible mistake. Yes, that makes sense. Horatia turned a brilliant smile at Lord Desmond, so how is the Dowager Duchess, my lord, I have not seen her for over a year? She asked brightly. My mother is well, although she has decided to come to London at last, she wanted to wait until the season was in full swing, so she should be settled in by my return and not be in town too long, but just enough to get a flavour and re-establish herself in the ton. I do not blame her. It can be tedious just sitting around listening to gossip. I can well imagine. I shall leave you now to formulate a plan, as I can see your dear friend Lady Trench is wending her way through the crowds towards you. Lord Desmond said, but Lady Trent arrived before he departed Horatia's side. Horatia noticed the expression on his face as he watched her friend. Now that was interesting, she thought, he really likes her. I believe he was disappointed when she married Sir Harvey. Why, Lord Hycliffe, a pleasure to see you again. Melissa said as she curtsied appropriately. Lady Trench, an honor. He bowed in response. I was just going across to speak to Lady Stanwyek, Lady Trench, so I hope to speak with you and Sir Harvey a little later. Au revoir! He quickly disappeared and Melissa swiftly sat in his vacated seat. Horatia, I am beside myself with worry for you. That woman, she is a light skirt, I say. Just look at her behavior. I have never seen such bad manners in mixed company like this. Who brought her here? My darling fiance, but he will not have that coveted position for much longer, methinks. Oh Horatia, I cannot believe how unfeeling he is being, and in your presence too. Lord Desmond was explaining she was his mistress before our engagement, but when they arrived he had arranged for rooms next to each other, and he dragged her into his room even before their trunks were unpacked. This gets worse. How do you know that? I saw them together. I followed along as I wanted to greet him, but then froze when I watched the byplay between them. Melissa gave Horatia a sympathetic hug. Oh my dear Horatia, let us forget men for a minute of two. At least tomorrow night is the ball, and we will then be heading for home. Neither myself or Sir Harvey are enjoying it, and I have not been feeling so well. We are leaving before the end. I wish I could leave now. Horatia retorted. But I have to pretend I have not noticed anything unusual. Bringing his mistress with him was not necessarily his best decision. Oh gosh. Definitely not. What was he thinking? I believe he was not. Well, except for his own entertainment. Melissa gave Horatia another hug before she went to join her husband, leaving Horatia to contemplate her future and what action she will need to take. The following evening, after an archery competition in the afternoon, which Melissa with Sir Harvey as her partner won. Horatia would have taken part if she'd had a partner, she sat at her dressing table and Annalise, the French maid loaned by Lady Fitzroy, was dressing her hair with the lace ribbons and diamond pins to match her apricot silk ball gown with an overdress of silver silk netting. She stood checking her appearance in the mirror and was very pleased at the final effect with matching apricot silk gloves and shoes, with silver embroidery. Thank you, Annalise. I forgot the necklace. The diamond collar. Once put around her neck, with her fan and reticule she left the room and made her way to her mother's room down the hall, just as her mother stepped into the hallway and they made their way down to the pre-ball dinner. After dinner the musicians could be heard warming up on the dais in the ballroom, as the guests started wandering in and some of the local gentry started to arrive with the Fitzroys at the greeting line. Horatia had several dances claimed on her dance card, and two of the young local gentlemen added their names too. Sir Benedict danced the first dance with Mrs. Hornsford, which annoyed Horatia greatly, and then he claimed her for the second dance, which she was tempted to decline, but the words of Lord Desmond reminded her to remain cool and serene, the idyllically innocent fiancé. The evening dragged on, with Mrs. Hornsford attracting much masculine attention, young and old alike. Horatia had just finished dancing a lively country dance with a Mr. Frederick Fullerton, a young man of impeccable manners and easy-going temper, but as she curtsied and was about to be escorted from the floor, she heard a ripping sound, as he stood on the hem of her gown. Oh dear! He stammered. I RR appeared to have core core caused your beautiful gown a great diss disservice by standing on it. I do apologize most pro pro profusely. I assure you it was an accident, Miss Stan Stan Stoik. You are forgiven, Mr. Fullerton, it will take just a moment to repair. I will collect my mother and go to my chamber. He escorted her to her mother's side, where she was in discussion with Melissa. They both decided to attend to her, and they swiftly made their way up the stairway to the second floor, chattering about the various gowns and the season, they turned right, in the opposite direction to that of Sir Benedict and his mistress's rooms were situated. Melissa grasped the door handle and swung the door open for Horatia to enter, and she came to an abrupt halt, Lady Stanwyek bumping into her back. The scene before her she could never have conjured up in a million years. A scantily dressed maid knelt on the floor wearing one of Horatia's sheer pink silk and lace chemises over her naked body, her clothes set upon the chair. Sir Benedict sat perched on the edge of the bed in his open shirt, pulled out of his unbuttoned breeches, with the maid's mouth devouring his engorged manhood. Horatia gave a loud scream of distress, followed by the screams from Melissa and her mother. Sir Benedict! How dare you, sir! Not only have you humiliated me in front of my friends and society by bringing your mistress to this house party, but now you are in the throes of tupping a maid of the household in which you are a guest, in the room of your fiancé. You are a disgusting scoundrel, sir. Get out of my sight at once, sir, and take this doxy with you. Go to your own room, and take this with you. Horatia removed the ring and dropped it in front of his feet. He was unmoving in shock at being caught, he still sat on the bed exposed to everyone, including the now intrigued party that crowded outside in the hallway. He reached for the ring, a pained expression flitted across his face, and then realized he was still partially undressed, so quickly stood to button himself up and dressed. He gave Horatia a curt bow and left the room, at which point Horatia collapsed into a chair and Melissa moved to close the door, but Sir Desmond entered and then closed the door behind him. Miss Stanwyek, just to let you know, you have me as a credible witness if required. I realized he had disappeared earlier, but noticed his mistress was still entertaining her admirers. I noticed that he had been watching one of the maids for a few days. I watched them mount the staircase together and as your room was closest to the stairs he chose it for his pleasure. Then your damaged gown meant you needed to retire to get it repaired, something Cronshaw had not taken every possible eventually into consideration when he thought out his plan. This is the result. As I had already told you, let him make a mistake, and here it is. I brought the additional witnesses, so that would leave him no choice but to admit his very big error of judgment. Horatia mentioned to me she had a feeling something was not quite right. Melissa added. But what he didn't really want was a wife. He enjoys female company, as you will have noticed, but not be shackled to one, at her beckon call. He likes to have control, and Horatia, my dear, you are not the type of woman that would put up with such restraints. He was pushing you to make an embarrassing scene, but he did not consider your self-control and strategic mind. You were just waiting for him to slip up. You mean, you suspected this would be the outcome, my lord? Lady Stanweek looked at her daughter, then Melissa and finally up at the Viscount. Yes, I did. But I was unsure of the motivation behind it. He was pushing Horatia to see if she would put up with his philandering ways, and hoped she was naive enough to put up with it, but he did not reckon on Horatia being intelligent, and is nobody's fool. So, I'm back on the shelf again. Horatia said despondently. I want to go back to London in the morning, I do not wish to face the other guests downstairs. I'll summon a maid to start packing. A good idea, Horatia. I'll do the same. Lady Stanwyek left the room quickly, followed by Lord Desmond after offering best wishes for a safe journey. I cannot believe that this has happened to you, Horatia. I cannot begin to understand how you feel. Bloody wretched, I should think. Melissa embraced her dear friend. What time do you and Sir Harvey plan to leave tomorrow? The same time as you, I should think. Directly after breaking our fast, before everyone else is up and about. I was thinking 30 minutes past 9 o'clock, then we will reach town early afternoon. I agree. I'll let Lady Stan Week and Harvey know, so he can organize the carriages to be prepared for our departure. Melissa kissed Horatia's cheek and left to accomplish her tasks, leaving Horatia awaiting the maid. September 2015 Templeton House. The summer had been eventful for Matthias, as he had finished his work with the Home Office and analysing ciphers, as now the Battle of Waterloo was behind them as a victory for Britain and the Allied forces. The government had drastically reduced budgets imposed swiftly, many serving soldiers were found without employment and on the streets, and the government didn't care after everything they had gone through. Matthias had employed a few, and encouraged some of his friends and colleagues to do the same, with some being able to return to their families, but many sadly had nothing to return to. This bothered him as it did many of his friends and colleagues, as these men were trained soldiers and capable with weapons, but the trauma of war made them less able to cope with returning to their normal lives. Sitting in his favorite leather chair in front of the hearth, he thought about everything that had happened, he swirled the clear mahogany liquid around in his crestal and watched the play of the light from the fire fracture through the cut shapes of the glass, causing reflections of rainbowed light dancing over the walls in his darkened drawing room. He took a sip, then contemplated Horatia. Maybe once she married and had an heir she could be his lover? As this thought drifted through his mind, he quickly dismissed it. He didn't want to be second best, he wanted her as his wife, and now she was free, maybe he should make his move. But was he ready to marry? He thought about this dilemma, and he was slowly thinking that he was starting to warm to the idea. He threw back the brandy, emptying his glass, made a decision to spend the evening with Helena Troy, his latest mistress, so rang for Stevens, his valet, to help him get dressed.