My Rake's Progress - Chapter 29

An extremely cold winter at the end of 1816, slowed everything down, but even with the build up of the December celebrations sometimes life puts us through a strange journey to deal with.  Our Regency Rake was dealing with very personal matters and not by choice. 

Life has a way to throw a curve ball within anybody’s life at any time of the year, whoever they are. Even a naughty boy, but it can also happen for a lady as well. What will happen to them, let’s find out in

My Rake’s Progress 

Written by Miss Louisa Ayling.

At the Ducal mansion, Matthias has found out that his life is about to change completely, so will he return to continue to start his revised search for a wife.

Attending yet another houseparty, will Horatia become engaged again, and this time walk down the aisle. Will she receive the marriage proposal from Lord Giles Bideford that her mother expects, or not?

Let’s step into Chapter 29.

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The extremely cold winter at the end of 1816 slowed everything down, but even with the buildup of the December celebration, sometimes life puts us through a strange journey. Our regency rake was dealing with very personal matters and not by choice. Life has a way to throw a curved ball within life at any time, whoever they are. Even a naughty boy, but it can also happen for a lady as well. What will happen to them, let's find out in My Rake's Progress. Written by Miss Louisa Ailing. At the Ducal Mansion, Matthias has found out that his life is about to change completely, so will he return to continue to start his revised search for a wife? Attending yet another house party, will Horatia become engaged again, and this time walk down the aisle? Will she receive the marriage proposal from Lord Giles Biddiford that her mother expects, or not? Let's step into chapter 29. Beginning of December 1816. Rambletai Park. Another day dawned over the frost-covered parkland that stretched before him. Sitting upon Arian, surveying the lands, he wondered whether his life would ever contain the tranquility that he sought. Whether a certain very special lady would accompany him on his early morning rides. He wiped away that daydream, he knew he had to keep Arian moving in the bitter cold. He took one more sweeping look around the frozen land, adjusted his grip, squeezed his knees into his stallion sides, Arian knew what it meant, and was extremely obliged to offer an exciting gallop across the open land of the park. Matthias laid low on his back, the trees and ground flashed past, focusing on the route ahead, adjusting where necessary to avoid a sapling or rock outcrop. It was exhilarating, the only respite for the hours spent at his father's side. He was now re signed to the fact his father was not going to recover, be the proud, upstanding father he'd always known. He had faded fast over the last few weeks. All of a sudden it was as if he had given in to the inevitable end result, death. Matthias swerved just in time to avoid the lowlying hedge. He knew they should have sailed over if he had not been so distracted by his own thoughts. He slowed Arian to a trot, patted his neck fondly. Sorry, old friend, I have a lot on my mind. He turned them around to return towards the house. Time was getting on, he needed to break his fast. He suddenly realized that he was hungry. He had eaten erratically over his time at Bramble Tie, knowing he needed to keep up his strength for the time ahead. He did not know how much time he had with his father. Matthias had started to take the reins of the estate business, he didn't want to let his father's legacy slip. The Duke had built the ducal estate back to its former glory, after it had been left badly by his father before him. The young Duke had forgone many of the young man's pleasures, but had not regretted his actions, as he had built up the estate quickly from the age of twenty two and then had the opportunity to enjoy himself, and he became the Temple of Love, the title Matthias had quickly gained due to his father's rules for his son. As Matthias threw the reins to the waiting groom at the grand steps to the house, sliding out of the saddle swiftly, he noted that there seemed to be a commotion in the hallway. The door swung open, and the butler stood there, with grave concern on his face. Dr. Symington is here, at Henderson's behest. Matthias quickly gave his coat, hat, gloves, and crop to the waiting footman, and sprinted up the stairs, two at a time to reach his father's chambers. He stopped short as he entered to see the vicar also standing there. Ah, your lordship, I am Stockton, the new vicar on the estate, so you have yet to meet me. My tenure started this week. Stockton, may I ask why you are attending my father? He requested my presence, my lord. The young vicar replied, a little puffed up because of his important position, under these circumstances. At that point the doctor appeared from the bedroom. Lord Templeton, I'm pleased to see you have returned, your father is asking for you. I have done all I can to make him comfortable, but I do not think it will be long. His breathing has become very laboured. You had best go to him now, before the Laudanum takes hold, my lord. Symington informed Matthias, you quickly strode into the room to his father's side. Matthias, my boy, so good to see you. Is your mother with you? She was here earlier, you know. So good to see her again. She'd been away far too long, I told her. Yes, sir, she's still here. The Duke clasped Matthias's hand in a firm grip, contradicting the fact that he was weak and frail. Good, she knows that we will be together soon, she's just waiting, my boy, and she is pleased to know that you are here too. Sir, are you planning to leave soon? Yes, my boy, my dear Matthias, you have done so well. Crawford has kept me informed of your progress. The Duke started coughing, blood covered the handkerchief that Matthias swiftly held to his mouth. There was an unfamiliar rattle to his chest. Stop talking, sir, it does you no good. If I do not say what I want now, I may not get the chance. Have you met anyone whom you could marry? He started coughing again, tearing the handkerchief from Matthias's grip, covering his mouth himself. Yes, sir. Call me father, Matthias, I would love to hear you say it again. Father, Papa. The Duke smiled at the childhood name that his son used to call him before he left for school. Yes, Papa, I have found the woman I wish to marry, but I'm not yet one and thirty. Tell me about her? She has been waiting since I was three and twenty, Papa. She's Miss Horatia Maya Stanwyck, daughter of Lord and Lady Roland Stanweek. Now, I've heard about her. Her fiance died in the peninsula, I believe. A damned hero, by all accounts. The Sherringtons, a good family. But that was A, he started to cough again, when he got it under control, he started again. Yes, they are a good family, good lineage, a few years ago, but she can do much better with you. I'm not sure she will have me. At this very moment I know of one who is trying to marry her, and as I am not there to persuade her otherwise, I'm sure she will be bullied into accepting him. Ah. Silly gal if she doesn't wait for you. It will be on her mother's insistence, as there's a younger daughter to present soon. But she is 5 and 20 now, papa, which they class as mature for a bride, and by the time I'm 2 and 30, then she will be 7 and 20, classed as an old spinster. Do not worry about that, my boy. I've learned that marrying a younger woman is not necessary for a blissful marriage. Many of my friends have regretted that younger choice. That's why I insisted you wait. But I could have been married by now and have a full nursery for you to enjoy, now that will probably be unlikely. I will have to spend my time searching for a new bride. Yes. I'm feeling tired, Matthias. Symmington will want to give me another dose, and I know Stockton awaits me, then I will rest. Yes, Papa. I'll come back later. Matthias stated, kissed his father's frail forehead before crossing to and out through the door, down to the breakfast parlour. 20 December 1816. The Haver's Christmas house party. Lady Stanweek sat smugly in the warmth of Lord Biddiford's opulent carriage as it traversed the snow-covered terrain of Hertfordshire. His lordship had travelled down to Hampshire, especially from Surrey, to escort Horatia to the Haver's estate, so she was there to be chaperone, and was enjoying being fussed over. We are almost there, my dear Horatia. I hope this journey has not been too trying for you. Biddiford asked, taking Horatia's hand in his and patting it on its back. Horatia did not feel comfortable, but her mother had the look of success upon her face. No, my lord, it has been extremely comfortable. I thank you. Now holding her hand, he replied, I'm pleased you have found the journey comfortable, and I hope that by the end of our visit to Havers, you will continue to enjoy the type of luxury that I can offer you, Miss Stanwyek. Horatia blushed at his words as they turned between the tall stone columns of the Havas estate gates, and Biddiford sat back as the carriage as it travelled down the drive to stop at the steps of the house. Once it came to a halt, there was suddenly a bustle of activity, the carriage door swung open and the steps were put down. Lord Biddiford swiftly stepped down, then turned around to assist both Horatia and her mother from the carriage, escorting them both up to the front entrance, with their luggage quickly following behind them, when their valet and maid appeared in the carriage that followed. Like all house parties, Lady Havers was there to greet her arriving guests, and give the relevant instructions for where they were to be situated within the house, ensuring her guests' comfort were met. Horatia and her mother had a suite of rooms with adjoining bedchambers with a cozy sitting room nestled in between and even a bathing room with a large bath. Lady Stanwyek was impressed with her situation. Well, Horita, this visit definitely seems to bode well, my dear. Well, I can see why you would think so, Mongma. Horatia sighed as she slipped her forest green calf leather half boots off and stretched her toes. Horatia glanced around. Yes, it's a particularly lovely room and is nicely situated, I must agree. That is not what I mean, and you know it, girl. They were soon refreshed and down in the main gold drawing room, which was enriched with bold gold leaf upon any wooden or plaster feature within the decoration of the room and the ornate furniture too. The gold and white damasked curtains and coverings of the sofas and chairs within the room with stages in such a way that they looked towards the most elaborate fireplace with an ornate mirror placed over it and two enormous gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, with gold wool sconces placed on the walls at regular intervals. Lady Havers was overseeing a large tea trolley with a help from an impoverished relative, whom everyone got to know about, and how generous that herself and her lordship would accommodate such a creature in their midst and that she will be definitely in the background for most of the house party and should not put themselves out to converse with her. That statement made Horatia want to seek her out. The next few days went through the usual house party pattern, and then the proverbial ball on the Saturday evening. Vidiford was attentive, but also circulated, as was normal, for a gentleman of his standing. He seemed to be liked by many, especially a certain widow and her companion, and a young gentleman was also seen as part of his friend groups on numerous occasions. Horatia never thought anything about it, just believed them to be friends of his, and him being polite. Little did she know. Her mother mentioned the fact that he was spending far too much time with his little group of friends, as she called them, rather than giving Horatia his undivided attention. When returning to her room after a long evening of cards and music, Horatia caught a glimpse of Biddiford with his gentleman friend, Mr. Frederick Fullerton, and they entered his bedroom, obviously for a nightcap. It was exactly what she had done previously with her friends Clarice and Melissa in the past, so it was no different, was it? The days continued with indoor games, and on the Thursday afternoon Biddiford found Horatia alone in the library reading one of the latest novels Emma that was written by a lady. She had not been able to get a copy whilst she was in London. Miss Stanwyek, I am pleased to find you here, and alone. Do you mind if I join you? Why, of course not, my lord. Come now, I think we have now passed being so formal in each other's company and private, my dearest Horatia. Of course, Giles, if that is what you would prefer, my lord. Of course I would prefer, my dearest, darling Horatia. Nothing would please me more, sweetheart. He suddenly went down on bended knee before her, and clasped her hand. I can wait no longer, I have tried in vain to be patient, but I can hold back my feelings any longer, my dear. Miss Stanwyek, Horatia, would you consent to be my bride, so that I can cherish you all of my remaining life. To be your friend, your companion and lover for the rest of my days on this earth, please say yes, my darling Horatia, you hold my heart in your hands. Horatia had turned a delightful shade of pink, at the flow of his words. They sounded so sincere, and yes she did like him, but was sure she did not love him, not yet, but she did think him a kind man and one who would care for her. She just hoped she could love him in return, as Lord Templeton still held her heart and it was difficult to think of anyone else taking his place. I am extremely flattered by your offer of marriage, Lord Biddiford, Giles, but I need to think, I need to make the right decision for both of us. You're in love with Temple, I know this, I had hoped by being in my company you may have felt a little something for me, Horatia, something to build our future on. Your mother is very pleased and has sanctioned my proposal to you, as I had to ask her permission to address you. I realize that my mother would not object to your proposal. But you do? No, I do not object, I just need a little time to think about it, that is all. But what is there to think about, my dear? He got up from his kneeling position and still holding her hand, sat closely next to her. Please say yes, you are my heart, Horatia, you own my soul. I want to marry you, my dear. I have taken my time to find the right lady to be my bride, my future wife. You know I will always care for you, sincerely love you, my dear. I cannot think of anyone else who I could consent to take this position in my life, except for you. He looked at her face, her eyes staring at their joined hands. He had almost given up on her giving an answer, when she lifted her eyes to his. She was now studying his expression. He wondered what she could see. She continued to look then, very slowly started to speak. I know that the traditional approach is to say that I am honored, and would consider your proposal thoughtfully, but I cannot. I have made my decision after considering what you have said and the sincerity of your words. She paused, he held his breath. I am saying yes, my lord, Giles, my answer is yes. He raised her hand to his lips. Horatia, my dear, your sweet words are balm to my heart. I thought I had lost you, but you make me the happiest of men. I know there will be lots for us to do, to prepare. He turned her hand over and kissed her palm, and then her wrist. She felt nothing, except the moisture from his lips on her skin, he looked up into her expectantly, he was hoping for a reaction. We have much to get used to. Our relationship with each other will change, you will see. We will become comfortable with each other, my dear. So, shall we inform your mother? Yes, I believe we should. She will be pleased, Giles. They left the room to track down her mother and they were able to take her for a walk in the orangery, as no one else was in that area. Lady Stanweek was relieved and suggested that they announce their engagement at Saturday's ball, and it was agreed. The next day was the planned excursion to a neighboring estate where there were Roman remains and an old abbey structure partially destroyed by Henry VIII. Everyone was expected to attend, and Lord Havers was responsible for escorting the outing, but there were several non-attendees, one being Lord Biddiford who said he felt a little unwell and would forego the excursion, hoping that resting would be the best remedy. Horatia took it in her stride, but noticed on the outward journey that several others were missing. It did not unduly worry her, but as she walked around the ruins she noticed that the ladies that were missing were Mrs. Littons and Miss Huntley, plus Mr. Fullerton, also, which she did find intriguing. Little did Horatia know what was occurring back at the Havers estate. Yes, Doctor, it is one of my guests, who professed to be unwell. I did not wish it to be said that I did not take prodigious care of my guests when they stay with me. I quite understand, Lady Havers, please take me to him and we will soon have the gentleman back on his feet in no time. Lady Havers led the way up to the second floor, where the main guest chambers were situated in the west wing, and she knocked on the door, receiving no response, she walked into the bedchamber and instantly came to an abrupt stop. The doctor immediately bumped straight into her back. She shrieked loudly, then turned to push the doctor from the room. It appears I must have been mistaken, Mr. Trainter. I am sorry to waste your valuable time. Please send your invoice to Lord Havers. The sight that Lady Havers saw would be imprinted in her mind for the rest of her life. She had been shocked at seeing two naked men embracing and kissing, touching each other intimately, and the two women doing the same to each other, and kissing parts that she had never known could be kissed. She felt sick, she felt faint, but she had to get the doctor away first before she could deal with seeing this behavior. She needed to inform dear Miss Stanweek immediately upon her return. She could never imagine a young lady of Miss Stanweek's caliber putting up with this behavior from her future husband, and it would not bode well for a healthy union for her. Around about the hour of three in the afternoon, the carriages came to a halt on the drive, the guests returned from their visits spilled out and quickly climbed the steps into the front hallway. Lady Havers stood in wait to pull Lady Stanweek and her daughter to a private room where she could have this conversation to inform them what had occurred during their absence. As soon as she spotted them walking in with Sir Jonathan Turnbull and Baron Lacey. Once Lady Havers had drawn the two ladies away from the gentleman, she escorted them to her own private sitting room. Please sit, Lady Stanweek, Miss Stanweek. Lady Havers waited patiently until the ladies were settled. I have brought you here to inform you of something that has happened in your absence that I did not wish to make public, but just to inform you in private. Lady Havers was pacing on the large Persian rug that sat in front of the hearth, she stopped and turned to them. I really do not know where to begin, to be honest. She took a deep breath. It's about Lord Biddiford. I called the doctor, just to ensure that, as a guest, his health was not too badly affected. She paused, as both pairs of eyes watched Lady Haver's intently, awaiting her declaration. I hate to inform you of this, Miss Stanweek, but I found his lordship in an extremely compromising position. He was, in fact, in bed with Mr. Fullerton and undressed, and in an intimate way. I will say no more, but I will leave you to conclude your own thoughts on this matter and know that one of my carriages would be available if you wish to return home. Horatia sat numbed by the pronouncement, but also relieved. She had known that there was something that made her hesitate, and now she knew why. Lord Biddiford is not who he appeared to be by society. She knew what her next task was to be, and she thanked Lady Havers for the loan of a travelling carriage, but would like to discuss the matter with her mother, and that they would return to their chambers and inform her ladyship of their decision promptly, then speak to Lord Biddiford of her sudden change of heart.