My Rake's Progress - Chapter 30

With Christmas nearly upon us , it’s still extremely cold as winter at the end of 1816 has shown us. The Thames in London had been frozen again, but much worse this year, but still people wanted to celebrate, having to wrap up warm for the privilege when attending church and other outdoor activities, although some prefer to stay indoors. But we find our Regency Rake has much to deal with and think about. 

Life with death at the end is inevitable, but it is still a shock when it happens, so how is Matthias going to deal with this next stage of his life. Will he continue with his father’s rules, take on the responsibilities, or will he do what he really needs to do? These decisions will be discovered in

My Rake’s Progress 

Written by Miss Louisa Ayling.

Life changing events can hit people differently, but for Matthias he had already started to come to terms with the inevitable.

Will Matthias approach Horatia or will he just continue in his rakish ways to assuage his celibate state by finding a femme fatale?

Only listening to Chapter 30 will reveal this.

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With Christmas nearly upon us, it's still extremely cold as winter at the end of 1816 has shown us. The Thames in London had been frozen again, but much worse this year, but still people wanted to celebrate, having to wrap up warm for the privilege when attending church and other outdoor activities, although some prefer to stay indoors. But we find our Regency rake has much to deal with and think about. Life with death at the end is inevitable, but it is still a shock when it happens, so how is Matthias going to deal with this next stage of his life? Will he continue with his father's rules, take on the responsibilities, or will he do what he really needs to do? These decisions will be discovered in My Rake's Progress. Written by Miss Louisa Ailing. Life-changing events can hit people differently, but for Matthias he had already started to come to terms with the inevitable. Will Matthias approach Horatia or will he just continue in his rakish ways to assuage his celibate state by finding a femme fatale? Only listening to chapter 30 will reveal this. Christmas Eve brought both Dr. Symington and Mr. Stockton back to the hall. Matthias looked terrained of colour, his face ashen, with exhaustion etched upon every plane of his face, as he performed his greeting like an automaton, just going through the motions. The Duke just lay there, his breathing labored but shallow, his chest rattling with each painful breath. Mr. Stockton stepped to the other side of the bed from where Matthias had sat for over eight months, watching his father's declining health. The amputation of his leg had been far too late, the stubborn bastard should have had it done in the first place, but stubborn pride had stopped him. If he'd known sooner this would not have been happening. He would have been here to negotiate and persuade, but his stubborn father had stopped all communication about this matter, and now? Well, he's just watched his hero fade into a frail corpse. Matthias had done with his tears, he'd cried his eyes dry. Yes, he felt a great sadness, a hollowness in his chest. Yes, he felt the pain to his very soul, this was going to be hard. Not having his father to turn to, even not turning to him for anything, but knowing he was always there. This was going to be difficult to comprehend. He reached for his father's bird-like hands, so frail, clasped in his own. So cold. So unearthly. Death was near, Matthias knew. Mr. Stockton was mumbling prayers in the humid warmth of the room. The good doctor continued to examine his father's frail pallid body, the strong muscular man was no longer evident, he checked his pulse and his breathing, until he shook his head in remorse that his patient was slipping away. Matthias was still shocked when the doctor eventually put his hand on his shoulder. Matthias just stared at his father, until his eyes blurred and felt strained. He's gone, my lord. You're now the Duke of Brambletai? Sonned. Matthias could not believe it. He took a shaky breath, he still held on to his father's hand, he hoped to hold on to his lifeline. To keep him there, but God had other ideas and had sent his angels down to collect him. He also felt a sense of relief, as he knew that his father had been suffering with the pain of the poison spreading all over his body. Its tentacles reaching out and squeezing his lifeblood from him, pushing its poison into his veins. Matthias just stared for a long time as the doctor closed his father's eyes and Mr. Stockton finished his prayers. There was a gentle knock on the chamber door, and Henderson appeared. My lord. Henderson bowed as the doctor and the vicar made their way from the room, both men were to await Matthias in his study. Would you like me to prepare your father for eternal rest, my lord? Yes, Henderson. Thank you. I will make the arrangements for you, my lord. Only the best for my master. Yes. Yes, Henderson, I know we have discussed this inevitability. I know he's in good hands. I just cannot quite believe it. Nor I, my lord, nor I. An end of an era, and thank you for letting me complete my time as his valet to the end. It is such an honor, my lord. Henderson started his tasks. I'll let you know when I'm done, then you could spend some time with him, if you so wish, my lord. Matthias affirmed by nodding, then he left the room. Matthias quickly went down the stairs to his study to complete his own tasks, including the receipt of his father's death certificate and to commence arranging his father's funeral. Once that was dealt with, he had urgent correspondence to write to the Prince Regent, the House of Lords, their solicitor and their bank, plus the important family members, who will inform the lesser members. Matthias was always very efficient at everything, and all these tasks were completed within a forty-minute time span, he soon found himself, with letters dispatched, on the back of Arian, galloping across the fields, with the sound of the church bells resonating solemnly across the Bramble Tye lands, for every villager and tenant farmer to hear the news that the old duke was gone and that Matthias had taken up the reins. Going into mourning would not be easy, but Matthias knew he had certain duties to perform and would have to return to London, once Parliament started again after the seasonal break, to take up his seat in the House of Lords. It would be expected of him, out of respect for his father and his rank. But he would not be able to participate in the usual run of parties and soirees that were prevalent at that time of the year. But he would indulge himself and find himself a sweet woman just to help him survive the few weeks he will spend in London. As he continued his gallop, a face appeared in his thoughts, Horatia. That sweet face that held his love and his heart, he knew he had to wait now, his father had made sure that he could not caught any woman until his period of mourning was over. He sighed out loud, his breath forming white clouds in the frigid air of the day. He needed this bracing cold to bring him back to reality, but with the cold came the coldness of his life, he started to feel very melancholy, only to be expected, he supposed. He had just lost his father, but it was relief he felt more. He had done his grieving for his father by his bedside for over eight months, he was stunned, sad that he was no longer there, that he could no longer grieve as he had so much to accomplish on behalf of his father and for the people of the various estates. He had decided to pension Henderson off, he had two cottages in mind for that incumbent's final days either here at Bramblety, which he thought would be the ideal choice or the estate in Norfolk, at the Abbey. He thought he had heard that Henderson had family in that area. He would leave it to the old valet to decide. Templeton House, Mayfair. Matthias stood in front of the cheveled glass mirror for Stevens to adjust the fit of his robes. Today was the start of the fifth session of Parliament, where the Prince Regent would give a speech to both the House of Commons and then the House of Lords. On both occasions there would be direct attacks on the Prince Regent, although he decided to remain for the small celebration with the members of the House of Lords that completed that day's events. The next session was to take place the next day. The reform bill was high on the day's agenda and would be for some time. Matthias was pleased to escape the confines of Parliament, and decided to meet up with some friends at White's. There he met with two of his cousins, Miles and Everett. They had planned to attend the Black Angel that evening, but Matthias had other plans, he had already established his next seven-day mistress. The beautiful magnificent Millie, and she was magnificently endowed. He loved women of every size, every hair and eye color. He just loved women, but he knew that his true love was not amongst the Demi Mondor opera dancers, but these women helped to release a man's stress, and the buildup of nine months meant that he had a lot of stress to relieve, and might even need to have another helping hand along the way. Millie had lodgings but they were not the place to go to, not conducive, so Matthias took her to the little love nest that he had purchased many years ago, on the advice of his dear father, and it was what he used on occasions like this. Most widows that he bedded often still had the home of their husbands, but an actress or opera dancer definitely did not. Now in his small Maralebone residence, Millie was sitting sipping champagne on the sofa next to the fire. His servants had prepared everything, as requested, and had discreetly made themselves absent. Is that champagne good, Millie? Oh yes, it sure is, love. Her accent was that of a Londoner, but she was very popular with the gentleman of his acquaintance, and she was very selective, so this was perfect for his purposes. A little more, perhaps, your glass seems to be a little on the empty side, Millie, my love? Ow. Yes, please, lover. She replied, as she held out her glass to be refilled. Matthias obliged but knew that he did not want a woman in his bed that was sorted, she would be no use to him at all, but he took the now full glass and then her hand, pulling her up off the sofa and against his chest, placing the glass on the table next to the sofa. I just want to taste the champagne on your rosy lips, it just looks so delicious. He wrapped her in an embrace and kissed her, devouring her senses, as she melted against him. He lifted his head as her eyes slowly flickered open. Ow. My. You're delicious too, me lord. I want some more. She said, running her finger from his lips, down his chin, then his neck, down the front of his shirt and downwards, he clasped her hands swiftly before she reached his waistband. So, my sweet, shall we take this somewhere a little more relaxing, Millie dear? Ow. Yes, please. She turned from him and he slapped her derriere, making her squeal. You naughty girl. He said, as she giggled and added. Well, I like to be, especially with you, me lord. I will definitely give you the opportunity, my dear Millie. He took the champagne bottle and the two glasses in one hand, then grasped her hand and dragged her towards the parlor door. Come, let's go and discover how naughty you can be, shall we? They quickly traversed the stairs to the upstairs bed chamber. Matthias opened the door. My dear, ladies first. He followed her into the room, then kicked the door closed with his booted foot. The room was already lit with candles and a warm fire burning in the hearth, making the room a warm, seductive love nest. This is a beautiful room, me lord. Thank you, but can you just call me Temple, Millie, if we are going to be intimate, I would much prefer it. Matthias explained, as he looked at the beautiful blonde-haired woman who now circled the room after slipping out of her shoes. Yes, this is a lovely room, Temple. Now come, make yourself more comfortable, let's get that coat off of you. Matthias placed the bottle and glasses down on the commode, removed his boots, then slipped his coat from his body, hanging it neatly on the back of a chair, with his cravat, leaving him in his waistcoat, shirt and breeches. Millie's eyes travelled over his form as she stood in front of him, admiring the width of his shoulders down to his slim tight waist and muscular legs. You look like you could give a girl a good time, Temple. Sounds like we're a good match then, Millie, come it's your turn to remove something. You'll have to give a girl a helping hand, Temple. She sauntered towards him, sliding her from her fingers from her lips, down to and along the neckline of her gown, traveling slowly across the mounds of the exposed breasts, making Matthias's hands itched to do the same, then she turned her back to him to unlace her gown, but before he did, he pulled her back against his chest and his hand slid over her shoulders down to her breasts, cupping the flesh in both into his hands, feeling her nips pebble in reaction to his touch. They were definitely a generous handful, he thought as he squeezed and fondled, kissing her neck at the same time, as she sighed deeply, melting against him. She started gyrating her hips against his suggestively, and this triggered the hardening of his cock. His hands swiftly untied her laces that allowed her dress to fall from her shoulders down to her waist. With a little jiggle of her hips, the silk slid to the floor to pull at her feet. She stepped out of it, then bent down to retrieve it, giving Matthias a suggestive view of her keen through the fine silk chemise that she wore, making his cock twitch with anticipation. Once she'd placed the gown on a sofa, she slowly walked back up to face him, giving him an opportunity to take in her body's bounties. Now your turn, Temple. She slid her hands up the front of his silk brocade waistcoat, she slowly unbuttoned and slid off his shoulders to be discarded with his jacket. As she now stood in front of him, she removed her corset. Her bountiful breasts were moulded in the fine silk chemise, making her ready brown nipples pebble, as they touched his chest. Matthias's mouth watered at the thought of them in his mouth as she moaned and cooed as their bodies touched. Next was his crisp linen shirt, her deft fingers traveled across his body, from waist to his shoulders, spending time rubbing his nipples through the finely weaved fabric. She undid the tie bows at the neckline and tugged the shirt from the confines of his breeches, then she walked playfully behind him and ran her hands over his back, finally tugging the shirt completely free, releasing it ready to lift over his head. His back started to be exposed, so Millie started to caress, and then kiss, lick and nibble his back. Matthias stood there, rigid and he knew then it was going to be a good evening. He lifted off his shirt as Millie's fingers were exploring his body, now seeking out the dips and crests of his sinewy abdomen. Her fingers found the buttons at his waistband and started to undo them. Now that's cheating, sweet Millie, you need to remove another item first. She pouted, but moved back in front of him. Now, Temple. She spoke low and seductively, as her fingers caressed the evident bulge in the front of his breeches. Just let me help you to remove the restraints of your cockstand. She caressed him as she looked up into his hooded eyes, that closed completely as he hissed at the attention she was giving him, and he also bit down on his lower lip, exposing his neat row of upper teeth as she started to slowly and sensually undo the buttons of his placket, her hand kept touching him and he was finding it difficult to control himself, he was nearly exploding in his breeches, he just wanted them to be both naked, with him impaling her or her impaled on him, but he had to be patient. Millie knew exactly what she was doing, but he halted her. You're shamese, my dear. Remember it's your turn to remove an item, or would you like my help? He said, looking wolfishly at her. She smiled at him. Would you help poor little me? She asked coquettishly. Matthias reached out and trailed his fingers' tips around the edge of the bodice and the tops of her breasts, now making her close her eyes and take a deep breath, that raised her breasts into his caress. Slowly, very slowly, he reached the three pearl buttons that held the neck of the bodice together and undid them one by one. The bodice fell open, so Matthias placed his right hand into the right hand side of the bodice and caressed her breast as she pushed it further into his hand. He repeated it for the left breast now he held both in his hands, caressing and fondling them, Millie swayed. Mmm. This is sheer heaven and torture, temple. She breathed sultrily, and he then slid his hands out to the fragile straps holding the chemise up and slipped them over her shoulders until they slid off, and she allowed it to drop sensually down over her hips, down her legs to drop to the floor. Her hands very swiftly reached for her goal, continuing to unbutton and caress him at the same time, and very slowly relieved him of his breeches, his cockstand bouncing out feeling pleased to be free, and knew what this all meant. She eased his breeches down to his knees and pushed him back onto the large bed, taking them off of him in a swift pulling action, and he now lay there before her naked. She stood there still with her stockings and garters on, licking her lips suggestively as if she was about to devour him. But, he was too impatient to wait for her to remove them. Instead, he just clasped her hand and pulled her down beside him and started kissing her, and she melted into his embrace as he continued her seduction, or was it the other way around? He just really did not care at this point. Their mouths and bodies melded into physical appreciation of each other, enjoying every inch of each other, stroking, caressing, kissing, nibbling, exploring, and finally joined together, missionary style, just a primitive man and woman, with both reaching an explosive completion very rapidly. This being the first time and Matthias' celibacy was at an end. But for neither of them, this once would not be enough, and Matthias had a serious regard for the needs of his women going to every length possible, ensuring they had an experience they would never forget. For him, well, yet again it did not give him any more of a sensation as he had with every woman. It was just sex, nothing more. Unfulfilled, not bone-meltingly beautiful with the woman he loved. He knew exactly what he wanted, what he needed, and it was not really magnificent Millie. He eventually returned back to his house in Mayfair, after putting Millie in a handsome cab before boarding his own carriage. When he arrived home, there was a message on a silver salver on his blue and gold chintz coverlet. He recognized the writing straight away, as that of his best friend, Trench. He tore open the seal immediately and scanned the contents. Two words stood out in the first paragraph. Horatia and engagement, his heart beat a faster tempo, so he read it more slowly. So, his P. Hen was not engaged to Biddiford after all, that was a relief. Lady Trench had discovered it herself through her correspondence with Miss Stanweek. This put a slight smile in Matthias's heart. But he continued down to the second part of the letter. He sat as he read through it again. Mortimer is under suspicion again, and this time he needs to be stopped and removed. Trench mentioned a meeting on the morrow in five hours' time at Whitehall, and he has to be there.