Eve

  Billy squealed in protest, ‘But I can’t polka!’

  She tightened her grip. ‘I’ll teach you.’

  Glancing up at Lord Rothbury I said, my voice very innocent, ‘Fancy Miss Ames wanting tae dance wi’ Billy.’

  Lord Rothbury laughed. ‘He was merely the decoy duck – you were the intended quarry.’ His grip tightened. ‘As you very well know. And I was only just in time.’

  Lord Ernest and Mr Brandon were at our elbows. ‘Now, Monty old fellow – that little trick simply wasn’t cricket.’

  ‘Piers, old chap, I never claimed it was.’ They retreated, baffled.

  Mr Parton played the first bars of the Berlin Polka and Billy’s two feet shot out in opposite directions. Miss Ames lifted him off the ground and set him down the other way round. ‘I’ll do the steering.’ Billy peered desperately out from under her arm. I stuck my tongue out at him.

  And Lord Rothbury asked abruptly, ‘How old are you, Eve Gunn?’

  Instantly wary, I asked, ‘Why d’ye want tae know that?’

  ‘Just now, you didn’t seem all that much older than that young scamp.’

  ‘The Mr Hendersons loomed large. I told him briskly, ‘O’ course I’m older’n Billy.’

  There was still a slight frown on his face. ‘It’s sometimes difficult to tell with girls – especially tall girls, like you.’

  I couldn’t risk waiting for him to demand a direct answer. I said firmly, ‘When I came for the job here Mrs Salter said she didna want a girl who was gaeing tae be Fourth tae be too young, because she has tae travel to Richmond. But when I asked her if nineteen was old enough, she said it certainly was.’

  I could feel his arm relax. ‘And of course, I heard you say myself that you’d performed on stage in “Gilbert and Sullivan”.’

  I fairly jumped at that one. ‘Aye – that’s how I knew that song – frae being in the chorus o’ “The Gondoliers” – an’ that were more’n four years ago, now.’ He drew me close again.

  But just in case, I decided to distract him. ‘An’ how old are you?’

  He looked surprised, then asked, ‘How old do you think I am?’

  I said, ‘It’s difficult tae tell, with men – especially tall men like you.’

  With a grin he commanded, ‘Guess.’

  ‘Fifty.’

  ‘What! I’m still only thirty.’ There was a pause as we polka’d round a pillar, then he asked, ‘You didn’t seriously think I was fifty, did you?’

  ‘Nae – but I seriously thought if I guessed fifty ye’d tell me how old ye really were!’

  ‘Cunning little minx!’

  Billy chose that moment to call, ‘D’you want another rat, Eve?’

  I didn’t dare even kick him. Instead I put my nose in the air in a nineteen-year-old way. Lord Rothbury laughed, polka’d me behind a pillar and whispered, ‘Perhaps if I’m lucky I’ll find more than a rat tonight, eh?’

  Puzzled, I asked,’What d’ye mean – more’n a rat?’

  His hand tightened over mine. ‘Don’t tease, young Eve – you know perfectly well what I mean.’

  I didn’t, but obviously I wasn’t going to admit that, was I?

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Lord Rothbury let me move on to Thomas the oddman at the end of the polka, but claimed me again the minute we’d Lancered to a standstill. It was a near thing – Captain Cholmondeley was inclined to dispute possession, but Lord Rothbury whisked me off for The Dashing White Sergeant past Dr Travers who called, ‘Don’t forget to save me a reel!’ Fancy not daring to kiss him when I had the chance – you coward Eve – but we were dashing too vigorously for further thought.

  We finished up right next to Lord Rothbury’s valet, who to my surprise asked me to join him in the Washington Post. He was a good dancer, but he didn’t say much. I saw Lord Rothbury over by the piano, standing this one out. Then he bent over Mr Parton, looked up, signalled to Mr Wilkins, his valet – who danced me firmly across to his employer and handed me over to him just as the music finished.

  I exclaimed, ‘That’s cheating!’

  ‘It’s called strategy. Now I happen to know an ambush is being planned, so as it’s a waltz next I’ll hum the tune and we’ll start immediately.’ So we did.

  As soon as the music started and the floor filled up he danced me under the gallery – but we didn’t stop there. We danced on into the garden entrance vestibule and straight through the open door – which he kicked shut behind us without breaking the rhythm – then waltzed on down the steps I’d scrubbed my first morning, out under the high stone arch and down on to the moonlit terrace. Gosh – what fun!

  We took a few turns there, then we were at the top of a flight of shallow stone steps – dancing down them – along the lower terrace – and straight into the creeper-covered summerhouse. With a flourish he bowed me to the wide wooden seat. ‘Right – it’s forfeit time. You can’t run away from me now, young woman.’ He moved towards me, his huge, dark body filling the doorway and blotting out the light of the waning moon. I shivered.

  He paused. ‘You’re cold – that muslin blouse is no protection at all. Here, you’d better have this.’ Shrugging off his jacket, he bent over to slip it behind me, and then drew it warmly round my shoulders. ‘Is that better?’ He dropped down on to the seat and turned to face me. A cloud flitted quickly over the moon, and once it had passed he put his hand under my chin and tilted it up to the pale light. I gazed up at him. Finally he said, ‘For all your provocative ways I don’t think you’re any more than nineteen, are you?’

  I answered, ‘No.’ Which was true.

  His moved his hand up, until it was gently cupping my Cheek. ‘Look, puss cat – I’m not going to pull rank on you. I don’t at all approve of men who force their attentions on housemaids who are unwilling.’

  ‘Nobody’s tried to do that to me.’

  His voice husky he said, ‘I’m very glad to hear that.’ It was true – he hadn’t. ‘So,’ he slid his arms around my waist and his hands reached up my back to draw me closer.

  And now, surrounded by the warmth and strength and musky scent of him I went into his arms willingly. His face was above me in the moonlight – that strong, bony nose – I reached up to trace the length of it with my finger, and found the tell-tale bump. ‘Did ye break that?’

  ‘Yes, I came off a horse, steeplechasing – and I was in the lead, too. But forget my nose, Eve Gunn – it’s time you answered my question. Do you want me to kiss you?’

  I smiled up at him. ‘Mm.’

  ‘“Mm” could mean anything – yes or no.’

  ‘It doesna mean no.’

  ‘What does it mean, then?’ His arms tightened around me, his hands firm on my back. My mouth couldn’t stop smiling. He murmured, ‘Little sharp, white vixen teeth – what does “Mm” mean?’

  I whispered, ‘It means “yes”.’

  As he bent his head I kept my eyes wide open, because I hadn’t got a clue how to do it. I saw him part his lips, and just had time to part mine before he began kissing me. A very strange sensation – I wasn’t sure if it was pleasant or unpleasant. Because he was clean-shaven there was no brush of moustache or beard, just his lips – and his tongue flicking out, touching mine. I flicked mine back, and he responded – it was like a game. Definitely pleasant.

  He drew back, breathing heavily. ‘You obviously haven’t wasted your nineteen years, have you, Eve Gunn?’

  ‘Nae, I havena.’ True enough – and I’d still got two more to go.

  His head came down again, his face nuzzled my neck – his teeth gave me the tiniest of nips. Then our faces brushed together and our mouths met again.

  How curious – his chest and hands were so hard, yet his mouth was so soft and yielding. The surprising intimacy of it set me giggling once more.

  He drew away. ‘What’s so funny?’

  ‘Everything!’ This time it was me who nipped his neck.

  ‘Ouch! You’ve sharp teeth, you little vixen.’ But h
e didn’t sound at all annoyed. Instead his hands began stroking my back, and finding their way round under my arms, just as they had that time on top of the leaf cupboard. I shifted slightly, so he could reach my breasts more easily – after all, he knew I wasn’t a boy tonight.

  He murmured huskily, ‘Eve, are you wearing a corset?’

  Keeping my arms firmly clasped around his neck I drew away slightly to say, ‘That’s a funny question.’

  ‘Aren’t you going to to tell me whether you are or not?’

  Another game. I whispered, ‘I dinna ken.’

  ‘If you don’t know, I’ll have to find out for myself, won’t I?’ I didn’t answer, just gazed up at his face. ‘That enigmatic puss-cat smile again!’ His hands found my buttons. ‘Are you going to tell me?’ I shook my head. Slowly he unfastened my blouse. He pushed the muslin flaps gently to one side and reached for the bottom button of my camisole. ‘Are you sure you’re not going to tell me?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘On your head be it, then.’

  ‘I wudna wear a corset on ma head!’ I giggled, and his soft laughter answered as he began unfastening my chemise.

  As soon as he’d made room for it he slipped his large hand inside and stroked the bare skin over my ribs. ‘So you don’t wear a corset.’

  He didn’t sound at all surprised, and I said, ‘Could ye no tell that when ye were dancing wi’ me?’

  ‘Well, I did rather suspect, but I wanted to be quite sure.’ He began quickly undoing the remaining buttons of my camisole, but just as he finished his jacket fell off my shoulders. He pulled it up round me again. ‘Mustn’t let you get cold – though after all that dancing my jacket’s rather sweaty, I’m afraid.’

  Yes, it did smell of his sweat – lovely. I wriggled my head down so I could nudge my nose under his arm – the scent of him was even better there – strong, musky and male. Lifting my head up from his armpit I told him, ‘Gosh, you do smell nice!’

  He laughed. ‘You are a most refreshing young woman, Eve Gunn. But, aren’t your breasts getting just a little chilly?’

  ‘Not really—’

  He whispered, ‘Tell me they are.’

  Another game. I whispered back, ‘Aye – they are a wee bit on the cool side.’

  ‘Right, I’ll warm them up for you, then.’

  His hands dropped from my shoulders. They felt lovely on my breasts, warm and firm – yet soft. I shifted a little so his hands could get right inside my camisole. They did. ‘There now, is that better?’

  ‘Yes, thank you.’

  He laughed. ‘My pleasure.’

  It was my turn to make a move in the game now. I said, ‘But I want to ask you something.’

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘D’ye wear a vest?’

  He became very still. ‘I’m not telling you.’

  ‘Then I’ll have tae find out for maself, won’t I?’

  ‘You will indeed, young Eve.’

  I undid the buttons of his waistcoat. ‘It’s a bit difficult, with your hands holding my breasts.’

  ‘But I’ve got keep to them warm – besides, I’m sure a girl who can dance a I hornpipe can manage—’

  ‘Alright. You do wear a vest.’

  ‘You sound disappointed.’

  ‘It’s still only October.’

  ‘I’m afraid I’m a soft Sassenach.’ His voice dropped. ‘But solely in the chest region, I assure you.’ I giggled. ‘Time for another kiss, I think.’

  It was a shock this time, because he pushed his tongue right inside my mouth – I wasn’t sure I liked that. I pulled away. ‘No, it’s my turn to kiss you, now.’ He bent over me, his mouth already open, his tongue thrusting forward. I shook my head. ‘No – my turn. Close your mouth, and keep your tongue still.’

  ‘Oh.’ He sounded surprised, but did as he was told.

  I brought his head down to mine, placed my lips over his, and gently eased them apart with my tongue. Then I thrust it deep inside his mouth, as he’d done to me, and began to explore – seeking the firm dome of his palate, the soft inside of his cheek, and those big, strong, teeth of his. Then I drew it back a little, and concentrated my tongue on his, licking, flicking, teasing – tempting him to move – and all at once he did. And now my mouth was full of his tongue, exploring with strong powerful thrusts – and I let him, because it was his turn now. I wasn’t sure if I enjoyed him doing that – but it was so funny. Eventually I managed to make my giggling escape.

  He exclaimed softly, ‘By Jove – you Scots fisher girls certainly know a thing or two!’ Was I proud! But he hadn’t finished. He went on, ‘Look, as a matter of principle I won’t usually foul the nest of my host – any more than I would my own.’ He paused a moment before continuing, ‘But – as you’re well aware, my room is right at the end of the corridor, so no-one would know if you were to slip down to see me, after everyone else has gone to bed…’ He paused again, waiting now.

  I said, ‘You mean for more kissing?’

  One of his hands gently squeezed my breast, while the other continued its roving. ‘You are a little tease, Eve Gunn. Yes, certainly we’ll have some more kissing – but after that – well, I did rather wonder if you’d care to spend the rest of the night with me.’

  I didn’t know what to say – what if someone saw me going in or out? Dr Travers’ room wasn’t that far away from the stairs. I said, ‘But suppose—’ He understood at once, and broke in to reassure me. ‘I promise that there won’t be any unintended consequences – I’ll take measures to prevent those.’ Well, if he was going to act as look-out – the roving hand was inside the waist of my skirt now, finding its way down into my drawers – and suddenly I remembered – but before I could stop him he’d found where the loop of my towel was attached to the belt. Abruptly the fingers stopped moving of their own accord. Then, drawing his hand out he whispered, ‘Are you on your rags?’

  I whispered back, ‘Yes – I started yesterday.’

  ‘I’m afraid that possibility never crossed my mind – with your being so energetic this evening. Just my luck, and I’m leaving tomorrow, too. What a shame – it would have been such fun.’ He sounded really disappointed.

  I said, ‘I’m sorry.’

  He patted my behind gently. ‘Can’t be helped puss – it’s not your fault. I should have asked you on Thursday, after your dip in the lake!’

  Remembering, I retorted, ‘I wudna’ve said yes – not then.’

  He laughed. ‘No, the ginger she-cat was definitely scratching that day.’ Then, after a brief silence, ‘Are you implying you would have said yes tonight?’

  I whispered, ‘Mm.’ He gave me a warning shake. I said, ‘Yes.’

  He groaned, before drawing me to him. ‘Let’s have another kiss, anyway.’

  We did, and it was even nicer than the ones before – I was really getting the hang of it now. I suggested, ‘We could stay out here kissing—’

  ‘No we can’t – I’ve kept you away from the dance too long already. The other maids may well have noticed your absence. I’ll have to let you go back now.’

  He twined his fingers in mine. Then he suddenly said, ‘Look, puss cat, I know this is an odd thing to ask, but would you be willing to come down to my room anyway? We could have a kiss or two, and then perhaps you could stay and sleep with me – really sleep with me, I mean? I’ll have a good long smoke now, and another before bed-time, so I won’t be a nuisance to you overnight.’ I’d never realised he smoked so much – I hadn’t noticed the cigarette butts in his room. He added, ‘But if the thought disturbs you when you’re on your rags, I’ll quite understand.’

  ‘No, it doesna. Sae if ye dinna mind—’

  ‘I’ll cope with the disturbance.’ He added, wryly, ‘I’ve had plenty of practice.’ Did he often sleep with women who were on their rags, then? I didn’t want to think about that one, so I didn’t. Besides, I’d just remembered my reel with Dr Travers.

  Pulling my hand away I jumped to my feet
and said briskly. ‘I’ll come down then, after the dance. But I’d better get back now.’

  ‘Off you go then.’ I turned to run, ‘Eve – your buttons!’ I heard his soft laughter neighing behind me as I hastily fastened myself up.

  I met Glad as I came back through the door. ‘Where’ve you been, Eve? Dr Travers is looking for you.’

  ‘I just went outside to cool down – with Lord Rothbury.’

  ‘Oh, did you now? Then I’m surprised you didn’t claim your kiss from him.’

  I couldn’t resist bragging. ‘I didna have tae – I knew I’d get one frae him, anyway. Dr Travers, I’m here!’

  I reeled with Dr Travers. By then Lord Rothbury was back, so I jigged with him. Another reel, another jig – and then I let Lord Rothbury claim me for the final waltz. Let’s be honest, I wanted him to claim me. I’d now decided that kissing marquises was a pretty interesting tribal ritual, and I was, therefore. most grateful to him for offering me the opportunity of continuing my researches later…

  Chapter Thirty Three

  After I’d briskly towelled myself dry I pulled on my nightdress, wove my hair into a single, thick plait, bundled up my uniform and quietly opened my bedroom door. No sign of movement. I slipped out, and closed it silently behind me.

  A couple of minutes later I was quietly opening the door of another bedroom…

  Lord Rothbury was sitting up in bed in his pyjamas, reading. As soon as the door was safely closed he said softly, ‘Good evening. I was beginning to wonder if you’d changed your mind.’

  I shook my head. ‘No – but I had to wash all over, I was sae sweaty, after dancing the hornpipe.’

  ‘Me too. So I raced Travers to the cold bath – I’ll certainly be needing it tonight!’ He laughed.

  I was heading for the armchair first. ‘I’ll just sort ma clothes out. I brought ma uniform wi’ me, so if anybody does spot me down here first thing tomorrow they’ll think I’m away early tae ma duties.’

  ‘Clever girl. But in any case, I’ll give the corridor a careful check before you slip out in the morning.’