Sophia studied the Duke of Wellington. He was tall and had dark hair, brushed forward. He was well over six feet and broader than any man she had ever seen. He looked like a Roman Emperor more than a British General.
''My Lord, it is kind of you to see me. I am humbled that you found the time. I will come to the point. I will only ever in my life ask you once for your help, and that day is today. While my husband was away defending his country, I was propositioned by a man of the most devious character. I flatly refused his advances. Since that time, he has threatened to make up a story about my husband that simply is not true. My husband has been through a lot, and I do not want to burden him.''
The Duke studied Sophia now. He was charmed by her. After years of military service, it was always refreshing to see beautiful women in his office and not stuffy politicians. This was the country he fought for, a country that could produce magnificent women like Sophia.
''I see. And what, may I ask, is this man threatening to say about your husband?''
''My Lord. It is a very delicate matter and one a lady should in all probability not discuss outside the home. However, I feel I have no choice. In plain words this man has told me that if I don't lie with him, he will tell the world that my husband is impotent.''
''I see, and why can't you just tell this man to be off and have done with him?''
''Because my Lord, he is the Duke of Beaufort, one of the richest men in London. Who will believe me and my husband against a man as powerful as him? He has the power to ruin us.''
The Duke raised an eyebrow and Sophia noticed a look of anger cross his face. ''Jenkins,'' the Duke shouted. The young man appeared.
''Find out where the Duke of Beaufort lives, send some men round to his home and drag him here. At once.''
''My Lord, I can tell you where this despicable character is usually to be found. 12 Greys Inn.''
''You heard the lady, Jenkins. Send twenty men round there and bring him to me.''
*****
Sophia passed a very agreeable hour with the Duke of Wellington. He told her story after story about battles he had been involved in, and campaigns he had fought. He also talked about Napoleon. When he referred to David, the Duke was especially complimentary. ''Your husband can go to the top of the military if he so wishes. He is a man of steel,'' he said.
''He was very frightened before he left for France, my Lord,'' she said.
''There is not a man alive who isn't frightened of battle. I have seen grown men cry like babies before a battle, but once it started, stand their ground and fight with dignity. Do you think I am not frightened sometimes?''
''My Lord. I have learned a lot in the last few days about the feelings of a man and I would not suggest that at some point in your life you have not been scared of something.''
''You are correct. I am often scared, but I march on through it.''
There was a knock at the door. It was Jenkins. ''My Lord, the man is here, I have to tell you he is being rather difficult.''
''No matter, show him in.''
The Duke stood up as a handful of guards carried the Duke of Beaufort into the room. When he saw Sophia, he scowled at her. ''Is this the man of whom you spoke?'' the Duke of Wellington asked.
Sophia nodded.
''Alright. Men set him down.'' They dropped the Duke and he landed in a heap on the floor.
As he looked up he saw the imposing figure of the Duke of Wellington towering above him.
''I hear you have been less than kind to this young lady. What do you say?'' The Duke of Wellington said.
''My Lord, I think there must have been some misunderstanding. Miss Sophia is a delightful young lady. No one could ever do her harm. I do not know to what you refer.''
''Let me make it plain. If you contact this lady again or even speak of her to anyone, or if you contact her husband or even speak of him to anyone, I will have my henchmen, as you call them, hang you from London Bridge. I command thousands of men, and I am sure a lot of them would be only too happy to take a man, who spends his time avoiding military duty and blackmailing women, to the bridge to have some fun with. Do you understand?
''Yes, my Lord. I do.''
*****
Sophia sat on the edge of their bed and looked at David asleep. It was well into the afternoon, and he had slept all day. When she stroked his hair. He opened an eye. ''Hello, my love,'' she said. ''How did you sleep?''
''Long and well. I feel quite refreshed now. What have you been doing today?''
''Oh, I went to see Alice, and I had a few things to attend to in town. Nothing too important.” Sophia brushed her husband’s cheek. “I am so proud of you, words cannot begin to explain.''
*****
THE END
Rescued From A Rake – A Regency Romance
Alice Ashmeer and her friends, Georgina and Sophia, were sitting on the terrace at the rear of Stanley Manor, a large house belonging to Lord Ashmeer. The house had extensive grounds and included a lake that Lord Ashmeer used infrequently for fishing.
''It's such a lovely day. Do you think we dare go for a swim?'' Alice asked her two closest friends.