Page 50 of Papa's Captive
What were the odds that anyone would recognize her? And Papa had assured her that if they did, he would defend her.
Of all the things Papa had ever said to her, this assurance she had taken with a grain of salt. She absolutely believed him sincere when making the statement, as she had with so many others in the past, but well she knew how quickly resolve dissipates in the face of societal pressure.
She shook off her moment of melancholy and returned her attention to the party. Not just a party, but a ball given in her honor and attended by all of her favorite people, even Miss Wickersham.
She smiled up at her papa. This would be an evening she would never forget.
* * *
Papa steeredher toward the terrace. The cool air of the evening felt good after the crowded dance floor and Rosie gazed up at the full moon, her heart overflowing with happiness.
“Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” Papa slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side.
“Oh, Papa, yes. I never imagined it would be as grand as this.”
“I plan to make every night and every day grand for you.” He turned her to face him, his loving gaze locking with hers, sending a thrill of love and desire through her and when his mouth met hers in a sweet kiss her heart soared to the moon.
Papa’s hands slid ‘round her waist and she rested her palms flat against the lapels of his jacket, his heart pulsing beneath her fingertips. The kiss deepened and she leaned into him as her passion grew. Papa’s hands molded her to him and despite the layers of their evening wear, the evidence of his desire for her pressed into her.
What bliss it would be for Papa to take her under the moonlight and she moved against him indicating her willingness.
The urgency of Papa’s lips increased as did the heated thrum moving through her body. When Papa abruptly ended the kiss and held her to him, his breath coming in rapid gasps, it took her a moment to acclimate to the change. “Papa?”
He gazed down at her, his eyes bright with love and passion. “I would like nothing better than to lift your skirts and plunge into your sweet little cunny, my darling. But, we are the guests of honor and it would not do to engage in such an act here on the Graysons’ terrace. But, I promise you, as soon as we get home...or maybe in the carriage...I shall attend to your needs most thoroughly.”
Her mind’s eye envisioned Papa impaling her upon his cock as the carriage swayed through the streets of London and the pulsing of her kitty flourished. “Yes, Papa. I believe I would like that very much.”
“As will I,” he said. “Now, before we are tempted again, I suggest we return to the party.”
Taking his arm, they soon joined the gathering which was in full swing. Somehow Lord Cavendish had persuaded Miss Wickersham to be his partner. Rosie had never seen Miss Wickersham enjoy herself so thoroughly and felt badly that it had not occurred to her to include the one person who had actually made the whole evening possible. Thankfully, Cynny had.
“If you will wait here, my dear, I shall retrieve a bit of refreshment for us.” Papa caressed her cheek before walking to the other side of the room. Though she always preferred having Papa by her side, Rosie was content to observe the party for a few moments alone. She saw Cynny consulting with a servant, presumably over the supper which was to be served soon to all those who had generated an appetite on the dance floor. Cammie’s eyes never left her husband and Miss Wickersham as they made their way along the dance floor. Rosie glanced around for Daisy. Oh yes, there she was, talking with great animation to a group of ladies.
She sighed with contentment.
“Hello, Victoria.”
A voice from a lifetime ago sent a cold chill down her spine. Rosie did not move and did not respond. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her.
But when the source of the greeting moved to block her view, she knew her nightmare was real. Lord Hanworth, her former fiance, stood before her, an ugly grin spread over his face. “You have done quite well for yourself, Victoria.”
Ignoring the menace of his tone and demeanor, Rosie replied. “Hello, Lord Hanworth. How nice to see you again after all these years.” She moved to step around him, but he anticipated her actions and prevented her escape.
“I wonder what your husband would say if he knew your father was hanged fortreason,” he sneered.
“Lord Caldwell is aware of that part of my life and it is of no consequence to him.”
“Or so he says. What of your hosts, Lord and Lady Grayson? Would they be so eager to sponsor a party for the daughter of atraitor?” He spat out the vile word and it jabbed at Rosie’s heart like a dagger. “Do they know you are a fraud?”
“I am no fraud. I am Lady Caldwell. Now, if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.” Rosie’s voice quavered a bit but did not falter and she put her hand on his arm as a means to move past him.
Lord Hanworth was not to be put off and he leaned close to her. “Lord Caldwell may tolerate you now, for you are young and attractive, but in years to come, will he be so amenable to a wife whose family line is as tainted as yours?”
Rosie faced her former fiance directly. “What do you want, Lord Hanworth? Have you come only to harass me? Was not abandoning me in my darkest hour sufficient for you?”
“I am here tonight because my wife is a cousin to Lord Grayson. We arrived after the receiving line as we had tickets to the theater, though that show was nothing to realizing the guest of honor was none other than Victoria Andrews. You, my dear, are a far better actress than any I have seen on stage.”
“Well, you have had your fun,” Rosie’s ire grew each moment she was in his company, yet she dared not create a scene and she was desperate to have rid of him before Papa returned, “please let me by.”
