"Hellfire"...Closed thread

[caela]

Alex had to fight not to laugh when she saw Paul's attire. While he could look and act the fop remarkably well she knew the mettle of the man beneath the act and found the ruse amusing now. Her own gown was off the shoulder with a daring decolletage that just barely held her bosom encased and that clung to her torso until the wide skirts flared out at her waist. The cut was simply and elegant and the blue silk made her eyes shimmer as she linked her arm with Paul's.

She heard the twitters and the rush of whispers when they were announced and a small, almost haughty, smile curved her lips when she locked eyes with the oldest and most repected of the matrons. They didn't know what was to come but Alex had some idea that the Prince and Paul had cooked up something.

When at last the Royals were announced Alex beamed at Caroline so glad was she to see her again and returned the Princess kiss to the cheek, "It's so wonderful to see you Caroline." She spoke quietly but in the press of bodies she knew there were those that heard her speak familiarly with the Princess before handing Paul over to her and taking the Prince's arm.

"It's an honor to dance with you your Highness, be warned though your toes may be in jeopardy," she teased before he spun her out onto the floor. As they danced she chatted and laughed with the Prince as Paul did with the Princess and by the end of the first dance even more gossip abounded for it was obvious the Royals were on intimate terms with Delery AND his Mistress.

 

[cgraven]

Delery knew the business at hand the Prince regent had for him and he also knew that a man’s Mistress under normal circumstances was fair game to court or to ste3al away if it could be arranged , but a Mistress that was on such intimate terms with the Royals was quite a different matter. For it would be assumed the Prince Regent might also be enjoying Alex’s charms as well as Delery or that the Tittering Fop may be only a ruse for another more important personage who may very well be keeping Alex as his mistress.
Then again the Princess Royal, Caroline, seemed to also know Alexandria Smyth quite intimately as well.

Society now found itself in a very awkward position for to ignore , or shun Alex might lead to Royal displeasure, and for those that might see her as a morsel to be picked and savored the possibility no matter how remote that this ravishing young beauty might be on intimate terms with the Prince Regent boded the most careful and cautious of actions.

The evening progressed without incident and even the dowagers of society began to court Alex’s company. It was close to mid night when a courier came unannounced be spattered with the soil of travel and was directed to the Prince. He seemed to listen intently and then he caught Delery’s eye, and touching a finger to his nose and just the brief of nods he left the ball in company of the courier.

Paul took his time and made his way to Alex, he leaned over and whispered in her ear..

Alex laugh a little and then come with me.

The tone in Delery’s voice was deadly serious.

 

[caela]

Alex was having the most fun she'd ever had at a ball. She found the situation the other nobles found themselves in amusing. To ignore the Mistress or not. Usually the shunning of a Mistress - unless trying to steal her away - was commonplace but both of the Royals obviously approved of both the match and of Alex herself and had spent a fair amount of time talking to Alex and Paul both seperetly and together and had often come back to them as dance partners.

When even the dowagers started courting her prescence - thus giving her their own seal of approval - she knew she'd attained a rare status among the nobility. And that it was one that meant nothing to her. She knew they'd turn on her in a heartbeat if they thought it was safe to. Still it was funto watch them squirm and dangle and she was gracious and king to all who spoke with her.

She'd seen the courier enter and speak with the Prince so she expected Paul to leave as well...what she hadn't expected was him to tell her to join him. Nodding her head she returned her attention to the dowager she spoke with and after a few moments slipped quietly from the ballroom to join the Regents and Paul.

 

[cgraven]

The Prince Regent and Delery where deep in conversation with the Courier when Alex arrived in his study. The men had stopped talking when Alex knocked on the door and was admitted by the man at arms that stood guard their.

Alex I am afraid that I must rob you of Paul’s charming company for awhile.”

Their was a look of regret in the Princes eyes but also a determination that most would find shocking for a man that was know to enjoy his pleasures more than the duties of state.

” seems that the French have gone made not only have they executed their King and Queen but now even members of the nobility, that had supported reform are being led to the embrace and kiss of ”Madame Guillotine.

The Prince ran his hand through his hair and Alex could see the strain he was under.

There is noting I can do directly for Parliament has tied my hands by recognizing the New Government and there is no a reign of Terror in France. UI am afraid I need to send Paul over there to find out what is going on and to help as many of the poor devils escape as is possible. Perhaps then Parliament we see the danger that all Europe is in now.”

There was no need for him to tell Alex that Delery would be traveling without the protection of the crown, but as the Prince’s personal agent, a very nice way to say he would be a spy.

Delery saw the shock and fear in Alex’s eyes. And he took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.


“Alex I can not do this alone and that is one of the reasons I was at the Hellfire Club. I know you think most are shallow callow youth, but they are more than that ..”

Paul Paused and drew a breath as he studied his young wife.

“Some are very talented and daring by nature and I will have need of such men.”

Delery passed his stunning young wife a list.

“What do you think do these men have the metal for what lays ahead?”

The list was one composed of names from the Hellfire Club and represented some of the finest families in England, and yet it was a list of only men’s names.

 

[caela]

Entering the study Alex sat in a chair between the Prince and her husband forming a sort of triangle between the three of them. She wasn't surprised by what the Prince said until he told her the situation in France. She'd known it was bad she just hadn't realized how bad. Drawing a breath she squeezed Paul's hand and said nothing until he'd handed her the list to look over.

Some of the names she knew well, others only by reputation, most were simply the callow youths she thought them to be but there were a few that she thought mighthave the mettle for what Paul and the Prince wanted.

"Gary of Kent, Leon Cornwall, and Samuel St. James, might be of use. It's my personal opinion tha the rest would be dead weight. Most would see it as a lark and flee at the first sight of real danger."

Looking between the two men she though for a moment before adding, "If you have any that you would trust, I would also suggest taking a woman or two. Three englishmen in a distraught France would seem suspicious. Couples out on a lark however would seem less so and since many men think women are inherantly foolish and stupid they'll say things in front of them carelessly that they wouldn't in front of another man."

 

[cgraven]

Gary of Kent, Leon Cornwall, and Samuel St. James, might be of use. It's my personal opinion that the rest would be dead weight. Most would see it as a lark and flee at the first sight of real danger."

Delery and the prince exchanged knowing looks for Alex’s evaluation was much the same as their own. What surprised them both was the outrageous suggestion that she made next.

"If you have any that you would trust, I would also suggest taking a woman or two. Three Englishmen in a distraught France would seem suspicious. Couples out on a lark however would seem less so and since many men think women are inherently foolish and stupid they'll say things in front of them carelessly that they wouldn't in front of another man." There was a certain undeniable truth to what Alex said and when Delery saw the look in The Prince Regent’s eyes, he knew that he had already made up his mind.


Alex that is quite true and women have been used in the courts of Europe traditionally in a,….shall we say fact-finding role in courtly intrigues. But you say women for such a roll where the mob controls what passes for government in France today?”

The Prince arched his eyebrow as if to ask have you truly considered what you are proposing.

the mob has already sent the King and Queen to the Guillotine, they are no respecters of the fairer sex and would not hesitate to send an English women to the same fate if they thought she where an agent for the crown.”

The Regent in one simple statement had brought the question in to crystal clear focus.

”Would You, …take on such a roll and do you know of others that would with the full realization it could mean their life or worst?”

He paused again to let his words strike home and so that Alex truly understood what he was asking of her.

” They would of course have to be fluent in French.”

 

[caela]

”Would You, …take on such a roll and do you know of others that would with the full realization it could mean their life or worst?”

Alex eyed both men for a long moment before answering, her voice clearly indignant but tightly controlled, "Would ask women to be cowards and stay at home pretending nothing is happening in the world around them? There are many women made of much sterner mettle than most of the men on that list you handed me Paul and yes, if I were suited to the role that needed to be played, I'd willingly put myself into it.

Highness forgive me, you called women the fairer sex but what you meant was the weaker sex. If the turmoil in France spills onto our shores do you believe the women here would be spared anymore than those in France have been?"

Drawing her breath to continue her tirade the wind was taken from her but the words the Prince interjected into her short silence.

” They would of course have to be fluent in French.”

Suddenly she laughed. "Well Highness you've effectively chained me at home with that. My French is aweful. Unlike most of the court who found adopting Frech language and mannerisms to be the height of sophistication I always found it disingenuous and never learned the language. There are however other's that do speak it, many other, and if there are any you both would trust on such a matter than I think the question of their willingness should at least be put to them instead of summarily dismissing them because of their sex."

 

[cgraven]

Delery could only roll his eyes at Alex’s passionate response to the Prince Regent’s statement for he knew the man only too well. He could see the amusement and respect the Prince held Alex in as her firry passionate words spilled from her lips with little or no thought of whom she was speaking to. Paul smiled as the vision of that first night, the proud little beauty of the Hellfire Club came to mind.

Suddenly she laughed. "Well Highness you've effectively chained me at home with that. My French is awful. Unlike most of the court who found adopting French language and mannerisms to be the height of sophistication I always found it disingenuous and never learned the language. There are however other's that do speak it, many other, and if there are any you both would trust on such a matter than I think the question of their willingness should at least be put to them instead of summarily dismissing them because of their sex."

Alex finally paused to draw a breath and before she could say anything else the Prince placed a single finger to her ripe lips, a gesture both tender and intimate.

“Hush Alex,………

His eyes now became very serious as they held her firry emerald eyes. The Prince like Delery was the only other man that did not recoil from their firry passion.

“….most of the women need to speak French or at least understand it hopefully they will be possessed of enough wit to not let on that they do for as you quite correctly observed men’s lips become lose around beautiful women, yet the woman must be able to understand what is being said.”

There was an inescapable logic and truth to the Princes words. His dark grey-blue held hers and he let his finger slip from the girl’s lips.

“That being said there needs to be someone like yourself who has the spirit and the mettle to organize such a group Alex. I will expect a list by morning.”

It was clear the interview was over and the Prince had not let Alex have the opportunity to sayNo

 

[caela]

Alex finally paused to draw a breath and before she could say anything else the Prince placed a single finger to her ripe lips, a gesture both tender and intimate.

“Hush Alex,………

Alex blinked in surprise and hushed. She couldn't recall anyone having touched her so intimatly except Paul. Well no one that didn't get bitten for it anyway. But this was the Prince and she knew there was nothing untoward in the gesture, he was simply getting her to be quiet in the most efficient way possible. It would have made her chuckle if she wasn't listening intently.

...“That being said there needs to be someone like yourself who has the spirit and the mettle to organize such a group Alex. I will expect a list by morning.”

A list? By morning? Did he really mean what she thought he meant? Had he just ordered her to compose a list of women she thought could handle such an assignement? He had and the fact was making her mind draw a total blank. Of course she knew women that would suit but she didn't know who the Prince or Paul trusted, outside of herself and Caroline of course, and had thought that they'd make a list themselves. Still if it was a list he wanted she could certainly make for him. It would be short however.

Slowly nodding her head she murmured softly, "Yes your Highness. It'll be a short list but I'll have it to you by morning."

Glancing at Paul it was obvious she was at a loss now. It was obvious the interview was over but should she simply return to the ball or call for their coach and make her way home? Her head was still spinning from the fact that she'd been included in the meeting at all and she was flustered and slightly confused.

 

[cgraven]

Glancing at Paul it was obvious she was at a loss now. It was obvious the interview was ……..Her head was still spinning from the fact that she'd been included in the meeting at all and she was flustered and slightly confused.

Paul took Alex’s hand bowed to the Prince and led her back to the Ball.

“Everything is to appear as if nothing has happen.”

Delery paused as he leaned in and whispered in her shell like ear.

“I do believe my feisty little imp you have just volunteered to be and agent for the Prince.”

Like all Royal Balls, the frivolities went into the wee hours of the morning and as with such august gathering a few selected couples where to stay at the place for the evening. The Prince Regent’s chief steward approached Delery and his ravishing young companion.

“Viscount Delery the Prince Regent and the Princes royal would deem it an honor if you would be their guests this evening.”

It seemed that Alex would not have to endure a long ride in the carriage for this night they where the invite guests of the most powerful man in England. The invitation did not go unnoticed by the dowagers in attendance.

 

[caela]

“I do believe my feisty little imp you have just volunteered to be and agent for the Prince.”

Alex laughed softly and leaned in close to murmur softly back, "Trust me love I didn't mean to. Still if I can help you in some small way I'll be glad for it."

Deciding she may as well be as shocking as her supposed position and ruined reputation would have she leaned close and pressed a lingering kiss to his lips before vanishing into the crowd once more. Through the evening she circulated and chatted about frivilous things with young debutantes and old dowagers and all the way she measured the mettle and bearing of everyone she came into contact with.

But always she returned to Paul. It was well noted that when any gentleman moved beyond polite banter she quickly made an end of the conversation and always she was drawn back to Delery; like a moth to a flame. While some of the men no doubt held out hope that she was merely playing hard to get most took the hint and realized that, for now at least, Alex wouldn't be wooed away from him.

When the chief steward himself came up and told them they were invited to remain at the palace Alex lips curled into a gracious smile and she knew that only Paul would see the sardonic twinkle in her eyes. The Prince had arranged it neatly so that he wouldn't have to wait for his list. Alex had to admit she liked the man almost as she liked his wife. They were well matched.

She didn't fail to note how the guests reacted to their being invited to remain. No doubt many speculated that Delery was a front and that she was truly the Prince's Mistress and it was thus that he would keep her close. Others though remarked to such speculation that even Caroline had greeted her like a sister and was known to cast a harsh on those she thought were trying to seduce her husband. And Caroline had danced with Delery as often as Alex had danced with Geoffry.What rumors flew after that she had no idea and didn't care. She spent the rest of the night circling in Paul's orbit, never more than a few feet away until at last he drew her away to the chambers prepared for him and was asleep as soon as she crawled between the sheets and curled against his chest.

 

[cgraven]

The evening had gone without incident and their was gossip flying fast and furious about who Alex’ was really the mistress of. One thing was sure she was not a woman to be trifled with but one to be treated with the greatest respect for at the very least it was obvious that she not only had the ear of the royals but was an intimate of theirs as well.

Delery and his mistress retired to the apartments next to the Prince Regent’s and the Princess Royal, a fact that would surely be wide spread rapidly in the circle of Trusted Servants and would only breed more speculation as to the exact relations ship that existed between the Royals, Delery and his supposed Mistress.

Finally alone Paul swept Alex into his arms and kissed her with all the passion and desire that burned within him for the emerald eyed fire brand that neither feared the Prince Regent or the stuffy society of the nobility. This brash self assurance did give Delery cause to ponder what troubles may lay ahead of them on the Continent.

When he broke their torrid kiss, he gazed into Alex’s firry emerald eyes. his voice was soft and full of love for the young headstrong beauty, there was not the sliest trace of condensation in it.

“Alex you know that the game the Prince wishes us to play is a very dangerous game indeed.”

 

[caela]

“Alex you know that the game the Prince wishes us to play is a very dangerous game indeed.”

"I know," she murmured softly and curled in closer against him. "You knew you were involved in dangerous business when you decided you were going to claim me Paul Delery, and I knew it before I wed you. Now is the wrong time for an attack of conscience."

Resting her head on his chest she sighed softly and pulled the thick quilt of the bed up and around them. "Mmmmm, as much as I want to go where that kiss was leading love I think it's going to have to wait until morning. My body's demanding sleep."

 

[cgraven]

"I know," she murmured softly and curled in closer against him.

What Alex said was true and yet he had never intended to draw her into the dark world he inhabited for the Prince. He held Alex close to him enjoying the warmth of her soft supple body.


Resting her head on his chest she sighed .

"Mmmmm, as much as I want to go where that kiss was leading love I think it's going to have to wait until morning. My body's demanding sleep."

Once again Delery’s lips claimed Alex’s

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

While the Prince Regent and Alex and Paul laid their plans Byron saw opportunities in Paris. All was confusion the innocent suffering as much as the guilty, there was no justice just blind mad revenge for wrongs or perceived wrongs and Byron found that this was something her could turn to his advantage.

He approached Rose Perrier’s committee of safety offering his services as a spy to find the finding places of the Aristocrats , that is for a price and betray them to the government.

This was what Alex and Delery would be walking into a world where one did not know who was friend or foe. A world where only their wits would serve to protect them.

 

[caela]

Once again Delery’s lips claimed Alex’s

Alex purred softly to the kiss and returned it, her kiss tender and sweet, but tired as well. She was used to leaving balls as soon as was polite not remaining at them until the last guests left. A small part of her mind also whispered that the Prince wasn't likely to allow them to sleep late when he had work for them to do.

She hoped he wouldn't send Paul away too very soon. Her lack of French made her a bad candidate to go with him and for the first time she cursed the lack. It was a lack of practice more than anything. Like all in her class she'd been taught it as a child but she stubbornly refused to use it outside her lessons and instead clung to her native English. She still understood enough to know when she was being insulted and to catch when she was being gossiped about but that was all.

She also didn't like the fact that France was where Byron was. If Paul had to bet here she wanted Byron anywhere but. He'd see Paul's tearing her from his grasp, and his concurrent assignment to Paris, as a personal insult and if he knew Paul was nearby he'd stop at nothing to make his life a misery...or possibly to end it.

"Be careful on this trip Paul, remember you'll have one very pissed off wife if you die on her."

 

[cgraven]

"Be careful on this trip Paul, remember you'll have one very pissed off wife if you die on her."

“I have no intention of dieing any time in the near future my dear.”

Delery swept Alex into his arms and carried her to their bed. He cuddled with her after he had stripped her of her gown. They lay naked in each other’s arms and the sun was just rising when they drifted off to sleep.

It was well afternoon when there was a soft knock on the door. Caroline smiled as she came to Alex.

“I fear that the Prince has sent Paul to France.”

It was at that moment Alex realized Delery was gone. The princess handed her a letter from her lover and husband.

Dearest Alex,

I had to leave suddenly at our liege Lords orders. I did not wake you as you where exhausted and so in need of rest. What I must do must be done in secret and the Prince needs your consul and that list. You will be with me in my heart. You are my life.

Paul


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A ragged beggarly Officer of the Guard Nationalhalf staggered down the mole at Calais, his uniform dirty, spattered with mud. The local guard approached and he handed the man an envelope bearing the seal of the committee of Safety in Paris.

“Get me a horse I have a important business in Paris for Monsieur Rose Perrier.”

The Guard saluted smartly and ran to fetch a horse. No one would recognize the officer as the fop Paul Delery for Delery was a master of disguise. His thoughts drifted back to Alex before he banished them from his mind as he swung into the saddle and spurred his horse towards Paris.

 

[caela]

Alex fell asleep feeling content and safe with her body curled in against the warmth of Paul's and with his arms around her. She was exhausted and she never felt him leave the bed though she whimpered softly in protest and her body unconciously shifted in the bed as if seeking him.

It was fthe sound of constant knocking on her door that finally woke her but before she could do little more than sit up and try to blink the sleep from her eyes Caroline had come through the door.

“I fear that the Prince has sent Paul to France.”

What was she talking about? Paul was right.... Turning her head she realized that she had rolled onto the side of the bed that Paul usually occupied and that he was gone. On the bedside table there was note which she read quickly before giving a small cry.

He should have woken her! She should have at least had the chance to tell him one more time that she loved him and to say goodbye! Ohhhhhh if he died before she got to yell at him she'd find a way to kill him again!

"Men!" she muttered under her breath. "Caroline, thank you for coming to let me know. Would it be possible to call around and have my maid bring me a day dress? All I have is my ball gown and I'm not sure where Paul tossed it las night."

It was as she spoke that she relized she was sitting in bed in front of the Princess Regent with not a stitch on to cover her body but the sheet she was holding wrapped around her! Suddenly she just laughed and grinned at her friend, "You know I have to discuss that fact with Paul that everytime he leaves me in your care he doesn't leave me any clothes."

 

[cgraven]

"Men!" she muttered under her breath

"You know I have to discuss that fact with Paul that every time he leaves me in your care he doesn't leave me any clothes."

Caroline smiled as Alex laughed and the princess Royal came and sat by the stunning young beauty as she clutched the bed sheet to her supple young body. Caroline placed her small delicate hand on Alex’s.

“I rather like the fact that your roughish husband does leave you naked in our company.”

Caroline slowly drew down the sheet baring Alex’s breasts and upper torso to her view, she leaned close her breathe washing over Alex’s full ripe lips and then Caroline’s lips brushed hers in a fleeting intimate little kiss. There was something intimate and yet very innocent about the kiss and the princess let it linger only a moment before her moist lips drew back from Alex’s.


“you are quite beautiful Alex and I can see why you captured Delery’s heart.”

The princess’s own young body was close to Alex she could feel the heat radiating from the other woman’s.

“But I fear my husband will want that list from you my dear. A maid will attend you directly and a dress will be provided.”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Four changes of mounts brought the Captain of the Guard National to Paris Delery had nearly rode his mounts into the ground and at each way station he sung down from one and up to another. When Paul arrived at the Place of Justice his uniform was covered with mud and he looked like he had been on campaign for three months rather than have just come from Calais. He was immediately shown into the Prefect’s office.


“Monsieur Captain Batard”

The tall gaunt man rose and extended his hand as if welcoming and old friend he looked more like a clerk than the man who presided over the reign of terror that had descended on France. His eyes where close set and he had the overall appearance of a weasel and every bit as dangerous as a adder, only a fool would think of Rose Perrier as a friend for men like him had no friends.

“Captain Batard I would like to introduce you to Lord Byron Essex of England, who is more than willing to help us root out the enemies of France, for a price.”

Delery turned to face his sworn enemy.

 

[caela]

Caroline slowly drew down the sheet baring Alex’s breasts and upper torso to her view, she leaned close her breathe washing over Alex’s full ripe lips and then Caroline’s lips brushed hers in a fleeting intimate little kiss. There was something intimate and yet very innocent about the kiss and the princess let it linger only a moment before her moist lips drew back from Alex’s.

Alex blinked in surprise as Caroline drew the sheet down. She honestly had no idea what to do or say so she simply sat and stared at her friend and tried to figure out what was going on. Before she'd drawn any conclusions Caroline's lips caught hers in a sweet kiss that sent Alex' mind reeling. Caroline's lips were soft and supple with none of the demanding prescence that Delery exuded when he kissed her. It was entirely different from kissing her husband but Alex still felt a small flutter of desire in the pit of her stomach that startled her almost as much as the kiss had.

When Caroline drew back Alex simply stared wide-eyed and dumbfounded at the other woman. She'd seen women kiss before, at the Hellfire club, but had never expected to be on the recieving end of such a kiss. Her first thought was that it had been a lovely kiss...her second was whether or not it would upset Paul that Caroline had kissed her.

“you are quite beautiful Alex and I can see why you captured Delery’s heart.”

The princess’s own young body was close to Alex she could feel the heat radiating from the other woman’s.

“But I fear my husband will want that list from you my dear. A maid will attend you directly and a dress will be provided.”

"Thank you Caroline. You're a good friend," blushing a deep shade of red she continued in a softer voice. "That was...nice. I've never...well what I mean is...damnit I hate feeling embarassed!...I've never been kissed by a woman before."

 

[cgraven]

When Caroline drew back Alex simply stared wide-eyed and dumbfounded at the other woman.

"Thank you Caroline. You're a good friend. That was...nice. I've never...well what I mean is...damnit I hate feeling embarassed!...I've never been kissed by a woman before."

Caroline smiled at the deep crimson blush that had colored Alex’s cheeks, her voice soft and the Princess could see the little flickers of passion in the young beauty’s emerald eyes. Caroline tenderly brushed a few stray strands of Alex’s flaxen hair from the stunning young beauty’s face.

“No need for embarrassment my dear Alex pleasure should always be embraced.”

The Princess Royal slowly pulled the sheet from Alex till she was sitting on the bed naked as the day she was born. Caroline’s lips brushed Alex’s again and this time she let that kiss linger her the princess’s dainty hand cupping the young beauty’s breast, a growing hunger growing in the Caroline’s eyes.

 

[caela]

The Princess Royal slowly pulled the sheet from Alex till she was sitting on the bed naked as the day she was born. Caroline’s lips brushed Alex’s again and this time she let that kiss linger her the princess’s dainty hand cupping the young beauty’s breast, a growing hunger growing in the Caroline’s eyes.

Alex whimpered softly as the sheet was pulled away from her. She felt caught suddenly where she sat, as if she couldn't move from Caroline's gaze. She felt the other womans lips find hers once more and couldn't help but lean into the gentle kiss. The hand on her breast was gentle as well and sent a warm shiver spiraling down through her.

For a moment she allowed herself to be lost in Caroline but only for a moment. Slowly she drew back and pulled the sheet back up and around her body.

"Caroline, forgive me but I can't. It...it feels like I'm cheating on Paul. He's taught me much but this wasn't something we've discussed, I'm sorry."

She knew she was blushing furiously again and she couldn't meet her friends gaze but she couldn't simply let Caroline have her way with her either. She wouldn't cheat on her husband. When he returned home she'd tell him what happened and see where he stood on it. She knew some men didn't mind their wives seeking pleasure outside the bedchamber as long as they didn't seek it with other men.

Tempting as Caroline was Alex wouldn't lay a finger to her if Paul said no.

 

[cgraven]

"Caroline, forgive me but I can't. It...it feels like I'm cheating on Paul. He's taught me much but this wasn't something we've discussed, I'm sorry."

Caroline simply smiled at Alex as she drew back blushing like an innocent school girl, drawing the damask line sheet up to cover her nakedness.

“Umm That is quite all right Alex.”

Caroline purred as she licked her lips savoring the last of that sweet kiss. The Princess Royal had felt how the ravishing young beauty’s body had come alive with their kiss and the gentle seductive caress of her firm young breast. The princess cupped Alex’ cheek and let her fingers trail softly down her cheek.

“I fear my husband will want that list from you Alex.”

Caroline slowly rose, she let her eyes feast on Delery’s young bride, the girl’s flaxen hair in wild disarray. And thought What a delightful little morsel Alex was.

“My maid will attend on you directly my dear.”

The Princess left Alex to ponder what had just passed between them. Shortly The Caroline’s maid came to attend Alex the dress the princess sent was indeed a day gown but a very daring and revealing one to say the least a gown that would certainly attract the eye of the Prince Regent.


<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“Captain Batard I would like to introduce you to Lord Byron Essex of England, who is more than willing to help us root out the enemies of France, for a price.”

“Monsieur citizen Bryon a pleasure.”

Delery was not the man that Bryon had met in England their was nothing remotely the same as the Fop Essex’s son would recognize. Delery’s French was perfect with the slight country accent of Normandy. His uniform a bit ill fitting and a two day stubble on his face. The lack of Bryon’s title was to be expected given the revolutionary fever that was sweeping France.

Citizen Bryon will report to me and I shall have the National Guard act on his information Captain. Now I believe you have a message for me?

Rose Perrier indicated to his clerk that Byron’s presence was no longer needed.

 

[caela]

Alex sighed softly in relief when Caroline left. She hadn't been sure how her friend would react to the rebuff but though she'd known that it was hard for Alex to give. When the maid arrived Alex was sitting at the vanity running a brush through her hair and trying not to think about what had transpired. She was grateful for the help and the loan of the dress; once it was on and Alex realized just how daring it was she laughed softly and couldn't help but think what a minx Caroline was.

Dressed she left the bedchamber and sought out the Prince Regent who smiled and greeted her warmly once she was announced. Waiting until the servants had left the room she sipped the sherry she was given and finally spoke in soft tones so none who might be trying to listen would overhear.

"You wanted a list Geoffery but I'm afraid it is as woefully short as the list of men I gave you last night. I know three women who would be suited to the role they'd need to play.

Emmaline St. Clair, her French is perfect and while she seems flighty it's an act. There's more going on inside her head than she lets one.

Katherine Sinclair of Sussex, again flawless French and she makes no bones about the fact that she thinks before she acts, is well educated, and is a wonderful actress. If her father weren't quite so highly stationed it's likely she'd run off to join the theatre.

The last is a bit inventive on my part. A Miss Susie Thompson. She's a servant in my mother's household. Her French is perfect having worked for a french family before serving ours and she'll be more easily able to mingle with the average citizens than a noblewoman would. Not to mention that while men often speak in front of noblemwomen, both men and women speak in front of servants."

 

[cgraven]

The last is a bit inventive on my part. A Miss Susie Thompson. She's a servant in my mother's household. Her French is perfect having worked for a French family before serving ours and she'll be more easily able to mingle with the average citizens than a noblewoman would. Not to mention that while men often speak in front of noblewomen, both men and women speak in front of servants."

Geoffrey, Prince Regent of England, listened to Alex’s well thought out reasoning for each of her choices and he was pleased that she had chosen quality over quantity for her candidates. Yet he also enjoyed the daring gown that his wife had selected for Alex to wear the waist of the gown narrow, the fabric gossamer and translucent hinting at the naked perfection that lay just below its shimmering surface, and the bodice bust line so low her nipples where half bared.

“I approve of your choice and of the gown as well Alex. Delery is a very lucky man.”

The prince paused and let his eyes blatantly take in the sight of the stunning young beauty a little smiled bowed his lips.

“Alex you are blushing and I find it quite charming.”

Then he became more serious I will be sending you to France Delery will be there but in disguise and I am sure he will find you.

“Go to Paris and take a room at the La Petite Chate, Number 12.”

 

[caela]

“Go to Paris and take a room at the La Petite Chate, Number 12.”

The blush that had been coloring Alex cheeks quickly died as all color drained from her face and deep arc of fear pulsed down her spine. Sending her to Paris?! What on earth for? She'd already admitted that her French was aweful and while Paul might be an expert at disguise she certainly wasn't and if Byron was in the city he was bound to recognize her!

She didn't realize her fingers were clutching the arms of the chair she sat in until she looked down and realized her knuckles were utterly white. If she could have looked in a mirror she'd have known they matched her face. Slowly looking back up to meet the Prince Regent's eyes her voice was soft and slightly pleading, "Why? Your Highness I am ill suited to this mission. You yourself said that anyone sent must speak flawless French and I don't. On top of that Paris is where Byron was sent, if he sees me there he'll know Paul must be about somewhere and start sniffing about in possibly dangerous ways. My prescence would endanger my husband much more than it could possibly help him Highness."

Damnit how it irked to say that! Even thinking it hurt but she knew it was true. If Byron caught sight of her he would believe that Paul must also be nearby and she'd not be able to move about the city without being watched. This was the unspoken reason for the choices given to the Prince. The women she'd named were women that Byron wouldn't have known well enough to recognize any more than in passing and not at all in connection to herself and Paul.

They wouldn't endanger her husband the way she would just by being there!

Suddenly she desperatly wanted Paul and could feel her chest tightening in a way that warned she was likely to cry. Before the Prince could answer she pushed up from her chair and stalked to the window, her eyes staring sightlessly out of it in in the direction of France and her husband. Arms crossed tightly over her breasts as if to shield herself from what the Prince's answer would be.