What did you do with those troublesome tenants, the school friend asked the Duke, as they tucked into a roast pheasant.
Do you know, they hadn't paid the rent for two months. They kept complaining that their child was ill, and they had to use their rent money to pay the doctor’s bills. I've never heard such nonsense. Got them evicted.
Do you mean the family whose little girl had tuberculosis? the first cousin's wife asked.
I haven't got a clue what ailed the child, the Duke said.
But surely it is cruel to put a family with such woes onto the streets? Wouldn't it have been kinder to allow them some more time or assist them monetarily, Emily asked, quite horrified at the Duke's attitude.
Assist them with money? Good grief, Emily. If I was to do that, all my tenants would start to expect favors of that kind, and I have over five hundred of them. I would be bankrupt in no time.
While there is some merit in what you say, I still believe it is important to be humane in exceptional circumstances, Emily retorted.
The Duke looked at her. Contrary as well as beautiful, he thought. Another wave of desire rose from his groin. My dear, you are young and have yet to experience the harsh realities of the world. I am afraid it is simply not possible to help everyone. The people with a lower status than we should be subservient and pay their rent on time. Now let's change the subject, I can see Emily is a little inexperienced in business. Perhaps we should talk about ladies fashion, he said patronizingly.
Emily looked down to her hands as they played nervously in her lap. She felt the Duke had belittled her. At the end of the evening, Emily was cold and more than ready for bed. She stood up, thanked the Duke for his hospitality and wished the other guests good night.
Rose had made a fire in Emily's room, and she gratefully pulled the armchair to it and warmed herself. Rose knocked on the door. I'll help you get ready for bed, Miss Emily, she said eager to help.
Thank you, Rose. You really are superb at your job. You have made me feel most at home here. I hope I don't speak out of turn, but are you happy here, in this position?
Rose didn't know what to say. Well......Miss Emily I........ She brushed Emily's hair with increased vigor and suddenly found the courage to speak. Honestly, no I am not happy here, but I am just a maid and where could I find other work? I don't want to go to a factory, and if I left, I am sure the Duke wouldn't give me a reference. He can be...........let's say awkward sometimes.
Rose saw Emily to bed and closed the door behind her. The room was filled with the red glow of the fire's last burning embers as Emily began to think about the Duke. No sooner had her thoughts turned to him, there was a soft tap on the door. Emily sat up and listened. She heard it again. She got out of bed and opened the door slightly. It was the Duke.
Miss Emily would you allow me to come in?
She could smell port on his breath. “Please do, she said opening the door further.
He stepped inside, closed the door and grabbed her. Duke really, calm yourself. I am a defenseless lady. Please let us........
I want you. I have wanted you since the minute I saw you this evening. Emily, take me to your bed. Let me show you my desire.
Slowly, my Lord. Slowly. I am taken with you, and I do feel your desire for me. I am flattered, but I hope you appreciate, a lady needs time before she is fully able to give herself. Come and sit with me.
The Duke was delighted to see Emily sit on the edge of the bed, not the armchair. Perhaps he still had a chance. Emily noticed his manhood straining against the material of his trousers. She smiled to herself.
Now, my Lord, we will do this gently and at a pace, I am comfortable with. Do you agree?
The Duke nodded.
You may kiss me.
He took her in his arms and kissed her. Emily felt his tongue trying to open her lips, but she managed to keep them tightly shut.
Now, that was nice wasn't it? she asked him.
Again he nodded. He was racked with desire and couldn't speak. His member was harder than it had ever been and he wanted to plunge it into her, without delay.
Emily took his hand and placed it to her breast. He felt her nipples stiffen under the thin nightgown. My Lord, please forgive me. I am inexperienced in the ways of the bedroom. I have never had a man before. The Duke's breath quickened at the thought of taking this virginal beauty. I ask you to have patience with me. I will give myself entirely to you, in time. For the moment, I am comfortable letting you kiss me and touch certain parts of my body.
The Duke listened in dismay. All he was going to get was a kiss and a feel of her breasts. It wasn't enough, but other than raping her, he concluded he had little choice but to wait.
Emily pushed him down so that he was lying on the bed. She lay next to him and propped herself up on one elbow. She kissed him. My Lord. Please be assured of my firm interest in you, but one thing is troubling me. One thing that may come between us and ruin any chance we have of happiness together.