The summer was drawing to a close, and Alice had decided what she wanted to do. When Philip came onto the terrace and sat next to her, she opened the conversation.
It is time for me to reconcile my differences with your brother. Philip raised his eyebrows at her suggestion before she continued. It was just a moment of lust and silliness, and I really feel it is time to put it behind us. What do you say?
It would indeed be a step in the right direction, but it will never take away the fact that you did something very hurtful to our families.
Yes, my Lord, you are right. I realize I may never win your trust, but I would like to do all I can to do so.
So what do you propose?
I would like to invite you, and your brother, to Stanley Hall for a picnic by the lake. We will sit, talk, relax and eat to our hearts content. It is a lovely place and it will be a great opportunity to smooth things over. I will invite Georgina and Sophia. They will be most agreeable company for your brother, and, who knows, he may even take one as his wife.
Excellent idea. Yes, splendid, let's get him married off. It's more than time.
It was a lovely late summer’s day when Alice, the Duke, Reymond, Georgina and Sophia walked over the lawn, to the specially erected tent at the edge of the lake. The tent was open at the front and faced the lake. It was full of large cushions that they could lie on, and a thick carpet. Thomas had arranged for the champagne to be put on ice, and the food delivered when Alice gave him the signal.
Isn't this lovely, everybody? Alice said. Thank you all for coming. It means a great deal to me. As you all know, Reymond and I got off on the wrong foot, and managed to cause a bit of scandal. I would like to use today to put that right. She glanced at the others as they stared at her. I want to make a toast if you would charge your glasses.
Alice waited until everyone had a full glass. I want to toast Reymond and say how sorry I am that things happened as they did. To Reymond.
The others lifted their glasses and toasted the Duke's brother. Alice looked at him. He still had those shining blue eyes and strong looking body, and he was still very handsome.
After they had eaten and finished the Champagne, most of them snoozed a little. Alice remained wide awake and looked over the lake. It was the place she knew and loved, and a place that had never let her down. Here, she felt at home.
Oh, I see everyone is awake, why don't you take Reymond for a walk, you two, Alice said as she looked at Georgina and Sophia.
I'd love to walk with Reymond, said Georgina
Yes let's, said Sophia enthusiastically.
Well, if you ladies insist, then who am I to refuse. It will be a pleasure to walk around the lake, with not just one, but two beauties, Reymond said.
Then let's go, said Georgina and she got up.
Don't forget to show Reymond the wood, will you girls? You know, where we used to climb trees when we were young.
Now, excellent idea, said Sophia. I would very much like to be in the woods with Reymond. Reymond looked at her and smiled. It seemed to be his lucky day.
The Duke and Alice sat and watched as the three made their way around the lake. Alice jumped as the Duke took her hand. Thank you for today. It has been lovely, and the girls seem to like my brother. It was most thoughtful of you to introduce them.
It was my pleasure.
The Duke held her hand for longer than he had ever held it, and watched his brother and the two ladies disappear into the wood.
It really is idyllic here. Did you spent a lot of time here as a child? he asked.
All of it. I was never away from here. When I think of a home, I think of this place.
I would like you one day to feel........ Philip was stopped in mid-sentence by a horrible scream. What on earth? He jumped to his feet. Alice got to her feet as well.
In the wood, Alice said.
Charles had been on a lot of training exercises in recent weeks and he was more than a match for Reymond. He'd appeared from behind a tree and knocked him clean off his feet. Reymond was strong and had fought back, but Charles hit him in the groin with a savage blow. The pain was so great, Reymond had passed out. While Charles sat on him, Eleanor appeared from behind another tree, with a pair of scissors. Georgina and Sophia ran to her and stood patiently as she made an incision in the breast area of each dress. When she'd done that, she put her hand inside the hole and ripped the muslin material down and away from their breasts.
When Georgina appeared from the wood, the Duke and Alice were half way between her and the tent. When she saw them, she screamed, help, please help, he's gone mad. You have to help Sophia. He'll rape her.
As they got closer, the Duke was horrified to see Georgina standing in a ripped dress with her breasts exposed. Cover her up, he said to Alice as he ran along the path and into the wood.
When he arrived at the scene, he was deeply shocked. In front of him on the path lay his brother with a man on top of him. To the right, Sophia bent over a tree with her breasts hanging out and her skirt raised.