Page 19 of Indecently Daring

My Lord Marquess,

Come out from whatever rock they buried you under, or ought that to read – mound of petticoats? We request the pleasure of your company for a gathering of the Sons of Hades. No excuses. No exceptions. Failure to appear will be cause for immediate expulsion. You’ve been warned, scapegrace.

―Excerpt of an invitation to Jules Adolphus, The Most Hon’ble Marquess of Blackstone (eldest son of Their Graces Robert and Prunella Adolphus, The Duke and Duchess of Bedwin) from Mr Leo Hunt (Son of Mr and Mrs Nathaniel and Alice Hunt)

13th January 1845, Holbrook House, Sussex.

“Really, I wish you would stop fussing. I’m quite well,” Alana insisted for the fifth time in as many minutes.

She had arrived back at Holbrook House earlier that morning to a hero's welcome that had been at once touching and excessively embarrassing. Even the staff had turned out to congratulate her, but she just wished everyone would go back to normal, or as normal as life got in present company. After all, Reverend Martin was every bit as heroic as she was.

“Who’s a clever girl then?” Macintosh squawked, and then whistled cheerfully, bobbing up and down on his wooden perch.

Alana stared at the parrot in surprise, for that was the least offensive thing she’d ever heard him say.

“Clever, clever, pretty girl! Tits!”

Ah, well, that made more sense. Alana smiled as she noticed her aunt considering the bird with fascination.

“Why is he so appallingly vulgar?” she asked Lady Beauchamp.

“He belonged to Bainbridge’s mama. She and his pa, the Duke of Axton, loathed each other. She had been raised a lady, however, and ladies are never vulgar, so she taught Mac here to say all the foul things she could not bring herself to say to her husband’s face. After she died, I took Mac on, and Axton delights in teaching him new obscenities, the wicked man.”

“Not only Axton, you fibber,” Mrs Dankworth cut in with a bark of laughter.

Lady Beauchamp sent her friend a reproving look, but didn’t deny it. “I’m so glad Mac is mine, though. He’s the most devoted creature, and very affectionate. We quite adore him,” she crooned, stroking the bird’s head with a finger. Mac closed his eyes and made soft clicking noises to show his approval.

“Love, love, lovely bit o’ stuff,” he said contentedly.

“And the trouble he causes is quite entertaining,” Mrs Dankworth added with a delighted grin.

“How dreadful you are,” Cat said with approval. “I shall be just as naughty as you when I am old. It looks to be great fun.”

“Oh, it is, child,” Lady Beauchamp agreed with a smile. “Only, the trick is to live life to the full first and have no regrets.”

“Is it possible to live a life free of regrets?” Alana asked doubtfully.

“It is,” Mrs Dankworth replied with a firm nod. “Not easy, perhaps, but it is possible. One must own up to one’s mistakes and take delight in the successes, and then move on to what comes next. Never dwell on the past, Lana, dear. It changes nothing and helps no one, just leaves you stuck in the same place.”

“That sounds like something Pippin would say,” Cat said with a smile. “Oh, and speaking of that dear creature, I must post my letters. She’ll be cross with me if I don’t give her all the latest gossip.”

“Temple will have one of the footmen take it for you,” Aunt Harriet suggested, but Cat shook her head.

“No, I need some fresh air and to stretch my legs. I walk a great deal at Dern, and I’m not used to sitting about so much. Besides, it’s such a beautiful, sunny day.”

“It’s freezing out there!” Mrs Dankworth said in horror, staring at the bright blue sky beyond the windows as though there were a tempest raging.

“A bit of cold won’t hurt me,” Cat said with a laugh.

“Well, wrap up warm, dear,” Aunt Harriet said sternly as Cat left the room.

A moment later, Temple, the butler, appeared with a new arrival.

“Reverend Martin, my lady,” he said, announcing their guest.

“Come in, Reverend,” Aunt said, beaming as Harry came in and bowed to the assembled company.

“Ladies. I hope I’m not disturbing you?”