Fiery Harlot Seduced by a Duke Read online

  “A very rich, well connected man,” Molly announced, as the driver opened the cab door. “So make sure you attend to his every need.” She stooped her head and alighted down the steps.

  Mary felt a knot in her stomach. How depraved would his every need be? She began to feel overwhelmed by the experience. She wasn’t used to mixing with Lords of the realm - they had the power to make or break her.

  Mary stepped down the carriage steps and caught sight of the cellar windows below. A number of servants were busy preparing lunch. “All those servants for one man.”

  “A powerful man.” Molly touched her arm. “Don’t look so awe struck, be aloof and superior. You must ‘act’ like a lady who is accustomed to wealthy clients.”

  “I’ll try,” Mary said. “It’s a big step up from being a streetwalker in the docks.”

  Once inside the plush residence they followed Jenkins, a tall aloof butler, up a wide decorative staircase. They continued down a long corridor filled with expensive oil paintings and exquisite antique furniture.

  Jenkins led them into a large room with plush furnishings and a neo classical fireplace. A large window draped with silk curtains overlooked a manicured lawn to the rear of the terrace.

  “Please be seated.” The butler gestured towards a pair of Queen Ann chairs near the fireplace. “M’Lord will be with you shortly.”

  Jenkins stood in an upright position by the door in silence. The next ten minutes dragged by, Mary could hardly breath with the stress of it all. She wished she could run away, but where to?

  Maybe she was wrong to expect the worse. She might end up with a kind and caring Lord who was only interested in polite conversation and no more.

  She looked over at Molly lost in her own thoughts. What was she was thinking? No doubt about the fee she would obtain if she pleased the Lord. Mary became distracted by the sound of footsteps in the corridor.

  “That’s him,” Molly whispered. “Stand up and look demure.”

  “Lord Clarkson,” the butler loudly announced. Mary hoped that a kind, elderly gentleman, might walk through the door. Maybe a widower, which might be interested in the companionship of a woman.

  Her heart dropped when a fat grotesque Lord waddled into the room. He wore a grey wig and a leering smirk on his face. Molly stepped forward and greeted him with a polite kiss on the cheek.

  Mary was surprised by her intimate gesture. They obviously knew each other very well.

  “Pray, what do we have here?” His roving eyes were drawn to Mary’s amble cleavage.

  “This is Mary a new courtesan.” Molly gestured with her hand. “Would you consider her as an escort?”

  “Nice looking filly.” He slowly walked around Mary and assessed her body as if he was buying a horse at an auction. “Does she have her own teeth?”

  He looked closer. Mary squirmed as he touched her chin. “She does and a dainty little tongue.” He stood back and pondered for a moment. “How old is the girl?”

  Mary was about to say one past twenty.

  “Sixteen M’Lord,” Molly lied with a captivating smile. “Just how you like them.”

  “A very agreeable filly.” Lord Clarkson drew back a curl that had dropped against Mary’s face. “You have chosen well Molly. Leave the girl with me.”

  “Thank you M’Lord,” Molly said with a gracious bow. “I will not keep you much longer.” As she walked towards the door Mary gathered her skirt and followed her, but Molly blocked her path. “Wait here,” she hissed. “Lord Clarkson is going to take you to a ball.”

  “Now?” Mary asked in a bewildered voice.

  Molly looked over her shoulder. “There is a coach waiting outside.”

  “Is the something wrong?” The Lord walked over to Mary. “Don’t you want to go to a ball?”

  “Of course I do M’Lord,” she said in a hesitant tone. “I didn’t expect to go so soon.”

  “Maybe this will inspire you.” He looked over to the butler and snapped his fingers. Jenkins passed a small box into his hands. “Do you like jewellery?”

  “I don’t know a woman who doesn’t,” Mary said. She watched in awe as the Lord pulled out a diamond necklace from the box.

  “Do you like it?” He draped the necklace around her neck.

  “It’s beautiful.” Mary caught sight of her reflection in a gilded mirror. ”I never thought I would wear diamonds.” She really felt like a lady now with a sparkling necklace around her neck.

  She fingered the necklace with one thought in her mind - the first of many diamonds that will get me back home.

  “My goodness,” Molly retorted with a jealous look. “You’ve certainly made an impression on Lord Clarkson. Don’t let it go to your head; you only have the necklace for one night, so don’t disappoint him.”

  Mary resented Molly’s comment. “Why would I do that?”

  The Lord stood close to Mary. ”I must say you are very pleasing to the eye.” He pulled her chin towards him. “Don’t be shy, I will give you a night you won’t forget.” His foul breath against her cheek made her shudder - what had she got herself into?

  ****

  Mary felt sick as the rickety carriage rocked over the rough terrain in the forest. The sparse interior did not make her feel any better. The blue upholstered seat was tatty and there was an old dirty mat on the floor.

  Lord Clarkson sat opposite his eyes transfixed on her bosom as it wobbled over every bump in the lane. Mary averted her eyes in disgust.

  She hoped that he might be a peeping Tom; only interested in watching a woman not touching her. She couldn’t bear any other involvement.

  “What ails you my dear?” The grotesque lord seemed to read her mind. “Don’t you like the carriage?”

  “I thought it would of been more grand,” she said quietly. “For someone of your station.”

  “It’s one of many carriages at my disposal.” He clasped his cane with a fat hand. “It’s an old favourite with the women.” He leaned forward and touched her lap. “So my sweet, how good are you?”

  Mary shuddered as his probing fingers brushed her knee through her gown. “Don’t act the innocent maiden with me,” he sneered moving his wandering hand towards her chest.

  “Not now M’Lord.” She stopped his hand going any further. “We have a ball to attend remember.” She gave a seductive smile. “Let’s do this later.”

  “I haven’t got the time,” he huffed. “I’m five past sixty.”

  “We have plenty of time.” She gently pushed him away as the carriage rocked and rolled. “After the ball.”

  “There is no ball,” he laughed into her face. “It was a trick to get you in my carriage. Why would I loan an expensive necklace to you.” He pointed to the floor. “I’m going to take you here.”

  “There!” She looked down at the dirty mat in horror. How many times had he done this? Trapped harlots and innocent young maidens to do his evil deed.

  “I want my pound of flesh now.” He clutched her bosom with both hands.

  “Get off me,” Mary screamed. She tried to push him away as the carriage raced ahead through the trees.

  “No,” he snarled in her face. “I’ll have you now.”

  The carriage lurched forward, throwing Mary onto the floor.

  “Stay down whore.” He pushed her down with his foot. “That’s were I want you.”

  “No you evil man!” She tried to fight him off as the carriage rocked wildly around them. He tore her dress from her shoulders and pushed her face to the floor. “Stop it,” she cried with tears streaming down her face.

  “I’ve just started darling.” He pulled her skirt up over her bottom. Her exposed cheeks made him lust with desire. He would take her now.

  “Get off me.” Mary dug an elbow into him and rolled onto her back; her wobbling breasts spilled from her torn bodice. “Let me go.”

  “Come on whore, let me dip my wick.” He fondled her breasts and pulled her gown up at the front. His rough hands ran to the top of
her leg.

  “You will not have me,” Mary protested digging her nails into his hand, but the pain did not deter him.

  “Wild horses won’t stop me now.” She felt his bulging manhood slide across her leg.

  “No,” she screamed “Stay away from me.”

  A loud gun shot went off outside. The carriage came to an abrupt stop.

  Chapter 15

  “Highwaymen!” Lord Clarkson shouted. He pushed Mary to one side.

  “What did you say?” She lay on the floor in a daze; it took her a moment to register what he had said after his ghastly attack.

  “We’re going to be robbed at gunpoint woman.”

  Mary staggered up from the floor. “Are they going to kill us?” she gasped pushing her bosom back into her ripped gown.

  “Not if I can help it.” Lord Clarkson heaved his fat torso onto the seat. “There a bunch of vagabonds.”

  Mary looked out of the window. “One of the highwaymen is pointing a gun at the coachman.”

  “Damn Highwaymen,” the Lord snarled to himself. ‘They picked the right time to rob me.” He stuffed his valuables in a hidden pocket. “Well they’ll get nothing from me.”

  “Nor me.” Mary clutched the necklace around her neck. If she got out alive she would pawn it and get out of London for good. “Will they shoot us?”

  The coach door swung open, Mary screamed at the sight of a smoking flintlock. “Quiet woman,” Robert shouted. He looked over to Lord Clarkson. “How many inside?”

  “Only two occupants,” he replied showing no fear. “What do you want?”

  He aimed his flintlock at him. “Stand and deliver your purse!” He demanded “Money, jewellery, whatever you have.” As the Lord fumbled through his pockets Robert turned the gun on Mary. She raised her arms in defence.

  “Don’t be afraid young lady.” He pulled his gun back at the sight of her beautiful face. “If you do as I say no harm will come to you.” She returned a nod. “Good.”

  Robert threw a swag bag in front of Lord Clarkson. “Empty your pockets.” The Lord threw some money into the bag with a loud huff. “And the rest.”

  “Here.” He reluctantly pulled out a valuable pocket watch. “That’s all I possess.”

  “Is that all?” Robert sneered.

  “Yes,” he lied.

  Robert was convinced he had more valuables on his person.

  “What have you got?” Brown shouted into the carriage. “We must be on our way.”

  Robert pulled the bag outside and showed him the watch.

  “Once they have something they’ll go,” the Lord muttered to Mary. “At least our lives are safe.”

  “We don’t know yet.” She stared at the highwaymen quietly conversing by the carriage. “They might want more.”

  “No their professionals.” He knew they were ex military men by their upper crust accents and civil manners. Real criminals man handled their victims and sometimes shot them dead.

  ”Don’t worry my sweet.” He leaned towards her. “We’ll be alone again soon.”

  Alone. Mary felt sick to the stomach. She’d had enough of his obscene comments and grotesque hands; she’d be safer working by the docks on her own territory.

  Robert came back into the carriage. He was determined to pay off his gambling debts for good. “This isn’t enough. You must have more valuables.”

  Lord Clarkson put on a haughty face. “I have given you everything I have.”

  Robert caught sight of the sparkling necklace around Mary’s neck. “I’ll take that.”

  “No.” She clasped it in her hand. “It’s mine.”

  “No it’s not,” the Lord retorted.

  Robert was getting impatient. “Whose necklace is it?”

  “Give him the necklace.” Mary put her head down and removed the necklace from her neck.

  Robert grabbed it and threw it into his bag. He turned back to Lord Clarkson. “What else do you have?”

  “You want more,” he protested. “You will bleed me dry.” He clutched a tin snuffbox in his pocket. “Have mercy on a old man. I’m not long for this world.”

  “More reason to part with your worldly goods,” Robert quipped.

  “I’m not dead yet.” He tightened his grip on the snuffbox.

  “Hurry up,” William shouted. “I see a coach on the horizon.”

  Robert glared at Lord Clarkson. “More..” He looked back at Mary. “I have your wife’s goods.”

  “She’s not my wife,” he sneered.

  “You’re mistress?” Robert peered closer at his face. “I know you, you’re an MP. Aren’t you married to Lady Jane Clarkson?”

  He began to panic. “Take this silver snuff box and be done with your evil deed.”

  Robert examined it in his hand. “This is rubbish, it’s a tin snuff box.”

  “I have nothing else to give,” the Lord rasped.

  “We must go,” William urged. “The coach is getting nearer.”

  “More capital.” Robert opened his bag in front of him. “Or I’ll tell your wife.”

  “Don’t do that,” Lord Clarkson pleaded. “It will destroy my profession.”

  He pressed his flintlock into his chest. ”More.”

  “I have no capital on me.” He paused for a moment. “But I could get some money back home.”

  Robert glanced at Mary. “If I take this woman as a hostage,” he tightly clasped her arm. “You must pay for her release.”

  “But How?”

  “Listen carefully,” Robert ordered. “Bury a deposit of cash in front of the ancient oak tree by the entrance to the forest.” Lord Clarkson returned a nod. “I want a ransom of ten guineas.”

  “For a mistress,” he protested. Mary glared at him.

  “How valuable is your standing in society?” Robert said bluntly.

  The Lord thought for a moment. “It will take a few days to get the money together.”

  “Don’t mess me about.” Robert jammed the gun further into his chest. “If I find no money by 6pm on Thursday.” He turned to Mary. “I will kill her.”

  Mary trembled with fear. She could not believe what she had heard.

  “Make haste,” William demanded. “A coach is nearly upon us.”

  “Come with me.” Robert pulled Mary out of the carriage.

  The Duke of Sussex assembled the horses outside. Robert jumped on his horse and held out his arm to Mary. She hesitated for a moment - was it wise to go from one criminal to another?

  Her natural instinct was to rush back to the safety of the carriage. But the thought of Lord Clarkson’s hands groping her body made her change her mind.

  “Get on the horse,” Robert shouted. His strong arm pulled her onto his horse in one go. Mary clung onto his muscular body as he raced away from the carriage.

  William fired his gun into the air to deter the fast approaching coach. As he jumped on his horse the coach turned around and sped out the forest. He dug in his spurs and raced after Robert deep into the shadows.

  Chapter 16

  Mary clung on tight to the Highwayman as her cloak billowed behind her. She should have felt scared to be kidnapped, but she found the whole experience liberating - but most of all she felt free.

  Free from the groping hands of sweaty old Lords. Free from aging madams making a quick guinea from a girl’s innocent. Free from the crime infested dockland she had escaped from.

  It was deep into the night when they reached the grounds of an affluent estate miles from London. The full moon illuminated the plush landscape of the grand residence. She thought the highwaymen would of stopped here, but they raced into another forest.

  Mary began to wonder about her fate. What if Lord Clarkson didn’t pay the ransom? Most Lords in parliament were engaged in womanising and profiteering to some degree.

  However, it was one thing to do it in private and another for it to be made public.

  If he didn’t pay, her life would certainly be in danger. Although the highwaymen app
eared to be ‘professional criminals’ how long would they be civil to her?

  There were plenty of rogue ex military men that resorted to violence to make a prosperous living from highway robberies.

  Mary loosened her grip around Robert’s waist as he slowed the horse down to a gallop. She saw the other highwayman sped off towards a distant estate on the horizon.

  Mary began to see the reality of her new found freedom; she was all alone with a rogue highwayman deep in the forest.

  “We’re are we?” she called out to Robert. “We have been riding for quite a while.”

  When he failed to answer she began to panic. “Where are you taking me?’

  “You’ll see,” he replied.

  Mary narrowed her eyes through the dense forest. “I can’t see anything.”

  “Quiet!” He shouted.

  She began to fear for her life. “What are you going to do with me?”

  Robert remained silent as he rode towards a secluded area of the forest. They arrived at a small wooden cottage.

  Mary could smell the aroma of freshly cut logs. She also noticed an axe lying by the dying embers of a fire. It must be a woodcutter’s cottage? She mused.

  Robert jumped down from his horse by the fire. The black scarf that disguised his face fell for a moment. Mary saw his handsome features for the first time.

  She had a strange feeling she had seen him before. He turned his head away in a panic. She had seen his face?

  Robert pondered what to do. It was a waste of time tying the scarf on his face again. He crumpled it up in his hand and threw it away. He had no plans to be a highwayman again - once was enough.

  Robert helped Mary off his horse. As he clasped his strong hands around her waist she fell into his arms. He felt a tinge of desire as her amble breasts tumbled from her ripped bodice.

  Mary seen a passion in his eyes she had not seen before. When Robert whisked her to the ground, he walked away and tied his horse to a nearby tree. “We’ll spend a night in the cottage.”

  Mary began to panic, why would he do that? Maybe he had given up on the ransom and was going to kill her in the middle of the night - then he would throw her body to the wolves.