Kiss the Damsel Chapter Two

Kiss the Damsel

Chapter Two

Marcus headed home that night in a foul mood. There was nothing more that he wanted to do than to sleep and never see the sight of that irritating Jane Dorsey again. Marcus was glad someone had the decency to warn him. She was plain and easy on the eye, but it did nothing to stop his mind from wanting to teach her a lesson. Ruining her reputation would probably put a stop to her wayward ways. It was high time somebody gained some courage to marry her and put her in her place. Marcus contemplated a few gentlemen who would gladly marry a piece of work.

Marcus entered his house in hope to find himself in peace and quiet, but when he opened the door, he glanced up to find his former fiancé standing at the top of his stair case. Sarah Benedict. She was dressed in an attractive evening gown, but Marcus was unmoved. He had enough on his mind thinking of how vexing Jane Dorsey was and he wasn’t about to endure another incompetent female. Had he not rid himself of this one in particular?

Marcus started up the stairs and passed right by her. He headed straight down the hall and Sarah followed.

“Hello, Marcus.” She said. “Are you not glad to see me?”

“It is Lord Marcus and why are you here?” Marcus said as he stopped at the front of his bedroom door.

“I have missed you.” She said sweetly.

“I hate to disappoint you, but you are the last person I want to see here—wait a moment, who let you in here and where is Arnold?” Marcus said with a hint of irritation. Arnold was his loyal butler, but he was beginning to doubt his loyalty because he let this woman into his home. This was just what he needed, another annoying female in need of attention.

“Marcus, surely you miss me.” She said, “I know you can’t resist me.”

“Resist you? You have yet to find out.” Marcus was not all in a genteel mood in any way. “Miss Benedict, I must urgently ask you to leave. We no longer have any obligation toward one another.”

Sarah ignored him and came closer, she grazed his shoulder with her gloved hand. Marcus closed his eyes as he lifted her hand away.

“I refuse to be moved by your petty advances. Now please, do us both a favor… and leave. There is no point in continuing this relationship. Not one of us is capable of committing one to the other and it has been rather difficult for me to allow myself to succumb to marriage.”

Sarah sighed, “Marcus…”

“Yes…” He said calmly, trying not to lose his temper.

“You are the most selfish human being I have ever come to meet. Perhaps when I speak to your father, you will have no choice in the matter. You know where to find me if you reconsider.”

“My father will have to get me to the altar by force and I assure you, he won’t be able to do that in his condition.”

With that, she stormed out the front door, leaving it wide open. Reconsider? There was not a chance in the world that he would ever re-consider marrying her again. The engagement was off. He was a marquess for heaven’s sake. There was no need to rush into matrimony not when he would most likely inherit a dukedom in a couple of years. Marcus shook his head in dismay and hoped to the gods someone would change the lock on that door. Someone had better sense to call the locksmith and soon.

The next day, Marcus received an invitation to the evening dinner party. He was quite surprised to be invited for the reason that he rarely received any invitations whatsoever. It was probably due to his lack of interest and there were those who knew well enough to leave him alone. But the Viscountess, Lady Emery was a fine woman of course and he found it hard to refuse her invitation for she was highly regarded in society. It was too bad that she had a daughter that was friend to the most insolent people in the world.

Lady Pamela Westinburgh was quite beautiful and would suit any gentleman, but she was too closely involved with Miss Jane and that wouldn’t do him any good. He would benefit greatly by marrying Lady Pamela. Instead, he was already dreading the idea of Pamela running around with Jane and making a mess of things. The thought of her once again, irked him.

Heading out the door, Marcus frowned at his butler Arnold.

“What ever is the matter, your lordship?” Arnold said with concern.

Marcus slammed his hand upon the table. “You should do better not to allow any female into my house! I don’t care if you have to throw them out with your bare hands.”

“But, she must have snuck in through the servant's entrance. I did not know—” Marcus' scowl was unwavering and Arnold knew there was no excuse he could possibly give. "Yes, your lordship.” He said as he nodded his head slightly embarrassed.

“Be sure to buy a better lock—and inform my staff not to let her in here again. If anyone disobeys my authority, I’m afraid they will have to suffer my wrath and be thrown out into the streets, so help me. ” Marcus stood so abruptly his chair fell over. He then headed out in a sore mood.

***

Upon arriving at the Westingburgh’s, he was sure he would have a good time. He was certain he wasn’t there because they admired him, but certain it had to due with his aristocratic status for he was the heir of the Duke of Mayfair. He knew that he was invited to fill another’s absence, but there was no reason to be sore about it. Marcus was not the caring type.

As soon as Marcus entered the house, Lady Emery greeted him with a smile. She was very happy to see him. She curtsied extending her arm so that he could formally kiss her hand.

“Greetings my lord, how nice of you to come.” She smiled prettily and ushered him in. “We are just about to dine. Do tell me, how are you?”

“Good evening.” He said. “I am glad to be here. Faring well as I hope you are.”

Marcus continued to make polite conversation, but his attention was directed to the top of the stairs. Jane in all her deviousness was slowly descending the stairs with Lady Pamela following cheerfully behind. She was smiling and laughing, but Marcus knew what lay behind that pretty little smile of hers—so innocent and yet full of deceit at the same time. Marcus stared at her until finally Jane glanced his way and in that moment, there was something different about her. Marcus could already see the terror in her eyes. Was she afraid of him? Good. She had better be, Marcus thought.

Jane and Pamela stood at the center of the foyer and as usual they were gossiping again. Pamela leaned in and began to whisper.

“I have just heard the truth regarding Miss Eliza Henry.” Pamela said.

“Did you?” Jane said excitedly.

“Jane, she has already been caught in a compromising position, but no one wants to give details.” Pamela placed a hand over her mouth. “Quite scandalous really!”

“Now, all we have to do is find a way to expose her. It’s high time we expose her for what she really is.” Jane said.

“Yes, Samantha Bakersworth spilled the beans at last.”

They laughed until Jane saw her enemy. He stood in the foyer, confidently carrying on in conversation with her Aunt Emery and cousin Zachary. She glowered at him for a brief moment. Marcus, on the other hand, saw her and his mood darkened. Perhaps he was regretting his decision to come in the first place. Slowly, she descended the staircase, hoping she did not have to greet the man. Marquess or not, she did not want to speak to him again.

“Pamela?” Jane said.

“Yes?”

“Who invited the Marquess of Mayfair to dinner?” Jane asked eagerly.

“What do you mean?” Pamela turned to see the marquess and gasped. “Oh! Why, my mother is usually the one to invite the guests. I’m sure she doesn’t know that you dislike him so. I am truly sorry. This should be an interesting night.”

“Dear me, it feels a bit warm in here, don’t you think? This—sudden anxiety has me feeling ill.” Jane took Pamela’s arm. “I must be coming down with something.”

As soon as all the guests had arrived, Lady Emery announced dinner and their partners. Jane was surprised she didn’t have a partner. Good, she thought. As everyone headed to the dining hall, Lady Emery called to Jane and there stood the marquess right beside her. Her heart sank to the floor.

“Jane, my darling, Jonathan Blunt wasn’t able to make it tonight so I took the liberty of inviting the Marquess of Mayfair. You don’t mind, do you? You will be seated next to him.”

Just like that. Jane felt like she was literally being strangled by the hands of fate. She couldn’t breathe. Of all the people in world, it had to be him. Lady Emery headed to the dining hall and Pamela was about to leave when Jane grabbed her firmly by the arm.

“You can’t leave me with him.” Jane said eagerly. “I couldn’t bear it. Let us switch partners.”

“Jane, I am sure you will be fine. It’s not as if you have to talk to him.” Pamela assured her. “I cannot simply change my mothers arrangements just because you despise the brute. Besides, this is the important gentleman I met the other night. He’s extremely wealthy and—”

“But can’t you explain to your mother that I have suddenly fallen ill?” Jane said, as she started breathing frantically. She could feel her cheeks heating up. She was sure she was as red as a new born babe.

“Jane! That would be quite an insult on my mother’s behalf. She went through all this trouble to make this night perfect.” Pamela frowned.

“I know, but—I failed to tell you of my horrible encounter with the marquess the other night.” Jane said nervously.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Pamela said. “Tell me later, he’s coming this way.”

When Lord Marcus approached them, they immediately went silent. Marcus looked down on Jane and politely gave his host’s daughter a curtesy bow and a kiss on the hand. He merely took Jane’s hand and barely touched her glove to his lips.

“Good evening, Lady Pamela. Jane.” He greeted. His posture and attire was…perfect. His expression was hard to describe. He often seemed reluctant to be at any social event. Perhaps it was because he just had a recent death in the family.

“Good evening.” They curtsied. An awkward silence ensued.

“I do hope you are not overjoyed by this arrangement. The last thing I need is someone trying to shove young ladies or debutantes my way.” He said sharply.

Jane frowned, rather displeased by his statement. “I’d rather eat with the dogs than to be slightly overjoyed upon having you for company. You don’t have to worry in the slightest.”

In that instant, he knew he had to say something. He wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of having the last word.

“Miss Dorsey, you are a vexing little creature, but being that I do not know you well enough, I wouldn’t dare go into detail. Unless you want me to. Not to mention, your cousin Lady Pamela is quite the belle of the ball. I find it quite disappointing that she can’t find a suitable husband on account that her friend is a notorious gossip. For wherever you go, mayhem ensues. I am sure she would've had many potential suitors lining up at the door if not for you.”

Pamela’s eyes widened and she wanted nothing more than to slap him straight away, but she was escorted to the dining hall before she had time to say anything.

“How dare you!” Jane grounded out, trying not to raise her voice. She felt as though she had swallowed a bottle. She had never been spoken to in such a fashion. It was cruel and it caught her unawares. She couldn’t help but feel a sting of tears forming at her lids. Marcus pretended not to see it, but in the end, he almost felt sorry he had said it. He never dared to say such things to a lady, but goodness he had to give Jane a piece of his mind.

“I think we’ve come to an understanding then...that we do not like one another.” Marcus said it as a matter of fact. “I think they are waiting for us.”

Jane turned swiftly on her heels and headed to the dining hall without him. Marcus followed slowly behind and made no attempt to escort her by the arm. As they entered the dining hall, everyone watched as Jane and Marcus took their seats. Marcus yanked his chair out from under the table and everyone could see he was vexed beyond measure. It was obvious that they were not fond of one another.

Dinner was torturous. Jane had sat feeling tense and eager to get on with the night’s activities. She couldn’t wait to go home. Just when she thought Lady Emery would go on talking about her experiences as a young debutant, she stood. Thank heavens!

“Well, since we are all finished, we should take our conversations else where. Shall we all head to the sitting room?”

Marcus and Jane looked down and found that they had barely eaten. Pamela noticed it too. As everyone found a place in the sitting room, Lady Emery decided to present a little game she called Kiss the Damsel. It was silly really. Jane was about to object when she saw the look upon Pamela’s face. It was obvious that she wanted Jane to participate. Jane saw that Marcus was about to object as well when Lady Emery intervened.

Drat!

“Oh, Lord Marcus, won’t you join the game? It wouldn’t be the same without you.” Lady Emery chimed.

He looked as though he was trying to make up excuses to leave. “Well…alright.” He couldn’t seem to say no to her. Why? Confound it! Jane’s heart dropped to the floor, but that didn’t matter, because Lady Emery failed to notice Jane’s dislike toward the marquess.

The game was simple. Each lady in the room was appointed a certain character. There were the maids, the widows, and of course one damsel. The ladies were to draw names from a hat. Each gentlemen were given a chance to figure out who was the damsel and the one who guessed correctly would indeed receive a reward. The prize was fifty shillings and a chance to kiss the damsel. Drawing a ticket was like drawing your very own fate. For whoever drew the damsel ticket would surely have to give the winner his due reward.

There was more to this game than one thought. Pamela’s mother used this game to play match-maker, of all things. She was sure the odds of someone falling in love over this game was quite slim. It was only because the first time she put her game into motion, the winner and damsel were engaged within a fortnight. It was pure coincidence.

Any unmarried person was eligible to play the game. So those who were not eligible to join decided to find their amusements elsewhere. Lady Emery went around the room with the hat full of names and just when Jane thought she was safe, her ticket revealed that she was the damsel. Oh and she was a damsel in distress. Her heart was pounding so loud she thought it could be heard. Why was this so achingly dreadful? The game began and Mr. George Masterson decided to go first.

“Well, what is your guess, Mr. Masterson?” Lady Emery asked. He was the eldest gentleman in the game, reaching the age of thirty and nine. Yet, he could deceive many in believing he was twenty and five years of age. He had many admirers, but failed to simply pick one.

George Masterson decided very hastily and picked the prettiest lady in the room, which was Sarah Bently. A smile formed upon her face as she announced that she was the maid. Everyone laughed softly and then it was Andrew Dudley’s turn.

“I choose, Lady Pamela.” He said jovially. Pamela was blushing when she heard her name and started to laugh.

“Dear me, I am just a widow. Sorry, Mr. Dudley.” Everyone erupted into laughter, only because they knew that he had a slight tendre’ for Pamela. It was very evident.

After a while of sorting through who was who, there were only three ladies left, Jane Dorsey, Mildred Hampton, and Faith Manley. Just when Marcus was about to get up and sneak out of the room, Lady Emery spoke.

“Oh, Mr. Daniel, won’t you please stay? The game is nearly done.” She said.

Marcus looked as if he was about to murder somebody. He stared at Lady Emery for a good minute, trying to wonder how on earth he thought she was close to being decently pleasant. “I suppose…it will not hurt.” He lied, his jaw tightened. Marcus then plotted himself back into his chair and felt like cursing the game to Hades where it belonged.

“Oh good!” She replied happily.

Jane wanted to run away as much as he did, but she didn’t want anyone to think she was afraid. Surely this game was scandalous. Everyone knew it would cause gossip, but that didn’t stop Lady Emery from performing her match-making magic.

It was Marcus’ turn to have a go. He stood up and bowed politely. He carefully surveyed each lady and found that he had no idea how to choose. He wanted to choose a maid or a widow. Marcus then realized if he chose Jane, it would expose her to ridicule. Not one person chose to guess Jane, possibly because they didn’t care for her. She wasn’t pretty. This was going to give everyone something to gossip about. It was time to put her in her place. Maybe choosing her would make her a laughing stock. He was sure no one thought she was worthy of kissing.

“I choose…” He began slowly, “I choose, Ms. Jane Dorsey.” He grinned as laughter erupted.

A few gasps floated into the air and Jane was horrified beyond measure. If there was any ounce of weakness in her, she’d swoon right then and there. Everyone looked at her waiting for her reply. Jane wanted to lie, but then she realized the others would know. There was no way out. Jane stepped forward with that knowing look and that was when Marcus realized he had made a huge mistake.

“I…I am your damsel, my lord.” She confessed with much regret. Everyone broke into whispers and Marcus stood there looking like a complete fool who forgot how to speak. Dumbfounded, he stood there. Lady Emery tried to get his attention.

“Lord Marcus. Lord Marcus.” He looked at her like a deer who knew he was about to die. “What are you waiting for? Kiss your damsel.” Lady Emery said cheerfully. Jane was so embarrassed that she turned beat red.

“I’m sorry, but I do not wish to. I am sure you all understand. I shouldn’t have to throw propriety out the window for the sake of a game, even if it is innocent.” Jane said.

Lady Emery was very understanding.“Dear we only expect an innocent kiss upon the cheek, but if you feel in any way uncomfortable, you are not obligated. Well, then it’s settled. Let’s continue with the rest of tonight’s activities, shall we?”

As soon as Marcus heard Jane’s objection, he immediately took offense. He was actually offended. There was no one in the world that would refuse an opportunity like this. No one. Women threw themselves at him every which way and even took opportunities like this to trap him into marriage. That revelation made him all the more intrigued that he began to feel the urge to do the unthinkable. Why he wanted to kiss her all of a sudden was beyond him. A challenge perhaps? Teach her a lesson? Just thinking about it was making him feel all queasy inside. He was a man, he wasn’t supposed to feel queasy—Uneasy, perhaps.

“I think I have earned my reward, don’t you think?” Marcus said. His smile was devious. A few men and women nodded in agreement. Jane was so shocked that he had said that. He didn’t even like her and why all of a sudden did he think this was—a joke! This was a joke, she thought.

“Just give him his fifty shillings.” George said as he stood up. “I am not waiting around to see it. I need a drink.”

Lady Emery gave him his prize and the others started wandering about, gasping and whispering until they trickled out of the room to engage in other activities. Before they knew it, they were alone with the door propped open. Marcus was sure there were at least one or two eavesdroppers by the door, but he didn’t care one bit. Certainly not when this game just became very interesting and Jane was shaking like a leaf. It was so gratifying to be in control.

“You…” he laughed, “I had no idea Lady Emery was so keen on you and I. She practically insisted that I claim my prize. I think this is the most interesting game yet, don’t you?”

“I think this is all sick! I’m sure you feel the same way. So perhaps—”

“So perhaps I want my prize…” He said as he slowly paced the floor.

Jane’s eyes widened. “You cannot be serious! My aunt is just trying to pair us up, since you are the first to take an interest in me. Not that you were—There is no reason to go on with it.” She was not making any sense.

“Oh, but a game is a game.” Marcus said.

Jane turned to leave the room but he caught her by the arm, “I believe you owe me something.”

Jane turned around, rage in her eyes. “What I owe you is a slap in the face! Unhand me!”

Marcus was fascinated by her anger that he stared at her in the most peculiar way. Jane didn’t struggle, but she was still angry and ready to back hand him good. He slowly loosened his hold on her.

“I believe you should stick with your end of the bargain. You willingly participated in this ungodly game and I am sure that it wouldn’t be fair for you to just throw the rules out the window.”

“That’s like telling me to just throw my reputation to the wind. This game is just a ruse. A matchmaking game my aunt conjured up, for goodness knows what. You wanted out of this game the moment I was a part of it, and I am sure you are relieved to know that we don’t actually have to go through with it.” It was silent. “You are enjoying this, aren’t you? You want me to be the object of ridicule, to punish me for my wrong doings.”

“That was how it seemed at first, but now…I think I might enjoy this. I think I can ruin you faster than you can ruin mine.” He said. “I don’t care for you in any way at all, nor do I find you attractive, but it’s worth bringing you to your knees. But I think you will benefit from it as well, to prop your self-esteem.”

Jane was fuming. “You arrogant cad!—You’re not going to have the slightest satisfaction of kissing me! I do possess a great deal of self respect at least and obviously, you have not a care in the world for yours! ” She said angrily. “You’re not a gentleman, you’re a rake!”

“Really?” He said plainly, “I am afraid to inform you that you and I will be gossiped about regardless if this takes place or not. Besides, I am the most sought after bachelor in all of London, wouldn’t you want a taste of a wealthy aristocrat? I could ruin your reputation just as you ruined—oh, what’s his name? Jacob Matthews.”

“What of him?” Jane said with a frown. She then yanked her arm from his hold and stepped back.

“You don’t know this, but that man was and is my dearest friend. I have a score to settle with you.” he leaned in and whispered, “I bet you didn’t see this coming.”

She froze. Her heart was beating rapidly and she couldn’t seem to pull away.

“W-Well, in that case, a kiss on the cheek is all I am required to do.” Jane said nervously. “Would that settle the score?”

Please say yes, she thought desperately.

“With all the damage you have caused?” He said.“Besides, I don’t want just a kiss upon the cheek. Remember how Jacob Matthews was accused of kissing that woman, a rumor you let out without facts? That rumor was untrue and he was forced to marry a woman who tricked him into marriage---a woman only interested in his money. What have you to say to that?”

“Jacob Matthews is no longer my concern. So you just want me to kiss you so I will be forced to marry you?” She said. “I don’t understand. What do you suppose you’re going to accomplish?”

“Look here,” Marcus said firmly but softly. He looked down on her as if he was trying to tantalize her, but he merely wanted to see the fear in her eyes as he slowly bent down. She couldn’t move. He then whispered in her ear. “You will soon find out.”