Victorian Brats Volume Two

by Melinda Barron

Chapter One

London
March 1888

Gabriella Saunders sighed loudly and then pushed her empty baby pram back and forth as if trying to sooth its invisible occupant.
“Hush Gabby,” John McNutt said as he stared at the crowd in St. James Park. “At least Phillips let you come along as a prop. You could be sitting back at your desk in front of your type writing machine instead of enjoying this beautiful spring day.”
Gabby knew that he’d been staring at the women, instead of watching for their intended subjects.
“You hush McNutt,” Gabby answered. “I’m a much better writer than you are and you well know it. The only reason I’m not a reporter is because I’m a woman. I could write circles around you.”
McNutt straightened his shoulders and stared at the beautiful woman sitting next to him. Her job at this point was to be his “wife” to make his long stay in the park less noticeable. He was searching for a pickpocket that had been plaguing the gentlemen in the park for some time.
McNutt’s editor, Mark Phillips, was sure that if McNutt could find the pickpocket it would lead him to a larger crime ring that The London Sentinel could take credit for breaking up.
“Write circles around me?” He took his eye off the crowd and stared at the black-haired woman who had a deep frown on her face. “You’re a woman. If you aspire to be a writer than you should be sitting at home trying to be the next Jane Austen. Leave reporting to the men who know what they’re doing.”
“If you knew what you were doing we would not have had to sit in this park for the past seven days looking for something that has been right under your nose. See that tow-headed boy over there? He’s lightened the pockets of three gentlemen in the past twenty minutes.”
McNutt turned to stare at the boy in question. The youngster was now running toward the park entrance.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Well, remember McNutt, I’m only a woman.”
McNutt took off at a run after the boy and Gabby broke out in gales of laughter, pushing the pram back and forth as she snickered. The laughter disappeared moments later when her name rang out.
“Gabby Saunders? I don’t believe it.”
Gabby swallowed nervously and then turned to stare as Charlotte Hughes, now Lady Essex, moved toward her park bench, determination and fascination in her eyes. And here Gabby sat, with a baby buggy. It was empty yes, but Charlotte didn’t know that. Gabby was unmarried, sitting with a baby pram. Her already tarnished reputation was about to take a huge hit.
“Charlotte!” Gabby stood and stepped in front of the pram as if to block it from view. “My goodness it’s been years. How are you?”
Charlotte pulled her in for a hug and Gabby stared at Charlotte’s husband, who watched with amusement as he talked to a very handsome man that Gabby didn’t recognize.
“I can’t believe it’s been so long,” Charlotte said with a grin. “Long enough for you to give birth to a little one. I have two now, both boys.”
“Yes, I’ve heard,” Gabby said. She searched her mind for a convincing reason to have a baby buggy with her. Nothing cane to mind. If she tried to ignore it would Charlotte take the hint? Probably not. One thing Gabby and Charlotte always shared was a healthy sense of curiosity.
And Gabby was right. Charlotte peered over Gabby’s shoulder toward the carriage and raised her eyebrows.
“I hadn’t heard about your child,” she said, lowering her voice. “May I see?”
She stepped toward the pram at the same time McNutt rushed back, anger written all over his face.
“This is your fault Saunders! I’m going to demand that you be fired. If I hadn’t been arguing with you I would never have lost that subject. A perfect example of why a woman will never make a good reporter.”
“Don’t blame your failures on me McNutt,” Gabby answered. She tried, and failed, to stop the smile that lit her face. “You’re the one who didn’t notice what was happening. I’m sure Mr. Phillips will be happy to hear that.”
Gabby glanced at Charlotte, who had stopped from lifting back the pram cover to watch the scene unfold before her.
“Just the same, this is your fault, do you hear me? I wouldn’t have been distracted. Your immediate termination is required and I shall see that it happens right away.”
McNutt’s angry voice carried through the crowded park and several people stopped to stare.
He opened his mouth to speak again and the man standing with Lord Essex put his hand on McNutt’s forearm.
“Sir, I would ask that you lower your voice when speaking with a lady. I’m sure that she doesn’t deserve whatever abuse you are sending her way.”
“I would thank you sir, to mind your own business,” McNutt replied, seconds before Lord Essex joined the group and put a protective arm around Charlotte’s shoulder.
“Strange words from someone who makes a living sticking his nose into other people’s business,” the man replied.
McNutt had the forethought to blush. Then with a loud humph he left the group without another word.
“Thank you sir,” Gabby said, staring at her striking rescuer. Tall, dark and handsome didn’t begin to describe him. Well over six feet with hair as black as her own and beautiful green eyes, a strong chin, a full nose and a fantastic smile. Probably early 30s. Most definitely a man that attracted her. Too bad she was so far under his class.
“Gabby allow me to introduce Lord Fergus McIntyre,” Charlotte said with a giggle. “Fergus this is Gabriella Saunders. We attended classes together in our youth. And Gabby, you remember my husband.”
Lord Essex inclined his head at the same time Lord McIntyre bent his own over Gabby’s hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles. It sent a chill down her spine and she shivered as he locked eyes with her.
“Lord Essex, Lord McIntyre,” she whispered in greeting. She tried to pull her hand away and he held it a moment longer than necessary, increasing the chill to a full fledged quiver. When he let go he gave her a wicked grin.
“Your, um, friend, seemed to be in a bit of a temper,” Fergus said.
“McNutt is not my friend, thank God,” Gabby replied. “He is merely a co-worker at the newspaper where I am employed. Or at least I was employed, until he gets back and tells our editor that I ruined his story, which I did not.”
Charlotte took a tentative step toward the pram and peered over the bonnet.
“It’s empty Charlotte,” Gabby said. “Merely a prop so that McNutt and I could pass ourselves off as a married couple out for a stroll in the park and not attract attention to ourselves.”
“Oh my stars how exciting and adventurous,” Charlotte said with a giggle. “Tell me who you were after. What is the story about? Does this mean you’re a reporter?”
Gabby shook her head and shifted from foot to foot. “Charlotte…”
“My love I think this is not the proper place for disclosure,” Lord Essex said.
Gabby smiled at him gratefully. Then felt her heart quicken at his next words.
“Gabby must tell us at dinner tonight at our house. Fergus you come too. I’m sure the tale will be most amusing. Shall we say around 8? I’ll send a carriage for you if you’ll just give me your address.”
“No, I couldn’t have you do that,” Gabby said, working hard to come up with an excuse for not going to dinner at the Essex’s home. The first problem would be giving him her address in a less fashionable part of London. She couldn’t possibly attend dinner at the home of a member of the ton, even is she was a schoolgirl acquaintance of his wife. She had nothing fashionable enough to wear for such an event.
“I agree,” Fergus said. “I’ll just pick you up in my carriage on the way there.”
Gabby felt her heart race more. If it continued at this pace it would surely burst from her chest and fall onto the ground to hop around.
“No, no, I can find my own way there,” Gabby said. “Eight it is.”
Without waiting for another word she hurriedly pushed the pram toward the park entrance, wondering which of her dresses was the least mended and could be worn to dinner at the Essex house.
*****
“Tell me everything about her Charlotte,” Fergus said as he stretched his long legs in front of the carriage seat.
Fergus knew how Gabby looked. Beautiful. Just beautiful. Perhaps a stone or two overweight but she carried it in all the right places. Curvy hips and large breasts. Beautiful brown eyes with just a hint of green. Full lips and a pert little nose. He couldn’t wait to see her bum bared for a spanking, a spanking from him.
Charlotte laughed and leaned into her husband’s chest.
“Gabby is a wonderful woman, although I haven’t seen her in a few years,” Charlotte said. “I saw her right after we married, do you remember darling, at the theater?”
Essex nodded and kissed his wife’s forehead.
“Anyway her father was a widower. He died about four years ago and I believe he left her a small trust. But Gabby has always been the adventurous sort. She was always interested in writing but I had no idea she worked at a newspaper.”
“No other family?” A frown marked Fergus’ handsome features.
“None.”
“And she never married?”
Charlotte’s smile disappeared. “Gabby is, well, she was, how do I say this politely. George?”
“She’s not a virgin,” Essex answered. “As Charlotte told me the lady and a young lad had a lover’s tryst in their early 20s. He’d promised to marry her and Gabby, being the adventurous sort as Charlotte said, agreed to give him her maidenhead before marriage. Not only did he leave her at the altar he made sure that everyone knew that she was ruined.”
“I hope he was horsewhipped,” Fergus said harshly.
“No,” Charlotte said. “But Gabby was destroyed in our town. No decent man would look at her. He still lives there. I hear he’s unhappily married though. Of course all the men wanted to lie with her, which she refused I might add. She moved to London after her father died and I lost touch with her until we saw her that night at the play. And then again until today.”
“You will pick her up tonight of course,” Essex said with a grin.
“Of course,” McIntyre replied. “How can I resist a woman who runs around St. James Park with a fake baby?”
*****
Gabby worked to fasten the buttons on her red dress. It was her best dress, with only one mended hole at the bottom of the skirt. Some days she wished she was a lady of the ton who had a maid to help her reach her buttons. And who had a bevy of dresses from which to choose.
She managed to fasten two more buttons, leaving six to be done. She shook out her aching fingers and thought about her afternoon.
Phillips had not fired her, thank the stars, but he had insisted that she stay in the office from now on. Her only work would be transcribing notes for reporters and correspondence with readers and other business people associated with the paper. The smug look on McNutt’s face had driven Gabby crazy and she’d wanted to slap it off. But she knew that if she did Phillips would have surely given her the sack.
And what of meeting Charlotte and her noble husband? And Lord McIntyre. Gabby felt herself quake at the memory. After her dressing down from Phillips all she could think of was the handsome Lord, and what it would feel like to be wrapped in his arms. She’d only been wrapped in the arms of one man and that had turned out disastrous. But Gabby was sure this time would be different.
Would he kiss her until she couldn’t catch her breath? Would he kneed her breasts gently? Would he touch her between her legs and make her moan? Oh yes he would do all that and more.
She took a few deep breaths and reached around to do another button. Stop it Gabby. A man like him would never allow himself to dally with a soiled woman like you. Except as a convenient tryst. But would that be so bad? It had been so long since she’d felt a man’s touch and she did so enjoy it. Let others think she was a slut. She didn’t care. She was older now and more experienced. And she had a job and was making her own money. She may not live in a palace but the boarding house was respectable.
She gave up after another button and decided to go across the hall and see if Margaret was there and could help her with the task.
She pulled open the door at the same time McIntyre’s hand went up to knock. His hand met with thin air and landed on Gabby’s shoulder. Caught off guard he lost his balance and stumbled into Gabby, who grabbed him, stumbled on her skirt and then fell to the floor. He landed right on top of her, his hands on her shoulders and his lips inches away from hers.
When she recovered her breath enough she gasped.
“Lord McIntyre! Whatever are you doing here?”
“Knocking on your door I believe,” Fergus said with a laugh. “Although I didn’t expect it to have the effect that it had. Forgive me Gabby. I didn’t mean to bowl you over.”
Gabby felt herself blush deeply. She pushed gently on his shoulders but the man stayed right where he was, his eyes boring into hers. His body felt hard and wonderful as it pressed into her own.
“Milord, if you please.”
“If I please what, Gabby?”
She turned her head from his before she could ask him to please kiss her. He propped himself up on one elbow to examine her dress.
“I hope it’s not damaged. I’ll replace it of course.” His hands ran the length of the skirt and Gabby cried out when his fingers touched the mended spot.
“No, no, it’s fine. Please get up.”
He stood and helped her to her feet after he closed the door.
“Well, shall we make our way to the Essex house?”
Charlotte shook her head as she patted her hair back into place. “I was just going across the hall, to um, well, have Margaret help me with…”
Her words drifted off and she pointed to her back. Fergus circled around her and left out a soft “ah, I see. Allow me.”
His fingers danced across her skin as he began to button the dress and Gabby pulled away from him.
“No, you shouldn’t. I won’t be but a moment.” She started for the door and Fergus laughed.
“A woman who would face criminals with nothing more than fake babies in a pram is afraid of having her dress buttoned by a man? I find that quite extraordinary.”
“I assure you Lord McIntyre that I am afraid of nothing. It’s simply not proper.”
Fergus threw back his head and laughed. “Well my dear I hate to tell you that I’m not always a proper gentleman. Now come here and turn around or we’ll be more late for dinner than we already are. Or are you frightened of my touch?”
His last words had the effect he wanted them to. She turned her back to him, hands on hips as be began to button the ones that were left, and the ones that had come undone when she’d fallen.
“I think one or two are damaged,” he said softly, his voice husky with desire. “I think the dress will definitely have to be replaced.”
Gabby’s own breath came in short, shallow gasps as she felt his fingers brush her skin. She could feel his breath on her neck and she moaned when he reached the top of the dress, then caressed her shoulders again and again.
“Oh,” she whispered softly.
“I agree,” he said, leaning down to nibble on her ear. “Let’s hold that thought until after dinner, shall we?”
He turned her head and leaned in to kiss her, stopping only when Gabby muttered, “No, don’t. I hardly know you.”
“It’s a perfect way to become acquainted.” He leaned in again and Gabby pushed her fingers against his chest.
“I have no doubt that you know that I’ve had some experience in these matters,” Gabby said, fighting the desire that was building in her stomach. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to jump into your bed Lord McIntyre, title or no title.”
The sinfully seductive smile he gave her made her knees go weak.
“You can’t blame a man for trying when such a beautiful woman comes to his attention,” he said, putting his hands on either side of her stomach and squeezing gently. “But I’ll respect your wishes. I will try again. And soon, I promise you.”
He leaned in again, his lips inches away from hers when a frantic knocking made them both jump.
Gabby pulled open the door to find her stern landlady with her hands on her ample hips.
“I told you no gentlemen! I run a respectable place.” The wind went out of the woman’s sails somewhat when she noticed that both the occupants of the room were dressed.
“Forgive me sweet lady,” Fergus said. “We were just leaving for dinner.”
Fergus grabbed her wrap and then propelled her out the door before Gabby could open her mouth.
*****
“So have you been involved in many exciting stories?” Charlotte took a sip of her sherry and smiled at Gabby. Dinner had been delicious and Gabby had enjoyed every bite. Now the foursome was sitting in the Essex’s gardens.
McIntyre had been very attentive to her, and very charming. She’d laughed at his jokes and smiled into his eyes.
Now Fergus was sitting much too close for Gabby’s comfort. The heat radiating from his body sent tendrils of longing through her own body. Her nipples were tight and her quim was damp. Resisting him tonight was going to be very difficult. Maybe she shouldn’t. Maybe she should… She shook her head and smiled at Charlotte.
“Not really,” Gabby answered. She cleared her throat and tried to concentrate on the subject at hand. “I’m just a secretary. The only reason I was with McNutt recently was because he needed a woman to make his time in the park look less suspicious.”
“But you get to hear all the good gossip before it goes out. What a coup for you.”
Gabby laughed. “The Sentinel is a very sensational paper, that is true. I tried to get employment at The Times but they wouldn’t have me. The said all their secretarial positions were full. They laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a writer. It is my desire to break open a big story and show them that a woman can be just as good a reporter as a man.”
“Here, here,” Fergus said as he raised his glass. “Let’s think of something scandalous that you can report on.”
“No,” Gabby laughed. “I want something serious. Nothing social or flippant. Something that will make a change in the way things are done, or expose a problem or criminal act. That will show that I know what I’m doing.”
“High aspirations,” Essex said. “How do you plan on finding this story?”
“By careful observations of everything around me,” Gabby said. “Sooner or later something will happen and I’ll be there to report on it.”
“Right now I plan on attending parliament meetings, protests and museum openings. Sooner or later I’ll find something that will make a wonderful story, I’m sure of it.”
Charlotte laughed and leaned into her husband’s chest. He pressed his lips to hers and Gabby looked away. Such displays of affection were doing sever damage to her resolve of refusing Lord McIntyre tonight.
“We’re having a party on the weekend and you’re coming. Fergus will escort you,” Charlotte said. She looked at Gabby and smiled.
“I couldn’t possibly,” Gabby said. “I have to work and I have, well, my wardrobe is less than suitable for a party.”
“Nonsense,” Charlotte said. “I have more than enough gowns that can be altered to fit you. And I do so want you to come and take part. I’d forgotten how much fun it is to be around you. I’m sure everyone would be happy to have you there.”
Gabby glanced at Fergus whose hooded eyes told her exactly why he wanted her at the party. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, bringing a moan to her lips.
Out of the corner of her eye Gabby saw Essex lead his quietly wife from the garden.
Her breath caught in her throat when Fergus’ lips met hers. His fingers gently caressed circles onto her stomach, the feeling tightening her already aching nipples into tight little buds.
“You’re so very beautiful,” he said against her lips. “And so very intelligent. A combination that I just adore.”
“As I said earlier milord I have no intention of inserting myself into your bed tonight.” Gabby’s voice held a hint of humor.
“How about tomorrow then? I can take you home just after midnight.”
Gabby laughed as he kissed her again. This time his tongue danced into her mouth and she moaned against the sweet invasion.
“Milord McIntyre…”
“Fergus.” His lips continued to play against hers.
“Fergus,” Gabby said softly. “I’ve only had one lover and that was some time ago. I’m not ready to take another so quickly after making his acquaintance.”
“Then I shall have to take the time to seduce you, won’t I?” His lips moved to her neck. Gabby threw her head back to give him better access and he laughed seductively.
“Minx. Tell me I can’t have you and then offer part of yourself. You’re a bad little girl Gabby, to tease me such. Be careful I don’t take you over my knee.”
She raised her eyebrows at him challengingly as their eyes locked.
“Do you want to spank me milord? I’ve read about that in some of the erotica that I’ve studied.”
“You’ve read erotica?” Fergus’ voice was soft.
“I have. I’m not one to shy away from such issues milord. Of course you already know that.”
“Tell me about him. About the man who took your maidenhead.”
“I don’t believe it’s any of your business,” Gabby said. She looked down at her skirt and then raised her eyes back to his. “Why are you interested?”
“Did you love him?”
“You didn’t answer my question so I don’t know why I’m answering yours but the answer is no. But I’ve always been curious by nature and I did think that we would marry. My father taught me marriage was about convenience and connection, not about love. Jarred was sweet before we made love. I had no reason to think he would desert me after that night.”
Fergus ran his fingers along her cheek and she sighed.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. He was the only man I’ve ever had. I have trusted no one else.”
“But yet you read erotica.”
Gabby laughed. “Reading erotica has nothing to do with trusting someone milord.”
“It shows that you think about sex. About making a connection with someone. I would like that someone to be me.”
“It would never work. Putting aside the fact that I find you extremely attractive I’m a secretary. I live in a boarding house. You are a Lord with a London house, and I’m sure more than one country home. You can have your pick of debutants. And I refuse to be a mistress.”
He sat back and grinned at her, his fingers continuing to trace lines along her arm.
“Who said I was looking for a mistress? If you would get to know me, give me a chance, you might find that we like each other. And I can assure you Gabriella that I’m not worried about what others think of me. Far from it.”
“You just want me to have sex with you.”
“Partially,” Fergus said with a smile. “But I would like to be your friend too.”
Gabby stared at him, look at his gorgeous face and eyes that held more than a hint of humor. She thought about telling him to forget it. Then he leaned over and kissed her again, his tongue pushing past her lips until their tongues danced around each other.
“Don’t say no so easily,” Fergus said against her lips. “Allow me to work my magic. You won’t regret it.”
Gabby thought about the last few years alone, about spending time in her room by herself with only books for friends. Good friends the books made but male company would be nice.
“All right. I’ll give you a week. If you can seduce me in that time then we’ll consider making it more permanent. But I should tell you up front that I’m not going to just lie down for you.”
“I would hope for nothing less Gabriella.”