Again thanks,
Lord Valo was in no mood for balls, especially those held at a brothel, but the invitation was so luxurious, it ignited his curiosity.
"With all due respect, my lord, the change in ambiance would prove to work wonders, you should go," his butler William said.
William was not only his butler but his close comrade and friend, they had gone to war together.
"I feel like I would be betraying her, going to seek pleasures of the flesh with another," Ville said forlornly.
"Lady Amarie always wanted you to keep going forth, despite her illness, you promised to keep fighting for people's rights and for your own heart and happiness on her deathbed, my lord," William stated.
"But you know what my parents would say, they have already arranged a meeting with Lady Eloise for dinner, it..." Ville said, sighing. He hated arranged marriages.
"And you are dreading it...so before the time arrives, do you not deserve some time for you, you have done all you can for the well-being of your family, and their families, please...I hate to be intruding...but," William said.
Ville nodded, smiling, William was kind indeed. "I...I will go, but I will restrain my desires, I cannot take things too far,....and yet" Ville sighed, how he longed for someone he truly felt sparked by to share his life with.
Madame Steele made sure the event was set up to be full for the perfect night of debauchery, merrymaking, and joyful drinking.
Debauchery...
However, she also knew those of importance was coming to see and perhaps finally take some of the girls home, to a better place.
Maria, Rose, Angel, Emilia, Constance, Felicia, Carolina, and June, were all waiting eagerly for tonight.
Angel winked at Alexi when he was announced, and could not wait to talk to Madam and Sir Steele about it. Sir Steele was also on guard duty tonight, he wanted nothing to besmirch Diana's plans.
"Sir Alexi Laiho of the North Sea Pirates, Captain, and Lord of the Black Reaper March pirate crew, we welcome you!" Kenny, whom Peter had assigned to present the guests said.
"Lord Renald of Florence, Chief of Commerce and Land Trade in Italy, we welcome you!" Kenny said. He detested this job, and all these lords, he would rather be fighting riffraff outside, but for now, he was obeying Peter, his brother, and captain.
"Sir August of the Southern Regions, Baron of...."
Angel and the girls tried not to yawn, at poor Kenny's expense. This was all so dreadfully boring they were all anxious and ready to drink, it was going to be a long night depending on how many lords came here, not to mention, unlike Angel the others had to work extra hard tonight.
"Finally newly arrived Lord Valo the second, diplomat of the kings' court, and the ex-general of the British armada 3rd regiment, we welcome you all and hope you enjoy tonight's revelry," Kenny said concluding the list, sighing in relief.
Maria could not keep her eyes off him. He was intoxicatingly beautiful.
She hadn't seen him close, but those eyes, those lips, that poise, and grace, those curls, and his shape were pleasing to her eyes.
She blushed trying to remain demure, as they had not met each other's gaze yet. But when he did her heart almost stopped.
Ville glanced towards the ladies that would accompany tonight's revelry and froze. She was a delicate flower, a wilted rose, her soft features, and innocent brown eyes had him trapped.
He felt a mixture of lust....not it was more than that, she was...frail as if she would break, and his protective instincts awoke.
'This is ridiculous he thought, he did not even know her, yet her semblance and gentle features reminded him so much of his late wife.
Still, this woman was a wench, was this her weapon, feigned innocence, he should be cautious in approaching her.
"You are newly arrived Lord Valo," Diana said stepping forth, Peter beside her. She had sharp eyes and had smiled upon seeing his face when spotting Maria, she had been keeping an eye on the possible suitors.
His reaction had been so open and transparent. Still, she wanted to know this man, he was an unknown element, and she did not want to allow anyone to harm her girls.
"Yes, Madame Steele, I presume?" Ville said kissing her hand, "Captain Steele at your service," Peter said shaking his hand. "I am enjoying the party, I am gracious for your invitation," Ville said.
"I think you are far more gracious for the company, for I am not blind or prude, one of the ladies of the court has struck you like a bolt," Diana said, making him blush.
"They are all beautiful and indeed heavenly flowers, I do not understand your statement," Ville said, trying to deny it.
"My wife is not blind, she believes your eyes fell upon our "Withering Blossom," Peter said.
Ville blushed deeply, yes that name fit her. "I...you must be mistaken," he said. "Do not be shy Lord Valo!" Diana said boldly "MARIA COME FORTH!" she said as the girl came forth.
"Yes, Madame?" Maria said, trying to avoid his gaze, how had Diana spotted his reaction from so far?
"Lord Valo, you have caught his eye, do your best and keep him company, but if he tries to be an ass you come to me and Peter," Diana said leaving them be.
YOU ARE READING
Love Of Old
RomanceRomance, Seduction, Torment, all take place in the Victorian era, within the brothel called The King's Court. Will Maria find love in Lord Valo's hand and will he open his heart, even if his soul is haunted by guilt and pain from the past. This is a...