A Marriage Of Inconvenience Chapter 1

A MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE
C 2013 JoJo

Lavinia, Lady Beecham was riding in her carriage in Regent’s Park. Her friend, Victoria (Lady Carlisle) sat beside her.

“Vicki,” Lavinia said, “I wonder if I could ask you a favour?”

Victoria glanced at her friend in surprise. Livvy had never asked a favour of her before and her tone sounded quite serious.

“Of course you can,” she said stoutly then leaned over and squeezed Lavinia’s hand.

There was an awkward silence as Lavinia gathered her thoughts. “I know I’m nothing to look at and am a plain Jane…”

“Only because you never take my advice on how to dress, or wear your hair… as I’ve often said, you could be stunningly beautiful if you’d just let me teach you how to make the best of your assets.”

“What assets?” Lavinia asked dryly.

“Your glorious blue eyes, magnificent slim figure, long blond hair you wear pinned back severely in an ugly bun. Best of all, you have generous bosoms. You should show them off to advantage – men love that. Instead you wear gowns fit for a nun, with high collars and long sleeves. You show no skin at all!”

Lavinia coughed. “Well here’s the thing. The Fartheringham Ball is coming up and for personal reasons I don’t want to go into, I want to look very fine for it. Will you help?”

Victoria’s eye gleamed with excitement. She leaned forward, tapped the man driving the horses and said “Thomas, my good man, take us to Bond Street, right away.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

On the night of the Ball, Lady Lavinia sat in front of her mirror and gazed at her reflected image in astonishment. “I don’t think Gerald is going to recognize me,” she murmured. “He has no idea the bomb I’m going to drop on his lap tonight.”

Victoria had picked out a beautiful blue gown that matched the colour of her eyes, clung to her curves and had a shocking low neckline that all but revealed her bosoms. Under it, she wore a tight corset that uplifted them in what to her was an alarming manner. “Vicki,” she’d protested mildly “My breasts are going to fall out of this gown.”

“No they won’t,” Victoria said “But every man there will be hoping they will do just that. And they won’t be able to keep their eyes off you.”

“That’s a good thing, is it?” Lavinia moaned softly.

“Yes, it’s time Gerald got a wake up call.”

“Oh he’ll get much more than that,” Lavinia said with a chuckle.

“Livvy, you’re up to something… do tell,” Vicki said her eyes filled with curiosity.

“Sorry Livvy, this is deeply personal and strictly between Gerald and me.”

Victoria had insisted she wear her hair down, flowing in golden waves over her bare shoulders and back. On the crown, she’d entwined a string of pearls that gleamed in Lavinia’s golden tresses.

Around her neck, she wore the sapphire pendent with matching earrings Gerald had given her on their wedding day. “These are family heirlooms which you as my wife, are entitled to have,” he’d told her dryly.

Lavinia’s eyelids had been darkened with khol and some rouge applied to her cheeks as well as a red salve on her lips. She was staggered by the transformation from country mouse to… what?

“I hope I don’t look like a doxy,” she said anxiously to Victoria.

“Nonsense,” Victoria replied. “You look like a high society lady.”

“I hope you’re right,” Lavinia sounded doubtful.

“Of course I’m right. You can have no idea how I’ve longed to turn you from an ugly duckling into a glorious swan. Now tell me, what is this bomb you’re going to drop on Gerald?”

Lavinia pressed her lips together. “Sorry friend, deeply personal so don’t ask.”

Victoria sighed. “Alright, but will you ever tell me?”

Lavinia looked at her friend. “Probably not. Sorry.” She leaned over and squeezed Victoria’s hand.

“Lavinia,” Gerald called from downstairs. “It’s time to go or we’ll be late.”

“God forbid that we’re late,” Lavinia muttered as she gathered up her purse and shawl. “You’re going to wish we’d never gone to the ball before the night is over. You, Gerald, have no idea the bomb I’m going to drop on you tonight.”

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Stay tuned for the shocking events that are going to turn Gerald’s life upside down!

P.S. I actually dreamed the above story last night and decided to put it in writing and post it here.