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Theater Royal, Drury Lane Tuesday


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Thomas Killigrew had taken to his feet with the arrival of the Earl of Arundel, Henry Howard.  The Howard heir was none too happy to have to visit the playwright.  Around them came the sounds of hammering as the newly restored theater was in the final stages after being gutted by a fire.

"I do not know who told you that," the elder playwright soothed, as his son Thomas Killigrew the Younger entered the office as well.  "Your name is not in the play."

"I was told that your play lampoons Catholics and there is a character in the play called Lord Arsendull.  Do you deny it?" the young Earl complained.

"Of course I do," the elder replied.  "I deny everything."  The sincerity of the moment was lost as both Killigrews began to snicker, fighting hard to maintain control.  "I'm sorry milord, the name is just too humorous to let lie."

"You will not find a letter from my barrister to be so humorous," Henry warned.  "Are you so wealthy now that you can afford a long and expensive litigation?"

"Let's not be carried away milord.  Let me give you a glass of wine or a tour of the construction to calm your fever.  I assure you that name in not in the manuscript."

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Sophia had dressed in a pretty coral and yellow striped gown for her meeting with Master Killigrew. It had a moderately cut neckline that would have looked modest on most ladies. Because of the young Countess’ impressive bosom, which was even fuller now that she was  pregnant, an abundant amount of cleavage swelled between a frame of Venetian lace trimmed with a row of pearls. Vertical rows of pearls also separated each stripe on her full skirt. Her stomacher was made of yellow silk embroidered with coral flowers outlined by pearls. She wore a pearl necklace, bracelets and earrings and her platinum curls were fastened with pearl combs.

 

Over her gown, she wore a cream-colored silk cloak trimmed with white fur and fastened with a pearl brooch. This was her second spring in London and she was finally becoming accustomed to the weather, though she still often longed for the pleasant weather of Venice and Madtid. Unfortunately, she would be stuck in England until the baby was old enough to travel. She planned to enjoy every moment with her child, for she knew that Juan might want him to be raised in Madrid. Of course, she could stay as well, but did she want to? 

 

Her carriage dropped her off in front of the Theatre Royal. As soon as the driver helped her out, she could hear the cacophony of construction. It looked as if it was almost finished and she smiled as she walked up the steps. It looked much better than it had the last time she had ridden by it.  Perhaps soon it would be in business once more. But would she feel comfortable watching a play there after she had almost perished in the fire that had destroyed it?  She would try.  Sophia enjoyed watching plays nearly as much as she adored singing in operas.

 

There was hammering inside as well. The young singer winced.  She was becoming sensitive to loud noises, probably as a result of her pregnancy.  It was a good thing that  her concert with Lady Kendishall  had been held before they started bothering her.  Sometimes they triggered her nausea. Hopefully, that wouldn't happen today.  She didn't want to throw up when she gave Master Killigrew the good news that Esteban agreed to his terms, but with a few conditions of his own.

 

Sophia had no problem finding his office. As she approached the door, she heard voices inside. One of them was Lord Arundel’s. What was her charming Henry doing here, of all places? The petite blonde had longed to see him since the season began, and her heart leapt in anticipation as she knocked upon the door.

Edited by Sophia de la Cerda
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The knock interrupted the conversation and Thomas the Younger moved to open the door.  The elder was relieved at the reprieve from what could be an intense confrontation with the heir to Norfolk.

"Lady Toledo, do come in!" the elder Killigrew beckoned.  Arundel was surprised to see Sophia there, which caused his heart to jump momentarily.  She had been one of the few bright spots during an otherwise dreary holiday season.  "Greetings Lady Toledo," Henry greeted formally as he took to his feet.  

The elder Killigrew declared "her husband is seeking to employ my troupe," as if some explanation was in order.  "Indeed," Henry replied, "do come in.  My business with Master Killigrew can be deferred until he has considered your own."

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Master Killigrew’s son opened the door. His father seemed a bit too pleased to see her. Was he in that much need of money? Perhaps, considering that he was rebuilding a theatre that had burned to the ground. There was no telling how much he would charge them if the play was to be performed in a few short weeks. Esteban had been right to be cautious.

 

Sophia’s gaze traveled from the director to her delightful Henry as he greeted her politely. He was even more handsome and appealing than she remembered. Even the cadence of his voice sent delicious little shivers down her spine. Now that he was married, would he wish to continue their affair? She certainly hoped so. Their time together had been brief but sweet and she wanted nothing more than to ...

 

The blood suddenly drained from her face and she felt a bit lightheaded. If he hadn’t heard that she was pregnant already, he would be aware of it soon.  If he did the math, then he would know that there was a possibility that he was the father of the child she carried within her. One small gloved hand instinctively moved to her still flat belly. It was his right to know and she wanted to tell him. But would he be pleased or would he want nothing more to do with her?

 

Sophia quickly regained her composure, stepping over the threshold and curtsying to him. “A pleasure, my lord,” she said with a disarming smile. Her legs felt a bit wobbly and she sank into a nearby chair. Killigrew explained her presence and Henry graciously assented to waiting until her own business was concluded before continuing his own.

 

Thank you, my lord.” To Master Killigrew: “My lord husband does indeed wish to hire you to stage his play, but he has a few stipulations.”

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Thomas Killigrew was always in need of money, though he tried to put on airs otherwise.  He was receiving no significant revenue and his expenses were sizable.  His troupe threatened they would join Dorset's troupe if he did not pay them promptly.  Heather O'Roarke had offered to underwrite some of the expenses but she had withdrawn from court.  He could only hope that she was well and would remember her pledge.

The older man's experienced eye noted the look of weakness in Sophia's face.  Ladies were known for fainting for so many reasons, often an overly-tight corset, that he drew no conclusions from it.  Instead, he offered her some mulled wine. 

Henry Howard's mind was already racing with a plot to get Sophia alone when Killigrew asked "just what are these stipulations?"

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 Sophia gratefully took the cup of mulled wine. She didn’t even realize she was cold until its warmth began to permeate her body. Taking a long calming sip, she considered what to tell Killigrew while trying to keep her gaze away from Henry.

 

She was not going to ask for a discount. Though her father had taught her nothing about business, she had often heard him discussing it with his associates. A few things she had never forgotten. One of them was that it was always cheaper to buy things in bulk, knowledge that had surprised Francis last year when they went to buy feathers for an avian-themed party. Another was that asking outright for a discount was a sure way not to get one.

 

“First of all, the play needs to be translated by an experienced playwright and my lord husband wishes me to approve it.” She had not discussed the translation with Esteban, mainly because she had suspected that he would want the final say and she believed that she was a much better judge of entertainment value, having lived a secret life among the theatre culture in Venice.

 

“He also wishes to postpone the performance until the middle of May. It is unlikely that the season will end before the King’s birthday. That gives your troupe more time to rehearse and the sets and costumes won’t have to be rushed. “He was thinking of it staging it outside because of the battle scenes, but if your theatre is finished soon, it can be performed here as its first production. Also, he would like to do something a bit different than just having the action play out on the stage.”

 

Sophia stood up for emphasis. She still felt a bit wobbly, but she didn't think she was going to faint. “Imagine this.” She flung her arms out to the side and turned around slowly. “The battle will take place all around the audience, giving them the impression that they are right in the thick of it.”

 

Her gaze traveled to Henry. “Wouldn’t that be exciting, my lord?”

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It was hard to argue against a few week extension of the time.  That could serve Killigrew well in finding the right actors.  In fact, he had forgotten to raise the issue with his lead actors in anticipation of possible employment.  Thomas was more of a last minute planner, relying on actors to re ready at the drop of a hat.

Ever quick to smell an opportunity, the older man remarked "so that will mean a longer time necessary to practice."  That implied greater cost.

"Battle scenes all around?  Are you saying my actors would be fighting in the aisles and on the stage?  That will require dozens of extras."

Sophia sought to include Henry.  "Why yes Countessa, I feel myself getting excited already."  The innuendo was there and he laughed at himself hoping that the Killigrews would think nothing of it.   

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“More time should not mean more rehearsals. They can be spaced out so that the actors don’t have to practice for a long period of time every day.” In Venice, singers had been paid more for operas that were staged in weeks rather than months because they didn’t have to rehearse every minute of every day. Sophia assumed that it was the same with English plays. Lines were easier to learn than arias.

 

Master Killigrew seemed a bit shocked by the notion of a battle being fought in the aisles of his theatre, making her believe that that he had never heard of such a thing before. “Yes, you’ll need to hire a lot of extras, but I imagine there are many hopefuls who will work for next to nothing for a chance to appear onstage.”  Again, she was drawing on her experience in Venice.  It seemed as if every commoner in the city longed to appear in an opera.

 

Esteban had probably intended his play to be performed just once for a limited audience, but Sophia believed that it would be better to turn it into a full production with several performances so that everyone in London would begin the change their opinion about Spain because of the show’s influence.

 

Henry took her subtle innuendo and ran with it. Her young body hummed with pleasurable sensations. “I thought you would be, and your excitement will grow as the time nears.” Her expression was the picture of innocence, though she flashed him a saucy smile. He would know, she hoped, that she was speaking of the next time they were alone together.

 

Reluctantly, she turned her attention back to the older man. “See? Even the idea inspires enthusiasm. Just think, Master Killigrew. Your theatre will be the very first to present a concept that has never been done before. Everyone loves experiences that are new and different. Each performance will be sold out before opening night and your fame will spread all over England.”

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"Milady, no one works for free, least of all extras," Killigrew replied, certain that Sophia was completely out of her element,  What did a coddled 17 year old girl know about anything?  "I shall deliver a proposal to your husband."

Catching the saucy smile, a thought occurred to Arundel.  "Why do you not conclude your business while I step away foer a moment"  With that, the Earl moved towards his manservant that was not far away.

"Was there anything else Countess?" the elder Killigrew asked, hoping that all was done and he might manage to escape Arundel in addition.

 

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Warning bells rang in Sophia’s head. Was Killigrew planning to cheat them? She knew that extras were not paid much, but it was too dangerous to reveal how much she knew about the threatre. Her secret life as an opera singer in Venice must remain between her and Lord Kingston forever.

 

He also said nothing about presenting a unique form of entertainment that had never been seen before. Maybe it had already been done and wasn’t so extraordinary after all? Or perhaps this rare opportunity would be reflected in a lower price. The possibility of delivering an unprecedented performance had been her idea to insure a discount.

 

Sophia knew already that he wasn’t going to discuss the cost with her. I will have to let Esteban know of my proposal so he will be able to use it as a bargaining chip. Being a shrewd negotiator was part of an Ambassador's job description. She believed that the two of them would be able to come to a satisfactory agreement.

 

Henry excused himself and went over to where his manservant awaited him.  Was he bored? I will make it up to him the next time we meet in private, she vowed. She was still apprehensive about telling him that he could be the father of her child, but she wasn’t as terrified as she had been when she first saw him today. It was important that he hear it from her and not figure it out for himself when she could no longer hide her pregnancy.

 

Killigrew’s question brought her back to the present. “Yes, there is one more thing. My lord husband is adamant that the Spanish are treated with respect. Have all the actors playing the French act like bumbling idiots if you wish, but don’t portray the Spanish characters as fools. There can be some humor, of course. If it’s too serious, the audience will throw rotten tomatoes at the stage. Just don’t make fun of them.

 

“He also requests that I watch some of the rehearsals. I have a bit of theatrical experience myself, you know. You must have heard of the opera that was performed last season for the nobility. I sang the lead role.”

 

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"Make fun of the Spanish?" Killigrew reacted in mock horror.  "Never!  Mot when the French are such easy targets," he added with a laugh.  "Of course you can attend a rehearsal," he assured.  he expected it would be no more than one.  "When might we see a script?"

Arundel appeared back at the door.  "Master Killigrew, I shall take a tour as I exit.  My lady I shall hope to see you again soon."  He had a glint in his eye.  I have a letter for my sister Frances. who , as you know, married Sebastián Gonzalez de Andía-Irarrazaval, Marquess of Valparaiso.  I understand she is in Madrid now and I hope you might impose upon your husband to include it in his next pouch?" He paused to make sure Sophia recalled that he had his own connections in Madrid that could provide an excuse for them to be seen conversing.

"My servant has the letter and shall wait for you to leave to provide it to you."  With that, Arundel made a sweeping boy and exited the doorway, seemingly to head to his coach.

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“You’d better not be teasing me.” Sophia favored Killigrew with a playful smile. “My lord husband won’t compromise on that requirement. You know the Spanish and their precious honor.” She noted that he used the singular form of rehearsal. Did he expect her to attend only one? She must tell Esteban about that too, so he could include several rehearsals when he negotiated terms.

 

“He has the script. I’m sure he will provide it for you when you come to an agreement.” She wished she could attend the meeting between them, but gentlemen did not discuss business in the presence of ladies. It would probably take place here or at the Embassy, so she wouldn’t even have the opportunity to listen through the keyhole, a trick that she had become quite adept at as a child.

 

Henry rejoined them and Sophia almost pouted when he said he was leaving. She had hoped that he would escort her back to her carriage so they would be able to plan their next interlude. He said he hoped he would see her soon, and the gleam in his eye sent a bright little thrill  shimmering down her spine. He already had something in mind!

 

Oh! He had written her a letter, disguised as a missive to his sister. She remembered him telling her about her, but she had never spoken of her to Esteban. Maybe if he knew, he wouldn’t mind if she and Henry spoke together occasionally. Henry was Catholic, had Spanish connections, and he was now married. There was no reason to suspect him of improper behavior toward the Ambassador’s wife.

 

“I think I can convince him to include it.” Sophia curtsied prettily, giving Henry a lovely view of her abundant cleavage. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, my lord, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” With me. She had the rest of the day free, but only the mornings on Wednesday and Thursday as well as the afternoons and evenings on Friday.

 

Resisting the temptation to watch his fine form as he walked out the door, the young Countess turned back to the theatre’s owner. She was ready to go now so she could read Henry’s letter. “I believe our business is concluded, Master Killigrew, You can contact the Embassy for an appointment with my lord husband. He does not share his schedule with me.”

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"Would we tease the Countessa Thomas?" the elder asked the younger.  "Of course not father," Thomas the younger agreed, though perhaps his sincerity was at risk as well.  The elder Killigrew stood and offered to show Sophia out.  "We are just having a bit of fun milady," he assured her.

As she made to leave, Henry's young manservant introduced himself as Patrick.  "The Earl asked me to lead you to him," he offered in a whisper.  Rather than lead her to her coach, he took her down the stairs towards the stage.  Some workmen paused their toil to watch the lady pass.

Down a hall was a corridor of room for the actors.  At the third one, he paused.  "he awaits within.  I will wait outside."

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  • 2 weeks later...

Both Killigrews insisted that they were not teasing her, but Sophia had been around theatre folk long enough to know that none of them could be trusted. She couldn’t reveal that, though, and all further negotiations would be Esteban's responsibility. All she could do was tell him what had transpired today. She’d not had the chance to speak to him much since their discussion on Sunday. He was always busy … hopefully this time he was finding investors for his play.

 

She said her farewells and walked through the door. Henry’s manservant was waiting for her just outside. Instead of giving her a note, he told her that he would lead her to his master. Her eyes lit up, and even her expert acting skills couldn’t hide her excitement. He was much better than a letter.   Where was he? If she left the theatre, Karl would know that her business was done and she would have to go back home.

 

Patrick led her down a flight of stairs leading toward the stage and turned into a hallway full of closed doors … dressing rooms for the actors, she knew. If they were like their Venetian counterparts, some of them had beds. How clever my Henry is for coming up with this idea. My bodyguard will think I’m still working things out with the Killigrews.

 

He stopped at the third door. Henry was waiting for her inside and Patrick would make sure they were not interrupted. “Thank you,” she said gratefully. Her body trembled with desire and anticipation.

 

Opening the door, Sophia stepped inside and launched herself into the handsome Earl’s arms. “Oh, Henry, I’ve missed you so much!” she exclaimed.

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The Earl of Arundel had many shortcomings but he was a clever fellow when it came to assignations.  He had spent some of his misspent youth visiting actresses, so he knew their accommodations well.  He also knew that, with the construction, the rooms would be empty.

As she passed through the door, Sophia was quickly locked into an embrace.  The door closed quietly behind them with a click.  The manservant stood sentry outside.  "My love," he greeted as he flooded her mouth with urgent kisses.   "We have not much time."

There was a small bed in the room, along with a divider and a make up desk and chair.  He led her towards the bed.  "Shall we be daring?" he whispered with hot breath in her ear.

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“We never have enough time,” she sighed.

 

Sophia reveled in the warmth of Henry’s embrace and she ardently returned his kisses, her tongue dancing in perfect harmony with his. White hot thrills of desire spiraled through her young body and she wanted nothing more than to become one with him as quickly as possible. It had been forever since she had been with him. Their passion should be prolonged no longer. Her news could wait until they had ridden the waves of pleasure together.

 

She felt bereft when his lips left hers, but then he took he hand and led her toward the bed. Sophia had not noticed it when she had entered the room. Her entire focus was on her darling Henry.

 

Her body trembled with bliss as his hot breath caressed her ear. “When have we ever not been daring?” she asked saucily. Turning toward him, Sophia playfully bit her lower lip. “I hope we at least have time to undress each other.” While she desperately wanted him inside her, she also longed to feel his bare skin pressing sensually against her own..

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He had not been thinking of undressing, but rather of having her ride upon him so that her dress would not be wrinkled.  "Do we have the time?" he asked, though was already reaching to loosen her fasteners.  "I shall undress and dress you again quickly," he pledged in a husky voice.  A man with many lovers knew well how to dress a lady quickly, though servants were far easier, wearing fewer layers of clothes.

It was always easier to undress than dress, so it took but a minute or two to accomplish the feat, laying her dress over the convenient partitions designed to give an actress privacy if she so desired.  He followed suit with boots, jacket and shirt flying as if they had a life of their own before dying in a spiral to the floor.

Throughout the process, his hands rubbed her bosom and titillated her nether region with purposeful fingers designed to hasten the joining.  "I can hardly bear it," he proclaimed of the delay, his eyes alight with fire. Once naked, he sought to lay her down and seek to foreplay between her legs while painful impatience ensued.

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Though Henry asked if they had time to get undressed, the idea seemed to appeal to him. Sophia turned around so he could unlace her bodice, and then back again so he could take off her gown and untie her petticoats and bum roll from around her waist. Her corset was next, and she sighed as it dropped to the floor. She would much rather make love while being able to breathe freely. Her heartbeat quickened at the touch of his hands on her bare flesh, teasing her into a state of desire so exquisite that her inner muscles contracted with anticipation.

 

She pouted when he disrobed without her assistance, but she discovered that observing him was like watching a present being unwrapped to reveal the treasure within. As soon as Henry dropped his breeches, she reached down and ran one slender finger over his cock, which was already rigid with his need for her. “Nor can I,” she agreed, her own eyes shimmering with ardor.

 

He led her over to the bed and she lay down upon it, holding up her arms to him. Henry’s fingers danced between her thighs, his delicious assault setting her body aflame with intensely delectable sensations. Sophia reached out and stroked his cock, reveling in its warmth and texture. White hot sparks of delight ignited a fire which she could deny no longer.

 

Sliding to the side, she flipped him over so that he was now lying beneath her.   Straddling his waist, she captured his mouth in a flutter of lustful kisses while she guided him into her. Sophia gasped against his lips as he filled her. Yes! This was what she had been longing for since she had last seen him, to be one with him again. Breaking the kiss and sitting up, she began to ride him hard and fast … back and forth and up and down.

 

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Foreplay was a fleeting thing when urgency demanded a joining of more than tongues and fingers.  As he fell atop her in a pique of desire, he allowed himself to be flipped and she decided to impale herself upon his turgid tool.  A stray thought recalled his initial plan to join this way without getting undressed, but he far preferred the nudity and the tantalizing touch of her flesh upon his own.

Whether it was his level of excitement in having her unexpectedly, or maybe the shortness of time allotted to the lovers, Henry did not last three minutes.  He had the same issue at the New Years Eve ball.  He erupted inside her without warning, but urged her to continue her ride.  He could maintain his stiffness as he continued to arrive at a second coming, so to speak.  He had done it that fateful night as well, perhaps the night she had been impregnated.

"You are a goddess," he flattered in his fervor.  "We belong together," he swore.  He grunted as he thrust his loins upward to give her extra pleasure.  This time, he would last several minutes more, though he was spending enormous energy trying to buck like an unbroken mount for her pleasure.  Perspiration was forming on his brow and chest as he, at last, spent more than his energy inside her again.  After the moment of climax, he stopped moving and gasped for air.  How much time had elapsed?  Was that his servant's voice outside the room?

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Sophia felt him stiffen inside her and the warmth of his seed  only a few minutes after she began to ride him. Was he that eager for me? The notion intensified her desire and she doubted that she would last much longer herself.  From their first encounter. She knew that Henry wasn’t the kind of man who believed that lovemaking wasn't over as soon as he climaxed. He would make sure that she was satisfied as well.

 

His cock, still hard, hit her back walls again and again as Henry thrust upward, stimulating her pearl of pleasure by grinding it against his groin. The beautiful sensations that preceded an orgasm flooded through her. She was hot, She was cold. She was burning and yet she shivered. His words thrilled her and she smiled, though she was so consumed by passion that her only answer was a soft and sultry moan. Yes, they belonged together. Even though they were both married to others, they were entwined with each other in a bond that could never be broken.

 

It was that thought that sent her over the edge and into the glorious throes of pure ecstasy. Her back arched and her bountiful breasts rose enticingly while excruciating bliss shot through her nubile young body, sending her soaring on the wings of exquisite delight. Unable to sing her pleasure as she usually did, Sophia bit her lip to keep from crying out. She didn’t care if Henry’s servant heard her. He knew what they were doing. But sound often echoed in empty corridors and if somebody was nearby, they might decide to investigate.

 

Henry did not stop thrusting. Instead, he became more insistent. Perhaps her inner muscles tightening around him had excited him again. Sophia leaned over him, sliding back and forth and rubbing her aching breasts against his chest. The delectable pressure built inside her anew and he once more took her to the breathtaking heights of unparalleled pleasure just as he spilled more seed inside her. As the tantalizing sensations began to subside, she collapsed on top of him, utterly exhausted.

 

“You are divine,” she whispered, lifting her head and sliding upwards until she could kiss Henry lightly. “Absolutely divine.” Tiny little aftershocks shimmered luxuriously through her veins, and clarity began to return. “There is something I must tell you, my love, if our time has not run out.”

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"Wondrous," he muttered in a dream-like state.  It was the voice of Sophia that first returned him to awareness.  He gave a tired smile.  Then it was the voice of his servant outside the door that caused him to go silent and he signaled Sophia to do likewise.  It seemed as if his manservant was being questioned as to why he was standing guard,

There was an echo of the man saying something like his lord had become dreadfully sick and needed the room temporarily.  Further inquiries were met with assurances that no one would want to open the door and see the Earl being sick into a bucket.  At length, footstep receded.

"Ah," Henry whispered to Sophia.  "Tell me, love, what you must.  We have several minutes more I think."

 

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Sophia didn’t hear the voices until Henry signaled her to be silent.. Were they out of time already, before she had the chance to tell Henry her news? She listened as his manservant explained that the Earl had become ill. Footsteps retreated down the hall. They were safe for now, but would the unknown person keep the news to himself? Obviously the situation was under control since the manservant had not gone for help. Master Killigrew would probably not disturb them. Their voices had been raised in anger when she arrived. He might fear that Henry would accuse him of trying to poison him.

 

Henry thought they had a little more time before they had to go. Now that the moment was upon her, the young singer’s anxiety returned in full force. Would he be pleased that he could be the father of her child? Or would he be horrified? Would he keep the secret to himself or would he parade all over court claiming that he had cuckolded Spain? How much did Henry truly care for her? Did he cherish her as she cherished him or was she just a passing fancy that he could easily discard?

 

It appeared that she was going to find out, for she had to tell him or risk him finding out on his own and accusing her of betraying him by purposely withholding the information. Steeling herself for whatever the outcome would  be, Sophia rolled off of him, pressing her curves into his side and propping her head on one elbow. She wanted to see the look on his face when he figured it out.

 

“You won’t get me pregnant today,” she whispered, “I am already with child. It will be born in early autumn."

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Relieved at the footsteps fading into the distance, Arundel turned his attention fully to his lover.  She revealed her secret, which only reached the outer consciousness.  "Congratulations to you and your husband," he declared.

It was about 15 seconds later that his attitude changed.  "Early autumn?  That is about nine months from New Years Eve."  At first it was a jest.  "I suppose there is a small chance that I am the father."  He supposed that Esteban swived her regularly, around the turn of the year, so the odds would be low.

"What do you think, my love, could my stray seed have taken hold?  Has your husband's father been blessed with many children?"  He was calculating the odds in his mind as he held her tight.  Women had a feeling about these things, he was sure.  They could feel the father of their child. 

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Sophia watched Henry’s face as the implications of her announcement dawned on him. He did not look angry or disgusted. On the contrary, he seemed rather taken with the idea. This perplexed her, as he would never be able to claim the child as his own and would have to watch it be raised by another man. Maybe he wanted to populate London with his bastards?  He could have quite a few already, though she rather hoped he didn't.

 

Or maybe he really did love her and hoped that their affection would come to life as flesh and blood. That thought filled the petite blonde’s heart with joy, even though it might be nothing but a fantasy concocted by her overactive imagination.

 

Henry held her tight and she nestled into his embrace. “That is why I told you.” How much should she say? Should she reveal that Esteban had not slept with her at all last season?  No, it was better to keep her husband's lack of libido to herself.

 

“My husband has several siblings. But … he was very busy last season and had little time for me. There is definitely a chance that that this child may be yours.”

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"What sort of fool would ignore a wife as beautiful and charming as you?" Arundel declared a bit too loudly and then hushed himself.  "It is a husband's duty to see to his wife's needs."  Conveniently forgotten was his own stand off with his own unfaithful wife.  Instead Henry wondered silently whether her husband might have the Italian disease.

"Perhaps we can meet here secretly a few times a week?  You have an excuse to come visit do you not?  I will arrange to have this room reserved and a key sent," he offered hopefully.  "If I am to be the father of your child, then I had best see to your needs," he offered with a smile.

Offering her a nearby towel and a basin with some water.  "Best we clean and I help you dress quickly.  We cannot risk being caught!"

 

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Sophia said nothing in Esteban’s defense, not did she admit that she preferred for him to ignore her in matters of intimacy. When he did share her bed, she got little pleasure from it and it seemed as if it was over before it began. She had the feeling that he considered sex an odious but necessary duty to keep her from straying. And look how well that turned out.

 

"My lord husband was more affectionate in Madrid, so it could be his."  In truth, she hoped that the child was Juan's.  They had made love far more often than she and Henry had.  Her Prince was everything to her.  They were bonded heart and soul and she loved him unconditionally.  But she had room in her heart for Henry and Eros too.  Sophia's capacity for love was as large ... if not larger ... than her bosom.

 

She grinned at Henry’s suggestion. “Yes, I have a good excuse. I can say I am making certain that my lord husband’s play is going to plan. I wish I could meet you here every day, but I think more than twice a week might seem suspicious.” She kissed him again. “But we shall enjoy every moment together that we can get and there is much we need to talk about.”

 

Reluctantly she stood up and took the towel and basin he handed her. Without the warmth of his embrace, it was quite cold in the small room. Sophia turned washing herself into a sensual experience, every movement designed to entice him into longing for their next tryst. Once she was done, she waited for him to help her dress. “Are you pleased, my love? Even though you will never be able to claim this child as your own if it is indeed yours?”

 

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He had no comment on Esteban's attentions.  It was a marriage of convenience or she would not have dallied.  It was risky for her.  Did she appreciate what lay in the balance?  Henry was the beneficiary of such an adventure, so he fought about what to say.

He smiled at her realization about what a wonderful place for an assignation the theater was.  It was inspired, and she had inspired him but minutes before.

Moving quickly to oblige her, Henry knew that time was short.  He knew how to dress a lady,  This was not his first tryst.

He kissed her shoulders as he moved the undergarments into place.  "I am excited surely," he admitted freely.  "Sadly, as much as I want it to be my child, I can only pray that it will be your husband's,  If the baby emerges with fair skin and blond hair, it will be quite the scandal and potentially your ruin.  You can have a doctor say that the combination was natural but the Count, your husband, will know otherwise.  He can do as he wishes with you.  The Spanish are that way." he warned.  Wives had no rights.

"If you wish, send me warning when you are set to deliver and I will have a band of  armed men storm your house and whisk you away to safety."  His grin belied the seriousness of his words.  All the while he continued adding one garment after the other, assisting with laces from behind.

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Henry’s breath whispered across Sophia’s shoulders as he kissed them. She had asked him what he thought not only because she was truly curious but because she wanted to be sure he wouldn’t claim the child as his own if it turned out to be his. As he had said earlier, the chance was small, but it was possible. Most likely, it would turn out looking like Juan had when he was a baby.

 

Her lover’s warning made her realize the danger she was in. The young Countess tended to live in the moment and assume that the future would turn out the way she wished it to be. But what if it didn’t? It was doubtful that the baby would be blonde, as Henry’s hair was as black like Juan’s, but it might have blue eyes and fair skin. If it was blonde, she could say that it looked like her, and it it was a girl, all the better. Juan would be pleased if his daughter looked like her.

 

But if he suspected …

 

The blood drained from Sophia’s face and she swayed against Henry. What have I done? Juan will know. Juan will always know. I can’t hide anything from him, nor do I want to. All she could do was pray that her Prince had sired the precious baby she carried within her. It had to be his. It was his.

 

Was Henry serious about rescuing her or was he just jesting? How easy it would be just to cast her aside if trouble arose.  Did he really care for her? She wondered if he could feel her shiver as he laced her gown. “Will you really step in if the child resembles you and take us both away before my lord husband can harm us or banish us to the ends of the earth?”

 

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"I will help you surely," he pledged.  "The problem, my love, is that you will be in a birth bed exhausted and surrounded by your husband and his men."  Aid would be tricky.

"I could hire a doctor to swear under oath that the offspring of a Spaniard might have fair skin.  It might purchase you weeks to recover and then you could consider fleeing.  I would have a safe house for you," he began before realizing that the scenario might be too dark for her.  "Better yet, we find an infant of dark complexion that is born within days of your birth date, buy it and give it to your midwife to substitute if your child is fair skinned."  That would require a great deal of money to accomplish.  Or, safer would be to find a dead infant and substitute it, but he said nothing of it.

"Little need to worry, I suppose," he attempted to assure her.  "The odds that I am the father are but one in a hundred.  After all, there was but one night."  And he could only hope that it was not the end of her monthly cycle when they had frolicked.  He was led to believe that women were more fertile then.

"All shall be well.:

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None of Henry’s plans sounded as if they would work. Sophia was certainly not going to substitute another infant for her own. What would happen to her baby then? She already loved the little life growing within her and no matter who its father turned out to be, she would never give it up. “I can hire servants to attend me who are loyal to you. They can help me escape if my lord husband accuses me of having an affair.”

 

She smiled wryly. “We Germans are not as fragile as Englishwomen. I will probably be on my feet shortly after the child is born.” That was something that Esteban would not expect, that she could leave o her bed so soon after giving birth In truth, she knew little of childbirth. Perhaps even Germans stayed in bed for at least a few days.

 

It could also be Juan's and still look like her.  Sophia had seen fair-skinned Spaniards in Madrid, but not with porcelain complexions like her own.  It was possible that Juan's own mother had had lighter skin. Maybe that was one reason his father had desired her. And his son took after his father, choosing a fair-skinned mistress for himself. Juan had told her of a woman she had loved in Austria. Austrians had light complexions too and many of them were blonde.

 

Henry was correct that the chances that he was the father was very slim. Sophia and Juan had made love many times in Madrid. The odds off her child not being sired by her Prince was more like a million to one.

 

She was eager to believe in his words.  All would be well.  Turning around, she kissed him.  "I hope you are right, my love," she whispered.  She wanted to give Juan the heir he had waited so long for.  Pleasing her Prince was the most important thing in the world to her, despite her tendency to stray.  She was young and amorous and he was not with her to give her the pleasure she craved.  Eventually, she would settle down and be true to him, perhaps after her baby was born and the extra love in her heart could be transferred to her offspring.

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