Free Lord Rakehell by Virginia Henley Page B

James knew Nellie was impressed.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    â€œGoing back to Ireland?” Prince Teddy’s voice was incredulous. “I don’t want Nellie to leave!” He stood up. “Where’s my coat?”
    â€œYour Highness, please have a seat while I explain.”
    â€œCarrington, get my coat.”
    Charles threw James a helpless look and brought the overcoat.
    The prince thrust his arms into the sleeves, then stood waiting for James to explain.
    â€œSince your father has held the exalted position of chancellor of Cambridge University for more than a dozen years, it would be like a slap in the face if you caused a royal scandal to erupt in this hallowed town.”
    Teddy nodded. “Yes, a slap in the face.”
    Christus, this is payback for him denying you a military career.
“It won’t just reflect upon Prince Albert. Your mother, the queen, is head of the Church of England, she is the Defender of the Faith, and represents the moral authority in the kingdom. You must understand that as heir to the throne you have an almost sacred responsibility. You must never be the cause of a scandal that would undermine the queen’s authority or blacken the reputation of the royal family.”
    â€œI promise to be discreet.”
    â€œYou have already been totally
indiscreet
.
Nellie says it’s no secret—that everybody in Cambridge knows of the affair.”
    â€œShe is no longer staying in my residence. My visits to the hotel will be clandestine—after dark—no one will know of them,” Teddy insisted.
    â€œYour Highness, a full-blown scandal can only be avoided by ending the liaison and having Miss Clifden leave the country.” James poured the prince a small measure of brandy and handed it to him. “Your father is
livid
. He’s in a towering rage. Under the circumstances you have only one option. You must
apologize
for your indiscretion, and vow it will never happen again.”
    Teddy turned red in the face and set down the glass of brandy. “Am I to be denied all female companionship?”
    â€œUntil this dies down, yes.”
    Teddy brightened. “Then Nellie can return?”
    â€œNellie is an actress with loose morals. She is totally unsuitable. Such an affair leaves you wide open to blackmail or worse. I take full blame for this. I should never have introduced you. But having a fling at an Irish army camp is a world apart from installing a whore at your residence in this hallowed city of learning. You must see that, Your Highness.”
    â€œWhat do other men do?”
    â€œThey make discreet arrangements with noble married ladies of their own class, whose husbands turn a blind eye. A well-bred mistress who doesn’t flaunt herself is perfectly acceptable in high-class Society.”
    Teddy looked forlorn, and James realized that the inexperienced prince would not know how to approach such a woman. Nellie Clifden had been easy, and vulgar, and fun.
    â€œWhatever shall I say to Nellie? How can I make her understand?”
    â€œI have already explained the situation to her and she understands perfectly. Nellie has been well paid for her services. I feel confident she won’t cause any trouble for you or the royal family.”
    The Prince of Wales sat down. “I was thoroughly looking forward to a celebration party on my birthday with my good friends. Not that I have many.” His spirits were deflated, his face morose.
    â€œA celebration party in Cambridge is out of the question,” James declared. “But there’s nothing to stop us from having a birthday bash somewhere out of town.”
    The prince brightened. “Where do you suggest?”
    Suddenly, James’s face lit up. “Why, Newmarket of course. It’s less than ten miles away. Carrington and I both have carriages. We can do the rounds. Our first stop can be the White Hart Country Inn, only four miles from