Devin's Dilemma

Chapter 1

Harry! Harry, please come here. I need you.

With a sigh, Harry put her book aside and rose to stand. Her feet ached in her cousin's too-large boots and her second-hand petticoats drooped to the floor. I have to make time to alter this monstrosity. But she knew better. The petticoat had been tripping her for months, and yet, when she had a chance, it was a novel, not a needle, that drew her attention.

Harry, please hurry!

Harry hurried down the hall from her small bedroom under the eaves to her cousin's larger room on the second floor, careful to keep her noisy boots confined to the soft black and red runner, lest they boom like thunder on the floorboards. A racket like that would certainly draw Uncle Malcolm's attention… again. That's the last thing I want.

She wrestled the cranky crystal knob on her cousin's bedroom door until the catch conceded to release and slipped into the room.

What is it, Fanny? she asked. But even as she spoke, Harry knew the answer. Her cousin, Fanny, stood in the center of her room in her underwear, muttering under her breath as she laced her corset to the carved mahogany bedpost. Her pale forehead shone with sweat and her black hair clung to it.

Fanny, stop, Harry urged. We tightened that thing already, remember? You don't need to do that.

It's not enough, Fanny whined, her rosebud lip poking out into a pout.

Why not? Harry crossed the floor and smoothed Fanny's hair back. It's not necessary to turn yourself inside out, you know. You have an enviable figure. Why tight-lace?

Fanny looked down at her generous bosom, her tiny waist, artificially narrowed by years of tight-lacing, and her perfect, round hips. Once William proposes to me, then I'll loosen my laces, but until then… I can't let my guard down. What if I have to make another match?

Harry closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her own, much looser-fitting garment restricted her, but not to the point of dizziness. You won't, she insisted. William adores you. He has your father's permission to court you. You'll be his bride before you know it, but what happens if you pass out tonight? You'll miss all the fun, and they'll have to loosen your laces anyway.

Fanny's pout in no way diminished. That's easy enough for you to say. You don't have to worry about finding a worthy husband.

Harry bit her lip. You're right. And how kind of you to remind me I've gone from a poor relation with few prospects to a domestic with none. Then she sighed. Fanny's comment had not been made from cruelty. At any rate, I still think you'll be fine with it the way we had it. And you won't need to worry. Heaven forbid if something were to happen to William, you'd have a line of suitors waiting to claim you whether you tight-lace or not.

Do you really think so? Fanny's huge blue eyes widened until they seemed to swallow up all of her pale, heart-shaped face.

I know so, Harry replied, patting her cousin's shoulder. Now, why not bathe your face in some cool water and let's get you dressed. You have a big night tonight.

Fanny beamed, no doubt thinking of her beloved William, and Harry relaxed. Her cousin's obsession with her looks bothered the bookish young woman, but she had to admit, they were more likely to win her a comfortable existence than any tome ever written. It's not like you would have been popular anyway, Harry Fletcher. Not with your… she let the dangerous thought trail off. Taking slow, deliberate steps, carefully placing her boots on the floorboards so as to avoid stomping, she approached an ornately-carved wooden wardrobe. Red-paneled doors gave way to rows of hanging dresses, each one worth far more than she earned in a year. Harry pulled out the midnight blue and lace ball gown her cousin had commissioned for tonight's dinner.

It's dreadfully hot, Fanny commented as she splashed cold water on her face.

It is, Harry agreed, carefully removing the dress from the wardrobe and laying it out on the gold brocade bedclothes. Did your father say when we're leaving?

To Brighton? Fanny turned away from the ewer on her mirrored commode and approached the window, parting the curtains a crack to peer out onto the loud and dusty street. He said it depends on me. If I can bring William up to scratch in the next week or so, we'll have to wait until all the arrangements are made. Otherwise, we'll leave next week, and he'll have to catch up with us there… or wait until next season.

Harry grimaced. Fanny certainly would not like either of those options. I suspect there's to be a great deal of pouting in my future.

Fanny turned from the window and Harry carried the corset to her, settling it around Fanny's perfect figure and beginning the laborious fastening process. Thank goodness she didn't tighten it more. That can't be healthy. But Fanny didn't worry about her health, only about her beauty, so Harry had no choice but to accommodate her.

* * *

Devin tossed the document onto his desk with a sigh, then threw his hands into the air, upsetting a cup of tea, which spilled over his paperwork.

Damnation, he growled, flinging himself to his feet and sweeping away as much of the tepid beverage as he could before it stained the wood. The will he'd been drafting was ruined and he'd have to start over. I love my job. I love my job. I LOVE my job! he reminded himself. Anything is better than that noisy, sweaty factory with Father and Chris telling me what to do.

Taking a deep breath, Devin screwed up the paper and tossed it into the bin. At least you didn't upset the inkwell, dolt. Too aggravated with himself to restart the document that had taken him several hours to prepare, Devin rose carefully, managing for once to avoid hitting his head on one of the low rafters, and ducked into the out-of-doors in search of a cup of tea that didn't endanger his paperwork.

Exiting his place of business—little more than a box hung with brown brocade curtains—Devin blinked in the sparkling June sunlight and rambled down a street lined cheek by jowl on one side with a row of brightly colored but narrow homes.

On the opposite side, adjacent to the building in which his office formed a small portion of the first floor, other shops and businesses competed with each other by decorating picture windows with gaudy displays of lace, hats, toys, cigarettes, and other goods and services, just waiting for the first influx of holidaymakers from London.

Après moi, le déluge, Devin thought irreverently. Not that he was going anywhere. His business remained fairly steady regardless of the socialites who tended to flood Brighton after Midsummer's Eve.

Only a week to go now. A week and the lovely solitude of the coast, which refreshed him after long hours hunched over his too-small desk in the semi-darkness, would be crowded with pretty and expensive-looking young ladies, trying desperately to be noticed by a gentleman who was titled, wealthy, young, handsome and kind. In short, a phantasm.

Devin sighed again, the cool ocean breeze insufficient to lift his melancholy. Only a week until that damned Sir Fletcher will arrive and demand his will… which I just ruined. If he likes it, all's well and I can draw up a marriage contract for his daughter. If not, I'll lose the most lucrative client I've ever had. Recalling the pressure that cramped his back and hands until he felt as though he'd tripled his twenty-five years, Devin's comforting sunlit walk began to feel like a dangerous indulgence. Must get back to the will. Ducking into his favorite tea house, he took a seat and awaited the arrival of the owner, his favorite lusty widow, Mrs. Murphy. As he waited, he scanned the stuffy interior. Suffocating pink striped fabrics billowed from the tables and clustered around the windows, as though trying to smother the diners with their aggressive cheer.

Sure enough, Margaret Murphy arrived at his side in a moment, with two cups of steaming tea and a plate of scones.

Hullo, Mr. Bennett, she said in the impartial, businesslike voice that always startled him as she took a seat by his side. How can such a passionate person feign coolness so well?

Mrs. Murphy, he replied in a parody of blandness.

Her emerald eyes twinkled with humor at their discreet exchange.

How goes the legal world? she trilled in her captivating brogue.

Well enough, he replied, not wanting to talk shop, and the world of business?

Slow. She sighed. I'm looking forward to next week, even if I do have to work like a dog when they come.

I understand, he replied. His eyes dropped to the hint… well, more than a hint… of cleavage revealed by her replica of a fashionable dress, and then returned to her eyes. He drank his tea and nibbled the scone while their gazes spoke words that could not be uttered in public.

Will you be needing any help with the pavers in your garden tonight? he asked at last, in an undertone, though the only other patron in the shop was an old woman so deaf, even shouting failed to capture her attention.

Yes, I think so, Mrs. Murphy replied, biting her lip to contain a laugh. An old widow like me should count herself blessed to have such a tall, strong young friend to help me with my gardening.

Gardening? Is that what we're calling it now? Devin grinned. No seeds will be sown, to be sure, but no matter. It's as good a metaphor as any.

I'd better get back to work, he said, setting aside his cup. The scone, though flaky and tender as always, had seemed to stick in his throat, and lay half-eaten on the plate.

Mrs. Murphy nodded, frowning at the abandoned pastry.

I'll see you at seven.

He winked at her, restoring her grin, and left the shop. Finish that will, Bennett, and you'll earn a relaxing turn in the sheets with your favorite redhead. Grinning, he ambled back down the sunny street and into his office, where his now-dry desk awaited. I will finish this time.

Chapter 2

H arry perched on a straight-backed wooden chair with an embroidered cushion. The boning in her second-hand corset scratched and teased her under the arms and one particularly aggressive corner seemed intent on taking as much skin as it could. I wish I could change into my nightgown. It's past three in the morning. The late hours kept by fashionable people did not suit Harry particularly well, especially as she was obliged to remain, not only awake, but also dressed, until her cousin's gown had been safely ensconced in the wardrobe, her jewelry carefully placed in the safe, her shoes brushed, and her stockings sent for cleaning. And that was if Fanny decided to let her work. Tonight, as was no surprise, she wanted to recline on her bed in her chemise and pantalets and regale Harry with a detailed account of the evening.

And so, once the announcement was made, Father stuck to my side the whole evening. I didn't have a single moment to spend alone with my betrothed. It was beyond silly. If they think Will and I have never kissed, they're dreaming. She flopped onto her back, rubbing her skin where her own corset had pinched her.

Harry grinned. They only want to prevent a scandal, you know, she said, examining one of Fanny's dainty white dancing shoes for stains or dirt. Looks pretty good, but I'll have to go over them more thoroughly in the light.

A man kissing his intended is hardly worth more than a giggle, unless you're the worst kind of stuffy old prude, Fanny complained, rising up on one elbow and pulling the pins from her shiny black hair.

Unfortunately, the stuffy old prudes run the marriage mart, Harry reminded her cousin.

I can't wait to be married, Fanny said, abandoning prudes in favor of dreamy future-gazing. Then no one can tell me not to kiss my William.

You'll have to do a bit more than kiss him. I hope someone explains it to you before the wedding, or you're in for a nasty shock. Too bad your mother is deceased. I don't know enough to explain. It's true, Harry agreed, but people will still frown on you doing so in public.

Bah. Fanny dismissed the comment with a wave of her hand. I won't need to in public. We'll have all the privacy we need, once we're married.

That's right, Harry agreed, rising from the chair with a groan and tucking the shoes into the wardrobe before turning to Fanny's abandoned corset. Still looks fine. I think I can just put it away. Did you discuss when the blessed event will take place?

Fanny sighed. Father isn't ready. He's quite insistent no plans be made until the settlement documents are prepared and signed.

I see, Harry agreed. And how long do you think that will take?

I don't know! Fanny cried, dramatic as always. He muttered something about 'that young solicitor in Brighton,' but I'm not sure what he means by it.

Bemused at her cousin's featherbrained comment, Harry explained. After your father's previous solicitor, Mr. Phillips, passed away, he's been searching for a replacement. He asked a young man in Brighton to draw up a will for him, and if he likes it, he'll retain the man permanently, to create all legal documents for the family. So at a guess, I'd say when we leave for our holiday by the sea, he'll be checking in with the young man and, if the work is satisfactory, your settlement will be next.

But… but… that's another week! Fanny wailed.

Harry snatched a nightgown from her cousin's bureau and carried it to the bed. I won't tell her that if he agrees to draw up the documents, a week is only the beginning of the wait. There, there. She handed Fanny the nightgown and patted her arm. All will be well, you'll see. Your father only wants to protect you and your interests. You and William will be married before you know it. Now you should turn in. If you want me to be awake to pack your clothes for the trip, I need to get some sleep.

Fanny's pout turned to a laugh. You're such an old lady, Harry. All you think about is sleep.

Because I don't get to sleep half the day away, you goose. But Fanny wouldn't understand, and Harry didn't want to get into yet another long discussion. With a tight smile, she excused herself for the night.

* * *

Devin groaned deep in his throat as ecstasy washed over him like ocean waves on the pebble beach. Warm, voluptuous female flesh compressed beneath his body and soft, breathy cries of pleasure mingled with his. As the pounding in his head decreased and awareness returned, it was to the image of Margaret Murphy's pretty, freckled face, her green eyes soft with pleasure, her pink lips relaxed and ripe for another kiss. He lavished it on her with generosity. She hummed into his mouth. He relaxed onto her, bracing the bulk of his weight on his arms so as not to crush the curvy redhead beneath him.

Margaret, he said gently.

Hmmmm? She shifted beneath him.

Fearing a leakage, he reached down to grasp the French letter that protected their activities and slipped from her welcoming body. Awwww, she whined.

Sorry. I'm spent. Removing the linen sheath from his softening erection, he rose. I needed to tell you… We'll have to lie low for a while now.

Margaret rose up on one elbow, a move that did interesting things to her plump breasts. What's going on, love?

Though he knew she called everyone that, it still bothered Devin. What they shared was a pleasant friendship with a few interesting perks, not love. Still, it hardly seemed worth fussing about. Disposing of the condom, he began to pull his clothing on. I have a new client coming to town. Actually, he's not a client yet, but if I play my cards right, he might just become the opportunity of my career. Wealthy. Lesser title. Lots of legal documents needed.

Don't rush off, Margaret urged. Stay a minute and explain why this fellow means I can't play with my favorite toy anymore.

He rolled his eyes. Favorite toy indeed. Slightly insulted by her failed endearment, he replied, He's known to be a bit of a prude; doesn't like scandal or gossip or any other 'unseemly' things. In fact, the man is so stiff, I think he starches his spine. He'll not be interested in a solicitor who spends time with naughty women.

To soften the sting, he placed a knee on the bed and leaned over, kissing the end of Margaret's freckled nose.

Margaret twisted her lips but made no move to deny the allegation. And rightly not. I'm far from your only 'toy'.

Very well, she said, and her green eyes took on a calculating look.

I suppose she's wondering who can fill in my Tuesday spot while I'm occupied. Shrugging, he sat on a white carved boudoir chair with a pink embroidered cushion and bent down to pull on his shoes. From this angle, the suffocating coziness of the pink and white lace bedroom seemed to close in on him, stealing his breath. Margaret's room matches her personality—a smothering cross between overprotective mother and clingy lover.

The realization dawned on Devin that their affair, such as it was, seemed to be waning. I hope I can remain her friend, but this intimacy no longer makes sense. Not sure what had prompted the change, he nonetheless couldn't deny his interest in Margaret's body had become a fraction of what it once was. And why not? There's never been a hope of anything more, not from you or her. It was meant to be temporary.

He opened his mouth to speak, but the words abandoned him, so instead, he departed.

Devin ducked into the alley behind her house and made his way quietly to an innocuous and empty public street, lined on both sides with silent shops. The display windows seemed to watch him with a condemning glare, their contents obscured by darkness.

Shivering, he pressed on, emerging from between the buildings to a path skirting the beach. From here, he could perceive the irregular growl of the sea over the beach, the quiet conversation of springtime insects and the shrill cry of a night bird. Nature, always faithful, achieved what sex had not, soothing away the stress of Devin's job and leaving him relaxed and peaceful.

As he walked, he imagined all the documents dripping from his fingertips into the ground and being absorbed by the earth. Overhead, the stars twinkled, laughing at his guilt. Silly man, they seemed to say, easing your urges with a willing female is natural. And yet he'd been taught love was the better way. That marriage, not shallow affairs, led to true happiness.

His parents proved it with their behavior every day, his brother as well, and yet he had not quite managed to find peace with the demands of his body. Being caught between middle-class morality and the lustiness of youth left him perpetually both unsatisfied and ashamed of himself. I suppose Mother would say I should find a wife, and she probably has someone in mind, but I'm not Christopher, and I'm not ready.

Shrugging off his unproductive musings, he returned his focus to releasing his hours of work. Blank pages floated up to the sky to be forgotten. Ink oozed from the toes of his boots. As he walked, weariness replaced his restless agitation. Good. I should be able to sleep tonight. No need for whiskey.

At last, just beyond the edge of town, a tiny cottage loomed up in the darkness. He'd sacrificed both size and proximity to town to have a home on the edge of the sea, and he'd never regretted it. The miniature structure, charming in stone and ivy, had roses blooming in profusion around the foundation. Though the dark had faded all colors to shades of gray, the fragrances of sea, flowers and home remained as bright as ever. Devin inhaled and smiled. Then he proceeded up the walk to the door, entered and wandered down the hallway, happy to clean up, stretch out on his clean, white sheets, and drift off to the sound of the sea through the open window.

* * *

All the luggage had been stowed. Fanny had fallen into a light sleep, her head pillowed against the arm she had propped on the window, as the countryside flowed past them. Uncle Malcolm had finally stopped fussing and retreated to his own compartment, leaving the girls in peace and privacy at last.

Harry settled into her seat and pulled her novel from her own satchel. Soon, the lyrical prose of Jane Austen drew her out of her own difficult circumstances and into someone else's problems. Problems solved by a dreamy romance bigger than life. Bigger than my life anyway. No romantic hero will tease and banter with me, and finally save me from my life of drudgery.

Her best hope for the future was to accompany Fanny to her married home and continue to serve her. At least I wouldn't live in constant fear of upsetting Uncle Malcolm. William seems like a calm, kind man. That would be an improvement of sorts.

Sighing, she settled back against the blue brocade upholstery and let her imagination take her away. The ride would only last a short time, and then it would be back to work. I'd better enjoy my quiet moment while I can.

Chapter 3

D evin stared up at the imposing white edifice of the Mercury Hotel. This monstrosity of a building strove, not to allow the wealthy to enjoy the natural beauty of the shore, but to bring their ideas of luxury with them to it. It spoiled the view from three blocks of town. He considered it an eyesore, but most of the locals welcomed these wealthy, if difficult, guests for the money they brought to the town. And I'm working for one, so I don't get to be choosy.

Mounting the steps to the two massive red doors, flanked by imposing columns, he entered the grand and opulent foyer. Plush carpet in tones of tan and red threatened to turn his ankle with every step. Everywhere he looked, white wooden panels divided and decorated the space. He checked his note again for the number of the suite where his illustrious guest awaited him and mounted the stairs to the left.

More of the overly thick carpet formed a colorful runner up the center, so he carefully placed his feet on the pale wood at the edge, clinging to the ornate cast-iron balcony for balance. Upward he climbed, until looking over the railing made him quite dizzy, and he decided to keep his eyes on the tread in front of him, until at last, panting and wheezing, he reached the fifth floor.

He quickly located the suite the Fletcher family had rented for the summer and knocked. A stuffy-looking manservant