Page 73 of Dick Stone, Regency Stud
The Duchess of Chevaliermont was purposely losing at cards. Purposely losing so she’d have to endure a so-called punishment of being fucked by Dick Stone.
His shaft jerked within her tight clasp, and he loosed his sack, pouring his spend into the woman who — in another life — would have been his wife.
Chapter 5
It took five daysfor Edward’s splitting headache to abate. Such was the cost of a hard nut and a hard truth.
Without the benefit of Tobi—Tabitha bringing him meat pies and ale during his confinement, the malaise dragged longer than usual before he could pull himself together and go outside for food.
He caught sight of Tabby at last while he stopped to fill her silver flask at a water pump in the Seven Dials.
Edward followed her down several streets undetected. At least his time in the army had amounted to something! It was when she crossed New Compton Street, heading further into the warrens, that he had to act, else maybe lose her forever.
It was the work of a moment to grab at her sack jacket. She still wore the trappings of a lad. Perhaps that’s who she was, Edward had reasoned in his rooms during all those sleepless nights. If fear of his reaction to such a revelation was keeping his friend away, he’d dismiss all that nonsense immediately so they could get back to having a grand time.
When Tabby turned, her face looked stricken, and terror entered her eyes.
“No, please,” Edward rasped, searching for the combination of words that would keep the urchin from bolting. He needed to say his piece.
Tabby was like a cornered animal, her back to a wall with Edward using the advantage of his height and size to block avenues for escape.
“I won’t hurt you,” he said. “Or expose you.” Edward tugged at the filthy little jacket to make his point. “I’d never do that.”
Still, Tabby didn’t speak. Her breath came in short bursts.
“Do you hate me?” she asked.
“Do I hate…now see here, T—”
Edward was closer now, his taut abdomen and lower chest crowding hers. They both seemed to struggle with the intake of air.
“What do I call you?” he asked.
She regarded him questioningly.
“I’ve had a miserable time, not least because I don’t know your name. I know Tobias. The doctor said Tabitha. But I reckon you know best.”
“You know what I am,” said the urchin, kicking his shoe hard. She did so with the fine boot Edward had given her, the rascal!
Edward’s grip on Tabby’s coat tightened. “Now see here, I’m telling you I don’t! I’m asking who you want to be. Who you are.”
“I wasn’t looking to make trouble for you,” said Tabby.
“I know you weren’t.”
A cart rattled by, and the driver gave the two ostensible gents standing rather close together a look. Edward pulled Tabby down Church Passage leading to St. Giles in the Fields so they could talk unobserved.
“I’m trying to make my way,” she admitted.
“Make your way?” asked Edward, loosening his hold as he felt his friend relax.
“Come up in the world. On my own,” said Tabby, her expression resolute.
“Why does it have to be on your own?” asked Edward, secretly sliding the silver water flask into Tabby’s coat pocket while she struggled with an explanation.
“We can’t be friends, not really, unless we’re equals,” said Tabby, her proud chin hard.
Edward was gobsmacked. “I’m a disgraced soldier who can’t sleep through thunderstorms,” he said, fully bewildered. “And what’s the equals business? I’ll be demmed if we can’t be friends!”
