Chattersworth dismisses Simmons

Lord Chattersworth nods decisively at Simmons. "Very well, Captain. You should leave here. Return to the reception - I need a word with young Miss Foxhaven."

Simmons glances uncertainly between Chattersworth and Alice. "My lord? I - "

"Clean your ears out, man, I gave you an order," Chattersworth snaps imperiously. Alice sees Simmons stiffen with anger, and she lays a hand on his arm.

"Go on," she says softly. Simmons frowns.

"I would not like to leave you alone with a stranger," he says quietly to her.

"I am less a stranger to Miss Foxhaven than you are, and more of a gentleman," Chattersworth says firmly. "Given the circumstances, you can hardly impugn my honor or intentions. You're dismissed, soldier!"

Alice gives Simmons a firm nod - she doesn't want him to get in any more trouble over this. Simmons swallows, then nods and departs, scowling at Lord Chattersworth as he does so. Chattersworth, for his part, smirks as the Captain leaves, then strides forward. Alice meets the wealthy lord's gaze as he comes to a stop in front of her.

"I did not know you were back in the county, my lord," she says, trying to make light conversation.

"I am indeed - for at least as long as I find diversion here," he says. He tilts his head as he looks at her. "It's been some years since I've seen you, Miss Foxhaven, and you were barely out of leading strings then. How old are you now?"

"Eighteen, sir," Alice says with a smile. Then she gasps in shock as Chatterworth reaches out and squeezes her breast, hefting it in his hand as though weighing it. The sudden contact sends a tingle through her chest, and he reaches firmly around her with his other hand to squeeze her ass as well. "My lord!" she gasps. "I - "

"Your tits and ass seem to have come in quite nicely," Chattersworth says, for all the world as though he's simply making conversation. "And your lips seem made for sucking cock."

"My lord! This is - this is most improper!" Alice gasps, struggling a step back from him. Chattersworth utters a quiet, low laugh.

"Now, don't be absurd, Miss Foxhaven. From what I hear, you're not one to worry about propriety...particular when uniformed men are involved. Eh?" Alice freezes, feeling suddenly cold. Chattersworth steps forward, closing the distance between them again. "You know very well that I could ruin you - and your sisters - with what I just saw. Be a good girl and let me see what you've got to offer, and I'll stay quiet, more or less. Don't worry - I shan't violate you. If you still manage to find a husband you'll be quite intact. And I am not so foolish as to try to have a tryst here, outside a funeral..." He smirks and raises one hand, grasping her chin firmly and stroking her lower lip with his thumb. Alice stares up at him, wide-eyed. "Now, on your knees."