Page 40 of Lady Mariel’s Scandalous Love

“I hope so, Your Highness. It may be art, and culture, but I must admit that I do also hold the hope that it may… educate… some people, in a far more… personal… manner.”

The Prince Regent laughed, then stepped down from the podium and began to wander around the room, examining the contents of each display case in detail. A collection of faithful sycophants followed his every move. As the crowd began to scatter, progressing through the other rooms, Dash finally relaxed.

In each room, a footman was stationed, with a stack of printed leaflets describing the contents of that room, ready to assist the viewers. For now, all Dash needed to do was circulate amongst the guests, and observe.

Mariel came to him, carrying two glasses of wine.

“A toast to the evident success of today.”

He took a glass, and drank, as she suggested. He was beginning, just beginning, to believe that scandal would be mitigated, and that society’s fascination with anything titillating would ensure that the Museum saw many visitors each day.

~~~~~

By the end of the day, the event was declared a great success. The last guests had to be almost pushed out the doors to allow them to close, even though the Prince Regent had not stayed above two hours. Perhaps the most satisfying moment had been when Dash had, while circulating, with Mariel, Alex and Selina accompanying him, come face to face with Lady Phyllida, who had met his greeting with a stony face, even while Hockingmoor, beside her, had congratulated him on winning the Prince Regent’s approval.

Lady Phyllida’s expression, and her rather ferocious sidelong look at Selina, had made it quite clear that she found the success of the venture unforgiveable. He had moved on to speak to others, well satisfied. Now, as their parents took their leave, Dash stood in his office, with just Mariel, Alex, and Selina. It was rather amusing that his parents, and Mariel’s, now that they were betrothed, found Selina and Alex to be quite adequate chaperones.

“I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s papers have to say about it all. I suspect that the articles will simply send even more visitors to the door. The small entry fee for the main rooms, and the rather larger fee for the upper floor, will no doubt completely ensure that you can maintain the collection, and add to it – for word will spread.”

Dash looked at Alex, and grinned. “It already has – men kept pulling me aside today, and saying ‘I hear that there is a special section of the Museum… what do I have to do to view it?’ – I have private viewings booked for the next three weeks at least.”

They all laughed, then Selina took Alex’s arm.

“I think I would like to go home now. I am sure that we can trust Dash to escort Mariel to her parents’ door unscathed… they are betrothed, after all…”

Alex bent to press a kiss to his wife’s lips, softly.

“I do believe that you are right, Selina. A day spent looking at hundreds of erotic objects has a most peculiar effect upon the mind….”

She smiled up at him, then turned to Mariel and Dash.

“So we will leave you, and see you tomorrow, at dinner. We can all discuss what has been said in the papers, and plan the next steps. I am sure that your mothers will want to discuss nothing more than your wedding, now that this opening has gone off so well.”

“I expect so. Good evening, and thank you for your support today.”

They left, and Dash, after making sure that the door was locked, came back to Mariel.

She looked at him, with eyes full of mischief.

“Now, take me to the upper floor, and show me just which items the Prince Regent was fascinated by – you said you would, after his first visit, and you never did…”

Dash pulled her into his arms and kissed her – a slow, passionate plundering which brought him to aching hardness in moments, as she thrust her body against his, and ran her hands over him with obvious desire. After some minutes, they stepped back from each other, by unspoken consent, and turned to leave the room, going up the stairs arm in arm.

Dash unlocked the door at the top landing, and led her into the first room.

“These were the first things that caught his eye.”

Mariel looked at the objects he indicated, and he saw a shiver run through her. He stood behind her, and slipped his arms around her, sliding them up until his hands cupped her breasts, and she leant back against his hardness with a little whimper of pleasure.

“They look… interesting… perhaps… perhaps you could… demonstrate their use to me… on me…”

Her voice was husky with arousal, and he bent to kiss her neck, at the juncture of her shoulder, his fingers pinching gently on her nipples as he did.

“Perhaps I could… to… celebrate the day…”

“Yes… please….”