Miss Eliza Scarlett Steps Up
It was a marvelous day for a celebration. The evening was cool, but not cold and the atmosphere had been filled with excitement around Scotland Yard all week. It had finally happened. The "Duke" or respectively, Inspector William "The Duke" Wellington, had been promoted to Chief Superintendent.
Detective Elizabeth Scarlett was one, most proud of William's success. He had made it with sheer ambition and preparation, committed to hard, dedicated service. No handouts or hand-ups had permeated his career. No major scandals or corruption could be placed on his watch. So, with pride and honor she was throwing a grand party, at her home, to celebrate his accomplishments and promotion. It was a formal event. Everyone would be dressed elegantly, and hopefully, would act accordingly. She wanted an evening that would indeed, represent the fortitude, intelligence, bravery and honor that this man possessed.
The house had been cleaned from top to bottom. The furnishings shined, the chandelier shown brightly, the banisters and crown moldings accentuated the drapes, lamps, vases and carpet, brilliantly. Everything was perfected. Of course, she had consulted with William on every minor detail, right down to the the catering from Arabella's, his favorite restaurant, which he now sadly avoided, after his breakup with the owner, Arabella Acaster. He had also shared in the expenses, as Eliza made it clear to him that her income could only afford, just, so much extravagance.
William arrived early as Eliza had suggested. She wanted to be sure he was presentable in every way: dress and sobriety. He smelled of whiskey, as he entered her home and She hurriedly directed him straight to the guest room to change and freshen up. He was in good spirits and only slightly intoxicated, so, she made sure he ate some bread and soup and drank some sobering coffee before their company began arriving.
Inspector Wellington loved this, Eliza, the most. The one that fussed over him, protected him and persisted with adamant concern over his well-being. He was glad to have Eliza there to make sure that everything went well. He knew she was his biggest cheerleader and one of the main reasons he was being promoted. Since he had began collaborating with her on some of his cases, they, together, had broken some of the toughest, high profile cases in the history of Scotland Yard.
His celebration had began earlier in the day as everyone wanted to share in his last day as an inspector and to wish him well. His new duties as Superintendent would begin Friday of the following week, giving him time to wrap up old duties and move to his new office and duties. Officials, administrators, staff, Inspectors, detectives and constables were all invited to what was touted as a "first class affair". Everyone who was someone at Scotland Yard would be there.
The night went as planned, splendidly, with everyone toasting the new superintendent and he taking full advantage of the food and drinks. Eliza worried that the heavy consumption of alcohol that evening, could cause an embarrassing situation for the Duke, but William was a subdued drunk. One that would first become solemn and suspicious, extremely aware of everything and everybody around him, then, if he were satisfied with the safety of the environment, and comfortable with his companions, which he relied on for protection in his vulnerable state of complete intoxication, he would then calmly fall asleep (pass out) and wake up with a hangover, in a terrible state of mind . His subordinates knew to avoid him and his temper on days when he had drank a little too much, or lost a little too much money at the gambling tables the night before.
As the guest began to leave, William slept soundly in one of the sitting rooms away from the main dining hall. Eliza, had suggested to him to move to a smaller sitting room, when she could tell he had had more than enough to drink. She asked Fitzroy to accompany them to the sitting room, without much notice from the guest. The inspector immediately slumped into an oversized chair and slept, peacefully.
Eliza wanted to be disgusted with him, but could only smile as she watched him sleeping, looking more calm and handsome than ever. She felt her body react to his masculinity and vulnerability. Perhaps she admired his physique a little too long, allowing human nature to manipulate the pulsing of her body, spirit and soul. It was precisely at that moment that her mind begin to boldly make plans for spending the night with the Duke, with the goal of intentionally making him, her lover.
Although, Eliza was aware of the Duke's womanizing ways: taking his pick of the local widows, heiresses, and actresses; she had lately developed a habit of interfering with any free time he may have had to exercise extracurricular activities. A little private investigation of her own had determined the women he preferred, and sometimes frequented. Eliza had made it her business to know their business. She had even gone to lengths to make sure the Duke found out about their secrets and rendezvouses with other men. She wasn't proud of this, but when she decided she wanted William as her companion, nothing was going to stop her from making it happen.
Perhaps, it was his affair with Arabella, that made Eliza realize that she didn't have much time to make a move to declare her love for William. Perhaps, it was his affair with Arabella, that made her admit to herself, that she was deeply in love with him, and would have him at any cost. Perhaps, it was the physical yearning in every part of her body that seemed to be triggered anytime he came near her, which made her very irritable and prone to say things (that would distract her from her body's desires) that she knew would anger Inspector Wellington, as she prodded and nagged him about little things. She knew that if she were to attempt to secure his love, it had to be now…tonight.
As the guests, slowly, but surely, left the party, most well fed and full of drink, Detective Fitzroy and William's driver, Arthur, secured the home, making sure it was indeed rid of all the guests. Eliza had told them to let the Duke sleep until they were ready to leave. While trying to arouse him, Eliza had instructed them to take him to a guest room where he could sleep it off, and for Arthur to return tomorrow around noon to pick him up, but on second thought, suggested he wait to be summoned by William. Fitzroy thought it a good idea, knowing that since Ivy had recently married, Eliza was often at home alone, especially on the weekends.
Eliza locked the door behind them. Everything was in order, as Ivy and the hired help had put away the leftovers and liquor, washed the dishes and tidied up the living and dining room areas. The house was empty except for herself and William, who was in a deep slumber, upstairs. She had spent a pretty penny learning the ways of pleasing a man, especially this man, from the house of Baroness Berkley's Health Resort and Spa just outside the city's limit. She was sure she could execute her newly learned skills to satisfaction… her's and the Duke's. She was ready, but…would he be willing?