An Introduction to The Rake's Progress

Welcome to the world of Regency romance.…I’m Miss Louisa Ayling, and I'm here to take you into a world of the glorious Regency ballrooms filled with silks and satins and those handsome gentlemen in their immaculate dark tailcoats and silk buttoned pantaloons, swirling in a Waltz.The story that I'm sharing with you is:The Rake's Progress.Yes, the Regency Rake is always a fascinating character, although there are still many in this modern world, but with the restrictions and etiquette of the Regency society, women would try to avoid a rake, especially if they were a young lady who has just ‘come-out’, a debutante in their first season. This rake is no different to any other and his name is Lord Matthias Templeton, the 5th Earl of Bembridge, he has gained the of the designation of 'Temple of Love', and is reputed to be the most magnificent lover in London. He is tall, virile and darkly enigmatic, so can have his pick of women who flock around for undivided attention, but he becomes easily bored and is often found searching for his latest paramour.He has three main rules when it comes to women, avoid the innocent (untouched virgins are not for him), avoid married woman whose husbands would not want him poaching on their territories (duels are a no-no, when he can have another woman instead, not worth the risk), and thirdly those old spinster 'left on the shelf' (well, there must be a reason they are still unmarried).Life has been interesting then the excitement stops, boredom sets in and nothing excites him anymore, and it is all down to one young lady, who he danced with in her first season. Horatia dancing into his life but he is not ready to marry, but cannot seduce her as she is a virtuous, so he spends the rest of his life in debauchery and many affairs.  She has ruined him and his enjoyments, but he hopes to find happiness and fulfilment again one day.So, let us commence with the prologue to give you a flavour of those who’s story we are going to share.