Shadowed by Sin (10 page)

Estelle pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips. “Would it really matter why I stayed behind? If you must know, I was cross with Ben and in ill-spirit after he declined a particular request. I am, however, looking to take you up on that offer of showing me around. There wouldn’t be much sense in joining the others at this point, considering they’re probably already on their way back from the tour.”

“What tour did you promise, Mary?” a footman asked, his eyes narrowed and his lips pursed as he rounded the corner and approached them.

Suddenly ridden with guilt for having put the maid in an awkward position, Estelle went to speak up, but the man raised a hand to silence her.

How impertinent! Who does he think he is to silence me in such a way?

“Why are you promising things that you cannot deliver, Mary?”

“I only meant it as an alternative, Evan. Most of the guests will have already seen the estate except her. Since that unfortunate incident yesterday, I would think you of all people would be fine with a small tour. Why don’t you accompany us?”

“I cannot, nor will I be a party to this misguided adventure. I never thought you would be so foolish,” Evan said.

Estelle desperately wanted to intervene, but when she went to speak, both servants silenced her this time.

“Evan, I will show her around. The question is, will you not give her the tour? She is most anxious to see some of the older parts of the estate. Did you know she was friends with the master’s niece?”

The footman rolled his eyes. “Fine, I will escort you, but right now is a bad time. Perhaps when things have settled down for the evening, I will show you around the parts that no one resides in, except for the servants, that is.”

Estelle smiled then, knowing that her maid had kept her promise, albeit it involved coercing the footman, but, nonetheless, her manipulation worked.

After returning to her room, she flounced onto the bed, occasionally staring at the mirror that haunted her upon her arrival. There had to be a perfect explanation for all that transpired here, and she hardly suspected ghosts had anything to do with it. She couldn’t help but ponder if Ben managed to get any further with his unofficial investigation. He should have discovered something by now, to keep his father safe and their family’s reputation intact?

Nevertheless, they would be gone from this place, and no matter the size of the scandal, Ben would ensure they were all safe.

* * * *

Benedict stalked down the hall toward his room, mourning that it would be some time before Estelle would join him again. Last night had been an incredible display of his restraint. He did not know that he could remain so calm, even when she lay next to him. Estelle in his bed seemed natural; they fit perfectly in all senses. She balanced his stark moods, and his straight and narrow sensibilities.

Yet, when they were in the room together for more than ten minutes, he wanted to bed her, mark her as his, and never leave her side.
Lord, why did no one ever tell me that love could turn your thoughts to mush?

About to open his door, a servant approached him from behind.

“Sir, my lady wishes to speak with you in the master’s office. Come along now.”

He wondered what this could even be about. He did not think he’d done anything wrong, nor Estelle.

Benedict entered the brightly lit room where intricately and ornate designed bookcases lined the walls. Lord Cuthbert sat behind his desk, and his scowling wife stood next to him.

“There you are, my good fellow. I hope we did not catch you at a most inopportune time?”

“Not at all, my lord. I was only resting before the masque tonight.”

“Ah, yes.” The earl turned to his wife and frowned, and then returned his focus to him. “The reason I called you here, is that it has been brought to my attention that your fiancée is in possession of an item that belongs to my dead niece. And most disturbingly, that it had been stolen from the attic late last night. Can you explain these offenses?”

What in damnation is he talking about?
Estelle never mentioned about taking an unexpected tour to the attic, nor did she advise him of any items she might have removed from there.

“My lord, I assure you, I know nothing of the sort. While I have no explanation for Estelle’s actions, I can say that she and Helen were friends before that unfortunate business. I will speak with her tonight, and if she did remove something, I will see that it is returned myself.”

“Excellent, my good man.” He turned to his wife, and waved for her to leave their presence.

The countess began, “But—”

“No buts, woman. I have business to discuss with Lord St. John. Now off with you.”

The countess, clearly cross and unhappy with her dismissal, left the room, slamming the door behind her, leaving the glasses on the sideboard rattling as if the ground shook with fury.

“I apologize for the hastiness in this meeting, but you can understand why. I want you to know, that if Miss Humphrey wanted something, as a personal reminder of Helen, all she needed to do was ask. I would be more than happy to oblige any friend of my beloved late niece.”

“I will be sure to inform her, my lord. What is it that you wished to speak with me about?”

“My son George. As you well know, he has returned from the continent and I need him to find some useful employment. Your father was considerate referring one of his men for the position, and the gent has done an impeccable job keeping on top of my tenants. It is my hope that your father and his man of affairs will help educate my son. I have no time to instruct him myself. Besides, I believe your father owes me a boon or two, and this task should settle it. I would like for George to take over those duties as soon as he is able to.”

Lord, how could Cuthbert think of saddling George on his father and secretary? What more could the man be plotting? No man deserved to be treated thusly.

“Lord St. John, try not to be so put out. I will pay your father’s secretary a handsome severance, and I will even ensure he gets my recommendation for ongoing employment elsewhere in addition to his service to your family. I have it on good authority that the Earl of Weston is in need of a man who is good with numbers, and discretion.”

“I understand. Albeit it will be a hard thing to explain to my father’s secretary that he is no longer needed. I know not of what he’ll say to the offer and recommendation. For all we know, he will want to retire. My mother keeps reminding him that he should take his wife to the country, now that their boys have all married off. I will mention the recommendation to him and send word. In the meanwhile, does George know of your plans for him?”

The aging earl stared at him with a quizzical brow. “No. I have every intention of informing him tonight during the masque, and contacting your father within a fortnight as we had plans to meet.”

Of course he’d deliver his decision in the presence of a full manor, all the more to keep the young man’s temper in check. He did not know much of the earl’s heir other than what he learned during their time in school, and what he had heard was not pleasant. He’d heard from his friends that George was frequently uneasy in his mind, most especially ones that involved women, his taste for young ones, and a rather wicked penchant for taking them against their will. Rumors they were, and unless he’d heard them himself, he’d pay them no mind. But everyone knew there was an ounce of truth to every tale.

He’d have to inquire with his friends some more. If the man oozed trouble, and he had just arrived from the continent, it would be only a matter of time before news drifted from his stays abroad. And if there was something he knew: news from an ill-mannered brat would travel like fire.

Benedict raised his brows and glanced over at the grey display out of the windows. “Was that all, my lord?”

“Actually, no. There is also one other matter I wish to discuss with you. I find that you are the only one I am able to confide in, but I do not know what else to do. With the understanding that my son will be managing my other estates, I feel obligated to ensure employment for my nephew. The boy is odd, and his unhealthy attachment to his sister became worse when she died. I often thought that he needed some time away, but after the fire out in the country at my sister’s cottage, it was a miracle he even survived.”

So the earl’s nephew was troubled. What in the world did that have to do with him? Why not hire a physician? Even better, send him to a hospital. It wasn’t uncommon for a mind to become troubled after a tragedy. Why not discuss these plans with the boy?

“My lord, where are you going with all this information?”

“I have heard the servants’ whispers, saying the walls talk late at night. And I have also seen the fear in their eyes of late. Since the death of your friend Gabriel, nothing has been quite right. My boys have been skittish, silent, and awkward. I haven’t the slightest clue what has the boys behaving so peculiar. I do know that things were quiet before Edwin joined us and I would like things to return the same way. Seeing as you will be returning to London soon, I would like you to make inquiries on my behest.”

“What kind of inquiries are you talking about?”

“The kind that employs citizens who might be slightly disturbed and ill. He spends a great deal of time in the neighboring village, doing what, only the good Lord knows. I have heard that he’s spent a good deal of time at the tavern. Although, I have no clue as to what he’s doing. I can’t foresee any wench tending to a man of his capacity.”

“I do not mean to sound insensitive, my lord, but perhaps it is best he is examined first. If he is truly troubled, would you allow it on your conscience to release him in town, only for him to embarrass you, or your family?”

“Young man, I am not new to scandal. I have had my fair share. Speaking of which, have you heard what is being said about George? The countess had heard on an outing with other ladies that our son became mixed up with some French noble lady, a married one at that. Such vicious gossip.”

“What if it were true Lord Cuthbert, what would you do? An affair with a married woman—what if she became pregnant?”

“I will not have any of it. Damn it all to hell. Just find my blasted nephew a job. Once this masquerade is over, and George has been informed of all these plans, I think it is best that Lady Cuthbert and I take up permanent residence in our home in Scotland.”

“And what of this house? You won’t leave George here with your nephew and full staff.”

The elderly man scoffed and slapped the flat of his desk. “Of course not. George can move to my townhouse, and well, Edwin will have his own place too. I have been thinking of selling this place for some time now.”

What a way to end his legacy. The old goat would not leave the estate to his son, which meant he did not even trust his son to manage the entirety of it. Did the man suspect what his son has been up to?

“I do believe that is all I wanted to discuss. I apologize for having taken up the majority of your afternoon. I am sure you’ll want to be seeing that lovely fiancée of yours. She is certainly one you do not want out of sight for too long. A woman that beautiful ought to be shackled to her apartment.”

Just what did the earl mean by that? Estelle was an intelligent woman, who came from a good family. She wasn’t a broodmare, nor did he intend to keep her hidden away in their house once they were married.

Benedict reached the end of the corridor when he noticed the earl’s nephew listening outside Estelle’s door. Benedict stopped to watch, but when the fool remained at the door with his ear firmly planted, he had to stop the invasion of privacy.

“You there, Edwin! What do you think you are doing?”

The moment he approached Estelle’s door, Edwin took off, nearly tripping himself on a runner at the end of the hall. Benedict sighed deeply. About to knock, the maid swung the door open.

“Master Edwin, what on earth has gotten into you?” The maid scowled and turned toward him. “Oh, my. My apologies, Lord St. John. Miss Humphrey is just taking a little rest before the ball tonight. Can I get you anything?”

“No, Mary, that will be all. Continue with your duties, and if you find out why that rascal was at my fiancée’s door, I must be told immediately.”

I will wait until tonight to inform her of my findings
.

“Good God. This gown is too tight. Surely, Benedict will object how snug it fits around my waist and all,” Estelle said.

“Such nonsense. The man adores you, and if anything, this gown will make him want to run to the altar posthaste.”

Estelle sighed and continued to suck in her breath while the maid aided her in tightening her corset from behind. The elaborate gown had been a gift from Benedict, and the mask had been from his mother’s supposedly extravagant collection.

“Miss, I had an idea about your hair. If we curled and then pinned it up, the mask would sit perfectly and undisturbed.”

“Very well. I can’t wait to see how you arrange my hair.”

Mary tugged, separated, and worked wonders with Estelle’s dark hair.

Estelle stared into the mirror, admiring the riotous curls framing the golden mask, ornately jeweled with red and blue faux gems. The colors blended nicely with the midnight blue French style gown made of silk. She could only imagine the small fortune Benedict had paid for the ensemble, and she couldn’t guess when she would wear it next.

“I think you are right, Mary, the hair looks utterly divine this way.”

“We need to hurry though, as your handsome fiancé will be arriving any time now to escort you to the ballroom.”

A faint snort somewhere in the room could be heard, making the hairs on the back of Estelle’s neck stand on end.

“Are you all right, Miss?”

Estelle turned her head to face the maid. “I am, but did you hear that?”

“I thought that was you,” the maid said, looking astonished and perplexed. “We’re the only ones in here, Miss. I cannot imagine what the noise could be. I told you this house is cursed. I swear it, the ghosts of its past haunts the halls at night. Voices, furniture being dragged, it’s all wrong.”