The Countess Intrigue (11 page)

“It would seem we are going to break our streak of only dancing the waltz,” the earl commented to her with a smile.

She bowed her head in acknowledgement. “It is always best to have more than one skill, my lord.”

Elizabeth felt heat rising in her cheeks as he grinned at her comment. “I would have to agree with you, my dear lady.” She wanted to walk away but instead stepped into his arms and they followed the couple in front of them into the figures of the dance.

She was glad that it was not the waltz. Keeping up with the changes and steps precluded much conversation and it would be far easier to appear as though she were having a delightful time. And in actuality, she loved the familiar dance. She felt comfortable in this environment even if she decried many of its idiosyncrasies. As they proceeded around the room she smiled and nodded at various acquaintances that happened to catch her eye.

“It seems that you have a lot of friends,” he commented when the dance allowed.

She smiled and shrugged. “A few.”

Elizabeth glanced up at him just before the next turn and she could see that he was gazing at her as though he was trying to see inside her head. She offered him as brilliant a smile as she could muster, knowing it would confuse him all the more. The wrinkling of his brow almost made her chuckle before he smoothed it out into his usual impassive face.

As the cotillion drew to a close Elizabeth was delighted to see her friend the Viscount of Bracondale waiting to lead her into the next dance. She glanced down as she felt the earl’s hand tighten on her arm. She looked back up at his face with her eyebrow cocked in question.

“Do I need to be concerned, my lady?” he asked quietly.

“About what?” She couldn’t understand the question.

“Do you have feelings for the viscount?”

Elizabeth felt heat sweep into her face and anger into her mind. “This is absolutely not an appropriate time or place for such a question, my lord.” She didn’t bother answering his question, appalled that he would even ask it, especially here in a crowded room where anyone could hear. The grin on his face that followed her stuffy reply did not make her any less angry with him. In fact she felt as though the top of her head was about to explode if she got any more upset. She left his side without another word.

“Are you quite all right this evening, my lady?”

“Thank you for asking, but I am fine.” She had tried to get her roiling emotions under control before she took the viscount’s arm but clearly she had not been fully successful.

“It seems as though your betrothal has been very sudden.”

Elizabeth knew he was just being kind, watching out for her as an extension of his friendship with the Duke of Wrentham and her friend Rose. But his comment made tears prickle the backs of her eyes. She did not know the viscount very well and although she did consider him a friend she wasn’t about to start unburdening herself to him in the middle of Lady Farnsworth’s dance floor.

“It was somewhat sudden,” she agreed pleased that her voice did not waver, lifting her chin proudly. “But you know how these things are. Once it has been decided, we might as well get on with life. I will be just as glad to leave all the
ton
events behind for a time. The thought of being out in the country for weeks or months really holds a great deal of appeal.”

Elizabeth could feel the viscount searching her face and she did her best to show him a look of unconcerned happiness. It was unlikely she would pull it off completely but it would seem she had been sufficiently convincing. He relaxed visibly. She knew the viscount would stand her friend if she asked it of him, as a gentleman she would expect no less, but the situation was muddied enough without adding one more player to the mix. Despite how enticing it was, she had to reject the thought of being rescued. She would be marrying the Earl of Heath before the end of the week, and the only hope she had for a comfortable future was to find out about the earl’s first wife.

She looked up at the viscount with a bright smile. “You have been enjoying the entertainments of Society for a few years now, haven’t you, my lord?”

“Yes, many,” he answered before his eyes narrowed slightly and he asked, with suspicion coloring his voice, “Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering if you know anything about the earl’s first wife.” She tried to sound nonchalant but she could see the viscount become embarrassed over the thought of discussing such a topic with her.

“Why would you ask me that?” He actually looked appalled.

If Elizabeth were not so desperate for the information, she would have laughed over his reaction. But she really did need to know. It could actually be considered a matter of life and death. She tried once again to be relaxed as she stated her case.

She offered a casual shrug. “Does it not make sense that I would be at least a bit curious?” It was the perfect thing to say and she was thrilled to hear how convincing her tone sounded.

Wesley nodded, recognizing the truth of her words, but he still looked like he would rather be anywhere but there facing this indelicate subject. “I see what you’re saying, but I really am not terribly comfortable discussing this with you, my lady.”

“Oh come now, my lord, the poor lady is dead. I doubt she would begrudge me a little bit of information about her. I promise I would be so appreciative if you could tell me anything, any tidbit of knowledge. I am quite certain everyone will have the exact same reaction as you, and I will never have my curiosity satisfied.”

The viscount relaxed even more, giving her a small nod. “I can see that you would be curious. I’m sorry for getting all starchy on you. It just gave me an uncomfortable turn for a moment thinking somehow I would be opening you up to discomfort.” He paused for a moment in thought. “I really don’t have too much I can tell you, unfortunately. I did know her a little bit. She was a very pretty debutante. Young and ambitious. Determined to use her beauty to better her lot in life. The rumour was that she was determined to marry no lower than an earl, so she didn’t really look at me very seriously as I hadn’t even inherited yet.”

Elizabeth forced a laugh through her lips. “Did that bother you, my lord?” She was disturbed that the earl had fallen for such a ploy.

The viscount chuckled. “Not at all. It seemed to me that she was going to be trouble for whoever married her. She had been spoiled by her parents as an only child and she was obviously expecting to be cosseted by whichever nobleman she managed to hustle to the altar.” He blushed a little, much to Elizabeth’s amusement, despite the gravity of the situation. “I probably shouldn’t be speaking ill of the dead.”

“I doubt if she’ll mind, please continue, my lord. Do you think she was happy with the marriage once it was arranged?”

“I think she was satisfied. She seemed to purr like a kitten that had gotten the cream because she was able to parade around her unmarried friends feeling very important as the Countess of Heath.”

“You don’t make her sound like a very nice person.”

“Unfortunately I don’t think she was very nice. She could put on a good act when it was called for, but once the need was over she would go back to being the spoiled little girl her parents had turned her into. If it’s any consolation to you, it seems to me that your earl looks far happier with you by his side than he had beside his wife.”

Elizabeth mulled this over for a moment before asking, “But how had he looked before they got married?”

Wesley’s cheeks turned pink for a moment and he averted his eyes. “I have quite decided that I am not overly fond of clever females, Lady Elizabeth.”

She couldn’t help but laugh even though she was acutely uncomfortable. She would take his words to mean that the earl had seemed happy with his bride until after they were married.
Well, why wouldn’t he?
she asked herself. Of course he would be happy with the choice he had made. And if the viscount was right and the young woman had masqueraded as a pleasant lady, it must have been a troublesome shock.
Is that why he killed her?
She wanted to ask the viscount his thoughts on that but knew it would be beyond the pale. Elizabeth had asked enough of the kind viscount. She was fully convinced he wouldn’t tell her anything anyway, no matter what he thought.

“Thank you, my lord. I do truly appreciate your candour. And have no fear, I shan’t tell a soul you’ve been telling tales.”

The viscount chuckled low, just as she had intended. She did not want anyone beside herself feeling sorry for her. He escorted her to the waiting earl.

“Congratulations, Sinclair, I wish you every happiness and success.”

“Why thank you, Lord Dunbar, I appreciate that. Have you been having a charming visit?”

Wesley’s response was another laugh. “Perfectly charming,” he replied as he bowed to Elizabeth and took his leave.

Elizabeth could feel the earl’s gaze upon her. She bolstered her courage and allowed her eyes to meet his. She wondered what he was searching for.

“Are you holding up all right, my dear lady? You seem to be a bit tired.”

“Have you not been taught you should never tell a lady she is looking anything other than lovely?” Elizabeth tried to make light of the situation.

“I did not say you didn’t look lovely. You do, in fact, look beautiful. But I can tell from your eyes that you are tiring. I could take you home right now if you’d wish.”

Elizabeth was warmed by his concern and placed her hand on his arm. “Thank you for the offer, my lord, but it would be best if we follow through with my mother’s plans.” She paused before grinning. “The good news is that we’re more than halfway done. Surely we shall be leaving here shortly and then it’s only one more stop on this tour of Society.”

“Could I have the next waltz?” he asked and her stomach turned over. It was as though he had conjured it with his will. She could hear the strains of a waltz starting up. She smiled at him and took his outstretched hand.

Thankfully the earl did not try to carry too much conversation with her as they circled the room to the familiar melody. She felt a slight melting sensation as she enjoyed his expert dancing skills.

The rest of the night passed in a blur for Elizabeth. She smiled and danced, accepted more congratulations and withstood the multitudes of eyes upon her. She was numb with fatigue by the time the earl’s carriage pulled up in front of her house and she and her parents were handed down.

Lord Sinclair had informed them that he had matters to take care of and would not be by for a few days. Elizabeth had been torn between relief and disappointment. No one had been talking to her anyway. Her mother and the earl were making all the arrangements. Her mother had assured him that she did not require his help, that she had it all under control, and if he wished he needn’t show up until the appointed day of the wedding. He had chuckled and said he would stop in before then.

But that left Elizabeth with the blessed relief of being able to go to bed and sleep until she was feeling a little more rested. Lady Castleton had promised her that after that evening’s performance she needn’t do anything sociable the next day at all. It sounded remarkably decadent, and she had every intention of taking her mother up on the offer. Perhaps she would even curl up in a chair somewhere in the house and read a good book.

She had suited her thoughts to actions and managed to relax for two days before the whirl of the wedding plans had swept her into its maelstrom. Her mother had delighted in all the details and had left Elizabeth to her own devices for the most part but she did get involved with a few of the decisions. It was going to be a small, quiet affair in their home with a few friends and family members present and a wedding breakfast immediately after.

Elizabeth had been flattered when the earl had quietly asked that she wear the same green gown she had been wearing when they had spoken for the first time a few nights before. It had been a lovely gown and she would be happy to wear it again. It had seemed strange to her that a gentleman would recall such a thing as what frock she had worn on any given day, but it was gratifying that he did. Despite her trepidation for the future, she found the earl’s attentions gratifying. The swinging pendulum of her emotions was wearing her out, and she was relieved to have a few days to rest before the drama continued.

T
he fateful day
dawned bright and clear. It was late November and Elizabeth was surprised to see the weather holding so well. It was uncommonly fine and she hoped it held long enough for everyone to travel as planned.

It had been arranged that her parents would be heading home to their own estate at about the same time that Elizabeth and the earl would be leaving for Heath. Elizabeth felt a pang at the thought of not being in her own home for the first time in her life. She knew it was the normal turn of events and she should have been expecting it, but she had, of course, always expected a trifle more time to prepare. Meeting and marrying one’s mate within a nine day period was monstrously disconcerting.

She rolled her eyes at her reflection of the ludicrous thought. Having been left alone for a moment, she was glad for the reprieve. Elizabeth was dressed, as the earl had requested, in the lovely green gown and her hair was arranged in what appeared to be the exact same style as that fateful night. Seeing the hectic color high on her cheeks she was glad to see she was not as pale as she would have expected given how very nervous she was. She was about to vow her life to a man she didn’t trust. A man she feared had murdered his first wife. It was rather farcical that she also found that very same man to be so ridiculously appealing. Not only was he one of the most handsome men she had ever laid her eyes upon, but he was also interesting, kind, and attentive. Butterflies launched themselves into formation in her belly once more, and she wondered if it had been wise to eat that morning.

It was a relief when Pansy bustled back into the room. She had been busy finishing up Elizabeth’s packing for the move to Heath. All the arrangements had been made. As soon as the marriage was performed there would be a wedding breakfast and then they would be on the road to the earl’s country estate. Within a few short hours Elizabeth would be irretrievably locked into this future. She shoved the disquieting thoughts once more from her mind.

Within what felt like the blink of an eye she was bundled up into the earl’s carriage and they were on their way. Her maid and his valet had already left with their luggage sometime during the festivities. Elizabeth was a tangle of nerves but was doing her best to mask just how very terrified she was. She truly did not want her new husband to think she was a simpleton.

* * *

J
ustice watched
his new wife chew nervously on her lip. She sat stiffly beside him clasping her hands together so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Even a complete clod would be able to tell she was terrified even if they couldn’t sense the waves of fear emanating from her. He wondered rather desperately how to put her at ease. He thought distracting her with conversation might help.

“Did everything go as you had hoped?”

The look of incredulity that crossed her face almost made him laugh at his own ridiculous question. Of course it was not what she had hoped. She had hoped to either make a love match or to remain blissfully unmarried to set up her own establishment when she reached the age of majority. She was getting neither of her wished for options.

“Perhaps that was not properly phrased. I guess what I meant to say was, the arrangements seem to have gone off smoothly.”

“That is true, my lord, and my mother is quite happy.”

Justice was relieved to see a small smile on her face. At least the young woman who was now his wife had a sense of humour. He really enjoyed that about her. Unlike his first wife. He shoved all thoughts of Barbara from his mind as best he could. It was difficult not to compare. Elizabeth was such a breath of fresh air and showed to advantage over Barbara in every way. He must never forget how fortunate he was.

He struggled to think of something else to discuss, but really they knew so little about each other. It would be productive to use this time to rectify that, but seeing how brittle she looked wreathed in fear he drew a blank as to how to proceed. Castigating himself as every manner of fool, he turned to her to set her mind at ease on at least one subject that he was certain she would be concerned about.

“I noticed your reaction a few days ago when I mentioned the possibility of you sharing my rooms while yours are being completed,” he began. He was amazed at the stillness that came over her as though she was making a concerted effort not to react to his words.

“Did you, my lord?” she asked without revealing her thoughts.

“I know you had wished for a love match, my dear, and I am sorry that our circumstances have not been ideal. I hope that we will, with time, grow in affection for one another.” He paused again, hoping for some sort of reaction from her.

He had to be satisfied with her words. “That would be ideal, would it not?” Her tone revealed very little, but from her stillness he surmised that the conversation was making her even more uptight so he rushed into further speech.

“I am certain your mother has explained to you about my need for an heir and how we would go about accomplishing that.” He paused briefly, uncomfortable himself with the conversation but slightly mollified by the hot color rising in his wife’s cheeks. “But I think it would be best if we wait a while to allow you a little more time to get used to the idea.”

Her eyes widened at his words and he could see her mulling over his words. “How long might a while be, my lord?”

Justice had to laugh over her question. “I cannot say for sure, my lady. I dare say we will know when the time is right.” At her sceptical glance he laughed again before continuing. “Let us say at least a few days or even a couple of weeks. I doubt I will be able to wait any longer than that, but I want you to be comfortable in your new home. I am quite well aware of the fact that this is not the situation you had wished for.”

He watched as a myriad of emotions chased each other across her expressive face. Finally she replied. “I appreciate your consideration, my lord.”

She had nothing further to add, merely sitting beside him almost vibrating with her tension. Finally, with a soft sigh, he proposed a game of cards to pass the time. His bride looked relieved and happily accepted.

After that the time passed quickly. The distraction of the game loosened Elizabeth’s tongue and before long they were conversing almost comfortably.

“Could you tell me a little bit about your estate before we get there?” she shyly asked.

“What would you like to know?”

“Well, everything,” she replied with a small laugh. “But you could start with how big it is, what kind of crops do you raise, do you have any mining on your estate? And you never did end up telling me about the neighbours. Will I know anyone nearby? And I apologize but I am directionally challenged. How far will we be from my family? Will we be able to visit occasionally or will it take an arduous trip to get there?”

The earl laughed and set himself to the task of assuaging her curiosity. “We should get to Heath within two or three hours. We are traveling west while your parents will be travelling northeast. It will take us a long day of travel to get from Heath to your family’s estate. So we should be able to do it on occasion. I am a busy man with much to do and accomplish but I promise that I will take you at least once a year to have a visit with your family. And of course, any of them will be welcome in our home whenever they would like to visit you.”

He could see that his answer pleased her by the smile and blush that briefly suffused her face.

“I shan’t bore you with too many details right now, I would much rather show you around so you can see for yourself, but I hope you will forgive my pride when I say that Heath is a magnificent estate.”

Justice was glad to see that his wife’s sense of humour was regaining its strength when she giggled over his words. He continued his description. “It is the biggest estate in the area. As such I have many dependents. The tenant farmers rely on my steward’s direction and suggestions. My own workers raise the crops to keep our animals fed. We have sheep for wool. We do have some mining — both tin and coal. It’s dirty work, I must say, so I am of two minds on the matter, but it is highly profitable, so for now it shall continue. I don’t want you getting too close to the mines, my lady.”

“Why ever not?” She appeared offended.

“I mean no offense, my lady, it is merely that it is not the safest place. I would hate for something to happen to you.” An unidentifiable emotion crossed her face, as though she didn’t quite believe him. Justice decided to leave that argument for another day and hoped to distract her by answering another one of her questions.

“As to our neighbours, I think you will be able to make friends with the gentry nearby. I’m not really sure who you’ve met but I know everyone will be happy to meet you and will welcome you into the local society.”

“Do you think they will have heard already that we are married?”

“I did send notices to the paper so word should have spread even with how fast things have proceeded for us. I am certain you shall have callers within days of our arrival.” He wasn’t sure why his words had caused his wife to look so relieved but he surmised that she was worried about feeling lonely. “I’ll try not to be so busy that you are bored, my dear. And you shall have plenty to do in helping me, if you would like, so I don’t think you need fear being lonely at Heath.”

She cast him a look of eager anticipation. “You would have me help you? What kind of help could I give you?”

He countered with a question of his own. “Did your mother not help your father on their estate?”

Elizabeth sat in thought with her cute little nose wrinkled. “Well, she ran the household and visited the tenants, is that what you mean?”

“That is part of it, of course. I will surely appreciate your help in that regard, if you are willing to give it.” He was happy to see her nod as though it was obvious she would do those things. “But it would also be lovely to have someone to discuss things with and help with decisions, a partner as it were.”

She cocked her head with a curious look. “I would like to think you would feel able to discuss anything with me, my lord. I cannot guarantee I will have sufficient knowledge on any particular subject to have an opinion to offer, but I am eager to learn. I hadn’t thought of the possibility of being partners.”

“Not even with the love match you had imagined for yourself?”

“That idea was always rather nebulous, my lord. I do believe I was much more enamoured with the idea of setting up my own establishment.”

Her cheeky grin took the sting out of her words but he still drawled, “I hope you will be able to live with the disappointment.”

He didn’t understand the strange look that crossed her face nor her comment, “I do look forward to living,” but he did not press her for an explanation. They were nearing his house and he was eager to see her reaction.

* * *

E
lizabeth peered
from the window as the main house came into view when they broke through the trees that lined the long driveway. The well-groomed lawns stretched wide leaving the slightly austere three-story building standing firm and solitary. She quite liked how solid it looked, especially with the glimpses of orchards well past the house. What looked like an orangery was visible in the distance. Although in her biased opinion, Castleton looked slightly more inviting, Heath looked prosperous and well cared for. And it looked like the wings of the house spread out endlessly. Elizabeth wondered, a little desperately, how long it would take her to be able to learn her way around the large dwelling. She reminded herself that she had grown up in similar surroundings.
I will be fine
, she repeated silently, like a mantra.

She had grown up in an earl’s household so her social standing had changed little. It was a comfort to her that she had been well trained for the role she was entering. Lord Sinclair had sent word for his household to expect his arrival with his new wife, and as soon as their carriage was spotted the staff had assembled to welcome them.

Elizabeth’s energy was waning after the long day and she dearly hoped she would be able to remember the names being said to her in rapid succession. She suspected she was going to have trouble matching the faces to the names over the next few days. She hoped Pansy would be able to help her rehearse. It would not endear her to her new household if she could not keep their names straight.