The Countess Intrigue (13 page)

“Not at all, my dear lady. I am growing heartily bored of my library and desperately need some fresh air. Besides, I would enjoy a little time in your company.”

Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed at his words and she felt a flutter in her stomach. She frowned to quell her unruly feelings. Her cheeks reddened even further when the earl misunderstood her frown.

“If you would rather not go for an abbreviated ride, then I will understand, of course.” The earl’s words sounded stilted and Elizabeth thought she must have injured his feelings. She couldn’t help but giggle at the self-serving thought.

“Not at all, my lord. I too am in need of some fresh air and I would love to see whatever parts of the estate we have time for. If you are pressed for time, let us not tarry.”

She suited action to her words and preceded him from the room. She faltered at the door as she was unsure in which direction she would find the stables. Now it was the earl’s turn to chuckle. He took her arm.

“Right this way, my dear.”

The stables must have been forewarned, as their horses were already saddled and waiting for them. Within moments they were mounted and on their way.

She could feel the earl’s gaze on her and glanced at him with upraised eyebrows. This prompted a laugh from him but he also explained himself.

“I doubt we have time for any sort of proper tour today, unfortunately. Why don’t I show you the outbuildings so you’ll feel comfortable at least close to the house, and then, if you’re up for it, let’s let the horses have their heads and blow the cobwebs out for ourselves?”

“That sounds to me like an excellent plan.”

It didn’t take long for the earl to point out the various storage buildings, the orchards and the greenhouses. Off in the distance she could see sheep grazing. She was a little in awe of just how extensive his property was. It would seem that Heath stretched much farther than even the eye could see. Elizabeth did not want to be impressed with her husband while her future remained so uncertain, but it was obvious to her that he was an excellent landlord. Once again she was troubled by her mixed feelings and was filled with relief when they reached a small rise with a clear vista before them.

“First one to the tree line gets to be white in our next chess game,” the earl declared.

“Next chess game, my lord?” she questioned. “Wouldn’t that rather be our first one?”

The earl laughed. “I would prefer it to be a common practice, my dear.”

Elizabeth fought her betraying blush with what she hoped was a carefree laugh. “Very well, my lord, I accept your terms.” Before she finished speaking she goaded her horse into action and gained a very slight lead. She could hear the earl’s answering laughter following her as well as the pounding of his horse’s hooves. She leaned over her mount’s neck, urging it to greater speed.

With a crow of delight, Elizabeth brought her horse to a slower pace as soon as she entered the tree line. “I beat you, my lord.”

“I think it was much more like a tie, my dear.”

“Now, my lord, do not be a sore loser. It is a fact that my horse’s nose was clearly ahead of yours when we crossed the finish line.”

The earl was laughing at her words. “Far be it from me to argue with a lady. Very well, you shall be white when we play this evening.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Now I fear that I shall be trounced soundly. I am a far better horsewoman than a chess player.”

“I find that difficult to believe, my dear, as you are clearly a skilled strategist.”

Elizabeth felt her color rise again at his veiled words but forbore to comment, merely pulling on the reins to encourage her mount to head back towards the stables. After an awkward silence, they resumed a polite discussion of their day. She was relieved when the earl excused himself soon after they dismounted. She was left with a considerable amount of the afternoon remaining, time enough to search the room containing the previous countess’ belongings, she realized with delight. She changed out of her riding habit as quickly as possible and dismissed her maid as soon as her hair was tidied.

E
lizabeth leaned
against the door feeling like an intruder. The decoration of this room was much lighter than the rest of the house. It was obvious to her that this was the room the previous countess had lived in. It seemed that nothing had been changed since the day that lady had died. Elizabeth steeled her nerves, reminding herself that if she were killed she would not begrudge the earl’s next wife any information she might be able to glean from her things.

With that thought she set herself to a systematic search of the room. Clearly Lady Barbara had loved her trinkets, Elizabeth thought as she examined the many bangles, feathers, and clips strewn about the room. And she had an extensive array of clothes. Elizabeth had thought she was well outfitted for the Season and her new life as the Countess of Heath, but she felt dowdy in comparison to the earl’s first wife. Uncomfortable insecurity flooded her heart for a moment before she reminded herself of Wesley’s words. Lady Barbara might have been beautiful and fancy but she hadn’t made the earl very happy.

Becoming anxious about the amount of time that was passing, Elizabeth began to think she ought to end her search for the day and go busy herself with something else when she came across what appeared to be a false bottom in one of the lady’s smaller trunks. She set herself to the task of discovering how to open it. It had been well concealed but not well locked. It was doubtful the lady had had the need to keep her things overly secure; perhaps she had just been private. She almost crowed with delight when she discovered what appeared to be a diary when she finally managed to open the small space.

Deciding that she had already spent too much time in there for one day, Elizabeth brushed off her skirts, tucked the book under her arm, and listened at the door for a tense moment before making her way back to her own bedroom. Shoving the diary into a drawer in her dressing table, Elizabeth forced her curiosity into submission before taking up her basket of needlework and making her way down to the morning room.

Her timing was remarkably impeccable. She had just gotten herself settled and was getting to work when a knock could be heard resounding throughout the front of the house. Elizabeth glanced up, alert, wondering if the caller could possibly be for her or if it was someone to see the earl. She wasn’t left in suspense for long. Within moments the butler came in to tell her that a Lady Eleanor Meade had called by to see if she was available to visitors.

Elizabeth quickly put away her needlework and asked the butler to ring for tea after showing the visitor in. She politely got to her feet as a small, pleasant looking woman was shown in.

“Lady Sinclair, thank you for seeing me. What a pleasure to meet you. Am I your first caller?”

Elizabeth couldn’t help laughing at her first indication of the neighbourhood competition. “Why yes, you are. Thank you for calling. It’s my pleasure to meet you. Will you join me for a cup of tea?”

“Thank you. I would love some,” Lady Meade grinned with delight as she looked around the room with a curious gaze.

Elizabeth was surprised to see the curiosity.
Surely the woman has been here before
, she thought.
Why else would she be so keen to check on the new countess if she had not visited the previous one?

“I hope you don’t consider my visit an intrusion,” her guest began with charming hesitance. “I know you have just arrived and you are essentially honeymooning here with your husband. But Lady Worth was the previous countess’ first caller and I just could not abide her crowing over it again.”

That struck Elizabeth as being the most hilarious thing she had heard in days, weeks even, and she couldn’t help the fit of giggles which attacked her over Lady Meade’s words. She was grateful that the other lady too saw the humour in the situation instead of taking offense at Elizabeth’s response and she joined in the laughter.

“I shall be certain to be unavailable when Lady Worth comes calling,” Elizabeth promised with a grin when she could get her giggles under control.

“What a lovely offer, my lady, but you needn’t go to such lengths on my behalf. Just getting the march on her this time will be sufficient.” Lady Meade gazed at Elizabeth with approval. “I can tell already that we are going to be great friends.

Elizabeth could feel her heart swelling with joy over the thought. She hadn’t developed many friendships during her Season and had never had the experience of going away to finishing school, so she was gratified at the offer. She had been surprised to miss her sisters so fiercely and hoped Eleanor could be a confidante in the coming weeks as she adjusted to her new life.

Before they could get involved in conversation the tea trolley was rolled in. Elizabeth dismissed the servants and poured for her new friend. Lady Meade launched into a recital of all the local gossip, informing Elizabeth of who was likely to be a good friend for her and who would no doubt tell tales about her. It crossed Elizabeth’s mind to wonder which category Lady Meade would fall into. She had felt an impulse to pepper her with questions about Lady Barbara, but felt a pointed interest in her predecessor would be too juicy for the gossipy Eleanor to keep to herself. Perhaps once they were better acquainted Elizabeth could casually bring the subject up but not here in her own drawing room when any of the servants could hear or even the earl could walk in at any time. That thought brought a guilty blush to Elizabeth’s cheeks and she found herself glancing toward the door in fear that he might appear at any moment.

“What could I have possibly said to put that look upon your face, my lady? I can assure you I am not revealing anything overly untoward. Everyone in the village will have all the exact same tales to share with you, I can assure you.”

Elizabeth’s nerves got the best of her and she once again began to giggle. "Well I do appreciate being in the know. So I thank you. Now, please, tell me about you. Do you have a family? Have you lived around here long?"

Lady Meade blinked. It would seem no one had taken an interest in her before. She appeared to be gratified by Elizabeth's questions.

"Well, now that we're going to be friends, I do believe you're quite correct, my lady, we ought to know about one another. I have lived in this vicinity my entire life. I didn't even get a Season. Married my lord right out of the schoolroom, I did. And never regretted it for a minute. Except for when in the future I might have to take my own daughters to Town and I'll be just as green as them."

"Do you have daughters, my lady?"

"Not yet," she began sadly before continuing with a grin, "but not for a lack of trying. We have three fine boys running around our small estate, Fernwood. But I would surely like at least one girl to keep me company amongst all that manliness."

Elizabeth was surprised with a jolt of instinctive desire for a child of her own. She tried to keep her smile in place even as she shook her head to rid herself of the traitorous notion. She didn't feel inclined to have a murderer father her children. Itching to get back to Lady Barbara's diary, she eyed her companion and wondered if she should hint for her to leave or if she should ask about the last countess despite her misgivings.

Lady Meade took the decision out of her hands as she got to her feet. "I suppose I've overstayed my welcome already. You are such an attentive listener. You must get that often. Do be sure to visit me at Fernwood at your earliest convenience."

"Certainly before I visit Lady Worth," Elizabeth said with a smile and a wink which caused Lady Meade's chuckle to fill the room.

"Oh my dear, his lordship, the earl, is a very lucky man to have gotten a second chance at you."

Elizabeth felt her jaw wanting to unhinge. It would have been the perfect opening if they were not already on their feet with Eleanor preparing to leave. She began calculating how soon she could visit the other woman without appearing too eager. She had to content herself with a smile as she walked with her guest to the door.

"It was lovely to have met you. Thank you for calling on me. I would like to get settled into the rhythms of life here as quickly as possible.

"You needn't have any qualms about your reception, my lady. Everyone is going to be eager to meet you and will make every effort to get on your good side. We'll all be doing our best to make you feel welcome."

Elizabeth was glad the other woman was no longer looking at her, as she felt stunned by her words. She had quite over looked the fact that she would most likely be the highest level of the local Society. She wondered if she would be putting some other lady's nose out of joint with her very presence. Another even more disquieting thought crossed her mind. Had Lady Barbara made enemies? Could one of the ladies have been angry enough to kill her? A cold dread settled over her. It was imperative that she find out what happened to the previous countess!

Elizabeth fled to her room and dug out the diary she had hidden in her dressing table. She scrambled to find another book so that she could easily show that she had been reading should anyone come looking for her. She settled herself in the window seat, eager to read Lady Barbara's words.

Before long she was heartily bored. She didn't want to miss anything and so had started from the beginning of the book. There was clear evidence of what Wesley had been talking about. The young woman had been rather dispassionate about her conquests and clear about her determination to marry a lofty title. So many of her entries were about her gowns and shopping. Elizabeth could not fathom why the woman had felt it necessary to report on such dull subjects. It was for this very reason that Elizabeth herself did not keep a diary. She was of the opinion that her life was far too dull to write about. Well, until recently that was. And now she wouldn't want to risk writing any of the details down since everything was so uncertain.

With a sigh she realized it was nearly time to ready herself for supper and she still had learned very little of import. She had to put the book away and try again on the morrow. Frustration hung heavy on her shoulders.

That evening, over dinner, the earl filled her in on how the rest of his day had gone. Elizabeth struggled not to feel too gratified by his confidences. Her feelings were so conflicted. As they chatted over each course, the candles flickering, his deep voice washed over her in waves of attraction. She wondered bleakly how she was going to be able to endure this life.
How can I possibly be falling in love with a potential murderer?

The next day, she took the gig for a drive to the nearby village. She had seen it from a distance as she had ridden out with the earl. Now she wanted to check on the shops and see the village for herself. She had still not gotten far in the diary and she felt an urgent need to get out of the house for a time. As though the other woman’s previous existence was oppressing her.

As she drove along the road to town she shivered with a strange sense of foreboding. The leafless trees looked dead, and the grim, grey sky leant a melancholy air to the surroundings. Elizabeth had dressed warmly for this cold, late autumn drive, but she feared it had not been enough. Resolutely she refused to give in to her misgivings. She continued on toward the village.

Once she arrived she was glad she had made the effort. The village was small and cozy and she was thrilled to meet people. True to Lady Meade’s words, everyone she came across was more than ready to go out of their way to accommodate her. She decided with a silent chortle of delight she wouldn’t overly mind getting used to such treatment. Then she met the vicar’s wife and was quickly inundated with demands for her presence on various committees for the wellbeing of the local community. With a grin she agreed to meet with the woman the following week to discuss it. Elizabeth fell back on the ready excuse that she would have to check with her husband. She felt a thrill in her heart at her own words. Perhaps all her concerns were for nothing. She could end up with her happy life with a loving husband after all.

The afternoon was advancing when she climbed back into the gig. Elizabeth had the strangest sensation that she was being watched. She reprimanded herself for being ridiculous. Word had swept through the village as to who she was and many had turned out to get a look at her. Of course she was being watched, she scolded herself with a rueful shake of her head. But when she had left the village behind, she couldn’t rid herself of the sensation. She flicked the reins, urging the horse to a faster pace. She did not enjoy the eerie feeling that was gripping her.

Finally, she couldn’t take the feeling anymore. She craned around in her seat to look behind her. To her utter shock there was a lone horseman behind her. It was not anyone she recognized but being new in the district, that was nothing to be nervous about. But then she noticed that the man had his face covered in such a way that only his eyes showed. With an audible gulp Elizabeth urged the horse even faster. She was almost certain they were nearly back to Heath. Then a shot rang out. Elizabeth screamed, feeling a pinch in her arm. She slid to the floor of the gig, slapping the reins on the back of the horse who was running in true fear now. The horse headed for home. Elizabeth just kept her head down and prayed that she would make it safely. She didn’t want to risk peeking to see if she was being followed. Someone had just tried to kill her.

By the stables, the horse came to a standstill. Elizabeth was unable to move. Fear held her in its grip. She didn’t realize how much noise she had been making as she made her mad dash into the stable yard. The head groom, and other stable servants came running, all anxious over the new mistress. Within a blink of an eye even the earl was there.