The Countess Intrigue (2 page)

She tried to get another smile to stretch her lips as she looked the earl in the eye. Despite his reputation, she had agreed to dance with him, so she needed to get through it without drawing too much attention to them. She was uncomfortably aware that many eyes were upon them. The last thing she wanted was to appear to be arguing with the earl. Elizabeth returned her gaze to a spot just over the earl’s shoulder and turned her mind to a pleasant thought so that she could inject some sincerity into the smile she had managed to maintain.

“Why are you so tired?”

Elizabeth didn’t think he would pursue the topic or she would not have been so honest with him. She gritted her teeth and tried not to growl in her frustration. Elizabeth kept her eyes averted from his but she was almost certain his tone had contained sincere interest. She reminded herself that he was unaware and not to be blamed for the troubling events of her evening so she ought not to hold it against him.

“I really cannot tell you, my lord. Could we perhaps discuss something else?”

She could feel his intelligent gaze searching her face and made herself meet his eyes. She tried another smile, surprised when his eyes flared with what appeared to be attraction. Elizabeth could feel heat climbing into her cheeks and could no longer meet his gaze.

He didn’t reply so they again lapsed into silence. She could still sense him watching her but was distracted by the warmth of his hand at her back. For the briefest moment it felt like he was pulling her closer to him, whether to offer comfort or an embrace, she was uncertain, but it passed in a blink and she wondered if she had imagined it.

Ignoring her conflicting sensations, Elizabeth again tried to maintain a conversation. “This orchestra seems to be very skilled, although I am surprised how long this particular song seems to be lasting.”

The earl’s chuckle brought heated color to her cheeks once more, and Elizabeth wished the floor would just open up and swallow her whole, putting her out of the misery of this evening. Finally, she could hear the music winding down to a conclusion. Her relieved smile felt very genuine as she turned it upon the earl. Again his eyes flared and his grip on her hand tightened for a second before he released her as the last strands of the waltz drifted to silence.

Dipping into another curtsy, Elizabeth tried to rid herself of her companion. “Thank you for the dance, my lord, I should probably join my mother now.”

“Perhaps I could escort you to the refreshment room where you could get a glass of punch. It might revive you so that you do not feel quite so exhausted.”

Elizabeth was taken aback at his persistence. The focused attention would have been flattering from some other, more appropriate, nobleman, but despite how handsome he was, she did not want his warmth directed at her.
Why can I not rid myself of this strange man all of a sudden?
she wondered.
And why does he unexpectedly seem so interested in me?
She had been on the receiving end of a gentleman’s amorous interest before but it hadn’t precisely felt the same. She didn’t quite know what to make of Lord Sinclair at the moment, but she had no interest in puzzling it out under the circumstances.

“That is really not necessary, my lord, but thank you for your kind offer.” Elizabeth was experienced at dismissing gentlemen and was amazed at the earl’s tenacity.

“Perhaps I could escort you home, in that case.” He remained by her side, his watchful gaze making her want to fidget.

“No, thank you,” Elizabeth was about to turn on her heel and just walk away, no longer caring if she was being rude, when she was confronted with another unwelcome thought. “Are you in cahoots with Broderick? Are you trying to abduct me, too?” She tried to keep her voice low, but her nerves had reached their limit, and she was tipping over into hysteria.

* * *

J
ustice had
no idea what the chit was talking about, but he could see she was on the verge of collapse. He doubted anyone else could tell, but it was there, in her eyes. Despite this being the first time he had spoken to her, he had observed her regularly throughout the Season and was well aware that her behaviour tonight was out of character. That was part of the reason he had approached her on the balcony. It had been obvious to him that she was troubled by something, and he had felt moved to reach out to her. He now castigated himself for the foolish impulse, but there was nothing he could do. The situation needed to be contained.

After he glanced around to see if all eyes were still focused upon them, Justice was happy to note that the next dance was underway and some other curious couplings were drawing the avid gazes of the gossipmongers. Using what he knew would be a fleeting moment, he took the opportunity to grasp her arm firmly as he unobtrusively pulled her behind a strategically placed plant. They were now afforded a degree of privacy to talk without leaving the ballroom. Of course, if anyone looked for them, they would be easy to spot, but it was doubtful they could be overheard in this small alcove. The tall windows behind them gave a view into the gardens while the ferns they were standing beside blocked the view from most of the ballroom. While it was questionable, it was not scandalous; the young lady’s reputation would not be harmed even if the gossips spotted them.

“Pull yourself together, my lady. I can assure you I am not trying to kidnap you. Has someone been abducted? What do you need me to do?”

He found her confused blinking to be somehow endearing and fought the urge to pull her into his arms.
This situation is getting out of control quickly
, he thought rather desperately as he made himself let go of her and take a small step back. He watched in fascination as she quickly gathered the shredded ends of her composure around herself. She raised her chin and held his gaze, her usual poise restored, at least upon the surface.

“Thank you for your offer, my lord, but I doubt if there is anything you can do. The Duke of Wrentham already has it well in hand. I would appreciate it if you would keep my words in confidence. I spoke out of turn and did not give thought to the words I allowed to leave my mouth. It is a flaw I am working on.”

Justice was amused by her word choice and appreciated her honesty. It was unfortunate she was a young debutante and thus completely unacceptable as his countess. He was looking for an older lady, preferably a widow, he reminded himself sternly. Despite that reminder he was very aware of her as they stood close together in the small space. Still not so close as to violate propriety, but close enough that he could smell the citrusy sweet fragrance of the soap she must have used as well as a floral note, perhaps a perfume she wore.

As he watched her closely, he was charmed to see her chew nervously on her lip and then stop herself, as though it were a habit she was trying to break. It bothered him to realize he could enjoy watching her all evening. It was obvious that she was not used to being in such close proximity to a man. Her innocence was appealing and would have made him smile if not for the fact that he realized he was affected by being so close to her too, even though he was not nearly so innocent as she.

“It seems to me that you are labouring under a load of worry. I really do think you ought to unburden yourself.”

He was diverted to see her dazed eyes sharpen into a look of incredulity. “Do you honestly believe that I will confide my concerns in you, my lord? Before this evening we have never exchanged even one word of conversation, and now you think I ought to unburden myself to you?” He was happy to hear that the laughter which followed her words held genuine amusement rather than agitation, even if it was at his own expense.

The earl looked out beyond the plant at the undulating crowd of people, glad to see that for once no one was watching him too keenly. Despite her reluctance to share any information with him, he really needed to question Lady Elizabeth. Whatever information she might have about Broderick, she could not be allowed to keep it to herself. He didn’t know what involvement she might have with the dastard, but Justice was convinced his own issues with him superseded hers.

“You asked if I was in cahoots with Broderick, Lady Elizabeth,” he reminded her in a low, insistent tone. “Did you mean Sir Jason Broderick?”

He could see her eyes narrowing and her chin rising to a stubborn angle. It was doubtful she was going to answer him. He was almost certain she was about to turn on her heel and leave so he was surprised that she spoke up.

“Why would you wish to know? I have already apologized for speaking out of turn, my lord. It is time that I return to my mother’s side. I pray you, step aside, my lord. You are blocking the way, and I cannot remain here any longer.”

Justice admired how quickly she had been able to gather her wits. Despite her youth, it was apparent the young lady had gumption. But if Broderick was up to no good, the earl could not allow himself to be distracted by a pretty woman. She had managed to sidle past him, drawing a breath as she brushed by. She was too polite to simply turn her back on him, he could see, so she now had her back to the ballroom but was freer to leave. Justice grasped her arm lightly to prevent her departure.

“I really must insist, my lady. You need to tell me what you meant about Broderick.”

“No, I really do not,” Elizabeth threw his own words back at him, wrenched her arm from his grasp, stepped back, turned on her heel, and quickly entered the throng of people before Justice could catch her again. Not wanting to draw attention, he had to let her go. Gritting his teeth to hold back his curses, the earl watched as she made her way to her mother’s side. After they exchanged a few words, he watched as mother and daughter made their way toward their hostess and took their leave. With a sigh of resignation Justice could see that he was going to have to pursue the matter on another occasion.

Without bothering to take leave of his host, Lord Justice Sinclair quietly left the ballroom, making his way quickly home where he sent off a couple well-trained footmen to perform the needed inquiries.

“
T
he Earl
of Heath is here to see you, my lady,” the butler informed Elizabeth as she sat with her mother in the morning room of their townhouse. She had been trying to keep her mind focused on her needlework and off the events of the previous evening.

Elizabeth sat bolt upright in her chair, abandoning her project, keeping her voice low but her tone urgent. “Tell him I am not at home to visitors, please, Walter.”

“Elizabeth, you cannot refuse to see him.” Her mother was aghast. Despite her obvious surprise at her daughter’s words, she barely looked up from her own stitches.

“But it is the Earl of Heath, Mother. Surely you do not wish for me to be called upon by Lord Sinclair.” Elizabeth carefully placed the tapestry in its basket knowing that she would only destroy it in her agitation.

“He is a wealthy earl. You cannot refuse to see him.” Her mother finally glanced up, her gentle gaze reproachful.

“The rumours say he killed his wife,” Elizabeth stated baldly. “Is that really the sort of man you would have me spend time with?” She was certain her reasoning would convince her mother.

“I believe that if he had really done it, he would not be a free man today. The fact that he is accepted everywhere tells me that he is innocent.”

“The fact that he is accepted everywhere tells me that the members of the
ton
are simpletons,” Elizabeth countered, amazed that her mother would not listen to reason.

Lady Castleton did not disagree, merely laughed good naturedly at her daughter’s words. “Perhaps you are right, my dear, but you are very nearly on the shelf. It would not do to snub the Earl of Heath.”

“Would you rather me be dead than single, Mother?” Elizabeth realized she was gaping at her mother and shut her mouth with a snap. But surely the countess would realize it was a bad idea to entertain the Earl of Heath?

“Now you are just being dramatic, my dear. Walter, please show Lord Sinclair in and have tea served.”

“Mother, why are you doing this?” Elizabeth searched her mother’s face, shocked to see warm compassion there given the conversation they were having
. Can she not see that I am actually afraid of the man?

“Because this is the first time you have shown any degree of enthusiasm about any of the gentlemen who have shown an interest in you.” The look of satisfaction on Lady Castleton’s face set Elizabeth’s teeth on edge. It was starting to feel like a nightmare and she hoped she would wake up soon.

“This is not enthusiasm,” Elizabeth insisted, shocked by her mother’s conclusion, but keeping her voice low, knowing the butler would be returning with the earl at any moment. Elizabeth was bewildered how this situation could have unfolded.

The next few moments passed in a blur as the earl was ushered into the room and introduced to Elizabeth’s mother. As Lady Castleton poured the tea, Elizabeth took the opportunity to examine the earl more carefully than she had the night before.

He really was one of the most ridiculously handsome men Elizabeth had ever seen. His dark hair gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and the hint of curl in it made him look just the slightest bit unruly. She did not find it unappealing much to her surprise, and she was amazed that she again felt the urge to touch it. He was dressed in the first stare of fashion. If she had one complaint it was that he was almost a dandy with the starched height of his collar and the precision of his artfully tied cravat. But she could see that he was well able to turn his head and catch her staring at him, so she surmised that his neck cloth did not restrict his movement. She could feel warm color flooding her cheeks as his sharp gaze met her scrutiny unflinchingly. Her blush deepened as she observed the amusement he made little effort to hide. She narrowed her eyes at him and lifted her chin, refusing to allow him to laugh at her.

Her hand itched, but she was unsure if it was with a desire to slap his face for his presumption that he could call upon her, or if it was the desire she had to suppress once again to reach out and see if his hair really was as soft as it looked. It crossed her mind to wonder if she had lost her mind the night before with all her worry. The worry wasn’t over, she still hadn’t heard from her dear friend, Miss Rosamund Smythe, and now here was the Earl of Heath coming to call upon her.

She tried to regain a semblance of her usual equanimity. While she listened to her mother making social chit chat with the earl, she tried to think of various possible reasons for his call other than to court her.
Surely the man would not pursue her just to continue questioning her about Broderick. Had she not told him she knew nothing?
She couldn’t remember exactly what had been said the previous evening but she was certain she had been quite clear that she had no interest in furthering the conversation.

Perhaps the butler had meant her mother when he had announced the visitor. Perhaps the earl wanted her mother’s advice on something. Perhaps he had some charity he wanted to involve her in. Elizabeth warmed to this idea. Everyone amongst the
ton
knew of Lady Castleton’s love of charity projects. That was no doubt the reason for his call. It had been quite ridiculous for her to get herself in a tizzy over it. It really had nothing to do with her. In fact, to make it up to the earl for her previous rudeness, she would volunteer to help with whatever project he was calling about. It wouldn’t hurt her to show a bit of charity. It would help her pass the time as she tried to get through the rest of the Season.

* * *

J
ustice blinked
as he observed Lady Elizabeth’s dazzling smile. He wondered what had gotten into the chit’s head now. She had seemed like such a sensible female when he had observed her over the past weeks. Perhaps a bit too opinionated for his taste, but level headed and calm as she traipsed through the social scene of the Season. Since last night it seemed to him that she flitted from one emotion to another like a hummingbird in an orchard. But he needed information from her and this was the only way to go about getting it. He really didn’t think she had been paying attention as he had been speaking with her mother. It was obvious he had guessed correctly when she almost squeaked with her surprise when her mother agreed for her to accompany him on a drive through the park that afternoon.

“Oh no, I do not think I could do so,” she sputtered briefly as the color rose becomingly in her cheeks. Justice wondered what was going on in her head as her eyes bounced back and forth between his face and her mother’s. He was too busy gazing at Elizabeth’s mobile face to turn and see what her mother was doing but something must have been communicated between the two of them because a transformation overtook Elizabeth.

He watched in fascination as her face froze momentarily while her eyes flashed with some sort of warning. Then, in the blink of an eye, she was all pleasant smiles. She stood and he hastened to get to his feet as well.

“I shall just go up to my room and get my spencer and bonnet if you would be so kind as to wait for me. I will do my best not to keep you waiting over long.” Without waiting for his reply she hurried from the room.

Justice turned his attention back to Elizabeth’s mother. “Thank you, my lady,” he tried to keep a dry note from creeping into his tone.

“No, no, my lord, thank you. It will do my daughter good to get out of doors. It looks to be a lovely day. We need to take advantage of the nice days before winter comes upon us.” The lady seemed to be babbling but then the earl tensed as her gaze turned shrewd. “You will have a care for my daughter, won’t you, my lord. It would not do for her to catch a chill.”

Her words remained politely correct, but Justice sensed a warning in them. It would seem the lady was more knowing than he had previously given her credit for. He bowed politely. “But of course, my lady, I will take every care with Lady Elizabeth.”

That is, if the lady herself will turn up,
he thought with wry humour as the wait became a trifle strained and the silence stretched. Justice cleared his throat, glanced through the window, and strived for conversation. They had already covered some of the chitchat when he first arrived so he had to mentally stretch to come up with something. Even though it had already been mentioned he said, “It is a lovely day out of doors, is it not?”

“Remarkably lovely for the end of November,” the countess replied. “Will you be spending much time at your estate over the winter, my lord?”

“I dare say, my lady. If I can get my business in Town taken care of, I would like to spend as much time as possible on my estate. Especially while The House is out of session.”

“Oh, yes, of course, my lord. Do you take your seat for all sessions?”

“Not all, no, but I do try to do my duty.” There was another pause while the countess merely bobbed her head in acknowledgement of his words. “Your husband gave a well thought out speech the other day, my lady, do pass my regards to him.”

“That is kind of you to say, my lord, thank you.” She continued watching him and it was making Justice uncomfortable so he again turned the subject.

“What about you, my lady? Do you think to spend the entire winter at Castleton?”

This may not have been the best topic as it caused the countess to offer an almost dramatic sigh. “I dare say that depends much upon my daughter. If we can get her situated then we will spend the best part of the winter at home. Of course, his lordship will want to return to Town for Parliament, but if Lady Elizabeth is taken care of I may not have to return for the spring session.”

Justice ignored what seemed like a heavy hint but acknowledged her words. “Are you not enjoying the Season, my lady?”

“Oh, no, of course it is lovely. It is just a trifle wearing. And the winter and spring are so lovely at Castleton. Although, I will no doubt be ready to return to Town after a few months of country living. That is the trouble with having multiple homes, is it not, my lord? We must always pine for the other one.”

This caused the earl to chuckle despite how uncomfortable he was becoming with the protracted wait for Lady Elizabeth. His glance at the time must not have been as discreet as he had hoped.

“I cannot imagine what can be keeping her,” Lady Castleton said as she too glanced at the mantle clock. They had exhausted all the usual conversational gambits and were struggling to fill the silence. With relief they heard the clatter of feet in the hallway, and the earl quickly stood as Elizabeth stepped back into the room.

He could tell she had been reluctant to return and yet was embarrassed over keeping him waiting. She was obviously normally the very conventional type of young lady. Once again he fought to contain his amusement.

“Shall we go?” he asked rhetorically as he took her elbow and escorted her from the room.

He didn’t say anything to her as he helped her into his curricle and set the horses in motion. He waited while she fussed with her skirts and settled herself as far from him as the narrow seat would allow.

“How did you finally decide to accompany me?” he asked, keeping his tone good natured and non-confrontational.

She froze in her fidgets. “I beg your pardon, my lord.”

Her tone would make the patronesses proud
, he thought with a smile.

“It would seem you struggled with the decision of whether or not to accompany me for this drive. It took you an inordinately long time to don your hat, my dear lady,” he drawled.

Elizabeth gritted her teeth and fought the wave of heat that rose to her face. She then did the least ladylike thing she had ever done in her life. “Have you thought about the fact that I might have been indisposed, my lord? Perhaps my delay had nothing to do with you but entirely to do with some other matter. The entire world does not revolve around you, my lord.”

“What kind of a matter could make you keep an earl cooling his heels?” he wondered.

“Perhaps I needed to relieve nature, my lord, did you ever think of that?” She was so angry she wasn’t even embarrassed over her words. Her usual self-possession kept her hands still in her lap, although she could see from the whitened knuckles that they were clenching one another. Elizabeth tried to relax them in order not to appear at the edge of her control but she was painfully aware that her face was most likely giving away her feelings, even if she held perfectly still. She could feel the heat in her cheeks was most likely reflected in her eyes.

If anyone had asked her, she wouldn’t even be able to explain why she was so unusually bold with the Earl of Heath. Perhaps it was her absolute conviction that she would never make a match with him. Or perhaps it was some sort of rebellion against the way her heart so ridiculously reacted whenever she caught sight of his handsome face. Or a combination of the two. Really how could she be attracted to a man that everyone said killed his wife? She ignored the voice of reason in her head telling her she had no cause to be reacting this way and carried on in her defense. “And earls are not all that important, my lord. If you were a prince, or even a duke, I could understand your arrogance, but surely you realize just how very many earls there are roving about amongst Society. Surely one or two of them must be kept waiting once in a while. I apologize if I inconvenienced you, my lord, but you needn’t have stayed. If you were in a rush to be elsewhere, why did you not just take your leave of my mother and be on your way?”