The Countess Intrigue (4 page)

“But I still don’t understand why she feels so strongly about marrying you off. It is not as though you can carry your family’s name. I would think she would be far more concerned about your brother’s unmarried state than yours.”

“Her sister and best friend do not yet have daughters in law so it is not such an urgent matter.” Justice was charmed as she rolled her eyes but then flushed guiltily at her show of disloyalty. “Do not exert your mind too forcefully on the matter, my lord. It really is incomprehensible, I can assure you.”

“Are you opposed to marriage in general or just the thought of being hustled into it out of some sort of competition with your mother’s cronies?”

“How terribly perceptive of you, my lord.” Elizabeth’s compliment caused Justice’s cheeks to heat so he was glad that she continued without seeming to notice. Shrugging a little she seemed perplexed. “I am not at all opposed to marriage, my lord. I do not want to be a burden upon my family and the thought of being the spinster aunt in my brother’s future household makes me shudder in horror. But I cannot bring myself to accept an offer just for the sake of making a match. I want there to be more meaning to it than that. I know it might sound ridiculous, but I have seen what a love match looks like and I do not want to settle for less.”

“You are a romantic, Lady Elizabeth.” His observation caused his companion to blush rosily but also to lift her chin in defiance.

“There is nothing wrong with that, my lord. Despite my mother’s manipulations, I refuse to marry someone who cares more for his horses than he does for me. Thankfully my grandmother left me an inheritance that is not encumbered by a requirement to be wed. If I do not find the match I dream of I shall be one of those eccentric women who take their own lodgings and have a dozen cats. It may not be conventional but it does sound comfortable.”

“Obviously you have never been in a room with a dozen cats if you think that sounds comfortable, my dear,” Justice drawled, teasing her before continuing, “but you probably have a few more years before it needs to be of concern.”

Again his companion sighed. “I do not get those funds until I turn twenty-one which isn’t for another fourteen months. I can only imagine what sort of pressure my mother will bring to bear in the meantime.”

Justice found her melancholy tone highly diverting but managed not to laugh at her. “Is that why you are finding the Season not quite to your liking?”

“That is part of it, my lord. Knowing my mother is watching every interaction with such hope and glee makes me nervous to allow her to get expectations. On the other hand, many of the people I have met during the Season are deadly dull. Most of the debutantes are either empty-headed simpletons or jealous cats who would rather spread a nasty rumour about you than speak pleasantly to your face. And many of the gentlemen are not much better.”

“It would seem you need to widen your circle of acquaintances, my dear. Surely it cannot be that bad.”

Elizabeth finally met his gaze and Justice was again surprised by the flutter in his chest as she offered him a genuine smile. “Perhaps I am exaggerating slightly for emphasis, but it is nearly that bad. I did make one dear friend which was lovely, but… ” She broke off her words, refusing to meet his eyes and pressing her lips together as though to prevent any more words from escaping.

Justice burned with curiosity and wondered if this somehow connected with her refusal to discuss Sir Broderick. He aimed for nonchalance as he ignored her obvious discomfort. “It is true that a few close friends can make all the difference in a difficult situation. I am glad that you were able to find at least one kindred spirit.”

He could feel her searching gaze examining his face but he kept his eyes on his horses as they had neared the fashionable district and the traffic had picked up. “What about you, my lord? Rumour has it that you are searching for a countess this Season. I am certain that is not why you called upon me this afternoon.”

The earl was surprised by the chuckle that escaped him over her words. Despite her light words, he could tell she was watching him closely for his reaction.

“In this, rumour is actually somewhat correct. I am not getting any younger. It is time that I remarry and produce some heirs. There is a distant cousin who could inherit, but a long line of my ancestors would not have appreciated me being quite so cavalier with the honour.”

“Have you anyone in particular in mind?” she had the gall to ask.

“Besides you, do you mean?” He couldn’t resist teasing her to see the delightful color rise in her cheeks.

She returned his gaze with a haughty lift of her eyebrow but then her face creased into a smile as she giggled in response.

Finally he answered her question just as they neared her house. “I have not yet found a specific lady, I am sorry to report. But I am looking for a mature woman, not a flighty debutante. I think a widow might be a good option. Not too old so that she cannot safely bear a few children, but old enough to be prepared to settle down to the pace of life on my estate.”

Justice was uncomfortable with her steady gaze upon him. She didn’t comment immediately, but he felt as though she was searching his soul. Finally she offered him a soft smile. “I hope we are both able to achieve our objectives, my lord. I wish you well with your search.”

Her quiet conviction brought a lump to his throat. He didn’t reply as he carefully manoeuvred his team to a standstill in front of Elizabeth’s townhouse.

“It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you, my dear lady. Thank you for accompanying me.” Justice almost had to bite the inside of his cheek in order to prevent his amusement from showing at the look of confusion that was dancing across her expressive face. She obviously didn’t think the expedition had been entirely pleasurable and seemed surprised that he would say so.

Apparently her breeding won out over her suspicion and she answered him politely. “It was my pleasure, my lord.” He doubted her reply was anywhere near being truthful, and he didn’t bother to hide his laughter from her.

“Perhaps we shall have the pleasure again sometime soon,” he teased her.

Indignation overrode her façade of politeness. “I do not think that would be advisable, my lord. I will wish you a good day.” He could tell she was trying to be repressive, but it didn’t suit her delightful personality. She didn’t do starchy and autocratic very well. He chuckled in her ear as he lifted her down from his curricle and could feel her shiver of awareness despite her efforts to remain impassive.

As soon as he placed her on the ground she dipped a brief curtsy and then, lifting her skirts slightly, she hurried gracefully up the stairs where an attentive footman was holding the door open for her. He was watching her closely so he was gratified to see that she did glance back over her shoulder at him before she whisked through the door.

Justice curbed his frustration over his lack of progress, climbed back into his curricle, and drove himself home deep in thought. He would have to regroup and come up with a new strategy to pursue whatever information Lady Elizabeth had but did not wish to share. He chose to ignore the eager anticipation, which simmered in the back of his mind over the thought of further interaction with the lovely young noblewoman.

E
lizabeth peered
into the looking glass, admiring her maid’s handiwork. The intricate style Pansy had twisted her hair into was the perfect foil to the deceptive simplicity of her gown. She absolutely adored the shade of palest green and the dainty flowers stitched around the neck, sleeves, and hem. No wonder it had been expensive. But it was worth every farthing. She just hoped her father thought so when his secretary received the bills. She smiled slyly at her reflection when she realized that it would be her mother who would receive the lecture, not her, if her father did take exception to her expenses. Her mother would no doubt argue that any expense was worth the investment in getting her youngest daughter settled comfortably. And without being overly smug, she knew she was looking well that night.

The Earl of Heath crossed her mind, but she shoved the unwanted thoughts to the back of her mind. She refused to dwell on how handsome he was, especially when he had been trying not to laugh at something she had said. She was unsure what had come over her that afternoon. She was so rarely comfortable in the company of gentleman.
How is it possible that I had relaxed with the notorious earl?
she demanded of herself. Sticking her tongue out at her reflection, Elizabeth’s laugh was self conscious as she realized she would appear quite vain to anyone watching her as she gazed into the looking glass.

Straightening to her full height, which wasn’t much higher than the earl’s shoulder she realized, she once again had to dismiss thoughts of Lord Sinclair. She turned to speak to her maid who was bustling about the room.

“I am most pleased with your work this evening, Pansy. Thank you for convincing me this was the perfect style. You were quite correct. And I dare say the million pins you put in will ensure not a single hair dares to budge out of place.”

“Oh, my lady, you would look lovely even if I just put your hair into two ties on the side of your head, but thank you so much for saying you’re pleased with my efforts this evening. I do think this style quite suits your beautiful face.”

“Well I do appreciate that it feels very secure. It makes me nervous when I have to worry whether or not my hair will hold up to the activities of the evening.”

“Are you expecting your evening to be particularly vigorous, my lady?” the maid was sceptical.

Elizabeth laughed. “No more so than usual at a ball, Pansy. But you would be surprised how often ladies have to run to a retiring room because their coif did not withstand their exertions.”

“Truly m’lady? Are their maids turned off that very night? I would think your mother would turn me off without a single grout if I were to allow you to leave your room without your hair being properly secured.”

“You may be right, Pansy,” Elizabeth laughed, “but I would think it is rarely the maid’s fault. But never mind. No one could find any fault with my appearance this evening and for that I am grateful.” Seeing that the maid was about to protest her praise, Elizabeth did not allow her to speak, interrupting the attempt with her next words. “I shall now bid you a good night,” she said as she swept from the room.

Not surprisingly, Lady Castleton was already in the foyer waiting for her. “What took you so long, my dear? You are becoming a laggard of late. Now hurry along. I have heard that it is expected to be a veritable crush this evening at the Oliver’s ball.”

“Well, of course it will,” Elizabeth muttered under her breath. “They have the smallest ballroom in the
ton
.”

“I did not hear you clearly my dear, you really ought not to mumble. Gentlemen prefer a lady who enunciates, and do not speak ill of our hosts, my darling. Gentlemen expect their wives to be sweet and kind so you must make an effort to control your tongue.”

Elizabeth did make a colossal effort to keep herself from telling her mother exactly what she thought of all these ridiculous reminders that she was forever saying, tidbits of advice for catching a husband that Elizabeth found highly unwelcome. Smiling serenely at her mother, she thought she was already an expert at controlling her tongue. She meekly followed the countess out to the waiting carriage.

When they arrived in front of Lady Oliver’s house Elizabeth could not help admiring the elegant lines of the building. Even though it was smaller than many of their wellborn friends’ it truly was lovely and Elizabeth quite thought that she would enjoy living in a similar place. Climbing the stairs at her mother’s side she glanced along the street and admired the architecture, not paying attention to the other guests arriving at the select invitation ball.

“Elizabeth Marie Castleton, you need to focus,” her mother’s low, irritated whisper reached through her preoccupied thoughts and Elizabeth quickly turned her eyes to look at her mother with a polite smile. Interest she was unable to feign at this point but she could at least be polite.

“I apologize, Mother, I was admiring the beautiful homes on this street.”

Her mother seemed to be slightly mollified as she thought of an alarming possibility. “I do believe Lords Dunbar and Rothesay have lodgings on this street. So perhaps you might find yourself living here one day.”

Elizabeth couldn’t help but laugh over her mother’s single-minded determination. “Mayhap,” was all she would say in reply as she turned her attention to their hostess who was waiting to welcome them.

“Thank you so much for coming,” Lady Oliver greeted kindly. Elizabeth admired her calm and ability to focus on each guest. Often at functions such as these the hostess appeared harried or bored, merely going through the motions of welcoming the arriving guests. But Lady Oliver appeared sincerely delighted to have Lady Castleton and Lady Elizabeth attend her ball. Elizabeth began to look forward to the evening. If the hostess were that appealing, surely the entertainments she provided would be worth her time, Elizabeth reasoned.

As she followed her mother toward the ballroom she could recognize that many of her acquaintances and friends were also in attendance. That ought not to be surprising in the rarified world of the
ton
but Elizabeth did wish there would be something novel to liven up the evening. Ladies Emmaline and Constance hailed her.

“You go on with your friends, my dear,” Elizabeth’s mother advised. “I will join the other chaperones and keep an eye on the proceedings. And don’t forget to smile, my dear. Gentlemen prefer a cheerful countenance.”

Elizabeth gave up being irritated with her mother’s determination. She knew it came from a place of love and a desire to see her settled, as well as the spirit of competition with her sister and best friend. She finally felt amusement over her mother’s reminder. With a bright smile she replied to her mother, “I will certainly keep that in mind.”

She started walking toward her friends when she felt a shiver of awareness shimmy up her neck just before a deep voice spoke softly in her ear. “What has tickled your amusement, my dear lady?”

Willing herself not to shiver again, Elizabeth turned to the earl, determined to put him in his place. But when her eyes collided with his intelligent, blue gaze she felt another shiver threaten and her smile turned into a frown. “Are you stalking me, my lord? I really find it quite surprising that we have gone weeks without ever exchanging words and now it seems as though you are always underfoot.”

“That is no way to speak to a wealthy, unattached earl, my dear. What would your mama say?” He chuckled over her indignation, causing it to ratchet up another notch. She tried to turn away, she wasn’t going to bother dignifying him with a response, but his warm hand closed over her elbow.

“I beg of you, my dear lady, do not turn away, I was merely teasing you. Please, dance with me. I do believe this is our song playing.”

Elizabeth blinked at him in surprise. As her ears attuned to the melody the orchestra was playing she was taken aback to realize he was right — it was the same waltz they had danced to the night before. She wanted to refuse but could feel speculative gazes looking at them. And he really was a handsome man as well as a skilled dancer. It needn’t be a trial to spend the next moments with him. And it would be easier to explain than her refusal, especially if her mother had seen them talking.

With a less than gracious sigh Elizabeth accepted the earl’s hand. “Why are you all of a sudden paying so much attention to me, my lord? I really do not think we would suit.” Elizabeth had heard the rumours that the notorious earl was looking for a new countess but she did not think the man was stupid enough to pursue her after she had told him her views of marriage. She was quite certain there were other, more biddable ladies who would serve his needs far better than she could.
I have no intention of being his next dead countess,
she thought with a less enjoyable shiver.

Elizabeth felt his gaze sharpen on her face at the tell tale movement. She pasted a serene smile to her face awaiting his response. She was glad the waltz did not require them to be constantly separated at regular intervals, as he would have to answer her question promptly.

“Is it so difficult to believe I might find you irresistible?” he countered with a question of his own.

“Yes, it is, now tell the truth.” Elizabeth could tell that her answer surprised him as well as brought him amusement. To her relief he did not laugh too loudly but his low chuckle made a flutter start up in her belly. She gritted her teeth and ignored the tug of attraction.

* * *

J
ustice admired
his companion’s persistence. She was surprisingly intelligent for such a pretty girl. In his experience the prettier the girl, the more self-absorbed they became. Just look at his wife. He tried not to allow his thoughts to dwell on his late wife very often but Lady Elizabeth certainly compared favourably with the beautiful, spoiled, young woman he had taken as his wife.

He needed to get a new countess eventually and Lady Elizabeth did not fit the right description of what he was looking for, but he certainly enjoyed her company. And he needed information from her. How could he get her to cooperate? He decided the straightforward young woman would appreciate his honesty in exchange for her own.

“I need you to tell me what you know about Sir Jason Broderick. This is important, Lady Elizabeth. I know you don’t trust me and I know I have a rotten reputation. But I swear to you I am not in cahoots with him. If you know anything about him, you know he is trouble. I am trying to stop him, but I need you to tell me what you know.”

He watched in frustration as she chewed on her lip in indecision. He had to wrench his eyes away from her mouth. He could not allow himself to be distracted by attraction to her. Gazing into her eyes he could see her struggle to decide if she should trust him. He was gratified when her worried gaze cleared and it appeared that she had come to a decision.

“Very well, my lord, I will tell you what I know, but you must swear to keep it in the strictest confidence as it is not really my secret to tell. The others involved are no longer available and if you know of something he is up to I ought to give you whatever information I can so that you can stop him if need be. I think he might already be taken care of, but if he is not, then he must be stopped.”

He felt his grip on her tighten and he vigorously swirled her into the next turn of the dance bringing a light of joy into her eyes but a reprimand to her lips. “My lord, you mustn’t draw undue attention to us. If I am going to confide in you we shall need privacy and the very last thing we need is anyone finding out about it.”

Chastened, Justice saw the wisdom of her words and he subsided into the steady rhythm of the waltz while she composed her thoughts. He tried to figure out a way to get her alone so he could hear what she had to tell him. Propriety called for him to wait until the next day and call upon her once more but he was suddenly impatient and could not wait.

“There’s a picture gallery on the second floor and several rooms off that. Meet me there ten minutes after our dance ends. You can tell me everything you know then.”

“My lord, I question the wisdom of such a meeting.”

“Don’t worry, no one will be up there, and we won’t be caught. My curiosity is leaving my patience shattered.”

Elizabeth felt a thrill shiver down her spine at his bold words. She had always been a conventional sort of girl despite her insistence on wanting to make a love match. The thought of having an adventure with the notorious earl filled her with a heady mixture of anticipation, excitement, and fear. This must have been what her dear friend Rosamund had felt when she was conspiring with Wrentham against Broderick and what had motivated her to take such risks. Elizabeth decided she was ready for an adventure of her own. Like the earl said, no one would know and her reputation would remain intact. And really, she reasoned, it was for the greater good. If Broderick was still free and up to no good he needed to be stopped. If it was within her abilities to help she couldn’t very well turn squeamish at the first obstacle.

“Very well, my lord, I will meet you in ten minutes,” she promised as the strains of the waltz drew to a close.