The Countess Intrigue (6 page)

“Elizabeth, my dear lady, you really must make an effort not to fall apart now.” Justice tried to help her regain her composure. “Can you not see that we can now work together against Broderick much more comfortably?”

He watched in amusement as her jaw became unhinged once more. “Do you mean this was a ploy to get my cooperation with your investigation? I was already going to help you! There was no reason to go to such lengths.”

“That is most certainly not what I meant,” Justice insisted. “I am merely trying to make the best out of a difficult situation.”

“So you intend to just have a temporary betrothal until the gossip dies down?”

Justice grimaced at the hopeful note in her voice. “No, we shall have to be wed. You are well and truly compromised, my dear lady. I do apologize to you. I know you came to meet me with the best of intentions and this is a cruel recompense for your efforts.”

“You are perfectly accurate in that, my lord. I feel as though I have been blindsided by this turn of events.” She paused for a moment and Justice held his breath, unsure of what she would say next. “I do not mean to be rude or hurtful, my lord, but I really have no wish to be married to you.”

“Would you rather be banished from polite Society?” he was surprised but not shocked by her words and was trying to help her see reason.

“As a matter of fact, I would, my lord. If it were not for thoughts of how it would affect my mother, I very much would rather be banished. Do you not recall what I told you just this very afternoon that I wished to marry for love? And then there is the little fact of the gossip about you, my lord. No, I cannot be comfortable contemplating a future as the Countess of Heath.”

“I am sorry that you feel this way, my dear, but you will have to conform your thoughts to just such a development.”

Elizabeth wanted to stamp her foot in frustration. This was such a mess. Rosamund would have managed the entire situation far better, she was sure. She felt a momentary wish to curl up and have a good cry, but before she could even feel the tears forming in her eyes her mother was back in the room bustling about and fussing over her.

“Come along, my dear. Let us go. We must remain for at least a half an hour before we can take our leave. My lord, you may call upon my husband first thing in the morning to make the arrangements. And then you must escort my daughter for another ride in the park. It seems you have a lot to discuss.”

As they descended to the ballroom, Elizabeth could feel a myriad of eyes boring into her. She made every effort to keep her smile serene despite the fact that inside she was howling with fury. She could see that Lady Emmaline was waiting to pounce upon her as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“I thought you said you weren’t setting your cap at him,” she began, her sly look enjoying Elizabeth’s discomfort. “It would seem you don’t give a fig for his sullied reputation.”

Elizabeth felt a shockingly misplaced sense of loyalty rear up within her breast. “I would beg of you to not speak ill of my future husband, my dear Lady Emmaline. I wouldn’t want to have to give you the cut direct when I am the Countess of Heath.”

She felt a deep sense of satisfaction at the other woman’s gasp. “I can assure you I meant no harm my dear Lady Elizabeth. Please do not take my little jest as an insult to his lordship.”

Glancing over at the earl, Elizabeth hoped he had not heard her words. She did not want him thinking she was defending him. She did not trust the man and was shivering in fear over her future, but she would not allow the likes of Lady Emmaline to speak ill of anyone connected with her. Elizabeth doubted if she was being at all reasonable. She couldn’t help a small smile that touched her lips at the ridiculousness of it all. Again she worried that hysteria was going to overtake her as her eyes clashed with the warm, blue gaze of her new fiancé.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur as the scores of people at the ball heard the news of her betrothal and came to congratulate them. Elizabeth could feel the speculative curiosity of the assembled guests and was grateful that etiquette prevented most from giving voice to their true thoughts. Until the elderly Lady Meriwether approached her.

“Are you daft, m’lady?” she asked loudly.

“I beg your pardon, Lady Meriwether?” Elizabeth had a bad feeling about the direction this conversation was going to take.

“How could you get yourself in a fix with the likes of Lord Sinclair, girl?” the lady persisted. “Have you not heard the rumours about him?”

Elizabeth felt a wave of dizziness swamp her. Of course she was afraid, she wanted to yell at the aging busybody. She was swept with profound relief as she felt a warm hand take her arm and heard the deep rumble of the earl’s voice.

“Thank you so much for offering your concern for our future, Lady Meriwether. We shall be sure to take your advice to heart.”

Elizabeth actually felt her lips twitch with amusement over the look of confusion covering Lady Meriwether’s face. She leaned on the earl’s arm gratefully and wondered how much longer she would have to face the rabid curiosity of the wellborn crowd.

As the older lady turned away from them, Elizabeth was alone with the earl for the first time. The reprieve was momentary, she knew, as the crowds continued to press around them. “You ought to head home. You are beginning to wilt under this heat.” Elizabeth did not take offense at his words, recognizing them for the concern they were meant to be. She did not want to be warmed by anything the man did. Her resentment warred with attraction as she gazed at him in silence. Innate politeness won out.

“Thank you for stepping in to deal with her. I was at a loss as to what to say.”

“I do believe it is part of the position as fiancé,” he answered her with a dimpled smile cast her way. Elizabeth refused to be charmed.

“I guess you would know,” she replied, waspishly hinting at his previous betrothal. Despite her fears she knew such a comment was beneath her and flushed with mortification at her show of ill-bred pique. “I’m sorry, my lord, you were right, it is time for me to leave. I most definitely need some sleep. Tomorrow will be soon enough to sort out this mess.”

She didn’t bother saying anything more to him as he escorted her and her mother to their carriage. It had been a trying day.

P
ansy was
beside herself with excitement as she tugged her mistress’ curls into submission. “The entire household is buzzing with the news, my lady. How could you not have told me?” her question was reproachful.

“It all happened very suddenly, Pansy. There wasn’t anything to tell you as recently as yesterday. It’s really a very complicated story,” Elizabeth excused and sighed.

“Aren’t you happy about it, m’lady? He is a handsome fellow to be sure, with all that hair and his broad shoulders. I took a peek at him yesterday when he came to take you for a drive. One of the most handsome men who has called on you, m’lady. And I’ve heard he’s terribly rich. You shan’t have to pinch your pin money with him.”

“Perhaps not, Pansy, but I have my misgivings. It has all happened so suddenly. I do not know what to think.”

“What seems to be the trouble? I don’t mean to be bold, m’lady, but if you need to talk about it, I’m good to listen.”

Elizabeth could feel that her smile was wan as she directed it at her faithful companion. “I appreciate that, Pansy. The trouble, as you say, is the fact that the earl was previously married and the circumstances surrounding the death of his first wife are mysterious. There is speculation that Lord Sinclair was involved in her death. So while I am disappointed that I am not to have the love match I was hoping for, I am actually terrified that I shan’t have a very long future ahead of me.”

“M’lady!” Pansy was shocked by her mistress’ revelations. “But how could he go about society if he has been accused of killing his wife?”

“Apparently it was never proven. And he is an earl who is well connected, through various relations, to the royal family. There would have to be irrefutable proof to make any accusations like that stick.”

“Bring me with you. I’ll keep you safe,” the loyal maid declared faithfully.

Elizabeth felt tears spring to her eyes at the other woman’s words. “Thank you so much. I do believe I shall take you up on that offer. But are you not afraid for your own safety?”

“I have several strapping brothers who taught me how to defend myself before I went into service. I can protect myself and you.”

Elizabeth clapped her hands with her first feelings of relief since the entire debacle had begun. “Do your brothers live anywhere nearby? Perhaps they could come and teach me a thing or two.”

“All my family lives rather far away, m’lady, I’m sorry to tell you. But I think some of the footmen might know similar tricks. I’ll ask the butler and let you know.”

“Thank you, Pansy, but swear him to secrecy. I cannot imagine Mother thinking this was a good idea.”

Impulsively Elizabeth gave her maid a warm hug just as there was a knock on the door. A footman was there with a message from her mother.

“His lordship, the Earl of Heath, has called to speak with your father, my lady. Her ladyship asks that you present yourself in the morning room as soon as possible in preparation for going for a drive with his lordship.”

It was clear to Elizabeth that the footman was excited and nervous about delivering his important message so she did not give vent to her frustrations. It was neither of the servants’ faults that her mother was throwing her to the wolves. Or one wolf in this particular case. Despite all her misgivings her thoughts brought her amusement and she was able to smile at the footman and her maid as she accepted the summons and followed the footman down the stairs after one last glance at her reflection. If she was going to her doom she wanted to at least look presentable on the way.

Thankfully her mother did not expect her to make conversation. It would seem that now that her objective had been reached she was content and allowed Elizabeth to sit in silence as they waited for the earl to present himself. Elizabeth tried to make some progress on her needlework, but her hands were shaking so much she was pretty sure she would have to remove all of the stitches she was making that morning. In frustration she wanted to hurl the fabric across the room but managed to restrain herself from such a display just as they heard male voices in the hallway.

She could feel the blood ebbing and flowing in her head at the myriads of thoughts jostling for supremacy as the butler announced Lord Sinclair and he entered the room with her father.

“Elizabeth, my dear, his lordship and I have just been working out all the details of your settlements. He has been most generous. And now he would like to spend some time with you. Your mother and I have agreed that it would be acceptable for you to go for a drive for an hour or two. And it has been determined that the nuptials shall take place next week. It will require a special license, but given the gossip that is sure to result after last night, we thought it best to sew things up quickly, before everyone leaves Town for the winter.”

Jumping to her feet, Elizabeth felt she could do nothing but repeat her father’s words. “Next week?” she declared in horror. “But that’s not nearly enough time.” She broke off before she allowed the rest of her thoughts out of her mouth. It wasn’t nearly enough time to come up with a plan of how to get herself out of the wretched situation.

It would seem the earl had read her mind as he smiled at her with a trace of amusement. “Your mother has assured me that it will be plenty of time to arrange the necessary details. It is actually perfect timing, if you ask me. Then we can start our life together at Heath comfortably ensconced in the country before the spring session of Parliament.”

Elizabeth could feel a sense of panic threatening to close her throat, and she made herself inhale slowly and rhythmically for a few moments while her mother and the earl discussed her future as though she weren’t even present. It was becoming a farce.
How is it possible?
she wondered wildly. Just weeks ago, days even, she had felt as though she were in complete control of her life, despite her mother’s constant harping about marriage. Now she was sitting here like a spectator allowing her mother and a veritable stranger to determine her future just because she had the lack of sense to agree to meet him for a private conversation. She stood up abruptly.

“Enough,” she tried to say it loudly but she was fairly certain it had barely come out above a whisper. But the earl had heard. She wondered if she would ever feel comfortable calling him Justice. Or if she would live long enough to get to that level of comfort. She fought the bubble of hysteria threatening to choke her again.

“Are you ready to go, my dear?” he asked solicitously, his intelligent gaze scouring her face, making her feel like squirming.

She didn’t bother answering, merely striding toward the door.
This tension is turning me into a shrew,
she thought with a twinge of guilt she immediately dismissed. Perhaps he would become disgusted with her and cry off before the week was out. She couldn’t prevent her hopeful smile at that thought.

“What are you thinking now?” he asked her in his low voice, once again crowding too close for her comfort. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination or not, but she thought she could feel the heat radiating from him as he stood at her back. She did not want to feel pleasure at his proximity, and she refused to think of how his low, deep voice made her belly flutter. She decided to be honest with him and did so in as flat a tone as possible.

“I was wondering how I can get you to break our engagement.”

Obviously her honesty surprised him as he released a bark of laughter before he quickly regained control of his features. “You are certainly going to keep me entertained,” he commented with a cheerful grin.

Elizabeth didn’t bother trying to hide her put upon sigh. She nearly jumped out of her skin as she felt his warm palm settle on the small of her back. She could feel the flush steal over her entire body as she felt consumed with embarrassment. Clearly it could go from bad to worse. She was grateful that he pretended not to notice, or at least forbore to tease her about it. But he left his hand where he had placed it. She thought about squirming away from his touch but decided it was tolerable.

* * *

A
s he lifted
her into his curricle for the second afternoon in a row, Justice wondered how long it would take his companion to forgive him for the nature of their relationship. It was not an ideal way to enter into a marriage, but he could not find it in himself to be disappointed that she would be his wife. He knew it couldn’t possibly be a less successful union than his first marriage and he actually felt optimistic that it could be a very positive experience for them both. He was surprised to find that he trusted the young woman at his side. Unfortunately he knew she did not return the sentiment. And trust was not something one could force or coerce. It had to be earned, and time would be needed in a case like this where she had good reason to doubt him. But
he
knew he was a trustworthy fellow; he had full confidence she would come to see that with time. So he struggled not to mind her anger and tried not to cajole her about it.

“Were you able to get any sleep last night?” he thought to ask her, noticing the strained tension around her mouth.

“Reasonably well, thank you for asking, my lord,” came her muted reply.

“Do you think you might be able to call me by my name, my lady? I would appreciate your permission to call you by yours.”

This finally brought her eyes to his face, even just briefly. He could see that she almost smiled but then she pulled her eyes away and turned her attention to her lap. He didn’t press the subject.

“I thought you might like a drive in the countryside, my dear. There is an inn a short way from Town where we could stop for some refreshments before we return. You might feel more comfortable talking with me if you aren’t forced to look at me. Would that be fine with you?”

“That would be fine,” she answered, keeping her head averted. He could see that she was again nibbling on her lower lip. The sight nearly drove him to distraction before he thought to worry about her. She had never seemed like the nervous type to him. He had spent the weeks of the Little Season watching the young ladies of the
ton
in an effort to determine which was likely to make him a good wife. While he had not at the time considered Lady Elizabeth a suitable candidate, he had thought her a lovely, confident young woman. It scourged his conscience that he was to blame for her fears now. He was inordinately pleased when she suddenly turned to him and started talking until he realized what she wanted to discuss.

“Are you really going to go through with marrying me, my lord?” He could feel her wide eyes watching him sharply. He glanced toward her and tried to offer her a reassuring smile.

“I would very much like to do so, yes.”

“Even though you know I do not particularly want it?”

“I hope I will be able to change your mind eventually.”

“How do you plan to do that?”

He could hear the suspicion in her voice and kept his amusement from his face with a valiant effort. “If you get to know me, I am certain you will find that I am an excellent catch.” He tried to be cajoling and just hoped he didn’t sound like an arrogant dandy instead. It must have worked because he was gratified to see a slight smile pushing away the worry displayed on her face.

“Do you not think it’s ridiculous that we have to marry just because of one lapse of judgment? Do you not think this is going to be a travesty of a life?”

Justice tried not to wince with offense over her words. “I don’t think being married to you will be a travesty. I would like to think I am a decent husband. I promise not to mistreat you. I will do everything in my power to see that you want for nothing. Can you not make some sort of effort to come to terms with this?”

He could see her cheeks brighten with color but he was uncertain if it was from embarrassment or distress. He hoped she would confide in him.

“I apologize, my lord. I am being churlish. You are being a perfect gentleman. It is not your reputation which would be shattered if we do not wed. And you have not uttered one word of complaint about the situation. One would almost think you were delighted with the turn of events.”

Justice thought there was a strange tone in her voice as she said that and he was about to question her on it but then she turned his attention with her next words. “You are right, there is nought that can be done now. I will do my best to be a dutiful wife. Now would you like to hear what I know about Sir Jason Broderick? Have you any idea how much time before we arrive at this inn you spoke of?”

“I would love to hear what you know. We shall arrive in about twenty minutes.”

“I don’t actually know very much I am afraid, so twenty minutes shall be plenty of time.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “Do you remember my friend, Miss Rosamund Smythe? Her father is Lord Smythe, a baron from… I do not at the moment recall where. He is a diplomat and travels about. Most recently he was in Vienna and Miss Rose was there with him. Anyhow, she knows more about Sir Broderick than I do. She never did tell me everything she knew. I think she found out about him while she was in Vienna with her father.