“Why, obviously Lucie, my granddaughter, whom you've just met. She was a baby when her parents were drowned while on holiday on the coast. I had the entire control of her upbringing. She has been raised in my shadow, and that shadow, as you know, is a duchess.”
Lucie? Oh my god! The girl he had brusquely thought a maid and ordered her to bring him bread and cheese! He hadn't even realized her relationship to Eleanor. He could not even recall Eleanor saying anything about her when he was last here. A long time had passed, and now she was a young lady. After that dire beginning, he still had to meet her again at luncheon, and here was Eleanor, suggesting he marry the girl! What a hell of a mess to consider. How was he going to face her after that terrible gaffe?
Eleanor stared at the dismay pictured on his face and thought back to the weird talk she had interrupted as she came through the door to the terrace. Lucie’s attire and the unusual flush on Richard’s face gave her the clue.
“You thought Lucie was one of the maids, didn’t you, Richard?” She chuckled. “No wonder you looked taken aback when I acknowledged her. Oh, well, no harm done. She has an excellent sense of humour and will no doubt pay you back in time. But I’m being quite serious now. Caring for Lucie helped me get over the distress of losing her parents. She is dear to my heart, and I have kept her with me too long maybe, for I couldn’t bear to part with her. But I must not be selfish any longer, so I’ve planned on taking her to London.”
She swept her arm around. “We have pleasant neighbours but no one suitable to marry my granddaughter. She deserves better, and I intend to make that come about. Introducing her to the ton and receiving offers for her hand in the season that is about to start is the best way of doing that. Especially as my town house will shortly be available, the people who were renting it are moving away. However, we recently had the return of a baronet to this district. He has the same idea of wishing to settle and find a wife. It will be his second marriage, as he lost his first wife in a carriage accident. He is an interesting individual, and if Lucie likes him, it would suit very well as they would be neighbours and I would continue to be close to her. He disappeared abroad for a time after his wife’s death, but I gather he wants to make England his permanent home and has asked me if he can court Lucie. Edmund Tasker is a good-looking young man—”
“Tasker! Edmund Tasker is here? My God, Aunt Eleanor, don’t let her marry him!”
* * * *
“Good lord, Richard, you frighten me! What do you know of him? How do you know? Did you come across him in America? Quickly, tell me before Lucie comes down.”
“The details are not for your delicate ears, Aunt Eleanor, let alone Lady Lucie’s.”
“Tush, Richard! I wasn’t born yesterday. I want first-hand details, so don’t put me off or spare my sensibilities. This is important for my granddaughter’s welfare. The horrified look on your face tells me things are not as simple as they appear.”
“Well, I must beg your pardon, your Grace, if I cause you offence in the telling.” His face had turned even grimmer, but Eleanor waved her hand for him to continue, so he did.
“I first came across him in New Orleans. By the time I got to know him, he had gained a reputation for drinking, gambling, and whoring. He thought to trick me out of money by persuading me to buy into a scheme to mine for gold, which I declined. When that didn’t work, he tried to borrow money, not only from me but from others. Then I heard he had struck it rich, though no one seemed to know where these riches had come from—though news eventually reached us from the Mississippi area that a huge robbery had taken place in Greenville from a banking family. Some of the gang were discovered but died in a gunfight. No one discovered the mastermind behind the robbery or the whereabouts of most of the money.
“About the same time that took place, a prostitute was discovered in the French Quarter, savagely beaten to death. Word on the street revealed Tasker was implicated, and the local police were after him. By this time, he had disappeared, and despite the rigorous searches employed after that, no trace of him was found. Escaping back here, he would have been certain to travel under an alias to disguise his movements and so evade capture.
“Of course, if he was previously known as Edmund Tasker hereabouts, he would need to revert to the same name if he wanted to retain his property and live here as before. But it is a long way from Louisiana, and I doubt if people hereabouts would have heard or made the connection. The trouble is, there is no proof I can offer to anyone. I might be making up a story. I could let the authorities in New Orleans know he has surfaced here, but it could take months before an investigation was raised. To be truthful, I have my own affairs to attend to, and I would rather not get involved with someone like that. He sickens me, even though I know it is not an isolated case. I’ve heard that some men cannot help themselves. Their sexual satisfaction is sought by violence, and more often than not, the woman dies. I am certain Lucie would be at dreadful risk if she married him. You say his first wife died. Do you know the circumstances?”
Her face paling, Eleanor sat forward in her chair, and he glimpsed consternation in her eyes, an unexpected crack in her usually polished composure. She dragged in a breath and stared back at him. “I can add something to your testimony of his nature, but not now, we have no time. No doubt you would like to freshen up before luncheon. My housekeeper, Mrs Firth, has your room ready. She will provide all you need. After lunch, I will give Lucie a small errand to do and see you in my study where we can talk privately. Later, I would suggest you let Lucie show you the grounds while I take my rest. Does that suit, Richard?”
“Yes, of course. It will give me time to assemble my thoughts and decide on the best way to proceed. In view of Tasker being your neighbour, I shall undoubtedly meet him at some point, and I’d like your guidance on how I should act.” He rose to his feet and helped his godmother from her chair before following Mrs Firth up to his room. There was no sign of Lucie, and he had yet to figure out how he could make amends for his faux pas.
* * * *
Sometime later, Richard descended the stairs for luncheon. He was bathed and changed. Fawn trousers with a pale waistcoat and white shirt under a dark green morning coat, an intricately tied cravat, and polished black hessians, signified a man who took care of his attire but was not a dandy. Watching him stroll, effortlessly graceful, into the small dining room, Lucie was struck by the contrast of his size, the width of his shoulders, and the impression of harnessed power all combined in one male that no one would rate as anything less than dangerous. She reviewed her thoughts of teasing him—which she now felt would be a mistake—and concentrated instead on his looks which did nothing for her peace of mind.
His expression was bland, though it did nothing to soften the hard angles of his face, the austere set of his features, the icy blue eyes set under straight brown eyebrows, amazingly thick eyelashes, chiselled lips and a shaven chin, with a slight dent in the middle, and dark brown hair cut a little longer than was the present fashion. His aquiline nose was in keeping with the rest of his features, denoting the noble family he had come from. The deep bow showed the charm of his upbringing, and he smiled engagingly as he saw her.
“Lady Lucie, my tongue was wayward when we first met, so please accept my earnest apologies for my mistake. I trust we may continue our acquaintance from this moment on and forget the earlier meeting. It is many years since I was last here, and I had almost forgotten what a truly pleasant estate this is. So appealingly English in its nature and unlike the places I have seen in my travels. You must be very happy living here.”
She surveyed him silently for a moment or two as she contemplated how she would answer, but recalling how pleased her grandmother was at his visit, decided she would not be missish. Eleanor evidently regarded her godson as being rather special, and in any case, he was a guest and should not be penalised for getting the wrong impression.
“Yes.” She smiled agreeably, her face lighting up. “I love my home and every
thing around here, particularly the people. We have a comfortable relationship with everyone living at the manor, and I count them as my family. I presume you are back in England to stay. You will no doubt be glad to get back to your own home and acquaint yourself with your childhood friends.”
Thinking that Eleanor would have told her of his circumstances, he frowned at her words and sighed. “Many of whom will be long gone, I expect, and I am not yet sure of a welcome or even a desire to take up the reins of responsibility and make my life there. I had planned to remain abroad and never return to England.”
“But surely you have family?” She raised her brows in amazement.
Her surprise shocked him as he realised she knew nothing of his present situation. His godmother obviously kept a close guard on her tongue and was no blabbermouth. Just then, Eleanor appeared, and they took their seats at the table. The meal passed pleasantly, with Richard recounting some light-hearted tales of the places he had visited abroad. They were at the point of finishing and Eleanor was just about to suggest the errand she had planned for Lucie when Rowten entered the dining room and bowed to Eleanor. “Excuse me, your Grace, but Butters begs a moment of milady Lucie’s time, if she can. He needs her advice on the next stage of the greenhouse. Do you wish me to delay him?”
Lucie looked at her grandmother who immediately waved her hand in dismissal. “Off you go, Lucie. See what Butters wants, and take your time. Richard and I will be perfectly relaxed with our chat. Perhaps, when I take my rest, you’ll show Richard the garden.” She turned to him. “Lucie takes after her grandfather who was devoted to the garden, and so I leave everything to her and Butters, our head gardener. Between them, they have created a place of beauty. Undoubtedly, a joy to behold, and everyone does.”
Richard rose and bowed as Lucie left the room then resumed his seat.
“Well, that was providential, Richard,” Eleanor said after Lucie left. “We will adjourn to a room where we won’t be disturbed. Thank you, Rowten. We will have our coffee in my study.” She rose, and Richard followed her to her private place of work.
Once they were seated, Eleanor said, “You have given me a great deal to think about, Richard. I have to confess I’ve nearly made a dreadful mistake and ignored the pleas of Lucie who is adamant that she will never accept a courting from Tasker. The carriage accident where Lord Tasker’s wife lost her life was deemed a tragic misfortune by everyone. However, following his return here and an invitation to dinner at his home, which I own was a surprise as I’ve never been asked before, I found Lucie’s reluctance to accept even more unexpected, until she admitted something she had known since his wife died. She and Emmeline were childhood friends. After Emmeline’s marriage to Tasker, they used to meet secretly. Lucie told me of her unhappiness and the bruising she had seen on her friend’s body, and the fact she was informed by her friend that she planned to run away to escape his cruelty. Because Lucie was so horrified when she told me of Emmeline’s injuries, I gathered she was indeed severely maltreated. Lucie also said she suspected the accident was contrived to rid him of an unwanted wife. I could scarcely believe the tale and thought it all imagination, principally because she was lacking proof to convince me.”
“I would say, even without evidence, that Lucie was correct. It ties in with what I know of the man, and even more, what I suspect. It is too much of a coincidence to ignore. What do you plan to do about his offer to court Lucie?”
“Naturally, I shall say no. Fortunately, this will meet with Lucie’s wishes. She detests him and will not argue with the plans I have made to remove to London for the season. The trouble is, I have left things too long, but I have loved the child dearly and did not want to part with her. However, I must guard her interests in spite of the fact I am getting old—far too old to take on the rigours of a London Season. The very thought appals me, yet I need to see her settled before I meet my maker. She is a wealthy heiress, and the estate is not entailed. She will inherit everything I leave which does not give me a scrap of comfort as she will be besieged the moment the ton realises I am looking for a bridegroom for her. Tasker’s proposal might have provided an answer to the problem of removing to the city. A selfish thought on my part until your news has made indulging it totally out of the question. There is no way I would condemn Lucie to a marriage with Tasker. The problem is, what should I do now, Richard? Continue with my plans for London or what?”
He was about to reply when a knock at the door heralded Rowten. “I’m sorry to interrupt, your Grace, but Lord Tasker has arrived and wishes to speak with you again. Unfortunately, Thomas—the young footman I am training—answered the door instead and allowed his lordship to know you were at home and you would perhaps see him.”
Eleanor humphed and rose to her feet. “Very well, I suppose I’d better see him and get the matter settled. He’s in the drawing room, Rowten?” The butler nodded. “Wait here, Richard, I won’t be long. I shall put an end to his request to court Lucie. Fortunately, I have the authority to do so.”
Chapter Four
Leaning on her stick, Eleanor made her way to the drawing room, her mind working busily at what she would say. Advancing into the room beautifully decorated in shades of azure and pale pink as her butler opened the door for her, she only nodded towards the man without saying anything as Tasker bowed to her. Going to a cushioned chaise, she laid her stick to one side and sat down. Taking her time, she carefully arranged her skirts before looking up and gesturing to Tasker to sit opposite.
“Lord Tasker, this is an unexpected pleasure, how can I help you?”
Clearly irritated with her regal air and that she’d deliberately kept him standing before allowing him to sit. Tasker pursed his lips and frowned. “This is the third time I have called to see you, so it seems I am lucky to find you available. I am eager, as you probably guess, to know your intentions regarding your granddaughter and my offer. I have given the matter a great deal of thought as she is much younger than I, but I feel I can make a good marriage with her.”
The countess gazed intently at the man, wondering how, with all her experience of people and their devious ways, she had previously missed the hard glint in his eyes or the way his fists had momentarily clenched as he spoke. He did not like dealing with a woman. His attitude made that plain. However, he had no other option but to deal with her, aging and female though she was. Her wishes regarding her granddaughter were paramount. Had she been Lucie’s father, he would have felt far more comfortable being able to deal with a man. But, like it or not, the duchess was the one facing him, and it was her he would have to transact business with.
“Lady Lucie is dear to my heart, and I have viewed her future with regard to her wishes in the matter as well as my own. I gave your proposal much thought, my lord, and, like you, regarded the difference in age. Whilst your proposal had merit, the difference must be addressed. It was not necessarily insurmountable, but in this case, together with other factors, I found it did not suit either of us or recent plans I have previously set in motion before we came to dinner with you. I regret the delay in informing you, but I have been busy with important matters to do with my estate which always take precedence. For that reason, I’m sorry, Lord Tasker, but I do not give you leave to court my granddaughter. Neither of us finds it appropriate.”
To her surprise, he stood at once, as though expecting her answer, and chuckled. “Oh well,” he said. “Faint heart never won fair lady. Who knows, maybe circumstances will change and you will be more receptive of my suit when I ask you again, as I undoubtedly will. If I set my heart on something, I invariably win, be sure of it.”
She was about to answer that she wasn’t in the habit of changing her mind but became conscious that his eyes were impassive with no sign of humour. Worse, the strange chuckle had sent a cold shiver down her back. He bowed and went to the door. “Till we meet again, your Grace, I remain your obedient servant.” He bowed again and left.
Rowten showed him out and immediately retu
rned to the drawing room and helped the duchess to her feet, his face even more grave than usual. “If you’ll pardon me, your Grace, I’m speaking out of turn, which is not a state I’m happy with. But you know I am devoted to you and have your interests always at heart. I have to say bluntly I do not like that man.”
He led the way into the hall and paused again. “With my long service in your employ, dealing with so many people, I have gained enough experience to judge how some react. How their appearance or actions hide their true nature. I strongly feel he is not to be trusted. You will take care, won’t you?”
Eleanor patted Rowten’s sleeve as she went past, aware that he had probably listened at the door. “Don’t worry, Rowten, I know exactly what you mean and entirely agree. I do not like him or trust him, and I will take care. Meanwhile”—she smiled at her long-serving retainer, knowing how well they knew each other—“do all you can to instruct that footman. I don’t care for unexpected callers.”
* * * *
Richard knew at once, when Eleanor returned to the study, that the visit from Tasker had upset her. As he guided her into an armchair, he felt her trembling and gently rubbed a caring hand across her shoulders as he would have done if she was his mother. What on earth had the man said to cause the changed and whitened look of her face?
“Not the most pleasant of visits, I perceive, Aunt Eleanor. How can I help?” He drew his chair close to her and, reaching out, took hold of her hand.
She paused to think. “It wasn’t what was said—well, at least not precisely—it was the look that went with it. Oh, I don’t know, perhaps I’m imagining things, but it felt like a threat.”
“Even if I didn’t know what Tasker is capable of, I know you and the wisdom you own. I believe you are now aware I was not exaggerating when I told you of the events in New Orleans. The man was skint, grasping at anything that would make him money, almost begging, and a moment later, he suddenly appears back here in affluent circumstances. How do you know he is wealthy? Was he wealthy before he left here after his wife’s death?”
A Perilous Marriage Page 4
