Once Upon an Accident 01 - The Accidental Countess

by Melissa Schroeder

  “You were still considered a person of interest when you were on the continent. You have money, and that is a motivator to some of the more unsavory elements of our society,” Jenkins remarked.

  “You don’t think it was for the money?”

  “No, all of you, through your grandfather’s good foresight, have money and estates to run. Your father, as did your uncle, worked hard on the estates, and their wealth grew. James accomplished neither.”

  “Are you telling me he’s under the hatches?”

  “No, he does well enough, although there are some indications he has a gambling problem. The motivator in this case, as I said, sir, is the title. And he has a daughter in her third season, with no offer in sight.” Jenkins’ voice had risen with his agitation.

  “The title? You think that my uncle killed his brother and nephew all for a title? Then had someone attack me? That’s insane.”

  “Yes. In my opinion. But some people revere a title more than wealth, more than happiness.”

  “What do you want from me?”

  “I thought I should warn you. When your cousin first called on me, I didn’t believe him. Thought he had an overactive imagination. Young lord, just lost his father, the mind can play tricks on a man who has a lot of time on his hands. But as I dug deeper, my instincts told me that there is something there. Someone is killing off the Earls of Penwyth. And in my opinion, you’re the next in line to die.”

  *

  Silk sheets slid over her skin as Colleen turned over on her back. Silk sheets? Her eyes shot open, panic cramping her stomach. She squinted but couldn’t make out the room. She wiggled to the edge of the bed, found a nightstand then her spectacles. She donned them, and when she was finally able to see, looked around the room. She was home, but she wasn’t. Her new home was one of silks and fine china, of priceless vases and expensive furnishings. Of a husband who sent her pulse racing.

  Where had that thought come from?

  Truth was she felt like an imposter. She was the Countess of Penwyth, and she was a fraud. She longed for her tiny cottage with the smell of baked bread. She didn’t want fine things, or a husband who didn’t want her in return.

  She sighed. Weak winter sunlight streamed through the window, casting shadows around the room. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood only to have them buckle beneath her. She grabbed onto the mattress and eased step by step to the bedpost. Her legs shook with each step, her head whirling.

  “What the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?”

  She winced at Sebastian’s harsh tone. Then irritation and anger rode high. She glanced over her shoulder as he approached.

  “Trying to escape,” she said, knowing she sounded like a small child.

  “Here, let me help you.” His voice was full of aggravated male. He grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her in his arms. “What are you about?”

  “I was going to walk to the chair,” she said, pointing in the direction of where they had sat when they shared their meal.

  He switched direction and gently placed her in the chair.

  “I’m not an invalid, you know.”

  He sighed. “No, but you are still weak. I’m sure you’ll be full of insults tomorrow.”

  She looked up at him as he stared down at her with narrowed eyes. “What?”

  “You don’t look well. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were at death’s door. You’re too pale, and you’ve dark circles under your eyes.”

  “Oh, my lord earl, you know how to romance a woman.” The sarcasm dripped from her words. She couldn’t help it. Even though she knew she shouldn’t care, the fact that he found her lacking hurt.

  He threw back his head and let go of a laugh that bounced off the walls of the room. She stared at him, transfixed by the sight. His usual cool mask had disappeared. He was replaced by a man so charming, so completely free, she blinked at the transformation.

  When he stopped laughing, he focused on her and his lips curved seductively. Her heart slammed against her chest, and she had to look away. His blue eyes sparkling with humor sent a shiver of something she couldn’t define sliding through her system, leaving her lightheaded. “I can always count on you, my lady, to put me in my place.”

  She ignored the curious warmth that curled in her belly when he called her my lady. She didn’t want to be his lady. She didn’t want to be anyone’s lady.

  “I have no doubt you will have much more interesting insults tomorrow.” He stretched out his long legs, brushing the bottom of her wrapper with the tops of his boots. She moved her feet. “Now, I wanted to warn you. Mother is insisting on a trip to the modiste’s tomorrow. If you don’t feel well enough, tell her. She’ll complain, but in the end she’ll understand.”

  There was a knock at the door. Sebastian bid them to come in. A footman entered holding another tray laden with food.

  “Thank you, Stephen,” Sebastian said. “I took the liberty of having your meal arranged for you.”

  Stephen, a young man with light hair and a ruddy complexion, placed the tray on the table beside her.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  He hurried out the door.

  “You are not going to complain about my highhandedness?” Sebastian asked, his voice infused with laughter.

  “I’m really too tired to bother,” she replied smartly as she filled her plate. Then she shot him a smile. “I’m also hungry.”

  He chuckled. “One of these days that sarcasm is going to get you into trouble.”

  “Hmm. Aren’t you going to eat?”

  “No. I’m going to my club later. But I wanted to make sure you were attended to.”

  She just bet he was heading to his club. He probably intended to spend the evening with a ladybird in a cozy little property. She looked down at her plate and applied herself to eating. She couldn’t fight the irritating feeling he was deserting her. He’d brought her to the capital, and now he planned on running off to have fun with some beautiful woman. Why, they hadn’t even been in the capital for a day, and he was already forsaking his marriage vows. She swallowed her comments, knowing she had no right to question and definitely no right to judge him. Good night, she barely knew the man.

  The emotion burning in her chest caused her appetite to sour. She sipped a bit of tea and thought about it. Why was she so upset that he was going out tonight? She should be happy he was leaving her alone. That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it?

  The thought of Sebastian with his arms wrapped around another woman sent a searing heat of anger rolling through her. She blinked as she tried to swallow her food. She wasn’t jealous, was she? No, there was no way she could be jealous of a woman who had to endure Sebastian’s company.

  Her appetite now completely dissolved, she said, “I guess I am not as hungry as I thought.”

  She couldn’t meet his eyes, but the whisper of his concerned gaze sent a vibration down her spine. He helped her back to bed, pulling the covers to her chin as if she were a child.

  “Get some rest, Colleen.” His voice was absolute. She glanced up and had to look away. The worry in his eyes bothered her and made her feel comforted at the same time. Before Sebastian, it had been so long since she’d been cared for. It was disconcerting how much she yearned for his attention.

  He was out the door a second later, and she was left to ponder her disturbing thoughts.

  *

  Victoria sipped her tea, laced with a heavy dose of brandy, in the privacy of her sitting room. It had been a long trip home. Sighing in contentment, she closed her eyes and thought of her daughter-in-law. There was something so familiar about Colleen. Her eyes had struck Victoria from the moment they met. Grey, no hint of blue, very unusual.

  Her mind drifted back thirty years to her first few years of marriage. She’d been so happy, so thrilled to have married the man she loved. A memory she’d forgotten rose, of a young woman, the granddaughter of a duke. The young girl had been considered the cat
ch of the season and should have been having the time of her life. But there was a sadness about her, something Victoria realized many people didn’t see. Didn’t want to see. The ton liked their entertainment, and they wanted their Incomparable of the Season to adhere to their ideal.

  Again, the image of the woman flashed across Victoria’s mind. Impeccably dressed, statuesque, demure, all of these described the woman, but the thing that Victoria always noted when she saw the other woman was bone-deep sorrow in her eyes. Victoria’s own eyes snapped open; her heartbeat sped up a beat or two when she thought of the color of the sad woman’s eyes. Clear, cool grey, fringed with dark lashes, so like Colleen’s.

  Her mind twisted through the memories, trying to remember the woman’s name, trying to remember what happened to her. It had been a simple name, something… Jane…that was it. She remembered there had been some kind of a scandal attached to her. Scores of men had been attracted to her, not just because of her position as a duke’s granddaughter, but because of her beauty, her poise. There had been rumors hinting that she’d received at least a half a dozen proposals, all of which she had refused. A duke’s son had offered, but she had turned him down. Her father had thrown a fit. What was her father’s name?

  Duke of Ethingham. She had forgotten about the old bastard. And for good reason. The man was an excellent example of a lazy aristocrat. Word was he had peculiar tastes, especially for inflicting pain and for young girls. Victoria shivered. He’d died several years later, killed in a duel.

  The young woman’s father had insisted on the match, or at least that is what everyone had said. But the scandal had involved another young man, Scottish, the younger son of a laird…they had run off together.

  Now, Victoria just had to come up with a plan to discover if her theory was right or not.

  *

  Upon entering his club, Sebastian claimed a seat next to a blazing fire. It had been over nine months since he’d entered White’s, and after dealing with women for the past six days, he needed a break. He took a healthy swig of brandy and allowed it to seep into his muscles and relax him.

  “Ho, Sebastian,” a voice bellowed from behind him. “When did you get back into town?”

  He turned and watched as Daniel, Earl of Bridgerton, walked across the room. Only an inch shorter than he, Daniel contrasted him in looks with light brown hair and golden brown eyes. Many matchmaking mamas wanted their daughter to be the man’s countess, much to Daniel’s irritation. Even with his reputation, most of it deserved, debutantes tried their best to capture his attention. As far as Sebastian knew, Daniel still swore to never marry.

  His best friend since their salad days, Daniel was treated as a member of Sebastian’s family. His life at home had not been good, and he had spent most holidays at school until Sebastian’s mother had discovered what was going on. After that, he had been a regular at every holiday event.

  He rose and accepted Daniel’s hand. After they were seated, Daniel came right to the point. “Did your ninny of a sister and your mother find you?”

  “Yes, they did. I was in York when they finally found me.”

  “Ah. They lost the men I had following them just outside of London. I guess they told you about the whole mess?” He sighed. “Shame really. Liked your uncle and your cousin.”

  Sebastian nodded. “Both damn fine men and best of friends. Hard to believe they are gone.”

  As if knowing Sebastian’s mood was quickly turning sour, Daniel changed the subject. “So how does it feel to be an earl now? The matchmaking mamas are all atwitter over rumors of your return. They assume you are going to marry to beget an heir.”

  Sebastian smiled. “That won’t be necessary.”

  “It won’t? Can’t see that you would want the title to go to that skinflint of an uncle and his wife.” Daniel shuddered theatrically, and Sebastian laughed. “I almost feel sorry for that dowdy little cousin of yours… What is her name?”

  “Cicely.” He thought about the quiet girl he’d met a handful of times and her overbearing mother and absent father. “James and Prudence must be nightmare parents.”

  Daniel took a healthy swig of his brandy when Sebastian made his next statement.

  “That won’t happen. You see, I’ve found myself a wife.”

  Daniel choked on his drink. “A wife? You’re getting married?”

  “I am married.”

  Daniel’s gaze sharpened as he studied him, but Sebastian just smiled smugly.

  “I think we should retire to my house, and I expect the entire story, Sebastian.”

  A half hour later, he followed Daniel into his library. “Now, tell me about this woman you have married. Is there a way out of it?”

  He watched Daniel pour two glasses of brandy. After witnessing what Sebastian’s marriage did to him, Daniel had sworn never to repeat the mistake. Sebastian had made the same pledge, but here he was, married to a woman he barely knew.

  “I’m not sure I want a way out of it,” Sebastian said as he settled in a chair. “The woman saved my life and I ruined her reputation.”

  “She trapped you?” Suspicion colored his voice.

  Sebastian chuckled. “She’s not that thrilled about being married to me. It all started at Crammer’s house party.”

  As Daniel listened to the story, his eyes grew wider and more concerned. “Is the marriage legal?”

  “Do you mean is there a possible way to relieve myself of my wife?”

  Daniel nodded.

  “I am sure there would be if I protested it. But it was all done legally, under the vicar, with a special license. And besides, I could not leave the woman after her reputation had been ruined, thanks to saving my life.”

  After a few minutes of silence, Daniel sighed. “You’re telling me someone knocked you on the head, doused you with whiskey and left you to die?”

  “Yes, and if she hadn’t found me, I would surely be dead.”

  In a quiet voice, Daniel said, “Given what’s happened recently, I would have to say that was someone’s plan.”

  Chapter Ten

  Sebastian didn’t say a word for several seconds and allowed Daniel’s suspicions to sink in. The first thing he felt was relief. He’d been so sure he was losing his mind with all the ideas of assassins and conspiracies floating around.

  “Do you think this new wife of yours could be part of the plan?” Daniel asked.

  Sebastian chuckled, thinking of the verbal lashing Colleen would give Daniel for that accusation. “No, I told you she saved my life. On top of that, she doesn’t have a dishonest bone in her body.”

  Daniel’s eyes narrowed. “Really?”

  “Yes, really. I’m not losing my mind here, and truthfully, being married to a woman with no connections, no dowry and no personality, doesn’t appeal. But I owed the woman. Why would she save my life if she were part of the plan?”

  Daniel settled back in his chair, a frown creasing his forehead. “Well, then, if the runner you told me about believes that your cousin and uncle were murdered, and now the killer is after you, it has to be someone in line for the earldom.”

  “James.”

  “Uncle James. That man always made me uncomfortable. He has those beady little eyes.”

  Sebastian laughed. “I know what you mean. He was always an outsider. But I can’t see that he would be after the earldom. Silly in my opinion.”

  It was Daniel’s turn to chuckle. “No, you wouldn’t, but men have been killed over lesser titles. The title, money and land; that would be more than enough to tempt some. Of course, you will have another worry. Once whoever is after your title finds out you’ve married, you will not be the only target.”

  “And why, pray tell, would my wife be a target? That is, assuming you are referring to my new bride.”

  “Think, Sebastian. Any heir would keep whoever wants the title from having it. And he would have to wait until at least three or four months after your demise to ensure she wasn’t breeding, to gain the tit
le.”

  “Hmmm,” was all Sebastian could say. Mainly because his thoughts had turned to Colleen and begetting heirs. He knew he could tame the woman. When they had kissed, he felt her underlying passion, something shimmering below the surface. She kept it well hidden from the rest of the world, but he knew he could unlock it and reap the rewards.

  Just thinking about his wife and her passion had sent all of his blood out of his head rushing straight to his groin. He stifled a groan and shifted in his chair, trying to relieve the pressure.

  “Ah, so I guess the killer would have to worry about your heirs?” Daniel asked, one eyebrow raised in question.

  “No, not yet. But…” The image of Colleen with her soft curves and warm flesh materialized. The pressure intensified.

  Sebastian gulped down the remainder of his brandy and rose to fill the glass again. It was going to be a long few nights until he could unleash Colleen’s inner passion. He needed something to take his mind off his wife, he thought as he drank down more brandy.

  *

  “Jameson, I can undressh myshelf,” Sebastian slurred loud enough for everyone on Curzon Street to hear.

  Colleen opened her eyes, her husband’s voice bringing her out of a sound sleep. She sat up, testing her body. No more dizziness and just a few aches. She grabbed her spectacles off her nightstand and donned them and her wrapper. She rose out of bed and crept to the door she assumed connected her chamber to her husband’s room.

  “I’ll tell you when I want some help from you, Jameson. This ish not one of those times.”

  Jameson’s “Yes, my lord” was barely audible.

  The door opened then closed, telling Colleen that her husband must be alone. She waited, wondering if she should interrupt him to make sure he could make it to bed.

  “Bloody hell!” he yelled, which was followed by the sound of a large body falling to the floor. Colleen threw the door open and rushed into the room to find her husband in much the same condition as she had found him that very first time. Laid out flat on the floor. Only this time he was fully awake, a sloppy drunken grin on his face.