La Contessa and The Marquis (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 1)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Thank you. When I return I’ll have my valet with me whom I believe you know, Mike?”

  “It will be a pleasure to see him after all this time. I’ll also make his presence is known to the staff so they won’t panic seeing a new face around,” Stanley said, then bowed.

  With more freedom to meander about, especially the grounds Rainer would now be able to investigate entry points which might need guarding. Accepting the bow with a nod he made his way down the stairs and out the opened, by a footman, front door. Alice was already seated beside Daniel and whispered something to him which made him chuckle. Whatever it was Rainer would have to speak with Mrs. Scott to make sure the girl is behaving.

  “Back to the townhouse and come in through the mews,” he instructed the man, climbed in and settled back against the squabs.

  As the carriage slowly made its way out of the courtyard he glanced back and up to the windows. In one he saw Bianca looking down at him and wave, something he’d not expected to see, but was pleased he had. Now, more than ever he couldn’t wait to get back but more importantly to bring a quick conclusion to finding the men sent to kidnap her.

  By now, having escorted her around Hyde Park, under the watchful eye of the duchess he’d hazard the mastermind would have his townhouse under a watch. This had been his reason for going in through the rear. Later, on departing he’d have his new coachman leave the same way.

  With the short trip over he climbed down then started for the rear, kitchen, entrance. As he placed his hands on the latch he halted and turned around.

  Alice, he saw had already disappeared into the townhouse through the servant entrance leaving Daniel on the ground to handle the horses.

  “Turn them over to another coachman, who will take me back to the palace. I have another job for you. Once free report to my office,” Rainer ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lord and I know the perfect man to drive you back, young Tommy.”

  “Good, then I’ll see you shortly.”

  When he stepped in the first person he saw was his butler.

  “I told Daniel to come to my office. Also, did the message arrive for Mike regarding our change in direction?”

  “I’ll make sure he finds his way. Your valet did receive the note. If I might ask, what came over Her Grace to allow you to take up residence?”

  “It’s about providing better protection for la Contessa. On that point have you been able to learn anything more about the men?” he asked, while they made their way from the kitchen and into the main part of the house.

  “No m’ lord and I’ve exhausted most of my contacts but I’ll keep ferreting out what I can.”

  “Thank you. Make sure when my trunk is packed it’s taken to the landau. I’ll be returning to Her Grace and la Contessa after I take care of a few pieces of business,” Rainer ordered.

  “If I might, so you don’t need to return daily would you wish I have the posts hand delivered to you?”

  He wanted to curse at himself for not thinking of something as simple as his mail. Considering most would be invitations to some event; a ball, picnic or the opera he knew the duchess would receive the same. As such, Bianca would also be attending them so he would.

  “No, the only posts you need to send are one regarding the estates or business. Have them brought over by a footman in street clothes with another following a bit behind for protection. I’ve no idea, as of yet, the threats I’m having to deal with,” he told Bobby as they stepped into Rainer’s office.

  What he pointedly left out, someone wanted to kidnap her. That the man would learn if and when the time was right and his assistance was needed.

  “I’ll see to it personally and have a good idea the perfect men for the task. They will be arriving at the kitchen door so you should make Cook, Stanley or Mrs. Worthington aware.”

  After pouring a whisky he glanced to Bobby. “With the interview with Daniel, I need you present.”

  “Certainly, m’ lord. If you’ll excuse me I’ll fetch the man.”

  With a wave of his hand Rainer dismissed his butler then took a seat at his desk. Tossing the invitations aside he opened and read through the first of his several estate reports. He was pleased to note everything was going well and the crop yield would exceed that of last year. This news brought a smile to him as the new plan to rotate crops was working as expected. He opened the seal on the next when Bobby returned with his coachman in tow.

  “First off you’re not in trouble. On the drive over here I remembered Alice is your younger sister. That’s not, though, why I called you here. Earlier, at Her Grace’s residence, you told me your uncle worked on the dock.”

  “Yes m’ lord ever since I was a wee lad.”

  “I need you to hunt him down and see if he knows of several gentlemen, the ones you saw last eve, from Italy. If possible what part of the country they’re from and if they are employed by another. Also, whatever other information you can get from your uncle about them will be a help.”

  “Yes, m’ lord I can do that easily as uncle loves to boast about foreign gentry’s trunks which end up in the river.”

  “By accident, of course,” Rainer retorted with a grin.

  “Certainly, he nor the men who work with him would ever do anything like that on purpose.”

  “That’s what I thought. When you have any information report back to Bobby, tell him and he’ll write it down then send it to me.”

  “Thank you m’ lord as I’m not good with my letters and numbers.” Daniel hung his head in shame.

  “Think nothing of it. Now off you go and don’t forget to wear attire suitable for the docks, and don’t get picked up by any press gangs.”

  “I’ve the perfect clothes to help me fit in and the gangs won’t bother me when I mention my uncle’s name. They fear him more than the ship captains,” the coachman proudly boasted, bowed and with Bobby left.

  Alone, Rainer glanced at the few letters remaining and realized they could be dealt with upon returning to his godmother’s house. Collecting them he downed the last of his drink, marched from the room and took the servant stairs down to the kitchen.

  On entering he saw Mrs. Scott was enjoying a cup of tea in the staff dining room. Strolling up he stopped her from standing and giving him a curtsey with a raised hand.

  “I’m sure you’ve already heard, I’m taking up temporary residence with my godmother. And before you ask, don’t, but it’s all for the best. I plan to be gone for only a few day, a week at most depending on how thing play out.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. I already knew you’d not be here and have planned accordingly. Worry not when you and la Contessa return you, and more importantly she, will find everything as it should be.”

  As much as he wished to enquire about the latter part of her statement he held his tongue. All he knew, she along with his senior staff seemed to know things about him before he did. With a smile he turned and quietly slipped through the same door he’d used not that long ago.

  Chapter Six

  Bleary eyed from either a very late night, or was it early morning Bianca couldn’t decide as she feebly tossed the covers off. Crawling from her bed, the sounds of staff walking and talking outside her suite assaulted her. With care she made her way to the bell pull, yanked it three times then stumbled into her private room.

  With her morning routine finished Bianca stepped back into the main part of her suite, to be met by a smiling Chrissy carrying a silver tray laden with sustenance.

  “Wipe that grin off your face this instant,” she tried to demand but she could tell her voice didn’t have its usual force to it, no thanks to last night’s reverie.

  “Don’t you dare try snapping at me missy. Just because you partook of an extra glass or three of champagne which caused His Lordship to carry you up here. He then deposited you brusquely on your bed. All of which occurred under the stern watchful eye of Her Grace, I should point out.”

  Bianca let out a sigh knowing that at least her hon
our was still intact. Now, she only had to deal with her godmother, and the furor she suspected was coming. Then again, what would Rainer say or do on seeing her. If she stayed hidden in her suite that wouldn’t be good either as the duchess would hunt her down.

  “Did either say anything?” she asked Chrissy.

  “Considering the daggered glares Her Grace was shooting at His Lordship I believe he didn’t and doesn’t dare utter a word. All Her Grace said was to let you sleep as needed. Now, which day dress do you wish to wear today?”

  “The pale yellow one with the elbow length sleeves. I don’t plan on going out since I wish to practice my pianoforte. As for this evening I’ll decide later.”

  “Very good m’ lady. And might I recommend keeping your hair simple in a braid bunched at your nape.”

  “Perfect. Now I’ll have whatever you brought for me,” she said.

  As the tray was on the mahogany table in front of the window seat she decided to eat there. It would also give her a chance to gaze out over the garden. As she dined on several slices of beef with horseradish on the side, a chilled vegetable melody and fresh baked bread she studied the comings and goings of the garden staff. Then she spied him, the one man she didn’t wish to see at least right now—Rainer.

  It was even more disconcerting for her was when he happened to glance up to her window and give her a sweeping bow. She could feel her face warm at not only being found out but still in her nightrail. She was happy, though, she was covered with a dressing gown. Granted, Bianca knew between the two pieces of attire they barely hid her from him all she could do was nod and continue eating. Then a thought slipped into her mind.

  “Chrissy, stay where you are until I direct you. It would seem His Lordship is in the garden and has found my window. What I need you to do is carefully come here from the side and close the curtain. As long as he’s there I dare not move and as I’m about finished dining I wish to dress,” she directed her maid.

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  Bianca didn’t need to watch Chrissy as the clomping about the room announced where she was. In minutes the blinds were drawn allowing her to rise and retreat back into the depth of her suite.

  “Thank you. Now help me dress. With Lord Cross in the garden I believe this would be the perfect opportunity to practice my archery. After all, if something happens he’ll be there to protect me from harm.”

  “M’ lady, I agree with you. I only feel sorry for him if he gets too close to the target,” Chrissy announced pleasurably.

  “Yes, now wouldn’t it. Then again, it might teach him not to look into a lady’s window.”

  Dressed, and with her hair set comfortably at the base of her neck, Bianca made her way down to the ground floor with her quiver dangling down her back and bow in hand. After looking through the glass French doors she smiled on seeing Rainer still strolling about the beds. With a deep, calming breath she stepped out onto the veranda and casually made her way down to the lawn.

  Turning left she was happy her target, not Rainer even though from his actions earlier he would have been perfect, was still resting on its tripod Along with a small marquee, which had been insisted upon by the duchess, which she stood under. As her godmother had informed her, ‘since you practice while not wearing at least a bonnet I insist upon it’. Since it was tall enough not to interfere, Bianca acquiesced.

  With ease, from years of practice, she reached over her shoulder, withdrew an arrow, nocked it on the string, drew back and released it. She watched as it flew straight and into the middle of the target. Repeating the exercise six more times, each missile matched the previous. Setting the bow against the tent wall she marched forward and pulled them out placing each back in the quiver.

  As she returned to her shooting spot she grimaced on seeing Rainer storming up. She could tell from the scowl he wore on his devilishly handsome face he was mad at something. If she didn’t miss her guess, he was angry at her for seemingly being outside supposedly unprotected, to which she mentally shrugged her shoulder.

  “Good afternoon, m’ lord. Isn’t it a lovely day?” she announced, with a slight smirk to her lips.

  Bianca steeled herself for his retort as she already had hers ready. She wasn’t about to back down from him either for she knew she was right in her actions. To annoy him even more she set in her mind to treat him not as a friend but what he was, an over-demanding male.

  “Yes it is, but what are you doing out here without even a footman for protection,” Rainer snapped at her.

  “Lord Cross, if you’ll look to the steps at your back you will see not one but two footmen at my beck and call. Also, I should add, I was aware you were out here so I knew I was safe. Now, if you’ll excuse me I wish to practice my archery a little longer.”

  Not bothering to wait for a response she turned on her heel and marched over to marquee. Retrieving her bow from where she’d left it she next withdrew an arrow, nocked it and in one smooth motion let it fly. Even somewhat still upset with Rainer she was amazed when it hit in the same spot as before.

  “You’re very good.”

  She heard from behind and chose to ignore him. Her attention was then drawn to movement on the terrace and the duchess.

  “Contessa Goretti, darling, would you care for tea?”

  As she’d already made her point with ‘that man’ Bianca decided it would be a good idea as a cup would help calm her.

  “Certainly Your Grace. Let me retrieve my arrow and I’ll be in directly,” she answered, then strolled up to the target and pulled it out.

  Still ignoring but at the same time wondering if Rainer would join them she started for the mansion. Climbing the steps she noticed a silver tea pot along with three cups and a tray of pastries. They’d been set on one of several glass-topped wrought-iron tables on the veranda. This particular one had been moved into the shade. Glancing to the duchess Bianca understood why.

  “Yes my dear I know I’m not wearing my bonnet. Having tea out here was a last minute decision on my part. With the table where it is I feel one’s not needed. Now, I couldn’t help but notice a bit of tension between you and Lord Cross. As you can see it is set for three. If you desire we won’t have him join us?”

  While handing her bow and quiver to one of the footmen Bianca was able to see Rainer. From the expression he wore she knew he was contrite in his earlier behavior with her. As much as she’d love to continue punishing him she couldn’t, in her heart, do it.

  “Yes. I believe he’s suffered enough, so he may join us,” she whispered to the duchess.

  “I was hoping you’d say so. I was able to overhear his tone just now and it was uncalled for. I know you both have affections for each other, and before you try to deny it, don’t. Several times I’ve seen the way you both gaze longingly at each other,” Margaret replied. She smiled then asked Rainer to join them.

  Bianca held her breath as he marched up the steps a relaxed movement to his gait. Now he, unlike moments ago, was smiling which unsettled her a bit.

  “Your Grace, la Contessa. Thank you for your gracious invitation to be allowed to join you,” he announced and bowed.

  With a nod Bianca acknowledged him.

  “And I do expect better behavior from you Rain. I overheard what you said to my darling goddaughter and it was uncalled for. You know fully well she’d never do anything to endanger herself,” Margaret declared.

  “Signora Bianca Maria Ledford Goretti, la Contessa de Massa, please accept my humble apology for my churlish behavior earlier. As a gentleman…”

  “Don’t you mean rakehell?” she quickly interjected.

  “Yes, yes that also. As I was attempting to say. I do promise on penalty of grievous bodily harm by Her Grace and her cane to be more careful in the future with my words.”

  She could tell, from what he was saying and the shuffling of his feet Rainer meant every word of what he told her, and in the presence of their godmother, no less.

  “As you well know
and are aware of, I will most certainly come down on you with my cane if you ever raise your voice to my darling again. Now, you have my permission to escort us to the table,” the duchess stated firmly.

  Over tea, fruit pastries and finger sandwiches Bianca made mention she’d be practicing on the pianoforte afterwards.

  “You are more than welcome to sit and listen m’ lord. Trust me your ears won’t be assaulted by missed notes as I’m skilled.” Bianca let Rainer know.

  She did pray he’d join her as she intended to make sure a few notes were played incorrectly to punish him. Much to her happiness, the duchess informed her that as much as she’d love to sit in she desired to rest.

  “After which, as we’ll be taking in two balls this evening I recommend you do the same Bianca,” Margaret suggested.

  “I’ll only perform for a short period then promise to.”

  “I’d have to agree. Even though I may not put my feet up, so to speak, I did receive several posts which need my attention,” Rainer added.

  With tea completed Bianca allowed him to escort her into the music room. Seated at the musical instrument she waited for him to leave her side but he continued to stand at her elbow.

  “If you’ll take a seat then I will begin. I find it disconcerting to have anyone so close when I play,” she directed to Rainer.

  “Don’t you need someone to turn the sheets?”

  “Normally I would, but today I’ll be practicing a piece I’ve played may times before. There’s one part which always gives me a problem and I wish to work through it,” she told him curtly.

  “Then I shall.”

  She waited until he was comfortable then started to play a piece by Mozart, E-flat concerto K. 271. Against her original designs she didn’t miss a note until she arrived at the part which gave her trouble. Then, for some reason, she was able to play through it without a problem which brought a smile to her lips.

  “Bianca, I’m guessing that was the problem section which was perfect. I congratulate you.”