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

by Lindsay Downs

  A tug on his arm alerted him. He glanced down to see Bianca almost bouncing ecstatically. The way her breasts were giggling from excitement did get his attention but he forced his eyes to her angelic face.

  “Rainer, isn’t that Lady Jocelyn and Lord Pearson?”

  “I do believe so. Shall we wish them our congratulations on their betrothal?”

  He’d known the two had had eyes for each other for years as their parents estates adjoined. It had only been a matter of time before Pearson approached Jocelyn’s father and Rainer was pleased to see he finally had.

  “Oh yes we must,” she expressed slipping her hand into his.

  As they made their way over to the couple, from habit and worry, Rainer glanced around on alert for danger. He was pleased to see several footmen of his keeping Bianca and him under a watch. That set his mind at easy considering the two men he’d seen moments ago were still focused on her.

  With congratulations on the upcoming nuptials and a promise to attend the wedding breakfast Rainer guided Bianca toward the Serpentine. As they got closer the sound of trumpeting from the swans could be heard.

  “They don’t seem to be a noisy as those I remember from Italy?”

  “No, these are mute swans and as you hear don’t call out as much, usually only to their mate or cygnets,” he explained briefly.

  With a glance to Bianca, who smiled up at him, he pointed to the mother and a line of little ones dutifully following behind.

  “Isn’t that adorable? I love how seemingly well behaved they are,” she said.

  “Yes, now I suggest we return to Her Grace as it’s getting on in time and we do have several balls to attend this evening.”

  “I agree and a nap before dinner is something I could use,” she said, accepting his hand in hers.

  Making their way back to his landau Rainer saw Tony approaching. At first he tensed then relaxed to see he was alone. He knew, with Bianca at his side, he would need to be cordial to the man.

  “Isn’t that your friend Lord Fuller?” she asked.

  “Yes, I’m surprised to see him today,” he answered, then slowed their progress so Tony could catch up to them.

  “Contessa, Rainer it’s a pleasure to see you out taking a stroll. This saves me having to send a post as I’ve been recalled to the estate.”

  Rainer wondered if this was an excuse for Tony to disappear so it wouldn’t be suspicious when he tried for Bianca.

  “I’m sorry you have to go. I hope nothing has occurred forcing your early departure,” Bianca declared.

  “Unfortunately yes. From the letter my manager sent it would seem there was a violent storm last week which damaged several of the tenant’s cottages. I need to see how extensive it is then decide how to proceed.”

  With his estate in the next district from Tony’s, Rainer had been aware of the storm. His tenants had been spared any significant damage to their cottages to where he would have needed to return. So, this reason for his friend leaving made sense which was a relief.

  “How long do you think you’ll be gone?” Rainer asked.

  “I’m leaving shortly and plan to ride through the night if need be. Once I look everything over I should be back within three or four days,” Tony explained.

  “Wonderful, when you return we’ll have to invite you to the palace for tea so you can inform us of the outcome,” Bianca declared, with a smile.

  “It would be my honour. Now, if you’ll excuse me I must be off,” Tony said, bowed, turned on his heel and strolled off.

  “My dear Bianca, shall we hurry along as I’m sure the Duchess is growing impatient for our return,” Rainer recommended.

  He knew what he said was true as they’d spent much more time than planned in the park. He also needed to return to the palace so he could send a letter to Bobby and Daniel. They had to be made aware Lord Fuller was supposed to be out of town but keep the cottage under tighter scrutiny.

  “On that sir you’re correct, and if I know our godmother she’ll lay the blame at your feet which might not be a good thing.”

  He nodded to her response as it was correct and it could be dangerous for him as they approached his landau.

  “I was beginning to wonder about you both, you were gone so long,” Margaret admonished them.

  “It was my fault Your Grace. We came across Lady Jocelyn and Lord Pearson and wished to congratulate them on their betrothal,” Bianca stated, much to Rainer’s relief.

  “Then you’re forgiven my dear.”

  Assisting Bianca up Rainer followed after instructing the driver to return them to the ducal palace.

  A short while later he assisted both ladies from the landau grateful he’d not met the business end of his godmother’s cane. As they entered the palace he was about to inform them he needed to send off a note to his butler but was saved when the duchess told him they wished to change.

  “We’ll be having tea in my sitting room in thirty minutes, so don’t be a moment late,” the duchess directed him.

  “I shan’t,” he declared.

  He then followed them up the stairs with his focus more on Bianca and the lovely sway of her hips than where he was putting his feet. Fortunately, he made it to the second floor without tripping or stumbling much to his relief. Separating from them he started for his suite and smiled on seeing Mike waiting for him.

  “I need to pen a note to Bobby and have you deliver it straight way,” he told his valet walking into the suite.

  “With your permission m’ lord it would be best if I go by way of the mews. This way the chance is better I’m not seen,” Mike recommended.

  “Perfect. Now give me a few minutes to write it. As soon as you hand it to Bobby return. I will be escorting the ladies to several balls and thusly will need to bathe and dress. For tonight I think the dark blue jacket and trousers will do.”

  With that decision made, not that it was hard, Rainer took a seat at the writing desk and quickly wrote out the note to Bobby. He knew his butler would make sure the information was passed along to Daniel and carried out as instructed. That done he quickly splashed water on his face then made his way to meet his godmother and Bianca for tea.

  Chapter Nine

  With the knowledge he’d not hear back from his butler, much less Daniel, until later in the evening or the next day Rainer relaxed and enjoyed the tea and pastries presented to him. What made the refreshments even more interesting was Bianca and her animated discussion about the swan and the babies.

  He started to wonder which was the more accurate, the earlier sadness when she was talking about the baby swans or now her happiness. Rainer studied his godmother to see if he could detect a hint as to her reaction to the lighthearted discussion. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to which came as no surprise as she had the ability to maintain a calm disposition no matter what. Later, he would seek a private interview with her to get to the bottom of this mystery.

  “If you’ll excuse me godmother, Rainer I’m going to retire to my suite and rest before dinner,” Bianca announced, setting her tea cup down.

  “Certainly my dear. I will be doing the same shortly as there are a few letters I must reply to,” Margaret told them.

  “Would you allow me to escort you to the stairs?” Rainer said standing then offered up his hand to Bianca.

  From the glare she laid on him he suspected he was making the offer as he didn’t trust her not to do as she’d said. It was worth the risk but necessary to keep her safe and with her adventurous spirit he was afraid she’d duck out and stroll about the garden.

  “I would be honoured Rain, even though I’m sure your reasoning might not be as it appears,” Bianca replied, setting her hand in his.

  As he guided her to the door the sound of a throat clearing from behind brought Rainer to a halt and he glanced over his shoulder.

  “Rain, once you see her safely upstairs please return as I’ve an estate question needing an answer to,” the duchess ordered him.

  No
w he was even more confused than before. With the duke in residence at their main estate he would be able to handle it, unless…

  “I shan’t be more than a minute,” he uttered, nodded his head then continued to guide Bianca down the corridor to the stairs.

  He waited while she made her way up and once at the second floor turned back to find out what his godmother truly desired to know. No sooner had he stepped back into her private sitting room than Stanley entered, a silver tray balanced on his hand. Rainer smile to himself on noticing a brandy balloon set on it. What he found even more interesting, a small glass of sherry sat beside it.

  Accepting the proffered drink he took a sip then sat in the chair across from his godmother. Not sure who should start this, most unusual, interview he studied her looking for a hint.

  “As you must suspect the problem with the estate was a ruse so I might have a few moments of your time.”

  “Yes. Other than offering my protection is there something more I need to know about Bianca, her late husband or father?”

  “It’s more about my goddaughter than anything. I couldn’t help notice the slight, though well hidden, confusion in your eyes when she was talking about the swans. What I’m about to tell you isn’t to get back to Bianca, until the correct time. Do I have your promise?”

  Suddenly, he knew whatever secret was being kept and about to be shared with him must have devastated Bianca. After another sip of brandy he nodded.

  Then added, “On my word as a gentleman until you say so what you tell me will remain with me.”

  “Bianca had a son.”

  Patiently Rainer waited for his godmother to elaborate on her statement, but remained silent.

  With no response coming easily he asked. “You said ‘had’? What happened to the boy?”

  “It’s a long story so I’ll give you the simple version. Soon after her husband was murdered Bianca’s father Barona Givonni Nardo visited to console her. As the only surviving male heir the baby would inherit everything, even the lands here and in Australia. Bianca suspects her father was somehow able to poison the baby in such a way to make it appear he died from pneumonia.”

  Now he understood her change in behavior at the Serpentine and a short while ago over tea. Bianca wanted to maintain a cheerful front for him, not aware he’d heard the sadness in her voice.

  With the man now implicated in not one but two murders Rainer, more than ever, resolved to bring him to justice. The main problem, it was the word of a grieving wife and mother against that of a baron. To complicate matters the deaths, murders, occurred in a foreign country with most likely different sets of laws.

  Uncharacteristically of him when dealing with his godmother now was the time when absolute formality was called for. Setting his balloon on the table in front of him he stood and deeply bowed.

  Straightening he looked her in the eye. “Your Grace, I’ve promised to protect la Contessa Bianca Maria Ledford Goretti, Contessa de Massa and that hasn’t changed. I also swear to bring the man or men to justice for the murders committed albeit in another country. If Barona Nardo is directly or even indirectly responsible I’ll see to it he dances to the hangman’s tune.” He bowed again then on getting a wave from his godmother’s hand retook his seat.

  “I was hoping you’d say that, even though not quite so formally. Do you have a plan to make this happen?”

  “Other than protecting her at the moment I don’t.”

  “Then put me out there so that bastard of a murdering father can kidnap me,” Bianca declared from the sitting room doorway.

  “NO,” Rain screamed as he bolted up from his chair.

  “Please come in and take a seat beside me my dear as we’ve much to discuss it would seem,” Margaret directed Bianca.

  Rainer stepped over to Bianca, settled his hand on the small of her back then guided her in and to the settee. What amazed him, how calm she seemed on the outside while her clinched hands told him she was more angry than anything. Once she was settled he retook his chair but not until ringing for the butler.

  “Sherry for Her Grace and la Contessa while another brandy for myself,” he ordered when the man answered the bell. Glancing to the duchess, at first he wondered if he’d overstepped his bounds but the smile she sent him told him otherwise.

  While waiting for the drinks Rainer glanced over to Bianca and silently swore he’d do more than protect her with his life. Once this was done he’d marry her, if she’d have him.

  “Bianca darling, as much as I disapprove of my godson’s outburst I must agree with him,” the duchess said, with a smile to her.

  “Yes and I apologize for my behavior. We need him, or his men to come to you but on our control. It will be the only way to get the needed confession to convict the barone. My suggestion is to carry on as we have, let everyone know you’re under my protection.”

  “If I might, we also limit ourselves to one event a night but keep them guessing as to which one we attend,” their godmother suggested.

  Rainer was about to comment when Stanley entered with the drinks.

  “As much as I’d love to agree with you, that could send an alert to the men. Since responses have already been sent and we don’t know who else is involved we shouldn’t change our plans,” he said in correcting the duchess.

  “What about your friend Lord Fuller? Couldn’t he be able to help?” Bianca said.

  Pointedly Rainer delayed in answering by taking a sip of his brandy. His problem was how to explain to her and his godmother Tony was working with the barone. That was when he decided, not having heard back from his man of business as to Tony’s financial problems to lay everything out.

  “I wish we could count on him but I’ve learned through my people he’s aiding you father, Bianca. He was even seen leaving the cottage in Rose Hill. Why? I’ve no idea except he could be in severe needs of funds?”

  “When we met him earlier he said he was returning to his estate to look over damage due to a storm? If he was helping to arrange my kidnapping can you explain why he needed to return home?” Bianca countered.

  “All I can think of, until I have confirmation tomorrow or the next day, he told us that to throw of off his trail.” He was about to continue when Stanley knocked on the doorframe.

  “Excuse the interruption Your Grace but this was just delivered for Lord Cross. The messenger said it was urgent,” he said, stepping in and passing the envelope over to Rainer.

  Accepting it he stood then excused himself and stepped away. Breaking the seal he withdrew the sheet of foolscap and immediately recognized Bobby’s handwriting. With a silent prayer it was good news he quickly perused it then returned to the ladies.

  “Well, are you going to keep us in suspense?” the duchess demanded.

  “I’m sorry. This is from my man of business and it would seem Lord Fuller’s funds are in excellent shape. This makes me ponder more the why he’s assisting your father,” he told Bianca.

  That was when everything came together in Rainer’s mind. From what he remembered, Bianca appeared in London about ten months ago, followed by the disappearance of Tony. He then showed up six months ago hinting at being short of funds. Was it possible his friend had gone to Italy and convinced Bianca’s father he could get her, thus returning her home? But how would he be able to maintain the ruse once the barone and his people arrived? What if he was able to have his man of business explain the need to his bank that he was short of funds? Then, when the barone arrived, or his people, they would hear what they wanted.

  What he needed to do now was explain what he thought possible but would the ladies keep it a secret? That was his worry, then remembered who they were—his godmother and the love of his life.

  “Your Grace, la Contessa what I’m about to tell you must stay within this room.”

  Once he received nods of understanding from them he laid out his thoughts earning gasps from both while, also, a wide-eyed look from Bianca.

  “That would seem to
make sense especially since I’ve been here I’ve never spoken with my man of business except by post.”

  “Then I would suggest we invite him here, thus putting him at a disadvantage of not meeting him where he’s comfortable, his office,” the duchess said with a smile.

  “And if I might recommend, Bianca, you start the meeting with him then Her Grace and I come in. By doing it that way we will be able to unnerve the man and get him to admit what he’s doing and why,” Rainer added to complete his godmother’s words.

  “Yes. I’ll post a letter off to him straight away insisting he meet with me in the afternoon on the morrow. Again, to unsettle him by demanding to talk with him at my convenience, not his,” Bianca declared.

  “Wonderful. Then everything is all set for an interesting day to come. Now, Rainer if you’ll excuse myself and Bianca as we need to rest in preparation for this evening’s balls,” Margaret stated, standing then with Bianca swept from the room.

  Rainer, caught by the quickness of the ladies departure, barely had a chance to stand before watching them leave. Of course his main focus was on Bianca and the way her hips gently swayed as she walked. Granted, he’d followed her up the stairs earlier and had walked with her in the park but now he could really and truly see her as a woman of great need for a man. He only hoped and prayed he was that person.

  Now alone, he wondered what to do? Retire to rest or take a walk about the garden while exploring the area around the gazebo? Both offered their advantages and disadvantages but with the second he thought of the possibility of wanting to hold her in his arms, if she were to join him now or later.

  He then considered his promise to his godmother and marched out of the sitting room, up the stairs and to his suite. There he was met by a grinning Mike.

  Chapter Ten

  From behind the book she was reading Bianca smiled then blushed on thinking back to last eve. The night had been warm and the ballroom overly crowded, so she’d pleaded with Rainer to let her step out on the host’s veranda to get a breath of fresh air. At first, much to her amazement, he’d resisted then finally acquiesced to her request.