“No, with everything I need you to keep you focus on Bianca this evening, even more so than before.”
Rainer glanced over to Bianca only to see a slight pinkness on her cheeks which was very becoming to her except it was from their godmother’s comment. With his new direction he offered her his arm and they followed the duchess down to the ground floor. At the front door he waited while the ladies had their capes draped over their shoulders and with a wave of his hand refused his outer coat.
With the duchess and contessa settled in the carriage he looked back at the grooms, nodded then climbed in. The stable master had selected two of the burliest he was happy to see. He’d have to remember to thank the man later.
“Do you know how many guests have been invited to the banquet?” he enquired.
“There shouldn’t be more than a hundred while at the ball nearly twice that many I’d suspect,” the duchess answered.
“Thank you.”
Not that he planned on letting Bianca out of his sight there could be a time when it was necessary. With his own men watching from outside the ballroom he knew she’d be safe if something untoward did occur.
As they rolled up to the Coker townhouse immediately their coach was waved to the front of the line. This Rainer knew was due to the ducal seal on the door. After assisting the duchess then the contessa down he gave her his arm and followed his godmother up the steps.
Once the ladies were relieved of their capes Rainer took Bianca’s arm and dutifully followed his godmother to the formal sitting room. Announced by the butler he guided Bianca into the room, all the while keeping an eye out for danger. As he looked around the only faces he recognized where those of people he knew. In several cases young ladies who’d tried to snare him into the parsons mousetrap for which he was thankful they’d not. Pointedly, he steered Bianca away from them and to the host and hostess.
With introductions completed he allowed the contessa to lead him over to a small group of ladies she was familiar with. Not wishing to intrude on whatever they wished to discuss he stepped back while keeping a close eye on her.
When the butler announced dinner he collected Bianca and took their place for the grand march. Looking ahead he was happy to see their godmother partnered with Earl Coker then he remembered she was the senior lady present so it would only be proper. A gentle squeeze on his arm distracted him. He dipped his head to Bianca.
“Are all banquets this formal? This is the first time I’ve ever attended one in England,” she whispered.
“Yes and some even more so. Later, remind me of the one the duke and duchess gave for the king,” he answered back.
“Her Grace did tell me the story about the visit but I’d love to hear your version.”
“All in good time my dear as we’re about to head in for dinner. Expect at least ten courses,” he softly told her.
He loved the look of astonishment in her eyes on hearing the size of the banquet. As they stepped into the dining room he heard her inhale deeply. Behind every two chairs a footman stood, back straight and ready to assist where needed, he knew. On the table at each setting several plates where piled with a soup bowl as the first to be used. On the left side gold forks with matching knives on the right and several sizes of spoons placed in front of the plates. Wine glasses of different shapes and sizes were placed next to the spoons.
Easily finding their seats, side by side as promised, Rainer seated her then leaned over. “Take only little portions and it’s fine to refuse, politely, a serving platter if you so choose.”
As the dinner progressed, Rainer was pleased to not so much see but hear she was carrying on an animated conversation with the gentleman to her left. Normally he would have been concerned but knew the man well and was deeply in love with his wife who sat across from them. He was also happy to notice Bianca was doing as suggested, taking small portions.
What was even more interesting she only took sips of wine. Being a widow she was entitled to have it undiluted but as each was poured she added a little water to it. This told him she preferred to keep her wits about her at all times.
When the seemingly endless meal was over everyone rose at the direction of Lord Coker then, as they’d entered, marched out to the ballroom.
“Bianca, it would seem the gentleman to your left had your attention. Perchance, had you met him before?” he asked, as they approached the top stairs and waited to be announced.
“Fortunately no, as he’s totally smitten by his wife, but I suspect you already knew that. It’s just when he did the Grand Tour he spent time in Massa so we had much to discuss.”
With a warm smile he led her up to the butler and they were announced to the assembled guests who’d not been included in the banquet. As they stepped onto the dance floor the orchestra started a waltz.
“Shall we?” he asked and accepted her nod as one of agreement.
When the dance ended he looked around for the duchess knowing Bianca would be safe in her company. Spying his godmother already seated on a divan along one of the walls he guided her over. Once settled he took a position behind her just as several ladies, escorted by gentlemen descended upon them. From where he’d set himself he was able to easily look out over the crowd for danger. Again, he didn’t see anyone who could pose a threat to Bianca. Leaning against a marble pillar he crossed his arms over his chest and started to relax.
Chapter Twelve
Even though Bianca was a widow Rainer knew he couldn’t be allowed to partner with her for more than two dances. Normally, he wouldn’t have cared but with the duchess his, not to mention her, godmother he had to maintain to the rules of the ton.
To that end, he permitted a select few gentlemen to request her hand in a dance. He did make sure none were waltzes as he’d promised himself only he’d dance those with her. From where he’d positioned himself, leaning against a wall and directly across from where she was enjoying a country dance, Rainer was able to see more guests arriving.
As the music came to an end he watched as her partner, someone he knew, say something which caused her back to stiffen. Rainer could feel panic start to overtake him when the man grasped her by the arm then started forcing her toward the terrace doors. Levering off the wall he started after her but stopped when he saw she was able to free herself and stormed to the duchess. Besides the pinched lipped anger he noticed she appeared close to tears.
With a glance for the man, who now was disappearing through the crowd, he thought to give chase but decided better about it. Instead, he directed his steps to Bianca, who by now was sitting with their godmother.
In moments he was beside her. “My dear, considering what just happened do you wish to leave?”
“As I told Her Grace I’d rather not. If for some reason he was sent to lure me out then the barone must be near. As such I don’t wish to give that horrid man the satisfaction of seeing me hide. I will, however, only take a waltz with you m’ lord,” she told Rainer.
“Then I suggest you relax for a bit then join me in the pre-buffet waltz,” he declared, then gently set his hand on her shoulder for support.
“I would but now I need to stroll about to help calm myself. I’d hazard the man has disappeared and shan’t bother us. So m’ lord, would you care to squire me onto the veranda. That is if our godmother has no objection?”
“My dear, if you feel you’ve collected your wits then I see no reason you could not take a walk?” the duchess cocked her head to glare up to Rainer. “Of course, to prevent another stolen kiss I feel a chaperone is called for. Someone I trust explicitly and that would be me.”
Rainer could feel his face heat on learning he’d been found out. With a glance to Bianca he noticed the same reaction, most likely for the same reason.
He stepped around in front, smiled then offered his hands to them. “Then Your Grace, Contessa shall we.”
With his godmother’s gloved and bejeweled hand on his right arm and Bianca on his left they started for the glass door
s at the end of the ballroom.
Stepping out he was happy to see there were only a few people around, considering the number at the ball.
“Rain, while you two stroll about, in the light so I can keep an eye on you both, I’ll take a seat over there,” the duchess stated firmly, while pointing to a stone bench with her cane.
With her settled Rain turned to Bianca. “Shall we?” he said with a sweep of his arm, getting a smile from her in return.
Offering his, now free, right forearm he was surprised when she refused it, rather taking his hand in hers. Rainer waited for a scowl from the duchess and when it didn’t come he accepted her offer.
As they slowly walked away in a low voice he said, “She must be mellowing to me if I’m allowed to hold your hand.”
“No I’m not. You’re still a scamp, but with myself watching I will allow a few liberties,” Margaret called after him.
Rainer wanted to growl in frustration at being caught again. He wondered if he’d ever learn his lesson and keep certain thoughts to himself when anywhere near her. While they made their way along the porch he glanced to Bianca, beautifully illuminated by the candles and the moon. The way the light glittered off her hair and warmed her face it started to make his blood boil in excitement. Yes, he knew she was alluring with a hint of mystery but now she took on the vision of a Greek goddess. Unfortunately, never having excelled in the literature of that particular country he wasn’t sure which one. The closest he could come to was Venus de Milo but even that statue paled to Bianca’s beauty.
“Are you all right? You appear to be troubled by something and I pray it wasn’t the event earlier?”
“No my dear. It’s seeing you in this light which makes you even more bewitching than ever.”
“Yes she is and that’s why her father has sent us to return her home where she’ll marry a man of his choice, not hers,” a heavily Italian accented voice said.
Rainer pushed Bianca behind him. “I think not. If anyone is going anywhere it will be you to the devil,” he declared to the speaker.
What made his words even stronger, from seemingly nowhere Daniel and three others materialized and grabbed the two men. Now, with them partially illuminated Rainer recognized them from earlier in the palace ground. From behind him he heard someone approach only to realize it was the duchess, from the tap-tap-tap of her cane on the flagstones terrace.
“Have them secured, dumped in the carriage and taken to the palace. Then return here to collect us. This will allow time to make sure no one is alerted to their intrusion and we may make our adieus to Lord and Lady Coker,” the duchess ordered.
“Yes Your Grace, except we brought another coach on the off chance we’d need it. Yours will be waiting for you when you’re ready to depart,” Daniel proudly said.
“When you arrive at the palace take them to the cellar and secured in separate rooms with guards to prevent them from talking. Then have Stanley, who most likely will be meeting you at the kitchen door, hunt down Mike. He and only he will be having a discussion with these men,” Rainer ordered.
What he’d not said, to protect the Contessa and Duchess sensitivities, Mike’s son had been a prisoner of the Italian army and tortured to where Rainer had pensioned the boy off and now lived on the estate.
“Yes, m’ lord it will be my honour to let him have a go at these men,” Daniel declared with a grin, then with the others shuffled them away.
“Rain why would your valet be able to learn anything from these men?” Bianca asked.
“My dear, at this current time I’d rather not say and hope you won’t enquire further. At a later time I will explain,” Rainer said, collecting her and the duchess then started for the doors.
With goodbyes given and a promise on a later date to explain their untimely departure before the buffet Rainer escorted the ladies from the Coker townhouse and into the ducal carriage. He wasn’t surprised the ride back was in silence, which he didn’t mind as he suspected both ladies wished to question him. After assisting them from the coach he started to place Bianca’s hand on his arm but when she pulled it away he stared at her.
“Contessa you have to trust me on this point of why my valet will be the best at extracting information from the men,” he pleaded.
“I believe I’ll have to take your word on telling me and I’ll hold you to that. Now, shall we join our godmother for tea or brandy for you?” she said, finally settling her gloved hand on his forearm.
With a nod he covered her hand with his then guided her into the palace, up to the first floor and into the duchess’ sitting room. On entering he smiled when he saw a tea tray already set in front of his godmother with a brandy balloon on the table.
“Please sit. It would seem my butler has done it again in anticipated our needs without being instructed.
With Bianca sitting beside the duchess, Rainer took a chair opposite and beside a small round table. Taking the brandy he took a sip, enjoying the soft burn as the liquid slipped down his throat. He found the silence interesting while his godmother poured then hand a cup of tea to Bianca. Something told him one of them was trying to figure out a way to get him to explain why Mike was the best man for extracting information from the Italians. It was either that or wondering what he’d learn from them.
His questions were answered when Stanley stepped into the parlour.
“Your Grace, Contessa. M’ lord your valet wishes to speak with you.”
“Show him in,” the duchess ordered.
For the second time this evening Rainer could feel panic overtake him. From previous experience with his valet he knew the man had a tendency to speak his mind, but now wasn’t the time. As Mike stepped in Rainer glared at him, getting a grin in return.
“Your Grace, Contessa and m’ lord. I apologize for my untimely arrival but what I learned from the two men couldn’t wait.”
“Did you learn who sent them?” the duchess demanded.
“Yes Your Grace. It seems they are or rather were in the employ of the Barone Nardo.”
“If they’d been successful where were they to take me,” Bianca asked.
What amazed Rainer was the calmness in her voice. After all, less than an hour ago she’d come very close to not only losing her freedom but possibly her life. Her behavior told him she was much stronger than any of the current or possibly future ladies ever to be presented to the ton.
“Contessa, at first neither man was willing to tell me but finally under strong encouragement, not to mention a threat of dancing to the hangman’s gig one did. He told me they were to deliver you, unharmed, to the yacht Buona Fortuna.
It was hearing the rattle of her tea cup on the saucer which told Rainer this ship was of importance to her. He wasn’t sure if he should enquire as knowing could protect her. Rainer looked to her and was about to ask when-
“That’s the name of my late husband’s yacht. We used to spend days sailing on it. At first I had been scared but learned to enjoy the freedom it presented us. My father must have been able to claim it somehow.”
With this piece of valuable information Rainer now knew there was a place to start in preventing her father from stealing her away. All he needed was to wait until Tony returned then set his plan in motion, which would either free or imprison Bianca.
Chapter Thirteen
Over the next several days, with the two men handed over to Bow Street, Rainer saw a much more relaxed and animated Bianca. He, along with the duchess, made it a point of not mentioning her father so as not to distress her. Daily, and sometimes more, he would get written reports from Bobby on the man’s activities.
After reading over the latest he was helped into his jacket then started out with the small dining room his destination, wondering what selections to break his fast would be set out. With a smile he strolled over, took up a china plate then piled an assortment of meats, eggs and toast on it.
He was about to take his seat to the left of the head of the table when, to his surpr
ise, Bianca entered wearing a bright smile. As staff were present he maintained formal propriety.
He put his plate down and bowed. “Good morning Contessa. After last eve I wasn’t expecting you to rise so soon.”
“I hadn’t but with the sun shining in through my room’s window woke me. On seeing it was such a beautiful day I thought to get a start. With your approval I’d like to spend a little time in the gazebo to read and compose a few letters?” she stated, then started for the side table.
“First off, please allow me to assist you,” he declared in a low voice taking up a plate.
“Thank you kind sir. If you don’t mind I’ll have a slice of ham, turkey and a coddled egg along with several slices of toast.”
“My pleasure. Why don’t you take a seat and I’ll being your plate over.”
He smiled when she nodded then did as he suggested. Once he prepared her meal he set it in front of her.
“M’ lord, before you attempt to serve a guest you might wish to take a few lessons from Stanley. You’re doing it from the wrong side and everything is piled together,” she told him, with a teasing tone in her voice.
“Then m’ lady I’ll have to do as you say. I’m sure he’ll enjoy making my life interesting as he attempts to teach me,” he replied, taking his chair across from her.
“That would be interesting to watch. Now, have you decided about me spending time in the garden?”
Rainer glanced up from slicing a piece of venison and smiled. “I can’t see any reason you shouldn’t spend a little time there as long as your lady’s maid is with you.”
He studied her face and the confused raised brow she presented to him.
“I don’t understand? I could see a footman for protection but why someone to chaperone me. After all being a widow I don’t need one as those rules don’t apply to me anymore.”
“Because m’ lady I’ll be joining you and if Her Grace learns of this then I fear her wrath.”
La Contessa and The Marquis (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 1) Page 8
