My Elusive Countess

by Carolynn Carey

  But David still had his mother, and Blackbourne suspected he’d not endear himself to the boy by permanently separating them even though that had been his intention at the outset. Now he’d have to buy himself a little time to decide on his best course of action.

  Which brought him to the countess herself. Despite what he had expected, she was not crass nor was she ignorant. And as far as he could tell, she was not especially ambitious. Most importantly, she appeared to be a good mother to her son.

  All of which he found extremely confusing. He did not think Oliver would have purposely misled him. Perhaps he had simply misjudged his wife. Or, more likely, the countess was an excellent actress and had put on a good front today. Obviously he needed to keep her close until he could discover exactly what kind of woman she was. He wished he had located her sooner.

  But he had been consumed with the challenges of resurrecting his estates when he first returned to England. Then a few months ago he had realized that his ward must now be around five years old. He’d immediately begun his search, but the countess had not been anywhere he would have expected her to be. Finally, he’d been forced to hire Sawyer to track her down.

  “Damnation,” Blackbourne murmured, irritated with himself for having spent so much time thinking about the past instead of planning for the future. Now it was too late. The Three Ducks was just around the bend.

  Hollins welcomed him back with a gratifying expression of pleasure. “Now then, yer lordship. ’Tis happy I am to see you again so soon. Will ye be staying the night?”

  “I certainly shall, Hollins. Do you have a private parlor available for my dinner?”

  “That I do, milord. All of them gentlemen that came for the prizefight have left except fer one who stayed in hopes you’d return. I told him I didn’t have any reason to think you would be back today, but he said he wasn’t in any hurry and would stay overnight just in case. He’s in the private parlor at the back of the hall. I’ll send your dinner in as soon as may be.”

  “Who…” Blackbourne began, but Hollins had already turned away and was hurrying toward the kitchen area. Blackbourne stood alone in the entrance hall for several seconds. He recalled now that he’d thought he heard someone calling out to him that morning in a voice that had seemed somewhat familiar. Still, he couldn’t imagine who had stayed behind to see him, nor was he sure the visit was going to be a pleasant one.

  Taking a deep breath, he strode down the hall and, without knocking, opened the door to Hollins’ largest private parlor.

  Chapter Five

  Blackbourne took one step into the room and paused, staring at the fellow who sat slumped in a wooden chair pulled up to a dining table that was bare except for a bottle of port. A tangle of emotions—relief and delight, along with a mixture of childhood memories, both good and bad—held Blackbourne speechless for several seconds. Finally he found his voice. “Anthony? Is it really you? My god, man, I’ve not seen you in years.”

  Anthony Clemmons pushed back from the table where he had been throwing a pair of dice, left hand against right. “About time you showed up, Garath.” He jumped to his feet. “What did you mean by cutting me this morning?”

  Blackbourne continued to assess his old friend. Anthony had changed little in the years since they had last met except for the addition of a few laugh lines around his eyes and at least a stone around his middle. Of average height, Anthony had never been slender, nor had he ever been considered handsome. Still, Blackbourne felt a fond smile forming as he gazed into the face of one of the most popular gentlemen in the ton. He was delighted to discover that, as in their youth, no guile was to be found in Anthony’s round face or in his candid gaze. His eyes, however, were narrowed and his expression was decidedly accusatory.

  Blackbourne strolled to the table and rested his hand on the back of a chair. “I’m exceedingly glad you waited for me. May I sit down?”

  “No,” Anthony said, scowling. “Not until you tell me why you cut me this morning.”

  Blackbourne dropped his hand to his side. “I didn’t cut you. I thought I heard someone call my name and looked around but didn’t recognize anyone, so I assumed I was mistaken. Why on earth would you think I’d cut you?”

  Anthony frowned, then grimaced. “Because those idiot friends of mine tried to warn me against you. You know what some of these young sprigs say about you.”

  “Actually, no, I don’t know.”

  “What?” Anthony’s scowl faded to be replaced by a puzzled frown. “You don’t know what lies are being told about you?”

  “No, I don’t.” Blackbourne again placed his hand on the back of a chair. “May I sit down now?”

  “Yes, yes, let’s both sit down.” Anthony dropped into his chair and his frown deepened. “Damn, Garath. How could you not know?”

  Blackbourne fought back a smile as he seated himself. He had almost forgotten Anthony’s fierce loyalty to his friends. “Is there an extra glass around here?” he asked, eyeing the bottle on the far side of the table.

  “Take mine.” Anthony pushed a used goblet toward him. “Garath, how could you be so ignorant?”

  “I’m not sure.” Blackbourne reached across the table for the bottle, then poured himself a glass of wine. “Perhaps it’s because I was away from London for so long. As you know, when I came into the title, I’d had no training and my father had not left the estates in good condition. Mr. Caverdson, my father’s man of business, informed me that all of the estates needed urgent attention. The tenants’ houses were falling down around their ears and the land had been depleted to the extent that people were in danger of going hungry.“

  “Good god,” Anthony exclaimed. “What did you do?”

  “I spent a great deal of time in the country overseeing work at the various estates. Fortunately, I discovered I have a natural affinity for the land and for agriculture. I turned to the various stewards for help and, with time, we got everything back on an even keel. At least now I don’t lie awake at night worrying that my tenants are cold or hungry. Of course when I returned to London, I noticed that a few former acquaintances were unusually cool toward me.”

  “Why didn’t you ask somebody what was going on?” Anthony demanded.

  “Frankly, the people who were cool toward me were not gentlemen I cared to count as friends anyway.”

  Sighing loudly, Anthony impatiently ran his fingers through his hair. “My god, Garath. How could you not—? Oh, never mind. I remember how proud you always were, so I’ll tell you why people were acting that way. It goes back to Henry as you might expect.”

  “My half brother? What did he have to do with the situation?”

  Anthony stared into Blackbourne’s eyes. “Were you acquainted with Lady Esther Marshmore?”

  Blackbourne shook his head. “No. Who is she?”

  “She isn’t anybody anymore. She died in childbirth a little over two years ago. Henry said you’d been back in this country on leave, seduced her while she was attending a house party at Bourne Hall and then deserted her. She was ruined, of course, when it became known she was pregnant. Her father managed to marry her off to a distant cousin, but when she and the baby died in childbirth, her death was laid at your doorstep.”

  Blackbourne felt the blood draining from his face. “Good god. No wonder I’ve detected restraint from various people. But in that case, why isn’t everyone cutting my acquaintance completely?”

  “That’s easy enough,” Anthony responded. “Everyone who knew Henry figured he was trying to cover his own sins by blaming you. As you know, that’s what he did all through school. Unfortunately, a few people who didn’t know either of you actually believed the tale. I’ve set as many people straight as I could, including those idiots who were with me earlier. They’ll never blacken your name again.”

  Blackbourne took a deep breath. “Thank you for telling me. And thank you for defending me.”

  “Well, you needn’t think I won’t continue to do everything in my power to
clear your name,” Anthony announced, sticking his chin out. “You may not be aware of this, but until recently, I hadn’t been in London myself for some time. Two years ago my father took a bad spill while jumping a new horse. We moved to Bath on his doctor’s recommendation. He’s up and about now, but while he was recuperating, I was kept busy running to and fro, taking care of the estates and escorting my mother and sister. I heard you’d sold out, but I didn’t have a chance to look you up until now.”

  “Thank you for waiting for me today. It’s wonderful to see you again. If it hadn’t been for you and your family, I’m not sure I would have lived to adulthood. I must have spent more nights at your house when I was a lad than I did at Bourne Hall.”

  “That’s what neighbors are for. I’m sure everybody in the family would love to see you again. Come back to town with me tomorrow.”

  “I can’t. I’m here on business.”

  “What business? You don’t have any estates in Sussex, do you?”

  “No, but I have a ward here. His father, who was in my regiment, died at Waterloo. I promised to look after his child, David, so I must see to his welfare before I can give further thought to my own affairs.”

  “You’ve taken on a ward, have you? That’s not a surprise. You always were one to step forward when called on. Well then, come to see me as soon as you get back to town. You know where I live.”

  “You give me too much credit. I have no idea where you live.”

  “Yes you do. You know that my father’s town house is located in Charles Street.”

  “You’re living in that monstrosity alone?”

  “Of course not. Oh! Forgot to tell you. Once my father got better, Mother brought my sister up to town for her coming out. You remember Judith, don’t you?”

  “That little redheaded lass is old enough for a Season?”

  Anthony grinned. “Judith wouldn’t appreciate you referring to her as a redhead. She calls herself a strawberry blonde, but she’s got a fierce temper for all that. Don’t be too friendly to her or she’ll latch onto you. I think she’s been in love with you since she was five years old.”

  “Then I must make every effort to return to town quickly. Such fidelity is rare indeed.”

  “I didn’t say she’d been faithful,” Anthony objected. “Matter of fact, I think she’s fancied herself in love with half the men in London and most of them have fallen in love with her. But I know she’ll be glad to see you again.”

  “Then you may tell her to watch for me. As soon as my business here is completed, I’ll return to the city and put in an appearance at your front door.”

  “I’ll consider that a promise,” Anthony said. His eyes were no longer troubled and he soon devoted himself to the several dishes on the dinner tray that a manservant had just delivered.

  * * * * *

  The next morning Blackbourne had reason to wish that he and Anthony had not sat up until the wee hours reliving their youth. He also wished they had downed fewer bottles of Hollins’ excellent port and, moreover, that he had not specified such an early hour for his return to the old dower house.

  Still, there was no use repining about what could not be changed, so he forced himself to rise at seven o’clock and prepare for the return drive to the Willowvale estate.

  The cool morning air helped clear his head and by the time he approached the boundaries of Willow Place, he was beginning to look forward to seeing Amanda again. Surely today, knowing what to expect, he would discover that her effect on him was no more disconcerting than that of any other lovely woman. Still, it was unusual for him to experience such a powerful sense of anticipation.

  He couldn’t recall feeling this way since the day before he had turned nine. He’d been expecting great things for his birthday, perhaps his own pony. That was the first year his father had forgotten his birthday completely.

  Furious with himself for allowing his mind to dredge up unpleasant memories on such a beautiful day, Blackbourne forced his thoughts back to the present. He was nearing the gatehouse that marked the beginning of the Willow Place drive. Frowning, he slowed his horses, unsure whether to turn in or to continue on to the lane he’d taken yesterday. He should have thought to ask Amanda whether a passable trail connected Willow Place and the old dower house.

  He had just decided to drive on when a large man stepped out of the dense shade of an elm and into the roadway. “Do ye be Lord Blackbourne?” the man called through cupped hands.

  “I am. Who are you?”

  “Gatekeeper,” the man replied shortly. “Milady asked me to watch fer ye. Said to tell you she’s already moved and will be waiting fer ye at Willow Place.”

  “Thank you.” Blackbourne fumbled for a coin, which he tossed to the gatekeeper before turning onto the carriage drive.

  So Amanda had moved without his assistance. She must have risen early, but on the other hand, perhaps there had been little to move except their clothing. He had surmised yesterday, from the few odd pieces of furniture in her drawing room, that she had furnished the old dower house with castoffs retrieved from the attic at Willow Place.

  A groom waited near the front door to lead Blackbourne’s horses to the stables and the butler, his expression no less grim than it had been two months before, opened the door before Blackbourne had a chance to lift the brass knocker.

  “Good morning, Chambers,” Blackbourne said in a pleasant tone, remembering Amanda’s mention of the butler’s name from the previous day. He was delighted to see he had induced a flicker of surprise in the gaunt old man’s pale blue eyes.

  “Welcome, your lordship,” Chambers intoned, his expression softening a bit. “Her ladyship is expecting you. If you will follow me.” He turned and led the way to a sunny drawing room.

  Amanda sat on a satin-covered chair near a large window overlooking the garden. The morning light poured through the sparkling glass panes and surrounded her in a golden hue that had turned her hair into a halo. Blackbourne stared, feeling his breath catch deep in his chest. Blast it all! He’d been determined to remain unaffected by the woman’s beauty and was less than pleased to realize that his blood was surging through his veins a little faster than usual.

  She stood at once, smiling as she came to greet him. “Good morning, Lord Blackbourne.” She paused a couple of feet in front of him. “I hope Joseph intercepted you on the road before you traveled all the way to the old dower house.”

  “He did, yes.” Blackbourne tried to return her smile and failed miserably. All his faculties were involved in efforts to subdue the fresh wave of desire that had inundated him. What was wrong with him? Perhaps he’d been without the company of a woman for too long.

  “Won’t you be seated?” The countess motioned toward the settee. Her smile had become strained in the face of his solemn regard. “I hope you do not object that we completed the move without you. There was very little to be done, after all.”

  “I don’t mind in the least.” Blackbourne surreptitiously took a deep breath. Amanda was dressed today in a muslin gown with short, puffed sleeves that revealed a deep scratch beginning near her elbow and ending at her wrist. Now he understood why David had been so angry with the rosebush. A rush of sympathy for her pain was instantly followed by suspicion that she was purposely flaunting the scratch in an effort to influence him. Such behavior would be typical of the female Oliver had described to him.

  “Shall I ring for refreshments?” Amanda frowned slightly, as though she found his apparent preoccupation puzzling.

  “Yes, thank you.” Blackbourne walked to the settee but waited to sit until she had completed her instructions to Chambers and then seated herself in a nearby chair. “You must forgive me, Lady Willowvale, if I seem addled this morning. I ran into an old friend last night and we sat up late talking. Where is David?”

  “Exploring.” A smile brightened Amanda’s face. “He loves it here. I had not realized how much until you suggested we move back. I must thank you for that.”


  “Then perhaps you will satisfy my curiosity and explain why you moved away in the first place. Apparently you do not lack for money. The estate is not going to rack and ruin. The shrubs are pruned, the grass is neatly scythed and the house itself appears to be in excellent condition.”

  Amanda ducked her head and stared at her hands, which she had clasped tightly in her lap. “You must excuse me, if you please, from attempting explanations I could never make you understand.”

  “Try me,” Blackbourne said, reverting to the tone of command he had used on the battlefield. He was surprised, and considerably pleased, when Amanda looked up, startled. If he had any hopes of maintaining the upper hand with this woman, he must keep himself under control and her off balance.

  “I— Oh! The refreshments are here. Thank you, Chambers. Just have them placed beside me if you will.”

  The butler inclined his head and motioned two footmen forward. One carried a tray with various drinks on it. The second pushed a cart laden with glasses, plates, cutlery and platters filled with cakes and biscuits.

  Amanda waited until the servants had left the room before asking what refreshments she could get for Blackbourne. He accepted a glass of lemonade but refused the pastries. Amanda poured herself a cup of tea and took one of the smaller cakes, which she began consuming with apparent engrossed enthusiasm.

  He waited until she’d finished eating before he spoke again. “You were about to tell me why you moved David into the old dower house.”

  Amanda sighed. “You will not care for my explanation.”

  “Try me,” Blackbourne said for the second time.

  “Very well.” She nibbled on her lower lip for a minute before continuing. “We moved into the old dower house because I was trying to prevent David from growing up to be like you.”