His Hand-Me-Down Countess: The Lustful Lords, Book 1

by Sorcha Mowbray

  “Excellent.” Theo turned to her sister. “I should think you would do well to skip tea with the owner of such a place. Carlisle would be greatly displeased should he learn of your attendance.”

  “Oh no. While I shall forgo the actual visit, I am beyond eager to meet such a lady. I may never have the chance to do something so scandalous ever again.” Lizzy grinned unrepentantly.

  “Excellent. I shall send word once the arrangements have been made. Now, I really should be on my way. I still have a number of calls yet to pay.” Lady Heartfield departed the salon, leaving Theo and her sister to continue chatting.

  “I do hope I can sort out this trouble with Stone. The man is an enigma. One moment indulgent and kind, the next a veritable ogre, and then, of course, he becomes someone entirely different under cover of darkness when we are alone in my room.”

  “Marie guided me through my tumult with Carlisle to great success, I should think she can do it for you and Stone. And I know her to be nothing if not discreet. No tales will leave her lips.”

  “That is reassuring, all things considered. Besides that, I do wonder how she comes to know the owner of The Market.” Theo poured a cup of tea for herself.

  “Do you not know who Lady Heartfield was?” Lizzy’s brow wrinkled.

  “No, should I?” Theo’s cup hung arrested in mid-path to her lips.

  Lizzy groaned. “Theo, do you pay no attention to the things I tell you? Marie was once the owner of The Market. That was before she married her childhood sweetheart, Baron Heartfield.”

  “Truly? I had no idea. And she is received in polite society?”

  “Well, certainly not by the sticklers of the Ton. But many of the less starchy echelons have welcomed her, if not with open arms, then with the gleeful thrill of the whisper of scandal.”

  “Well then, I think she will be perfect for helping me in this particular situation.” Theo happily sipped her tea. The clock in the hall pealed five times, causing her to sputter in her tea. “Oh, heavens. After the scene I created this afternoon, it would not do to be late for dinner. I had best be off.”

  With a hasty good-bye, Theo headed home.

  * * *

  Stone entered his study just as the clock chimed seven. His headache had yet to abate, but the cause of it was well on its way to resolution. The next few days would be used to finalize all the details, but the Herculean part of the task was complete. And, truth be told, it was in no small part due to his wife’s unusual appearance at the office. Her lunch had given the men an opportunity to do business in a more social atmosphere.

  It was a secret that the wealthy had learned long ago, hence the existence of White’s, Brooks, and Boodles, among other clubs. Unfortunately, the representatives of the workers would never have been permitted inside those hallowed halls. Regardless, the crux of their issues had been resolved and the next few days would see them returning to normal business hours.

  In addition to the railway, there were other more personal concerns on his mind. He poured himself a whisky—a much deserved one, in his opinion—and sat down in his fortress of masculinity. His study.

  Of course, his wife invaded shortly after him.

  “Good evening, Stone.” She stopped just inside the door and hesitated as though testing the waters.

  “Good evening, Theo. You are looking fetching this evening.” She wore a gown of what he assumed was purple silk inlaid with two black lace panels studded by bows up either side. The bodice hugged her curves and sat just at the tips of her shoulders, offering a tantalizing display of flesh. The mounds of her breasts perched at a respectable height that did little to hide their bounty. “Do come in. There is no need to hover there.”

  She eased into the room with more caution than was typical of his wife. “I was worried that after my unexpected visit, you might be angry with me.”

  He grunted and took a drink. “I no doubt would be had your disruption not turned the tide in the negotiations.”

  “Oh, well. I am glad to hear that things turned out.” Her pleased smile brought a rosiness to her cheeks that made his heart race a little as images of her from their wedding night barraged him. He set his glass down lest he drop it.

  “That said, madam, do not make it a habit of bursting into my office in such a manner in future. I would be greatly displeased, and I can assure you it would not go well.” He tamped down the urge to toss her over his knee and paddle her bottom for her impulsiveness. He imagined the rounded white flesh glowing a rosy red as he smacked her with his palm.

  “Of course, my lord.” Her subservient response and downcast eyes—not to mention his own salacious thoughts—heated the very blood that flowed in his veins. He reached for his drink but pulled his hand back once he realized how it trembled.

  He drew a deep breath and pushed the inner beast back into its cage. His lady wife needed to be protected at all costs. Even from himself.

  “Please, sit.” He waved her over to one of the chairs and attempted not to watch the sway of her hips as she walked. Determined to take a sip of his drink, he reached for it again and found his hand somewhat steadier.

  “Stonemere, if you are not angry with me, then is there something else you would like to discuss?” Her astute gaze took in far more than he would like. But then she pressed on. “I know today is—or rather would have been—Odey’s birthday.”

  Stone grimaced. She was too perceptive by half. “Indeed. I was just thinking about him.” He considered her calm demeanor and soft gaze. “It’s strange, since I had not seen him in four or five years before he died, but I miss him terribly some days.”

  “I do understand. Your brother was the epitome of kindness. Despite neither of us being in love, we were—I like to believe—becoming fast friends.”

  Before he could reply, Parsons entered the study and announced dinner was served. Stone rose and escorted his wife to the table. The timely interruption helped him recover his equilibrium. It was both a relief and perhaps a bit of a boon to learn Theo had not been in love with his brother. The more pressing concern was what he would do with his headstrong wife. How did one rein in a woman without entirely crushing her spirit?

  * * *

  What did one wear to take tea with not one, but two notorious madams?

  Theo considered her options. She rejected the yellow jonquil with the adorable bolero jacket, as it was too innocent. She wanted to put forth an air of worldliness. The red silk walking dress was too bold, too over the top for the occasion. Then she spied her navy silk walking dress with the military-cut jacket, complete with epaulettes.

  That was precisely the image she wanted to convey. Responsible, worldly, and intrepid enough to seduce a former rake. Mary worked on piling her hair into an intricate chignon, then helped her dress for tea.

  An hour later, Theo sat across from Marie and Madame du Pompadour with Lizzy on her right. Madame smiled and patiently sipped her bergamot-infused tea. “So, I understand you are in need of a certain type of assistance.”

  “Indeed. As Marie likely explained, my husband is, or was, a member of the Lustful Lords. I find myself in the odd position of needing to learn how to entertain him so I may be sure he does not stray. I have come to realize his fidelity is important to me.”

  “As I am well acquainted with the group of gentlemen you refer to, I believe I can be of assistance.” Madame nodded confidently.

  “How should we proceed?” Theo’s stomach twisted in knots, which made even nibbling the tiny cucumber sandwich in her hand nigh impossible.

  Madame eyed her speculatively. “First I must know how participatory you wish to be in your training.”

  Theo had to consciously remind herself to close her mouth. “Are you asking if I wish to take the reins, so to speak?” She couldn’t control the heat that scorched her cheeks.

  “Indeed. Do you wish to engage in your instruction or simply observe?”

  “Observe, please. I doubt my husband would appreciate any practical tutoring
provided by someone else.”

  “You are a shrewd woman, Lady Stonemere. Most men would object outright to any such notion. Very well, I shall arrange for you to have a guided tour through the various experiences The Market offers. Someone who can answer your questions and perhaps determine the best way to implement what you see in the course of your husband’s seduction shall act as escort.”

  “Thank you, Madame. How soon might you be able to arrange my lesson?”

  “We’ll start with your first lesson on Friday evening. If you will arrive through the rear entrance just before one in the morning, there should be sufficient activity to suffice. After your lesson, we can discuss any further lessons you might desire.”

  “Will my point of observation be private?” Theo wavered at the thought of being seen in such a place.

  “I shall provide a mask to protect your identity. Some portions of your tour will be from behind a glass wall, and others will take you into the room.”

  “Very well. I shall see you Friday.” Theo turned to Marie. “Thank you for arranging this meeting. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

  Marie rose and hugged Theo. “I fear I’ve grown soft in my own happiness and wish everyone to know the joy I share with Heart in and out of the bedroom.”

  * * *

  Stone wandered out of his library in search of his wife, who was nowhere to be found. “Parsons.” A niggling feeling of concern for her had taken hold and would not permit him to focus on his correspondence.

  His butler appeared and then bowed. “Yes, my lord?”

  “Do you know where my wife has gone off to?” Stone resisted the urge to pace the entry hall.

  “I believe she is out visiting, my lord.”

  “When is she expected to return?”

  “She did not say, my lord.”

  “Blast it. I swear I need to keep a private investigator on staff simply to keep up with her whereabouts.” The same tingling across his neck that had saved him in battle on more than one occasion had him on edge. The one time he’d failed to heed the warning had ended in a disaster that still haunted him.

  Parsons remained silent, offering no comment.

  “When she returns, please let me know immediately.” The helplessness ate at him, made him restless.

  “Very good, my lord.”

  Stone retreated to his study. There was nothing in particular he could point to, just some sixth sense that gave him pause. Once she was home, he could speak to her about her day. If that failed to provide anything, then he could query the coachman.

  An hour later, Parsons alerted him—rather unnecessarily—of his wife’s return. As the butler departed the study, Theo burst in looking very chic in her military-cut dress. If the officers had looked like her, the rank and file would have followed them to the ends of the earth. His cock stirred as he imagined peeling off the various layers she wore.

  Theo was up to something. He needed to focus on where she’d been, not what he’d like to take off her. “There you are.”

  She smiled an overbright smile that screamed she hid something. “Were you looking for me?”

  “Indeed, I was. I wanted to confirm our schedule for the week.”

  “We have the Swinton soiree tonight and the Rawley ball Friday evening, should you wish to join me.”

  “I believe I am engaged to play cards Friday evening, but I imagine I can make time to waltz with you once or twice before departing.” He offered up his attendance to see if she reacted.

  “Perfect. I shall look forward to dancing with you.” She lowered her lashes.

  Was she hiding something from him? If she were any other woman, he would consider it flirtatious or even demure behavior. “And did you have a nice afternoon?”

  “I did.” Her evasive answer bothered him.

  “Well, good.” He had nothing else to prod her with. Damn. It seemed he would have to question the coachman.

  She shot him a wary glance and bid him a good afternoon.

  * * *

  Stone retreated to his study just after dinner. Theo was occupied with dressing for the Swinton party, so he sent for the coachman.

  “My lord.” The driver bowed.

  “Mr. Brown, where did you drive my wife today?” Anticipation skated over him like a swarm of flies. Now he would come to some truth. He had to if he was to protect her, and there was no longer any doubt he would protect her. She belonged to him and had rapidly become as necessary to his existence as breathing. It was an uncomfortable notion, to say the least. And not one he was prepared to examine at any length for the moment.

  “I drove her to Carlisle House, where we collected Lady Carlisle, and then we drove to a home at Sixty-Nine Mayfair, my lord.” The man shifted from foot to foot as though preparing to dash away at a moment’s notice.

  “Who did they meet with?”

  “I do not know, my lord. Lady Stonemere merely bade me wait for her.”

  “How long was she in the house?” Stone slowly worked on releasing the muscles clamped tight along his jaw. His lovely, vivacious wife would not have taken a lover. Not only had she been innocent on their wedding night, but she was too honorable to violate their vows. He drew a breath. This must be some scheme to help an underprivileged group in some way that was wholly inappropriate.

  “Perhaps an hour, my lord. Then we drove to Bond Street, where the ladies shopped, after which we drove Lady Carlisle home.”

  It was an answer, but not the answer Stone needed. “Very good, Mr. Brown. Thank you.”

  The driver bowed and fled the study. Stone made a note of the address and decided he would meet his wife at the soiree. He needed to make a stop on the way. After dashing off a quick note, he handed it to Parsons for his wife. Then he stepped outside to hail a hansom cab.

  In short order, he found himself knocking on the door of the home his wife had visited earlier that day. The door opened, admitting him without hesitation, and then he was shown to the front parlor by a well-appointed butler. A few moments later, the woman he had once known as Madame Marie Marchander entered the room.

  Stone’s heart flip-flopped in his chest.

  How did Theo know the madam-turned-baroness? Dear God, what had the woman told his wife about his sordid past? Heart racing, he rose, as good manners dictated.

  “I wondered how long it would take you to appear on my doorstep. How are you, Stonemere? You look a bit pale.” She greeted him with a kiss on each cheek. “It has been too long since I last saw you.”

  “I am well, Marie. However, I am curious how you know my wife?” Stone had no time to waste with niceties.

  Marie laughed. “I see you have decided to get straight to the point. Through her sister. We’ve all of us become quite close.”

  Stone swore he would disgrace himself on the spot with the most uncharacteristic, unmanly behavior imaginable.

  He was going to faint.

  Instead, he sat down and drew a slow, steady breath. “How close?”

  “Never fear, you dear man. Your past is safe enough with me.”

  Relief swept over him like warm sunshine.

  “However, your reputation precedes you. While I may not have revealed anything, the Ton does love its gossip. I suggest you consider opening up to your wife before she learns the rather erotic details from another source.”

  “No. The others will not tell. There is no need to shock my innocent wife with tales of my lust-driven past.” Stone couldn’t imagine a more horrid scenario than explaining his sexual preferences to his innocent wife.

  “Might I suggest you rethink that notion? It may be a course of what she sees and not what she hears.”

  Stone tensed, muscles locked as though he’d been dosed with a paralytic. “What might she see?”

  “Stone, I tender your wife the same promise of confidence I offer you. Speak to her if you want answers. Now, I must bring this interview to a close. My husband awaits me so we may be off for the night.”

  “
But, Marie. You must tell me.” Anxiety coiled around his chest like some mythical dragon tail.

  “I shall not. Go speak to your wife if you wish answers.” Marie rose and left him sitting there awash in a mix of fear and worry. With a shake, he cut loose his fanciful thoughts and departed Marie’s home. He had a soiree to attend.

  Stone flagged down a cab and climbed in after giving the driver the Swintons’ direction. Marie’s warnings drifted about in his head like flotsam. The driver must have taken the long route, or perhaps he simply couldn’t stand to be alone with his thoughts? He lifted the curtain, peered out the window of the vehicle, and frowned as he noticed the neighborhood looked shabby and ill-kempt. The Swintons had not moved, last he heard, and if they had, they’d not be hosting a function. His focus shifted from his disconcerting wife to the disconcerting number of incidents he had survived of late. His cab ride could possibly seem more than a mere run of bad luck if he were a more suspicious person. One might even think someone was targeting him.

  While it seemed a bit far-fetched, it did appear as though he had a choice to make: see the destination at the end of his detour, or find an escape route. All things considered, he did not relish standing up his wife, and he still couldn’t ascribe his run-ins as more than poor timing on his part. Determined to exit the cab as unobtrusively as possible, he checked the door and was not surprised to find it locked from the outside. With a sigh, he angled himself on the edge of the seat and used his foot to jostle the door open with one solid kick to the lock.

  There was still enough street traffic that once he popped out of the carriage, he was able to slip into the flow of people and make his way back in the right direction. Once he’d walked for a while, he decided the chances of being snatched twice in one day were pretty low, even considering his recent luck. He hailed a new hansom cab and made his way to the Swinton residence. He had a wife to see and more questions than answers where she was concerned.