An Earl's Queen (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  “This is wonderful news. It seems her son has been loaded, and these are her words, ‘under violent protest’ on a ship bound for India. She goes on to apologize for his behavior and guarantees he’ll never set foot on English soil ever again.”

  “Yes, that is wonderful news, for I feared he would continue to bother you Chelsea. Until the other day, I’d never met a man who was so determined to the point I feared for both our safety.”

  “I agree, and am forever thankful Lord Anthony showed up when he did,” Chelsea added.

  The mention of him saving her, in particular, from Valerian brought a slight smile to her lips. Yes, she suspected there was an affection for her from him. All she needed to do was have it confirmed by him. But how?

  She was about to add to her statement when movement out one of several windows in the parlor caught her attention. At once she knew it was him returning and seemingly in a rush.

  “Countess, Mother, it would seem Lord Anthony has returned from wherever he went,” she announced.

  “Then, Lady Chelsea, and, Lady Iris, might I suggest we meet him?” Rosalind declared.

  “Yes, and let him know we’re upset with him for bailing on helping to write out the invitations,” Iris added.

  As one they stood and swept from the parlor, down the stairs and onto the front porch, arriving just as he did.

  “I know you ladies aren’t pleased with me for some reason, but I need to send a letter off to London at once. When that’s done you may do to me as you wish.”

  Chelsea watched as he weaved his way past them and into the mansion wondering if he’d even heard about the letter from the duchess.

  Aghast at his behavior, Chelsea attempted to speak but no words came to her mind or mouth.

  Chapter Seven

  As he marched passed the ladies Tony knew he was in trouble. But from which one?

  Right now though, he needed to send a letter to the Earl of Braxton requesting his presence as soon as possible. Even hearing his mother had received a note from the duchess paled to what he needed to ask of the earl.

  Storming into his office, he knew from the footfalls following him Usher was directly behind him. Not bothering to glance at the man, Tony made for the sidebar and splashed some whiskey into a glass. Taking a large swallow of the tawny liquid, he felt its burn as it flowed down his throat hoping to calm him. Turning, he glared at the man.

  “I need to write two letters. Have Stanley mounted on a beast of his choice and ready to depart in ten minutes,” he demanded of the hapless man.

  “Yes m’ lord, and congratulations.”

  Not even wanting to know why Usher was commending him on his decision, Tony marched over to his desk, not hearing the man slip from the room.

  Nine minutes later, he sealed the second letter just as his butler and the requested groom entered his office.

  “Stanley, you’re to place this into the hand of the Earl of Braxton personally. Also, considering the hour, if you need to seek refuge at an inn this is for the keeper directing him to send me the bill. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, m’ lord. Am I to return with an answer?”

  This was the one thing he’d not thought about.

  “No, not unless the earl directs you to.”

  “Very good, m’ lord. If all goes well I should be back about this time tomorrow. With your permission, I’ll use Beau. He’s strong and will make the journey easily,” Stanley said.

  “Excellent choice. Now off you go, and ride safely for that letter you carry is of great importance,” Tony ordered.

  Nodding to the man’s bow, Tony waited until the man had left then finished the last of the whiskey in the glass. He stood and started for the sidebar only to stop when he heard the ladies in the hall coming toward his office. From what he could make out he wasn’t sure if they, individually or collectively, were mad at him or not. He suspected, though, at least one could be-Chelsea.

  He stepped over to the sidebar and poured another drink as they marched in, and not one of them was smiling. However, as he studied each he did notice the corners of Chelsea’s lips curl up ever so slightly.

  “Son, I do hope you have sherry on the tray?” his mother demanded.

  Tony was a little taken aback at what she said but considering her tone, knew arguing was out of the question. Cocking his head toward the table he was pleased there was a decanter of the tawny liquid.

  “Yes there is. Would you ladies care for a glass?”

  “The sherry is for Lady Chelsea. Iris and I will have whiskey, and don’t even think of diluting it. We ladies do enjoy a delicious glass of Scotland’s finest.”

  This was the first time he’d ever seen, much less heard of, his mother wishing to partake of a glass, not to mention Iris. For Chelsea to have sherry made sense as it was more suited to a young lady.

  “Well, are you going to stand there like a ninnyhammer or do we have to get our own drinks?” Iris declared.

  “No, no, no. Please, where are my manners. Take seats, and I’ll bring them right over.”

  Turning back, he started to pour two glasses of whiskey and one of sherry. Carefully balancing them in his hands, Tony turned and came up short on seeing his mother was ensconced at his desk. From the scowl she was sending him he knew not to ask why she was sitting in the seat of power. Then he realized that was why. Not wishing to risk censure he didn’t say anything but handed a glass to her.

  He found it interesting that Chelsea and her mother had chosen the settee which left the chair in front of the desk and one next to Chelsea empty. For Tony the decision was easy. He chose the seat next to Chelsea and gave her the sherry and Iris her whiskey.

  “Might I inquire as to why we are meeting here and not in your parlor, Mother?”

  “You were here. Now as for this little get-together, as you heard from Lady Chelsea we have received a letter from The Duchess of Fenwick. To begin with I find it interesting she sent it and not the duke, but that’s neither here nor there. Anyway, she told me her son, Lord Valerian, had been loaded onto a ship bound for India.”

  “And he had several guards with him to make sure he made the ocean voyage without problems, such as trying to escape,” Iris added.

  Wait, he thought and used taking a sip of his whiskey to stretch out the time to contemplate his dilemma. If the man’s not in England, then who was riding the well-shod horse by the river? Could Valerian somehow have escaped or was there someone else who might wish to harm either me or Chelsea?

  “And you’re sure of this?”

  “Yes. Why?” Iris asked.

  “When I was out riding I found fresh hoof prints along the river. As my mother will tell you, it’s forbidden to cross the estate. So I ask you, who could it be and why?”

  “Offhand I can’t think of anyone. To the best of my, and Chelsea’s knowledge, the only one it could be is Valerian, but we know he’s not here.”

  “Then ladies, for all our safety, until we find out who rode across the land, I believe none of us should leave the mansion without guards and yes, that includes me. I’ll alert the staff to be on the lookout and to report directly to me if they find anything suspicious.”

  Tony was a little astounded none of the three voiced any complaints as to their restriction.

  “M’ lord, does that include the garden?” Chelsea inquired.

  He glanced over to her and saw her eyes had widened slightly, most likely from fear he guessed. To help calm her, he reached out with his hand and rested it on her arm.

  “Yes, I’m afraid it does, but with another footman along and your mother as chaperone there’s no reason I couldn’t show you the beds,” he softly replied with a calming smile.

  “Thank you, m’ lord, for I might take you up on your kind offer after we have luncheon,” she replied.

  “Lady Chelsea, don’t forget we still have the banquet and midnight buffet menus to go over for the ball,” Iris reminded her.

  “Yes, but we also need t
o decorate the ballroom, and taking a stroll about the garden will give us a chance to see what’s blooming.”

  “Agreed, so I feel we should all go. I’m sure my son won’t mind escorting three ladies,” Rosalind teased.

  “It will be my pleasure,” Tony answered with a smile.

  “Now that we have that settled, would you care to explain your riding off without even a word?” his mother demanded.

  Suddenly Tony didn’t know where to begin. On the ride back he’d planned everything out, down to the last detail, but now in Chelsea’s presence his mind had become befuddled. Glancing over into her eyes, he saw that same sweet, innocent smile she used to give him as a young girl. Taking in a breath, he slowly let it out, stood, and started pacing the room. At the far end, near the door, he halted and looked back at the ladies.

  “Mother, the reason for my dashing out started years ago at a picnic in Richmond Park. It was there my life changed seemingly forever, until last night when I met her again. Chelsea, if I may, last eve when you glided into the parlor, I was sure you were the same young girl, now grown, who was supposed to have drowned or something else horribly happened to you.

  “Today, I needed time alone to go over everything to make sure you were the same person, and you are. There was also another reason, to examine my heart and mind to see if the same affections I’d had for you years ago still existed. I can honestly answer, they do.”

  Setting his glass on a table by the door, he marched up to Chelsea, held out his hands, and was pleased when she settled hers in his before looking to his mother.

  “Did I answer your question?”

  “Yes, you did, Son. Now, you might wish to hear what Lady Chelsea has to say,” she replied.

  Tony peered down to Chelsea and noticed her almost always present smile then felt her squeeze his hands gently. That was all the affirmation he needed to know her heart was still his, but he still wanted to hear it from her lips.

  “Did you ever think we’d ever meet up again?” she uttered.

  “No I didn’t. As I watched you float down the river I had thought I’d lost you forever. All I can say, I’m so glad I didn’t as we now know. Someday, I’d love to learn what happened in these past years.”

  He could tell she was about to answer when Usher stepped into the room.

  “M’ lord and ladies, luncheon is served.”

  “Thank you. We’ll be right down,” Tony said.

  As his mother was senior to Iris but also a guest he should offer to escort her. Forgetting protocol, he released Chelsea’s hands from his then offered her his arm which he was pleased she took. With a glance over to both mothers he was happy to see they were smiling, not only at him but her as well. At least they hadn’t asked about the letter he’d insisted on writing. Then again, knowing his mother and most likely hers as well, they probably suspected what it was in regards to.

  After making their way to the ground floor and the small family dining room, he glanced down to Chelsea.

  “Would you like me to set up a plate for you?”

  “Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

  After seating her on the second chair to his right he stepped over to the sidetable and carefully chose several different meats and vegetables for her. Satisfied, he returned to her and set the plate in front of her then went to prepare his luncheon. With his plate fixed, he turned to see Chelsea had switched chairs with his mother. Now she was directly at his right hand, across from her mother. This made him wonder if someone was trying to tell him something. Of course he’d already not only thought of it but had taken the first steps. Tony knew if he was lucky the earl would be here within a few days so they would be able to discuss certain financial details.

  Over luncheon Tony let the ladies lead the conversation in the direction of the upcoming ball. Knowing the majority of the families invited but still curious about the house party guests, he knew it would be a fun evening with lots of dancing and wonderful conversation. One thing he would have to make sure of was that the musicians played more than three or four waltzes.

  With the meal finished Tony followed the ladies to the stairs as they needed to get their bonnets and parasols. He waited until they made it to the first floor before turning and heading to the rear of the mansion and the veranda. Walking out he looked around at the garden and was pleased with what he saw. All the beds were in full bloom and several assistant gardeners weeding.

  In the distance he saw the top of the pavilion which stood by the natural pond. That was one place he needed to examine to make sure it was ready to receive guests when they started to arrive.

  On hearing the ladies talking he turned, but his focus was only on one of them–Chelsea and the walking dress she wore.

  Chapter Eight

  Now he knew why a lady had to have so many different gowns and dresses. It was to keep a gentleman guessing on what she’d wear next. Last night seeing her in the pastel pink gown he remembered how his palms itched wanting to caress her through the material.

  But the light yellow one she’d changed into for the stroll about the garden had his palms sweating. He couldn’t decide if it was the Belgium lace decorating the collar or how the bodice fit her like a glove which was driving him crazy. As she stepped out, the sunlight and the way it hit her hair had it seemingly changing from dark brown to an enchanting mahogany.

  Unlike the two mothers who had bonnets and parasols, she’d only chosen the second. He suspected to tease him into madness which wouldn’t be very hard as she, with her ever present smile on her lips and in her eyes, glided up to him.

  “M’ lady.” Was all he could get out before his mind went blank.

  “M’ lord, shall we take the tour of the gardens?” she said softly.

  When he felt a rap on his leg, Tony mentally shook his head and turned to his mother who was grinning brightly at him. He knew exactly why, to get his brain back on the topic at hand and not drool over Chelsea.

  “Yes, yes. I’m sorry. It’s been such a long stressful day. I thought we’d start with the rose beds and work our way around the paths,” he finally was able to tell them.

  What he didn’t mention was the pavilion, considering its location to the pond. He wondered if being so close to the water would upset her.

  Offering Chelsea his arm, he then waved the mothers to lead, and wasn’t astounded when his mother shook her head.

  “No Son, we’re not letting you and Lady Chelsea follow. Who knows, especially considering your reaction to her dress, what mischievousness you’ll cause.”

  “Mother, as much as part of me wishes to agree with you, the more sensible part of me prefers to behave. We have a lot of years to catch up on first,” he stated firmly, earning a giggle from Chelsea.

  “I agree, but I’ve no idea where to begin. For you though, m’ lord, it’s actually very simple–you’re a rogue and rakehell of the first order. However, I do feel safe when I’m with you and know nothing untoward will ever happen to my personage,” Chelsea declared.

  “Then with our mothers as hens protecting their respective chick…”

  “In your case, Lord Anthony, don’t you mean rooster as I’m too much of a lady to use the appropriate word,” Rosalind stated.

  This brought chuckles from everyone, even the speaker. Then with Chelsea on his arm they descended the granite stairs leading to the lawn. As he guided her to the formal gardens, Tony periodically glanced down to her, noticing how she studied everything around them.

  As they entered the path with rose bushes on either side of them in perfectly tended beds, he felt her release her hand from his arm. Panicked at first that she might rush ahead, he relaxed when she stepped over to a bush aflamed with red roses. Studying it, he couldn’t tell if there wasn’t a twig or stem which didn’t have at least several fragrant flowers on them.

  Lifting his head, he looked around to see if there were any gardeners nearby. Smiling on not seeing any, he stepped up beside her, took a pocket knife out an
d snipped off a bud. Carefully he removed the thorns before turning her to face him.

  “My dear, as beautiful as this rose is, it pales in comparison to your beauty.” He then slipped it behind her left ear.

  The pink tinge to her cheeks on hearing his words started to make his blood boil not only from wanting to hold her in his arms but from the desire to kiss those lushly full lips of hers. Hearing someone clearing their throat, he glanced to the mothers and received glares from both.

  “What?” he demanded.

  “We’re just making sure you’re behaving, and it seems to a slight degree that could be up for debate,” his mother stated.

  He gave the gracious lady a nod then swiveled back to Chelsea just in time to see the last vestiges of the blush fade.

  “Shall we continue?” he uttered, offering up his arm.

  “Yes, and I feel we should use different colored roses throughout the ballroom,” Chelsea suggested.

  “If I might, we’ll have the gardeners select the best ones and have them picked that afternoon so they will stay fresh,” her mother recommended.

  “Also, have some partially opened. That way from the warmth of the room they will open adding their fragrance,” Rosalind added, to nods of approval from the other two ladies.

  As Tony continued to guide Chelsea, with the mothers now closer than earlier, around the garden he let her stop him to examine different flowers. Whatever she’d been doing, besides hiding from society for all these years, Tony was learning she did have excellent taste when it came to decorating. If she did have amnesia after the injury, he knew she’d have to have been retaught everything she’d already learned. Then her education would continue to where she could handle a household. With assistance at first, then later on her own.

  One question which still puzzled him, and he suspected her also. Was the meeting at the Rucker ball by chance or planned by one or both mothers? At some point, and soon, he’d have to ask? But which mother? He needed answers and with everything out in the open between him and Chelsea. He knew the replies wouldn’t change the way he felt about her.