“We would be honored. If memory serves, that was the same ball your parents attended on the eve of the earl asking for the countess’ hand,” the duke stated.
This seemed to be one little piece of information neither of his parents had imparted on him. Later, after returning the countess and Jessica to their townhouse, Matt decided he needed to approach his father as to why he nor his mother had mentioned it.
“Do you have a plan on how to get them to your townhouse?” the duchess asked.
That had been the only part of the evening Matt hadn’t planned.
“If the weather improves I’m taking Lady Jessica and the countess to the British Museum then to ours for tea with my parents. Mayhap, I can have my mother do the honor as it would be less suspicious coming from her.”
“I believe it should. Now, you’d best be off. I don’t think my goddaughter would appreciate me keeping you here thus her waiting,” the duke announced.
With bows to the duke and duchess, Matt made his way down to the front door. There he was met by the same footman of earlier. This time the man was smiling and gave him a bow. Helped into his great coat Matt gave the man a nod, then stepped out onto the front portico where he was met with a surprise. While conversing with the duke and duchess, the skies had cleared, presenting him with a deep-blue sky. Almost immediately his mind went to Jessica and her eyes.
Marching down the steps, he continued over to his waiting carriage.
“The Banworth townhouse,” he ordered the coachman, then climbed into the brick-warmed carriage.
A short while later he reversed the process and walked up the Banworth steps to be met by their butler.
“Goodman, good afternoon,” Matt said.
“And to you, m’ lord. I’m pleased to see the horrid snow has stopped.”
“Yes. After luncheon I’ll be escorting the ladies to the museum. Make sure there are several warmed bricks in the coach wrapped in flannel.”
I will, m’ lord. The earl, countess, and Lady Jessica await your arrival in the family parlor,” Goodman directed.
“Thank you. I know the way.”
Handing his coat over to the butler, Matt made his way to the first floor and strolled casually down the hall. As he passed the earl’s office he heard his name called out. He stepped in.
“M’ lord.” Matt bowed.
“From your grin I suspect everything went well with the duke?”
“Yes, m’ lord. He gave his blessing.”
“Wonderful, and you have mine and the countess’ as well. Shall we join the ladies as luncheon will be served shortly. But first, when do you plan on asking her?
This question put him in a dilemma, inform the earl now or wait until they’d been invited by his mother, later. Considering the stare he was receiving, he decided to tell the earl.
“Tomorrow eve at a private dinner at my parents’ townhouse. I would ask that you keep this between us until my mother extends the invitation to your countess and Lady Jessica.”
“I will. Now, shall we join the ladies as I’m sure my daughter is nervously pacing the room wondering what happened to you.”
If Jessica was storming about the parlor, it wouldn’t be the first time she did so while waiting for his arrival. Usually, upon his entering the room she’d level a glower on his personage which would and could freeze the normal man as if they were looking into the eyes of Medusa. As he was used to it, all he’d do was smile, bow, then brush his lips across her knuckles. This simple act would calm her.
Of course, she wasn’t the only one who would be impatient. Many times he’d had to wait for her as she finished dressing for a ball or the opera. He had a tendency to mumble under his breath, never swearing, even though at times he strongly felt the need to. This tended to drive any staff, the butler, and footman, crazy as they never knew if he was addressing them or not.
Stepping into the room, Matt could tell he was correct as to Jessica’s mood. With a warm smile he knew plastered on his lips, he approached her. Bowing, he reached for Jessica’s hand only to have it snatched from his.
“Don’t even think of it, m’ lord. Your ways won’t let you escape my wrath today. I know you had a meeting earlier with His Grace. I demand to know what happened?”
Should he drag it out thus watching her ire rise while her cute nose crinkled or tell her straight out? Considering she’d now crossed her arms over her lovely breasts, he easily decided on the former.
Slowly, he went through everything, starting with the looks the butler and footman gave him. Finally, not taking Jessica’s glare any longer, and hearing a titter coming from the countess he relented.
“His Grace has given his approval, and a few moments ago so did the earl.”
From the wide-eyed expression along with her smile and the subsequent dropping of her arms Matt knew Jessica was past happy. If he didn’t know better, and her parents weren’t with them she’d probably jump into his arms. As he’d always insisted on maintaining propriety, Matt was glad she didn’t. It was also fortunate he heard the luncheon bell ring.
“Shall we adjourn to the dining room then as promised a visit to the museum? I’m not sure about my daughter, but I’m looking forward to the trip,” the countess said.
“Mother, you know full and well I’m looking forward to seeing the new paintings they’ve acquired,” Jessica stated.
Not that he was interested in artwork, but Matt knew Jessica was, and after a little time studying them in her company he might develop an appreciation for them. As he offered her his arm they followed her parents to the dining room. Over a perfectly prepared meal Jessica hinted at when he’d make it official.
“I need to make sure the Winsome Countess ring is cleaned and properly set. Lady Jessica, can your impatience last a week?” he lied, knowing it was in his possession.
“If I must,” she declared with a humph.
“At least you won’t be stopped when out for a stroll by well-wishers for a few more days,” the countess declared.
With the meal finished and the ladies wearing spencers under heavy pelisses and fur hand warmers and he in his great coat, Matt handed the countess then Jessica into his warmed carriage.
Making their way through the streets from the Banworth townhouse to the museum, from habit more than anything, Matt kept glancing out the window at his shoulder. He noticed Jessica was doing the same, most likely for the same reason. As they got closer to the vast building he saw her stiffen and her face pale.
“Are you all right?”
“No. Yes. I’m not sure. I think I just saw someone who’s supposed to be dead. Killed in France six months ago,” she whispered.
Matt immediately knew who she was talking about-Richard Macey. He remembered the incident, since it had been his task to kill the man after being lured to a secluded road by Jessica on the excuse Matt had valuable information which needed to be sent to the French military.
“My dear, do you wish to continue with this excursion, as you don’t seem well, or go straight over to the Winsome townhouse?” her mother asked.
The reason, Matt knew the countess had suggested his and not theirs, by this time he and Jessica were reporting to the Earl of Winsome, his father.
“M’ lord, I know we should report this, but I’ve been looking forward to the outing ever since you suggested it,” Jessica declared.
“Then, your wish will be carried out,” Matt uttered as the coach came to a halt at the museum steps.
Climbing down, Matt instructed the coachman, the assistant, and the footman to keep a sharp look out for anyone interested in the carriage.
“Don’t do anything, only get the person’s description for later.”
“Yes, m’ lord.”
He helped both ladies down, and with Jessica on his arm and her mother following they entered the museum. Two hours later Matt and Jessica had a private meeting with the earl.
“Son, what protection do you plan for Lady Jessica and her parents?”
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Matt glanced over to Jessica, who nodded.
“When I return the ladies we, Jessica and I, will speak to the earl and tell him the basics of what you now know. I’ll then suggest Lady Jessica doesn’t leave their townhouse without extra footmen and grooms for guards. The same will happen with me as I’ve no idea who Macey is after.”
“Wonderful. Now shall we join the mothers to stop whatever they are planning?”
Matt chuckled as Jessica’s snarl
Later, Matt escorted the ladies back to their townhouse and spent a few minutes with the earl, letting him know what had happened.
Leaving to return to his parents London house, Matt wondered how Jessica would take the surprise tomorrow.
Chapter Three
Jessica stood on the top stoop and watched Matthew’s coach roll out of the courtyard. Much to her amazement, she saw him pop his head out the window and glance back to her and smile. She responded with a ladylike wave then wrapped her heavy woolen shawl around her as a cold gust of wind stirred up the hem of her skirt.
Turning, she was greeted by a warm smile from her mother. This pleased Jessica as she wished to discuss something of great import with her.
“I know we have several hours before dressing for dinner then the ball we will be attending in the company of Lord Matthew. However, there’s something I need to talk to you about as it has me troubled somewhat.”
From the sad look in her mother’s eyes, Jessica instantly knew she had to put her at ease.
“No, Mother, it’s nothing bad so please calm yourself.”
Accepting a head bob from her, Jessica smiled.
“Then, shall we adjourn to my parlor? After which I want you to rest as today has been a bit stressful for you having spied Macey.”
“I promise to nap.”
With that, Jessica linked arms with her mother, and they made their way to the first floor, down the corridor, and into the parlor. Taking a seat beside her mother, Jessica took a breath.
“It’s the way Lord Matthew was acting today, and I’m not speaking about Macey. I’m perplexed. If he wasn’t already in possession of the Winsome ring, why would he have spoken with the duke then father? Then, there’s the intimate dinner with us, him, and his parents. From what Lady Amelia told me, this is the prelude to the formal betrothal.”
“On both counts you’re correct. As they use the same jeweler we do, I know for certain, thanks to your father who saw Lord Richard pick up the ring, he will make the official offer tomorrow eve before dinner. As for the privacy, I strongly suspect the duke and duchess have been invited as well. Does that settle your nerves?” her mother said.
“Yes, but why the ruse?”
“So it will come as a surprise to you when he does. I suspect once we arrive you will observe Lord Matthew acting a bit nervous as he gathers his courage,” her mother explained.
Jessica leaned against the back of the settee in thought. Slowly, after a few moments, she curled her lips into a smile.
“Then, Mother I say we make him even more uncomfortable.”
“I don’t understand, dear?”
“Before I explain, have you ever seen the Winsome ring? If so, do you recall the stones and their colors?” Jessica inquired.
“I have, and they are all rubies. Sadly, I don’t remember how they are set, only to say the largest is in the middle encircled by smaller ones. Why?”
“I know we’re in the midst of winter and with the ring being rubies, I would suggest the deep red ball gown. If memory serves, Lord Matthew has never seen me in it. Not to mention, it will go perfectly with the ring,” Jessica explained.
Now Jessica watched as her mother delicately stroked her chin, deep in thought. Several seconds passed when finally, her mother nodded and smiled back at her.
“My dear, I can’t think of a better way to addle the man. It will be perfect. Now, off you go to rest. For tonight I’d recommend the deep-blue gown as it’s demure with the high collar thusly setting Lord Matthew’s mind at ease,” her mother directed.
“I was thinking the same and for that exact reason. I’ll see you a little before seven of the clock.” Jessica stood, leaned over, gave her mother a kiss on the cheek, then swept from the room and up to her suite.
Stepping in, Jessica was greeted by her lady’s maid who was smiling.
“M’ lady, are congratulations in order or is it to early?” Sally asked.
“Thank you, but if events go as Her Ladyship and I believe, Lord Matthew will ask for my hand tomorrow eve. On that, as we are having dinner with him, along with Lord and Lady Howe I’ll want the deep-red gown. Yes, and before you argue my selection, it has Her Ladyship’s approval. For this eve’s ball the blue one.”
“I agree with the selections, and in anticipation I’ve already ironed the wrinkles out of this evening’s choice. Now, turn around so I may undo the buttons then take your hair down. I’ve already set a heated brick between the sheets so it will be nice and warm.”
That was one of the many things Jessica loved about Sally. The woman knew what needed doing even before being asked. Of course, as they’d been together for years many times Sally knew things before she did. Turning, Jessica waited while the tiny buttons were unfastened and the simple but elegant day dress pooled at her feet. She then accepted a heavy cotton robe, slipped it on, and took a seat in front of her dressing table.
“Sally, for now a loose braid then for tonight something to go with the gown,” Jessica directed.
“Yes, m’ lady. I also have an idea about how to do your hair for tomorrow night. While you nap I need to speak with the gardener,” Sally declared.
Jessica glanced into the mirror and couldn’t help but notice the mischievous grin on the woman’s lips. Something told her whatever Sally had planned would bowl Matthew over. With her hair set, Jessica stood, swept over to her bed, and crawled between the warmed sheets. In minutes her eyes closed.
A gentle shaking slowly awoke Jessica from her dream. One she wished she’d never had. It had been about the day she and Matthew had lured Richard Macey onto the road in France, just outside of Nantes, and the man had been shot. Until now Macey was thought to be dead. Everything about the dream had seemed so real. Even down to where Matthew had made sure the man wasn’t breathing. If that had been the case, why had she seen Macey earlier? Or had she?
One thing Jessica knew for certain, soon and very soon, she and Matthew would have to relive that day. For now, though…
“I’m awake, not that I wish to be,” she mumbled then yawned very unladylike.
With fisted hands, Jessica rubbed the rest of the sleep from her eyes, tossed off the covers, and slipped from her bed.
“Your bath water is here, and I made sure it’s not too hot. I held off on selecting the oil you wished,” Sally said.
That got Jessica thinking, what would confuse and confound Matthew. She realized with the gown choice for tonight there was only which one would be perfect.
“I’ll use the lavender tonight. That should drive Lord Matthew crazy.”
“Yes, with wanting to sneak you away to a dark corner to try and steal a kiss,” Sally declared.
“Fear not, for I’m sure with the events of tomorrow night an almost certainty, Her Ladyship not to mention Her Grace will keep me on a short leash. It will be a miracle if either of them let me even waltz with Lord Matthew.”
Accepting her maid’s nod, Jessica slipped off the robe then her undergarments. Paddling into her private room, she poured a few drops of the oil into her bath, then with her hand swirling the water, she breathed in its heavenly scent. Stepping in, she sank down, enjoying the warmth, then leaned against the back of the hip tub.
“No dillydallying in there, m’ lady. We still have to dress you. I’ll be in shortly to assist in washing your hair,” Sally told her through the door.
Jessica let out a low groan, then realized if her maid didn’t push her Jessica would stay in the tub until the water cooled.
Finally, with her hair clean, Jessica stepped out and wrapped a thick, fireplace-warmed towel around herself. Once dried off, she shrugged into the robe held by Sally and with a smaller cloth returned to her suite. Taking a seat by the fire, she started rubbing her hair, alternating stroking her silver backed brush through her waist length dark brown hair.
“Sally, I’m ready for you to work your magic with my tresses. I was thinking something simple but elegant.”
“Yes, m’ lady. Might I also recommend having one of your strands of pearls woven in. That would help make a statement to His Lordship not to take you for granted but that you are your own lady.”
Thinking over what Sally said, Jessica knew the woman was partially correct. Even though she and Matthew had worked several cases together, it had always been him in the lead. This infuriated her at times, especially when her suggestions on how best to proceed was ignored for his ideas.
“I agree. And to emphasize the gown, the diamond necklace and earrings. I know he’s never seen me wear them,” Jessica added.
A short while later, with her hair done to perfection and wearing the gown she took a final glance at herself in the mirror. Smiling, Jessica collected the light-blue wrap and swept from her suite and down to her mother’s parlor.
“My dear, now don’t you look lovely. I’m sure on seeing you Lord Matthew will be speechless,” her mother uttered.
“Thank you. I am wondering what his reaction will be. It seems my lady’s maid already has several ideas as to how she will dress my hair for tomorrow’s dinner. What, I’ve no idea, but something tells me if he’s not tongue tied tonight, then tomorrow he will be.”
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My Lady Valentine (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 4) Page 2
