The Scandalous Lord Lanchester

by Michelle Styles

  ‘Had you told me I should not have denied you.’

  Her eyes sparkled with mischief. His kiss had aroused such dreams, such longing that had she not seen a couple looking at them in amusement she might have thrown her arms about him and declared her love.

  ‘You are a minx, Mariah. I have told you before that you deserve to be spanked.’

  Mariah pouted at him, taking his arm again. They walked on in silence. For a moment he had been provoked to passion, but now he was her sensible, dependable friend again. She was such a fool to want more, but she longed to lie in his arms and throw caution to the winds. Despite having shared a part of his secret with her, Andrew was still concerned about her reputation and behaving in an honourable manner. Why did he simply not make love to her and place his ring on her finger? If he loved her as she loved him, he would surely do so?

  * * *

  It was as they entered the count’s house that Mariah sensed an atmosphere of alarm and upset. She was taking off her bonnet when Sylvia came down the stairs towards her.

  ‘Oh, thank goodness you are back, my love,’ she exclaimed. ‘Lady Jenkins has been here, looking for you. She is in such distress. It seems that her nephew has disappeared. He accompanied her to the ball, but then went missing. She thought he might have returned to their hotel, but no such thing. He has not been seen all night. She thought you might know where he was.’

  ‘No, indeed I do not,’ Mariah said. ‘He did ask me to meet him today, but he did not keep his appointment—or his engagement to dance last evening.’

  ‘What could have happened, do you suppose?’ Sylvia asked. ‘Count Paolo was distressed that one of his guests should simply disappear that way. He has given orders that the house and grounds should be searched—and enquiries are to be made throughout the city.’

  ‘Is Lady Jenkins still here?’

  ‘She returned to the hotel in case he should go back there. After all, as the count suggested, he is a young man and men will sometimes go off on affairs of their own.’

  ‘I doubt that Lieutenant Grainger is so ill mannered as to worry his aunt,’ Andrew said. ‘I dare say he may have met with an accident. I shall speak to the count and ask what is being done, and of course offer my assistance to Lady Jenkins. In fact, I think I shall visit her hotel first to see if there is any sign of him.’ Andrew glanced at Mariah, a warning look in his eyes. ‘I shall do my best in this matter, but it is my intention to leave for Venice soon—and I would advise you to do the same.’

  ‘Oh, could we travel with you?’ Sylvia asked. ‘After all that has happened I should feel safer if we could all go together. I think I shall send a servant to collect our things from the villa. I am sorry to curtail our trip, Mariah, for I know you were enjoying yourself—but I really do not think I wish to continue in such uneasy circumstances.’

  ‘I am perfectly ready to leave when you are,’ Mariah replied. ‘I think we should all go tomorrow. A day or so in Venice will refresh us before we leave for France.’

  ‘Yes, that is my feeling,’ Sylvia said and took her hand as Mariah reached her. ‘It is such a shame. I know Count Paolo feels it dreadfully—he feels responsible because his guests have been treated so ill. First that attack on Lord Lanchester and now Lieutenant Grainger has disappeared. I really do not know what is happening.’

  ‘You must not distress yourself,’ Mariah said and squeezed her arm. ‘Whatever has happened is none of your making. We must not let it spoil what has been a delightful trip.’

  ‘No, indeed. Count Paolo has been such a generous host. He was distressed when I told him I wished to go straight home. He told me that we should always be welcome to return, but I am not sure that I shall…’ Sylvia blushed. ‘I have not told Hubert yet, but I think…I really think that I may at last be in an interesting condition.’

  ‘Sylvia, dearest.’ Mariah kissed her cheek. ‘I am delighted for you—and you must not be anxious. This unpleasant business can have nothing to do with us.’

  ‘No, I do not see how it can.’ Sylvia looked relieved. ‘The attack on Lord Lanchester was the work of bandits—and I do not know what can have happened to Lieutenant Grainger, I am sure.’

  ‘He may just have gone off and had too much to drink,’ Mariah said. ‘He is a new friend and a pleasant gentleman, but you should not concern yourself too much, dearest. His aunt will no doubt engage an agent to search for him if he is not found immediately.’

  ‘Will she know what to do?’

  ‘I am sure Lord Lanchester will do whatever he can to help her. He is resourceful and has some knowledge of these things.’

  ‘Ah, yes, your troubles…’ Sylvia looked at her in concern. ‘This must bring it all back to you?’

  ‘No, it is not the same,’ Mariah said. ‘I do not believe I am in any danger. Let us take a little walk in the rose gardens, dearest—and then we shall instruct the maids to begin our packing.’

  ‘Yes. How calm and sensible you are,’ Sylvia said, some of the anxiety clearing from her eyes. ‘I had hopes you might form an attachment while we were in Italy…’

  Mariah considered telling her of her understanding with Andrew, but something warned her to keep the information to herself. It might be best to say nothing until they were safely on their way home to England. Andrew had not actually asked her and he might never do so if things went badly.

  Chapter Six

  ‘Grainger has not been seen at the inn and his things are just as he left them,’ Andrew said when Mariah spoke with him later that afternoon while strolling in the courtyard garden.

  Mariah’s eyes widened. ‘Do you think something unpleasant could have happened to him?’

  ‘I told his aunt that he might have had an accident or perhaps become involved in a long card game—which is still possible, though why he should leave the ball without taking his leave of her I have no idea.’

  ‘You do not believe it to be that simple, do you?’

  ‘No. I think he may have been kidnapped or worse.’

  Mariah caught her breath. ‘I think I shall be glad to leave in the morning. I wish we might go sooner, but Sylvia is already distressed and I would not wish to alarm her further.’

  ‘The morning will be suitable. I think we are all safe enough for the moment. If Lieutenant Grainger has been abducted or murdered, it is because he knew something I don’t—to prevent him from telling me or you.’

  Mariah shuddered. She would have pressed him for more, but saw the count striding through the courtyard garden towards them. He looked serious, a frown creasing his forehead as he came up to them.

  ‘My servants have completed their search of the house and grounds. Grainger is, as I expected, nowhere to be found. However, one of my servants thinks he recalls a gentleman a little the worse for strong wine leaving halfway through the evening. His description matches the costume I know Lieutenant Grainger to have been wearing. Therefore we may assume that he grew bored with the company and went off to look for drinking companions. I dare say he may return when he has slept his excesses off.’

  ‘Yes, I dare say he may. I shall hope for Lady Jenkins’s sake that he has come to no harm by his foolishness,’ Andrew replied smoothly. ‘I must thank you for your hospitality, sir. As you know, we are leaving early in the morning. I shall not see you this evening, as I have promised myself to Lady Jenkins. I must do all I can for her before we leave.’

  ‘I shall be sorry to see you go, Lord Lanchester.’ Count Paolo inclined his head as Andrew turned to Mariah.

  ‘We shall be ready to leave at seven in the morning. I trust that will not be too early, Lady Fanshawe?’

  ‘Thank you, sir. I know Lady Hubert is anxious for an early start. We shall be ready.’

  Mariah turned her gaze to the count as Andrew walked away. Her heart was beating a little faster than normal, but she managed to smile and look carefree as she said, ‘I have to thank you so much for your hospitality, sir—both here and at the lakes. We enjoyed our stay there
so much and the ball was delightful.’

  ‘It distresses me that this unpleasant incident should have given Lady Hubert a dislike of Milan. I shall be sorry to see you leave, Mariah—I cannot press you to stay on as my guest?’

  ‘You know my answer, sir. I shall not deceive you. I fear I should not have settled here. I value your friendship, of course, but my life is elsewhere. I have good friends in England and I shall make my home there.’

  He moved towards her and for a moment she thought he would take hold of her violently. She took a step backwards, not for the first time feeling fearful in his company. The intense look in his eyes told her that he had not given up hope of persuading her.

  ‘I cannot force you to stay, but I think I know what I must do,’ he said and his smile sent a shiver down her spine. ‘I shall allow you to leave me for now, Mariah—but this does not end here. When I want something, I do not let go easily.’

  Mariah shook her head, fighting to keep her smile in place. She wondered why she had ever thought he was a charming man—he was like a snake, potentially venomous and deadly.

  ‘Forgive me, my mind is made up. Nothing can change it—no alteration in your circumstances. I know what I want from life and that does not include living here—as your mistress or as your wife.’

  His eyes narrowed in anger and she drew a sharp breath, fearing that she had gone too far. Perhaps she had been rude, but she needed to make sure he understood there was no possibility of anything between them. However, he merely inclined his head and smiled coldly.

  ‘A lady as beautiful as you is never easily won, Mariah,’ he said and his voice was like the silken purr of a cat. It had fascinated her when they first met, making her pulses race, but now it left her cold. He was dangerous and she would be glad to see the last of him. ‘I shall win you yet, my love.’

  Feeling it would be unwise to say more, Mariah smiled and inclined her head. She walked towards the house, knowing that she must not look back lest he took it as an invitation, yet knowing also that his eyes were on her. Was he angry, plotting his revenge? She sensed that he might be violent if provoked and trembled inwardly, half wishing that Andrew had not promised to dine with Lady Jenkins that evening.

  No, she was not a timid girl to be intimidated! Her abductor, Captain Blake, had thought to break her spirit and failed; the count would fare no better. She would stay close to Sylvia for the remainder of their stay—and she would lock her bedroom door!

  * * *

  The night passed without incident. Mariah dressed and went down with Sylvia and Lord Hubert. The count had come to bid them farewell; he was the perfect, handsome, smiling gentleman she had first met and she was not surprised that her friends believed that he was all that was generous and kind.

  ‘I hope to see you in England very soon, Lady Fanshawe,’ he said. ‘I wish you a safe journey but I am sure you will meet with no more accidents on the way. I am sending two of my grooms to escort you to Venice. They will see you safely there.’

  ‘Thank you, you are most kind,’ Mariah said, for she could say nothing less.

  The count said no more, turning instead to Lord Hubert on a matter of business. Andrew was waiting for them outside in the street with the carriage. Andrew had chosen to ride, but looked pale, though seemed in good spirits. He refused when she asked if he would not like to ride inside the coach.

  ‘I am well enough to ride. My hand pains me a little, but I can manage.’

  ‘If it hurts too much, you must stop the coach and ride with us.’

  ‘I shall manage—’ He broke off as Sylvia was helped into the carriage. ‘Attend to your friend, Mariah. I do not need coddling.’

  ‘Of course not,’ Mariah said and pouted at him. ‘Growling will get you nowhere, Andrew.’

  ‘What was that all about?’ Sylvia asked as she sat back against the squabs.

  ‘Andrew is grumpy this morning. I think his hand pains him.’

  ‘The foolish man should ride with us. I dare say it is his pride that prevents him.’

  ‘I believe he wants to be outside, to help keep watch lest we should be attacked.’

  Sylvia shivered. ‘Please do not! Surely with the count’s grooms to accompany us we shall be safe enough?’

  ‘Yes, I am certain we shall.’

  ‘I cannot wait to be out of Italy.’ Sylvia shivered.

  ‘I think we shall all be glad of a change of scenery,’ Mariah said. ‘Is Lord Hubert to ride, Sylvia?’

  ‘Yes, he prefers it—though should it rain he would wish to ride with us.’ Sylvia sighed and reached for her reticule. ‘To be honest, I cannot wait to be home again.’

  ‘In that case we might forgo our visit to Venice and make straight for France and Paris instead. We need only stop in the city for a couple of days at the most before we head to the coast and the boat to take us back to England,’ Mariah suggested. ‘I should be quite content with that, dearest.’

  ‘Yes, well, it is what Hubert decided when I told him my news,’ Sylvia said, a faint blush in her cheeks. ‘He is a little concerned for me and I thought it best to agree.’

  ‘Yes, indeed.’ Mariah smiled at her fondly. ‘It will be good to be at Avonlea again.’

  ‘Is that where you shall go?’ Sylvia asked. ‘I had thought…but, yes, perhaps it would be best. I dare say you have things to concern you.’

  ‘I have some estate business that ought to be attended and I shall do that better with Avonlea’s help. The duke is no longer my guardian, but in matters of this nature I value his advice. Besides, it is close to Lord Lanchester’s estate.’

  ‘Oh…’ Sylvia must have seen the sparkle in her eye, for she nodded and smiled. ‘I had not realised, Mariah. I am happy for you, dearest.’

  ‘There was nothing to tell you. We have an understanding, but nothing is to be announced for the moment—it is merely a private arrangement for the future and may not come to anything.’

  Sylvia reached for her hand. ‘Well, I am glad of it—I have worried for you, my love.’

  ‘You have been the best of friends and as soon as anything is settled I shall of course write and perhaps visit.’

  ‘Yes, of course you must. I fear I shall do little visiting for the next several months. Once I am home I intend to stay there.’

  ‘Yes, you must take great care of yourself.’

  ‘As you must, dearest. I shall be happy to see you wed.’

  Mariah agreed it would be the best thing that could happen to her.

  Smiling to herself, she settled against the squabs and prepared for a long journey.

  * * *

  Mariah had wondered if the journey might prove too much for her friend, but Sylvia seemed very much better once they were clear of Milan. The weather was kind to them and they made excellent progress, quickly crossing the border into France.

  ‘We shall certainly buy some new dresses in Paris,’ Sylvia said. ‘No one gives a toilette so much style as a French seamstress. I shall need gowns that will let out to allow for my condition and I may as well have them made rather than try to adjust my old ones. Besides, I am perfectly well. It was a mere irritation of the nerves.’

  Mariah smiled, for she doubted her friend ever wore a gown that was older than a year. Her husband spoiled her and her wardrobes overflowed with beautiful clothes.

  ‘I shall order a few gowns for the winter. They will send the order to Avonlea for me and Lucinda will have the gowns taken care of should I not be there.’

  Sylvia looked at her coyly. ‘Are you buying a trousseau, my love?’

  Maria smiled and shook her head. ‘Sylvia, dear, it is an understanding. I do not expect to announce our intentions for a while. Andrew has some affairs to set in order first and I have agreed that it shall remain private, known only to our close friends. We shall use this time to get to know each other better. I shall, of course, tell Avonlea and Lucinda and Andrew will tell Jane and George, but I think we do not need to announce it to the world.’

/>   ‘You are very calm about things,’ Sylvia remarked. ‘Are you in love with him, dearest?’

  ‘Love?’ Mariah arched her right eyebrow, giving her friend a look of mischief. ‘Andrew is very attractive and I am sure he will make me an excellent husband. I am attached to him and I like him—perhaps that is enough. Do you not think so?’

  Sylvia murmured something about her knowing her own mind best. Mariah laughed. Her pride would not let her admit to anyone that it was a love match on her side when it was so obviously not on Andrew’s. He treated her as a good friend, caring for her comfort and her safety, which she knew he would do for any lady of his acquaintance. However, he showed no sign of being a man driven by passion or love.

  Mariah knew that he had been in love with Lucinda Avonlea the previous summer. Was he still coming to terms with his loss? Did he still carry a torch for the young woman he’d befriended when she was unhappy and uncertain of her husband’s feelings?

  She recalled a walk they had taken on their recent journey; it was one of the rare chances they’d had to be alone since they had come to their agreement.

  ‘You have not told me what the count said to you that last morning before we left?’ Andrew looked at her. ‘Did he try to persuade you to stay on?’

  ‘He knew that he could not. I tried to make it clear that there could never be anything between us, but he did not seem to accept it. He said he knew what he must do and would see me in England—he also said that a woman as beautiful as I was never won easily.’

  ‘The man knows how to flatter.’ Andrew scowled. ‘You must tell me at once if he turns up and begins to pester you, Mariah.’

  ‘It might be best if we did not delay our plans too long,’ she said without looking at him. ‘I know you fear the scandal over these unfounded accusations, but I should not regard it.’

  ‘I should mind for your sake,’ Andrew replied. His eyes narrowed. ‘Did you encourage the count to think you might accept him?’

  Mariah felt her cheeks heat. She raised her eyes to his and spoke bravely. ‘I may have flirted with him a little at the start,’ she admitted. ‘I was feeling lonely, as I told you at the lakes. I considered marriage to be preferable to being pursued by fortune hunters. I was serious in that—and I suppose I also considered an affair. I am tired of being alone, Andrew. I know I was married for a short time only, but Winston was my friend as well as my husband and I still miss him.’