‘Because I found his body at his lodgings. I went there to try to get him to give himself up, but I was too late. Someone was there before me. That someone was Count Paolo. He stood for a moment in the street, looking about him. I saw him quite clearly but I did not think he had seen me. However, I was wrong…’
‘I wondered if it might be something of the sort,’ Andrew said. ‘Why did you not tell me this sooner, Grainger?’
‘Because the count threatened me. When he saw me with you in Milan, he thought we were on to him. He was not sure how much I knew, but I must have given myself away because he had some of his bullies grab me. I was tied up and left a prisoner on the night of his masquerade, but I escaped. Since then I have been in hiding and following him, watching him. I knew that he had men following Lady Fanshawe and suspected that he intended her to be his next wife. He wanted her money.’
‘Why were you at the inn that night—and why did you almost knock me down in your haste to escape? Had you come to me at once, we might have saved Lady Fanshawe a deal of distress.’
‘It was my intention to do so, but I hesitated because I feared that you might not believe me—that you might have me arrested for concealing what I knew about Lieutenant Gordon. I had his body buried in secret and even his mother and sister do not know that he is dead. I should have reported all this long ago. I know that, but he was my friend and I love his sister.’
‘And if I had been brought before a military court for the loss of the silver—would you still have kept your silence?’
‘No one believes ill of you—the charge might have been dismissed.’
‘Shame on you!’ several voices cried, but Andrew hushed them.
‘Why have you come to us now?’
‘Because the count is an evil man and he needs to be stopped—Lieutenant Gordon stole that silver and he did other unspeakable things, but he was under the influence of a monster. He was afraid of Count Paolo and in the end he paid the price.’
‘Where is the silver now?’
‘I found it amongst his things. I have it hidden.’
‘You are little better than your friend, sir!’ Justin cried.
‘No, that is hardly fair,’ Andrew said. ‘Lieutenant Grainger has paid a heavy price for his part in this. I think you may be pardoned, sir, but you must keep your word to testify at the count’s trial and give back the regiment’s silver.’
Mariah moved silently from the door. She had heard enough and was slightly ashamed of eavesdropping, though much of what Lieutenant Grainger had related was as she had suspected. She left the room and so she did not hear what was said next or the uproar Lieutenant Grainger’s words caused.
The revelation of just how evil the count was had shocked Mariah, even though she had suspected that he had done terrible things. For the moment she was too overcome with distress to return to the ballroom and so she went upstairs to her room. There, she washed her face with cool water, tidied her hair and her gown, sitting on the bed for some minutes to recover her composure.
The count had had his wife murdered and then killed her murderer—and he had, according to Lieutenant Grainger, done other unspeakable things. Mariah shuddered, feeling sick as she remembered the night he had attacked her in her room.
She would not allow that man to ruin her special night! Getting to her feet, Mariah brushed the creases from her gown, left her room and started back down the hall towards the stairs. She had gone no more than a few steps when she heard something and sensed someone behind her. Her instincts were alerted and she turned, staring in disbelief as she saw the man standing just a few feet away from her. He looked dishevelled, his eyes wild, as if the madness had overtaken him.
Mariah did not stay to confront him, but ran as swiftly as she could to the head of the stairs. The count was coming after her. She screamed, knowing that he was dangerous and that her life must be in danger. If he had escaped from his captors, he had come here with one purpose in mind. As she reached the top of the staircase she screamed as he lunged at her, took a step forwards, missed her footing and went tumbling down the staircase, hitting her head against the banister.
As the darkness closed over her, she heard something that might have been a shot.
* * *
Mariah opened her eyes to find that a sea of anxious faces surrounded her. She sought the one she needed and reached feebly for his hand, her lips moving, though no sound came from them.
‘Hush, my love,’ Andrew said and caught her hand. ‘It is over. He is dead. Justin shot him when he pushed you.’
‘I lost my footing but he…’ She could not continue.
‘We saw what happened. Grainger told us he had escaped and come here. He has told us everything—the whole truth.’
‘I heard…I know what he did,’ she whispered. ‘I am so sorry…’
‘Count Paolo has paid the price for his wickedness. Grainger has confessed and will be dealt with leniently. I think he has decided that he will wed Lucy and take the consequences. If he is dismissed from the regiment, he will have to search for work, but if his aunt and uncle will not accept his wife, I shall find him a place on one of our estates. His testimony will clear my name and we may forget this wretched affair. Now we must all move forwards. The mystery is resolved and an evil man has paid the price for his crimes.’
Mariah nodded, closing her eyes. Her head ached where she had struck it and she felt a little faint, but she struggled to sit up.
‘I should go back…our guests…’
‘Our guests will understand. Lucinda and Jane will make your excuses,’ Andrew said. ‘Do not argue, my darling. I am going to carry you upstairs and I shall stay with you until you sleep.’
Mariah nodded, feeling too shaken to protest. When Andrew lifted her into his arms she wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her head against his chest.
‘As soon as Grainger told me the count was here I went to look for you. When I realised you were not in the ballroom I thought you might be in your room and I came to look for you. I saw what happened.’
‘I think his mind had gone. I told you he was unstable, but at the last I think he had gone over the edge.’
‘Do not think of it,’ Andrew said and kissed her hair. ‘He will never hurt you again.’
‘I feel safe with you,’ Mariah said. ‘I never want to leave you again, Andrew.’
‘You shall not,’ Andrew told her softly. ‘We shall all visit Avonlea for Christmas, but then you will come back with me. I care not what others think. I want to be with you, to care for you until you are well again. Besides, I have a surprise for you—it is a wedding gift from Jane and George but something I think you will love.’
‘I love you,’ she whispered and reached for his hand.
Mariah wanted to tell him that it was just a little bang on her head and that she would soon feel better, but she was feeling too fragile to argue. It was too good to be in his arms and to feel his strength and his love protecting her.
In her room, Andrew helped her from her beautiful ball gown, then tucked her into bed. He made her pillows comfortable, then sat on the bed beside her, stroking her hair.
‘Go to sleep, dearest,’ he said. ‘You’ve had a nasty shock and a fall, though I think you are not much harmed. In the morning the doctor will come to see how you are, but for now you should rest.’
Mariah smiled up at him. ‘My head hurts a little, but I shall be better soon. Stay with me, Andrew. Do not leave me.’
‘I have no intention of leaving you,’ he said and lay down beside her on the bed, his body close to hers. ‘Rest now, Mariah. I am with you and always will be.’
Mariah sighed and closed her eyes. The comfort of his body lying close to her made her feel safe and loved and very soon she drifted away into sleep.
* * *
It was late in the morning when she woke to discover that Andrew had gone and a maid was bringing in a tray with a pot of hot chocolate and some soft sweet rolls.
&nbs
p; ‘His lordship told me he thought you would wake shortly, my lady. I hope I did not disturb you?’
‘Oh, no,’ Mariah said and stretched. She could feel a slight soreness at her right temple and touched what she knew must be a bruise. However, otherwise she felt perfectly well and welcomed the sight of her breakfast tray. ‘I was ready to wake up. I think it must be quite late?’
‘It is almost noon,’ the maid said. ‘Lord Lanchester said that the doctor would be here in an hour—and you were not to get up before he came to see you.’
‘I do not think I need a doctor,’ Mariah said. ‘But since my lord wishes it I shall do as he asks.’
A smile touched her lips. After the previous night any lingering doubts as to the depth of Andrew’s love had gone. A warm feeling of well-being was creeping through her. She felt loved and wanted, because Andrew had been so gentle and loving to her.
‘Have all the guests gone, Lily?’
‘No, my lady. Most have stayed on because everyone was anxious for you. They all wished to be reassured that you had suffered no lasting harm.’
‘I suppose everyone in the house knows what happened?’
‘Yes, my lady. That wicked man tried to harm you—and he was a murderer. The duke was very quick and brave to shoot him. Everyone is saying he is a hero.’
‘I hope he will not find himself in trouble for shooting the count.’
‘Oh, no, my lady. How could anyone think he did something wrong? I heard Mr Crawford say that no court in the land would convict him even if he was brought before the magistrates, which I am sure he will not be.’
Mariah nodded. She knew that Andrew had asked his sister’s husband to stand up with him at the wedding. Justin was to give her away and Lucinda’s daughter, Angela, and two of the Avonlea cousins were to be her attendants.
Mariah ate her breakfast, watching as the maid tidied the room and asked what she would like to wear when she got up. She went off to fetch some hot water and Mariah settled against the pillows, reading some of the notes that had been brought up to her with her breakfast.
Everyone was outraged that she had been attacked and she smiled, thinking that she had not been aware of so much love and affection towards her.
* * *
The doctor arrived soon after Mariah had washed and settled herself in a fetching wrap. He looked into her eyes and asked her to follow his finger. After examining the wound to her temple and pronouncing it slight, he told her that all was well.
‘You were lucky, Lady Fanshawe. A fall like that might have resulted in far greater injuries.’
‘Yes, I am very lucky,’ Mariah agreed. ‘Indeed, I think I am the luckiest woman alive. I take it that I may get up now?’
‘You should not rush about too much for a while. If you have headaches, send for me, but otherwise I think you are perfectly well.’
Mariah thanked him. He left and she got up, retiring behind the dressing screen to change into the gown her maid had put out. She came out when she heard someone enter the room, turning her back as she struggled to fasten the hooks at the back.
‘Can you fasten these for me, please? I cannot quite manage those in the middle.’
‘Certainly, my love,’ Andrew’s voice said and she glanced over her shoulder, smiling at him. ‘I think I can manage a few hooks.’
‘I dare say you have had practice?’ she said, a little challenge in her eyes. ‘All those ladies in your past, Andrew…’
He raised his brows at her. ‘I am glad to see that this last incident has not changed you, my love. You are still my contrary Mariah.’
‘Would you wish me to be any different?’
‘No, I do not wish to change you in the least.’ He dropped a kiss on her back, making her laugh and wriggle, because his breath tickled. ‘I know you now, my darling, and I want you exactly as you are.’
‘I am so happy,’ she said and turned to face him, lifting her face for his kiss. ‘The doctor says I am perfectly well so you need not treat me as if I were made of porcelain.’
‘What are you suggesting, my wicked one?’ he asked and pulled her close, bending his head to kiss her lips softly. ‘I hope you realise that everyone knows where I spent the night. I fear your reputation has gone, my love.’ His hands were caressing her bare back, making her squirm with delight.
‘From all the letters I have received, no one cares for that,’ she said and smiled in her old teasing way. ‘I dare say some will count the months until our first child is born, but that does not concern me.’
‘Nor should it,’ he said and touched her cheek. ‘We shall be married within a few weeks.’
Mariah nodded, then frowned. ‘Is Justin in trouble for what he did?’
‘No, not at all. I witnessed the whole, as did several of our friends. Justin shot the count before he could do you further harm. Besides, he would have been hanged if he was sane enough to stand trial. Otherwise he might have been chained as a lunatic in Bedlam. I believe he might have chosen to die as he did had he a choice.’
‘Yes, I think it was kinder,’ Mariah said. ‘I cannot feel pity for him after what he did—my concern was only for your friend.’
‘Justin will stand up with us at our wedding,’ Andrew said. ‘We have nothing further to concern us. All the shadows are lifted and we may look forward to the future.’
‘I am truly happy,’ Mariah said and gazed up at him. ‘You are happy, too—glad that you asked me to marry you?’
‘Yes, of course. You are the love of my life and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, dearest Mariah.’
‘I love you,’ she said. ‘I love you more than I ever knew was possible.’
* * * * *
Afterword
Mariah turned her head to glance at the man standing by her side before the altar. She felt the love well up in her and knew that she had found the safe haven she had sought for so long. Andrew Lanchester was handsome, strong and passionate—and he loved her. She felt so lucky that she was half-afraid her happiness would be snatched away from her. He turned his head to look at her, a smile of enquiry in his eyes, and any lingering shadow fled. Andrew had protected her when she needed him; he would be by her side for the rest of her life. As he slipped the ring onto her finger, she felt the glow of his love surround her. She was no longer a reluctant widow, but a wife. From now on she would share each day with the man she loved and all those lonely hours would fly away.
As the bells began to ring out joyfully, Mariah took her husband’s arm and walked out into the bitter cold of a frosty January day to be greeted by cheers and the laughter of friends. She was not aware of the cold; held close to Andrew’s body, she felt only the warmth of his nearness and the satisfaction of knowing that she was loved.
Taking her hand, Andrew hurried her to the waiting carriage, away from the scattered rose petals and rice, drawing her inside and straight into his arms. His kiss was passionate and hungry, evoking an eager response from her as she clung to him, returning his kiss.
‘What were you thinking just now?’ he murmured. ‘I hope it wasn’t that you had changed your mind?’
Mariah laughed and arched her brow at him. ‘Foolish man. I could never, never think that, my love. I was just wondering how I came to be so very lucky.’
‘I am the lucky one,’ he murmured huskily. ‘I hesitated so long and it was only when I began to think that I might lose you that I finally saw how much you meant to me.’ He took her hand and kissed it. ‘I never understood what was lacking in my life until I realised that I loved you. We are both fortunate, Mariah—and with God’s blessing we shall have a long and fruitful life together, my love.’
‘Yes, I think we shall,’ she murmured. ‘I believe the future will be all that either of us could hope.’
‘Yes, it will.’
She moved closer, kissing him on the lips. When he allowed her to move away, she arched her brows. ‘How did Jane and George know that I wanted a wolfhound? The puppy is deligh
tful and one of my very nicest gifts.’
‘Jane wanted to know what she might give you that you would like, my love. I had thought I might buy a puppy for you, but I let my sister have the honour.’
‘It was a lovely surprise and I adore him already.’
‘Not as much as you adore me, I hope?’
‘Well…’ Mariah threw him a teasing look. ‘I think it will be a close-run thing…’
‘You deserve that I should spank you.’
‘Yes, please,’ she said, laughing up at him. ‘Foolish man, do you not know that I adore you?’
‘And no one else will do?’
‘I could never love anyone as I love you, Andrew.’
‘Nor I,’ he said. ‘We are fortunate, Mariah. Not many people love as we do.’
His lips brushed hers gently, sending a thrill of pleasure winging through her. She arched towards him, feeling a surge of desire and knowing a fervent longing to be in his arms, his bed, as one.
‘I can hardly wait to lie with you,’ he murmured huskily. ‘But I feel we must control our need and do our duty to our friends—a pleasant duty, I think?’
‘Yes, of course. We have such good friends,’ Mariah murmured her approval. They were nearly at the house. For the next few hours they must entertain and welcome their guests and would have little time for private conversation.
* * *
That night, when the lavish reception was over and their guests had all gone and she lay in his arms, warm and satiated with love, she would tell him of her suspicions. A few weeks in Spain would be sufficient for their honeymoon, because her wandering days were done and she was looking forward to the future at Lanchester with her husband and the children they would have.
ISBN-13: 9781460349335
The Scandalous Lord Lanchester
Copyright © 2012 by Anne Herries
All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3B 3K9.
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