A Houseparty to Die For (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 5)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Darling, put those thoughts from your mind. You are perfect. Now, off you go as I need to as well,” Julia declared.

  With a nod to her mother, she slipped out, down the servant stairs, and strolled over to the stables. Stepping in, she was met by Jessica, Amelia, their husbands, and a wide-eyed, slack-jawed Justin. She wanted to giggle at his reaction, but a gentle hand on her arm stopped her.

  “Now do you understand?” Jessica whispered.

  All she could do was nod as she watched Justin’s eyes slowly devour her which brought a touch of heat to her cheeks. After a few seconds, Prudence relaxed under his gaze and swept up to him.

  “M’ lord, are you all right? You seem a touch out of sorts,” she teased.

  “Ah, um. No, m’ lady. I’m only astounded you took me up on my offer to ride. Do you wish to see the horse selected for you?”

  “It is a lovely day, and this way I’ll be able to see the lands better. As for the mare, yes I’d love to. Will I have time to get used to her?”

  “Of course,” he answered.

  Accepting his proffered arm, at the very last second she slid her gloved hand down to his. No sooner had they touched than she felt a rush of warmth slide up her arm, not stopping until it landed, once again, on her heart. Glancing up to Justin, she noticed he’d had the same reaction to their touch.

  As they made their way down the main aisle, Prudence heard the other ladies speaking softly to their husbands. She wondered what they were discussing, hopefully not her and Justin.

  Stopping in front of one of the well-kept stalls, she didn’t have to look in as the mare stuck her head out and bobbed it which brought a titter from Prudence.

  “Oh, she’s adorable. What’s her name?”

  “Lilac. From what Sawyer has told me, the mare has a gentle mouth and comfortable gaits. Let’s get her out so you may see for yourself.”

  With a head bob, Prudence stepped back then was guided out the side door by Jessica. Looking around, she didn’t see a mounting step which had her concerned. How would she get in the saddle? She was about to ask when, from behind she heard her mare being brought out. She found it even more amazing that it was Justin who handled the lead up to where she was standing. Then she remembered he used to do this for a living.

  “Excuse me, m’ lord, how am I supposed to get on the saddle?”

  A giggle from Jessica caused Prudence to send the lady a glare.

  “This is how.”

  Before she could do, much less say, anything, Prudence felt Justin’s hands around her waist, and she was lifted onto the saddle. She might have enjoyed the experience more except that once in his hands she could feel all the air ripped from her chest. Looking down, she wanted to glare at him, but the soft smile from him weakened her resolve.

  Curling her right leg over the pommel, she undid the button holding up part of the skirt, letting it fall to cover her legs. Accepting the reins, Prudence made her way into the ring. Not familiar with Lilac, she started working the mare at a walk. Once comfortable, she tapped her heel against the horse’s side, sending her into a trot. After making their way around the ring Prudence stopped at the gate and smiled down to Justin.

  “M’ lord, she’s as perfect as you told me.”

  “Wonderful. And what makes Lilac so much more special, she and my beast get along.”

  “Then, as it’s getting on, shall we get mounted?” Matt inquired.

  Once the three men disappeared into the stable, Prudence noticed a sly smile being shared between Amelia and Jessica. That’s when she realized why.

  “Ladies, your husbands will help you onto the saddles as Justin did to me?”

  “Yes, that’s why there’s no steps. I would suggest, my dear, you get used to it,” Amelia declared.

  “I never get tired of the feeling when Matt helps me up or down,” Jessica told her.

  She wondered why Amelia had said what she’d said. From what Prudence knew, one of the others at the house party would be offered for by Justin. Then again, he’d seen their behavior last eve, and of all the guests she’d been the only one, not counting her friends, who’d been given the opportunity to ride.

  Hearing horses’ hooves, she glanced over her shoulder to see Justin, on Sullivan, exit the stables. Behind him Matt and Nash led their and her friends’ horses out. Prudence watched as after helping their wives into the saddles the gentlemen swung onto their massive horses.

  “Ladies, shall we see how many will be joining us for the picnic?” Justin uttered.

  Giving him a nod, Prudence rode up beside him while Jessica joined up with Matt and Amelia with Nash.

  As they rode around the end of the stable and into the courtyard, Prudence saw Lara, Anna, and Phoebe turn and glare. Not so much at her but Justin as well. She knew this was going to be an interesting picnic.

  “M’ lady, worry not about those three. From what I understand, after last night they were lucky to have been included. I also heard, if they don’t behave as young ladies should their parents will be returning them to their respective estates.”

  “Thank you, m’ lord. Will we be with the carriages or take a different route?” Prudence uttered.

  “Once we gain the main road, they will follow it around to the old monastery. It should take them about an hour to reach the ruins while half that time for us, as yes, we’re taking an overland path. Grooms will be there to handle our horses. Everyone will have the opportunity to explore the ruins and for those who wish, I’ve arranged for drawing paper and pencil to be made available,” Justin explained.

  Hearing she’d be able to do a few sketches, she peered over to him and smiled. Beside painting, doing renderings of old buildings was one of her favorite things to do.

  Thirty minutes later, she watched as Justin made his way to her. After freeing her right leg, Prudence forced herself to relax when she saw him reach up to her. With her other foot out of the stirrup she let him lift her down. Regrettably, when he grasped her around the waist, again she could feel the air taken from her. Not only that, this time she was enveloped by a warmth, like that of a fire heated blanket.

  Closing her eyes, Prudence tried, and failed, to gain control of her emotions. That was when she felt her legs go weak. Without thinking as to the consequences, she leaned forward against his chest.

  Finally, after a few moments, she could feel her senses returning. Straightening, she looked up to him, only to be greeted by a smile.

  “I’m sorry, m’ lord, please forgive my behavior as it was unseemly?” she softly asked.

  “There’s nothing to forgive,” he answered back with the same gentleness.

  “Oh, yes there is or at least should be. Justin, you knew precisely how dear Prudence would react to your touch. However, as none save us are aware of this possible compromise we will forget it. Just don’t let it happen again, at least in public,” Amelia stated most firmly.

  “Come with us, Prudence, so we may get you away from that horrid man,” Jessica teased.

  “I agree, as it might be for the best since I’m still feeling a bit scatterbrained at the moment. Mayhap we could start looking over the ruins so I know what I wish to draw,” she declared.

  Gingerly, with a lady on each side, Prudence allowed herself to be led away. When they were several feet away she glanced over her shoulder to see Justin talking with Nash and Matt. If they were talking about what part of her mind was thinking she, or more accurately Bianca, had been correct in having her attend this house party. Why her? Then there were the other three ladies. Granted, they’d caused problems as last night proved, but didn’t he have feelings for one of them. She needed desperately to have a candid conversation with Amelia and Jessica.

  “Ladies, we need to have a serious discussion, and I require true and honest answers from you both,” she demanded.

  From the knowing looks she saw shared between the two, Prudence had a feeling she’d get the answers needed. Guiding them to the ruins, she took a seat then wait
ed for them to follow suit.

  “You were both present when I arrived at the estate several days ago. Thusly, you noticed my reaction to Justin, and him to me. When you first met your future husbands, was it the same?”

  “Simply put, yes. Then it was only a matter of time before we were offered for,” Amelia said.

  “And our husbands behaved exactly as Justin had and is. My dear, you are the fifth luckiest lady in England, after us, Bianca, and Chelsea. Now, your duty is to make him beg and grovel for your hand.”

  “If I may ask, what about the three others. They all wish to make a claim for him as well,” Prudence stated.

  “My dear, they never were in consideration once Justin laid his eyes and hand on you. Now, I would suggest we keep this between us,” Jessica suggested.

  “Yes, as it would seem the others are arriving. Shall we return to the men and begin to make a certain earl’s life miserably interesting?” Amelia questioned.

  Chapter Six

  Justin watched as Prudence was steered away from him. He studied her form but would have much preferred to examine it as she glided up to him. At this point, he didn’t even dare look to his friends, if that’s what Nash and Matt were. They along with their wives, but more so Prudence, were his tormentors. Finally. He turned to his friends and former rogues.

  “Matt, if I’m not mistaken, I know that look as it’s similar to the one you wore before asking for Jessica’s hand,” Nash stated.

  “From the teasing you and Tony gave me, I do believe you’re correct. So, what do you think we should do for poor Justin?”

  “I know what you can do? Tell me what to do next. Don’t forget, gentlemen, and I’m using the term loosely, I’m new to all of this,” Justin demanded of his friends.

  “Then tell us, where is your mind and heart?” Matt demanded.

  “I want to see her smiling face when I awaken and as I close my eyes to sleep. Even now I’m having dreams of her sharing my bed as my wife.”

  “Then privately speak with the countess and inform her of your intentions. If I’m not mistaken, she will send a post to the earl requesting his presence. In the meantime, keep a close watch over Prudence as the other three could make things difficult for her. I can also assure you we, along with our wives, will also be keeping an eye on her,” Nash told him.

  “Thank you, gentlemen, for your assistance. Now, as it would appear the others are arriving, I should greet them,” Justin said.

  “We’ll take care of them, you hunt down Prudence, and make sure she’s not getting into mischief with our wives,” Matt pronounced.

  With a nod, Justin headed off in the direction he’d seen the ladies go, wondering all the while when he offered for her would she accept. Hearing voices coming from the direction of the ruins, he started that way but halted when he saw Phoebe bearing down on him. From the force of her march and glare, Justin could tell she was upset about something. He knew the exact reason.

  “Justin, I demand to have a word with you,” Phoebe snapped.

  When he heard not only the use of his Christian name but the tone in her voice, Justin could feel his face heat in anger. Glancing past her, he saw her parents storm up to them. Neither of them seemed pleased, but he suspected more at their daughter than him.

  He wondered if, during the entire carriage ride, she’d spent the time complaining at how he’d favored Prudence over her. From his way of thinking, he had no reason to justify his actions. Forcing himself to calm down, he glowered at her.

  “Lady Phoebe, how may I be of assistance?” He’d decided to use this tact to put her off guard.

  “You know precisely what’s wrong. Or are you as thick-headed as all the other men I’ve met? Why wasn’t I invited to ride out here? Instead you chose her over me, the love of your life,” Phoebe demanded.

  Over her shoulder, Justin watched as the duke and duchess slowed then stopped. He wondered if they wished to hear his reply. If that was the case, then he knew exactly what to do and say. Taking a step toward Phoebe, he stared down at her.

  “That attitude is exactly the reason I chose Lady Prudence over you. Then there was the way you and the other two ladies treated her last night. Your behavior was, and continues to be, inexcusable. As for being as you said, “the love of your life” on that point you are totally incorrect. All you’re interested in is the depth of my pockets. I have a mind to inform the duke and duchess of this, your current conduct, and let them decide if you will be allowed to stay at the house party or not.”

  “You have made one valid point, your funds. I am expensive, thusly need a husband with the money to keep me in the lifestyle I prefer.”

  Forcing himself not to grin, Justin watched and waited for the duke and duchess to step up and enter the conversation. Not sure if he should make their presence known to their daughter or not, he held his tongue.

  “And that, Phoebe, may never happen. I’ve a mind to ship you off to India for a few years until you learn how to behave. Now apologize to Lord Justin then return to the carriage,” the duke demanded.

  “But Father, you don’t mean that. Justin knows I’m only teasing,” Phoebe pleaded.

  “And since when did His Lordship give you permission to speak his first name?” the duchess insisted.

  “But I heard Prudence call him Justin last eve. If she can, then why shouldn’t I be allowed to.”

  “That’s because I gave her my consent to do so. As for you, I never permitted you to be so bold,” Justin explained.

  “Thank you, m’ lord. If this is the case, and as our daughter doesn’t seem willing to ask for forgiveness for her actions, with your approval we will return to your estate. We’ll have our trunks packed then quit the house party,” the duke stated.

  “Your Grace, if you think it for the best then you have my permission,” Justin said, then bowed.

  “Father, you can’t make us leave,” Phoebe beseeched him.

  Justin watched the duke grab her by the arm and start back to their carriage, with the duchess silently, but nodding her head in agreement to the duke’s action, following. Justin knew when Lara and Anna learned of their friend’s sudden departure they would increase their attacks on his love.

  Wait, where did that come from?

  He knew it could have only emanated from his heart, but should he mention it to someone?

  Yes, but who? Nash and Matt already suspected. If he revealed his feelings to Jessica or Amelia they’d go directly to Prudence. And she couldn’t learn of his feelings until he had a chance to speak with the countess and later the earl. No, this little piece of information would have to stay with him.

  Glancing toward the ruins, he started to panic as he watched the three ladies, arms linked, strolling casually toward him. Happily, they’d not spied him yet. Squaring his shoulders, he marched up.

  “Ladies. Did you have a pleasant tour of the monastery?”

  “We did. Now we’re going to hunt down some paper and pencils then return as we’ve found several areas of interest to draw. If you’ll excuse us, m’ lord?” Prudence spoke, with a smile.

  He stepped to the side, bowed them past him, and earned a titter from her. Straightening, he watched as she glided away enjoying the sight which caused a certain part of his body to stiffen. Quickly, he looked around and smiled to himself on seeing no one had noticed his reaction.

  Deciding to see what the other guests were doing, he slowly made his way to where they had gathered. As he got closer, he was happy to notice many had chosen to take a stroll around the grounds while some of the ladies had selected paper and pencils then started for different areas of the ruins. Continuing to look around for two ladies, at first he didn’t see them then noticed them by the stream. From the distance, he could tell they were talking, arguing would have been a better description as Anna’s arms were flailing as she spoke.

  “They are probably arguing over how to make my life a disaster and force a wedge between us.” He heard Prudence’s sweet voice s
ay from behind him.

  Pivoting on his heel, Justin gave her a slight bow.

  “I can assure you they can’t and won’t.”

  “Hearing you say that gives me the encouragement this party will be more enjoyable. However, with Phoebe having been dragged away by the duke, I can’t help but wonder what they might try.”

  “My dear, let’s not worry about that. If I’m not mistaken, you’ve several drawings to do. Would you permit me to escort you back to the ruins?”

  At the risk of having emotions overtake him, Justin offered Prudence his hand, which she accepted with a smile. No sooner had they touched then he could feel a tingle shoot up his arm then rush down to his stomach. Peering over to her, he saw her face blush slightly.

  “Behave, you two.” He heard Amelia call out.

  “We are. What are you doing here?” he inquired.

  “Only making sure you, Justin, do. I have total faith in Prudence, but don’t forget you’re a rakehell. As such, you can’t be trusted.”

  “My dear lady, I’ve reformed. Have I tried to take advantage of her or any of the young ladies attending the house party? Let me answer that for you. No. However, if it will make you feel better, you may follow us as I escort Prudence back to the ruins.”

  “Yes, then go bother someone else,” Amelia declared.

  “On my honor as a gentleman, I wouldn’t.”

  With Nash’s wife following, Justin followed the path to the monastery ruins. There, he handed Prudence over to the care and protection of Amelia and Jessica.

  Having seen the young guests enjoying themselves, within propriety, he decided to hunt down Prudence’s mother. If for no other reason to let her know, once they’d returned to the mansion he wished to speak privately with her.