My Lady Valentine (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 4) Read online

  My Lady Valentine

  By Lindsay Downs

  Published by TouchPoint Romance

  www.touchpointpress.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  MY LADY VALENTINE

  Copyright © 2016 LINDSAY DOWNS

  Cover Art Designed by Heidi Sieverding

  To the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces.

  Chapter One

  Wondering how late in the day it was, Matthew tossed the covers off then swung his legs over the edge of his bed. Pushing aside the curtains which let in the morning chill, he contemplated crawling back under the sheets. Glancing over to the fire cove, he saw several logs burning. He noticed they were barely charred, telling him the billets had been recently added.

  Coming from the hall, Matthew heard the clock chime nine times. He groaned. This was the latest he’d ever slept. Then again, he’d not crawled between the sheets, heated by warm bricks, until sometime after three of the clock.

  Against his better judgement, he levered himself off the bed, his feet coming in contact with the cold, oaken floor. He grabbed up a heavy woolen bathrobe. Slipping it on over his nightshirt, Lord Matthew, eldest son to the Earl and Countess of Winsome, walked over to the window.

  Pulling back the heavy drapes, he looked out, moaned, then closed them, almost ripping the curtains down.

  Angered his plan for the day appeared to have been ruined, Matthew, Matt to his few very close friends, stormed over to the bell pull. Yanking on it once, which would alert his valet he was awake, Matt stepped into his private room. With his morning needs taken care of, he looked in the mirror. Lathering up his shaving brush, he started to apply the soap to his cheeks, chin, and throat when he heard Seth enter.

  “Good morning m’ lord,” the ancient man called out.

  “It’s snowing, you fool, or haven’t you looked outside lately. Bring me whatever Cook has available for breakfast,” Matt yelled through the closed door.

  “I’m sorry about the weather, but as you well know I’ve no control over it. Only that you are turned out properly. I shall return shortly with your meal. In the meantime think about what color you wish to wear today,” the man answered back.

  “Go. So I may scrape my whiskers off without slitting my throat,” Matt ordered.

  “Yes, m’ lord,” the man answered back.

  As much as Matt wanted to snap back at Seth, he didn’t dare as he had already started to scrape the stubbles from his face. Not to mention the deadly sharp razor was at his neck.

  Matt had a noon meeting with Jessica’s godfather seeking his blessing on asking for her hand. Just the thought of her caused parts of his body to stiffen. With a mental head shake to get his mind back on the task at hand, shaving, Matt knew he’d need his best jacket and trousers. At first he thought the deep-green coat and pants would be the best then decided on the royal blue. This way he’d be presentable to the duke while relaxed later over luncheon with Jessica and her parents.

  If the duke gave him the nod, he’d then request a few moments of the earl’s time following the meal and before escorting Jessica and her mother to the British Museum. After which, they’d return here for tea with his parents.

  Later, he would meet her at the Wheeler ball, the first of two they were scheduled to attend. After wiping the remnants of lather from his face Matt returned to his room as Seth entered carrying his breakfast tray.

  “Set it on the table by the fire. While I eat make sure the royal-blue jacket and matching riding britches are wrinkle free. I must look my best when speaking with His Grace, The Duke of Fenwick. For tonight I’ll wear the black since I’ve not had it on in several days,” he declared, taking a seat in front of his meal.

  “Yes, m’ lord. Might I suggest the Barrel knot for today then the Ballroom for this evening,” Seth replied.

  Slicing off a piece of roast venison, Matt started to bring it to his mouth then stopped, thinking about his valet’s advice. The first would be simple while elegant at the same time thus not outshining the duke. While the one for tonight, he knew Jessica loved to see on him.

  “I agree. Now be off so I can eat in peace and quiet,” Matt ordered, then nodded to the man’s bow and waited while Seth collected the required clothing.

  Once alone, with food and thought, Matthew contemplated back to last year and to France, of all places. That was when and where he first came across this most impossible woman. Separately, they’d been sent across the channel to hunt down an Englishman who was selling secrets to the French.

  To this day they would argue kiddingly, or so he hoped, about who found the man first. Matt’s direction was to stop him at all costs while Jessica had been instructed to return him to England so he could stand trial. As it turned out they’d located the person at almost the same moment but were too late. From the note left behind, under the stilled body, the traitor knew he was a hunted man. To that end he’d taken a pistol and shot himself in the head.

  Then, several months later having returned to London, at a ball Matt watched as the most beautiful lady he had ever set his eyes upon glide down the marble stairs at the Wheeler ball, the same one they would be attending later. Being a rakehell of the first order, now that Rainer was out of the picture having recently married Bianca, the only other rogue Matt needed to worry about was Nash Sinclair. Matthew knew the man wouldn’t be attending this particular fete. He watched as the young lady made her curtsey to the host and hostess.

  Stepping into an alcove while still able to keep a keen eye on her, he waited. When she took a seat next to the Countess of Banworth, Matt knew an introduction might be possible. It had been only when the earl joined his wife Matt was positive he could learn the lady’s name. Not only that, share a dance, a waltz he hoped.

  Levering himself off the wall, he wound his way around to where they were seated. As he got closer, Matt noticed the young lady raise, open her fan, then place it in front of her face. This simple act had him wondering why, after all she was a diamond of the first order.

  Matt stepped up and bowed to the earl and countess.

  “M’ lord and lady, would you permit me to be introduced to the young lady?”

  “Lord Matthew, I don’t believe one is necessary as you both have met before,” the earl stated.

  Glancing down Matt watched as she slowly lowered her fan, first exposing her eyes—blue as the sky on a warm sunny day. He’d seen that exact shade before, but couldn’t remember when or where. It wasn’t until she’d brought the fan lower letting him see her nose, petite with a light-brown freckle at its tip, that he knew her. France. And the man they’d hunted separately but together. However, he’d never had a chance to learn her name.

  “You are correct m’ lord. Unfortunately, as time was of the essence we never exchanged names. Not that they would have been true,” Matt softly said.

  “Then Lord Matthew Howe may I present our daughter, Lady Jessica Roper,” the earl declared.

  “M’ lady. It’s a pleasure to finally and formally meet you,” Matt announced, giving her a bow.

  He then accepted her gloved hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. As the
y touched Matt felt a tingle on his mouth, something he’d never experienced before. Lifting his head, he saw a faint, pink tint to Jessica’s cheeks. Had it been the same for her? The opening notes of a waltz caught his attention.

  Matt turned to the countess and bowed.

  “M’ lady, might I have your permission to partner with Lady Jessica in the current dance?”

  “Yes, if she also agrees. However, I do know of your reputation in the ballrooms and elsewhere so I will be keeping a very close watch over you,” Laura, Jessica’s mother, announced.

  Now, more than ever, Matt had reason to panic. Granted he worked for the Crown, carrying out many unsavory duties but what he did, had to be done. As for the other, he was an admitted rakehell and knew many a mamma would steer their daughter to the other side of the street on his approach.

  “Countess, you have my word as a gentleman nothing untoward will occur on the dance floor, or anywhere,” he declared, then turned to Jessica and accepted her hand to help rise her.

  With her hand resting gently on his forearm, Matt led Jessica onto the dance floor. Glancing around he noticed several matrons were scowling at him.

  A knock on his suite door brought Matt out of his rumination of days past. He knew it wasn’t Seth, as the man rarely announced himself, just barged in.

  “Come in,” he called out, then glanced over his shoulder to see who it was.

  “Father!” Matt started to rise, startled at this unexpected visit to see him, but was waved back onto the chair.

  “Finish your breakfast as I understand you’ve a long and trying day ahead of you.”

  “Yes. First the duke at noon then luncheon with Jessica and her parents.”

  From the smile he got from his father, Matt suspected the man knew something important. But what? Could it be about getting the blessings from the duke and earl to marry Jessica?

  “Then you might need this,” his father declared.

  Matt looked to what his father was holding out. A small, dark-green, velvet-covered box. Taking it, he lifted the top and was dazzled by the ring inside. In the center a large ruby was surrounded by smaller ones set in the shape of a heart.

  “Father, it’s beautiful. How come I’ve never seen mother wear it? Something like this would make a statement to all the ladies of the ton.”

  “She has, but only for the rarest of occasions. That’s the Winsome Countess ring. Passed from the sitting countess to the next.”

  “But, why isn’t she giving it to me?”

  “Tradition. The current earl gives it to his son, who someday will take up the title to present it to his betrothed. I’m gathering that particular day is fast approaching?”

  “If everything goes as planned, I was hoping for tomorrow evening before the Chandler ball. First though, I wish to speak with mother to see if she agrees with my suggestion as to which fete to attend,” Matt stated.

  “Then I’d best leave so you can dress. I’ve arranged for the town carriage to be out front at half eleven. That should give you plenty of time to arrive at the ducal palace for your meeting, considering the weather,” his father told him, stood then marched from the room.

  No sooner had his father left then Seth returned with the jacket and britches carefully draped over his arm.

  “Good. Let me get dressed then you can work your magic with the cravat. I also need a few moments with the countess.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. I do believe Her Ladyship is in her parlor working on a needlepoint. At least that’s what her maid told me a short while ago.”

  Matt gave the man a nod, took the last sip of coffee, stood, and shed his heavy robe. Shivering slightly against the sudden chill, Matt let the fire warm him then quickly took off his nightshirt. Accepting the britches, he slipped them on and buttoned them except for the last ones. Those he’d fasten once his shirt, now in his hand, had been tucked in. Taking a seat, he put on socks then pulled on his highly-polished Hessians. Normally, with them, he’d have chosen buckskin riding britches but not today. Formality was needed, and with the snow-covered streets shoes were out of the question.

  Finally, with his cravat set to perfection, Matt pushed the tail of his shirt into his britches then fastened the final buttons. Helped into his jacket, Matt glanced at himself in the mirror, not for vanity but to make sure he approved of his appearance, and smiled.

  Marching down to his mother’s parlor, Matt gently knocked and was greeted by her looking at him and gracing him with a warm smile.

  “Now, don’t you look the handsomest gentleman of the ton,” Mercy, his mother, said waving him to a chair opposite her.

  “Thank you, Mother. I’ve a question.”

  A short while later, after getting a positive agreement to his suggestion for the ball, Matt climbed into the earl’s town carriage. At the appointed time he stepped out and marched up the marble stairs to be met by the ducal butler.

  “Lord Matthew to meet with The Duke of Fenwick. I have an appointment.”

  Chapter Two

  After allowing a sour-faced footman, which matched the butler’s countenance, to assist him out of his multi-caped great coat, Matt trailed a step behind the man as they made their way upstairs.

  “M’ lord, wait here,” the butler directed.

  Matt nodded as the man opened the door to the, he suspected, ducal office and heard him being announced.

  Stepping in, Matt was more focused on the powerful peer than anything which wasn’t his norm, considering his former duties to the Crown. Several feet from the desk, behind which the duke sat glaring at him, Matt stopped and gave a deep bow.

  “Take a seat,” the duke ordered, or so it seemed to Matt.

  Immediately, this gave him a hint as to how this interview would go. Interrogation. The only chair available, was a hard-seated, straight-backed one which reminded Matt of his youth and being called into his father’s office for a dressing down.

  Knowing he wasn’t to speak until addressed by His Grace, Matt tried to calm his increasingly quaking nerves, but to very little avail. The stare he was getting could have rivaled any from the Grand Dames of the ton. Finally.

  “So, you’re here to seek my approval in marrying my goddaughter, Lady Jessica? Can you give me one valid reason why I should give my consent?”

  “Yes, Your Grace. I love Lady Jessica to the point of distraction and have ever since we met a year or so ago,” Matt barely got out.

  “Then, I ask, why has it taken so long for you to approach me? Before you answer, I am well aware of your reputation within the ton and duties to the Crown.”

  “As you said, Your Grace, you know of my past indiscretions but since I was formally introduced to Lady Jessica, not once has my eye strayed to another. As for my work with the Crown, many times I have been called away. Only now have I tendered my services with them, much to their displeasure,” Matt explained.

  “If you were to receive my approval, what are your plans if Lady Jessica agrees to be your wife? Will you keep her shuttered away in some faraway estate thus not permitting her to come to London?”

  “Your Grace, as I’ve no estate of my own until I, someday in the distant future, become the Earl of Winsome, we will reside either in the earl’s townhouse or the country estate. As for coming to London during the Season, I will be more than happy to accompany her, that way we may keep acquainted with her and my friends.”

  He could feel himself becoming more panicked that the duke wouldn’t give his permission to speak with the earl. When the office door opened, it was all Matt could do to keep from jumping up. Not hearing anyone approach but knowing someone had entered, it took all of his fortitude to keep his attention focused on the duke.

  “Dearest husband, why on earth are you giving this boy such a hard time? You’ve known all along he would receive your permission, so just give it, and let him be on his way.” Matt heard the duchess declare.

  Matt jumped to his feet, turned, and bowed deeply to the grand lady.

  �
�Because I wished to see him squirm. After all, he’s about to depart on the most amazing adventure of his life, and I wanted to make sure he was ready,” the duke stated.

  Turning back to the duke Matt was met with a wide grin. That was all the confirmation he needed.

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  Remembering his manners, Matt then stepped over to the duchess, offered his arm, which she accepted then, guided her to the settee.

  “Wonderful. Now that we have that settled would you care for a whiskey?” the duke inquired.

  “I would appreciate one, Your Grace, but only if, Her Grace, will join us, with her having a sherry, of course,” Matt suggested.

  “Nonsense, if you gentlemen have whiskey then so shall I. Now, hurry up, dear, and pour the drinks as I have it on excellent authority Lord Matthew has a luncheon appointment with his soon-to-be betrothed and her parents.”

  “Now you see what married life will be like. A demanding, albeit, loving wife giving directions when none are needed,” the duke uttered before he stood and went to the sidebar.

  Not sure if he should assist or not, Matt decided it would be better if he did. With a nod to the duchess, he stepped over beside the duke. He waited then picked up two glasses and returned to the settee. Handing one over, he stepped back and started to take a seat in the same chair as before.

  “No, sit with me, Lord Matthew as we’ve a few minutes before you must leave,” the duchess recommended.

  “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  Taking a seat on the settee, Matt took a sip of his drink, enjoying the gentle burn as it slipped down his throat. He wondered if the duchess was going to inquire as to how and when he’d ask for Lady Jessica’s hand. As his mother had agreed with his plan, he decided if questioned, he’d let her and the duke know.

  “M’ lord, I can assure you the earl will be giving his consent for you to ask Lady Jessica for her hand. He will do it without the interrogation the duke gave you. To that end, have you decided when?”

  “After speaking with my mother and father I’ve decided tomorrow eve. Her Ladyship has agreed to host a small, albeit, intimate dinner for the earl, countess, and Lady Jessica.” Matt stopped and glanced to the duke before continuing. “And as her godfather, we would be honored if you both joined us. After which we’ll be attending the Chandler Ball.”