La Contessa and The Marquis (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 1) Read online

  Margaret was interrupted from continuing by the arrival of Stanley with a silver tray laden with a large platter of sliced roast beef, two glasses and a bottle of red wine.

  “Thank you,” the duchess said, then dismissed the man with a nod.

  ****

  Rainer had planned on returning to the ball until he saw the extra guards the duchess had with her. It made him curious to learn the reason and if he asked tomorrow she’d not answer. At least to his satisfaction, which considering the event of earlier when Bianca had a panicked look in her eyes he knew nothing would be forthcoming.

  Parked along the road he saw his landau and marched up to it. Climbing in he ordered Daniel, his primary coach driver, to return him to his townhouse, causing a look of confusion on the man’s face.

  “Yes, I know me hiding out at this early an hour but I need Bobby to use his contacts to find out something for me.”

  “If you’re talking about those two foreign gentlemen I saw them when they arrived. Curious as to why they were wearing different attire than Englishmen I waited then talked to their coach driver. As it turns out they’ve recently arrived from Italy and claim to be in search of wives. As they aren’t staying in any of the fashionable areas he was suspicious as to they’re true intentions. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to learn anything of use but has promised to keep all of us regular coachmen informed.”

  “I do believe Daniel that’s the most I’ve heard you say at one time. Come to think of it, ever since I’ve known you. Now, let’s return to my townhouse and see what Bobby can learn. Oh, and from that report you’ve earned yourself a bonus,” Rainer told the man. Settling back against the squabs he mulled over what he’d just learned.

  Was it possible those men could, for some reason, be after Bianca and force her to return to Italy? Could they be here for exactly the reason they said, hunting for wives? After all, it was well known the ladies of the ton were some of the most sought after. Then he remembered how intently they’d been watching her and tossed that idea from his mind. She was in danger and in the duchess’ backhanded way had asked for his assistance, to which he’d easily give.

  Marching up the granite steps to his townhouse Rainer started to open the door when the handle was yanked from his hand.

  “M’ lord welcome. You’ve returned earlier than usual,” Bobby said.

  What annoyed Rainer the most was the smirk his butler wore which he wanted to tell him to stop but knew it would be useless.

  “Have a sandwich brought to my office as I need to research something. I also need to speak with Mrs. Scott as well as you at the same time,” he ordered, then made his way up the stairs to the first floor.

  Storming into his office he headed for the sidebar and poured a healthy portion of brandy into a crystal glass. He knew he’d need it as he turned back and glared at a pile of papers thrown casually on the floor-The Tattler.

  Until now he’d never had a use for them as the liars who wrote the rag never got anything right. His hope, in one of the more recent sheets was a mention regarding two Italians coming in search of wives. This might give him, or more precisely Bobby, a better direction to hunt them down and learn their true reason for being in town.

  He picked up one dated two weeks ago and started to thumb through it when Bobby and Mrs. Scott entered. He then noticed a small mention on the bottom of page 7 regarding two gentlemen from Italy arriving. Quickly, he glanced through the article and learned they were staying in a modest but comfortable house in Rose Hill. This was exactly the information he needed.

  “Set the tray on my desk,” he told his butler. He then grabbed for his pen knife and cut out the story.

  “Here,” he handed the piece of paper over to Bobby, “See what your people can find out about these two men. There’s something about them I don’t trust.”

  “Consider it taken care of. I should have an initial report by luncheon.”

  He nodded and looked to Mrs. Scott and smiled hoping to counter her frown.

  “My dear lady, what have I done to cause your disapproval?”

  “Nothing but if I smiled you’d know something was truly amiss. I’ve it on excellent authority you behaved at the ball this eve and returned here at a sensible hour and not in your cups. Now, what can your old nurse maid do for you?”

  “I need a maid,” he started to say over the sandwich he’d taken a bite of only to see her charge on him, hand raised to slap him for his impertinence. Quickly swallowing the bite he’d chewed off, he glared at her. “Not for that woman. If I want a lady all I have to do is snap my fingers and at least five will come running. What I need her for is to be a chaperone. I, for if I read The Duchess of Gorham correctly, will be escorting La Contessa de Massa, Bianca Maria Ledford Goretti, about town starting tomorrow. The maid will need to easily blend into society so she has to be well schooled.

  “And why may I enquire will you need one of the maids? As I understand the lady of which you speak is a widow thereby not in need of a chaperone?”

  “She and I have the same godmother, the duchess, I wish to maintain propriety at all times. I know that may sound unusual coming from me but I assure you it’s needed.”

  Rainer sat back, waited and studied his housekeeper as she pondered his most unusual request. On seeing a faint excuse of a smile on her lips he suspected she had the perfect candidate.

  “Yes, Alice. She’s been educated but with the death of her parents she came here and has been an excellent maid even assisting others with writing letters and reading responses.”

  “Fine. Have her dressed as a lady and be ready to depart for the Gorham palace at quarter past one as I’ve an appointment with the duchess at half one. I’m hoping to take Lady Goretti for a drive around the park afterwards, thus the need of Alice to be along.”

  “Consider it done m’ lord.”

  Rainer then evaluated his layer of protection for Bianca then had an added idea.

  “Bobby, until we hear back from your people have footmen, in whatever attire you deem appropriate, keep watch on the different ways into the Gorham palace. If memory serves someone can slip in through the mews, the garden from both sides and of course the front which is the least likely.”

  “I’ll take care of everything and know just the men to do the job.”

  Now, with the final pieces set Rainer only had to think back over the evening spent in Bianca’s company, on the dance floor. With a nod he dismissed his two senior staff and continued to slowly devour the sandwich. This gave him the time needed to try to understand why she’d affected him so greatly.

  Yes, he knew time was getting short to find a wife and that did worry him. Thinking back to the marriage between his mater and pater he knew it had been one of convenience. Was that what he wanted? Or one built on love? In recent months several of his friends had been caught in the parson’s mousetrap, only to continue maintaining their courtesans which, even as a rake, didn’t set well with him.

  With a final bite of his sandwich, followed by a sip of brandy, Rainer leaned back in his desk chair. He could feel a faint smile form on his lips as he remembered taking a waltz with her.

  Of all the ladies, from eighteen to thirty-eight and beyond, he partnered in a waltz none had felt so comfortable as she had. Was, by some miracle, she his perfect companion, the one he’d been searching for all these years? Frustrated at not achieving an answer he tossed back the last of his drink and marched upstairs to his empty suite.

  Stripped out of his evening attire he crawled into bed hoping his sleep wouldn’t be disturbed of thoughts of a naked Bianca lying with him.

  As he drifted off to sleep he wondered what she was thinking.

  Chapter Three

  As planned, two minutes before half one, Rainer stepped down from his landau. He could feel a nervousness overwhelm him, something he never cared for except where he was about to meet his godmother, on her ground. With a nervous smile to Alice he climbed the marble steps, wondering if a con
demned man felt as he did, scared of what fate awaited him.

  Even before he reached for the latch the door swung open.

  “Lord Rainer Cross to see Her Grace, The Duchess of Gorham. I have an appointment,” he barely got out.

  “M’ lord, do you think because I’ve aged since you were last allowed here I would forget you, considering what you did to the dining room candles?”

  Good lord, if her butler remembered something that happened almost twenty years ago he now knew he was in more trouble than first thought.

  “Stanley, how long are you going to have that hanging over my head. Haven’t I more than paid penance for my transgression of stealing them before the King came to dine.”

  “Of course you have m’ lord. I just like to make sure you have learned the error of your ways, which obviously you haven’t. If you had you’d not be the most talked about rake in town. Now, if you’ll follow me I’ll take you to Her Grace and Contessa Goretti. They await your presence in the orangery,” the man responded. Rainer saw the man didn’t wait for an answer before turning on his heel and started for the rear left section of the palace.

  So, this is what it’s going to be, not an invitation for an easy exchange of ideas but an interrogation? If he’d known this from the start he would have found some excuse not to meet with the ladies. Albeit, he did wish to spend more time with the one problem who’d kept him awake most of the night-Contessa Goretti.

  “Stanley, I know the way to the orangery. There’s no need for you to show me,” Rainer declared.

  “Meaning no disrespect m’ lord but there is. I’ve been instructed by Her Grace not to let you roam about unescorted. I’m also to wait, out of earshot, while you meet with Her Grace and Contessa Goretti, then show you the door unless I’m informed otherwise.”

  On hearing his godmother, for some unknown reason, was keeping him on a short leash a groan slipped from his lips. Resigned to his fate, for now, he followed the butler through the palace to one of Margaret’s favorite places in all of London.

  Stepping up to the glass paneled double French doors, in the distance he was able to make out Bianca’s voice. Unfortunately, he couldn’t discern what she was saying but from her tone he could tell she was worried. About what? Could it have to do with the men she’d spied last night at the ball?

  Unfortunately, not that he’d been queried to dig out information, neither his butler not Daniel had been able to discover anything about them. For a normal gentleman of the ton they most likely would have halted the investigation. The problem, he wasn’t and would continue to dig until he got answers.

  He knew it would help to know what questions to ask and maybe at this ordered meeting he would get some.

  With Stanley in the lead he wound his way around the flagstone path to the center of the huge glass enclosed room.

  “Wait here and don’t touch anything,” the butler told him.

  Rainer gave the man a nod then watched him step toward the voices.

  “Your Grace, Contessa Goretti, Lord Rainer Cross, Marquis of Hathaway as requested.”

  Now he was totally confused as this was the first time Rain had heard his name and title announced at someplace other than a social gathering. Whatever Margaret wanted of him it had to be beyond important for not only the introduction but escort.

  “Tell the Marquis he may approach,” he heard the duchess, in her most stern but regal voice, tell Stanley.

  Silently he prayed his cravat was still perfectly tied and in a knot she’d approve of, at least on him. Squaring his shoulders, he quickly glanced down at his jacket to make sure there wasn’t a spot of dust or lint on him. Satisfied he wouldn’t get a dressing down he heard Stanley approach.

  “Follow me m’ lord.”

  “Certainly.” He wanted to ask what kind of mood his godmother was in but had a strong feeling not good and Stanley wouldn’t tell him if asked.

  At the border of the duchess’ inner sanctum the butler stopped and bowed.

  Taking a step in Rainer bowed to his godmother then Bianca. As he looked at her he felt his breath ripped from him. More so today as gentle sunlight beamed in highlighting her pure black hair, to the point it glistened brightly. The gown in a deep red, was simple, understated, but at the same time beautiful. Its colour complimented her light olive tinted skin, which he knew came from her father. From holding her in his arms last eve when dancing he knew she was slim and this dress emphasize her figure.

  He was distracted from continuing to lay his gaze on her when, on his legs he received a sharp rap. Turning his attention back to the duchess he attempted a smile but was greeted with a frown.

  “Rain, sit here beside me,” she ordered, patting the cushion to her right.

  As much as he would have loved to share the well-padded wicker love seat with the contessa he did as instructed.

  “How may I be of assistance?”

  “How do you know I’m in need of your aid?” the duchess said.

  It took all his willpower not to laugh or make any untoward noise, for fear for his life. Quickly, he composed himself and smiled.

  “Your Grace, if you’d not wished something from me, other than leaving town, I’d not be gracing your presence.

  “Yes, I’ll grant you that point. Now, I know it will be hard for you but you need to listen to what Bianca and I tell you,” she all but demanded of him.

  “Am I allowed to ask questions as I believe I’ve an idea what you wish to tell me?” He paused and glanced over to the contessa. “Does it have to do with what upset you at the ball?”

  “Yes, but I feel it would be best if our godmother starts,” she replied, with a nod to Margaret.

  “Rain, as you noticed last night Bianca doesn’t have an Italian accent in her voice. That’s because she was born and partially raised here. Her mother was my dearest friend while her father is from Italy.”

  “I gather then your mother has passed while your father still lives?” he asked of Bianca. On getting a slightly tearful nod he knew he was correct.

  “Continuing on, right before her mother died they returned to Italy where Bianca met, fell in love with and married a conte. This was several years ago. What none of us, even Bianca, knew at the time Conte Goretti had extensive holding here and in Australia. To make everything even more interesting, none of the lands are titled.

  “Wanting to protect his bride the conte slipped back here where he had his man of business draw up his will leaving everything to her. What happened, over the years Bianca’s father frittered away his extensive fortune and approached the conte for funds, which were refused.”

  “M’ lord before you condemn my late husband it was I who told him not to assist my father. After the third refusal my husband died, under mysterious circumstances and my father tried to force me into a marriage of a much older man. Easily, I learned this person was strongly connected with an asylum. Their plan, I suspected, was to have me declared incompetent thus allowing my father total access to my funds. The men we noticed last eve, I’m positive have been sent to force me back to Italy,” Bianca finished explaining.

  Now Rainer understood why he’d been summoned, to use his contacts to bring the truth to light.

  “Until this moment I wasn’t sure of the danger, other than you were upset on seeing the men. To that extent I have already set things in motion to find out about them and their true purpose. So far all I’ve been able to learn, they seem to be exactly what they claim, two Italian gentlemen in search of English wives.”

  Panicked at his words, he watched Bianca slump back on the love seat realizing this wasn’t the kind of information she desired to hear. As of this moment there wasn’t anything he could do until more was learned from his people.

  “Fear not though as I will continue to find out what I can. The problem being, even if we learn they’re here to force you back to Italy until they actually make a threat there’s nothing we can do.”

  “That I understand, and I’m not happy
with. From Stanley I found out you’ve already set guards about the palace. Trust me when I say I’m not pleased on learning about this from someone other than you, but I will accept your decision. He’s also let me know our footmen will compliment yours Rain,” Margaret told him.

  When the duchess mentioned about having some of her staff supplement his guards Rainer suddenly realized he might have missed an important point. Was it possible the two Italian gentlemen who were sent to get Bianca had him worry to where she might make a mistake? Such as forgetting to take a footman or two with her when she went out for a stroll in the nearby park. That would make it easy for the underlings to swoop in and grab her.

  He sat up, focusing his attention first to Bianca then his godmother. What didn’t come as a surprise, they both wore the same expression—puzzlement at his sudden silence which he quickly resolved. He then redirected his attention to Bianca.

  “Even though the duchess carries weight within the ton she doesn’t in what’s needed to keep you safe. What I’m about to say will cause both of you ladies discomfort but it can’t be helped. In a moment I’ll explain why. As of now I’m placing you under my protection either here at the palace or at my townhouse,” he ordered.

  Rainer glanced over to Bianca and noticed a little coy smile curl her lips. This gave him the encouragement he was hoping for, that she might have developed even the slightest feeling from him, even though they’d only know each other for the briefest of times.

  “And what makes you think I’ll allow you to live under the same roof as Bianca,” the duchess demanded.

  “Because it was you who said it when you told us you’d have Stanley add guards. From now on, until everything is resolved,” he turned to Bianca. “Every time you leave here or my house I will be accompanying you. That includes, as much as it pains me, visits to your dressmaker or other shops ladies frequent.”

  He could easily see she was in favor of his demand from the smile she bestowed on him. His problem now, his godmother and what she’d said. He knew there were more than enough rooms and many were far enough away from where she was staying, next to or near the ducal suites.