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

  “I don’t like someone looking over my shoulder when I create,” Prudence declared.

  “But, what about Lady Julia?”

  “Young man, if you’ll notice, I’m sitting away from her and to the side. Not only that, I can’t see what she’s drawing. Now, as my daughter said, off with you,” the countess directed him.

  Justin completely understood what both ladies were talking about. In the past, when working with a new horse, he didn’t like anyone around either. With bows to them, he departed and went to hunt down the duchess.

  “No, Justin, don’t mention what you overheard to the duchess. If memory serves, she’ll deny your words then make your life miserable once the duke learns. From what I have learned since that incident several years ago, they believe their daughter can do no wrong,” Jessica whispered.

  “Then we will have to find absolute proof Phoebe is evil and lay the evidence out at their feet. Only then will they understand. Am I not correct?”

  “Yes, and as you’ve finally realized she doesn’t have true affections for you, that shouldn’t be difficult. All I can suggest is that you bide your time and be careful of where you are as I’m sure Phoebe will try again.”

  “I will. Now shall we see if any of the other ladies have decided to include a horse in their painting?”

  While Justin guided Jessica around to the seated ladies, many didn’t even acknowledge them which came as no surprise since they were so engrossed in what they were doing. He found it interesting that none included Sullivan into their work, which told him one thing. They couldn’t think beyond what was initially presented to them. He felt a sadness overcome him on realizing the gentlemen they married wouldn’t expect much from them.

  Hearing the gentlemen returning from their fishing excursion, he was pleased to see Matt was wearing a wide grin. Could this mean he caught either the most or largest? Whatever the reason, Justin guided the man’s wife to him.

  “Welcome back. From what I see, many of you were successful.”

  “Yes, we were. Even the ladies who joined us were able to catch a few trout. Of course, at your recommendation, most were returned to the river, but we’ve enough so everyone will be able to enjoy fresh fish for dinner,” Matt declared.

  “Wonderful. As you can see, Cook has sent several of her assistants to collect them. Once you turn them over, might I suggest you all wash up as luncheon will be served shortly on the south lawn,” Justin stated.

  Accepting nods and a few head bobs, Justin handed Jessica over to Matt with a grin, which wasn’t returned by her. He shrugged then strolled back to the mansion only to see Phoebe, from one of the second floor windows, smiling down at him.

  Now he was worried as to what she had in mind and who it would effect.

  Chapter Four

  With the gong announcing luncheon, Prudence turned to her mother and smiled.

  “Why don’t you go ahead, and I’ll be along once I put everything away. I also wish to cover the canvas, not so much to keep my work from prying eyes but to protect it.”

  “Are you sure, dear?”

  “Yes, yes. I only need to put in a few more lines to complete the drawing. Then, after we eat, I will be able to start painting as a certain gentleman is anxious to see the finished work,” she teased.

  “So I heard. You should be honored. Would you like me to save a seat at whatever table I’m at?”

  “Thank you. That would be very appreciated.”

  With a smile to her mother, Prudence returned to the canvas and started putting on the finishing touches. Once satisfied, she placed the pencil in its holder and closed up the box which contained her painting supplies. Taking a cloth sheet, she started to carefully cover the drawing when she heard steps approach from behind. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled as Lady Ida stepped up.

  “Your painting is beautiful, even though you’ve only done the sketching. I can’t wait to see the final work,” Ida declared.

  “Why thank you. As I’ve finished the preliminary drawing, this afternoon I’ll start with painting. If I’m lucky, it should be done in three to four days.”

  “I wish mine was as lovely. It seems I’m following the trends of the other ladies and only doing what we see. May I ask, is that Lord Justin? I know the horse is his.”

  “Lady Ida, I know yours will be as perfect. And yes, that’s His Lordship.”

  “Might I ask why you’re going to paint him as a worker, more specifically a groom? Isn’t he upset?”

  Prudence didn’t believe it was her place to inform Ida that Justin had been a groom before being elevated to the earldom.

  “Heavens no, he’s not. Have you looked at him, really studied his shoulders and the breadth of his chest? It’s plain he is used to hard work. Now, shall we continue this discussion over luncheon? I’m sure my mother is wondering what is keeping me.” Prudence said.

  She turned and linked arms with Ida when a movement from one of the upper windows caught her attention. Glancing up, Prudence watched as Phoebe stood, arms across her chest, and glared down to her. This puzzled her. Why was she not at the luncheon, and why was the lady upset with her?

  “Would you know what has Lady Phoebe so upset with me?”

  As they continued around to the south lawn Prudence listened while her new friend explained what Phoebe had attempted to do with Justin.

  “But that still doesn’t explain why she’s not pleased with me. I’ve done nothing to the lady which would cause this behavior. Have I?”

  “Lady Prudence, the only thing I can think of is that Lord Justin seems to be enamored with you. Aren’t you aware?”

  Hearing someone tell her what she’d been thinking set Prudence back a little. To the best of her knowledge she’d done nothing to encourage the dashingly handsome man. Wait, where did that thought come from. When they did touch, even innocently, she had felt stirrings within her body which she’d never experienced before.

  “No, I’m not. To me he’s acting as a perfect gentleman and host would be while searching out a bride. From what I understand there are several ladies he’s interested in, of which I’m sure I’m not one. Now, as we’re within earshot of the others let us not continue with this.”

  Looking around at the different tables, Prudence finally spied her mother talking with another lady. This brought a smile to her lips as the person was Ida’s mother.

  “Yes, as it turns out they had their come-out at the same time. Due to unforeseen circumstances, until this party, they’d not seen each other in years,” Ida declared.

  Instead of weaving their way through the tables, thus being able to avoid a grinning Justin, Prudence led Ida to where their mothers sat. Stepping up, she gave the countess a curtsey while Ida did the same to her mother.

  “Ladies, we were beginning to wonder if you’d gotten lost or something,” Julia uttered.

  “No, I was about to start over when Lady Ida came by, and we discussed my painting for a few minutes.”

  “Wonderful. Now take your seats as the footmen are here with your plates and lemonade,” Prudence’s mother stated.

  Choosing the chair which would give her the best view of the other guests, including Justin, Prudence did as instructed. As she glanced over to him she saw disappointment in his expression. Giving him a nod, she devoted her attention to the meal before her.

  As the luncheon came to a pleasant conclusion, Prudence stood then watched Justin come over to her.

  “M’ lady, will you be needing my beast this afternoon?”

  “No, m’ lord. He’s excused from posing duties, not that it was all that stressful for him.”

  “Thank you, as several of the gentlemen have requested they go for a gallop. Since not even the marquis nor Lord Matthew are all that familiar with the lands making up the estate, I’ll be accompanying them.”

  For no reason, that she could think of, Prudence could feel a touch of disappointment on hearing he wasn’t going to be near her. Phoebe, she knew wouldn’t
be bothering her as she’d overheard the duchess inform the duke their daughter wasn’t allowed out of her suite until dinner.

  “Enjoy your ride, and when you return I might have some of the painting finished. But don’t get your hopes elevated too greatly as it will take several more days of work before it’s ready.”

  “Then I shan’t keep you from the task at hand. Don’t forget, we have a picnic planned for tomorrow which will take up quite a bit of the day,” Justin told her.

  With a head bob she turned to Ida. “Shall we return to our paintings?”

  “Yes, and would you mind if I moved my easel beside you?”

  “Not at all. Make sure, though, you wear a wide-brimmed bonnet, for as you noticed, I don’t work from under a marquee. I tend to find them confining, not to mention distracting.”

  “I understand. If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to my suite to fetch one since this one won’t work.”

  “Hurry back, dear, and I’ll have a footman move your work over to where Lady Prudence is,” Augusta, Ida’s mother, said.

  Following the two mothers, Prudence made her way back to the rear lawn. As she strolled along she studied the others going back with her. She found it interesting Ladies Lara and Anna were continuing to whisper with heads together. Prudence had seen this over lunch and knowing both were close friends with Phoebe, she wondered if they might be planning to cause some sort of mischief.

  While she ambled along, Prudence happened to glance ahead only to see something out of place. Before retiring for luncheon, she knew she’d put everything away, as was her habit even at home. Her painting case had been opened. From what she could tell her equipment had been disturbed.

  “Mother, someone has been digging through my case,” she declared, rushing ahead.

  As she got to the easel Prudence noticed the cover over the canvas had been disturbed. Lifting it, she screamed on seeing someone had taken one of her painting knifes and slashed it.

  “Daughter, this is horrible. We must inform Lord Justin at once,” Julia declared.

  Turning, Prudence happened to glance at the mansion, and saw Phoebe once again standing in the same window. This time, instead of a glare, the girl smiled at her. She knew Phoebe couldn’t have done this act as she’d been restricted to her suite, and there were footmen at each end.

  “No, not now, but later. His Lordship is planning to go for a ride, as you heard. We also have no idea who could have done this. I know it’s a setback, but I won’t be discouraged. The next one will be even better,” Prudence told her mother as Ida walked up.

  “Oh, heavens. What happened?”

  “My dear Lady Ida, it seems someone doesn’t wish me to complete the portrait of His Lordship. As I was just telling our mothers before you stepped up, this won’t stop me. Now, let me get another canvas so we may return to our projects.”

  Accepting a smile from Ida, Prudence hunted down Leland and shortly returned with a new stretched canvas. It made her happy that this one was taller and wider than the original. With help from the butler, she waited while it was settled on the easel but wouldn’t let him take the damaged one away. As she explained, “I wish for His Lordship to see what was done to his portrait.”

  “As you wish, m’ lady.”

  After retaking her seat, Prudence returned all her paints, brushes, and painting knives to where they belonged. Next, taking up a pencil, she started drawing in the major parts which included Justin and Sullivan. As she worked, she could feel the corners of her lips curl into a smile. Occasionally, she glanced over to Ida, giving the girl a few suggestions.

  One even had the girl almost bouncing in her chair.

  “Yes, yes. I see what you mean. By feathering in the vermillion it does add a new depth. I wonder why my painting instructor never showed me this before?”

  “That’s my fault, daughter. I had been told he was one of the best,” Augusta said.

  “That’s quite all right, Mother. I’m sure over the next few day’s Lady Prudence will be more than willing to help me improve my skills with the brush.”

  “It would be my honor to, under one condition. When we’re out of earshot of staff, such as out here, you may use my Christian name.”

  “Agreed.”

  During the next hour, while making drastic improvements to the rough sketch portrait of Justin, Prudence helped Ida start to advance her talents with the brush.

  “Now I understand why you do a pencil rendering first. As I’ve started this one of the garden I’ll finish it then with the next do as you,” Ida declared.

  “Wonderful. This way, you will then be able to fill in the details with greater ease. Now, as I see tea is being set up on the veranda, shall we stop for a short time. I should point out with a lengthy break you will lose your momentum. That’s what is necessary to make sure everything is as you wish,” Prudence explained.

  “So that’s why you are so determined to get the drawing finished today. Then, tomorrow start in with painting it.”

  “Yes. That way, I may take my time thus making it perfect.”

  “So when it’s hanging in the gallery with the other portraits, it will out shine all the previous Rosewood earls,” a husky male voice announced from behind Prudence.

  It took all of her willpower, which was quickly failing, not to jump up and hug Justin. Taking in several deep breaths, she glanced over to Ida who was grinning at her. Finally, with her emotions settled, or so she hoped, Prudence stood, turned, and met Justin’s smile with one of her own she knew as she felt the corners of her lips curl upward.

  “M’ lord, never having had the privilege of seeing the current paintings, all I can say, is that I surely pray it does.”

  “Then, my dear Lady Prudence, we should remedy that soon. But first, I’ve a question. Why have you restarted the drawing? I thought you’d be starting to apply paints to it.”

  “I had planned to, but it would appear someone didn’t appreciate the original drawing. I direct your attention to the slashed canvas propped against my easel.”

  It had taken all her mental strength to remain calm, but letting Justin learn of the original work was more than she could take. Exhausted, she slumped onto her chair. Before Prudence knew what happened, she was surrounded by Ida, followed by both mothers along with Amelia and Jessica.

  “No, no. I’m fine. Let me just have a few moments to collect myself. I also don’t wish Lady Phoebe to see a fuss being made over me.”

  “M’ lady, would you like to have a cup of tea brought to you?” Jessica asked.

  “Thank you, but no. I’m fine now.”

  “Lady Prudence, I will still insist on escorting you to the veranda,” Justin firmly stated.

  Never one who appreciated being ordered about, Prudence glowered at Justin, stood, and then linked arms with her new friend Ida. Together, leaving the other ladies and him in their wake, the two swept to the terrace. Regrettably, neither could keep from giggling.

  Chapter Five

  After last eve, and the way Phoebe and her friends had taunted her, even when in Justin’s presence, Prudence decided to have her breakfast in the suite. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

  “Come in,” she called out, looking up.

  Much to her surprise, not only did Jessica sweep in, but so did Amelia. What had her disarmed were the bright smiles they both wore. That and the riding habits they were wearing.

  “Good, you’re not dressed yet,” Amelia declared.

  “Please have seats then explain why you’re happy I’ve not selected which carriage dress to wear. Or does it have something to do with the silly grins you both have, not to mention the riding attire?”

  Once they were seated, Prudence laid a glare on them when nothing was forth coming as to an explanation. Finally-

  “It’s very simple. After last eve and the way those three young ladies attempted to make you upset, Jessica and I thought it was time the tables were turned on them. Justin has selected the perfec
t mare for you to ride out to the picnic. And before you tell us you don’t, we have it on excellent authority you are skilled. This came not only from Bianca but your mother as well,” Amelia stated.

  “Yes, I did bring a habit, not that I’d planned to wear one. I’m a little embarrassed to say, but it’s not nearly as beautiful as what you ladies are wearing.”

  “Amelia and I have already thought of that. As we seem to be the same size, I’m going to let you borrow one of mine. Before you say no, please see it as the best protection from biting tongues,” Jessica uttered.

  “Again, I don’t understand.”

  “You will once you put it on. Now, finish your breakfast, and I’ll have my maid bring it right over. When you’re dressed, take the servant stairs to the kitchen, then go to the stables. We’ll meet you there,” Amelia pronounced.

  Without even having to inquire, Prudence knew why she should do as directed. The placard which had been slipped under the door informed everyone wishing to attend the picnic to be in the courtyard at ten of the clock. Glancing to the mantle, she noticed she’d need to hurry as there was only about thirty minutes before the appointed hour.

  “Ladies, I’ll see you shortly,” she declared, then watched them slip from the room.

  No sooner had they departed then her mother swept in with Jane following.

  “My dear, I understand you won’t be joining me in the carriage. Am I correct?”

  “On that you are. It seems I’ll be riding. Lord Justin, it’s been reported, has selected a mare for me.”

  “M’ lady, shall I get your habit out and make sure it doesn’t have wrinkles?” Jane asked.

  Prudence directed her attention to the maid once her mother was seated across from her. “No, that won’t be necessary as Lady Jessica is lending me one of hers.”

  A knock on the closed door halted any further conversation.

  “If I’m not mistaken, it’s arrived. Jane, would you get the habit while I wash up?” Prudence directed.

  A short while later, with her hair in a chignon and no cap, she glanced in the mirror. Now she understood Amelia’s words. Seeing her mother’s reflection and smile, Prudence knew Justin would not only keep her close but keep other gentlemen away. Never having been one for daring necklines, this was the opposite. The jacket had been designed to show the tops of her breasts. She wondered if it was possibly a little to bold.