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

  As short while later, with a footman following, carrying the canvas, while she had her painting box in her hand, Prudence stepped out onto the veranda. Directing the staff member where to put the easel and canvas, she smiled on seeing Justin stride toward her.

  “M’ lord, how was your morning?”

  “Quite enjoyable. I took several of the gentlemen for a riding tour of the estate then took care of business. And yours?”

  “Wonderful. As you’re aware Ladies Amelia, Jessica, mother, and I went into the village. We wished to see if the dressmaker had any new plates as I was thinking of having a gown sewn for the ball.”

  What she’d told him had been truthful, but his reply hadn’t been. While at the dress shop, she’d seen him along with Nash and Matt enter the jeweler’s. When she asked Amelia why, the answer came as a bit of a surprise. Prudence learned the men had visited the store to have a betrothal ring made especially for her. With that information and now learning her father would be at the Rosewood estate only confirmed what she’d suspected. Sometime in the next few days Justin would offer for her.

  “Did you have any luck in finding either the proper design or material?”

  Now, it was her turn to not be so straightforward.

  “Regrettably no. What the lady had, I’d already seen. As for the fabric, she didn’t have anything I liked. But, on the bright side of the day, as you can see I’ll be continuing to work on the painting of you.”

  “Thank you, and to protect your canvas I’ve instructed the footman to remain with it until you take your seat. And if I’m not mistaken, the luncheon gong is sounding so, shall we?” Justin pronounced.

  With a smile, she settled her hand on his proffered arm and allowed him to escort her over, once again, to the south lawn. There, she noticed a buffet had been laid out.

  “M’ lord, as you’re taller, can you see if my mother has arrived?”

  “Yes, she’s here and has joined Lady Augusta at a table. From the looks they are sending my way, I don’t believe they wish to be disturbed.”

  “If that’s the case, would you mind if I joined you?” Prudence inquired.

  “Only if you have at least one married lady, preferably two, at the same table.” A voice from behind stated.

  Glancing over her shoulder Prudence’s eyes were met with scowls from Amelia and Jessica. On hearing a moan from Justin, she couldn’t stop herself from letting a giggle slip past her lips.

  “Of course, m’ ladies, you’re more than welcome to join us. But what about your husbands? Where will they sit?”

  “With our wives. If need be, we’ll put several tables together,” Nash announced.

  Fully aware any chance of Justin trying to be inappropriate was now lost, much to her happiness, Prudence let him lead her to several unoccupied tables. After setting her case on a chair, she joined the ladies while the men brought another table over.

  A very unladylike grumble coming from her stomach told Prudence she needed to eat.

  “My sentiments exactly, my dear. I know my husband, and he’ll keep the other two talking without regards to anyone. So, on that note, shall we see what Cook has prepared for us?” Jessica said.

  After a pleasant meal, in which the gentlemen did join them, Prudence collected her painting case and returned to the rear lawn and the portrait of Justin.

  Several hours later, with Ida at her side receiving her continued help, Prudence had a footman, carrying the paintings, follow them to their suite. Once both pieces of artwork were safe, Prudence was about to remove her walking shoes when she was interrupted by a knock on the door.

  “Come in,” she called out and glanced to Ida, who wore a confused look in her eyes.

  In stepped both of their mothers, panic evident on their faces.

  “Ladies, we’ve been asked to join Justin and the others in his office. No reason was given,” Julia told them.

  If they all were being summoned, then Prudence knew it didn’t involve a meeting between Justin and her father.

  “We’re coming,” she said, standing from the chair she’d taken.

  With Ida beside her, they followed their mothers down to Justin’s office. Walking in, she noticed Justin was leaning against the front of his desk while Matt and Nash were standing behind their wives.

  “Ladies, please take seats,” Justin requested.

  Doing as asked, or ordered as that’s what it sounded like, Prudence waited until the mothers had settled themselves on a settee then with Ida took chairs.

  “I’m sorry to announce this, but we’ve had an unfortunate incident. I’m sure you must have seen the footmen, more so than should have been out, walking around the grounds after luncheon. It had been reported to me by Lady Lara that Lady Anna hadn’t returned from a stroll. I instructed the footmen and some of the grooms to search the grounds. A short while ago one of them found her in the maze. Dead. On examining the body, I concluded, and it was confirmed by Nash and Matt, she’d been strangled. When I questioned the footman I had posted there, he reported not seeing her enter.”

  “Was she…”

  “No, Prudence, she wasn’t.” Matt stated.

  “The earl and countess have learned of their daughter’s passing and are in seclusion in their suite. Once the grounds are cleared of the few remaining guests, several footmen will be taking the girl to the cold room. I’ve half a mind to end the house party as once everyone learns of the death, the news will put a damper on the event,” Justin declared in conclusion.

  “What would you have us do?” Prudence asked.

  “Justin, allow me,” Julia said.

  “Please.”

  “As neither of you have ever had to deal with a tragedy such as this before, listen. If one of the young ladies wishes to talk let them. Send the young men to Justin, Matt, or Nash. Let one of the three deal with them.”

  Prudence saw that Ida was close to tears on hearing this news. Gently she placed a hand on her friend’s arm.

  “My dear, we can do this. Don’t forget we are strong. Someday we’ll marry and we might have to deal with things such as this, especially in regards to staff or tenants.”

  “You’re correct. Thank you for your support,” Ida uttered.

  “My pleasure. Now, Justin, as to the house party, once the others learn of what happened, I’d wager, if I was of a nature to gamble, many will wish to leave on their own,” Prudence uttered.

  “I agree with Prudence. Even if the guilty person is one of them, we’ll never find out. Somehow, the person was able to sneak the body into the maze, and seems highly skilled at skulking about and murder. What we’ll need to do is let the earl and countess time to grieve then calmly speak with them. I can also send a post to several of my contacts in London to see what they can learn, in particular, about the gentlemen guests,” Nash declared.

  “And I will do the same with my people,” Matt added.

  “As long as you two reprobates limit your search to the exchange of posts and don’t hunt them down yourselves,” Amelia declared, then Prudence saw her friend focus on her and Ida. “Ladies, it took a long time for us to find our perfect mate and then make them promise to stay at the warmth of the hearth.”

  “Or the comfort of our bed. When you ladies find that ideal companion, demand of him the same assurance,” Jessica teased.

  Suddenly, Prudence wondered why Jessica had said what she had. Could it be to goad Justin into offering for her without the earl’s blessing? She knew her mother already approved of the match. When nothing happened, save a glare from Justin to Jessica and Amelia did she know he needed to wait. She had to get the topic of discussion back on track. “Justin, after dinner another musical evening is planned. Might I recommend it not be held since it would be unseemly?”

  “Yes, I agree,” Augusta said.

  Prudence was pleased when the others in the room either nodded their approval to her suggestion or voiced it.

  “Do you have a proposal on how everyone pass the eveni
ng?” Justin asked of her.

  “Regrettably I don’t. However, I don’t believe there will be many at the table. Most will choose to have trays in their suites.”

  “And where will you be dining?” Justin said.

  “As mother can testify, I don’t enjoy having my meal brought to me on a tray, save breakfast sometimes. Even when sick I didn’t like that so I will be enjoying Cook’s wonderful meal in the dining room.”

  “Then we’ll see you there,” Amelia declared.

  “Justin, if you’ll excuse me I’m going to return to Ida’s and my suite and rest until it’s time to dress for dinner. Which should prove to be interesting.”

  With Ida at her side, they swept from the office. Much to her amazement both mothers followed. She suspected Jessica and Amelia would soon also.

  Once in her suite, Prudence finally was able to slip out of her walking shoes just as Holly entered, a sadness evident on her face.

  “We’re going to rest for a bit then bathe and dress for the evening,” Prudence stated.

  “Yes, m’ ladies. Let me help you out of your day gowns then into robes.”

  As she settled in a chair, Prudence wondered what the evening would bring.

  Chapter Nine

  No sooner had everyone departed the office then Leland appeared at the door.

  “What?” Justin snapped.

  “Pardon the interruption, m’ lord. The Earl of Mandale has arrived and wishes to speak with you.”

  “Please, show him in.”

  Justin stood and came around to the front of the desk.

  When the earl was announced, Justin stepped forward and bowed.

  “Welcome, m’ lord.”

  With a sweep of his hand, Justin guided the earl to the settee recently vacated by Prudence. Now he had a decision to make, inform the gentleman of the tragedy which struck the party or wait until later. Choosing the second he took the chair opposite.

  “Thank you. Not meaning to rush events along as I haven’t even had a chance to speak with my wife, shall we get down to the business which has brought me here?”

  “I agree. Simply put, it seems I’ve developed deep affections for Lady Prudence and humbly seek your permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”

  “Does she feel the same for you?” the earl said.

  “I believe she does, m’ lord. Even though we’ve not specifically discussed it.”

  “After I speak with the countess I’ll have an answer for you.”

  “Of course, m’ lord. But before you talk with her I should also point out, a while ago one of the guests was found murdered. As of this moment we’ve no idea who did it but will find the person, lady or gentleman, and have them brought to justice. Before you ask, yes, Prudence is aware of the situation and is holding up quite well. She and a new friend of hers, Lady Ida, have offered to assist in dealing with the young ladies if they wish to talk.”

  The half-smile he noticed on the earl’s lips was somewhat encouraging in his quest for the brave lady’s hand.

  “M’ lord, somehow I’m not surprised at my daughter’s offer. She has always been very strong. Now, if you’ll excuse me I wish to talk with my wife to see how Prudence feels in regards to you, even though you’ve been classified a rakehell.”

  “Who, on seeing Lady Prudence for the first time has now reformed. Even the several ladies I originally thought I had affections for pale in comparison to her. Without a doubt, Lady Prudence is the most fascinating, interesting, and beautiful lady I’ve ever or will ever meet.”

  “Then, if that’s the case, I don’t need to converse with the countess. Permission is given to seek our daughter’s hand. All I ask is that you wait several weeks before you wed if she accepts your offer, which will be when? Have you set a date and time in which to ask?”

  “Having received your consent, I had planned on asking her tomorrow eve before dinner, but with what happened today I believe waiting a few more days would be for the best.”

  “I agree.”

  Justin stood when the earl did and followed him, in silence, from the room. On seeing the butler waiting, Justin turned to the earl. “Leland, please show the Earl of Mandale to his suite,” he directed.

  “Certainly, m’ lord.”

  Following his newest guest to the second floor, Justin turned down the family wing and to his suite. Strolling down the corridor, he thought over the events of the day so far and smiled. When he passed one of the several parlors, he glanced in to see Prudence and Amelia talking. He wondered about what but on seeing the glare from not one but both, Justin knew he wasn’t invited in. Most likely, he was the subject of their discussion. Then he wondered if Nash might have a clue.

  Possibly, but will he tell me? Probably not. With a shrug, he continued on to his room. Walking in, he glanced around wondering what changes Prudence would wish to make. Whatever they were, he’d agree. Stepping over to his right, he opened the door to the adjoining suite. Traditionally, the one the countess would sleep in. Convention be damned. She’d spend her nights in his bed.

  “Excuse me, m’ lord. Can I be of assistance?” Vance said.

  “I was merely daydreaming. Have you selected a jacket and trousers for this evening for me?” Justin said over his shoulder.

  “Considering what happened to the lady, I thought black would be the most appropriate,” his valet recommended.

  Justin replied with a nod then turned back and stepped over to the desk he’d had placed in his suite for when he needed privacy to pen a letter. Taking a seat, he withdrew a piece of foolscap. After selecting a quill and making sure the nib was sharp, he wrote a brief note. Folding and sealing it, he passed it over to Vance.

  “Take this to Sawyer and instruct him to have Tom use Sullivan and deliver it to the address on the front. Tom is to wait for a reply. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  “Good, and when you return I’ll bathe and dress for the evening.”

  “When I pass the kitchen I will let Cook know so she can make sure there’s hot water for you.”

  Retaking his seat at the desk, Justin brought out his diary. Until he’d become the earl, he had never seen the need to have one but now, he was able to write down his thoughts. Normally, he would take up this task right before going to bed, but with everything which had occurred so far today, Justin wanted to start now.

  Slowly, he composed his thoughts then wrote them down. So involved with the task he never heard Vance return.

  “Excuse me, m’ lord, but your bath water is here.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be ready in a moment.”

  Making his last entry in the book, he sanded the page, closed up the journal, and returned it to the desk drawer. Standing, he went over to the bed and removed his clothes.

  Later, dressed with a deep red vest under his black jacket and perfectly tailored trousers, Justin marched from his suite. Returning to his office, he was greeted by Prudence unchaperoned, which he wouldn’t allow. Taking a step back, he watched as she advanced to him.

  “M’ lady, you know very well we can’t be in the same room together without another lady present.”

  “I simply wanted to see what it felt like, that is if father gives his consent and you offer for me,” she retorted.

  Did he want to tell her the earl had already given his blessing or wait. That question was answered for him when he saw his friends and their wives, along with the earl, countess, and Ida coming toward him.

  “We are behaving I see. Otherwise, why would you be standing in the hallway while Lady Prudence is in the office doorway?” Jessica jested.

  “Yes, I am, and thank you for being so prompt. Now, with you all here I can finally enter my office.”

  With a nod, he did exactly that with them following. Escorting Prudence over to the settee she preferred, Justin waited until everyone was seated before taking a chair beside her.

  “Has anyone heard of guests wishing to quit the house party?” J
ustin asked.

  “Not that I know of, Justin, but I’m sure some will. They need time to think the events of the day over. I do wonder if one of those will be Lord Kelly,” Nash replied.

  “Why is that?” Prudence asked.

  “I caught him and Lady Anna sneaking out of the maze a few days ago. Seems they had the assistance of Lady Lara, who distracted the footman I had there to prevent such things happening.”

  “If that’s the case, m’ lord, do you believe he might also be capable of murder?” Prudence’s father uttered.

  “No, I don’t. He seems to be too much of a milksop from what I’ve seen of him. Also, m’ lord, you have my permission to use my Christian name when we are in here and no staff are present,” Nash declared.

  “That goes for all of us here present,” Justin added.

  “Then, with the same codicil, please call me Miles.”

  Justin smiled to himself that that had been so easily resolved. When he heard the dinner gong sound throughout the mansion, he stood, bringing the other gentlemen to their feet. Each offered their lady a hand in rising while Justin assisted Prudence then Ida to their feet. With a lady on each arm, he led the group down to the formal dining room.

  On entering, he noticed quite a few seats were empty. This told him many of the guests were taking trays in their suites.

  “Ladies and gentleman, shall we be seated,” Justin directed.

  With a pleasant and fairly quiet dinner completed they returned to the office.

  “Ladies, if the gentlemen don’t mind, why don’t we adjourn to the countess’ parlor for tea. This way they can enjoy their brandy,” Julia, the senior of them, proposed.

  Seeing them all nod, Justin turned to Leland who’d followed them upstairs.

  “I’ll take care of the brandy while you get a tray for the ladies.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. I also have several sheets of paper for you. Each person expressed their desire for me to wait until after dinner before handing them over,” the butler declared.

  Accepting the pieces of foolscap, Justin looked through them. Each had expressed the same reason for quitting the house party in the morning.