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

  “These just arrived by riders for Lords Nash and Matthew.”

  Waving the butler in, Justin waited while they were handed over then dismissed the man.

  After several minutes of silence, save the shuffling of papers, Nash then Matt looked to him.

  “Well, do we have any encouraging news?”

  “As with the others we’ve received, my men haven’t seen or heard anything untoward. Not even a hint as who the murderer could be,” Matt pronounced.

  “The same here,” Nash added.

  With no suspect, what would he tell Anna’s parents when they met. Hopefully, though not when they return to London as the earl and countess would still be in mourning. He had, with the encouragement of Prudence and the others, sent them a letter informing them there weren’t any suspects, but that he would continue to dig into their daughter’s death.

  Even over the past week plus they’d studied the maze to see how someone could get in and out without being seen. It got to the point, after each visit, where Justin could see everyone’s frustration mount.

  Hearing footsteps in the corridor, Justin knew it couldn’t be Leland as they were coming from the front of the mansion, and the butler always used the servant stairs. Standing, he marched over to the door, earning quizzical stares from Nash and Matt. Looking out, he saw Miles with Julia and Augusta strolling toward him.

  “Good morning, ladies and sir. Come in, as we’ve news in regards to the search for the killer.”

  He didn’t wish to tell them anymore than that, especially the ladies, until they took seats.

  “What did you learn?” Miles said.

  “Unfortunately, very little. It seems whoever the murderer is hasn’t left any sort of trail to follow.”

  “That is regrettable. What are you going to write the earl and countess?” Julia asked.

  “Just that, but the hunt will continue until we find the person. Now, as the other ladies have decided to go for a ride then have a picnic someplace, I thought we’d take a ride into the village. The tavern owner’s wife sets a marvelous luncheon table,” Justin announced.

  “Yes, we knew they were planning something, but none of the three of us could get any information out of our daughters. They seem to have learned the skillful art of keeping secrets from their parents,” Augusta explained.

  “As for journeying to the tavern, I believe I can speak for the ladies in that it would be a wonderful idea. However, if you don’t mind, Justin, I’ll ride in with them in the landau,” Miles told them.

  “Perfect. Shall we say we meet in the courtyard in an hour? That, ladies, will give you time to change if you wish and allow us to get the fidgets out of our beasts as they’ve not been ridden in several days. I’ll also send the tavern owner a note asking to save the private dining room,” Justin declared.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Assisted out of her riding habit and into a comfortable pale-yellow day dress, Prudence waited while Ida changed with Holly’s aid.

  “Once you’re ready, shall we retire to the parlor and continue with our paintings? With everything which went on with Lord Kelly and Miss Adele I’m behind on finishing the portrait. I’m hoping to present the finished piece to Lord Justin within the next day or so,” Prudence declared.

  “Do you know if he’s seen it yet? And as for my landscape, I’ll happily keep it so every time I gaze upon it I will remember this party but especially the friendship we’ve formed,” Ida replied.

  Prudence was about to answer when the suite door burst open, and she watched as Amelia and Jessica charged in.

  “Tonight. Before dinner Justin will officially offer for you,” Amelia blurted out.

  “What? How do you know?” Prudence stammered.

  “Yes. We learned that from our husbands. As you well know, or will shortly learn, gentlemen have a difficult time keeping secrets. Particularly when pressed by their wife,” Jessica added.

  “Congratulations, Lady Prudence. In that case, Lady Ida, let’s hurry and get you changed as I need to take the gown to the laundry and iron out the wrinkles,” Holly stated.

  “No, we’ll help her change. You go and take care of the gown. Just make sure Lord Justin doesn’t see it,” Amelia, now calmer told the maid.

  “As you wish, m’ lady,” the maid said and curtsied, then with the dress draped over her arm slipped from the suite.

  “Now, let’s get you into that lovely light-blue day dress, Ida. While we’re doing that, Prudence, what are your plans for the rest of the afternoon until dressing for the evening?” Jessica inquired.

  “Ida and I had planned on working on our paintings as we find the activity helps to relax us. Why? Do you have a better suggestion?”

  “Well, as the gentlemen aren’t allowed in the parlor, I say Amelia and I join you. This way, we may discuss the different ways to set your hair. Don’t forget, between it and the gown, you need to make the statement that you are someone he will protect with his life, if need be,” Jessica explained.

  “If I may? I do remember one lady had a crown of roses, the colors of which matched her gown. When she swept into the ball on her betrothed’s arm the way she was turned out, silenced the gentlemen not to mention many of the ladies,” Ida interjected.

  “That will be perfect. As your gown is a soft blue I know the head gardener has roses of various shades of yellow. They will be perfect. While you ladies work on your paintings, I’ll see what the man will relinquish,” Jessica said.

  “And I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed by anyone,” Amelia uttered.

  “Then, as I’m ready, shall we start in on our tasks?” Ida questioned.

  With a smile to the others, Prudence led Ida and Amelia to the parlor, while Jessica went to hunt down the gardener. Stepping in, she was happy to see nothing had changed over the past days as she’d not spent very much time on it. After removing the sheet used to not only protect the work but prevent certain eyes from looking it over, she took her seat.

  “You know this is really the first time I’ve had a chance to really study your portrait of Justin. It’s so lifelike I can’t believe it,” Amelia declared.

  “Is it now? I can’t wait to see.”

  Prudence turned to the speaker, fully knowing it was Justin who was casually leaning against the doorframe. Seeing him, she glowered only to receive a heart-melting smile in return.

  “And you will. But not until I say so, and that will be when it’s finished. Now, m’ lord, off with you and bother someone else,” she ordered.

  “As you command, m’ lady. Before I go, I wish to mention we will be meeting in the countess’ parlor before dinner.”

  “And why is that?”

  Having already heard what would occur this evening, Prudence wondered what Justin would give for the reason. Even when Kelly and Adele had been in residence, everyone always met in Justin’s office.

  “I thought it would be nice to start using the sitting room. Since I’ve taken up the title, it’s remained unused and it’s time for a change.”

  “Yes, I agree with you. Shall we meet at six of the clock? That way Ida and I should be able to finish our paintings this afternoon. And no, you still may not see it until tomorrow at the earliest,” Prudence stated.

  “Very well. Now, I’ll be off, and you ladies may return to your work.”

  With a nod, she waited for Justin to depart then noticed Amelia stand and slip over to the door, glance out, and then turn back and smile.

  “He’s gone downstairs, most likely to his office, where I suspect he’s been keeping the ring and possibly something else,” she declared.

  “Why there?” Prudence said.

  “That’s because it’s probably the only room in the mansion with a safe,” Ida suggested.

  For some reason, what her friend said did make sense to a degree. Prudence also wondered about the “something else” Amelia had mentioned. Could he also have a special license? As much as she wished to ask, she decided to wait. With a gl
ance to the clock on the mantel, she saw there was only about ninety minutes before she had to retire to her suite and prepare for the evening.

  Turning back to her portrait of Justin, she started to fill-in the background. That was all she had left to do. Unfortunately, her concentration was interrupted when Jessica swept into the room carrying several yellow roses.

  “Those will be perfect. Now, we have to decide how to set them in your hair, my dear,” Amelia stated.

  “Several times my maid has woven flowers into my hair. Might I suggest she take up the task unless Holly is skilled at it,” Jessica said.

  “Yes, I am, m’ lady,” Holly announced from the door.

  “Wonderful,” Prudence replied with a smile, before adding, “Lady Ida and I will be along in about an hour to start bathing and dressing for the eve.”

  “Yes, m’ lady, and your gown, which I must say is very beautiful, is draped out over your bed.”

  “Thank you.” With a head bob, she dismissed the maid then set her brush down, having lost the momentum needed to work on the painting.

  Standing, she collected the cloth cover then carefully draped it over her portrait. Peering to the others, she smiled.

  “What’s bothering you?” Ida asked.

  “I’m worried about this eve when Justin offers for me. I know my father and he have talked about it. It’s just that when I accept him, I’m afraid my life will change forever.”

  “On that, my dear Prudence, you’re correct, but fear not. It will be only for the best. You forget Amelia’s and my husbands were once rogues like Justin. Over the past weeks, both of us have watched and observed how you interact with him, and trust me when I say you are more than strong enough to keep him in line,” Jessica declared.

  “That’s most likely the reason he waited this long. That, and wishing to only have his closest friends with him. Now, let’s get you some tea which will help relax you,” Amelia stated.

  Giving her a nod, Prudence then noticed Ida had also stopped painting and was wearing a worried look in her eyes.

  “Dear, what’s troubling you?”

  “Do you think I’ll ever find my perfect husband? When I went to London, very few gentlemen seemed interested. Granted, we would dance, but the next day none called on me,” Ida uttered.

  Prudence could see her dear friend was close to tears. Having been in the same situation until attending the house party, Prudence turned to Amelia and Jessica for guidance.

  “Ida, will you and your parents be in London come autumn?” Amelia asked.

  “I believe so, as father is involved with several bills in Parliament. I know he’ll wish to be there.”

  “Then that is perfect, as Jessica and I will also be in town. Hopefully, Bianca and Chelsea will be there also. Believe me when I say, between the four of us, and now Prudence, we will find the perfect gentleman for you,” Amelia told Ida.

  “And knowing them as we do, they will bring their children. Of course, we will have to have a lavish ball in your honor, Prudence, since we never had one here,” Jessica added.

  Prudence could already see the piles of invitations awaiting her and Justin when they return to London. If she had her way, which she would, there would also be a ball for Ida along with a banquet beforehand.

  With tea over, Prudence followed the ladies out, and at their suites separated with promises to meet in the countess’ parlor at the appointed hour.

  Stepping into their suite, Prudence glanced over to the dressing table where she saw the roses and smiled. Holly had been able weave several of them into a crown. She wondered what the maid would do with the remaining ones.

  “Ida, would you mind if I bathed first as I’ve a feeling it might take Holly a while to do my hair.”

  “Seeing what she’s done with the roses, I whole-heartedly agree. I can’t wait to see it.”

  A short while later, bathed and wrapped in a warm robe, Prudence took a seat near the fire. With a towel, she continued to dry her hair. When satisfied, she carefully started to brush it out. This had always been a task she liked doing herself as sometimes her maid at her parents’ estate tended to be a little harsh. Finally pleased with the results, she slipped into fresh undergarments and then took a seat at the dressing table.

  Later, Prudence smiled on seeing a single rose set over her right ear and several strands of hair dangling down to frame her face. For the finishing touch, she held her breath when the crown was carefully set on the top of her head and pinned into place. She was distracted on hearing a gasp coming from Ida.

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “Holly has done a marvelous job, and with the gown you surely will elicit the reaction you’re hoping for,” Ida said.

  “Yes, m’ lady. Let’s get you back into your robe so you may relax for a few minutes while I do Lady Ida’s hair. Then I’ll help you ladies finish dressing.”

  Doing as asked, she watched their maid fix Ida’s hair and smiled when a rose, this one red, was woven in.

  “M’ lady, I thought it would go nicely with Lady Ida’s gown. I hope you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all, as it gives me an idea about this evening. Lady Ida, when we go down, you enter first, then after a few heartbeats I’ll glide in,” Prudence stated.

  “Yes, that will be perfect. This way we will all see Lord Justin’s reaction,” Amelia exclaimed as she and Jessica swept into the suite.

  “Thank you. Now, if you’ll give us a few minutes to slip into our gowns, we can all see if the dress does as I pray. Silence him,” Prudence declared.

  At the first chime of the clock in the hall, Prudence watched with bated breath as the other ladies swept into the countess’ parlor. At the last ringing she took a breath then stepped into the doorway, a bright smile on her lips.

  Crash.

  The sound of glass breaking brought her attention to Justin and the puddle of liquid at his feet. Even more interesting was seeing his mouth open and close with no sound flowing past his lips.

  “M’ lords and ladies,” she announced giving them a curtsey. Straightening, Prudence waited to see what Justin would do.

  Her parents and Ida’s mother were silent, but the grins they wore helped to drive home the fact she’d exceeded even their expectations.

  When she saw Nash elbow Justin in the ribs, Prudence knew that was to bring him back to reality, and it seemed to work.

  He stepped up to her. “Lady Prudence you look absolutely ravishing this eve. May I escort you to one of the settees?”

  “Thank you, m’ lord, and yes you may.”

  Settled on the divan beside her mother, Prudence glanced over to her father who gave her a slight nod. Looking up to Justin, she couldn’t help but notice he seemed nervous, and she knew the reason. After a few moments, she watched him take a deep breath, let it out, then lower himself to one knee.

  “Lady Prudence, daughter to the Earl and Countess of Mandale, would you do me the great honor to become my wife and countess?”

  Not hesitating, she said, “Lord Justin, it would be my privilege to take on both roles.”

  With her words spoken, she raised her gloved left hand and let him slip a ring on her finger. She gasped in awe.

  “This is the new betrothal ring for the Countess of Rosewood. As you see, I had it designed in the shape of a rose, to which I’m happy to see you are wearing several.”

  “It’s absolutely lovely, m’ lord,” she declared then showed it to her mother and father.

  After letting them see the ring, she noticed Justin step back, and she was immediately surrounded by Amelia, Jessica, Ida, and Augusta. Each in turn admired and commented on the beauty of it.

  Once they stepped back, Prudence tilted her head up to Justin, who’d rejoined her.

  “M’ lord, will we wait three weeks while the banns are published or some time sooner?”

  “If you are desirous, would tomorrow be too soon as I’ve a special license.”

  Not sure how to reply, sh
e sought guidance from her father who again nodded his approval.

  “Yes, on the morrow will be perfect.”

  Epilogue

  Four days later

  Justin stood to the side while his bride gave her mother a hug then a kiss on the cheek. Yesterday, Nash along with Matt and their wives had departed for their estates with the same emotional good byes as he witnessed now. That left only Ida and Augusta, who he saw were coming out to say their adieus.

  He wasn’t surprised when promises had been made all around to reunite in London later in the year. And yes, a ball in his and Prudence’s honor. Or had it been two? That he couldn’t remember but knew his wife would.

  Thinking back over the past few days, Justin chuckled catching the attention of Prudence who frowned at him.

  “Sorry, my wife. I was just thinking of how to spend the rest of the day.”

  “I’m sure we can think of something to pass the time,” she teased.

  “Remember, children, the earl and I are so looking forward to grandchildren.”

  Hearing those unexpected words from Julia confirmed for him the suggestion he was thinking of. Would she wish to spend the day abed? Once her parents departed he’d have to find out.

  After shaking the earl’s hand, Justin escorted Julia to their carriage and handed her up. Once the earl was settled, Justin nodded to the coachman then watched the coach roll out of the courtyard and head back to the Mandale estate.

  Returning to the top stair, he bowed to Augusta and Ida.

  “We’ll be seeing you in town in a few months?” he said.

  “Yes, m’ lord, we wouldn’t miss the stir caused when you and Prudence attend your first ball as earl and countess. All I can say is that it is wonderful to see another rakehell has been tamed,” Augusta replied.

  He started to say something, but Prudence interceded. “I wouldn’t say anything which might start an argument that you’ll lose. Now, assist the good lady and my dear friend into their carriage.”

  Doing as asked, or was it an order? With Prudence he was never sure but always loving a challenge especially from her, he did.