“I understand the author shares the seven worst problems plaguing the city.”
While his grandmother often read fiction, since when had she become interested in social issues? He’d obviously been gone far too long.
Miss Markham pursed her lips. “Perhaps you might enjoy learning more about such problems.”
He sighed at the hint of disapproval in her expression. His reputation had preceded him. While he knew he should be pleased his cover as a philandering rogue was secure, he’d grown weary of it.
“I shall rely on your report of it.” He gave his signature careless smile as he moved closer, which only had her tightening her lips further.
Her unfavorable opinion of him could prove useful. Perhaps getting rid of her would be easier than he expected.
Sophia hardly knew what to think, and she certainly didn’t know what to say. She felt as though she’d been caught rifling through the earl’s personal things from the accusing way he stared at her.
The only reason she’d taken the position of companion to the Countess of Aberland was because the earl was rarely home. And because she liked her ladyship—adored her, actually. Though occasionally gruff, the woman had a kind heart, a keen intelligence, and a no-nonsense manner Sophia admired.
The earl was a different kettle of fish altogether. The date of his return had been uncertain, but it wasn’t today. She hadn’t had the proper time to prepare herself to meet the notorious scoundrel.
Her cousin, Daphne Fairchild, had warned her of the earl’s reputation as a rogue, far more interested in chasing ladies on foreign shores than here in London. What she hadn’t mentioned was how handsome he was.
He shared his grandmother’s unique green eyes, the shade reminding her of a jade Buddha she’d seen in a museum when she was a child. They glowed with an internal light that made one look twice. Dark hair swept across his brow, and even darker brows arched over those intense eyes. His strong jawline with a hint of shadow from his beard caused the oddest sensation in her stomach, almost making her breathless.
Or perhaps that was caused by the way he stared at her, as though she were a puzzle he had yet to solve.
But that was nonsense. She was an open book with no secrets to hide. Besides, she held doubts he’d read a book since his university days. Scoundrels didn’t often read, did they? In truth, she’d never before met one. Her father, who died when she was only six years, didn’t count. She barely remembered him.
With a firm reprimand, she brought her thoughts back to the task at hand. She’d promised herself that when she met the earl, she would make it clear she was no one with whom to be trifled and he should set his roguish sights elsewhere. Not that a woman such as herself, raised in the country, headed for spinsterhood and dressed in half-mourning, would be to his tastes, but Aunt Margaret always told her that opportunity created desire.
“I’m terribly sorry to be in your way.” She glanced at Codwell who remained by the door, hoping he’d help with this uncomfortable situation. If she wasn’t mistaken, amusement twinkled in the butler’s blue eyes. Assistance wouldn’t be coming from that quarter.
“I am pleased we had a chance to meet before you leave.” The earl stepped closer, causing her to shift back, only to bump against the shelves.
“Leave?” She could only blink at him, confused.
“Now that I’ve returned, your services will no longer be needed.”
Panic skittered down her spine. “But I’ve only recently started in the position.”
He gave a nod. “Then it should be easy for you to find another.”
She knew her mouth opened and closed like a cod tossed on the river bank, gasping for air, but she couldn’t help it. “I hope the countess will still be in need of my company.”
“We shall see, but I’d suggest you pack your bags, just in case.”
While she’d wondered if the earl would be displeased to find her in his household upon his return, she’d never expected to be dismissed on the spot.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to visit with my grandmother. Perhaps you’d like to remain in your room for a time.”
She swallowed hard, heat filling her cheeks at his dismissal. She hadn’t felt like a servant here until this moment. The countess had treated her with respect and kindness, quite the opposite of her grandson.
Yet she was well aware there was nothing she could do if he chose to let her go.
“Of course.” She curtsied again, her mind blank with shock as she walked from the room, head held high with the book in her hand.
Keeping the outward signs of her worry at bay until she reached her room on the third floor was no easy task. Only once she closed her door behind her did she allow her shoulders to sag and her hands to tremble. She eased into the chair at her desk.
Just when she’d become accustomed to her new position, the earl had returned to threaten her carefully built world.
Sophia had feared what the future might bring when Aunt Margaret passed away unexpectedly six months ago, but then a timely letter from her cousin Daphne had arrived.
They’d met on one of Sophia’s infrequent trips to London when her mother still lived. She and Daphne exchanged letters several times a year since their meeting, and Sophia always looked forward to them.
Sophia’s life had changed drastically upon her father’s death, when she and her mother had gone to live with her aunt. Though a viscount, he’d spent his modest inheritance and her mother’s dowry shortly after their marriage. Aunt Margaret had declared him a carousing rogue, but Sophia’s mother loved him all the same, even after he’d left them penniless and in dire straits with his death.
Aunt Margaret had taken them in, but Sophia’s mother succumbed to illness within two years of her husband’s passing. Sophia had been devastated and still missed her.
Though grateful for Aunt Margaret, life hadn’t been easy with her. Money was tight, and her aunt didn’t believe in wasting time focusing on happiness. Sophia emerged from those years well educated and bearing a healthy dose of common sense and caution.
A letter from Daphne arrived at an opportune time, shortly after her aunt’s funeral. When she’d shared news of her aunt’s passing, Daphne responded immediately, telling her that her mother and father would be happy to provide her with a Season.
Sophia appreciated the offer, but after watching her mother’s heartbreak and listening to her aunt’s many lectures on the subject of men, Sophia had no desire to marry. But what choices did that leave her?
After several more letters, Daphne mentioned the possibility of serving as a companion. That seemed like the perfect solution to Sophia.
The Fairchilds had been kind enough to suggest she stay with them while she searched for a position. Sophia considered it luck that the countess, with whom the Fairchilds were acquainted, needed someone shortly after Sophia’s arrival in London.
Her interview with the countess had gone well, and Sophia had been excited at the prospect of the position.
But now...she feared she was being abandoned by fate once again.
With a shaky sigh, she gathered her wits. The countess had never indicated that Sophia wouldn’t be needed upon the earl’s return. Surely, she would’ve mentioned such an important detail when she offered Sophia the position.
Maybe there was still hope.
But she had no doubt the earl would continue to be a problem. How could she convince him the countess needed her? There had to be something she could do. She feared she’d allowed her natural distaste for a man such as him to show. He represented everything she had been warned against most of her life.
Now she was in the uncomfortable circumstance of needing to not only hide her disapproval but gain his support if she wanted to remain in the position.
But how?
Chapter Two
Elliott knocked on his grandmother’s withdrawing room door on the second floor. Not waiting for a response, he strode in, anxious to see her. He couldn’t help but worry she
was failing if his uncle had determined she needed a companion.
“Darling, we weren’t expecting you.” The Countess of Aberland’s green eyes lit at the sight of him. “I’m thrilled you have returned at last.” She gracefully rose from her favorite chair by the fire to greet him, arms outstretched, her smile as bright as the sun.
He realized he needn’t have worried.
A flood of emotion coursed through him as he kissed her soft cheeks then gently embraced her, her lilac fragrance filling his senses. She and his grandfather had been his rock after his parents were killed when he was ten years. They had taken him in, offering comfort and familiarity to a lonely boy. Their love and support meant the world to him.
When his grandfather passed away five years ago, Elliott and his grandmother had grown even closer.
He eased back, his hands on her arms as he studied her beaming face. “You are as beautiful as ever.”
She chuckled. “You sound just like your grandfather.”
“The truth cannot be ignored.” Few knew her true age of seventy-six years as her slim figure and good bone structure served her well. Her golden hair had faded to grey at the temples years ago, giving her a regal look. Bright green eyes sparkled with a joy for life that few matched.
She examined his appearance just as closely. “Judging by the shadows under your eyes, you’ve had too little rest. It’s past time you returned home.”
He dropped his gaze, not wanting her to see too much. His last mission had been exhausting. Living a double life meant few hours of sleep. He’d played the rogue in Paris, making certain he was seen at notable parties as well as at the more popular gaming hells and a brothel or two.
After the parties ended as well as during the day, he met with counterparts in French and Spanish Intelligence to compare notes and share fragments of the information he’d learned. Sharing more would have been foolhardy.
Intelligence work was much like a card game, where intentions and knowledge were kept close to the vest. His instincts for knowing whom he could trust gave him an advantage few others held. He liked to think he had his grandfather to thank for the skill.
The rumors of Prussia’s growing power and alliances with Russia and Austria were of grave concern, especially to France. Any unrest on the Continent had direct ramifications to England, hence Elliott’s visit.
He wondered how much his grandmother knew of his true activities. After all, he’d followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by serving his country. As the wife of a lord involved in such an endeavor, she must have had her suspicions as to what her husband was up to, especially since the couple had shared a deep love—although only after being forced to marry to save her from ruin. His grandmother insisted that fate had intervened and one unexpected evening had changed everything for them.
“I’m pleased to be home at last,” he answered. It didn’t truly matter what she knew as he could never confirm nor deny his activities.
In his heart, he hoped she knew he was more than a scoundrel searching for the next good time and a new lover.
The question of who he was without his position in the Intelligence Office or his cover as a rogue was one that had bothered him of late. He’d been living a lie for so long, he was no longer sure who he truly was.
“Sit and tell me of your travels,” she said as she released him.
He closed his eyes for a moment, almost wishing she hadn’t asked. He hated to lie. Yet as he sifted through his memories of the past few weeks, he found a few truthful details he could share.
She’d travelled often with his grandfather and enjoyed hearing of the places she’d seen firsthand.
“If only you would agree to come with me on my next trip,” he added after they had spoken for a time, knowing she would refuse just like she always did.
“Perhaps one of these days I will surprise you and do just that.”
His stomach tightened at the thought. Did her sudden change of heart have something to do with the woman he’d found in his library? What sort of influence did she have over his grandmother?
“Now tell me of you. How have you fared?” He leaned back in his chair, pleased to be in her company but determined to discover what exactly had happened in his absence.
“I have news to share.” Her eyes sparkled with joy. “I cannot wait for you to meet Sophia.”
The image of the lady in question filled his mind. “I already have.”
“Excellent. I know you’ll adore her as much as I do. How I’ve managed all this time without her is a mystery. When your Uncle Daniel suggested I have a companion, I thought it a terrible idea.” She shook her head. “Why would I want someone underfoot all the time?”
Elliott clenched his jaw. That was exactly how he felt. Hopefully his grandmother would see why the woman could leave now that he’d returned.
“But Sophia is an absolute delight.” Elliott’s hopes were dashed by her words. “She is well-educated and clever and so eager to share new experiences.”
“Humph.” Those qualities did not suit him. Not when he was hiding his work as a spy.
“I confess I was feeling a bit blue and venturing out less and less during your absence.”
Guilt reared its ugly head at her words. He’d been gone longer than he’d anticipated due to information he’d learned. Each rumor required careful study to sift through the lies to discover the truth. Given the alarming content, he’d stayed nearly ten days longer than he intended.
“My apologies for my lengthy absence.” He bit his tongue before he confessed the reason for it.
“Oh, please.” She waved a hand in dismissal of his words. “You have better things to do than keep an old woman company.”
He started to reply only to realize any response would reveal things he shouldn’t. At last he latched onto the truth he could share. “You know you are the love of my life.”
She laughed, just as he hoped she would. Then she leaned forward as though to share a delicious secret. “I am most anxious for the day when you truly find the love of your life. I know your choice won’t disappoint me.”
His chest tightened at her words. The chances of that happening were nonexistent. If he were to follow in his grandparents’ footsteps and find a great love, the woman would be falling for someone who didn’t exist. He lived his life immersed in falsehoods. That wouldn’t be true love.
“How could I possibly love anyone more than you?” he asked with a smile. Her laughter brushed away his worry.
“Whatever am I to do with you, Elliott? You are a scoundrel just like your grandfather.” She sighed, her gaze focused on something only she could see. She reached for the locket his grandfather had given her to rub its golden surface as she so often did.
“Are you certain you want to keep Miss Markham as your companion?” He hoped his grandmother would realize that having her underfoot would only be a nuisance. While a companion might be beneath a normal lord’s notice, Elliott spent much of his time at home in his grandmother’s company. Miss Markham would not be easy to ignore, not as lovely as she was. It would be far easier if she left. “Now that I’ve returned, it seems unnecessary.”
“Of course, I want to retain her. You are never here even when you’re in town. Besides, I am thoroughly enjoying her company. Wait until you come to know her, then you will understand.”
Why did his grandmother’s words feel more like a threat than a promise?
Time passed slowly as Sophia waited for a knock on the door that would summon her to the earl’s library where she would be formally dismissed.
She refused to start packing as his lordship had suggested. That seemed like it would send a message to the heavens that she was willing to go when she wasn’t. Not without protest.
Tired of pacing and waiting for a knock, she stepped into the hall, feeling a trespasser in what had started to feel like her home. Did she dare seek out the countess? But what if the earl was still with her?
She had no desire to show hi
m she hadn’t followed his order and risk angering him. Heart pounding, she walked downstairs in search of a footman or Codwell, hoping not to run into the earl.
When a footman advised her that the earl was in his library, she breathed a sigh of relief. Surely that was a good sign.
She hurried up the stairs to the countess’s withdrawing room and knocked on the door before opening it.
“There you are, dear,” the older woman said with a smile as Sophia curtsied. “I was beginning to wonder what happened to you this afternoon.”
Sophia sat beside the woman of whom she’d grown so fond. “May I speak frankly, my lady?” She couldn’t bear the idea of having the threat of dismissal hanging over her head.
“Of course.”
“I had the...pleasure of meeting the earl earlier. He advised me that my services would no longer be needed now that he has returned.” Sophia’s stomach tightened as she held her breath, waiting for an answer.
“Nonsense. He only has his nose out of joint as you were his uncle’s idea rather than his own. He likes his privacy, so I suppose the thought of someone else living here is less than appealing, but he will become accustomed to it.”
Though she wanted to hug the countess in relief, she did her best to keep her happiness to a reasonable level. The idea of searching for another position when she and the countess got on so well had been worrying to say the least. “I am very pleased to hear that. Will the earl be leaving again soon?” Sophia hoped so as she found his presence quite unnerving already.
“Not for some time, I hope.” She reached out to pat Sophia’s arm. “Have no worries. I am certain the two of you will grow quite fond of each other.”
Sophia had to clear her throat to keep from scoffing a denial. She couldn’t imagine having a normal conversation with the earl, let alone growing fond of him. He was the exact type of person her aunt had warned her about. No doubt he was like her father—not to be trusted with women or money. “I’m sure,” she managed at last.
“Now then I would like you to read another chapter of that mystery before we decide which gathering we’re attending this evening.”
Her Majesty’s Scoundrels Page 39