The Countess Intrigue

by Andrews, Wendy May

  Elizabeth couldn’t help laughing despite the gravity of his words. His tone clearly conveyed his own dry humour on the subject. “So you can see that the wise doctor actually has more than enough experience to tell you that you ought to remain abed.”

  “Perhaps, my lord, but I must warn you that I shan’t listen to him if he stipulates any more days of bed rest.”

  “Very well,” the earl accepted her words with a nod and a smile before sobering and launching into a description of his investigation thus far. “Unfortunately I am not making very rapid progress in my investigation. While several people have confirmed hearing the gunshot and a couple of the farmers saw someone riding a brown horse right around the time you were shot, no one got a good look at him so that has turned into a bit of a dead end. Now I have my steward and head groom going about the district questioning everyone about their whereabouts on the day in question.”

  “Oh dear. That might cause some consternation amongst the neighbours,” Elizabeth worried.

  “I really do not give a fig for how uncomfortable they make anyone. My wife was shot, and I mean to find out who did it and why.”

  Elizabeth thought about his words, gratified that he was taking the matter so seriously. “I am relieved that you do not think it was somehow an accident.”

  “How could it possibly be construed an accident?”

  Elizabeth shrugged. “You mentioned that the doctor stitched up many a gunshot wound from accidental discharges.”

  “That was not meant to imply that your injury was anything other than a deliberate attack.” Seeing her shiver, the earl quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, my dear, I do not mean to frighten you, but it is obvious that you were shot with at least some level of intent. From what we can tell the gunman wasn’t terribly far from you. The road was wide at that point and it was a cold, clear day. There was no way you could have been mistaken for anything other than a woman driving a gig. And the shooter was on the road with you, so it is not as though the shot went wide from the woods.”

  Elizabeth merely nodded. This was exactly what had happened so there was no need to hash it out further. A brief silence fell between them and Elizabeth was undecided if it was comfortable or not. She thought for a moment and then broke it. “My lord,” she was a little hesitant to broach this particular subject. “Which lady in the vicinity was the highest on the social ladder before you took a wife?”

  The earl looked surprised by the question and somewhat uncertain how to answer. “It would depend on how large an area you wish to include in your description of the vicinity, my dear lady. Lady Worthe is a viscountess and Lady Meade is a baroness. I do know that they vie for leadership of the social life in these parts. There are a couple other viscountcies farther afield.”

  “So you are the only earl around?” Elizabeth prodded. “And no dukes anywhere to be found?”

  Her husband laughed at her words but scrunched his forehead in question. “Why are you asking?”

  She didn’t immediately answer his question, instead asked another one of her own. “I met Lady Meade the other day, but have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Lady Worthe. What can you tell me about her?”

  Lord Sinclair laughed rather helplessly. “I don’t really know what to tell you. She’s about the same age as me, I think, somewhere in her thirties probably. They have several children. I think their oldest son is off at Eton. She is a trifle shrill but she seems nice enough.”

  “Was she friendly with your first wife?” Elizabeth was watching him closely for his reaction to her question. He looked uncomfortable but that could have been reluctance to discuss his first wife with his second.

  “Barbara wasn’t terribly friendly with other ladies. She had a tendency to view life as a competition and she considered herself the winner because she caught herself an earl. Such an attitude did not lend itself to forming close attachments with others.”

  Elizabeth laughed at his marked understatement. She felt the blush enflame her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, my lord, I do not mean any disrespect to your wife, it is just that your description was so droll.”

  “Do not trouble yourself, my dear, I did not take offense. I am glad you have retained your ability to laugh despite the trying circumstances you have found yourself in.” He gave her a grin to demonstrate he meant his words. “Now tell me, what has led you to this line of questions?”

  Elizabeth turned her attention to the blanket she was reflexively folding and unfolding with her nervous fingers. Her eyes flickered to Pansy who was still standing guard. Bolstering her courage Elizabeth blurted out her concerns. “I was wondering if it might be possible that another lady in the area might be responsible for the death of your first wife and for the attack on me.” Seeing his incredulous stare she hastened to explain. “I know it sounds ridiculous, my lord, but no one has been able to come up with any other ideas. Is it possible that Lady Worthe or Lady Meade felt that a countess in the neighbourhood would make them somehow less important in the neighbours’ eyes?”

  “I can see what you’re saying, my lady, and it is entirely possible that either or both of them laboured under such feelings. But I have a very hard time imagining that either of them would then take their feelings and put them into the action of actually ending another woman’s life over their petty concerns.”

  “I have met Lady Meade and at least with regard to her I have to agree with you completely. She is a charming lady who did not seem to bear any ill will toward anyone despite the friendly rivalry she seemed to have going on with Lady Worthe. But what about Lady Worthe? Is it possible she takes these matters far more seriously? As a viscountess she would be the one with her nose most out of joint for having a countess take up residence.”

  The earl regarded her steadily, taking her words seriously much to Elizabeth’s delight. She could once again feel the attractive draw of the handsome man before her. “I can see what you’re saying, and I hate to speak ill of the dead, but in all reality of the three ladies in question, the only one that I can see being capable of actions such as you suspect would be Barbara, and she is most definitely not the one who attacked you so I do not think this is the right direction we need to take.”

  She sighed. “I fear you are correct, my lord, but since it had occurred to me, I didn’t want to leave any possibility unpursued. I really do fear for my future safety.” Elizabeth tried not to dwell on it too heavily but the fact remained that the earl’s first wife was dead and someone had attacked her. It did not bode well for her if they did not get to the bottom of it.

  “This is my fault, my lady. I never should have remarried. I should have known there was a possibility something like this would happen. Perhaps, as soon as you are well enough to travel, I should escort you to your parents’ estate. I believe it is your association with me that puts you in danger.”

  Elizabeth didn’t bother trying to be polite on the subject. “You are no doubt correct, my lord, but I do not see how being cooped up together in a carriage will keep me safe. I fear that we would not make it to my father’s estate. No, the best course of action is to figure this thing out. And then you can escort me to my parents’ for a visit.” She concluded this with a smile, hoping not to antagonize the man. It must have worked because he returned her smile with one of his own that was tinged with gratitude. Elizabeth was more and more convinced that he really was innocent of the attack on her, but when her eyes flickered once more to Pansy she caught her swift shake of the head. With a sigh she realized it was time to dismiss the earl.

  “Thank you for coming to visit with me, my lord, it has certainly helped to pass this dull afternoon, but now I fear it is time for me to take another nap. For all that I disagree with the doctor, he was certainly correct in his assessment that I would be tired for several days.” Elizabeth was relieved when the earl accepted her words with good grace. She wasn’t even stretching the truth, she could feel her eyelids getting heavier and heavier as each moment passed.

 
Elizabeth watched curiously, but with a level of detachment caused by her exhaustion, as the earl stood from her bed taking great care not to jostle her then remained there gazing at her. She snuggled down under her covers vaguely puzzled over the way he continued to stare at her. It almost looked as though he cared for her. Elizabeth felt hope well in her heart at the thought but resolved to dwell on it at a later time when she wasn’t on the verge of losing consciousness. After one more scorching glance, the earl bent down, dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead and strode from the room with a nod to the maid. Pansy locked the door behind him making Elizabeth smile as she drifted off to sleep.

  Elizabeth awoke only long enough to have another light meal. In between spoonfuls of the warm soup, she and Pansy discussed all that they knew about the previous countess’ death. Unfortunately, it wasn’t much, and Elizabeth became even more determined to leave her bedchamber the next day. She could find out nothing more while confined to bed.

  She was relieved to receive the doctor’s visit first thing the next morning. As he examined her, Elizabeth informed him that he had best declare her well. “It doesn’t really matter to me what your verdict is, Doctor. I have every intention of getting up and dressed as soon as you leave whether you give me the go ahead or not. I cannot bear another moment longer in this room.”

  The doctor laughed easily at her words. “Very well, my lady. You know what your body is telling you. I beg of you to listen to it. Do not strain your injury, do your best to keep your arm still, and rest when you are tired. You will not have your usual strength for a couple more days.” He smiled over the delighted chuckle of glee his patient couldn’t hold back but he still fixed her with a pointed stare. “Don’t make me regret it, my lady. Be sure not to overdue on your first day.”

  “I promise to be careful,” she replied, as seriously as she could manage with how happy she was to be leaving her room.

  Chapter 11

  With great care Pansy managed to help Elizabeth get into a comfortable day gown without disturbing the bandage wrapped around her arm. Elizabeth waited while Pansy tidied up her room. She did not feel comfortable enough to go anywhere without her at this point. Not that the young maid would be able to stop a bullet for her, but they had both agreed that four eyes on the lookout would most definitely be better than only two.

  Once all was in readiness, the two set forth on their mission. They had determined to try to be as systematic as possible. Pansy was going to take notes as Elizabeth questioned the staff members. They had agreed to start with the footman guarding Elizabeth’s door.

  “Thank you for your efforts on my behalf, Johnny. I am sure this was not an easy assignment. Trying to remain alert and vigilant when nothing ever happens is tiresome, is it not?”

  “Oh no, my lady, it was a great privilege to guard your ladyship.” The young man blushed deeply in chagrin.

  “Of course, I did not mean to imply otherwise, I am just grateful, you see. Would you mind if I ask you a couple questions?” She was going to take advantage of his flustered state.

  “Not at all, of course, my lady,” his blush deepened.

  “Were you familiar with the previous Lady Sinclair?”

  His hot blush now consumed him and Elizabeth worried the poor young man might faint at her feet, but she did not relent. She needed this information!

  “Somewhat familiar, my lady,” he answered shakily.

  “Would you have any opinion as to what sort of mood she was in toward the end of her life? Did she strike you as sad or worried or happy?”

  The young footman looked confused by the question but seemed relieved by it as well. “Oh well, I never presumed to consider it much, my lady, but I would not say she was sad. Perhaps a little bit worried at times. She was disappointed that the master did not want to return to London but rather than being sad she was angry about it. She would yell and throw things.” He began to look uncomfortable once more. “Is that what you were looking for, my lady?”

  “Yes, Johnny, thank you, that was most useful. Just one more thing. Would you know, by any chance, if the countess had received any visitors during the last week of her life?”

  “That I couldn’t rightly say, my lady. I’m not usually around for that. You would be best asking Mr. Patrick about that. I’m usually a footman with the kitchens. Which is why his lordship picked me to be a guard for you, for my strength, not my knowledge.”

  Elizabeth couldn’t help her peal of laughter at the footman’s words. “I appreciate your honesty, Johnny, and I will take your advice about speaking with Mr. Patrick.”

  They made their way throughout the house speaking to every servant they encountered. A clear picture had formed of Lady Barbara, the earl, their awkward relationship, and the turmoil Lady Barbara had caused. No one had a clear idea of who might have wanted her dead, but it was obvious the lady was not in despair or entertaining thoughts of ending her life.

  Wondering how to interview the earl’s secretary as well as the outside servants, the two had sat down for a brief rest when the earl came upon them.

  “It has come to my attention that you have been interrogating the entire household staff.” His tone was calm and even, but Elizabeth thought she could detect a touch of anger sparking in his eyes. Her eyes flicked to Pansy who had stood at the earl’s arrival and was now gripping the fire poker tightly. Elizabeth was as safe as she could possibly be while in the earl’s household.

  “That’s correct, I have been. Is that a problem?” she asked, keeping her own tone calm and neutral while waiting anxiously for his response.

  He hesitated while looking at her quizzically. “It’s not a problem exactly, I would just have preferred if you had asked me about it first. I would have liked to hear what everyone had to say as well.”

  Elizabeth nodded, although she wasn’t sure what she was agreeing with. “I thought of that, my lord, but I was concerned your staff might not be as forthcoming in your presence.”

  The earl appeared to be thunderstruck by her words. “You might have a point there, my lady. Would you be willing to share with me what you have learned thus far?” He paused, glanced briefly at Pansy, and then looked back at Elizabeth with a jovial smile. “And could I also ask why your maid looks as though she is quite prepared to smash me with the poker?”

  Elizabeth and Pansy gasped in unison but the earl never took his eyes off his wife’s face. She could feel the blush rising in her cheeks. “She is doing her best to keep me safe, my lord.”

  “I appreciate that, but does she not think I can do that? I am getting the impression that she actually thinks that I might be a threat to you.”

  Elizabeth could see from the muscle clenching in his jaw that he was not as calm as he let on, but the earl’s tone revealed his effort to remain patient and unperturbed. She could only offer a helpless shrug. “We hadn’t yet ruled you out completely.”

  “I see.” Once again his tone revealed very little, but Elizabeth actually suspected that his feelings were hurt by her words. His warm voice took on cooler tones as he questioned her further. “Did you think I could be behind your attack from the beginning or is it something someone said?”

  She almost couldn’t bear to look at him, but Elizabeth was not about to start cowering at the earl’s feet. Despite her distracting attraction to the man she had valid reasons for being wary, even if she had equally valid reasons not to suspect him. She forced herself to meet his eyes as she answered his questions. “From the beginning, my lord. However, my investigation has led me to suspect that you are innocent of the attack on me and your first wife’s death.”

  “So you do think they are connected. And you thought I was involved. What made you think that? Did I do something that made you think I was capable of killing my wife?”

  Elizabeth was nearly discomfited by the way he could sound so casual and pleasant while looking at her as though she had lost her mind. Had he truly never realized she had believed those rumours? she wondered. She had b
een certain he had heard her say as much to her mother the night of her ruination.

  “There were so many rumours swirling about you in London, my lord. I didn’t know what to think.”

  “Did you actually marry me thinking it was possible I had killed my wife?” Now he could no longer hide his rising temper. Elizabeth saw Pansy tense with the poker, ready to defend her.

  Elizabeth raised her chin, refusing to cower. “I did, my lord. My mother would not allow that to be sufficient reason not to marry you.” Those words made Elizabeth’s composure waver, which was reflected in the quaver in her voice. The earl’s indignation waned in the face of her distress.

  “I’m so sorry, Elizabeth. That must have been a trial for you. I had no idea you were labouring under such a concern. It does explain why I was not allowed to visit you after you had been shot. And the wariness I have encountered in your eyes at times.” The earl sighed heavily before continuing. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I knew those rumours were circulating, and I did nothing to quell them. I know I didn’t kill her but I do feel a certain amount of guilt. For one thing I was not able to save her, nor keep her safe. And for another if I had done as she asked and taken her to London she wouldn’t have been here to jump or be pushed.”

  “Is that also why you looked so guilty when I was shot?” Elizabeth cocked her head to the side, trying to see into his mind, wishing to understand him.

  “Did I look guilty?” His grin revealed that he was not harbouring any ill will toward her. He finally sat beside her, taking the spot Pansy had recently vacated then took hold of one of her hands she had rested in her lap. Elizabeth felt the flutters resume in her belly with his proximity. She brought her attention back to what they had been saying.

  “Yes, it was written all over your face when you first saw me in the gig.”

  “Well, once again I had not done enough to protect my wife. I should have told you not to ever leave the estate without me, but I feared you would consider me an ogre.”