“It’s youthfulness of spirit that counts, my lady,” Lady Sarah said, “and in that regard I daresay you’re ahead of most of us.”
Lady Duncaster chuckled as she took a seat in a vacant armchair. “I understand that the Earl of Woodford has shown an interest in you,” Christopher said, addressing Chloe as soon as he and Lady Sarah were comfortably seated as well.
“For heaven’s sake,” Chloe replied. “All I did was make a cake of myself when I stumbled into him in the library. Granted, we’ve spoken a few times since then, but it would be silly to make any more of it than that.”
“I wasn’t trying to,” Christopher said. “Your response however is rather telling.”
Chloe drummed her fingers impatiently upon the armrest. “He’s extremely intelligent and consequently an excellent conversationalist.”
“Handsome too,” Lady Duncaster pointed out.
Chloe began hoping that the carpet might swallow her up. Wasn’t it considered ill form to discuss potential romances in public? Or did that rule only apply to debutantes?
“He inquired about you, you know,” Christopher said as he brushed a piece of invisible lint from his trousers. “Chadwick mentioned it to me, so I thought I’d have a chat with Woodford myself.”
“You spoke to him about me?” Chloe was horrified by the idea of her brother hunting Woodford down in order to question him about his intentions.
“Not yet. Seems the man is somewhat difficult to come by,” Christopher murmured, his eyes steady upon Chloe.
“Not as far as Lady Newbury is concerned,” Ophelia piped up. “She’s seen him frequently over the past three days.”
Christopher tilted his head, his expression unchanging. “Indeed,” he said.
“Not to pry,” Lady Duncaster said kindly, “but if you set aside his somber demeanor, Lord Woodford does seem like an amicable young man. You could do far worse than him.”
“I’m sure you’re right, my lady, but I stand by my decision to remain unattached.” Though she had no issue with the manner in which her relationship with Woodford had progressed. Indeed, she could hardly wait to be alone with him again.
“Forever?” The ominous word was spoken in unison by everyone else present.
“I see no reason not to. My jointure is substantial enough to—”
“Your jointure will not keep you warm at night,” Lady Duncaster said in a prim tone that failed to distract from how outrageous her comment had been.
“I beg your pardon?” Chloe said. She could scarcely believe that she was having this conversation in the presence of no fewer than five other people, including her brother.
“What Lady Duncaster means to say,” Christopher said, “is that solitude will serve you no good. You need companionship, Chloe.”
“Then perhaps I shall get a dog,” Chloe said, looking at each of them in turn. “I hear Labradors are particularly loyal.”
“A dog indeed,” Lady Duncaster snorted. Tilting her head, she met Chloe’s gaze with sincerity. “What you need is a new man in your life.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared back at Chloe. “I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Woodford proves to be just that man.”
Christopher coughed while Lady Sarah appeared to take on a shade bordering on crimson. Charlotte and Ophelia on the other hand nodded agreement. Traitors!
Stiffening her spine, Chloe attempted a smile, although she feared she failed in her effort. In fact, she was feeling remarkably hot and worried that Lady Duncaster might have seen straight through her with those assessing eyes of hers. “Thank you. I will certainly take your advice into consideration.” How much easier it was to just agree with people than to argue. In the end, she would do as she wished anyway, regardless of what they said.
“But I still think it would be amusing to watch the two of you compete against each other,” Charlotte said sweetly.
Gritting her teeth, Chloe glared at her friend. “Your subtlety astounds me.”
Charlotte had the good grace to lower her gaze to a spot on the table, but of course the damage was already done. “What does she mean?” Christopher asked with marked concern.
“Do tell us,” Lady Duncaster prodded, her voice suggesting more eagerness than Chloe felt comfortable with. Lady Sarah on the other hand, looked only mildly curious.
“It’s nothing really,” Chloe said, attempting to sound as casual as possible, even though her insides were tying themselves into knots. “Lady Ravensby and Lady Forthright just informed me that Lord Woodford is quite proficient at fencing and then, considering my own newly acquired fondness for the sport, jokingly suggested I challenge Lord Woodford to a match.”
“Really?” Lady Sarah squeaked.
“I think the important thing here is to note that it was said in jest,” Christopher said, his brow creased in severe lines. “Please tell me this isn’t something you would actually consider.”
“Of course not,” Chloe said. “That would be absurd.”
“I didn’t know you fenced,” Lady Duncaster remarked in awe. “How perfectly unexpected of you!”
“She’s good at it too,” Christopher said as he looked at Lady Sarah, “it won’t be long before she’s better than me.”
“I doubt such a thing is possible,” Lady Sarah returned loyally. “And even if it were, it simply wouldn’t be done for a lady to engage in such activity—at least not publically.”
“Which is why the match must take place in private,” Lady Duncaster said.
Everyone’s heads swiveled toward the Countess.
“There will be no match,” Chloe repeated. “It was a silly notion. Nothing more.”
“Well, in case you happen to change your mind, there is an exercise room below stairs,” Lady Duncaster said. “Few guests have taken advantage of it since most are here for the sole purpose of relaxation. However, foils, masks and padded vests are available. You’re free to make use of them if you wish.”
“She will be doing no such thing,” Christopher said. He met Chloe’s gaze with the strict authority of an older brother. “You will do no such thing,” he repeated.
“As I’ve already told you, I do not plan to.” Unable to resist, she offered him a tight smile and said, “After all, I wouldn’t want to offend you by acquiring a new fencing partner.”
“You fence with your sister, Spencer?” The question was spoken by an astonished looking Lady Sarah.
“On occasion. I taught her everything she knows,” he said, straightening with pride.
“Will you teach me?” was Lady Sarah’s next question.
Chloe grinned inwardly at the perplexed expression on her brother’s face. “We’ll see,” he said cautiously before rising to his feet and bowing to the ladies. He extended his hand to Lady Sarah who eagerly accepted it and got up as well. “Shall we take a stroll in the orchard?”
“I’d love nothing better,” Lady Sarah said, beaming up at him in a way that made Chloe’s heart ache. She wanted that, but no longer had the courage to pursue it.
“I believe I must leave you as well,” Charlotte said. “I promised Ravensby that I would meet him at the Chinese pavilion at three, and that’s in only ten minutes if the clock on the mantel is correct.”
“And Forthright suggested I take a ride with him this afternoon,” Ophelia said, “so I had best go and change into my habit.”
The party broke up until only Chloe and Lady Duncaster remained.
“How about I show you that exercising room?” Lady Duncaster suggested with a sly smile. “Whether or not you decide to make use of it is entirely up to you, though I daresay you might want to use a bit of discretion since there are those among us who are likely to disapprove. However, I do believe a woman such as yourself will appreciate the space available along with the equipment.”
On a sigh, Chloe nodded. “I confess I am a
little curious. After all, the rest of the estate is so extravagant and fascinating, I cannot help but wonder what your exercise room looks like.”
Lady Duncaster beamed as she got to her feet and waited for Chloe to follow. “Oh, it’s quite over the top, I assure you. You’re absolutely going to love it!”
Chloe didn’t doubt it for a second. Her only concern was that it might tempt her to do something that a lady of breeding ought not to be doing.
Meanwhile, in the smoking room . . .
“How is your search for the journal coming along?” Hainsworth asked as he leaned back in his leather armchair, took a sip of his brandy and reached for the box of cigars. “Are you making any progress?”
James blew out a breath. “To be honest, I had hoped to have found it by now, but conducting a discreet search in a house full of people has proven a challenge.”
“Which is why you’ve resorted to working at night.” Hainsworth cut the cigar he’d selected, a mild frown dimpling his brow. “I’m sorry you’re not able to get more sleep.” Snatching up a tinderbox, he ignited a wood splint and used it to light his cigar.
“It’s part of the job,” James said. “I’m used to it.”
Hainsworth expelled a puff of smoke. “Do you ever think about retiring?”
“And doing what?”
“Getting married perhaps? Your parents would have wanted you to—”
“Please don’t.” James stared back at the man who’d raised him since the age of ten. He was the only person whom he trusted with his secret life as a spy and his thirst for revenge. “I’m continuing in my father’s footsteps. I think they would both be proud.”
“But you’re not leaving a legacy, Woodford.”
“They would understand that I cannot risk putting other people’s lives in danger. You mustn’t forget that my father was the one gathering information about The Electors. They came to kill him, not my mother, but unfortunately she happened to be in my father’s study at the wrong moment.”
Dropping his gaze, Hainsworth sighed while appearing to study his shoes. “Perhaps once you’ve finished this assignment you’ll reconsider?”
“Only if the journal reveals the identities of The Electors.”
Hainsworth nodded and looked up, meeting James’s gaze. “I hope you won’t be too disappointed if it fails to give you the answers you crave. After all, there’s no telling how many members there are or which one of them killed your parents.”
“I’m aware of that, but once their identities are made known, they will all be persecuted, whether it be for the murder of my parents or for something else.” Picking up his glass, James gave it a slow swivel, watching as the amber liquid lapped against the sides. “I think Scarsdale might be involved.”
“Really?”
“Someone else was in the passageway last night, trying to gain access to Lord Duncaster’s bedchamber. I couldn’t tell who it was, so I followed him, hoping to see where he was going, but he managed to get away. Shortly after, I ran into Scarsdale on my way back to my bedchamber. He was the only other person around.”
“That does seem a bit suspicious, although it might also have been a coincidence. Did you speak with him?”
Nodding, James took a sip of his drink. “He claimed he was going to meet with a lady and denied any knowledge of a secret passageway. In fact, he seemed genuinely surprised when I accused him of wanting to access Duncaster’s bedchamber, but it could also have been an act.”
“What does your instinct tell you?”
“That he’s not to be trusted.” Passing the palm of his hand across his face, James sighed. “Of course, I might also be basing that on my own previous experiences with him.”
“You mean the fencing incident?”
“It’s not just that. We were at Cambridge together. The man cheated and bribed his way through every exam—same as Newbury. And then of course there was that case involving Viscount Grant’s daughter. Scarsdale will never forget what I did to him, which is probably why he insisted on fencing against me.” Setting his glass aside, James leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “It surprises me that Lady Newbury entertains his company when her character is so very different from his.”
“It’s possible that he only allows her to see what he wants her to see.”
James nodded. “I’m sure you’re right about that. I just hope she’s wise enough to keep him at arm’s length.”
“You think he means to pursue her?”
“Considering the glower he gave me the two times he found us together, I’m absolutely certain of it. But, enough about her. I think—”
“Not so fast, Woodford. I may be getting on in years, but I can still tell when you’re trying to distract me from something important.” He studied James for a moment before saying, “If you’re considering getting involved with her yourself, I think perhaps you ought to reconsider.”
“And I thought you’d be thrilled,” James told him dryly, “after all your talk about me retiring and settling down.”
“After, you finish your mission. Not before.” Hainsworth squashed the burning tip of his cigar into the ashtray next to him, his eyes on James. “You said yourself that it would be dangerous to put others into harm’s way by association. She’s the Earl of Oakland’s daughter, sister to Viscount Spencer and the Earl of Newbury’s widow . . . the last thing you want is her death on your hands because you chose to get too close at a time when distance is of the essence.”
Rising, James crossed to the window and looked out at the garden beyond—at the colorful display of pansies filling the flowerbeds. “You’re right,” he said, aware that forming any kind of attachment with her could put her life in danger. If only he could have resisted temptation, but now that he’d tasted her . . . heard those little mewling sounds she made when he touched her . . . it was going to be difficult to stay away. More so to explain to her his sudden disinterest. But somehow, he was going to have to try.
“I think a bit of exercise would do me good,” James said. “It will help clear my head.”
“What do you have in mind?”
Turning away from the window, James allowed a rare smile. “A fencing match, if you’re up to it.”
“You know bloody well that I don’t stand a chance against you.”
“True, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not the best teacher I’ve ever had. What do you say, Hainsworth? For old time’s sake?”
Grinning, Hainsworth pushed himself out of his chair. “Very well,” he agreed, following James from the room.
Chapter 8
From a doorway at the far end of the exercise room, Chloe watched in awe as Lord Woodford fought off his opponent’s thrusts with graceful movements. There was no doubt that the earl was an expert swordsman, for he seemed exceedingly capable of executing the most difficult maneuvers with perfect ease.
“It is a sight to behold, is it not?” Lady Duncaster murmured at her side. The old woman expelled a deep breath. “If I were only thirty years younger.”
“You wish to fence?” Chloe asked, not the least bit surprised. Lady Duncaster did have some unusual habits and after proving her skill at archery when she’d hosted the game day a week earlier, there was no telling what she might be capable of.
Lady Duncaster shrugged. “I confess I never really took to it, though I certainly appreciate watching other people prancing about. No, I was referring to their stunning physique.” Jutting her chin forward, she indicated Woodford and Hainsworth. “Whoever would have thought that a man of Hainsworth’s age would be in such excellent form? And Woodford’s body . . . well, I daresay it’s magnificent enough to make a nun swoon.”
Chloe swallowed as she returned her attention to Lord Woodford. It was impossible for her not to study him closely, in light of what Lady Duncaster had just said, and indeed, she found herself
clasping at the doorjamb in order to steady herself. She’d been watching his footwork before, but now that her gaze traveled over the rest of him—his well-defined legs and arms that appeared quite toned beneath the thin lawn of his shirtsleeves—she was able to discern more of his physical attributes than when she’d encouraged his kisses yesterday.
She sucked in a breath. If only she could see his chest, but unfortunately that was concealed beneath his padded vest. Heart thrumming away, Chloe muttered a curse.
“What was that, my dear?” Lady Duncaster asked, her voice pitched with curiosity.
“Nothing,” Chloe said.
The countess chuckled. “I daresay that is not nothing. Dear me, they truly are strapping, are they not?”
Heat rose to Chloe’s cheeks, aware that she must be looking quite pink at the moment, for the room had suddenly grown awfully hot and she was finding it quite difficult to breathe.
“I do hope he asks you to dance,” Lady Duncaster murmured as the men’s foils clanged together and their footsteps thudded upon the floor.
Chloe stiffened, her heart lodged somewhere in her throat. “Dance?” she squeaked. Lord, she could hardly think straight with him commanding such control . . . such authority . . . such utter masculinity. Her thoughts flew back to the kiss they’d shared and to the state in which he’d left her: hungry for more.
“Yes. At the ball we were just discussing on our way down here. I’m beginning to suspect that you and Lord Woodford might be very well suited.”
“We’re entirely different,” Chloe muttered as she recalled the ball Lady Duncaster was planning to host.
Patting her gently on the shoulder, Lady Duncaster whispered, “It often works best that way.” Inhaling deeply, she then said, “As much as I would like to remain here admiring those gentlemen, I have an appointment that I simply must keep. See you later, my dear, and do close your mouth. It really won’t do for them to find you gaping.”
The Earl's Complete Surrender Page 9