La Contessa and The Marquis (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 1)

by Lindsay Downs

  La Contessa and The Marquis

  A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery, Book One

  By Lindsay Downs

  Published by TouchPoint Romance

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

  LA CONTESSA AND THE MARQUIS

  Copyright © 2015 LINDSAY DOWNS

  Cover Art Designed by Heidi Sieverding

  To the brave men and women of the US Armed Forces.

  Chapter One

  Rainer Cross, Marquis of Hathaway, settled his shoulder against a pillar where he’d ensconced himself so he could overlook the ballroom. A warning glare to several want to be rakes was all that was needed to send them scurrying back to their mommas.

  With a renewed resolve, to search down one particular individual, his piercing blue eyes studied the throng of ladies. Some too old but searching for a lover, even if for a brief tryst. Others on the hunt for a husband of which he had no interest, at least with them, as he already had his sights set on one person in particular.

  Granted, he’d not seen her, except from a distance, but if the reports were to be believed she was, without a doubt the most beautiful lady, the truest diamond, to ever grace the ton.

  Then, as if Venus rising from the ocean, she appeared at the top of the grand ballroom vestibule. He could feel the air rush from his lungs, something he’d never experienced before, as he fixed his gaze on her.

  Seeing her in the flesh, as it were, he knew all the whispers circulating about had been true. Without a doubt she was the most beautifully, enchanting and mysterious woman he ever set his eyes upon.

  He was pleased to see she was conversing animatedly with an elderly, heavily bejeweled woman. From where he was standing and the angle of the matron, Rainer wasn’t able to see her face.

  “As long as she’s not my godmother, then I most assuredly will gain an introduction to the Contessa,” he mumbled to himself.

  Due to the loud voices, so everyone could be heard over the musicians, he didn’t hear their presentation. His only concern was the woman accompanying the contessa as he already knew her name-Bianca Maria Ledford Goretti, La Contessa de Massa. Levering himself off the pillar he started toward them, still unable to see who her chaperone was when a friend, another fellow rake, stopped him.

  “Rain, I do hope you’re not going after that delicate morsel, as I’ve it on excellent authority she’s eaten up and spit out several lords,” Tony, or more precisely Anthony Fuller, Earl of Wyatt, his friend from their days at Eton then university, informed him.

  “My dear friend if she does, then I’ll die a happy man for la Contessa is a gem whom I wish to possess.”

  “Ah, and that’s the rub. After she dismisses you she’ll then tread over your heart leaving nothing but a shell of a man. Trust me on this for I’m sure you’ve heard the rumor her first husband died mysteriously.”

  “Tony, the only lady I fear is my godmother. If you’ll excuse me I’m going to attempt an introduction,” Rainer told him. With a pat on Tony’s shoulder he stepped around his friend and started for the divan where both ladies had settled.

  As he made his way forward he wasn’t surprised to see both women had already collected a small group of young ladies around them. What he found amusing were several swains on the outskirts, all trying to be noticed by either lady.

  Upon seeing a frontal assault was out of the question Rainer selected to attack from the rear. Stepping into an adjourning, but linked, alcove he easily approached them and came to a halt within feet of his object.

  “Damn. I thought she wasn’t in town,” he mumbled on spying his nemesis, best known as his godmother, The Duchess of Gorham.

  What he’d not realized until it was too late, he’d spoken a little too loudly. Age and the noise around them hadn’t impaired her hearing one bit when he saw the duchess’ back straighten even more than it was. He watched her rap her jewel encrusted cane on the floor sending everyone around her and the contessa scurrying away.

  “Rain, come around and give me a kiss on the cheek. After which you are to depart as I’ve told you before I never want to see you in polite society,” she snapped.

  Knowing he’d been well and fully caught he had no choice but to do as asked, or was it an order he wondered, this time to himself.

  With a deep breath, to steady his nerves from the ear thrashing he knew would come, Rainer stepped around coming face to face with the duchess. To his amazement the contessa glanced over to him, bestowing a sweet, warm smile on him. After giving the requisite buss on his godmother’s proffered albeit heavily powdered and rouged cheek he bowed to the contessa.

  He started to back away when-

  “Dearest Margaret would you please introduce me to this most intriguing man?” the contessa requested.

  Hearing the sweet, almost songlike quality of her voice Rainer started to feel a touch lightheaded, an event totally new to him. What also surprised him, there was no hint of an accent save that of one born and raised in England.

  “Stand still and don’t move,” the duchess demanded of him, to which he complied fearing for his body not to mention his life.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” Rainer barely got out.

  He waited as his godmother turned to the contessa, interestingly, a look of wonder on her aged face.

  “My dearest Bianca, are you sure you are desirous of an introduction to him? I should point out my godson is one of the most notorious rakehells to ever grace the ton. As you moments ago heard me, I ordered him to depart.”

  “I can understand your care and concern for my wellbeing but there’s something about him which I find intriguing. Fear not for my reputation, as you know I’m a widow and he can do nothing to soil me,” the contessa stated.

  “On that point I must agree but again I should warn you he might try,” the duchess countered.

  Listening to the two women, one he was terrified of, while the other he wanted to learn more about, Rainer realized they were discussing him while he stood patiently in front of them. He wished to say something but, again, feared for his wellbeing on getting a closer look at his godmother’s cane, one which could and would leave him sore for days if she saw fit to lay it upon his person.

  “Godmother, I’m willing to take the risk if for no other reason than to find peace and enjoyment now that I’m back in England,” Bianca said.

  Now, he thought, why is she saying that? Is she originally from here and met an Italian count?

  “Very well. Lord Rainer Cross, Marquis of Hathaway, I present to you Signora Bianca Maria Ledford Goretti, la Contessa de Massa,” the duchess announced in a voice so all of those within earshot would hear.

  “La Contessa it is my extreme pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said. He accepted her hand and gently brushed his lips over her gloved knuckles.

  No sooner had he straightened than the musicians started to play the opening strains of a waltz. Knowing this might be his only chance to make a suitable, not to mention, meaningful impression on Bianca, irrespective of what their mutual godmother thought of him he bowed again.

  “M’ lady, if your dance card isn’t full
would you care to take this waltz with me?”

  “As I hadn’t planned on dancing this evening my card is empty.”

  Rainer could feel his heart drop to his stomach upon hearing her words.

  “However, with Her Grace’s permission I would love to join you on the dance floor.”

  With a tentative glance to the duchess he waited while she stroked her chin in thought. After a few seconds he was pleased to see her smile, not at him but to the contessa.

  “Yes my dear, you may.” She then turned her eyes to him and glared. “I’ll be watching you the entire time. You will maintain the proper distance while dancing. If I see you even attempt to bring Bianca closer to you than required this will be the last time you partner with her.”

  From her tone and firmness of words, he knew it wasn’t a request or demand, but an order to which he’d have to obey explicitly.

  Offering Bianca his hand he aided in raising her from the divan then settled her hand on his forearm and guided her to the floor.

  As they swirled around the room Rainer was amazed at the glares from not only young ladies who’d wanted to partner with him but several stern matrons. This, in and of itself, told him he had to be on his best behavior. As they swept out of a turn at the far end he risked a glance down to Bianca. What worried him, in an instant her face went from one of happiness to one of panic. Guiding her down the long side he wanted to query her if something was wrong but held his tongue. With a quick look around he didn’t see what could have been disconcerting to her until he saw two men leaning against a wall.

  Whoever they were they seemed to fixate, not on him, but her. Was it possible she could be in trouble of some kind, thus her retreating back to England? The only way to answer this would be to ask his godmother, but would she tell him? That was his dilemma.

  Once the music finished, fortunately near the duchess, Rainer bowed to her curtsey then offering his white gloved hand and helped her rise. With her delicate hand settled on his forearm, he covered it with his, and guided her back to their joint godmother. With a bow he waited until she was settled then turned his attention to the duchess.

  “Your Grace, thank you for allowing me the enjoyable pleasure of sharing the dance with la Contessa. As I’m sure you noticed nothing untoward occurred.”

  Accepting her gracious nod as one of approval he stepped back then moved around so he would be able to look out at the other guests. He specifically concentrated on the far corner where the two men who’d worried Bianca still stood. From what he was able to see they were attired as acceptable gentlemen of the ton but that didn’t seem to fit their behavior.

  As he turned his attention to the ladies seated in front of him he noticed they were speaking, heads together so not to be interrupted. While the conversation continued one or the other risked a glance in the direction of the two men. Now, he became even more concerned for Bianca’s safety. However, unless asked by the duchess or a direct threat was made to the contessa he resolved to only watch and wait.

  When music for the next dance, this time a quadrille, started up he decided it was safe to ask if she might partner with him. Coming around he bowed, made his request which was easily given then guided her into the group forming on the dance floor.

  With a large group of couples Rainer knew he’d not be able to watch over Bianca but on seeing his friend Tony joining in knew she would be safe. Of course, he’d have to figure out a way to explain his behavior to Tony at a later date. For now, though, he easily partook of the dance making sure to glance toward Bianca, when possible, to see if she was enjoying herself.

  He wasn’t surprised to see her smiling even when she turned to the wall where the two men were. This made his heart swell with happiness knowing for at least a short period, whatever was bothering her, she forgot about it. As planned they ended up together when the music stopped and he escorted her back to a now smiling duchess.

  Once she was seated he retook up his position behind the divan. Again, to watch over them since he’d not been sent packing and to keep others like him, rakes, from worming their way up to the contessa.

  Not so much concentrating on Bianca or his godmother he felt a very sharp rap on his leg and knew the source—the duchess wielding her cane on him.

  “Yes, Your Grace?” he asked, while wondering why the attack on him.

  “As much as I don’t wish it, but as Lady Bianca does, you will call on us tomorrow. However, I warn you not to show your face before half one as we intend to sleep in,” the duchess directed him.

  Again, he knew this was not a simple request as earlier when he’d been ordered to depart the ball, but due to Bianca’s interceding had not only been allowed to remain but partner with her. He now wondered, pointedly silently on his part, if he would be allowed to partake of another waltz with her. Of all the ladies, both old and young he’d danced with, without a doubt she was not only the most graceful but a pleasure to hold in his arms.

  What he also could barely admit to himself, but never to another, every time he touched her he felt a lightness in his chest.

  “It would be my pleasure to attend you as requested,” he answered, even knowing her demand was exactly that.

  “Wonderful. Now you have my permission to escort us to the stairs then my carriage as we desire to depart this fête and return to the ducal palace,” the duchess ordered.

  Aware he had no choice but do as ordered, he did. Once they were comfortably settled in the town coach he bowed, renewing his promise to visit then stood back as it rolled off. What did surprise him were the extra outriders. He wondered for who’s protection—the duchess or la contessa.

  Chapter Two

  Margaret, The Duchess of Gorham, waited until the coach was far enough away from Rainer before turning to Bianca, a smile on her lips.

  “You see my dear he’s not the only one with spies. Having seen you out strolling in the park, with several ladies for company and footmen as guards I knew it was only a matter of time before he made his presence known to us.”

  “Yes, I should have had more faith in you. As this was my first official ball since coming out of mourning, I hadn’t expected to see him. But, why were you so harsh with him?”

  Margaret relaxed against the back rest pondering the best way to reply to the question. Granted she’d been a little stern with him but he needed to know she wouldn’t tolerate any of his buffoonery.

  “Bianca, as you well know Rainer is one of the leading rakehells in town this Season. Given a chance he’ll do anything and everything possible to take undo liberties with a young lady. He needed to know straightaway I wouldn’t put up with it. Thus the attempted dismissal when he approached seeking an introduction.”

  “I’m well aware of his reputation, having learned of it from one of the ladies who took the air with me the other day. When he did advance on us this evening I must admit the tactic he used was unique. For that reason alone I wished to formally meet him. As far as attempting to make untoward advances on my personage I believed he wouldn’t,” Bianca explained.

  The duchess knew or at least suspected Rain would maintain all the proprieties of a gentleman of the ton now he was aware Bianca was her goddaughter. The last thing he needed was to have his godmother come down on his head, which she’d happily done several times in the past. What neither of them realized, at the time, but she saw plainly was the looks they shared. It was something she’d not seen in years and knew they, if Bianca could remain safe, would marry, at least she so hoped.

  Now, with one hurdle out of the way, that being them meeting, she had to make sure another was met which was going to be difficult.

  “Bianca, all of London is aware you’re a widow and thusly you aren’t constrained by certain rules of society. Primarily that being, you may be seen without a chaperone when in the company of a gentleman. However, it would do my heart good if when you are with Rainer, in particular, you did take at least your lady’s maid.” If you’re going to be in public areas
one or more footmen would be nearby and wearing street clothing, she pointedly didn’t mention.

  As she finished speaking their carriage turned into the forecourt of the ducal palace on Mayfair Street. Margaret was happy to see Bianca nod her understanding to the request.

  “Would you care to join me for tea?” Bianca asked, after being assisted from the coach.

  “I was thinking my dear, since we departed the ball before the buffet, several slices of beef and a nice red wine,” Margaret said. She then linked arms with her goddaughter and together marched up the marble stairs to be greeted by the butler.

  “Welcome home Your Grace, m’ lady. I’ll bring everything to your private sitting room momentarily,” Stanley announced, straightening from his deep bow.

  “Thank you and someday you might tell me how you know my wishes before I inform you of them.”

  “It’s my duty to know, Your Grace.”

  “Godmother, in the year I’ve been your guest I’ve never understood how he does it either. If the butler my late husband had was even partially as efficient I wouldn’t be a widow.”

  Margaret nodded her understanding and led Bianca up the grand staircase to the first floor, and down the corridor to her private sitting room.

  Instead of sitting on the divan under the window overlooking the gardens she selected a deeply padded chair, set near the fireplace. With a wave of her hand Margaret indicated Bianca should take the matching one.

  “I couldn’t help but notice when you were dancing with Rainer your expression went from one of happiness to panic. I know he saw the change also.”

  “You’re correct. It was the two men my father sent to bring me home to marry the marchese.”

  “I thought as much, which is the reason I invited Rainer to visit tomorrow. As I mentioned earlier I’m sure he’ll wish to escort you around town, to which I’ve no objection as long as you’re chaperoned. What he needs to know is why you chose to return to England, following the death of your husband. This way he’ll be able to protect you as he’s many resources which I don’t even want to know about. All I know, some of the men are a bit unsavory in nature, not to mention occupation.”