At first she was a little uncomfortable at his use of her Christian name, even though permission had been granted, she could feel her face warm. Taking in a breath she decided not to do, say or play anything untoward.
“Yes it was Rainer. This is the first time I’ve made it through without a mistake,” she explained.
Standing she curtsied to his applause.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me I wish to rest before it’s time to dress for dinner and our evening out. Also, if I’m not mistaken didn’t you mention letters needing your attention?” Bianca said with a smile.
“Yes and several are from my estate managers,” he replied, offering his arm.
She allowed him to accompany her to the head of the corridor to her suite where she gave him a warm smile then went to her room. Stepping in she saw Chrissy was waiting for her wearing a frown.
“Oh stop with the grumpy look and help me out of my gown. Yes, he did apologize for his overbearing behavior and listened while I attempted the Mozart piece. For some reason I was able to get through it without my usual problem in that one measure.”
She then realized not so much what she said but the reason for performing the piece perfectly, he was there which relaxed her. Helped out of her gown she crawled under the covers and with a relaxed sigh drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Seven
One of the letters he’d received the day before wasn’t from any of his estate managers but from his butler, Bobby. As much as he’d wanted to deal with it upon reading it Rainer knew it would be suspicious if he begged off from the evenings balls. Now, in the fresh light of day he knew he had to hunt down the original source of the information. After breaking his fast he went in search of the duchess. Not surprisingly he found her in her private sitting room. Knocking on the doorframe he waited for her to admit him.
“Duchess, there is some business which has me needing to return to my townhouse. I should return by luncheon.”
“Very well if you must, then go. I’ve already spoken with Bianca and she assures me she won’t be venturing out. However, we both have an appointment with our dressmaker this afternoon for final fittings on gowns.”
“Then most definitely I’ll be back in time to escort you both,” he said, bowed and stepped out of the room.
Aware time was of the essence he strolled down the hall, this time to the servant stairs as they dumped out into the mews. As ordered before speaking with his godmother a sturdy horse pawed, anxiously, the cobblestones awaiting him. Swinging into the saddle he tapped his heels onto the beast’s sides and raced to his townhouse.
Storming in he wasn’t surprised to see Bobby waiting for him.
“I need my other clothes,” was all he said as he started to dash up the servant stairs to where his suite was.
“They’re already laid out in front of the fireplace.”
His butler’s reply neither slowed nor did it surprise him, as the man had an annoying habit of knowing what he needed before he did.
“Thank you,” Rainer called out over his shoulder.
Thirty-five minutes later Rainer stepped into The Drunken Pelican. He waited while his eyes adjusted to the dimness of the smoke filled main tap, then proceeded to scan about for Daniel. Finally, spotting his coach driver sitting at a rough-hewn table with another man, the uncle he guessed as they bore a likeness. From where he stood and the way they set down their tankards he suspected they were nearly empty.
Rainer suspected the best way to loosen the uncle’s tongue more was another ale. From experience with Daniel the man never drank more than he could handle, which was at the most two. Stepping up to the, polished with age and elbows rubbing it, bar he ordered three tankards before tossing several copper down.
Collecting the drinks he wove his way past tables of drinking or drunk dockworkers and sailors. After setting them in front of the two men he took a seat and nodded to Daniel then his uncle.
“Gentlemen,” he started, lifted his mug and took a long draught of the bitter ale.
Over the lip of his he watched, pleased, they followed his example. After setting his down he turned to Daniel.
“What’s so important you needed for me to meet you and your uncle here?”
“I wanted Ricky to tell you what he witnessed several weeks ago. I figured if it came from me you would have questions I couldn’t answer but hearing it from him he can,” Daniel replied, before looking to his uncle.
“What I’m about to tell you even I find hard to believe. A couple of weeks ago a ship docked and two Italian sounding men disembarked with four or five trunks each. They were met by someone attired in clothes of a gentleman and who spoke as one,” Ricky started.
“Can you describe what this gentleman looks like?” Rainer impatiently asked.
“Yes, but there’s more. Last week another yacht put in and an elderly man, again Italian got off. I remember him from about five or six years ago when he and his daughter boarded the same ship. He’s older but definitely the same person. He was met by the same gentleman who’d greeted the first two. He was then put in a simple coach-for-hire and I heard the gentleman tell the driver to take the man to a cottage in Rose Hill. This was the same direction given for the first two.” Ricky halted to take a gulp of his ale. “The gentleman is about your height with dark red hair, the likes I’ve never seen,” he said in conclusion.
“When I heard the hair colour I knew it could only be one individual,” Daniel said.
“Being familiar with the gentlemen of the ton I agree, Lord Fuller,” Rainer said in a low voice, getting a nod of understanding from his coach driver.
The confirmation from Daniel hit Rainer as if London Bridge had fallen on him. They’d been not only great friends but in school then university got into trouble together but were always able to skirt punishment. Rainer knew it wasn’t due to a lack of funds as all of Tony’s estates brought in a healthy annum income. Then what, he wondered.
The last thing he could or would do was confront him without solid proof then hear the why. First though, he needed to find where the baron and his henchmen, for lack of a better term, were hiding out in Rose Hill. From what he knew, very little, of the area most of the housing was small cottages with many near ruination. Why then would they stay there when lovely, but expensive townhouses were available in the city?
“Thank you for this unsettling information. Ricky, can you remember anything about the coach or its driver while I get have our tankards refilled. If so tell Daniel as I’ve another task for him”
Collecting the empty tankards he retraced his steps to the bar passed them over and when returned filled handed over several more coin. Returning to the table he set the tankards down as he caught the last of what Ricky was telling his nephew.
“Daniel, I believe you know what I need of you? Hunt down the cottage where they are living without being found out.”
Reaching into his trouser pocket he handed over several sovereigns to Ricky. “That’s for all your assistance.”
He then repeated the same with Daniel except he added, “You will need blunt. If you need more I’ll instruct Bobby to give it to you also give him reports so he can get the information to me. I know you’ll use the money carefully. Now, I must be off as Her Grace and la Contessa are in dire need of an escort to their dressmaker this afternoon.”
What he didn’t tell the two men, he’d need to bath and wash his hair to get the smell of the tavern off of him. Standing, he nodded his good byes, turned then made his way to the door where a groom, leaning against the outer wall awaited him.
Forty minutes later, stripped out of his clothes he sank down into the hip tub filled with hot water. With a flannel and sandalwood scented soap he bathed. Climbing out he dried off then dressed in the same clothes he’d earlier arrived at his townhouse in.
Relaxed and refreshed he marched down to his office on the first floor. Entering he started for the side boy for a whisky but decided against it and made for his desk instead.
Ignoring the invitations he collected the estate letters, started for the door when he halted and turned back.
Taking a seat at his desk he dashed off a quick note to his man of business enquiring into the stability of Tony’s estates. This time as he departed the room he was met by Bobby.
“I’ve instructed Daniel to do some more digging into something. I gave him some blunt and told him if he needed more to see you. Also, see this is sent by footman now and when the answer comes send it with the usual posts. I don’t want this to cause a stir with Her Grace or la Contessa if they see a letter arriving at an unusual time.”
“Certainly m’ lord and your horse awaits you in the mews,” the butler replied.
Rainer casually entered the ducal palace via the mews as the luncheon gong sounded. Easily making his way through the building to the family dining room he happened to see Mike waiting for him in an alcove.
“Is there anything amiss I should be made aware of?” he asked of his valet.
“No m’ lord. Her Grace was only worried you’d not arrive in time to dine with them.”
That was the confirmation he needed to know his little excursion had gone undetected. Handing over the letters he’d returned with he instructed Mike to take them to his suite and he’d deal with them later.
Pleased he, for now, wasn’t in trouble he continued on to the dining room arriving as the ladies stepped in.
“I apologize for my tardiness but the letter regarding one of my estates took longer to resolve than I’d anticipated,” he announced, then bowed.
“If it’s to have that horrid folly on your Yorkshire estate rebuilt then you’re forgiven,” Margaret said.
“Yes it is. I had to approve the new plans. I’m having it torn down and a much nicer one constructed with better views of the countryside,” he answered.
Now he had another, albeit small, problem to deal with. From the happy expression he spied in Bianca’s eyes he knew somehow he’d have to do as said. Then again, he always did hate the damn thing as it was simply ugly not to mention useless. After eating, time permitting, he’d send off a letter to his architect to have a new one designed and building to start immediately.
“M’ lord, would it be possible for me to see it someday?” Bianca enquired.
He could tell from the joyfulness in her words his answer would need to be in the affirmative.
“Of course m’ lady but let’s hold off until some of the new construction has begun. That way you’ll have a better understanding of its new appearance. Now, I’m at your service for the rest of the afternoon ladies,” he pronounced, before taking his seat at the table.
From the nod of agreement from Bianca he knew currently he was safe.
“Perfect, now for this afternoon as the weather is lovely after we visit our dressmaker I feel a drive around the park will be pleasantly relaxing,” the duchess all but ordered.
“Then if I might recommend we travel in the landau and have a closed coach follow to return with the packages,” Rainer suggested, before taking several slices of venison from the platter held by a footman. The meat then joined a boiled potato and green beans on his plate.
While they dined Rainer easily became bored as his godmother and Bianca started discussing different gowns and dresses. The only time his interest was piqued, occurred when Bianca mentioned ordering a new riding habit. Until that moment, even though she’d been raised in England he had no idea she rode. Mayhap, he wondered if he might be able to recommend a ride around Hyde Park sometime.
“Yes, my dear. While we’re at the dressmakers let’s look over the material available for one,” the duchess said.
Once their afternoon meal was finished Rainer watched as the ladies ascended the stairs to their suites. As Bianca had so briefly informed him, ‘to change into proper gowns to be seen out’. He couldn’t and probably never would understand the need to wear a different dress for different functions, save balls or events of the evening. Except for today, he dressed in proper clothing which would serve him well through the day. Granted, he knew, for tonight as in the past and future he needed to wear either a dark blue or black jacket with matching trousers. That was, unless he was directed they’d attend a dance at Almack’s then it would be knee britches, silk stockings along with a matching coat.
When he saw they had attained the first floor he went to the stables, wishing to see what matched pairs would be perfect. For the landau he chose bays leaving the other selection up to the stable master. Instructing the coaches should be in the forecourt within the hour he returned then went to his suite to write a letter to his Yorkshire estate manager while the second to his architect to design and build a new folly on the same land as the current one.
That done he descended the stairs to the ground floor, there to await the arrival of his godmother and Bianca, sometime he prayed silently within the next thirty or so minutes.
Chapter Eight
Under his watchful eye Rainer made sure the packages were carefully loaded into the carriage, then with a nod to the driver sent it on its way back to the ducal residence.
With that task done he strolled over to his landau and waited for the duchess and Bianca to exit the dress shop. Standing by the vehicle’s steps he passed the time glancing up and down the walkway. Occasionally, he would nod to a gentleman acquaintance or give a bow to a lady. He was happy none saw fit to stop and converse with him. He suspected it was because most knew he was escorting the countess, in the presence of her godmother.
This brief interlude allowed him to mull over in his mind the different, all eight of them, gowns Bianca had paraded before him. As a gentleman he made all the appropriate noises about them, until she glided into the sitting room in the last one. From the calm, relaxed expression she wore he had no way of knowing if presenting this most exquisite gown, at this time, had been planned or not.
It was in a medium shade of red which complimented not only the black of her hair as he’d never seen before but her light olive coloured skin. The neck line gently caressed her shoulders which made him jealous as he wished he could kiss them. But, it was the cut of the bodice that had him staring at her breasts. The way it was designed and sewn helped lift them ever so slightly to where only the tops were visible. Lowering his gaze, not that he wanted to, the dress nipped in at her hips before spreading into a flowing skirt which swirled as she moved.
Once he was able to take a breath he rose from the chair, he’d been told by the duchess to sit in and not move, stepped up took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles.
“M’ lady, there is no question when you wear that gown at a ball not only will heads turn but silence will reign throughout the room.” His only hope, she’d be on his arm at that time.
“Why thank you m’ lord,” she pleasingly answered back with a deep curtsey.
The sound of two voices, one a heavenly sing-song, brought him out of his thoughts. Glancing toward the shop he watched as his godmother and Bianca said their good byes to the seamstress, stepped down and glided to where he awaited them.
“Rain, I must compliment you on your behavior,” the duchess announced. She then accepted his hand to assist her into the coach.
“Your Grace, I only live to serve you,” he replied, with a sly grin.
“Balderdash. Now aid my goddaughter in so we may enjoy a nice drive around the park.”
Doing as ordered he waited until Bianca was settled then climbed in, having already told the driver where they’d be going.
Once on the carriage path Rainer waited until the coach moved to the side and stopped. Climbing down he offered to aid the duchess out only to get a shake of her head.
“You won’t be joining us?” he asked, while hoping she’d permit Bianca to join him in a stroll about to meet friends.
“No, but you may escort la Contessa about. However, I should warn you to remain in sight at all times. Even though she is a widow and certain rules don’t apply, with me they still do. Now off you tw
o go as I see Lady Cowper and desire to converse with her.”
Not wishing to waste a moment not alone with Bianca he offered his hand which she accepted, much to his pleasure, with a bright smile. This time he was happy to note she settled her hand on his forearm without having it offered. He hoped it was a good sign as she might be accepting him, as him and not her protector.
“Rainer, as we didn’t make it to the Serpentine when last we visited shall we start in that direction?” she suggested.
“I agree and see the swans are out in full force today,” he declared.
“Yes, and if my eyes don’t deceive me the mothers have their little ones in tow,” she added.
If he wasn’t mistaken, on hearing her mention the cygnets, he detected a hint of sadness in her voice. Was it possible she couldn’t conceive? Not that it mattered to him. Or had she lost a child or two? These were questions he didn’t necessarily need answers to now. Time would tell if she informed him, why she’d not had children.
“I should point out they do tend to be mean and might attack without warning so we shouldn’t get to close to the water’s edge,” he cautioned her.
“So I’ve been told.”
As they continued on Rainer casually glanced at the different collections of people out for a stroll. Many he recognized and would give them a nod. The one he’d expected wasn’t currently in sight, Tony. If they were to meet Rainer wasn’t sure how he’d react considering the information he’d received earlier.
What did alarm him was the two men who seemed not to fit in with the other fashionable ladies and gentlemen. It became even more disturbing when he noticed they weren’t focusing their attention on anyone but Bianca and him.
Could they have been hired to grab her even in broad daylight and surrounded by hundreds of people? He wondered.
It was then he realized the majority of the gentlemen present never lifted a finger except to help themselves to whatever morsel was available-female, food, cards or dice. Immediately he counted them out then saw several footmen and maids from his townhouse, in street attire. With them present he relaxed.
La Contessa and The Marquis (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 1) Page 5