An Earl's Queen (A Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  “Mother I’m going to send a groom with a note informing the owner of the Speckled Pig of our need for the private dining room tomorrow. I’ll leave the menu up to his lovely wife. As we’re retiring earlier than planned, if you pen a missive to Mrs. Durrant I can have him continue on to the estate. This way she’ll be able to get a suite prepared for Lady Iris and her daughter.”

  “Yes, and I’m glad you thought to do that. With getting these invitations ready to be sent, I totally forgot about notifying the housekeeper, who of course will tell Cook and Usher. If you can give me ten minutes I’ll have it ready.”

  “Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get mine written as well. After which, I need to visit my tailor and should return in time for luncheon.”

  Accepting a nod from his mother, Tony returned to his office where his first duty was to throw away the invitations as he had no intentions of going out this evening.

  Taking a seat, he pulled out a sheet of foolscap and dashed off the letter to the tavern owner. With that done he rang for the butler.

  “Yes m’ lord?”

  “I’ll be needing the landau, but have it wait for me at the stable as I have to speak with the stablemaster. Have the greys set between the shafts.”

  “Excellent choice, m’ lord.”

  With a wave of his hand Tony dismissed the man to make the necessary arrangement. Taking the envelope with him, he returned to his mother’s sitting room stepping in just as she rose from her desk.

  “Perfect timing as I just finished writing my instructions to Mrs. Durrant. I informed her to set them in the pink suite.”

  Accepting the note, he bowed then made his way downstairs and to the stable. Stepping in he saw the stablemaster rushing toward him.

  “M’ lord, the landau is awaiting you.”

  “Thank you, George. As we’re returning to the country tomorrow I need Stanley to take these letters and deliver them. One goes to the owner of the tavern we stop at while the other goes to Mrs. Durrant. Also, as I trust him with Cory, he’s to take my beast,” Tony ordered.

  “Do you wish for him to return or stay at the estate?”

  “No, have him remain there. As you might have heard, Her Ladyship has decided to host a house party. Thusly, we’ll need Stanley to help with the horses if anyone wishes to take one out.”

  “Very good, m’ lord. I’ll have him pack a saddlebag and get him on his way.”

  With a nod Tony started for his landau only to be stopped by his mother strolling toward him wearing a bonnet and carrying her parasol.

  “I need to pick up several new pairs of gloves and ribbons. I then thought we could go for a drive around the park.”

  He suspected there was more than a little shopping his mother had on her mind. Such as him casually meeting up with a certain young lady.

  Offering his arm, Tony escorted her to the carriage and aided her in then followed. As he settled on the squabs he happened to notice she had several, if not all, of the invitations with her. Deciding not to say anything, he signaled the driver.

  When they got to Buxton Street Tony directed the coachman to stop at the glover’s and stay there to wait while Her Ladyship shopped. He then instructed one of the footmen to escort his mother to her dressmaker’s then back to the landau.

  “Yes m’ lord.”

  Tony helped her down then headed off for his tailor to order several new jackets, trousers, and shirts. He made sure to include one for evening wear. With that done and the colors selected, he started back to the landau when he saw the Countess of Braxton and Lady Chelsea being bothered by someone. Picking up his pace, he quickly arrived just as the man, from his attire a gentleman but from his behavior wasn’t, tried to grab for Chelsea. Never one for using physical force unless it was absolutely necessary, such as now, Tony slid up behind the man.

  “I would very strongly urge you to apologize to the ladies then take yourself away from here,” he growled.

  “And why should I?” the man demanded.

  From the stammer in the man’s voice Tony knew exactly who he was, Lord Valerian. The third son of a duke who would take it very unkindly if his behavior became known within the ton.

  “Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure the duchess learns of your untoward action to a lady. I’m very certain she’ll prevail upon the duke to send you into the navy or better yet the new colonies in Australia. From what I understand it can be very unpleasant down there.”

  Much to Tony’s amazement Valerian did as ordered then slunk away. Tony then turned to Iris and Chelsea.

  “Are you both uninjured?”

  “Yes we are, m’ lord. Just our nerves are a bit frayed. Thank you for coming to our rescue. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t,” the countess said.

  “I’m glad I was here, but where are your footmen? They should have interceded,” Tony asked, while keeping his attention on Chelsea.

  “That, m’ lord, is my fault. I had so many boxes, I ordered the footman to take them to the carriage. I can assure you something like that will never happen again. I can’t believe even here on Buxton Street a lady could be assailed,” Chelsea uttered.

  “Well, then please allow me to escort you back to your coach and safety.”

  “Thank you, m’ lord. We’re right down the street next to your landau,” the countess spoke, then settled her hand on the proffered arm.

  Now more than ever Tony was glad they’d be joining him in the country. Granted it was at a house party, but still, there he would be able to keep her safe. As they made their way down the street he saw his mother stepping from the dressmaker’s and look toward them. What interested him was the look of wonderment in her eyes most likely because of who he was with.

  As they strolled up to her, Tony sent his mother a warm smile. Before he could say anything, Iris separated from him.

  “Everything is fine, Lady Rosalind. We did have a little trouble, but His Lordship came to our rescue, to which we’re truly thankful.”

  “What happened?” Rosalind said.

  “We had just finished picking up several gowns at our dressmaker’s and were going to the bookshop when Lord Valerian prevented us from continuing on. He tried to grab for Lady Chelsea when Lord Anthony prevented him from doing anything untoward and sent him scampering off with his tail between his legs,” Iris explained.

  “Yes, I’m aware of the man and never truly trusted him. I know the duchess quite well and feel she should be made aware of his horrid behavior to ladies,” Tony’s mother declared.

  Even though he’d hinted on letting the duchess learn of the man’s deportment, his mother was correct that the duchess should be told. If for no other reason than to make sure it didn’t happen again. But now he needed to make sure the ladies arrived home safely even if it meant not taking a drive in the park.

  “Lady Iris, I feel it’s my responsibility to make sure you both return to your townhouse unharmed or threatened. Might I suggest you join us in my landau for the drive back to your house?”

  “Yes, I do believe that might be for the best, and I’ll make sure the earl sets guards in and outside in case that man tries something,” Iris stated.

  “Then shall we, ladies? I’ll assist you into the landau then direct your driver to return to your house. Also, if you don’t mind and to cause confusion to the enemy, Valerian, we’ll go through the park but not stop. Only fall into line behind the other carriages.”

  “And we might see the duchess so I can speak with her about her son,” Rosalind told them.

  An hour later, not having seen Valerian’s mother, Tony assisted both mothers then Chelsea down from his landau. While trying to decide who to offer his arm to, the decision was taken away from him when Iris and his mother linked arms and strolled into the Braxton townhouse.

  “M’ lady.”

  “Thank you, kind sir.”

  It wasn’t so much the words but the angelic sound of her voice, which for some reason had his hear
t start to pound in his chest. Why this hadn’t happened last night or earlier Tony had no idea nor did he question his reaction. All he knew, this was an emotion he’d never had before with any lady, young or old.

  After a pleasant tea and cementing arrangements for the next day, Tony and his mother said their good byes and returned to their townhouse in time for luncheon.

  Chapter Three

  By the time Tony’s traveling carriage rolled into the courtyard of the Speckled Pig he couldn’t believe how quickly the morning had passed. He’d expected the ladies to discuss fashions or who was having an affair with whom. Instead once they’d left London behind they took out books and started to read. That made him glad he’d brought one for himself, this one was on early English history, a subject he greatly enjoyed.

  Once the coach came to a halt, he waited until a footman opened the door then he climbed out. Glancing to the tavern, he was happy to see the three maids and his valet patiently waiting. Turning back he assisted his mother, the countess, and finally Chelsea out. Before he could do or say anything, they were swept away by their personal staff leaving Giles waiting alone, a panicked look on the man’s face. Had something untoward happened to him on the journey?

  As if Tony didn’t have enough to wonder about with Chelsea, now it seemed even his valet had a problem. He hoped it didn’t involve the maids, even though of the three Chelsea’s was of an age where a man would find her interesting. Determined to get the answer to his question, Tony stormed over to Giles.

  “Right now I need to refresh myself, then you can tell me how much trouble you’re in and with who?”

  Not waiting for an answer, Tony marched into the tavern and was met by the owner.

  “Welcome m’ lord. Everything has been taken care of per your note. The missus selected a light luncheon which is ready when you are.”

  “I need to wash up first, then I’ll be down. Once the ladies are ready we’ll dine,” he stated then glared at Giles.

  “Very good, m’ lord. I’ve reserved a room for you at the top of the stairs, and your man has made sure everything is prepared for you.”

  Stepping into his room, Tony shrugged out of his jacket, took care of his needs, then strolled over to the water basin. After washing his hands and splashing water on his face he reached out and was handed a soft towel. Drying off he turned to Giles.

  “All right, out with it. What happened?” he demanded.

  “M’ lord, I did nothing wrong, nor did I make any untoward advances to Lady Chelsea’s lady’s maid. It was what she told us in the carriage which has me, along with the others, extremely worried.”

  Immediately Tony felt like he had been hit in the stomach as whatever it was, involved Chelsea.

  “Out with it, and be quick,” Tony ordered his valet.

  “Yes m’ lord. From what Katy, Lady Chelsea’s maid, said yesterday wasn’t the first time Lord Valerian had tried to approach her. According to the girl, that man, as she referred to him, had been seen hanging around the townhouse trying to see Lady Chelsea. On several instances he’d even tried sending her flowers but each time was stopped by either the butler or a footman. It seems somehow he’d become obsessed with her.”

  Hearing this new information, Tony couldn’t decide who he should be furious at, Chelsea, the earl, or the countess. This could also explain why they’d been so eager to depart London early for the house party. Again he had another question form in his mind. What did his mother know?

  “Giles, does the Earl know of this?”

  “Yes m’ lord. But the staff had been instructed not to say anything to the countess or Lady Chelsea, as the earl felt the man was harmless. Maybe slightly touched in the brain but that was all. I’m thinking the only reason Katy mentioned it was because she thinks she saw him earlier. She said he was mounted and heading in the same direction we are.”

  Now he was in a bind. Should he tell the ladies what he’d learned or keep it to himself? Either way, he would be in trouble with someone, most likely the earl, but considering it involved Chelsea’s safety, he really didn’t care.

  “Thank you. Now I’d best join the ladies as I hear them talking in the hall.”

  As Tony stepped out, he was met by a very worried looking Chelsea. Immediately he knew the reason, what Giles had told him her maid had passed along to her. Turning to the ladies he knew they were aware of the danger at hand by the panic in their eyes. Being in a public house wasn’t the best place to talk so he needed to change the unspoken subject.

  “M’ ladies, the tavern owner’s wife has prepared a delicious luncheon for us, so shall we partake of it?”

  “And if I’m not mistaken, she’s spared no expense in doing so,” his mother added.

  Knowing there was only one who’d accept his arm to escort her he offered it to Chelsea, but she didn’t. Instead she stunned him by slipping her hand onto his. No sooner had they touched, then Tony could see a slight relaxation in her shoulders.

  But that wasn’t the only reaction. Without warning, he felt a pleasurable tingling shoot up his arm before settling in the pit of his stomach. Risking a glance to her, he noticed a slight hint of pink in her cheeks. This told him she must have experienced something similar.

  “I’m glad you’re doing a little better. Later we’ll discuss everything, but not now,” he whispered, guiding her behind their mothers into the private room.

  Looking at the set table he was happy to see the owner’s wife hadn’t disappointed them, but to call what she’d laid out light was an understatement. The woman had prepared several different meats, potatoes both boiled and roasted, along with a variety of fresh vegetables. Wine glasses were set at each place, and two bottles were in front of his seat.

  Tony noticed the man’s wife standing in the corner nervously rubbing her hands on her apron.

  “Dear lady, everything looks absolutely perfect,” he declared.

  “Thank you m’ lord. I did want to set the best table possible for you and your new bride.”

  Hearing a faint titter from both mothers, he risked a look down to Chelsea whose face had turned a deep red. Not sure if he should set the woman straight or not, he decided against it. After all, even though they’d only known each other for a few days Tony already knew if she’d have him, he’d marry her.

  Once the ladies were seated, he took the chair at the head of the table as the owner’s wife quietly made her way out of the room.

  Patiently he waited while the platters were passed and wine poured, making sure Chelsea had hers diluted with an equal amount of water. Even though everyone was dining Tony noticed a bit of tension in the room, and he knew the cause—Lord Valerian. Now was the perfect time to get everyone’s mind off the man and onto something more interesting.

  “Ladies, if I may make a suggestion? Of the house parties I’ve attended the host holds a ball on the last evening. As the other guests will be arriving on Friday why don’t we, for the sake of discussion, have one on Saturday. As we’ll have several days to send out invitations to those in the district and farther afield, we should have a wonderful turnout.”

  He wasn’t surprised at the silence which filled the room as the others continued to dine while digesting his proposal. As he studied each of their faces he could tell, hopefully at least Chelsea, approved of the idea. Tony wondered if it would give her a chance to be held in his arms, which of course was one of the reasons for the ball.

  “Son, that is a wonderful idea. It will certainly set the tone for upcoming house parties this summer. Not to mention it will introduce our guests to some of the families they will meet over the next few weeks.”

  “Might I make a request, m’ lord?” Chelsea said softly.

  From the way she spoke Tony suspected she’d never helped organize a ball, from the decorations to the buffet menu. That task would have fallen on her mother which was only rightfully so being the countess. However, if she was going to ask to participate he’d make sure she did.

  �
��Would I be able to assist in even some small way?”

  “Of course you may. That way, when we have the final ball you’ll know what to do and help guide the others in getting everything done perfectly,” his mother interjected.

  Interestingly, her mother hadn’t said anything, but from the smile he saw she approved also. Tony knew it would take a lot of work to get everything ready in only a few days, but deep down he knew Chelsea was up to the challenge. And if need be, even he’d help as it would mean spending time with her.

  “Then might I recommend we finish our meal so we may be on our way and shock Mrs. Durrant and Usher with the change in plans,” Tony announced.

  A little while later, all sated from a delicious luncheon, Tony helped the ladies into his carriage then marched over to Giles.

  “Now that we’re on our way I’ll bring up what you told me earlier.”

  “What do you wish I tell the maids?”

  “Simply to keep an eye out for the man. When we get to the estate I’ll have Usher and the stablemaster set watches to make sure he doesn’t get anywhere near Lady Chelsea.”

  What he left unsaid was any time she wasn’t in the mansion he’d be with her even if it meant going to the dressmaker’s.

  “I will, m’ lord.”

  Satisfied, for now, that everything was being done to keep her safe Tony retreated back to his carriage. Climbing in, he retook his seat next to Chelsea. He waited until they were on the main road before turning to her.

  “I don’t wish to cause you to be upset, but I’ve learned Lord Valerian has been trying to see you in the past. Do you have any idea why?”

  “No, I don’t. Yes, I know he’s tried to meet me and sent flowers, but until yesterday I never met the man before. To be honest I hope never to see him again,” Chelsea declared.

  From the firmness he heard in her voice Tony knew her words were true. What he also found interesting was the look shared between the two mothers. Did one or both know something he or Chelsea didn’t?