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

by Lindsay Downs

  “Then I’ll do everything within my power to make sure that never happens.”

  “Good, and with this new information about her son I’ll send the duchess a letter telling her of his behavior. Knowing her as I do, I’m positive she’ll make sure the duke knows and something is done for your protection Lady Chelsea,” Tony’s mother stated.

  “Thank you. Now, can we discuss something more interesting and fun?” Chelsea said.

  “If you’re referring to my earlier suggestion of having a ball at the end of the week I’m, of course in agreement otherwise I wouldn’t have mentioned it. I do ask one thing, that none of you ladies mention I had a hand in planning it since it could ruin my reputation as a rakehell,” Tony declared, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “M’ lord, from what I know about gentlemen of your ilk, I can assure you that you’re neither a rogue nor a rakehell. If you were, my mother and I wouldn’t be sharing a carriage with you and the countess to your estate. You are in the truest sense of the word, a gentleman. Your thoughts are first and foremost to protect and defend. And on that note, you’ll have the pleasure of assisting me in selecting the plants and flowers to decorate your ballroom,” Chelsea asserted.

  Hearing those words, Tony realized he’d been found out which, coming from another young lady would have upset him but not from her. He glanced over to his mother who was giving him a knowing smile which matched that of the countess.

  “Then I have no choice but to surrender.”

  Surrender, that was something he’d never done before, but now it felt right. Relaxing back against the squabs, he joined in on the discussion regarding the ball. Before any of them knew it, he pointed out they were rolling into the mansion’s courtyard. Peering out the carriage window, he saw Mrs. Durrant and Usher waiting for them.

  Chapter Four

  After being introduced to the Wyatt housekeeper, Chelsea wanted to giggle when Tony told her not to believe a word the woman said about him and his youth. As much as she wanted to ask Mrs. Durrant what he meant, Chelsea waited until they’d left him and continued up to the second floor. Once away from prying ears she turned to the woman.

  “Was he that bad?”

  “Let’s just say there were days when he spent more time locked in his room than in the schoolroom.”

  As Chelsea stepped onto the second floor landing she took a moment to look around. At the far end of the center corridor she saw a highly ornate oak door. That, she strongly suspected, led to the earl’s suite. To her right a hall with staff going in and out of different rooms. On her left another gallery but what she found the most interesting, a footman stood at its entrance.

  She was about to ask why when Mrs. Durrant put a gentle hand on her arm.

  “M’ lady, he’s there under orders from Her Ladyship. When she sent the letter informing us of your and the countess’ arrival she included instructions to have a footman posted. To be honest, having seen how His Lordship can’t keep his eyes off of you, I definitely agree with the decision.”

  Chelsea could feel her face warm on hearing what she’d suspected but had kept to herself for fearing she was wrong and acting childishly.

  “Mrs. Durrant, I’m sure you’re incorrect in your assumption. Don’t forget he’s a well-known rake within the ton. I find that fascinating as his behavior toward me isn’t keeping with his reputation. However, I do appreciate Her Ladyship looking out for my protection.”

  Accepting the smile and head bob from the housekeeper Chelsea slowly started down the hall wondering which of the suites was for her.

  “Excuse me, m’ lady, but this is yours. As far as the guest rooms go, this is the best one we have.”

  Glancing around, Chelsea noticed Mrs. Durrant standing by the open door. Turning back, she barely took a step in only to have her breath taken from her chest. It was as if she’d entered a dream as the entire room was decorated in various shades of pink. Of all the colors in the rainbow this was without a doubt her most favorite for the relaxing feel it gave her.

  Gliding further in, she slowly took in everything from the bed and its deep pink spread with matching pillows to the furnishings. Each was painted to compliment the rest of the room. What, to her, was even more impressive were the windows that overlooked the gardens with a gazebo its main focal point. Then she saw, in the distance, a small pond or lake with a pavilion strategically set at its edge, she suspected.

  Considering the late hour, she knew tomorrow she’d spend as much time as possible strolling about the grounds. That is, when not assisting in planning the introduction ball to be held in a few days.

  “This, Mrs. Durrant, is the suite of my fantasy,” she pronounced.

  “Thank you, or I should say thank Her Ladyship as she selected this room as it would fit you perfectly. Dinner will be served in two hours.”

  Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief as she wished to rest considering how long the day had been. In the back of her mind she knew the evening might not be all that short as there was a ball to continue to discuss.

  “If you can have my bath water brought up in about an hour.”

  “I will, m’ lady.”

  Giving Mrs. Durrant a head bob, Chelsea waited until the housekeeper left then proceeded to explore the rest of the room. Granted, her suite at her father’s estate was not only designed but decorated exquisitely, this one surpassed it. Not only in the colors but the view from the windows. As she glided around, she noticed a nice little writing desk set so she, or the occupant, could look out over the garden. As she continued to take in the trappings, she was startled when she heard a door open. Spinning around she came face to face with her mother.

  “Isn’t this the most beautiful suite you’ve ever seen?” she declared.

  “Yes it is, and I want you to rest for the next hour until it’s time to bathe and dress for dinner.”

  “I promise to relax.”

  “Good. If I might suggest you wear the pastel pink gown,” her mother recommended.

  “I was thinking the same as it will show the countess how much I love the room.”

  “Then I’ll leave you to read or nap.”

  She waited until her mother returned to her suite through the adjoining door, then stepped over to her trunks which had arrived moments ago and selected a book. With it she strolled to the comfortably cushioned window seat overlooking the garden. Unlacing her traveling shoes, she curled her legs up under her making sure the gown covered her ankles. Leaning back, she opened the tome and started reading.

  “M’ lady, excuse me, but it’s time to bathe as your water has arrived.” Chelsea heard Katy tell her.

  “What?”

  Looking out the window Chelsea noticed the sun was lower on the horizon than earlier.

  “Yes, m’ lady, no sooner had you taken a seat than you fell asleep. Now, I’ve taken your gown and ironed the wrinkles out. While I was doing that, Mrs. Durrant approached me with several pink roses. As soon as I saw them I knew they’d be perfect when woven into your tresses.”

  “I love that idea. Now, help me out of my dress so I can bathe.”

  Twenty minutes later, wrapped in a bathrobe, Chelsea took a seat near the fireplace so its heat would help dry her hair as she brushed it out. She glanced over to the bed where her gown was laid out along with a satin chemise, pale pink stockings and matching slippers.

  “Katy, I’ll wear the emerald necklace and earrings. I believe the green will go nicely with the gown.”

  “I’ve already laid them out on your dressing table.”

  “Thank you, and my hair is just dry enough for you to set it. Have you thought about how to weave the roses in?”

  Chelsea stood and swept over to her bed, dropped the bathrobe and with Katy’s assistance slipped on her chemise then the stockings. As the gown chosen had a wide neckline she decided to wait until her hair was set before slipping it on.

  Stepping over to the dressing table, she sat and handed the silver hairbrush to her maid.
In the mirror she watched as Katy separated sections, braided them then curled them atop of her head. What amazed her, as each strand was woven into place Katy would interlace one of the several pink roses in until all the flowers were perfectly placed.

  As she turned her head side to side Chelsea noticed her maid hadn’t let any hair strands hang down each was perfectly in place. At first she wasn’t sure she liked this particular look, but the more she studied her reflection, the more she understood why Katy had done it. Between the way the gown rested gently on her shoulders and her long neck she knew exactly were Tony’s eyes would be, on her face.

  Taking up the necklace she, with assistance from her maid, fastened it then clipped the matching earrings on. After one more glance at the vision she presented, she smiled and stood. After raising her arms so Katy could slip the gown over her head, Chelsea waited patiently while the tiny buttons were fastened.

  “M’ lady, if I may say so, you’ve never looked so lovely as you do this eve. Later, you must tell me what Lord Anthony’s reaction is when he first sees you glide into the parlor.”

  “I promise I will.”

  Accepting her matching shawl and fan, Chelsea started for the door. After taking a final look in her full-length mirror she stopped with her hand on the latch.

  “Katy, I know ladies aren’t supposed to, but if His Lordship’s jaw drops open and his eyes widen in astonishment, you’ve earned a bonus. If not, your wages for this month won’t change,” Chelsea announced.

  “Then, m’ lady, I’d best start figuring out what to do with the extra pence.”

  With a humph, Chelsea opened the door and stepped out into the hall only to be met by her mother.

  “Darling, you look absolutely ravishing. I love what Katy did with your hair,” the woman pronounced.

  “Thank you. At first I was a little worried about how she dressed it, but now I definitely love the look.”

  Linking an arm with her mother’s, they made their way down to the countess’ sitting room. Chelsea stopped short of entering to take one final glance in a mirror. Satisfied, she smiled to her mother.

  “Shall we? I’m curious as to His Lordship’s reaction.”

  “Might I suggest I go ahead and when asked about you I’ll tell him you won’t be but a moment? That way, you will be able to make a grand entrance,” her mother softly said.

  “Yes, as it will also give me a chance to collect myself. Don’t forget this is the first time I’ve been invited to a country estate to attend a house party.”

  “I’m well aware, but don’t forget someday you’ll have to face your fear,” her mother directed to her.

  Chelsea could feel her stomach clinch when her mother reminded her of what had happened years ago. No matter what she’d done, and with some of the best masters in all of England, she hadn’t been able to overcome her fear. But none of them were Lord Anthony. Not once had he pushed her into doing something she didn’t feel comfortable doing. Granted, she had wished he’d snuck a dance, preferably a waltz, but he had respected her. That was something no man had ever done before, as best as she could recall.

  “Once I hear you make your excuse for me not being with you, I’ll wait a few heart beats then enter, head held high and focusing on Her Ladyship.”

  “That, my dear, will be perfect as it will discombobulate Lord Anthony. I’ll see you in a moment, and remember you are a lady while he’s just a mere man.”

  Yes, a very handsome gentleman with broad shoulders, which could carry the weight of the world on them if need be. But it is his dark-red hair, without the temper to go with it, and beautiful hazel eyes which have me entranced, she thought as her mother separated from her and swept into the parlor.

  On hearing her mother tell Tony and Rosalind that she would be along in a minute, Chelsea took two breaths then stepped into the doorway. As much as she tried to focus on the countess she found it difficult on seeing he was wearing a deep blue evening coat with black trousers. That wasn’t the only thing which drew her attention to him. It was the way he was standing casually with an elbow resting easily on the mantel piece which took her breath away.

  Biting the inside of her cheek to get her attention back, she turned to his mother. What she’d not missed though was seeing his jaw drop open and his eyes widen in wonderment.

  “Countess, I can’t thank you enough for the suite you’ve given me. It’s absolutely beautiful, and I love the view of the garden.”

  “Yes, and that’s why I chose it for you, but I’m sure Mrs. Durrant has already informed you. Tomorrow I’ll be more than happy to show you around.”

  “That would be wonderful. Meaning no disrespect but as for the ball in a few days, shouldn’t we start planning on who to invite from the neighboring districts.”

  “Agreed, and we also have a menu to plan for the buffet. As for the banquet beforehand, I would suggest only those invited to the house party along with a few of the more important families,” Tony’s mother recommended.

  In the distance Chelsea heard the ringing of the dinner bell which suited her perfectly as she could feel a bit of hunger overtake her.

  “Then ladies, as Usher has deemed it necessary to inform us dinner is ready, shall we adjourn to the family dining room. I’m sure Cook has out done herself with the selections tonight. After which we can settle in my office, with your permission of course, Lady Chelsea, to start drawing up the list of names,” Tony declared.

  She found it interesting and puzzling why Tony had sought her approval and not his mother’s. This she’d need to inquire about but at a later date. Accepting his arm, she allowed him to escort her to dinner with their mothers following.

  Chapter Five

  Tony was using the last bit of toast on his plate to wipe up the remaining egg yolk when Usher stepped into the dining room.

  “Good morning. Have the ladies called for breakfast trays?”

  “Yes, m’ lord, just a few moments ago.”

  Tony knew if they were just waking he’d have a good hour before they would be ready to start the day. This would give him time to take Cory out for a hard ride in the hopes of driving the vision of Chelsea from his mind.

  “If anyone inquires as to where I am, tell them I’ve gone out and will be back in time for luncheon,” he ordered.

  “M’ lord, what if they insist on knowing your direction?”

  Tony knew of the three ladies there would be one in particular who would insist on knowing, and it wasn’t his mother. Instead this lady was the reason he needed to remove himself from the mansion, even if only for a few hours.

  Wiping the corner of his mouth with the linen napkin, Tony cocked his head and looked up to Usher. He stood and smiled at the man while he decided how to answer.

  “Usher, if I tell you and someone asks, you’ll be duty bound to let them know. Therefore, I’m not going to. I should warn you though, they are planning a ball, but you must already know that. Make sure there is plenty of fine quality paper in the countess’ parlor along with pens and several ink wells. I’ll tell Barney to have grooms at the ready to deliver the invitations.”

  “Very good, m’ lord, and enjoy your escape, while you can.”

  He noticed a slight smirk on Usher’s face which somehow didn’t surprise him as Tony suspected the man knew who but not why he was, for lack of a better set of words, running away. Then again, was he running away or racing to making a decision. With a nod to the man he made his way out of the dining room, but instead of going through the front of the house he ducked into the kitchen. Tony knew this was not only the fastest, but safest way, without being seen except by staff, to the stables.

  Strolling in, he stood just inside the door and spent a few minutes watching the grooms and stableboys going about their routine. Some were leading horses out to different pastures to run about and play in the warm sun. Others were cleaning stalls, rinsing out water buckets, while a few were cleaning saddles and bridles.

  As he stepped further in
from the far end of the barn he watched as his old riding instructor, now stablemaster, Barney walked toward him. Tony couldn’t help but notice the ear to ear grin the man was wearing, and he knew exactly what that meant. He’d have to take care of Cory himself.

  “Morning m’ lord,” Barney announced.

  “And to you, good sir. If you haven’t already heard, Her Ladyship has decided to have an impromptu house party. The guests, I’m hoping only ten to twelve will be arriving tomorrow. How long they’re staying, I don’t know. Also, she will be sending out invitations for a ball Saturday evening so make sure you’ve several well mounted grooms to deliver them. I suspect they will, because of the short time, have to return with replies.”

  “That doesn’t seem to be a problem. There are enough stalls for all the horses, and the carriages can be kept in the riding ring. Now, shall I get you a brush?”

  “Not unless you’ve moved or hidden them since I left for London.”

  Tony appreciated the smile the man gave him then together they strolled into the tack room where he got a brush, saddle, and bridle. Returning to the main part of the stable, he walked over to Cory’s stall and wasn’t surprised when the horse stuck his head out over the bottom door.

  “How are you doing big guy. Ready for a good run this morning?”

  In minutes he had Cory’s coat gleaming, then saddled and was leading his mount out the rear door of the stable with Barney following.

  “I should be back by luncheon.”

  Not waiting for a reply, or wanting to explain why he was riding out with guests in the mansion, Tony swung into the saddle, tapped his heels to the beast’s sides, and headed down a trail through the woods at a trot.

  Once the path widened then opened up onto a field, Tony squeezed his thighs sending his horse into a canter. After a few minutes, to make sure there wasn’t any stiffness in Cory, Tony sent him into a ground covering gallop.