The Viscount's Bride (The Radcliffe Family Book 2)

by Lindsay Downs

  As they made their way up the street Matthew looked around at the villagers, this time with a different eye than before. He was hoping to see someone who wouldn’t meet his gaze. Walking by a jeweler’s he slowed and peered in, then stopped.

  “M’ lord, do you think I might bestow a small bauble on Lady Kathleen?”

  “I believe so, considering neither of you can keep your eyes off each other when in the same room. Might I suggest something simple such as a necklace or bracelet?”

  With a nod, Matthew, with Roger following, stepped into the store and were immediately greeted by an elderly gentleman.

  “Lord Roger, this is not only a surprise but a pleasure. Are you looking for a small piece for Her Ladyship?”

  “Not this time, Sullivan. Allow me to present Matthew, Viscount Rathbourne. He’s staying at Radcliffe Hall for a short while and designing a pavilion and gazebo at the request of the Duke of Kettering,” Roger declared.

  “M’ lord, I’m honored you are visiting my humble shop,” the man declared with a bow.

  “Thank you. I am looking for either a necklace or bracelet.”

  “And who might the lucky lady be? Lady Kathleen perchance?”

  “Yes, and I’m not even going to ask how you learned of that.”

  Stepping up to the display cases, Matthew looked over the offerings. Seeing several necklaces which would look lovely on Kathleen, he had a difficult time deciding. One was made from matching pearls, while another of rubies and finally topaz. He liked that in the last one, the color of the stones matched closely with the material he’d seen her holding the other day.

  “I’ll take that one,” Matthew declared pointing to his selection.

  “Excellent choice, m’ lord. I will have the necklace delivered to Radcliffe Hall by this afternoon.”

  “Thank you, and have the bill sent along also which I will forward to my man of business in London. You should have payment within two weeks. Is that satisfactory?”

  “Most definitely, m’ lord.”

  Matthew didn’t mention he’d have his man add a little extra to the check. Also, if King had a groom or two along with several sturdy horses he’d send them to London thusly getting the man his funds sooner.

  “Thank you.”

  With a nod, Matthew started to lead Roger from the store when he stopped and turned back.

  “The other day, His Lordship and I found, separately but in the river, dead bodies. From what we know they are from Wales, and we’ll be having their funeral tomorrow. If you see fit, your presence would be appreciated.”

  “M’ lord, let me know the time as on Wednesday’s I’m not usually all that busy. I should be able to lend my support in whatever way possible.”

  “Again, thank you.”

  “I’m sure the good Reverend Kent will be spreading the word as His Lordship and I are going to talk with him,” Roger added.

  Once on the street, Matthew smiled and glanced over to Roger.

  “Well done, Matthew. I wouldn’t have thought to even mention the funeral to him. Also, your selection for Kathleen will be perfect as I know which gown she’d wear with the necklace. Then again, she has always loved topaz.”

  “I’m glad. Now, let’s visit the good reverend and make the necessary arrangements,” Matthew stated.

  Later, once the seed to spread the word about the victims was planted with Reverend Kent, Matthew followed Roger back down the street to wait outside the dress shop. Walking by the front window, he risked a glance in, only to see Kathleen scowling back at him. Caught, he gave her a bow then continued on only to be stopped when Elsie stepped out.

  “M’ lords, as at least one of you is curious as to what we ladies are purchasing, I would highly recommend you follow me back into the store.”

  Never one to argue with a lady, especially one who had crossed their arms over their chest and glowered down at him, Matthew declared, “As you wish m’ lady, we, or at least I, will be more than pleased to join you.”

  “And I will also join you ladies so I may see what my monies are buying,” Roger added.

  Following Elsie into the shop, Matthew and Roger were taken to the same room he’d been seen looking in. Taking a seat, Matthew wondered what would happen next as this was the first time he had been in a store of this type. In the past he’d been more interested in helping remove said gown from a lady, not helping to make the selection.

  No sooner had he gotten moderately comfortable, since people were able to see him than Kathleen floated in. Yes, that was the only way he was able to describe how she entered the room, wearing the pastel-yellow gown. What made this particular one even more alluring was the bodice. Not only was the cut slightly lower than even the white one she’d worn the other eve, but the touch of lace partially covered her breasts.

  Matthew felt the breath stolen from him as he gazed upon this vision of absolute beauty. Now he knew there was another letter the grooms would be taking to London. This one would be to his parents. No wait, he should also make the duke and duchess aware of his, hopefully, impending stroll down the aisle.

  Right now, Matthew’s question was excepting a formal dinner, where would or could she wear the gown?

  “M’ lord, I believe I will be able to answer your unasked question. Two weeks hence, the earl and countess from the neighboring district will be having their summer ball. I would suspect the reason you haven’t received an invitation is because you’ve been keeping a low profile. However, I took the liberty of informing the countess of your presence and a request for you to attend should be arriving sometime today. To that end, you are invited to our estate for dinner before attending the ball,” Elsie declared.

  This created a dilemma for Matthew. Present her with the necklace on the eve of the ball or tomorrow night when they came for dinner. Bestowing a piece of jewelry to a lady wasn’t normal for him. At some point, today he’d have to get Roger alone and inquire.

  “M’ lord, even though the drive is only a little over an hour we’ll be using my traveling carriage. This will be the first time since returning from London Lady Kathleen has agreed to attend, and with you along that coach will be more comfortable,” Roger declared.

  “Then I accept your gracious invitation to dinner then, if Lady Kathleen has no objection, join you in the ride over.”

  “Of course, I’d love to have you with us. If you’ll excuse me, I need to change into my walking dress so we may have luncheon,” she declared.

  Giving her and Elsie a nod, Matthew watched them disappear to the back of the shop. He glanced over to Roger.

  “M’ lord, when would be the most appropriate time to give Lady Kathleen the necklace?”

  “Ah, so you are a neophyte at wooing a young lady? I would suggest tomorrow before dinner at the Hall. This way, if she has plans to wear a different piece her plans won’t be scuttled.”

  “Thank you. And here they are.”

  “What were you both talking about? I do hope the number of waltzes you, Lord Matthew, will partner with me,” Kathleen uttered.

  “I’m sorry, but no. We were discussing the events of Wednesday after the funeral. I don’t plan on starting to hunt down the mine where the man worked. I will be finalizing the plans for your pavilion and possibly the one the duke is requesting,” Matthew said, hoping he would be caught in the lie.

  “So you plan to start the search on the day after the morrow?” Kathleen asked.

  “Yes.” Was all he said before offering her his arm, which she took.

  While they made their way from the dress shop to the Seafarer Inn, Matthew continued to study those out shopping or for a stroll, especially the men. As before, none shied away from his gaze. He was starting to believe no one in Cornwall could be the murderer. He guided Kathleen into the private dining room behind the earl and countess. No sooner had he stepped in than the owner’s wife came in.

  “M’ lords and ladies, welcome. Your luncheon will be ready in a few minutes.”

 
; “Wonderful. Also, make sure the fare for Toby is sent to Radcliffe Hall,” Matthew directed.

  “I will, m’ lord, and thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I need to make sure the roast is rested for carving.”

  With a nod to her curtsey, Matthew settled Kathleen in the same chair as before. He smiled to see the countess was seated while Roger, as dictated by politeness remained standing, then took his seat.

  “Roast?” Kathleen inquired.

  “Yes, for the first course, but fear not as I also ordered up sole with a lemon sauce for the second,” he said, earning a smile.

  Over the meal, Matthew led the discussion on other ways to find the correct mine. Regrettably, none had any ideas he was thinking of inviting Kathleen along. At least, then, they would be together albeit, riding. As he didn’t trust himself, especially after seeing her in the ball gown, he suspected that wouldn’t be for the best.

  With luncheon finished, Matthew sent word to Toby to have the landau brought around to the inn’s courtyard. Offering Kathleen his arm, he smiled when she slipped her hand in his. When they touched, he could feel a rush of heat shoot up his arm before settling over his heart. He smiled to himself then peered down to her only to see her cheeks pinken.

  Stepping out of the building, he guided her to the coach and waited while the earl assisted the countess in. They took the same squabs as before, rear facing. After helping Kathleen in he then walked over to Toby in the box.

  “Did you see or learning anything of interest?”

  “Yes, m’ lord, quite a bit. Some which shocked even myself, and I’ve heard a lot in my ten and nine years.”

  “Good. When we get back to Ashburn turn the team over to Cowell then report to the earl’s office. Just remember the ladies will also be present.”

  “I promise, m’ lord.”

  Climbing in, he settled beside Kathleen as Toby set the matched pair in motion. On the trip back Matthew explained that his groom had learned some things and would be coming to the office.

  “Perfect. I’ll inform Brown to be on the lookout for him,” Roger said.

  A short while later, Matthew guided Kathleen into the mansion then to the earl’s office door.

  “M’ lord, if you’ll excuse me, I wish to refresh. I’ll return shortly,” Kathleen spoke.

  As she climbed the stairs, Matthew studied her form including the gentle movement of her hips. A clap on his shoulder brought him back to where he was, the office.

  “Shall we get comfortable while we await their return?” Roger uttered.

  Giving him a nod, Matthew followed him in then took a seat on the settee he would soon be sharing with Kathleen. Just that thought caused part of his body to stiffen to where he was becoming uncomfortable. Hoping the earl hadn’t noticed, Matthew needed to get his mind, such as it was, off her. The earl came to his rescue, sort of.

  “Matthew, I couldn’t help but notice you were watching Kathleen as she floated up the stairs. If I’m not mistaken, even though you’ve known each other for a short while, you’re smitten almost to the point of distraction.”

  “I apologize for staring at her. And to directly answer you, yes, I have been since the first day we met when she and Elsie were poaching the duke’s trout. Of course I never told Simon that little fact.”

  “We weren’t pilfering his fish but those which came from our section of the river,” Kathleen declared.

  Her sudden entrance caught Matthew by surprise. Quickly, he stood, stepped over, then escorted her back to the settee. No sooner had she settled than Elsie swept in taking a seat beside her. Disappointed he wouldn’t have the pleasure of being beside her, Matthew took the chair next to her with the earl at his desk.

  “Do any of you have an idea as to what Toby will tell us?” Kathleen asked.

  A knock on the doorframe brought Matthew’s head around to see Brown, with Toby standing in the doorway. Turning back to Roger, he saw the earl wave them in.

  “As he’s your groom why don’t you handle the interview.”

  “Yes, m’ lord.” That said Matthew glanced over to Toby.

  “Remember to maintain proper language with the ladies present,” he ordered.

  “I will, m’ lord.”

  “Thank you.”

  Matthew then turned so he could easily address the ladies and Roger.

  “Before we left Radcliffe Hall for here I told Toby what we believe to be true about the victims. This way he would have an idea of what to listen for in the tap,” he said then turned back to Toby. “Please, go ahead.”

  “Yes, m’ lord. As predicted Reverend Kent took his noon meal at the inn and started talking about the victims. From what I overheard, they are from Wales, and the man was a miner, with the woman his wife. Now, this is where everything gets interesting. The mine Alwyn works at isn’t in this district but in the next one over. That’s where the Earl of Redditch lives and from what I recall has many tin mines there.”

  “Then, Lord Matthew, I’m glad you didn’t waste your time trying to find where the man worked,” Roger uttered.

  “What about the woman, Cerys? Were you able to learn anything about her?” Kathleen asked.

  “Some of those in the tap were farmhands and a few miners, mostly drinking ale or gin. When they learned of her death, I overheard several of the men express disappointment as she wouldn’t be entertaining them anymore.”

  “Toby, you’re telling us she was a doxy,” Kathleen declared, earning a gasp from Elsie and a glare from Roger.

  “What? I learned that word and what it meant from several mystery novels I love to read,” she said in her defense.

  All Matthew could do was force himself not to grin, but failed, earning a glower from her.

  “Yes, m’ lords and ladies. That she was, and from what I understood with her husband’s knowledge,” Toby stated.

  “Is that all?” Matthew asked.

  “Yes, m’ lord.”

  With a nod, Matthew dismissed Toby. Once the room was free of the groom and Brown, Matthew stood and started pacing about, and was soon joined by Kathleen. Peering down to her, he detected a worried look in her eyes.

  “I agree. Now we have to involve others in the hunt,” he told not only her but the earl and countess.

  Guiding her back to the settee, he waited until she was settled then retook his seat.

  “Elsie, when Toby mentioned the Earl of Redditch I thought I heard you gasp slightly. Might I ask why?”

  “They are giving the ball we will be attending. I’d wager the earl isn’t even aware there was a murder on his lands,” she uttered.

  “Of that, Matthew, I’m sure. He spends most days buried with his books and lets his estate manager handle the day to day dealings,” Roger explained.

  Hearing this, he suspected the man would be useless in helping to hunt down the murderer. Glancing past Kathleen, Matthew set his attention to her mother. “I gather you and Roger have attended their balls in the past. Would you know who they invite, mine owners in particular?”

  “If I remember correctly, several were there last year. I recall at least two seemed to act rather crassly to several of the young ladies. At one point, I thought the men would be invited to leave, but the earl stepped in and got them to apologize for their behavior.”

  Hearing that was partially good news except now Matthew would have to keep a very close watch over Kathleen while at the ball. Then he had an idea.

  “Roger, is there any way word can leek to people in their district about the murders?”

  “I believe so. If I’m not mistaken several of the staff who work here have families living in the Redditch district. As we’ve two weeks before the ball, if we have them pass the word to be careful, that should start the rumors.”

  “Please do, and I will inquire of the same at Radcliffe Hall. On that, if you’ll excuse me, I must return there as I’ve work to continue doing.”

  “Such as the rough draft of our pavilion?” Kathleen said.

  �
�That too.”

  What he didn’t say, he also had several letters which needed writing, one to Kettering and the other to London. Standing, he bowed then started to leave when Kathleen slipped up beside him.

  “I thought I’d would walk down with you as I wish to look in on Marigold. I’m thinking of taking her out for a ride on the morrow and wish to see if she’s up to a canter.”

  As much as he wanted to follow her over to the stable, Matthew was aware doing so wouldn’t be a good idea when their hands touched. Again, a rush of warmth slid up his arm settling in his stomach.

  At his landau he watched Kathleen make her way across the courtyard and step into the stable. Only then did he climb in, nod to Toby, then relax against the squabs.

  At the Hall, he started to walk in then stopped. Before he penned the letters Matthew needed to speak with King to find out if there were two grooms and horses who could make the trip.

  Turning back, he marched over to the stable and was met at the door by the stable master.

  “Good afternoon, m’ lord. Are you planning on taking Devil out?”

  “No. Do we have two grooms and horses who can and are willing to race to the duke’s estate then on to London?”

  “We do if I may borrow your tiger for one. The other would be Rick. I’d rather keep Toby here as your coachman. As for the beasts, Satan and Lucifer. They are half-brothers to Devil. Might I inquire as to the reason for the rush?”

  “At this time, no. I’ll speak with my tiger but know he would love the opportunity to race along at a breakneck speed. Do you have any idea where he is?”

  “If I’m not mistaken he’s exercising your bays in the paddock.”

  With a nod, Matthew made his way around to the side of the barn. There he called the short but strong young man over.

  “I need you along with Rick to go to Kettering then London to deliver letters. Are you up to the task?”

  “Of course, m’ lord. You are more than aware I love a good long gallop. Which horses will we be using?”

  “Lucifer and Satan.”

  “Wonderful. When do we leave?”

  “Let’s get Rick and King. This way I can explain to all of you at the same time.”