The Scandalous Lord Lanchester

by Michelle Styles

  ‘No, I think not.’ She wrinkled her smooth brow. ‘What do you think I should do with the house and the land, Andrew? I doubt that we shall ever wish to use it since you have your own houses, here and in London—also a hunting box in Devon, I think you said?’

  ‘Yes, I have houses enough, but nothing in Bath. Do you like Bath, Mariah?’

  ‘It is well enough for a short stay, but there are too many gossiping busybodies for my taste. I prefer London society,’ she said and laughed as his eyebrows rose. ‘Well, you asked. You would not wish me to lie over a thing like that?’

  ‘Heaven forbid,’ he said, amused by her straight speaking. He took her hand, playing with the fingers, his casual caress sending shivers up and down her spine. She felt a tingle of desire and wished that he would kiss her. However, he seemed content to touch her hand, his mind on practical things. ‘So we shall not bother to buy a house there. What would you wish to do with Lord Fanshawe’s house?’

  ‘I think we should sell it. Perhaps we should offer it to Winston’s sister and her husband. If they have no use for it, we can dispose of it as we choose—unless you think it should be kept for our children?’

  Would he think her wanton if she wound herself about his body and demanded he make love to her? Mariah felt a hot flush spread through her body. If she was finding it difficult to control her need now, what would she do when they were married? Andrew might discover his wife demanded more than he had ever thought to give. For a moment she felt a prick of fear, as she wondered if she were doing the right thing. Andrew could be passionate—but did he want her with the same intensity as she wanted him? It was with difficulty that she brought her thoughts back to the task in hand.

  ‘Shall we postpone the decision until we return from our travels? I can instruct my agent to overlook it for you, make sure all is well there from time to time. I shall inspect it myself once we are home again and see what I think you might do with it, Mariah. If you wish to be rid of it, of course, we could sell it immediately—but you might let it to tenants, perhaps.’

  ‘I really do not know what to do,’ she admitted. ‘Most of the fortune I was left is in trusts or investments, but there are other properties, I believe. I think my agents let them, but I have not gone into things in detail for the income is sufficient for my needs without raising capital. Ledgers were never my favourite reading matter.’

  Andrew looked at her thoughtfully. ‘Has Winston’s wealth been a burden to you, Mariah?’

  ‘Yes, to some extent,’ she agreed. ‘I am glad to have it, of course, and I try to use some of the income to help others, but I do not know if my agents are as efficient as they might be—and I do not wish to be bothered with enquiring into things too deeply. If I discovered they had been cheating me, I should no doubt lose my temper and sack them all.’

  ‘Then would you like me to talk to them for you? It is too close to Christmas to visit London now, but I could go early in the New Year, before our wedding—if you wished?’

  ‘I shall admit that it would be a relief to me,’ she said and smiled at him. ‘Being able to buy whatever one wishes is a pleasure, Andrew—but the possession of great wealth is a responsibility. I know that once we have children we may put much of the money into trusts for them—and since I hope to have several it will be put to good use, for the girls should have an equal share with the boys.’

  ‘You wish for several children?’ Andrew’s eyes sparkled with humour. ‘I had no idea that you were such a domestic creature, Mariah. How many babies would suit you, five or six?’

  ‘Oh, you,’ she said. ‘I do not mean all at once—but perhaps four—two boys and two girls.’

  Laughter released her tension. How foolish she was to doubt. Her life would be so much happier as his wife than it had been for many a year.

  ‘I shall have to see what I can do to oblige you, my love. In what order would you prefer them?’

  Mariah laughed and slapped him lightly on the shoulder, at which he reached out for her, drawing her close to him, his eyes hot with desire as he gazed down at her. Her heart raced with excitement. She lifted her face to receive his kiss, which was hungry and demanding, lasting so long that she was breathless when he let her go. Oh, how good it felt in his arms! Her body tingled with desire, the need in her so great that she thought he must see it. At times like this their wedding seemed too far away.

  ‘You accuse me of teasing, but you do it, too,’ she said. ‘I was an only child, though I know I had a brother once. He died when I was still a baby and I cannot remember him. My father spoiled me, Andrew. He was lonely after Mama died and he treated me as the son he had lost. I have been lonely too often. I do not want that for a child of ours.’

  Andrew’s arms tightened about her. ‘You shall not be lonely while I live, Mariah. I have a sister and I am fond of Jane—but I think that I, too, was lonely until you came into my life.’

  He drew her closer, kissing her again, but this time with such tenderness that she felt tears sting her eyes. When he spoke to her this way and kissed her like this she almost believed herself loved—not as a spoiled darling, but as a woman, a partner who would share everything with the man she loved. If that were the case she would be so fortunate.

  ‘Andrew…’ Mariah’s lips opened on a sigh. What she might have said then was lost as Lucinda’s voice came to them.

  ‘We have visitors,’ Lucinda called. ‘Lady Hubert and Count Paolo have arrived. I have had them taken to their rooms, but I know you would not wish to neglect your friend, Mariah. She has the green room, which is three doors from yours, if you wish to go up and greet her.’

  ‘Here already?’ Mariah said, startled. ‘I thought they were not due for another two days?’

  ‘I think she said something about intending to call on another friend on her way here. Unfortunately, the lady was taken ill suddenly and could not receive visitors so they decided to come straight here. Lady Hubert apologised and said she hoped her early arrival would not put me out. Of course I told her it was perfectly agreeable and we should be glad to have her company.’

  ‘That is true if it were only Sylvia,’ Mariah said and glanced at Andrew in a slightly accusing way. ‘I rely on you to take the count home with you, Andrew.’

  ‘Oh, was he to stay with you?’ Lucinda looked surprised. ‘Forgive me, I have given him a room in the east wing. I can hardly send him away now. His trunks will have been unpacked.’

  ‘No, you cannot send him packing,’ Mariah said and shrugged, ignoring the chill at her nape. ‘Do not worry, Lucinda. I was being foolish earlier. The count is a guest here and a gentleman. I am sure I am perfectly safe in his company.’

  Her words were meant to reassure her friend, but as she spoke them Mariah was mentally resolving never to give the count a chance to find her alone.

  * * *

  Mariah left Andrew to make his own way to the parlour. Tea would be served shortly but she must first go up and greet her friend.

  Knocking at Sylvia’s door, she was invited to enter and found her friend putting the finishing touches to her hair. She had clearly changed from her carriage gown, which lay discarded on the bed, and was wearing a yellow-silk tea gown, which Mariah recalled they had ordered in Paris.

  ‘Your gown becomes you, dearest,’ she said and kissed Sylvia’s cheek. ‘Are you well?’

  ‘Yes, exceedingly so. Had I not been Hubert would not have allowed me to make the journey here, I dare say, but I told him that I could not miss your wedding, but would rest once I got home. It will be my last large social engagement before my confinement.’

  ‘You are certainly blooming. I imagine Hubert is delighted with your condition?’

  ‘Over the moon. We have been married some years, as you know, and we both feared it would never happen. The dear man cannot do enough for me.’

  ‘I am sorry he could not come with you. I trust there is nothing wrong?’

  Sylvia’s brow wrinkled. ‘I think he may have a little
trouble over some matter of business, but he rarely discusses anything of that nature with me. It was just a chance remark that led me to think he might have a difficulty—something about perhaps selling his hunting box, which in truth he hardly ever uses these days.’

  Mariah hesitated, then, ‘Forgive me if I offend—but should Lord Hubert be in any difficulty I might be able to help…’

  ‘Oh, no, my love, he would not dream of it, though it is just like you to ask,’ Sylvia said. ‘I am sure it is nothing—just a temporary lack of funds. I think Count Paolo asked for a larger investment in the business, but I cannot be sure. I have no head for these things.’

  ‘Business is boring when there is so much more to enjoy,’ Mariah agreed and smiled at her, but underneath her calm manner, an alarm bell was ringing. Was her friend’s husband being cheated by the count?

  Mariah bit back the words of warning. To speak of something she did not know for sure would be foolish and might be described as slander. She must keep her opinions to herself, but she would listen and observe, and if she suspected the count of being less than honest with Lord Hubert she would tell him in private of her suspicions.

  ‘Come,’ she said, holding out a hand to Sylvia. ‘They will be gathering for tea in the parlour. You and the count are our first visitors, but there will be many more over the next few days. The duke has a large family and they descend in hordes over the Christmas period, because he holds such wonderful parties.’

  Sylvia took her arm as they went out together. ‘I am looking forward to your dance and the wedding. Have you had many presents yet? I wasn’t sure what to bring you, but decided on some beautiful old lace that has been in my family for years. I had it laundered and I think you will love it, Mariah. You may use it to trim undergarments or perhaps the christening gown for your first child.’

  ‘What a lovely idea,’ Mariah said. ‘I’ve often admired your lace, Sylvia. It is difficult to find such intricate work these days.’

  Talking happily together of clothes and fripperies, the two friends went down the landing and the main staircase. In the hall below they discovered two gentlemen talking together. Mariah’s hand unconsciously tightened on her friend’s arm as she saw Andrew standing with the count.

  Her heart raced as she walked towards them. Andrew smiled at her, but she sensed something in his manner as he greeted her—an air of…what? She might almost say ownership, as if he were determined to show the count that she belonged to him.

  ‘Mariah, my love,’ he said. ‘I was just telling Count Paolo how pleased we are that he could come to our dance. I asked if he would stay for the wedding, but he says he must leave after the dance on account of business pressures at home.’

  Mariah felt relief, but controlled her facial expressions. ‘Nothing too serious, I hope, Count? We are, of course, happy you could come to the dance. You gave such a lavish entertainment for us in Milan.’

  The count moved forwards. She was obliged to offer her hand. He took it and bowed over it, but did not kiss it as he had when they first met. Lifting her gaze, she caught the gleam of anger in his eyes and knew that beneath his charming manners he was seething with fury.

  ‘It was my pleasure, Mariah,’ he murmured in a low voice. ‘I am glad you remember, for I forget nothing. Your beauty graced my home and you will be long remembered, I assure you. My house is empty without its treasure.’ The last words were spoken so softly that she was certain no one else could hear them. ‘It waits for the return of that which was stolen from me.’

  Mariah shivered as she removed her hand from his. She had no doubt that his soft words were a warning, but delivered in such a way that no one else would suspect him of being anything other than polite.

  ‘You are too gracious, Count.’

  He murmured something indistinguishable and stood back. Mariah walked to Andrew and took his arm. Her hand trembled slightly. He raised his brows, but she gave a slight shake of the head. Impossible to say that she felt threatened even here with her friends about her. She was being foolish. Perhaps the menace was merely in her mind.

  Sylvia had taken the count’s arm and was following as Mariah and Andrew led the way to the large parlour where tea was to be served. She could hear her friend laughing at something the count was saying and wondered if she had made too much of a look and a few words that might mean anything.

  Lucinda and Justin were already in the parlour, and a surprise awaited the newcomers. Jane and Lord George had arrived to stay at Andrew’s home and driven over to take tea with their friends. There was a flurry of excited greetings, during which Jane was hugged and kissed by the ladies and the gentlemen shook hands and talked of various sporting matters and the favourite subject of wine.

  When Mariah looked, she discovered that Count Paolo was the centre of attention and seemed to be extolling the virtues of wine from his own vineyards.

  ‘I have formed a partnership with some of my neighbours so that we can export in greater quantity to England,’ he was saying to Lord George. ‘It is an investment opportunity for discerning businessmen, though I know English gentlemen do not like to discuss trade.’

  ‘Oh, we discuss it at the right time,’ Justin told him, ‘but not around the tea table, Count. Later, perhaps? We shall all sample some of the fine wines from my cellars and then we may talk business if you choose.’

  Mariah saw the little nerve at the count’s temple. He was annoyed that he had been put in his place by a man who outranked him and was of far more importance socially than he. Once again she wondered if he had cheated Lord Hubert in some way, and once again she put it from her mind, as the conversation became general, centring on the festivities and the forthcoming wedding.

  Mariah studiously avoided catching the count’s eye, though she was uncomfortably aware that he watched her throughout tea. However, with her friends about her, she was able to laugh and talk, enjoying the gossip Jane and Lord George had brought from town.

  ‘Jane wanted to do her shopping in London,’ Lord George said with an indulgent look at his wife. ‘I dare say she has ruined me, but I like a little bit of shopping for Christmas myself.’

  Jane’s spirited denial and counter-accusations set the company laughing and by the time she and Lord George took their leave, Mariah had managed to quell her nerves.

  Andrew was right. The count was forced to be on his best behaviour in company of this quality and she was quite safe, providing that she did not allow him to catch her alone. However, since Andrew had decided to accompany his sister and her husband to his home, she felt a little less safe when she went up to change for dinner.

  * * *

  The gentlemen lingered over their port for half an hour or so and Mariah was at the pianoforte when they finally came through to the drawing room. Mariah wished that Andrew had stayed to dine, as he had most evenings since he returned home, but she understood that he had felt obliged to welcome his sister and her husband to his home and make sure they were comfortable. He could hardly dine here if they were not to join the company.

  She was very much aware that the count’s eyes were on her as she finished her piece and left the instrument to take a seat next to Lucinda. Sylvia had taken her place at the pianoforte and invited Count Paolo to sing with her. He had a pleasant, deep voice, and since the piece they chose was both witty and popular it was not hard to listen, even though Mariah felt as if an oppressive shadow hung over her.

  After Sylvia had finished the piece and left the pianoforte the last drinks were served. Lucinda announced that she was tired and the ladies went up together, saying goodnight at the top of the stairs. Once in her room, Mariah locked her door, standing with her back against it for a moment. Then she shook her head and went through into her bedroom, ringing for her maid, who entered through the dressing room.

  She was being foolish. The count would not dare to attempt anything while he was a guest in the Duke of Avonlea’s house.

  * * *

  Mariah had decided that
she would take breakfast in her own room the next morning. It was her usual habit to rise and breakfast downstairs after either a walk in the gardens or a brisk ride out, with or without her groom. However, since the weather had turned frosty, she had decided to forgo the pleasure. Her maid was a little surprised by the request, but Mariah was being sensible.

  * * *

  Only when Sylvia came to her room an hour or so later did she declare that she was ready to go down.

  ‘Are you feeling unwell, dearest?’ Sylvia asked. ‘I thought it was your habit to ride or walk early in the morning.’

  ‘Yes, it is,’ Mariah agreed. ‘However, I thought I would have a lie in this morning. It is only another three days until our dance and I wanted to be full of energy so that I can dance the night away.’

  ‘You must be so excited,’ Sylvia said as they went down the wide staircase together. ‘I am surprised you have not felt the need to come up to town to buy things for your home. Perhaps you intend to do so once Christmas is over?’

  ‘Oh, no, I think I shall remain here until the wedding,’ Mariah told her. ‘I shall have plenty of time to buy things on my honeymoon. Besides, I still have not unpacked everything I bought in Italy and Paris. Andrew told me yesterday that another crate had arrived at Lanchester—and I had my own furniture sent there.’

  ‘Well, I suppose you have most of what you need. Winston did leave you such a lot of money.’

  ‘Most of the capital is tied up in various trusts or property,’ Mariah said. ‘I have lived within my means—but he was very generous to me. I still have some of the capital he settled on me when we married, though I have given some to a friend.’ Mariah looked at her, because there was something a little odd in her manner. ‘Is anything troubling you, Sylvia?’

  ‘No, of course not, dearest,’ Sylvia replied awkwardly. ‘I would not dream of…No, nothing is wrong.’

  Mariah took her by the arm, leading her into a small parlour where they could speak privately. ‘I know you are hiding something. Are you in money trouble, Sylvia—is Hubert?’