A Houseparty to Die For (Rogues and Rakehells Mystery Book 5)

by Lindsay Downs

  Finding Julia relaxing on a chair, enjoying the shade from an oak, he noticed she was talking with Ida’s mother, Augusta. Then he remembered the two ladies had known each other for years. Should he approach them and request a private meeting later with Julia or wait until she was alone, which probably wouldn’t happen as the two seemed to be deep in conversation.

  Deciding to wait, he continued to make sure the other chaperones were enjoying themselves. Much to his pleasure it seemed they were.

  Several hours later, after a delicious luncheon, Justin lifted Prudence onto the back of Lilac then climbed onto Sullivan’s back. Once the others were mounted, he nodded and they started back to the mansion.

  Riding into the stable yard, he reversed the process with Prudence then relinquished their horses over to grooms.

  “As we’ve time before the others arrive, after we refresh shall we meet in the office?” Justin recommended.

  “Yes, but we should hurry as the others will be back soon,” Nash said.

  Accepting nods of agreement from everyone, Justin guided Prudence into the mansion. At the second floor he bowed to her then watched as she swept down the corridor. Turning and with a frown she wouldn’t be joining him, yet, he stormed down the hall and into his suite.

  “Vance, good I’m glad you’re here. This evening I’ll want to wear the black jacket and trousers. For now, though, I’ll not bother changing.”

  “Very good, m’ lord. I’ll make sure the wrinkles are taken out of them and have your bath water here at six of the clock.”

  With his needs taken care of and shrugging back into the jacket he’d worn all day, Justin made his way down to his office. No sooner had he stepped in then Prudence along with Jessica, Amelia, and their husbands entered. He waited until everyone had made themselves comfortable on settees.

  “As all of you must know, The Duke and Duchess of Kinsax along with Lady Phoebe have departed the house party. It seems her attitude didn’t meet with their approval. The duke even threatened to send Phoebe to India. Before you ask why there, I’ve no idea.”

  “Justin, from her behavior since arriving I’m not surprised at this news. As I mentioned earlier, now with her gone Lara and Anna might strengthen their resolve to cause trouble for me,” Prudence stated.

  He knew why she’d said what she had as to the best of his knowledge none, except Amelia, had seen the heated discussion between the two young ladies. Now, with this revelation, his and Prudence’s friends were made aware.

  The sound of carriages rolling into the courtyard drew Justin’s attention.

  “Ladies, gentlemen, might I suggest we not inform the others as to the specifics of why Phoebe and her parents left. Of course, this will cause all sorts of speculation and wonderment, but I believe that’s for the best.”

  “Justin, what should we tell the others if they ask?” Prudence said.

  “If I may. Tell them the duke was called away on business. It’s well known amongst the members of the ton he has interests in many ventures,” Nash recommended.

  “Yes, that’s a sound suggestion. Now, shall we adjourn only to meet up at half six here. Then, as a group repair to the dining room. If anything, this will inform Lara and Anna we are determined to make sure nothing untoward happens to you.” Justin glanced directly to Prudence.

  “Thank you, Justin.”

  With that, they departed leaving the host to handle a few pieces of estate business. At least that was the impression he wished to give them.

  Chapter Seven

  Stepping into the hall, Prudence glanced over her shoulder back to Justin. What she saw, him leaning forward with his head cradled in his hands, had her worried. She started to reenter the office when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.

  “What?” she said softly, so her word wouldn’t carry to Justin.

  “Come with us. We’ve things to discuss,” Jessica whispered.

  Considering the bright smiles from her and Amelia along with the fact their husbands were nowhere in sight, Prudence suspected whatever they wished to talk about had to do with her and Justin.

  She linked her arms with theirs and let them lead her to the second floor and the family wing. Strolling down the corridor in silence, Prudence began to worry something was wrong. Could it be the sudden departure of Phoebe? No, as Justin had explained the reason for them leaving.

  “My dear, you seem concerned where there is no reason to be,” Amelia said as they swept into the sitting room.

  Settled on a settee, Prudence focused on Jessica. “What’s the problem?”

  “None for us, but there could be a bit of a one for you. While we were changing, we both learned something highly interesting from our husbands.”

  “Yes. It seems men are unable to keep secrets as we ladies can. But, before we get to what we learned we’ve a question for you,” Amelia said.

  “If what you wish to know is do I have affections for Justin, I thought we already chatted about that, and the answer is I do.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear. I’d also recommend you practice saying those last two words,” Jessica told her.

  Now, she was even more confused than before. Why should she rehearse “I do”? No it couldn’t be. Was he…?

  “Prudence, what we learned from our husbands is precisely that Justin also has very strong feelings for you as well. Shortly, most likely this afternoon, he will be speaking with your mother. One of the topics will be having her send for the earl so Justin may ask permission to offer for you,” Amelia explained.

  Prudence could feel some of the blood drain from her head on hearing this. After a moment, she started to feel a little better to where she was able to think clearly. Granted, her father never was all that interested in London, thusly he might not have heard of Justin and his former roguish ways. This was in her favor. Again, a question entered her mind. Why her? Had this been Bianca and her mother’s plan all along? Not so much to marry her off but do it to her perfect mate?

  “Ladies, if what you say is true, when do you believe Justin will make the offer?”

  “Let me ask you this, if the letter to the earl was sent by rider tomorrow, when would he arrive?” Amelia asked.

  “It took mother and I a full day to get here from the estate. That being said, on the outside, I’d hazard by the end of this week.”

  “Then by Saturday Justin will offer for you, once he and the earl have had time together,” Jessica stated.

  Without any warning, Prudence could feel her stomach churn as if she’d sipped on spoilt milk. Slowly, she forced herself to take in and release deep breaths in the hope that would help calm her. After a few minutes, she glanced over to Jessica then Amelia and attempted to smile, but failed. Then she realized why she wasn’t feeling well. Panic at what could happen soon. Never had she thought this would happen to her.

  “Are you all right?” Amelia asked.

  “Yes, but only a little. I’m still worried what Lara and Anna will do on hearing this news.”

  “Nothing. With Phoebe gone, they will toe the line and behave and be respectful to you,” Jessica added.

  “From our husbands we, once the earl arrives and speaks with Justin, will be able to learn exactly when he will offer for you. In the meantime, we need to plan how to handle him when the time comes. Traditionally, the gentleman will ask for his lady’s hand before dinner, usually in one of the parlors. Those present will only be family and close friends,” Jessica explained.

  “Prudence, if you’re like the other young ladies present, you brought several ball gowns. Even sight unseen, none of them will do. You will need to have one specially made for the event. So, tomorrow, as very little in the way of activities are planned we, the three of us and your mother, will take a carriage ride into the village,” Amelia declared.

  “And I agree with the ladies,” Julia announced as she swept in.

  “Mother, how did you know where I was?”

  Prudence slid over so her mother could join h
er on the settee.

  “When I went to our suite and you weren’t there, I knew Jessica and Amelia had taken you someplace quiet to talk. It was easy to find you here as this is only for family and select guests. Now, if I may steal you away, I want you to rest before dressing for the evening. Also, I’ve been informed Justin wishes to have a few minutes of my time. Would you know what it could be about?”

  “Most certainly. He will wish you to send for father. Justin wishes to ask for my hand but first needs his permission.”

  “Let’s get you back to our suite, then I need to change so I can meet with our host,” Julia declared.

  With head bobs to Jessica and Amelia, Prudence followed her mother back to the ladies’ corridor and their room. Once there, with help from the lady’s maid, Prudence slipped out of her day dress and into her dressing gown. Picking up the same book she’d been reading, she settled herself on the same window alcove as before. Within a few minutes she felt the book slip from her hands as her eyes closed.

  ****

  A knock on the office door brought Justin’s head up and a smile to his lips.

  “Lady Julia, please come in,” he declared, then stood and marched over to escort her to the settee.

  He waited for Julia to get settled then took a chair opposite her.

  “I’ve asked for this brief meeting as I am seeking a favor from you.”

  “Is it to pen a letter to the earl asking for him to join us.”

  “Yes. Would you? As I’m wishing to make my formal addresses to Lady Prudence.”

  “Congratulations, but sending a note to him won’t be necessary. On seeing your and my daughter’s reaction to each other, I knew Bianca had been correct. You see, she knew you’d both be perfect for each other. Later, I had one of the guards return to our estate with the aforementioned letter. If everything goes as planned, he should be here late tomorrow afternoon.”

  Justin did his best to school his reaction to this piece of news. He’d planned on having several more days as he still had something which needed doing-the betrothal ring. Considering how the last countess had been a traitor to the Crown, he wasn’t about to use the current one. He was blessed with the knowledge there weren’t any particular events planned tomorrow.

  Now there was. He’d need to ride into the village and speak with the jeweler to have one designed and made. If he gave the man twice what was needed, Justin knew he’d have the piece in less than two days. First though, he needed to have a private conversation with Matt and Nash. This way he would know what gems should be in it, not to mention the pattern.

  “Julia, thank you very much. I look forward to speaking with the earl. My last question, is Prudence aware he’s arriving on the morrow?”

  “I’m pleased to say she’s not, and it will remain that way until he arrives. I believe she, along with Amelia and Jessica, have made plans for tomorrow. What they are, I’m not sure as they didn’t wish to share.”

  “Again, thank you. Will we be seeing you at dinner?”

  “Yes, and I look forward to you joining Prudence in another song afterward.”

  Justin stood, then assisted Julia to stand. Once she swept from the office he rang for Leland.

  “Yes, m’ lord?” the butler announced on entering the room.

  “I need you to hunt down Lords Nash and Matthew. Most likely they are in their suites. Tell them I need to meet with them post haste.”

  “At once, m’ lord.”

  Once the butler left, Justin stepped over to the bookcase behind the desk. Moving one of the shelves, he opened a secret compartment. From a drawer, he withdrew several light blue velvet bags. Taking them to his desk, he carefully opened them then spilled their contents out onto the blotter. Slowly, he separated them by color, hoping to come up with the new Rosewood design.

  After several frustrating minutes without any success, he was about to return the stones to their bags when Nash and Matt marched in.

  “What’s so important as to drag us away from our wives,” Nash demanded.

  “Gentlemen, it would seem I’ve a slight problem. I just spoke with Julia, Prudence’s mother. She informed me the earl will be here late tomorrow.”

  “So, what’s wrong with that. You’ll get permission to offer for her earlier than you’d hoped,” Matt stated.

  “It’s not that. I know he will bless our union. My problem is that I don’t have a ring to present Prudence when she accepts me. And before you say, what about the current countess ring, my answer is no. To me it’s tainted, and I don’t wish to start our life together with that thought.”

  “On that point I can speak for Matt when I say we agree. How can we help?”

  “As you can see I’ve been looking over the gems I inherited. On the down side, I can’t think of a design which would suit.”

  “It’s simple. You’re the Earl of Rosewood so why not have the ring made into a rose. I see you’ve many ruby pieces, and I’m sure a skilled jeweler can take them and do as you need,” Matt stated.

  “Then I shall. I want to thank you for your assistance, and please, do me a favor. Don’t say anything to your wives about the earl’s arrival and the ring. I wish to make everything a surprise for Prudence.”

  “Trust me, we won’t say a thing to them. If you’ll excuse us, we need to get ready for dinner.”

  Giving his friends a nod, he waited until they left, then collected the rubies and put them in one of the bags. As a last thought he selected one of the medium sized diamonds and included it. If things worked out it would be the center of the ring. That though, would be up to the jeweler if it could be done. Secreting the other pouch where he’d taken them from, he took the other and climbed the stairs to his suite.

  Later, dressed for the evening, Justin returned to the office where he was greeted by his friends. What made him happy was the inclusion of Prudence and Julia.

  “Ladies, this is indeed a pleasure. To what do I owe the honor of your presence?”

  “It’s very simple. We, that is Jessica and I, decided to include them in this little gathering before dinner. This way, when we descend to the dining room, you will have Prudence on your arm. That way, all the guests will learn she holds a special place with you,” Amelia declared.

  At least now, and then in a few days when he offered for Prudence, that wouldn’t come as a complete surprise for the guests.

  “Then it will be my privilege to escort the most beautiful lady to dinner,” Justin stated.

  Regrettably, Justin noticed two gentlemen glare at him, which he partially ignored.

  “What, I’m not allowed to express my opinion? To me Prudence is, and I will defy any of you to dispute that fact,” Justin pronounced, then glanced her way to see her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink.

  The sound of the gong announcing dinner halted any further discussion on the subject, which made Justin happy. Offering his arm to Prudence, which she refused in favor of taking his hand in hers, they led everyone to dinner.

  Chapter Eight

  After a wonderful excursion into the village to meet with the dressmaker, Prudence swept into the shared suite. Seeing her trunks being packed, she came to a halt and turned back to her mother.

  “What’s going on. Don’t tell me we’re leaving?” she demanded.

  “No, dear. You’re being moved into the family wing as the earl will be arriving late in the afternoon.”

  Prudence could feel her heart lighten on hearing the news, that her father would be speaking with Justin soon, and she’d be down the hall from him. Possibly, either he or she might have a very late-night meeting. She tried to hold back her happiness but seemed to fail on seeing her mother glower back at her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “As I knew you’d be pleased it wouldn’t be proper for you not to be chaperoned while being so near Lord Justin. I spoke with Lady Augusta, before we left for the village, and Lady Ida will be sharing the suite with you,” Julia declared.

  Wishing to m
oan her disappointment, Prudence restrained herself as it wouldn’t make things better. With a head bob, she watched Jane step up, a light-green day dress draped over her arm.

  “M’ lady, let’s get you and Her Ladyship into comfortable dresses as the luncheon gong should be sounding soon,” their maid recommended.

  Changed, and with her hair in a simple chignon, Prudence smiled to her mother then swept over to the family wing. As she’d said, to see her new suite. What Prudence avoided mentioning, on learning how close would she be to Justin’s.

  Seeing two footmen carrying a trunk, not hers, into a suite she quickened her pace, while maintaining a lady’s dignity. Prudence stopped just inside the door and glanced around. This suite was just as beautiful as her previous one, except the color. The room was decorated in various shades of blue which pleased her greatly. Next to pink, this was one of her most favorite colors, even to the point of having the gown especially being made in light blue. Stepping further in, she glided over to the window which overlooked the garden and was able to see as far as the river.

  The sound of footsteps had her turning as Ida swept in with a wide smile on her face.

  “Isn’t this going to be fun. I couldn’t believe the news when my mother informed me I’d be sharing a suite, here of all places, with you,” Ida announced.

  “Yes. My only question, what do we do for a lady’s maid? Jane, ours, is my mother’s. What about you? Did you bring yours?”

  “Um, no.”

  “Then ladies, I’ve the perfect solution,” Mrs. Harper spoke from the door.

  Glancing past Ida, Prudence watched as the housekeeper entered with a middle-aged maid following.

  “This is Holly. She’ll be assisting with your needs.”

  Accepting the curtsey with a head bob, Prudence peered over to her friend and smiled.

  “I’m going to collect my art supplies and have them taken down to the back lawn. I plan to continue working on the portrait of His Lordship after we dine,” Prudence uttered.

  “That’s a wonderful suggestion as I plan to do the same.”