Courting Intrigue: A Sweet, Regency Romance (The Bequest Series Book 2) Page 8

  Colour flooded her cheeks, and she tilted her head in inquiry. “Whatever do you mean?”

  “You act as though you are the most skilled servant in Ashburn Place, but really you ought to be one of its daughters, debuting amongst Society, not serving it. Surely you are playing a role just as much as any I might have done.”

  The girl stared at him, struck silent by his words momentarily. She blinked in silence, mulling over his words, but then suddenly she was again grinning at him.

  “Have you considered that someone might be duping Lester into being involved?”

  Brock had to take a breath to keep up with her return to the original subject. It was as though she had suddenly accepted his reasoning that they were both playing roles and needed to work together. Or she was still trying to defend her aunt’s stepson. Either way, the girl had a valid point.

  “I had thought of that but haven’t yet been able to find any evidence of anything aside from what I have already seen before coming here. And that, unfortunately, only implicates Lester, no one else.”

  “What form does your evidence take? If it’s so irrefutable, it must be tangible. Is it a letter? Did he write a letter to someone telling them about some sort of plot? What could be such strong evidence that you cannot be convinced, despite how dull witted Shepley is, that he cannot possibly be involved in your conspiracy?”

  “Yes,” he answered reluctantly. “He wrote a letter.”

  “And you’ve read it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Has anyone been able to verify that it is in actuality the viscount’s handwriting? I’ve read there are experts in such things, although I find it hard to believe.”

  “There are experts, you are correct, although it isn’t too terribly difficult to forge someone’s hand.”

  The girl laughed. “You aren’t really supporting your argument well.”

  “I’m trying to be honest with you.”

  “Very well, so you trust that this letter you have read truly is a work of Lester’s hand. And in it he implicates himself for being involved in treasonous acts. What has he done?”

  “As far as we can tell, he hasn’t done anything yet. Although being involved in the plot is enough to be charged with treason,” Brock added. “But we want to stop the event completely. They are planning an attack on the prince.”

  Brock stifled his feelings of attraction as the girl watched him; her intelligent eyes widened slightly and blinked rapidly as she absorbed his words. “Someone is planning to kill the prince? But why?”

  “I would expect to disrupt the government and throw it into chaos.”

  “But why not the king?”

  Brock was impressed with her reasoning ability. “For one thing, the king is in failing health. These conspirators must be thinking of a long-term effect. For another, there was already an attempt on the king. He is more heavily guarded now. And of course, with his poor health, he doesn’t go out very much. The prince is far more active in his stead these days. He is a much easier target.”

  Lillian was nodding as though in agreement with his words. “And from what I’ve read, the prince isn’t of a mind to listen to council, so he is likely to turn up periodically without any protection at all. I would say he’s a vulnerable target if someone actually has it in mind to do him harm.” She paused in thought for a moment. “But he seems to be such a sweet gentleman, I find it difficult to believe anyone would want to cause him any harm.”

  “You mustn’t consider that it’s anything personal. These villains just want to stir up trouble.”

  “But why?” the young woman insisted. “Trouble just for the sake of trouble? That seems too risky, doesn’t it? Trouble for the sake of trouble is setting fire to your granny’s shed, not trying to kill a prince of the realm.”

  Brock grinned at the imagery she conjured. And she wasn’t wrong. “It’s not just for the sake of causing trouble. When we know more, we’ll understand the motivation. It is likely that another government is involved. If the kingdom is thrown into chaos with the death of either the king or the prince, we would be much easier to invade, wouldn’t you imagine?”

  Her gasp was sufficiently satisfying to bring a grin to Brock’s face. She understood the seriousness of the matter now. Or perhaps not. She began to shake her head once more.

  “There is no way Lord Shepley would be involved in a plot that would include an invasion of the kingdom. As I told you, he is loyal to the crown. He considers it his obligation as viscount.”

  “I will grant you that it is likely he doesn’t realize what he is involved with. That doesn’t make it any less dangerous.”

  Now she was nodding, her intelligent gaze locked on his. “No, in fact, it makes it all the more dangerous. If any of the participants do not realize the seriousness, they will not be on guard.” She paused, looking away. “Very well, my lord, I will do what I can to help. I, too, am a loyal subject and cannot risk there truly being a plot against either of those dear men. Where all have you already looked? And what exactly are we looking for?”

  Chapter Nine

  Lillian tried to keep her focus on the task at hand – helping her aunt plan the table setting for the final meal of the house party. It was a struggle, though, because she was torn between relief that the party was nearly over and disappointment that she would no longer be seeing the earl. They had been spending more time together, endeavouring to discretely search Ashburn Place for clues as to Lester's involvement in the conspiracy. They hadn’t yet found anything. Lillian was certain Sedgwick was wrong in his allegations, but they still hadn’t searched the steward’s office, so she had agreed to withhold final judgment until they had managed to do so.

  “You aren’t attending to a single word I’ve said, are you?”

  Lillian jumped, and guilty heat flooded her cheeks. She offered her aunt a rueful smile as she put her arm around her in a sideways hug. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Vi. You’re quite correct, my mind was elsewhere.”

  “Wherever could it have been? I would almost think you had developed a tendre for someone with the way you are acting.”

  Lillian’s face heated even more. She tried to laugh away her aunt’s words. “That is just ridiculous, Aunt Violet. There isn’t anyone here that could possibly warrant my warmer feelings.”

  “Not even that handsome Earl of Sedgwick?”

  Now Lillian’s face was on fire, but she still tried to brazen it out. “Why would you ask that?”

  “Because even I can tell he is a little out of place here with Lester’s friends. Of all the men you’ve ever encountered, he seems most likely to be someone you would find interesting. And your lack of attention this morning tells me you have found something to interest you.”

  “I am amazed that you are able to keep your focus on the task sufficiently, to be honest, Aunt Violet. I saw your eyes straying toward Lord Avery far more often than was necessary this morning.”

  Lillian’s embarrassment over her aunt’s words wasn’t enough to disguise her amusement when the viscountess’ face flamed with her own discomfort.

  “I was doing nothing so vulgar as to stare at the earl.”

  “Of course not, my dear aunt, you would never stoop to stare at a gentleman. But you were certainly glancing numerous times.”

  Lady Violet laughed. “Well you cannot blame me. The man is certainly attractive.”

  Lillian offered an answering grin. “That he is. That silver hair is surprisingly distinguished. I would have never thought I would consider an older man so handsome.”

  “I think it’s the fact that he seems so spry.”

  “And the fact that all that silver hair is so very abundant. And it contrasts so deliciously with his blue eyes.”

  “And the crinkles at the edges of his eyes when he smiles.”

  Lillian laughed again. “I haven’t noticed those. I don’t think he’s been smiling at me nearly as much as he’s been smiling at you.”

  “Oh no,” Violet proteste
d. “The man does not approve of me. He hasn’t been smiling toward me at all.”

  “I beg to differ,” Lillian argued. “Perhaps not about the disapproval. That cannot be helped while we’re in the same household as Shepley, but I’m pretty sure he’s been smiling at you ever since he arrived.”

  “But his daughter told me he hadn’t wanted to allow her to come.”

  Lillian shrugged. “If you had a daughter, would you have wanted to allow her to come to Lester’s house party?”

  Violet opened her mouth as though to argue and then shut it with a snap. “Very well, you have a point.” Her gaze turned shrewd as she looked at her niece. “If we will follow that reasoning, then, I ought to do all in my power to get you out of this house, shouldn’t I?”

  Lillian grinned at her aunt. “Find one of your friends who needs a companion, and I’ll be out of here in a heartbeat.”

  “That is not what I meant, and you know it.”

  “Aunt Vi, you and I both know full well that your stepson is not going to sponsor me for a Season. And I’m not sure if I would even want one. My idea is much better.”

  “But I came up with a brilliant idea to get Lester to do just that.”

  Lillian just looked at the viscountess with raised eyebrows, and the other woman continued.

  “If I tell Lester I would like to remarry, he will be eager to be rid of me, I’m sure. He’ll then give us the necessary funds, as he will have to agree that I would need a companion.”

  “But you don’t want to remarry,” Lillian protested.

  “It might not be so very bad,” Violet answered and then blushed as Lillian’s gaze turned shrewd.

  “If it was the handsome silver-haired earl, do you mean?”

  Lady Violet protested. “I am not setting my cap at the man, if that’s what you’re thinking. Besides, I’m not sure if I would be able to get past the thought that he didn’t respect me.”

  “I can see that respect would be important, but you haven’t really gotten to know the man at all. Perhaps he could develop a great deal of respect for you.”

  There was a momentary pause while the two women smiled at each other, but then Lillian marred the peaceful moment with a frown.

  “Wait a minute, you’re just considering this for my sake, aren’t you?”

  Violet made to protest, but Lillian overrode her.

  “Aunt Violet, you are not responsible for me. You have to accept that. You did your best when I was young and had nowhere to go, but I’m a fully grown woman now and can fend for myself. I would hate it if you ended up in a miserable marriage for the rest of your days out of some misguided attempt to set me up with a comfortable life. I will be perfectly comfortable when I can come into my funds.”

  “Ten pounds,” Violet scoffed. “That’s next to nothing.”

  “Only to someone who has gotten used to spending ridiculous sums, but I haven’t. I swear to you, I shall be perfectly fine with my ten pounds and my bakery. I’ll be better than fine, in fact. It’ll be perfect for me.”

  “But that’s still four years away.”

  “Four years, three months, and twenty-seven days, but who’s counting?” Lillian laughed. “But if you could help me to find a position, the time will fly by, and I’ll have all the more funding set aside to help with my bakery when I actually inherit.”

  Violet sighed. “Very well, as I promised you, I will write to my friend once the house is empty.”

  Lillian shuffled her papers and returned to the task at hand. “Thank you. Now, would you like me to seat you in such a way that you can discretely watch the handsome earl throughout the meal?”

  Violet cast her niece a wry glance. “No, I want you to sit me beside the Earl of Sedgwick, so I can discover what you find so very fascinating about that handsome man.”

  Lillian laughed. “I told you, I am not fascinated with him in the least.”

  Violet didn’t even acknowledge her words. “I don’t see you writing, my dear. How am I to give you a good recommendation if you don’t do as I ask?”

  Lillian laughed again. “Very well, very well, I’m writing as we speak.”

  The rest of the interlude passed in equally pleasant camaraderie. Before too many moments had ticked by on the clock they were as prepared as they were going to be for the final evening.

  “You’re absolutely certain the cook knows exactly what we want?” Violet fretted.

  “Completely certain. And the kitchen is stocked to the ceiling with every possible supply. There will not be a shortage, I can assure you. We also have a few extra girls from the village coming in for the day to help with any last minute preparations and cleaning duties as well as to ensure that the footmen will all be free to circulate with trays.”

  “You’ve thought of everything,” Violet remarked. “I do think you ought to consider being a countess. It is well within your skill set.”

  Lillian burst into laughter. “You are irrepressible, my lady. Also within my skill set is to run a small bakery in my home town.”

  “Do you really think the Countess of Sherton will be that eager to support your small business? Surely she will consider it strange that a gently born woman has gone into trade.”

  “You are worrying overmuch. I know I will require her patronage, but from what I remember of her, she is not a small-minded woman. She will not begrudge me my efforts and will not stand in my way.”

  “She may not stand in your way, but you will need the support of the biggest house in the area, will you not?”

  Lillian didn’t bother arguing, relieved that her aunt was finally speaking about it as an accepted fact. “Perhaps you could write to her for me, after you find me a position as companion.”

  Violet rolled her eyes and laughed but allowed the subject to drop, returning to the original subject at hand. “Have you finished with the seating arrangements? I think that’s the last of the planning, isn’t it?”

  “That it is, my dearest aunt. And now we will have the house back to ourselves in just another two days.”

  “Won’t it be lovely to have a little peace and quiet?”

  “Absolutely,” Lillian agreed with wholehearted enthusiasm, although she doubted they would have total peace unless Lester were to leave with some of his friends. “Have you heard from Lester as to what his plans are?”

  “No, and I haven’t asked. I’m hoping one of his friends needs help choosing a horse or something.”

  Lillian giggled. “No doubt one will.” Getting to her feet, Lillian excused herself from her aunt’s presence. “I ought to check on the maids and make sure all is progressing with their tasks. And it must be time for you to start your evening toilette.”

  “You ought to be joining us for at least these final entertainments.”

  “Do you think Shepley has changed his mind about me?” Lillian kept her tone even so that neither her irritation nor her disappointment would show.

  “No, you’re right, he hasn’t said anything. But since we’ve invited all the surrounding gentry, surely you must be included.”

  “Well, if I was to attend, we would have to rework the entire seating arrangements, and that would just be too tedious. Never mind about me. I shall have my festivities when the house has returned to normal. It isn’t likely to be to my liking, anyway.”

  With those words, Lillian made good her escape. She ran on light feet up to her room to pass a comb through her hair and splash cool water on her face. Her tasks were not nearly over. She would have to hover over the rest of the staff until the exalted guests had dined, played, and were settled for the night. She hadn’t been exaggerating when she said it would be her turn for festivities once everyone was gone. She was nearly exhausted from the work of keeping such a large entertainment on track. Especially when so many of the aristocratic guests thought that everything should revolve around them.

  Lillian rolled her eyes at the thought of some of the demands that had been made, especially by the ladies. The only thing t
hat had saved her was that, as a viscountess, Lady Violet outranked most of the guests. Only a couple countesses were of higher rank, and they were all older and polite chaperones of some of the overbearing debutantes. Lillian shuddered to think what would have happened if Lester had invited any duchesses. Not that any of them would have accepted his invitation, but it would have been a trial to bear.

  Chapter Ten

  The evening was just about over. The dinner had been a success. There hadn’t been any broken or spilled dishes, and many compliments had been extended to the cook. The musicians were playing what Lillian was almost certain was the last dance. Most of the older guests had already sought their beds. Only the youngest guests were still stepping lively.

  Lillian’s gaze was ensnared by the Earl of Sedgwick, as he motioned her toward the back stairs. She felt her face pale. He wanted to search the steward’s office. It would be better to wait until all were abed, on the one hand. But if they were caught by some chance, it would be easier to brazen out if there were still some guests about. Being caught wasn’t an option, anyway. If Lillian was to help the earl, they needed to remain undetected. Lillian was still convinced there had to be some mistake about Lester’s involvement. If she helped the earl with this last search, he would have to agree with her and leave with the rest of the departing visitors.

  Bracing herself and squaring her shoulders, Lillian marched off in the direction he had indicated. Now was, no doubt, the best possible time to take such a foolhardy risk.

  “I didn’t see you about at all today,” the earl commented quietly as they made their way down the hallway.

  “Were you looking for me?” Lillian asked, surprised by his words. “I wasn’t hiding. There is a great deal of work involved in having this many people around.”

  “I’m sure it is, although you make it look easy.”

  Lillian had to stifle her laughter in order to not be heard. His admiring tone made her even more nervous than she had been. Now was not the time, she admonished herself.

  “The steward’s office is just behind the viscount’s library, the next door on the left,” she whispered.