The Spurned Viscountess Part 24

Rosalind grinned at the two bleary-eyed men. "Just returning or leaving?"

"A night out," Charles mumbled, holding his head.

Mansfield grunted.

Rosalind arched a brow, her nose wrinkling at the scent of cheap perfume and stale tobacco originating from their clothes. "Coffee?"

"Thank you. You're looking very fetching today," Charles said. "How are you getting on with Hastings?"

Heat converged in her cheeks. Rosalind concentrated on pouring coffee without spilling it. Janet returned with a pot of chocolate. Rosalind poured a cup for herself. She blew on the hot liquid before taking a cautious sip.

"Ah," Charles said. "Will you be announcing the imminent arrival of an heir soon?"

Mansfield sipped his coffee, affecting a bored look. "I'm sure they'll tell us when they're ready. You don't need to prod for information, Charles."

"Am I embarra.s.sing you?"

"Yes," Rosalind said. On purpose, no doubt.

Mansfield yawned, holding up a languid hand to cover his gaping mouth. "A group of us are going on a pastoral outing today. Would you like to join us?"

Rosalind glanced out the window. A shaft of sunlight pierced the grimy gla.s.s, dust motes dancing about the floor. The lure of the warm suns.h.i.+ne and crisp air was like a siren song tempting her to play. She hesitated, thinking of Lucien's request for her not to leave the castle without him.

"You don't have to come," Mansfield said, fighting another yawn.

"No, it's not that. I'd love to go outdoors on such a beautiful day. When are we to leave?" Surely he couldn't object to his friends escorting her on an excursion.

"In an hour. Can you be ready by then?" Charles asked.

"Yes." She'd inform Lady Augusta of her destination, so Lucien wouldn't worry. She'd be safe in a group, especially with both Mansfield and Charles present. "Yes, I'll meet you in the courtyard."

An hour later the chaise clattered from the courtyard. Charles drove while Mansfield rode his bay alongside.

Charles cast her a quick smirk and snapped a whip to direct the pair to the dark avenue. "Hastings looks more relaxed these days. It's good to see him smile again. How is his memory?"

"Is Hastings's memory returning? That's good news." Mansfield clicked his tongue to urge on his horse.

His loss of memory haunted him. Rosalind had witnessed his troubled expression when he thought he was unwatched. "Just small flashes now and then. Nothing important. I think he finds the flashes more confusing than enlightening."

Mansfield glanced at Rosalind. "He would tell you."

She blushed at his meaning tone. Charles tapped the rumps of both horses with the whip to quicken the pace. A soft breeze tugged her hat as the chaise raced along the cliff-top road. The sea appeared calmer than normal, the roar of the waves more muted than usual. In the distance, a s.h.i.+p in full sail scampered toward the horizon.

Rosalind smiled at Charles. "I didn't ask where everyone is meeting."

"Lady Sophia and her mother, Lady Radford, are organizing the outing. It's taking place at the edge of the beech forest on their land. You'll enjoy the scenery. There's a brook with good fis.h.i.+ng."

Fool. In such a hurry to leave the castle, she'd neglected to ask the important where. Now she'd have to listen to Lady Sophia's digs all afternoon along with her veiled innuendos about witchcraft.

A pity she couldn't prove the other woman's perfidy. She could, however, make life uncomfortable for Lady Sophia. "Lady Sophia thinks I'm a witch."

Mansfield choked on a laugh. "We'd heard."

Charles c.o.c.ked his head, surveying her with clear interest. "Are you?"

"Of course not," Rosalind scoffed.

"You have a cat." Mansfield urged his horse onward to keep within conversation range. "A black cat."

"The two of you are as bad as Lady Sophia," Rosalind said. "The idea is nonsense. I don't wish to discuss it further."

Charles's mouth quivered as he fiddled with the silver lace at his left cuff. "There's a lot we're not allowed to discuss with you."

"We've arrived," Rosalind announced.

"So we have." Mansfield halted his horse and dismounted. After tethering his bay, he held his arm out to Rosalind and she placed her hand on it. The warmth from his skin seared her fingertips, usually a sure sign of a vision whether she wished it or not. She instinctively blocked, relieved when only a sense of urgency leaked through, along with one particularly lascivious memory of the previous evening. Hiding her blush by pretending to study the scenery, she made a mental note to ask Lucien if men and women really did that together. Perhaps they could try it soon.

"Is that Lady Sophia and Lady Radford arriving now?" she asked, wanting to direct the men's attention elsewhere while she grappled with her embarra.s.sment. If she wished to remain calm, she'd need to keep Mansfield at a distance, otherwise his bawdy thoughts would keep her in a state of turmoil.

"It is indeed." Once he'd secured the horses, Charles took possession of her other arm. "Shall we?"

Rosalind smiled but her muscles tensed. Concentrate. Concentrate. Inside her mind, ivy started to grow on her brick wall, the wiry green strands creating a second s.h.i.+eld to bolster her block. She did Inside her mind, ivy started to grow on her brick wall, the wiry green strands creating a second s.h.i.+eld to bolster her block. She did not not need to learn the lewd memories of both men. need to learn the lewd memories of both men.

They strolled toward the advancing calash. Several other conveyances followed in a procession. Pa.s.sengers and servants disgorged from the vehicles.

Lady Sophia approached with mincing steps, her nose wrinkled in a frown. "Lady Hastings, I didn't realize you were attending our small social gathering." Her smile was bright as it touched the two men but faded when landing on Rosalind. "It's very selfish of you to monopolize the company of two eligible men."

"Lady Sophia." Rosalind inclined her head sharply before turning a beseeching look on Charles to divert the chit's attention. Scheming hussy. Scheming hussy. When she could prove the charges, she'd call Lady Sophia on her treachery. When she could prove the charges, she'd call Lady Sophia on her treachery.

Charles closed one eye in a wink and offered his arm. "Lady Sophia, allow me to escort you."

"Nicely done," Mansfield said for her hearing only.

"Thank you." Rosalind drew a quick breath and focused on blocking Mansfield. She couldn't believe she'd left her gloves sitting on the dresser in her chamber. Mary wouldn't have let her attend a social gathering without her gloves. The memory of Mary's scolding succeeded in shoring up her mental wall even as tears misted her eyes. "How far do we need to walk?" she asked, conscious of the need to appear normal, especially with rumors of witchcraft flying around the village. The last thing she needed was more attention.

Mansfield stopped and turned to study her face. "You're very pale. How is your ankle?" He frowned in concern. "Should I carry you? You look like my sister when-I say! You're not increasing, are you?"

Indignation burst from her. "Neither you nor Charles have any right to ask such a personal thing. When Lucien and I have happy news to impart, we'll be sure to tell you."

His face froze momentarily before he smiled. "I'm sorry. You're right. My only excuse is that Charles, Hastings, and I are more brothers than friends. Hastings is the first to wed, and it changes things between us."

His thoughts jumped in agitation, and she caught a flash of jealousy before she calmed herself enough to block again.

"Do you think you'll marry soon?" She hid her surge of amus.e.m.e.nt. They were still like young boys at heart. Charles had told her Lucien and Mansfield were very compet.i.tive. Obviously, Mansfield still bore the cutthroat streak and allowed envy to creep into his thoughts. A very human reaction, and one she'd experienced with her cousin.

His mouth twisted. "My mother wants me to wed."

"But?"

"It's complicated."

"It usually is." Rosalind smiled, totally in charity with his reply. When Miranda had refused to entertain marriage with Lucien, the obligation had fallen to her. Family politics were always complex and fraught with danger.

The path narrowed and Mansfield ushered Rosalind in front of him. The need to block dissolved when she released his arm. A relief. Blocking for long periods of time always caused her head to ache.

Up ahead, the path widened into a clearing. Surrounded by trees, the gra.s.sy area reminded Rosalind of an island in the middle of the sea.

"Lady Hastings," Lady Radford called. "Would you help Sophia set out the tables and chairs while I direct the servants with the food? I want them to take particular care with the cherry tarts so they don't spoil. Perhaps if you finish before me you can direct them to set out the meats and pies. Have them spread a cloth to cover the food until we're ready to eat. Mansfield, there are more people to come. Perhaps you could wait and guide them to the clearing?"

Both Mansfield and Charles strode off with alacrity. Rosalind dithered, not wanting to go anywhere near Lady Sophia, not when her temper strained so close to the surface, but there would be no gainsaying Lady Radford. Steel cloaked the woman's softly voiced words. When Lady Radford's brows drew together, Rosalind nodded acquiescence and strolled over to Lady Sophia.

"I don't need your help," Lady Sophia whispered in a fierce tone when Rosalind joined her. She stuck her nose into the air and turned her back in a pointed snub. "Gerald, set the tables there and there. Place the chairs and blankets beneath the tree on the bank of the stream. Are you still here?" she demanded rudely.

Irritation flashed through Rosalind. She'd never done anything to incur Lady Sophia's wrath. Nothing. Yet, the woman had treated her like an imposter from the moment of their first meeting.

"Well?" Lady Sophia snapped.

Rosalind wasn't sure if she intended the remark for her or the servants. The servants weren't sure either and cast uneasy glances at Lady Sophia before her glare had them rus.h.i.+ng to carry out her instructions.

Rosalind took the opportunity to step closer. She grabbed Lady Sophia's forearm and grasped it tightly. Lady Sophia's thoughts came through loud and clear, bombarding her with their viciousness. The woman wanted Lucien and she intended to get him, by fair means or foul, even if his scarred face disgusted her.

Colorless sparrow. She is nothing She is nothing.

Right! That was it. She didn't need to listen to her insulting thoughts.

"Lucien is mine," Rosalind said in a low undertone, letting go of Lady Sophia's arm to break the connection. Anger throbbed between them. "Lucien is my husband and will remain mine no matter what accidents you arrange for me."

"You're a witch," Lady Sophia said.

"I notice you're not denying anything." Rosalind scanned the clearing to see if any of the servants or newly arrived guests were watching them. To her relief, the servants were engaged in setting out the tables and food while most of the men studied the stream, searching for trout. The women cl.u.s.tered around Lady Radford, their chatter and laughter ringing through the clearing. She turned her attention back to Lady Sophia. "I know you paid a maid to frighten me away."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

The surge of color to Sophia's cheeks told her the truth. "She's admitted ruining my clothes and causing me to fall down the stairs."

Lady Sophia narrowed her eyes, a smile of triumph curving her lips. "You can't prove it."

"Ah, but I can. Beth has confessed. She said you paid her to frighten me. She's willing to swear to it. Did you tell her about the secret pa.s.sage?" The maid hadn't confessed, of course. Not yet, but that wouldn't stop Rosalind from wringing the truth from Lady Sophia. "And I believe the men you paid to shoot at Mary and I while we were out walking will also confess. Did you pay a footman or a stable lad to shove me over the cliff, to place wasps under the pony's harness? Admit it. I know you paid the maid. She told me." Rosalind grabbed Lady Sophia's hand, hoping to gain more information to prove her perfidy. Lady Sophia wrenched away before she could read a thing.

"What tunnels? I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, Hastings won't believe you. As soon as he's free of your clutches, he'll marry me."

Yet Lady Sophia couldn't even look at Lucien's face. This was all because she desired a t.i.tle. "That's not what he said last night in our chamber." Rosalind couldn't help the trace of smugness. She relived the sensual caress of his callused hand when he touched her bare shoulder, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and savored the truth. Lucien loved her-his wife. She knew it even if he wasn't aware of the fact.

"He won't have anything to do with you when he learns you're a witch."

Rosalind snorted. "If I was a witch, I'd make a wart grow on the tip of your nose. He's heard the rumors and thinks they're nonsense."

"But everyone says you're a witch." Lady Sophia sounded bewildered and unsure.

"Because that's what you've told them. You're jealous. You see yourself as the lady of St. Clare." The sour expression on Lady Sophia's face told her she was right, and she pushed her advantage. "You will never, ever be in that position."

"You don't even share a bed with Hastings," Lady Sophia said smugly.

"Are you sure about that?" Rosalind allowed a smirk of triumph to form on her lips.

Lady Sophia's gaze snapped to Rosalind's. Indecisiveness played across her features. "You're lying."

"Our private relations.h.i.+p is none of your business. But I'll tell you this. Lucien and I are husband and wife-in every every way." way."

The color bleached from Lady Sophia's face. "That's not true."

"It won't be long before we have a child." Rosalind knew she was being petty, forcing the truth down Lady Sophia's throat, but the woman deserved it for her treachery. "Stay away from Hastings, or I'll press charges. The local magistrate will take a dim view of the matter. The scandal will ruin your reputation." Without another word, Rosalind turned away and sauntered over to the servants unpacking food from large cane baskets.

Charles strolled across the clearing to join her. "What was that all about?"

"A private discussion," Rosalind said.

"About Hastings?"

"Go and fish or something." Rosalind's lips twitched in the beginnings of a smile. "I must supervise the servants before Lady Radford takes me to task."

In truth, the servants didn't require instruction. They were efficient, well trained, and almost finished with their tasks. Instead, Rosalind used the time to ponder her situation. She wondered if Lady Sophia would heed her warnings. A child would certainly cement her claim on Lucien.

Lady Radford clapped her hands together and raised her voice for all to hear. "I thought we'd walk to the folly on the other side of the copse before we break our fast."

Enthusiasm greeted her suggestion, and most of the guests drifted down the narrow track in pairs.

Since she was still favoring her ankle a little, Rosalind found a pleasant spot on the bank of the stream and sat to mull over everything that had happened to her and Lucien. She'd read Lady Sophia easily. The other woman hadn't known about the tunnels. Her surprise had been evident. Puzzlement furrowed Rosalind's forehead as she pondered the matter. Was it possible there were two villains? Was Lucien right in thinking Hawk was responsible? She was unsure, but she needed to discover answers for Lucien somehow. It was the only way they'd find a measure of peace.

The time pa.s.sed agreeably, and Rosalind rose to pluck a bouquet of wildflowers for Lady Augusta. Soon men and women arrived back from their invigorating walk. Charles and Mansfield sought her out, Lady Sophia winging a scowl at her when she noticed the two men had left her bevy of suitors.

Charles noticed. "She really doesn't like you."

Lady Radford thankfully interrupted with an announcement. "Please let the servants know what you'd like to eat."

They broke into groups, taking seats at the tables s.p.a.ced around the clearing or sprawling out on blankets. Servants bustled about and a jovial mood ensued with gay laughter and repartee. A sudden shout broke into the joviality. Like everyone else, Rosalind turned to see who dared interrupt one of Lady Radford's rustic outings.

"What's the meaning of this interruption?" Lady Radford's steely tones cut through the burst of conversation.

The footman's face was red from exertion, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he gasped for air. "It's Mansfield's sister. Took a fall from her horse. They're asking for Mansfield."

Charles jumped to his feet. "We'll go now."

"Of course." Rosalind stood hastily. "I'm skilled with healing. I might be able to help."

"Surely you don't have to leave as well, Charles? You promised to tell us about the freak show at Bartholomew Fair." Lady Sophia fluttered her eyelashes at Charles, her lips shaped in a moue of disappointment. "We were looking forward to hearing about the wolf lady."