Page 55 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
The idea was refreshing.
As he walked down the slope towards where he assumed he would find the river, the number of lanterns decreased until only one small string hanging fromposts lit the way. He could see nothing either side of the path except a cluster of lights in the direction of the river.
As he drew closer, he could see the shape of the boat house, a few people sitting on benches on a dock, or milling about, and a couple of rowboats on the water near the dock.
No sign of the Countess, but something inside him said he would find her here, where people were doing risky things, like taking a boat out on the water with only the moon to light their way.
‘Good Lord, Derbridge. I didn’t expect to see you here.’
‘Julian, old fellow. Nor I you.’
They shook hands.
Julian introduced him to the people on the dock, none of whom he recognised, except the Countess’s brother-in-law.
‘I did not see you as someone who would enjoy this sort of romp,’ the Count of Lipsweiger and Upsal said. His teeth flashed white in the lantern light.
‘Nor I,’ Julian murmured.
Xavier shrugged. ‘I like to surprise. Is that your sister-in-law on the boat?’ he asked.
The Count peered out into the darkness of the river. ‘No. She was dancing the last time I saw her.’ He leaned closer to Xavier, lowering his voice. ‘May I offer a word ofadvice?’
‘About what?’
The Count glanced at Julian who took the hint and turned away to speak to one of the women.
The Count pursed his lips. ‘It is not my place, of course.’
The back of Xavier’s neck prickled strangely. There was something in the man’s tone that spoke of secrets. Xavier gave him a hard stare but saw only a blandness in his expression. ‘Speak up. I don’t bite.’
‘I suggest you beware of the Countess, that is all.’
‘Because?’ Xavier said.
The Count put up a hand. ‘Well, two husbands, two deaths… Enough to make any man wary, surely. But no doubt all a terrible coincidence.’
What the devil! Was he implying there was some truth to the Countess’s black widow title?
‘Ah, excuse me. Here are my friends. They will drown if they are not careful.’ He laughed lightly and moved off to assist a couple trying to alight from a skiff.
Frowning, Xavier gazed after him. He had no need of anyone’s advice. He was nothing if he was not careful. But the warning seemed strange coming from a relative the Countess seemed to like and trust. Perhaps the man desired her for himself.
An odd pang twisted in his chest. Jealousy? When did he ever have cause to be jealous of any man?
‘All is well?’ Julian asked, joining him again, also watching the Count steady the skiff.
‘Of course,’ Xavier said. ‘Why would it not be?’
‘You have a rather martial light in your eye, that is all. As if you want to give someone a good drubbing.’
Xavier shook off his dark thoughts. And clapped his friend on the shoulder with a chuckle. ‘Nonsense.’
He didn’t give a fig what the Count thought. He was perfectly capable of looking after himself.
A breathless young woman joined them on the dock. ‘Papa is going to unveil the sculpture for the bidding. He wants everyone to return to the ball room.’
Xavier sighed. It was only when he had read the invitation that he had realised that the main purpose for the gathering was to auction off a sculpture in support of a new art gallery.
