Page 66 of Captivating the Countess
“Quite the opposite. I simply wanted to be certain you’re being clear-headed. It makes no logical sense to harm her from all I can tell, unless there is something wrong with your books, and they fear she’s discovered it. Then every servant in the household is suspect, and we’re going about this all wrong.”
Rain rubbed his temples at the notion of widening his list of suspects instead of narrowing it. His molars couldn’t take it any longer.
Victoria bustled in, verified Bell had been sitting with Teddy, Alicia, Harry, Lady Dalrymple, and Lombard, and even drew a diagram of the whist tables so they could place who was where when the tables changed over.
“Sal retired to the drawing room when Alicia left the table. She can tell you who was in there. I saw Lady Pamela leave in a huff. I don’t know if she went upstairs or not. And I believe Helen ran out of coins and went into the drawing room before the game was over.”
“There’s no chance Nevins could have returned and been hiding somewhere?” Rain made notes. “He’s the one who insulted Bell.”
“He’s a particular friend of Helen’s, but I cannot imagine she’d risk your favor by doing such a thing. She’s really not very bright and needs your protection. Have you looked at her daughter’s leg? I’m afraid she may have hired a quack to fix it.” Victoria examined the chart Rain handed her and nodded approval.
“I shall have to do so, I suppose. If it hadn’t been for Drucilla, Bell might have been on those steps all night or longer. Thank you both. If Sal was in the drawing room, can you send her in to me?”
“When may we see the duke?” his sister demanded.
“I’d let you in right now, but then everyone else would ask the same. Can you wait until I have some notion of what I’m dealing with? He really is doing better, and Bell is keeping him entertained, for the moment.”
His sister didn’t like it, but Delahey led her out, reassuring her that they’d be at the bottom of this matter shortly. Rain wished he felt so confident.
The problem was—he had to condemn a friend or family member—or one of his staff!—someone they trusted. Unless, of course, he believed a ghost had pushed Bell. Rain stripped off his coat and lifted his weights while he pondered his next move. He really needed Bell to interrogate the servants.
Teddy barged in before Rain could work off enough steam to deal with him with appropriate composure. He wanted to bounce the brat out and teach him to knock.
“I want to marry Pamela.” Teddy flung himself down in the chair Delahey had vacated. “How large a settlement can I have if we remove ourselves to London? We’ll need a flat.”
“You’d rather marry a penniless actress than present yourself on the marriage mart?” Rain gave the weights one more swing before settling into his desk chair. “What brought this on?”
“She said it’s the only way she’ll stay as my model. She’s a perfect model. She doesn’t sit there like a cardboard cutout but can act any part I need.” Teddy looked petulant. “Name me a wealthy lady who can do that.”
“Any actress can do that if you pay them. Marry a wealthy lady and you can have a different actress every week. Be sensible for once in your life, Ted. Marriage is forever. Once you remove to London, Lady Pamela will wish to return to the stage. Modeling cannot be as exciting as the theater.”
“I promised her a theater of her own. Iambeing sensible. I need an art gallery that brings better prices for my work, and they’re in London. Investors for a theater are in London. If I don’t have to pay a model, I’ll earn more. I’ve thought it all out.”
Rainford rubbed the crease forming between his eyes. “If you have to pay for a flat instead of living here for free, you’ll go bankrupt in a year. And flats are as likely to have strange spirits to haunt you as country houses. Live in Sommersville and just travel into the city as needed. The place is sitting there empty, draining the coffers.”
“Pam wants to live in the city.” Teddy frowned and rubbed his hands on his knees. “But Sommersville... I know the haunts there. They might add an interesting effect...”
He got up and wandered out. Rainford closed his eyes, picked up a weight, and considered flinging it into the wall.
While Rain waited for Salina to put in an appearance, Franklin rapped at the study door. “Lord and Lady Ives to see you, my lord.” The butler held out the silver salver bearing a card.
“Gerard? Gerard is here? What in hell—” Dropping the weight he was lifting, Rainford reached for his coat.
Bell’s sister arriving could not be a good sign, but he had to admit, having someone not part of the household to lend a hand would be a relief. He thought.
Iona’s voice was already carrying through the entry hall. Neither of his visitors was likely to wait on ceremony.
“Watch out, Rainford, she’s worked up a full head of steam!” Gerard’s booming voice carried easily, as did his laughter at his new bride.
Still struggling into his coat, Rain exited his office and met his guests at the stairs. Gerard Ives wasn’t as tall as Rain but broader, with the usual Ives dark head of hair. His wife was Bell’s twin, although Rain could readily see the difference between quiet Bell and Iona, who tended to buzz busily like the bees she raised.
“What on earth brought you out in this weather? I thought you’d be on your way to Italy by now.” Rain gestured for them to enter the small drawing room.
Iona resisted. “Where’s Bell? The aunts telegraphed us of trouble. I want to see my sister.”
The blasted prescient aunts... who had sent Bell here in the first place.
Alicia popped out of the music room, where she’d no doubt been listening. “I can take you up. She’s entertaining our father while he recuperates. Lord Ives, a pleasure to see you again.” She bounced a curtsy. “You and Rain can have a nice chat—”
