Page 15 of The Confessions of a Lady
What in the bloody hell is the Duchess of Dorsett doing here?
The duchess was famous in the beau monde for her formidable presence, impressive wealth, and close connection with Queen Victoria herself. But only a small circle of people knew how dangerous she truly was. And Penny was one of those fated few.
The Duchess of Dorsett, Lady Philippa Winterbourne, filled the entryway with such presence, Penny was momentarily speechless. Resplendent in a burned-gold gown with black lace overlay, her midnight hair – streaked with silver – was piled high in a coiffure of such intricate curls and braids, Penny’s hands hurt thinking of the effort employed to create such a masterpiece. Black sapphires encircled the duchess’ neck and cascaded in a rainfall of sparks down her throat. She raised a perfectly sculpted jet brow.
A thrill of fear coursed through Penny.
Is she also investigating Lord Renquist?
The duchess was more than friends with Queen Victoria. Penny learned during her time working as a lady’s maid for Millicent Drake that Lady Winterbourne was a secret aid for the monarch, pursuing scurrilous lords and holding them accountable for their crimes. Exactlyhowshe held them accountable was unclear to Penny, but her guess was it involved a certain amount of violence given the last lord the duchess was investigating had met a grisly end in Major General Drake’s wine cellar four months prior. The same lord Penny had been investigating. Reynard Renquist. The Marquess of Stoneway’s younger brother. And now, she was here.
Lady Winterbourne’s presence at Lord Renquist’s residence could only mean one thing. The Queen suspected the marquess of crimes against the throne. And if the duchess found evidence of his guilt before Penny, she would miss another chance to earn the reward money to save her mother.
I can’t fail again.
But how on earth could she best Lady Winterbourne? Competing against the duchess in an investigation was a doomed enterprise. Dread filled Penny as she opened the door wide. Regardless of her feelings, one did not deny entrance tothe Duchess of Dorsett. ‘Your Grace, what are you… I mean to say, we weren’t expecting, that is… please do come in.’
The duchess swept past Penny. Jasmine and something more mysterious tickled Penny’s nose. Frankincense perhaps, or sandalwood.
‘Penny. Millicent mentioned you had taken a new position. I must say it is fascinating to find you here.’ Lady Winterbourne’s cobalt stare unnerved Penny, as did the duchess’ recollection of her name. She was certain the woman’s sharp gaze could cut through all of Penny’s shields, exposing her secrets, penetrating the darkest corners of her soul, dismantling her one truth at a time. A frightening prospect indeed.
Penny bowed her head as much to protect herself as to show deference to the powerful woman. ‘I’m honoured you remember me at all, Your Grace.’
Lady Winterbourne’s blood-red lips stretched into a wicked smile. ‘I don’t forget anything, Penny. I certainly remember a promise you made to me about keeping the secrets of your mistress. A promise I hope you intend to honour, regardless of your new employment.’
Her words weren’t overtly threatening, but there was certainly a promise. Of what, Penny couldn’t determine, but she had no wish to find out.
‘Of course, Your Grace. I would never betray Lady Drake’s confidence, or yours.’
The duchess’ eyes flashed as she nodded. ‘Excellent. Now, I’m here to see the marquess. Please inform him of my presence.’
Penny swallowed.
Dear God. If the duchess kills the marquess in his study, I’ll never be able to prove his guilt. And the mess I’ll have to clean up. Blood stains are so hard to remove.
An alarming sense of loss filled her at the thought of Lord Renquist bleeding from a mortal wound. Probably because it meant she wouldn’t fulfil her mission.
Yes. That’s why I want him to remain alive. So I can punish him for his crimes. Not because I want to spar with him again in a war of words and wit.
Penny didn’t believe Lady Winterbourne wouldactuallykill anyone. At least, it seemed unlikely. Although, it wasn’t difficult to imagine the formidable duchess eliminating whatever obstacle might lay in her path, regardless of whether that obstacle happened to be a large, dangerous, self-professed low and dejected marquess.
There was also the issue of Lord Renquist’s reaction to an unexpected visitor. Even if that visitor was a duchess known to take tea with the Queen. It was a safe guess the marquess would not be enthused about entertaining Lady Winterbourne. But Penny could hardly send the duchess away now that she invited her into the entryway.
‘I don’t have all day, Penny.’ The duchess thwacked a jewel-crusted fan against her voluminous skirts.
Damnation.
She couldn’t keep dithering in the hall debating over whether the duchess was contemplating homicide. Penny straightened her posture and adopted her most respectful tone. ‘Certainly, Your Grace. If you would just follow me.’
She turned, endeavouring not to trip over her feet as she led the duchess to Lord Renquist’s most formal sitting room. She opened the door and gestured to a velvet, emerald settee. ‘I shall inform the marquess of your presence. Would you like some tea while you wait?’
‘Only if it comes with whiskey.’
‘Of course, Your Grace.’ Penny remembered how Philippa preferred her tea.
‘It’s good to see you, Penny. It would seem Millicent’s loss is Lord Renquist’s gain. Perhaps he is in more dire need of your services than she ever was.’ The duchess winked at Penny.
He needs my services about as much as he needs a visit from you. Unlucky man.
