The Countess Intrigue by Wendy May Andrews Read Free Book Online Page B

she promised as the strains of the waltz drew to a close.
    She offered him a brief curtsy and then turned on her heel and departed his company without a backward glance.

    * * *
    C onstance and Emmaline were quick to surround her. “You just danced with the Evil Earl of Heath?” Emmaline was aghast and avid with curiosity all at once.
    “I really don’t think you should call him that, Lady Emmaline,” Elizabeth could hear the reprimand in her voice and cringed at the thought of the gossip that would ensue.
    “You haven’t set your cap for Lord Sinclair, have you?” Constance was quick to follow her sister’s lead.
    “No, I have not done something so vulgar as to set my cap for anyone, let alone the Earl of Heath. It was just a dance, ladies, nothing to cause alarm.”
    “It looked a little more involved than just a dance,” Emmaline commented snidely, her eyes bright with curious glee. “He really is a handsome man, but I would be afraid if I were you, Lady Elizabeth.”
    “I appreciate your concern,” Elizabeth replied drily. She refused to grant either of the other women the satisfaction of knowing that she shared their concerns. She would not sink to their level of gossip and innuendo. “That was a vigorous and long dance, I am just going to go to the refreshment room and get a glass of punch. Enjoy your evening,” Elizabeth dismissed them as carefully as she could manage, not wanting them to accompany her but also not wishing to stir up their curiosity either.
    With relief she left them both behind and made her way to the room where Lady Oliver had arranged for refreshments to be served. Elizabeth really did feel the need for a drink before she went in search of the picture gallery and her appointment with the earl. Nerves made her mouth run dry. She wished she could bring the punch bowl with her. She felt like giggling over the silly thought and realized she was bordering on hysterical over the crazy stunt she was about to pull. But the earl was quite correct, Broderick needed to be stopped if he was still on the loose. She was certain Rosamund was safe, but she couldn’t be so sure that Broderick was under control, although she had full confidence in the Duke of Wrentham.
    Trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, Elizabeth made every effort to glide innocently from the room, making her way to the back staircase and climbing to the second floor as the earl had directed. No one else was about, and she felt very conspicuous standing in the large, empty room. Before she knew it, a warm hand closed around her arm and pulled her into another chamber. She hadn’t even noticed the open door and the handsome man standing there waiting for her.
    He shut the door with a quiet click and Elizabeth turned to him with her hand still clutching her throat in fear. “You nearly scared the life out of me, my lord.”
    “Did you not expect me to be here?” He stood very near to her, with his hand still on her arm. Her heart was hammering in her chest, first from the fright he gave her but now from his nearness. Realizing he was going to think her a simpleton, she tried to recover.
    “Well of course I did, but surely you realize my nerves are frayed from the impropriety of meeting you. But never mind about that, I don’t mean to be a ninny hammer, my lord. We ought not to spend any more time here than necessary. Before I tell you everything I know about Broderick, could you tell me why you want to know?” He finally let go of her arm and she took a small step back. She hoped he didn’t notice or realize that she found him attractive. That would just make this even more mortifying than it already is!
    “Why, my lady? Are you trying to defend him?” The earl sounded shocked as he questioned her.
    “No, of course not!” She was aghast at the thought. “Really, I am just curious. I would like to help you in your investigation if I could. I was helping my friend, Rose, investigate him a little bit and I found it