Page 27 of A Countess Never Tells

Chapter 12

Walking up to the Haxby townhouse, Ash breathed deeply, as if about to do battle. He would need all his courage and strength to admit to Lord Haxby what he’d done and try to help devise a plan to protect Kitty from Lord Baltimore’s scheme.

The butler took his card and showed him into a small receiving room furnished elegantly but sparsely. A room guests were not supposed to linger in, he assumed. One of the few pieces was a long sideboard on which sat a large decanter, probably brandy, and a tray of crystal tumblers. He’d likely need that comfort before this interview was through.

He remained standing, hoping to keep his focus and nerve on alert. To pass the time, and keep himself distracted from the coming interview, Ash perused the paintings displayed on the gold silk-covered walls. One was a still life, not very interesting, but the other was completely different, more arresting…and somehow disturbing.

The scene was a little outcropping of rock with an olive tree growing in the middle of it. Beside a bench and next to a stream two partially naked women sat, revealing themselves, perhaps trying to seduce what appeared to be two young Roman soldiers. There was something erotic yet desperate in the look on the women’s faces. Why would Lord Haxby have such a painting in this room? Almost as though he was taunting Ash, although he could not have known Ash would ever see it. It was a masterpiece, without doubt, able to evoke emotion from anyone who viewed it. Perhaps that was Haxby’s aim, to throw the visitors to this particular room off balance before any interview with him could take place. At least, that was what it was doing to Ash.

“I see you are admiring my Guardi, Lord Ashwood.”

The hackles on Ash’s neck rose, but he pulled his social mask into place and turned to greet Lord Haxby. Such a pity Kitty’s brother wasn’t less imposing. The gentleman stood six foot two at the least, broad of shoulder, built as though he should be a knight swinging a broadsword in the Middle Ages. Ash wondered how well his lordship wielded a modern rapier and prayed he never had cause to find out. “It is a distinctive work, my lord. It evokes a sense of unease in the viewer somehow. Is that your design in placing it here?”

Haxby smothered a grin. “I would like to say yes, but I confess my uncle had it commissioned several years ago when he was in Italy. He placed it here, and I’ve simply not had occasion to change it.” His eyes narrowed. “If it does its duty, I see no reason to replace it. But to what do I owe this call, Ashwood? You were supposed to be calling for Kitty, I believe, however the butler said you wished to speak to me.”

Ash drew himself up and summoned his own steely nature. “My call does have to do with Miss Tate.”

“Indeed. Imagine my astonishment.” The icy chill of Haxby’s voice only stiffened Ash’s resolve. “I would think you’ve done enough to ruin my sister’s reputation.”

“I have done no such thing, my lord.” Praying the countess had kept her word, Ash paused for Haxby’s refutation of his statement. When none came, he silently blessed the lady and continued swiftly. “I apologize for having Aldbury introduce me as Ashbrook, but as you yourself intimate, many brothers and fathers object strenuously to having me introduced to their female relations. When I saw Miss Tate at Lady Sutherland’s ball, I wished to meet her so badly I undertook the subterfuge. I wish now I had simply asked your permission, so we would not have this cloud of suspicion over us.” And that was true enough. He might not have been able to meet Kitty then, but it would’ve been better overall to have been truthful with her and her brother from the start.

Haxby grunted, but his features relaxed a trifle. “I abhor your actions, Ashwood, but I will accept your apology on my sister’s behalf.” He peered at Ash, who got a terrible sinking feeling that the man before him was about to run him through with a verbal sword. “Still, I wonder at it. Why have you come with this confession now? Are you perhaps about to make a declaration for her? Because I will tell you, I am not inclined to trust a gentleman with your reputation with my sister’s welfare and happiness.”

“That is not why I have come, my lord. Not exactly.” If Ash could’ve conjured a hole to open in the floor, he’d have willingly jumped in rather than make the next confession to Haxby. “I have information you need to be privy to regarding a wager I overheard just now at White’s.”

Glowering, Haxby crossed his arms across his chest. “Go on.”

“As I was finishing my repast, I happened to overhear two gentlemen behind me mention Miss Tate’s name. I didn’t recognize the speaker, but from their conversation I gleaned they were putting a plot in motion to seduce your sister.” Ash waited for the explosion, but the earl continued to stare at him, his gaze boring into Ash’s soul until he had to look away. “I went to the table, and the man who was making the wager turned out to be Lord Baltimore. He is—”

“I know Lord Baltimore. More importantly, I know his reputation. What did he say to you?”

“He said he’d have her on her back inside of a week.” Ash winced at the words.

Haxby’s face drained of color.

“I told him to cease and desist in this wager about Miss Tate or he would rue the day.”

“And his response?”

“He accused me of wishing to seduce her myself.”

“And do you, Lord Ashwood?” Lord Haxby sounded mild-mannered—and deadly.

“No, my lord.” Ash drew a deep breath. “I wish to marry her.”

Haxby’s eyes widened then narrowed. “You are making a bona fide offer for my sister’s hand?”

“I am, my lord. Whether you know it or not, I have been searching for a wife ever since I returned from Italy in early June. It has not, as you may believe, been an easy task to accomplish. I saw your sister in the theatre from afar and instantly wished an introduction. Fearing you wouldn’t allow it, I made Aldbury perform the introduction.”

“Did you physically twist the man’s arm?” Haxby’s eyes narrowed.

“Metaphorically. He foolishly laid a wager against me at Epsom.” Ash shrugged. “The introduction was his payment to me.”

“He won’t do that again, I’ll wager.” Haxby glared at him. “So you wish to offer for my sister.”

“I do, my lord. I believe her to be one of the most endearing ladies I’ve ever met.” Ash didn’t wish to put too much emotion into his appeal—he didn’t want Haxby to think him soppy—but he needed him to know the depth of his feeling for Kitty. “She embodies all the qualities I wish for in a wife—kindness, wit, intelligence, beauty. Her…love for dancing.” Ash shook his head. He was making a thorough mess of this. “I’m not sure how to put it, but the fact she takes joy in something as small as that makes me long to please her in every way possible.” He had to get hold of himself before Haxby began to despise him for a different set of reasons. “And quite apart from my wanting to marry her, I believe if she’s married to me, Lord Baltimore will lose interest in the conquest, and she’d be safe from him.”

“But not from you.”