The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

“You need to bring her a plant and offer to put it in the ground for her.”

“I need to do what?”

“A plant, boy. A poisonous one, I think. Nightshade would be good.”

“Why in God’s name would I bring a suspected murderess a poisonous plant?” he said, shaking his head. Perhaps her mind was starting to go now.

Grandmamma leveled him a cold glare. “Do not get flippant with me, boy. If the lady knows it is poisonous then your suspicions may be true.”

“But again, is not enough evidence to prove anything. Many people know poisonous plants.”

“I rather doubt most ladies raised in town would know much about plants at all,” she replied. “And if she does, well that is something. Not evidence, but a clue just the same.”

“Where exactly would I find this plant?”

“In my garden, of course. It has a beautiful flower to it. Not at this time of year, of course.”

Where else would it be? Maybe he should focus the investigation on his grandmother. Even though he thought this nothing but a mad idea, he went along with it knowing his grandmother wouldn’t stop until he agreed. “Very well, we shall drive back to your home and have a footman dig up some.”

She rose quickly. “I do believe now is the perfect time. A lovely plant might soothe whatever ill will she is currently harboring toward you. And you need to get back in her bedroom to finish this investigation.”

Jack could only close his eyes and shake his head.

~*~

Two hours later, Jack stood outside Tessa’s doorstep with a rather droopy plant in his arms. Thankfully, Roberts must have seen him coming up the step and immediately opened the door for him. Without a word, he ushered Jack into the receiving salon.

“There is a good chance she won’t see me, Roberts,” he said as he placed the plant on the table. “We had a bit of a row this afternoon.”

“I won’t tell her it’s you then,” the butler replied.

What had changed with Roberts? Before now, Jack had assumed the butler wasn’t terribly fond of him. Whatever it was, he needed to take advantage of the change in mood soon and ask as many questions of the man as possible.

“Your Gra....” Tessa’s voice trailed off as she noticed him standing by the window. “What the devil are you doing here? And how did you get Roberts to announce you as the duke?”

He turned and gave her a quick bow and a slow smile. “I came to apologize, my lady. Your arrival at my home at the same time as my grandmother’s visit had me a little off kilter. I hadn’t expected either of you.”

“I told you not to bother calling on me. I have no desire to see you again.” She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly. “Please leave.”

“Will you at least let me explain? I couldn’t tell you this earlier when my grandmother was in the house.” Dear God, he hoped this would work as he’d spent the better part of the afternoon contriving his explanation.

She tilted her head and one brown brow rose in doubt. “As long as you are here, I suppose it is the least I can do.” She nodded toward a chair. “Please sit down

.”

He waited for her to take a seat before moving to a brocade chair across from her. “Stanhope was extorting me.”

Her lips twitched. “Stanhope extorting money from you? Do you realize how unbelievable that sounds? Stanhope had a fortune while you have nothing. It’s a bit difficult to extort money from a man who has none.”

“I didn’t say he was trying to get money from me.” Jack stared at the floor, hoping she would believe this tale. “He discovered I’d had an affair with Lady Hardy. He threatened to go to the earl if I didn’t do what he asked of me.”

Her eyes narrowed on him as she shook her head. “And what exactly did he ask of you?”

Hearing the slight sarcastic tone, he knew she still didn’t believe him, but he was in too deep to back out now. “I would prefer not to tell you. It is not something a lady should hear.”

“There are many people in Society who say I am not a lady so I believe you can tell me.”

Damn her. “Very well, he had a business arrangement with a man named Jones. The man was being difficult about agreeing to the terms of the arrangement and that angered Stanhope. He asked me to persuade Jones to consent in any manner needed.” He glanced away from her prying gaze as if this story was far too difficult to speak of to her.