The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

“How would one go about hiring a lady’s companion?”

“A companion?” he quizzed.

“Yes. I have decided to travel to Venice for a few weeks but would feel more comfortable with a companion.”

Roberts’ brow furrowed deeply. “I suppose you would speak with some of the older ladies of your acquaintance. I am quite certain some of them have hired companions. In fact, Lady Leicester hired someone just last year for a trip to Paris.”

Jack’s grandmother was the last woman she would go speak with on any topic. “Do you know of any others?”

“No, ma’am.”

Why did it seem as if the idea to travel had become so complicated? But the urge to leave wouldn’t subside and if the Dragon of Mayfair had the answer, then so be it. “Please have the carriage brought around, Roberts. I shall pay a call on Lady L

eicester today.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

After putting on her favorite blue bonnet and pelisse, she waited in the receiving salon for the carriage. Apprehension forced her fingers to tap against the arm of the chair. Jack’s grandmother had shown a great dislike of her when they first met due to her obvious interest in Jack. She wondered if the old tyrant would be move civil now that Tessa had broken off her liaison with him. She would find out soon enough. Hopefully, he would not be there when she arrived. If so, she would need to make a hasty retreat.

“The carriage is ready, ma’am,” Roberts said from the threshold.

“Thank you, Roberts. How are you coming on hiring a new maid?”

“I am interviewing two young ladies today, both with excellent references. Would you like to speak with them?”

“Only if you believe they are up to snuff.” Tessa pulled on her gloves and smiled at him. “Thank you for all that you have done, Roberts.”

He only nodded and then held the door for her as she left the house. The short drive to the countess’s home left Tessa with little time to formulate what she would say to the woman. Apprehension slid through her belly as she walked up the steps of the old town home.

“Good afternoon, my lady,” the butler said with a formal nod. “Lady Leicester has been waiting for your visit.”

She had? Why would the dowager countess expect Tessa to pay a call on her? Of course, she considered herself some kind of medium so she must have “seen” her arrival.

“Thank you,” she replied. As she followed him, the questions continued to roll through her mind.

“Her ladyship will join you in a moment. I shall have tea brought in. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thank you.” Tessa took a seat in a comfortable chair of gold velvet and waited for Jack’s grandmother.

“Lady Stanhope, so good to see you,” the dowager countess said as she ambled into the room.

No one could fault the dowager for her sense of style. Dressed in a fashionable pale blue striped muslin with lace edging, she looked younger than her age. She sank into the chair across from Tessa with a smile.

“Why do I get the feeling you were expecting me?” Tessa asked as she sat back against the chair.

“Because I have been expecting you. I had heard you refused to see my grandson, therefore, I assumed you would come to me for an explanation of his actions.”

“Actually,” Tessa said, “I have no desire to hear about your grandson at all. His actions were inexcusable and beyond the pale.”

Lady Leicester frowned until her gray brows all but touched. “Then why are you here?”

“I came to ask you to recommend a companion for me.”

“Why would you need one?”

Tessa waited as a footman delivered tea and iced biscuits on a silver tray. “I have decided to get away from London for a while. I thought a trip to Venice would put me in a better mood but I cannot go alone and my sister is otherwise occupied.”

“A companion,” the dowager said as she poured the tea. “Milk and sugar?”