The Cursed Countess (The Daring Drake Sisters 1)

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After a few days of traveling with the countess, Tessa had learned far more about the outrageous things Regina did as a young lady than she ever desired to know. At the same time, Tessa had come to think of her as a dear friend and confidante. The only subject that they both deemed unspeakable was Jack. Tessa refused to speak of him or tell the older woman anything regarding their relationship. Thankfully, Regina understood her need for privacy.

“Regina, didn’t we pass Honiton over an hour ago?”

“Yes, my dear. We are already on the estate and if you look to your right, the house should be coming into sight any minute now.”

Tessa had expected a small dower estate, but as the main house came into view, her expectations were shattered. The large home of aged limestone gleamed in the waning sunlight. “I should have thought the earl would have left you an estate in the Midlands, not in Devon.”

“Oh, he did.”

Tessa’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Then why are we in Devon?”

The older woman smiled as the coach pulled up the stone drive. “I don’t believe I said we would be stopping at my home.” She tapped a wrinkled finger against her lips. “No, in fact I said I needed to stop at the estate.”

“This was your first husband’s home, was it not?” Tessa asked as panic sliced through her.

“Yes, Viscount Bideford. My eldest grandson is now the keeper of the estate and title. But before we leave, I must see my newest great-grandchild. I do hope he or she has arrived by now. Georgiana does not handle childbirth well, the poor dear.”

The coach slowed to a stop, effectively halting Tessa’s angry comments to the countess. Tessa knew in her bones that Jack would be here. The old witch had planned this on purpose.

“Do put a smile on your face, Tessa. We would not want to make a bad first impression on the servants.”

She fisted her hands and plastered a smile of her face. “Of course not, my lady.”

The countess climbed down with the help of a servant and then Tessa did the same. The gravel crunched under her feet as she approached the few servants lined up to greet their former mistress.

“Good evening, my lady,” an elderly man, Tessa assumed was the butler, said and then bowed to the countess.

“Good evening, Johnson. Has the babe arrived yet?”

“No, ma’am. I do believe it shall be very soon. His lordship called for the midwife.”

“Excellent. This is my companion, Lady Stanhope. Please put her in the Lily room.”

“The Lily room?” Johnson repeated with a raised eyebrow. “My lady, you realize—”

“Yes, Johnson, I do realize and in fact, I insist,” Regina said effectively cutting off the conversation.

“Of course, madam.” Johnson turned toward Tessa. “Lady Stanhope, welcome to Torridge Hall. Matthew, take Lady Stanhope to the Lily Room.”

“Yes, sir. Please follow me, madam.”

Tessa walked inside and glanced about the hall. The white marble floor led to a massive staircase with large portraits on the walls. As she reached the fifth step, she stopped to look at a smaller painting of two young boys dressed for the hunt. One glance and she knew it was Jack and his brother.

“That is the current lordship and his younger brother, ma’am.”

She nodded and stared at Jack as a young boy. His amber eyes twinkled with mischief and humor as if he knew something no one else did. Slowly, she followed the footman up the stairs to her bedchamber. As soon as she entered, she understood why they called this the Lily Room. White lilies with green leaves covered the walls of the room. Even the large four-poster bed had lilies carved into the posts. She walked to the window and in the dusky light could see serene green pastures with sheep heading in to their pens.

“Is there anything else you need, my lady?”

“I am exhausted after the drive. May I have a bath and a tray in my room tonight?”

“Of course. I shall have the footmen bring up a tub.”

“Thank you.”

As he closed the door, silence filled the room. Tessa flopped on the bed and just listened. The noise of London always filtered through her home but no carriages passed by this house at all hours. She could hear the creak of a wood floorboard and light footsteps of a maid walking by as she went about her duties.