An Unconventional Countess (Regency Belles of Bath 1)

‘You seem to have it all worked out, my lady.’

‘I usually do. And you have to agree that this works in everyone’s favour. Samuel will be your escort and you’ll be his chaperon at Staunton.’

‘His chaperon? That might be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.’

‘It may well be, but he can hardly stay in a house with Clarissa all on his own. Your being there will make the whole thing look perfectly respectable.’

Anna pressed her lips into a thin line, impressed despite herself. ‘I thought that you truly wanted to help my mother?’

‘If you’re suggesting that I’ve been using her, then I take offence. I would have introduced her back into society anyway, though I admit the two purposes have dovetailed nicely. However, I took that as a positive sign.’

‘And what about a chaperon for me? Don’t you think it might start rumours if your grandson is seen to be escorting my mother and me around the country?’ She lifted an eyebrow. ‘People might talk.’

‘Let them.’

‘So you won’t mind if your grandson, a possible earl, is spoken of in connection with a shopkeeper?’

‘Who also happens to be a duke’s granddaughter.’

‘And a shopkeeper!’

Lady Jarrow let out an exasperated-sounding sigh. ‘Do you know, the first time I set eyes on my husband was at an evening party like this one. He was the only man in the room with absolutely no interest in either my looks or my inheritance. It was the most exceedingly attractive quality. I decided to marry him right there and then.’

‘Did you ever ask what he wanted?’

To her surprise, the Baroness laughed. ‘I hardly remember, but it all worked out in the end. I’d like a similar partner for my grandson, a woman with her own mind, who doesn’t care whether he inherits an earldom or not. In my personal opinion, you’d be a most excellent match for Samuel.’ She held a hand up as Anna start

ed to protest. ‘Oh, for goodness sake, I’m not saying that you have to marry my grandson. I’m only asking you to travel with him to Staunton. Surely that’s not so much to ask?’

‘No, but...’ She stopped as the other woman’s gaze moved past her shoulder suddenly, towards the sound of approaching footsteps.

‘Honestly, Samuel.’ Lady Jarrow put a hand to her chest. ‘You oughtn’t to sneak up on people in the dark. You just frightened me half out of my wits.’

Chapter Thirteen

‘I doubt it’s so easy, Grandmother.’ Samuel folded his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he took in the scene. ‘I came to tell you it’s time for supper, if you’ve quite finished scheming out here. What’s going on?’

‘I resent the word scheming.’ Lady Jarrow drew herself up stiffly. ‘I was just telling Miss Fortini about a letter I’ve received from the Dowager Duchess of Messingham. She’s hoping for a reconciliation.’

‘Your grandmother?’ His gaze softened to one of concern as he turned towards Anna. ‘I hope it hasn’t upset you?’

‘No-o.’ She was touched by the almost tender expression in his eyes. He looked as if he genuinely meant it. ‘If it makes my mother happy, then it makes me happy, too.’ She paused ironically. ‘I mean it this time.’

‘I’m glad.’

‘Only apparently she isn’t well enough to travel to Bath so we have to go to her.’

‘We?’ He sounded surprised. ‘Then you intend to go, too?’

‘I think it’s what my mother will want...’

‘And I insist that they need an escort.’ Lady Jarrow chimed in.

‘Naturally. I’d be happy to accompany you wherever you need to go.’

Anna winced, catching a glimpse of the Baroness’s gloating expression. ‘I wouldn’t speak too soon if I were you.’

‘Why? Where does she live? The Outer Hebrides?’