Free The Countess Intrigue by Wendy May Andrews Page B

behind Broderick’s interest in the Duke?”
    “I don’t think she knew everything before he abducted her. Her parents sent me a message yesterday that she was safe, but that they would be retiring from the city so I have not been able to speak with her. She probably knows now, if Broderick told her after abducting her. I do know that she spoke with Lady Yorkleigh. Perhaps you could ask her.”
    “I actually already have.” Justice tried not to be disappointed. It would seem his betrothed was right. She did not have much information for him. Compromising her had not gotten him any further in his investigation of Broderick. And he couldn’t even be sure that Wrentham had Broderick in custody. The dastard could not be left to wreak havoc upon any more innocent victims. He glanced at his companion. One could even say Elizabeth was now a victim of the cur. Justice’s hands tightened on the reins as he struggled to contain his frustration. The cloud of dread that had hovered over him since he had begun looking into Broderick seemed to intensify. The sensation that he was going to run out of time before someone else got hurt made him nauseous.
    He tried to turn his thoughts by looking on the bright side. At least now he no longer had to worry about finding a countess. He could finally get on with his life. Once he could put the matter of dealing with Broderick behind him, he would be content. Elizabeth drew his attention back with her question.
    “Was she able to help you?” Elizabeth’s interest encouraged him.
    Justice shrugged. “Somewhat, but most of what she knew I was already aware of.”

    * * *
    E lizabeth gazed at the earl , her worries about her future fading a little as she enjoyed the conversation. It was so rare that a gentleman would expect a level of intelligence from a woman. It made her eager to learn more and be of assistance.
    She allowed her face to relax into a genuine smile for the first time since they had met in the morning room. “So why are you investigating him, anyway? If you did not know about Rosamund and the Duke of Wrentham, it must be some unrelated matter.”
    “It is an unrelated matter, but I would really rather not say at this point,” came his unbelievable response.
    Elizabeth stiffened in outrage. She turned to look at the earl knowing her tumult of feelings must be written on her face and not much caring. “My life has been irrevocably changed by your quest to learn more about the dastardly knight and yet you do not think I have a right to know why?”
    She couldn’t decide if she was more hurt or angry. Her dearest wish in life had been to find a mate she could love and be loved by in return. It would seem what she was getting was a murderer who couldn’t give a fig about her feelings. Stiffening her resolve, she determined that she would have to harden her heart. There was to be no escape for her. She would make the best of the situation and just figure out a way to stay alive. Perhaps once she was increasing with his heir, she could see about having the earl killed. Then she would be free to live her life however she liked. She derided herself for the ridiculous thought but her amusement warmed her slightly and helped her hold onto the fragments of her composure.
    It was obvious to her that the earl did not know what to make of her question. She was surprised to see a tinge of pink heating his cheeks as though he were embarrassed by her words. She mentally shrugged. He ought to be uncomfortable, she thought, since she wasn’t likely to ever be comfortable again.
    “I am sorry, my lady. It is just that it is a sensitive matter and I am not comfortable sharing it with anyone at the moment.” Despite the slight blush, Elizabeth could see from his clenched jaw that he was quite resolute on the matter.
    She shot him a withering look but restrained herself from comment. Looking straight ahead she saw that they were nearing a town. It was hard to believe that only twenty