The Silent Curse 0f The Red Countess (Historical Regency Romance) Read online

  The Silent Curse of the Red Countess

  A Historical Regency Romance Novel

  Patricia Haverton

  Edited by

  Robin Spencer

  Contents

  A Sweet Gift For You

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Epilogue

  Extended Epilogue

  Preview: The Disastrous Courtship of Lady Grimvale

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Also by Patricia Haverton

  About the Author

  A Sweet Gift For You

  Thank you for supporting my efforts. Having you beside me on this wonderful journey means everything to me.

  As a Thank You gift I have one of my full-length novels here for you. The Last Lady of Thornhill Manor is only available to people who have downloaded one of my books and you can get your free copy by clicking this link here.

  Once more, thanks a lot for your love and support.

  Patricia Haverton

  About the Book

  Winning what you want may cost you everything you love...

  Persephone Sheridan guards precious cargo.

  Her years as the caretaker of a comatose elderly noblewoman had always been uneventful. Until the day Lady Humbertson woke and bestowed upon her a mission that was never meant to be her own.

  With a title that he never wanted for himself, Silas Galashields, Earl of Dornham, bears the guilt of his brother’s death. When a stormy night brings a strange young woman right outside his door, he offers her shelter. Not realizing that he’s offering shelter to the darkness she carries with her.

  Worlds apart and yet bound by the red thread of fate, they trudge the line between bliss and ruin.

  When Persephone’s horse is found poisoned, the message is clear: the people she loves are next. Desperate to protect Silas from the shadow that follows her, she makes a grave decision: reveal the secret that Lady Humbertson entrusted to her. A bloody tale sealed in a scroll, older than the Crown itself...

  Chapter 1

  Persephone’s morning did not begin in a pleasant fashion. She found herself rudely ripped from a lovely dream by the sounds of a crowing rooster.

  One moment, she’d been running through a meadow alongside her mother and siblings, enjoying a beautiful summer’s day and the next—she was back in her own bed at Humbertson Manor. She stretched, sticking her arms and feet out from under her warm blanket—and instantly regretted the decision.

  The freezing, drafty air of the English winter weather chilled her to the bone as she quickly pulled her limbs back under the blanket.

  She pulled her legs up against her chest. She’d learned as a child that tucking yourself into a small, tight ball would keep you warm against the cold. One of many lessons she’d had to learn as the daughter of a family so poor they could not afford enough food to feed the entire family, let alone wood for heating.

  The current Earl of Humbertson was, of course, not in as dire a financial situation as her family was. Indeed, when it came to money, he had no trouble at all. No, in his case the boot was on the other leg. As one of the richest lords in the region, he could easily afford to heat the entire mansion, he simply chose not to waste his guineas on wood for the servant’s quarters, even though some of the servant’s rooms had small fireplaces.

  The only place to warm your frozen limbs was usually in the servant’s hall where the fire always roared.

  It is fortunate for me that Lady Humbertson’s bedchamber is always heated and comfortable. I wish I could go there now. Alas, it is much too early. Poppy would be shocked to see me at this hour.

  She rolled to her side and her gaze fell upon her friend’s bed, which was only a short distance from her own. Indeed, it was so close that if they both laid down and reached for one another, their hands would touch. They’d conducted this experiment some months ago, on a rare day they were both released from their duties.

  Outside, the rooster crowed once more and she sighed. There would be no more sleep for her today.

  Bracing herself for the freezing cold, Persephone threw her blanket back and rose out of the warmth of her bed, ready to face the day.

  * * *

  The fire roared in the hearth as Persephone entered the servant’s hall. She stood before it and warmed her hands as the kitchen and house maids rushed about her, attending to their chores.

  “Penny, you have risen early!”

  She turned at the sound of her nickname and saw Mrs. Stewart, the housekeeper, enter the room.

  “The rooster,” she said by way of explanation. The older woman nodded.

  “They had better fix the fence proper this time or His Lordship will get his bristles up.” She paused a moment and then pointed to a basket in the back.

  “There’s mending to be done. You can attend to it down here by the fire if you like, instead of taking it to Lady Humbertson’s chamber.”

  “Of course, Mrs. Stewart. I shall attend to it at once.”

  Persephone walked over to the woven basket and carried it to the fire and began mending, one eye on the bank of bells that were located at the side of the door. There was an array of bells, one for each of the main rooms in the mansion. She knew that once the one marked “Lady Humbertson’s chamber” rang, Poppy would be ready for her to come up with the wash bucket.

  She glanced into the kitchen, located across from the servant’s hall. She could see Lizzy, the kitchen maid, warming pots of water which would be carried up to the rooms of the occupants once they were ready for their morning toilet. However, it was early still and thus she focused on the task at hand.

  In addition to her duties caring for the elderly Lady Humbertson, Persephone also carried out chores at the manor as needed. One of those chores was the mending of whatever needed done. This morning, among the many items in the basket, was a white silk vest belonging to Lord Humbertson. She’d need to take special care mending the small tear in the back of the garment, for His Lordship was known to be meticulous when it came to his wardrobe.

  Mrs. Stewart appeared in a chatty mood this morning and took a seat next to her by the fire.

  “Any change in her Ladyship?” Mrs. Stewart said as she rubbed her hands against the cold.

  “No, nothing.”

  The woman shook her head, her eyes gazing into the flickering flames.

  “It is such a tragedy. I cannot imagine spending all of my days in such a manner, awake and yet asleep. Eyes open, yet unaware of all that is around me and confined to my bed.”

  “On occasion, Poppy and I take the Countess out of her bed and let her sit by the window. I think she likes that.”

  The two women looked at one another, a sad silence passing between them. Persephone did not often stop to consider the plight of the Dowager Countess of Humbertson. She simply did
her best to ensure the lady was taken care of. She did not find that it served her well to think of the sad state of the Lady’s life.

  She’d been Lady Humbertson’s caretaker for almost three years now. Yet she’d never heard her speak, or seen her move, or even blink without being commanded to do so.

  I remember the first time I saw her. Lying so still upon her bed, her face turned to the window, her eyes open and yet unseeing. I thought she was just gazing into the garden until I learned that this is how she spends all of her days.

  Lady Humbertson had been in this state for many years. She’d fallen into this silent stupor shortly after the death of her son and had never come out of it. Like a large doll she sat in her bed, or on her chair and stared. She did not respond when spoken to, or do much of anything unless assisted. It was as if she was already dead but had not departed this realm yet. It was up to Persephone and Poppy to ensure all of her needs were met. They fed and dressed her, washed her and helped her to the chamber pot several times a day.

  Persephone turned to Mrs. Stewart. “Did you know her before she was asleep?”

  The woman shook her head. “I did not. I arrived the year after. I believe the only one who knows her from before is Mr. Benson.”

  Mr. Benson, the butler, was a kind older man. Spry and strong built, you would never know he was over forty already if not for the sprinkles of grey among his dark hair. He’d been at Humbertson Manor for so long it did not surprise Persephone he’d known the Countess in her former life.

  “Perhaps one day she will wake again,” Mrs. Stewart said. ‘She did once before. Did you know?”

  Persephone raised one eyebrow in surprise.

  “I did not know.”

  “I believe it was years ago now. Of course, I do not know if it is entirely true. Her maid at the time, Mable, came rushing from the room, shouting for all the manor to hear that the Countess was awake. By the time Benson got to the room, the lady was still again and has been ever since.”

  She shook her head. “Come to think of it, Mable may have just imagined it. She was ever so attached to the Countess—she knew her when she was awake, as well. She might have just been wishing it so much that she thought it came true when it did not.”

  Mable. I know the name. She was the maid who worked alongside Poppy before I came. I replaced her, for she suddenly took ill and departed.

  She had no time to discuss the state of Lady Humbertson further, for the bell rang, alerting her that the Countess was awake and Poppy ready for Persephone’s arrival.

  With a sigh, she placed the Earl’s shirt back in the basket with the other mending and left the servant’s hall.

  * * *

  “Penny! Wait up. I will help you,” Mr. Benson called out behind her as she was about to make her way upstairs, the basket under her right arm and the jug of water for the Countess’s morning toilet in her left. The washball hung from a cord in front of her chest and bounced against her chest bone as she abruptly stopped.

  The butler rushed toward her and took the basket from her.

  “There, that is better. I shall take this and you carry the water.”

  She smiled at him. He was a kind man, always helpful, not just to her but to the other servants, as well. She’d heard stories about butlers from other manor houses and they could at times be quite frightful to those that served, ruling the house with a stern fist.

  She’d been lucky, all things considered. When she’d been offered the position to care for Lady Humbertson, years ago, she’d been scared. Scared to leave her home for the first time, scared to leave her parents behind. Yet, she had no other choice. She needed to work and support her family. Mr. Benson had been welcoming from the start, ensuring she was treated well and had all she needed. She had been, and still was, by far the youngest of the servants. Perhaps it inspired a fatherly feeling in him. In any case, she was grateful for it.

  “I saw Her Ladyship last night. She appears well enough,” Mr. Benson said as they made their way to the third floor of the mansion. “I must say, she is receiving the most excellent of care by both you and Poppy.” There was a pause as he caught his breath. “Much more so than in the past.”

  Persephone frowned. “I thought Mable was a very experienced carer, was she not?” Come to think of it, Persephone had never heard of any complaints against the woman.

  “She was,” he said, a weariness in his voice. “Alas, not the most personable of creatures. She certainly would never be caught reading to her Ladyship as you do. But then, of course, she did not have any help for much of the time, not until Poppy arrived. Let me say that I am grateful you are here, as well as Poppy. I like to see her looked after well. She deserves it.”

  They’d arrived on the third floor and made their way past the other bedrooms on the floor in silence, so as not to wake the Earl and family. They liked to sleep late, unlike Lady Humbertson, who always awoke at dawn.

  Persephone knocked on the bedchamber door and opened it, holding on to the jug with one hand and pushing the door open with the other.

  The room was bright with the rising sun coming through the window. Lady Humbertson was on her bed, propped up by an array of pillows that had been placed behind her. She was in her nightgown, waiting for Persephone to put her in a simple gown for the day.

  “Good morning!” Poppy came out of the adjacent room which held the lady’s wardrobe and medical supplies. “Oh, Benson. I did not expect to see you here this morning!” She frowned at the butler who was presently placing the basket down on the table by the window.

  “Just saw Persephone struggle with the water and the basket and thought I might be a gentleman and offer my assistance.”

  The woman stood, hands on her hips, head cocked to one side.

  “I see. I wish I were young and pretty to elicit such assistance. However, since you are here, perhaps you might be so kind as to take with you the laundry basket?” She nodded with her chin toward the pile of dirty sheets and already-worn clothes which sat by the window.

  Persephone could not help but smile to herself at Poppy’s audacity. Nobody spoke to Mr. Benson in such a tone. As kind as he was, he was still the butler of the house. While the two engaged in bickering, she walked over to the bed and stood beside it.

  “Good morning, Lady Humbertson. Have you rested well?”

  The old woman sat and looked past her, out the window. Her blue eyes were glazed over, as if in a dream. Her hair, long and grey, flowed down her back but Persephone could already see tangles that would have to be removed soon. She was a small, light woman. Her skin was so fair it was almost transparent. Not surprising, given the lack of sunshine.

  “She had a restful night. She woke only once to use the chamber pot,” Poppy replied in place of the still woman. Then she turned her attention to the butler once more. “Is there anything else we can assist you with this fine morning, Benson? Or do you just enjoy the company of three ladies so?”

  The butler swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, and then shook his head, a glare in his eyes.

  “You would do well to remember your position, Miss Benderson. I shall take my leave.” He walked the short distance between the door and Lady Humbertson’s bed and leaned over her, placing one hand on her shoulder.

  “Be well, My Lady.” He leaned back. “Such a shame, such a dreadful shame.” He shook his head, brown eyes full of sorrow.

  He turned and left, leaving the three women alone in the room.

  Persephone was about to take the washball from around her neck when—

  “Faith!” The word came out accompanied by a shriek as she jumped back.

  “What is it?” Poppy came running around the bed, her auburn hair flying behind her.

  Persephone could not speak, instead she stared. Stared down at her wrist. Her heart beat with fright as she saw the old woman’s icy cold hand wrapped around her wrist, and the blue eyes, formerly so vacant, stared at her with frightened urgency.

  Chapter 2
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  Silas dismounted his black mare and handed the reins to the groom who awaited him at the stable door.

  “Silas!” A voice called out from behind him. As he turned, a grin spread across his face.

  “Jordan!” His cousin sprinted toward him, light on his feet as always.