Page 11 of The Rogue’s Countess

“Yes, my lady.”

“And do you know anything about me?” When the woman didn’t answer, Constance released a sigh and gestured toward the chair opposite her. “Please sit, Mrs. Hodges.”

“I cannot, my lady, I have—”

“I insist,” Constance narrowed her gaze on the woman who was clearly ready to dart from the room. “Madame Sabine will not question you as I shall explain you did so under protest.”

The woman didn’t move for a moment, and Constance sighed. Setting her teacup and saucer on the tray, she shook her head.

“You leave me with no choice but to stand as well.”

“Oh no, my lady.” The genuine concern in Mrs. Hodges’s voice was reflected in her expression. Although she showed a distinct reluctance to do so, the woman sank down into the chair opposite Constance.

“Thank you. Now then, let me ask you again. Do you know anything about me other than my name?”

“I have…I have heard rumors.”

“Would you please elaborate on that statement?”

Mrs. Hodges hesitated at the softly spoken command for a moment before she straightened in her chair and met Constance’s gaze steadily.

“It’s rumored you can talk with the dead.”

“The rumors are true, although my family and I are discreet about our abilities.”

Constance winced at the half-truth. The Rockwoods had earned their reputation for impulsive behavior justly, and their unique talents had added to their sometimes reckless behavior. Pushing the thought aside, she picked up her teacup again.

“I am the only one in the family who actually does consultations with those seeking to reach out to lost loved ones. However, even those are by referral.”

“If you have a message from beyond the veil you wish to share with me, I’ve no interest in hearing it.”

Bitterness threaded its way through the woman’s voice as her chin tipped slightly upward in defiant disdain. Startled by the woman’s reaction, Constance took another sip of the beverage that was still hot.

“I received no message to pass along to you, but there’s one thing the rumors appear to have left out. I also have the ability to see things from the past as well as what the future might hold.”

“I don’t understand.” Mrs. Hodges drew in a sharp breath. Although her features were serene and unreadable, trepidation flashed in the brown eyes behind the spectacles she wore.

“I sometimes see things about people I meet. People such as yourself.”

“Me?” Although her expression remained emotionless, the woman’s body language conveyed her apprehension. Her back was ramrod straight as she sat rigidly in her chair while her hands were clasped tightly together in her lap. “I’m uncertain what your…experience might have revealed about me, but I doubt it was anything of significance.”

“I confess my vision was confusing on several points, as is often the case.” Constance shrugged her acceptance of how the an dara sealladh worked. “But I do know you’re not Mrs. Hodges, are you, Lady Helstone?”

The observation was a gamble on Constance’s part, but what little doubt she had was laid to rest at the woman’s reaction. Dismay and resignation crossed Lady’s Helstone’s face as she averted her gaze from Constance. It was only for a brief instant before the noblewoman lifted her head in a regal movement to meet Constance’s gaze with a direct look.

“You are correct, my lady.” Constance quickly set her teacup down on the tray at the woman’s response and leaned forward in her chair.

“But why?” she asked with avid curiosity.

Anger darkened Lady Helstone’s face, and Constance immediately regretted not holding her tongue. It had been a rude, impertinent question. Remorsefully, she reached out to touch the woman’s hand. The woman quickly jerked away from the touch as anger and possibly even fear darkened her brown eyes. Clearly, the woman had heard a touch was enough to trigger the an dara sealladh.

“Forgive me. That was terribly rude,” Constance said softly as she drew back from the woman. “In addition to our gift of sight, every Rockwood is somewhat reckless when it comes to acting or speaking without considering the ramifications.”

The woman nodded sharply in response to Constance’s apology. The cold anger on her oval-shaped face faded, but her eyes still flashed with outrage. Constance winced with self-reproach.

“I truly am sorry, my lady. My curiosity was prompted out of concern for you and my desire to help.” The remorse in Constance’s voice made Lady Helstone relax slightly as she nodded.

“Your ladyship is kind, but I have no need of assistance, despite anything you…anything you might have seen.”