by Rose Pearson
“The reason this idea came to me,” Lord Brandeis continued, clearly unaware of just how astonished she was, “was due to the fact that you have not only put me in my place on one occasion already but that you are entirely unaffected by my title nor my presence, as so many of these milk-water misses are. Peter has made it quite clear to me that you do not take kindly to my company nor my…. advances – and so I thought who better to ensure that I do not make a fool of myself in front of my father and the like? With you by my side, Miss Devonshire, I am quite sure I can leave the event with my father’s approval, instead of his continuing disapproval and subsequent nagging to improve myself.” His eyes glittered, his mouth pulling sharply into a thin line. “And, of course, it would be an opportunity for you to have the most marvelous time as part of the ton. You will require a whole new wardrobe, of course, which I will purchase for you. You will also require training and some schooling in etiquette, but I am quite sure that, within the month, you will be more than ready.”
To Caroline’s horror, Lord Brandeis was now smiling at her as though this was the most marvelous idea he had ever constructed, seemingly quite sure that she would accept at once. This was not, however, something she desired. In fact, she felt almost a little insulted that he would even suggest such a thing!
“Lord Brandeis,” she said quietly, unable to exert any more strength into her voice. “I cannot think of anything worse than being forced to be in your company for any length of time.”
The brightness in his eyes faded almost immediately, his lips tugging downwards.
“Caro,” Peter said gently, reaching for her hand. “I thought you would accept at once. After all, isn’t this something like those books you love so much? A chance to have a taste of a different life?”
“I like my life just as it is,” Caroline replied, sharply, rounding on him. “Did you really think this was a wise idea, Peter?”
He paused, looking at her carefully. “Lord Brandeis is being honest with you, Caro. He really does believe that you would help him a very great deal.”
“And why should I wish to help him?” Caroline retorted, ignoring Lord Brandeis entirely. “He has done nothing but upset me thus far.”
Peter swallowed, clearly a little taken aback by her reaction. “You will have a wonderful time, Caro, truly. And you will have your wardrobe to keep and –” He stopped and shook his head, as though realizing that he had made a mistake in encouraging Lord Brandeis in this idea. “I will be there also, so you will not be alone.”
For a moment, Caroline’s mind rose up in a cloud of thoughts about what it might be like to live as nobility for a time, a vision of herself in wonderful silk gowns entering a ballroom, being waited on by footmen and servants – and then her breath caught with panic and it came down crashing at her feet.
“No,” she said firmly. “No, I cannot. For heaven’s sake, Peter, they will know that I am no baroness!”
“But I will tutor you and I am sure you will be able to handle any situation that may arise,” Lord Brandeis said eagerly, darting into her conversation with Peter. “Peter has told me that you have done a great deal of reading already, and you are acquainted with the etiquette expected of young ladies of the ton.”
She shook her head, her anger and frustration dying away into something like disappointment. “Lord Brandeis, I do not think I can help you with this. I apologize.”
Much to her surprise, Lord Brandeis stepped forward and grasped her hands in his. Peter made a noise in the back of his throat in warning, but Lord Brandeis did not move away.
“Miss Devonshire, if I have to beg you then I will,” he said, quietly, his eyes filled with a sudden desperation. There was no lingering smile on his face, no twinkle in his eye or arching of his brows. For the first time, Caroline realized, Lord Brandeis was being entirely honest with her.
“Your brother and I have talked long and hard,” Lord Brandeis continued, his voice grave. “I have seen that my treatment of you was wrong, and that my haphazard way of living can often leave others trailing in my wake. Please, Miss Devonshire, I cannot afford to be a disappointment to my father again. It may surprise you to know that his words tear at me, despite my rebuffing of him. If you were there with me, then your very presence would keep me in check. I do wish to behave as a gentleman ought, Miss Devonshire, but I require help. I will do all I can to make it up to you. You will have your wardrobe of course, and if I can be of financial assistance in any way, then all you need do is ask.” He squeezed her hands lightly. “And your brother will be present at all times, to ensure that you are quite safe.”
Slowly, Caroline pulled her hands from his and turned back to Peter. She wanted to continue with her outright refusal but curiosity had begun to flicker in her heart. It did not sound entirely awful, did it? And if Peter was to be there also, then he would be able to ensure her safety from Lord Brandeis, wouldn’t he?
“Peter,” she said slowly. “You think this is a good idea?”
He shrugged. “I think it is a fair idea, but that is all I will say. It will be an adventure for you, Caro, and I do not think that you will regret it in any way but this must be your choice. You are, as Lord Brandeis has made quite clear, doing this in order to aid him as well as enjoying a particularly wonderful week or so with the nobility. I myself am quite looking forward to it, but this may not be the case for you. Whatever you decide, Caro, I will not try to change your mind.”
She paused before answering, seeing the sense in what her brother had said and still finding that there was a reluctance deep within her, a reluctance to be anywhere near Lord Brandeis.
“Let me think on it,” she said slowly, looking up at Lord Brandeis and seeing the relief etched across his features. “I will give you my answer tomorrow, Lord Brandeis. Will that suit you well enough?”
He nodded, one hand rubbing his forehead for in relief. “Thank you, Miss Devonshire. You do not know what this means to me.”
“Indeed,” she said crisply, not allowing herself to be taken in by anything that Lord Brandeis said. “Now do excuse me, my lord. I have a good deal to get on with.”
Stepping aside for her at once, Lord Brandeis bowed as she moved past him, finally showing her the respect she should have received from him the first day they met.
Caroline lifted her chin and walked back into the tavern, leaving Peter and Lord Brandeis to follow her and resume their seats at the table.
“What was all that about?”
Turning, Caroline saw Mrs. Beeson watching Lord Brandeis through slightly narrowed eyes, before turning her gaze onto Caroline. She looked both concerned and confused, one hand on Caroline’s arm. “He didn’t do something he shouldn’t, did he? I was about to send Martin in but he said that Peter was with you.”
“Yes, he was,” Caroline replied, smiling at Mrs. Beeson’s concern. “I’m fine, Mrs. Beeson, really. Lord Brandeis was, in fact, apologizing.” She gave her friend a small shrug, reaching for some more glasses to pour ale for the patrons. “And then he asked me to pretend to be a baroness and go to his father’s house as part of the nobility.” A shaky laugh escaped her as she shook her head, finding the whole idea suddenly ridiculous. “I think he thought that almost a fortnight in his world would be a good way for him to make things up to me, but it turns out he just wants me there so that he can keep a sensible head on his shoulders.”
As Caroline looked at Mrs. Beeson, she saw that the lady was staring at her with wide eyes, her mouth a little ajar.
“I know,” Caroline continued, rolling her eyes. “It is quite ridiculous.”
“No, that was not what I was about to say,” Mrs. Beeson said, still looking quite astonished. “If Peter is to be there with you – for I presume he will be – then why would you not accept, Caroline? A fortnight in the nobility? That sounds wonderful!”
Screwing up her face, Caroline shook her head. “I don’t think it does, Mrs. Beeson. A fortnight of being with Lord Brandeis is not what I would th
ink of as ‘wonderful’, even if he has promised me a whole new wardrobe.”
Mrs. Beeson gasped.
“I must pretend to be a baroness who is being courted by Lord Brandeis, all so that he can stop his father from going on at him about settling down.” Her brows furrowed as she recalled how Lord Brandeis had appeared so desperate for her to do as he asked, how he had looked away when he’d told her that, in his father’s eyes, he was nothing more than a disappointment. She hated that her heart had twisted for him, hated that she’d actually felt something for the man. “Being in an entirely different world for a time is not enough to entice me.”
Mrs. Beeson stepped closer and put her hand on Caroline’s arm, drawing her full attention.
“Do not let your dislike of Lord Brandeis put you off from what could be a wonderful experience,” she cautioned. “Isn’t this the kind of thing you’ve always dreamt of? The novels you read are full of escapades and intrigue and here you are, pushing away the opportunity for your own adventure!” She shook her head, a small smile pulling at her lips. “This will all be here waiting for you when you return, Caroline. You deserve more in this life than just waiting on the tables every day. You should go with Lord Brandeis, especially if Peter is going to be there to defend you, should he need to.”
This was not what Caroline had expected to hear from Mrs. Beeson, and that gave her pause.
“Then you think I should accept his invitation,” she said slowly, her forehead creasing in confusion. “I thought you would want me far away from Lord Brandeis.”
To Caroline’s surprise, Mrs. Beeson’s eyes lit up and her smile spread across her face. “That’s because, Caroline, it’s not as though you’ll be in any real danger from Lord Brandeis. You’ll be there as the Baroness and can reveal the truth of your identity to anyone you choose if the need arises. Just think about it, Caroline! You will be in control here. Lord Brandeis will not dare put a toe out of line!”
That was not something Caroline had considered before and, as she let her gaze drift over towards Lord Brandeis, she saw him look back at her. There was no easy smile on his face tonight, no laughter in his expression. He was not shouting and bawling for all he was worth, filling the tavern with tales of what he’d been up to the night before. He was, all in all, a very different sort of gentleman.
“Very well,” she sighed heavily, still quite uncertain as to whether or not she was making the right decision. “I shall go.”
Mrs. Beeson let out a rather girlish squeal and clasped Caroline’s hands. Caroline saw Lord Brandeis smile, as though he realized that Caroline had agreed to do as he’d asked and, for the first time, Caroline felt her heart softening towards him.
“This is going to be marvelous,” Mrs. Beeson declared, pressing Caroline’s hands. “I just know it.”
Caroline swallowed, pulling her gaze away from Lord Brandeis. “I hope so, Mrs. Beeson,” she said slowly as her stomach began to twist itself in knots.
6
“Are you ready, Miss Devonshire?”
Mrs. Beeson chuckled as Caroline hastily pulled off her apron.
“Yes, Lord Brandeis,” Caroline called, feeling heat rise into her face as she smoothed back her hair. “Come in.”
Lord Brandeis walked into the tavern, taking off his hat at once and inclining his head towards them both. Caroline tried not to feel woefully inadequate, looking down at her simple gown and aware that she was nowhere near the standard of dress that Lord Brandeis would require.
“Do not worry,” he said warmly, as though reading her mind. “The seamstress I have in mind will be more than a little accepting of you.”
Closing her eyes for a moment, Caroline drew in a long breath. “I don’t think this is a good idea, Lord Brandeis.”
He looked surprised. “Do not tell me you have changed your mind, Miss Devonshire,” he said, quickly. “I would be most disappointed if that is the case.”
“Nonsense,” Mrs. Beeson said, bustling over to Caroline and throwing her shawl around her shoulders. “Caroline has not changed her mind. It’s just the nerves talking.”
Heat crept into Caroline’s face as she dropped her gaze, wishing that Mrs. Beeson had not said a word. She did not want Lord Brandeis to know such a thing about her, fearing that it gave him a sense that she was somehow weak.
“No need for anxiety,” Lord Brandeis replied, with a warm smile in her direction that Caroline only caught out of the corner of her eye. “It will all be very discreet, and you will be quite safe, I assure you.”
Caroline lifted her head. “Is Peter here?”
Lord Brandeis shook his head. “No. He was not inclined to come. However, there is a maid ready to accompany us in the carriage.”
A cold hand of fear tightened around Caroline’s heart. She was about to get into the carriage with Lord Brandeis of her own volition, in the hope that he would not try to draw her close to him, as he had done before? She could not be foolish in this! Lord Brandeis had apologized for his attempts to seduce her, yes, but was this all a façade in order to get her alone with him? Her breathing became rapid as she grasped onto the corners of her shawl, her fingers white.
“I will not harm you, Miss Devonshire.”
There he was again, apparently able to read her thoughts! Caroline lifted her eyes to his face, seeing the earnest expression there.
“I apologized to you once before and I swear that you will have no need to hear such an apology from me again,” he continued, quietly. “If you wish it, Mrs. Beeson may attend with us.”
Caroline looked over at Mrs. Beeson, who shrugged, before turning her head back towards Lord Brandeis. She was going to have to try and trust him. Mayhap a short journey like this, going to the seamstress and back again, was enough of a start.
“I am sure I will be quite all right,” she said, slowly, battling against her fear. “Thank you, Lord Brandeis. Lead the way.”
To her surprise, he offered her his arm. She stared at him for a moment, not quite sure what he meant.
“If we are courting then this is how we shall walk out together,” he said, encouragingly. “Here, just place your hand on my arm, or loop your hand underneath and settle your hand here, if you wish.” He indicated what she was to do and, feeling suddenly nervous, Caroline did as he asked. Her fingers rested on his upper arm gingerly, as though afraid they were not meant to be there.
“Wonderful,” Lord Brandeis murmured, gently. “Now, the carriage is waiting. Shall we go?”
With a quick glance in Mrs. Beeson’s direction, Caroline nodded and walked out with Lord Brandeis, growing more and more anxious with every step she took.
∞∞∞
“You are still anxious, I think.”
As the carriage wound its way through the streets of London, Caroline struggled against the urge to throw open the door and run back to the safety of the tavern, realizing that she was traveling a great distance away from Smithfield Market.
“You need not fear me,” Lord Brandeis murmured, softly. “Your brother made things quite clear to me, Miss Devonshire. I will lose more than just his friendship if I dare try anything with you again.”
She lifted one eyebrow, turning back towards him instead of looking out of the window. Folding her hands in her lap, she tilted her head and regarded him carefully for a moment.
“I do hope that is not the only reason you are being so respectful towards me, Lord Brandeis,” she said slowly, her voice firm and steady. “I would have hoped that you might be able to look at your behavior and see it for what it was – ungentlemanly and unkind.”
Her words seemed to hit Lord Brandeis hard, for he looked away from her, one finger tugging lightly at his starched collar.
“Yes, Miss Devonshire, you are quite correct. At the time of Peter’s rather firm lecture, I confess that I did feel what you now state – but that feeling comes and goes from me. It is rather difficult to change the person you have been for a great many years simply at the drop of a hat.”
Caroline sighed inwardly and turned her gaze away. She was right not to trust Lord Brandeis, for as he himself had just said, he would not be able to change his character simply because of one strongly worded rebuttal from Peter.
“But I do endeavor to do so,” Lord Brandeis continued, a little more earnestly. “If you will but help me, Miss Devonshire, then I am sure I can become a great deal more compassionate, a great deal more respectable.” He gave her a half smile as she turned her eyes in his direction. “Perhaps, in fact, a great deal more like you.”
The compliment was hidden but still present, sending a dart of happiness into her heart, but Caroline quickly brushed it away. She was not going to allow herself to be taken in by Lord Brandeis’s flowery words. The man would have to prove himself to her before she was able to give him her complete trust.
“Here we are!”
Glad the conversation was over, Caroline made to get out of the carriage, only for Lord Brandeis to grasp her arm. Flinching, Caroline tugged her arm out of his grasp, but he raised his hands in a defensive gesture.
“I apologize, Miss Devonshire. You must wait, that is all.”
She frowned at him, aware that her heart had quickened. “Wait?”
“Yes,” he said, smiling. “There will be steps placed outside the carriage and then you will be assisted down to the ground.”
Caroline wanted to say that this was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard, for she was quite able to jump down from the carriage herself! Resigning herself to the fact that she would have to do as Lord Brandeis requested, she sat back with a heavy sigh.
“You will thank me for the assistance once you are surrounded by a great many skirts,” Lord Brandeis muttered, with a slight gleam in his eye. “You will be transformed, my lady, into the Baroness Winter.”
Caroline considered the name for a moment. “Baroness Winter,” she murmured, softly.
“Widowed these last two years,” Lord Brandeis continued, with a broad smile. “Yes, I know that means that you would have had to marry the same year as your supposed come out, but no-one will raise an eyebrow at that. How old are you, if you do not mind my asking?”