by Karen Cogan
Lady Aberly leaned to explain, "I believe our soprano will be performing a series of baroque arias."
Caroline nodded and tried to pretend she had understood. Relief possessed her as the curtain rose, relieving her of the need to reply.
Lady Aberly raised her spy glass to view the finely attired woman who appeared on stage while the Baron and Baroness took turns sleeping through the first half of the performance.
When the intermission came, Mrs. Ruyter remained with the Baron and Baroness while Lady Aberly accompanied the younger folk for a breath of air and glass of lemonade.
As Henry and Lavenia stopped to chat with another couple, Caroline became aware of a man approaching them through the crowd. She felt a sudden dread as Mr. Steffen Humphrey approached.
He took her hand and bowed. "Good evening, cousin. You are looking particularly fetching this evening. I believe that bonnet brings out the amber flecks in your eyes."
She withdrew her hand as soon as she dared. "Viscount. How kind of you to notice me." What was it about the man she did not trust?
He nodded curtly in Lavenia's direction. "I see my competitor has won the heart of my other fair cousin. I warn you, I do not intend to let you get away."
Though said lightly, the words sent a chill through Caroline's body. "I should rejoin my party, sir."
"Of course. I shall look forward to our next encounter."
With another bow, he departed.
The intermission ended and the small party made their way back to the box. Caroline fanned herself steadily as the closeness of the theatre made her feel like steamed pudding. Though the lovely voice of the soprano did capture her interest, she was glad when the performance ended and she could escape into the relative coolness of night.
The coach took them over cobblestone streets to the residence of Madam Ruyter. A small party had gathered in the salon by the time Caroline arrived, including two young men whose acquaintance she had not made. Caroline scanned the room and did not see Mr. Humphrey. For that, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Lavenia drew her to the group of young people. "Caroline, these are two of Mr. Ruyter's friends, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Blois. Gentlemen, this is my cousin, Miss Caroline Stewart. She has recently come from London to visit us."
The young men bowed.
Mr. Blois smiled, showing perfect white teeth. "I am pleased to meet you, Miss Stewart. Do you reside in London?"
She shook her head, pleased to see the admiring looks from the two young men. "No. I have come to the country to stay with my aunt, Lady Aberly."
"You must miss London," said Mr. Arnold, his interest showing in his round countenance.
Caroline's thoughts drifted unbidden to her childhood and the parents whom she still missed. "Yes. I do miss it."
A strange look from Lavenia brought her suddenly alert. At no time must she allow herself to forget her story. "Of course I was not there long enough to become truly attached. You see my great aunt died shortly after I arrived."
Mr. Blois affixed himself at her elbow. "Arrived from where?"
She caught her lip. The lie seemed harder to tell. "From India." She sincerely hoped no one would question her about the weather, wildlife or scenery.
Mr. Arnold positioned himself at her other elbow. "How fascinating. You must tell more about it."
"Perhaps when I have sampled some punch. I am quite parched from the ride here."
"Of course. I shall fetch it," Mr. Blois offered eagerly.
She allowed herself to be seated on a salon sofa with Mr. Arnold. Across the room, she spotted Lavenia and Henry seated together. When Mr. Blois returned, Caroline steered the conversation to topics regarding what the two gentlemen did with their time. The fact that there was no more talk of India relieved her greatly.
She studied the two men with an eye toward a husband. Mr. Arnold was as round-faced as a school boy and had an annoying habit of touching her sleeve.
Mr. Blois was decidedly more handsome, yet had a way of droning on about his affairs that put Caroline nearly to sleep.
When the evening ended, Caroline was grateful to follow her party to the coach. Both gentlemen bid her a fond good-bye with the promise to seek her out at future social functions.
Inside the coach, Lady Aberly asked, "Did you have a good time, my dears?"
Caroline nodded. "I could not have asked for more attentive company than the two gentlemen who were introduced to me."
Lady Aberly frowned. "You can likely do better. Neither of those young men have the social position of my Lavenia's Henry. Perhaps we should host a party. Caroline would meet more of the haut ton."
She turned to Lavenia. "You would like a party, would you not, dear? Perhaps we will have something to announce.
Lavenia flushed. "I would like that, Mama."
Caroline felt sorry for the girl. It seemed Lady Aberly pressed ever harder for the assurance that Mr. Ruyter was to make his declaration. Caroline was sure Lavenia would be only too happy to share the news as soon as things were settled.
They rode in relative silence, each caught in her own thoughts. Caroline was surprised to see a carriage waiting at the door when they arrived at this late hour.
Lady Aberly wrung her fine lace handkerchief. "Oh dear. I do fear I know who has come to call. What shall I tell him Lavenia?"
"Make an excuse, any excuse. I shall not marry him no matter what happens with Henry."
Fearing to intrude, Caroline kept quiet as the footman handed them down. At the door, Edwards announced the guest who waited in the parlour.
"Mr. Humphrey is here to see you, Madam."
Lady Aberly motioned the young ladies to hasten upstairs, but Steffen appeared before they could make their escape. "I see you have been out to a party to which I was not invited." His voice sounded slurred.
Lady Aberly nodded. "We were invited to the home of Madam Ruyter."
He winked at Lavenia. "I see. I would be jealous, you know. In fact, a duel would not be out of order, except for the arrival of this exquisite creature." He nodded to Caroline.
She felt her knees grow weak, yet determination kept her gaze level as she met his eyes. She refused to show him any sign of weakness, not when he was in a superior position to force her into marriage.
He swayed slightly. "I will be master of Castlegate Manor. I know the old miss left it to you, but it rightfully belongs to me."
Lady Aberly waved her fan vigorously. "You are in your cups, Steffen, and you do not know what you are saying. I shall have your man help you into your coach."
Steffen fell silent, not resisting as his man assisted him out the door. When he was safely away, Lady Aberly collapsed into a chair. "No doubt he was here much of the evening, drinking himself into that state. I shall be glad when you are married to your Henry, Lavenia, though I do not know where that should leave me."
Lavenia patted her mother's shoulder. "You will always be welcome with us, Mama."
Lady Aberly eyed Caroline wearily. "That will leave you to deal with Mr. Humphrey as you choose. Perhaps a wedding would not be a bad solution."
Caroline could think of no reply. She felt as though she were being bartered in place of Lavenia. If a maiden offering were to be made, she was not at all sure she wished it to be herself.
She had come expecting to weigh the allure of true love against the security of money and a social position. She had thought she could choose security. Surely she would have security if she married into this household.
But why did Lady Aberly expect she would have no place here should Lavenia marry Mr. Ruyter? Had not Lady Aberly inherited this estate?
Again, she was plagued with the feeling that there were more questions than answers where Lady Aberly and Lavenia were concerned. Considering the late hour of the night and the pounding at her temples, she decided any more speculation would have to wait until the morning.
She crawled into bed and was immediately asleep. Upon awakening, the call of the moorhens reminded Caroline that she was
in the country. Before she left London, she had found security in the sounds there. The calls of the fish sellers in the market square were familiar to her servant ears. Now that she had traded that position for a country miss, she knew she longed to stay here with all her heart.
She stood at the window and looked across the verdant fields. Her eyes fell on the stables where the grooms were at work exercising the horses. She had always had a fascination with the beasts. When she was a very small girl, Tom Coachman had sometimes unhitched the carriage horses and put her on the back of a gentle horse named Bob.
She remembered those days with fondness. Perhaps a trip to the stable would help assuage the anxiety last evening had caused. Since Lady Aberly and Lavenia were late sleepers, it would be easy to slip away unnoticed after breakfast.
She dressed in a pale blue muslin and pulled her hair up in a simple style under a sensible straw bonnet. Feeling that she was properly attired for an after breakfast walk to the stable, she ate a quick repast in the parlour and slipped out the door.
She passed under the giant hornbeams, their leaves casting a trail of shade as she walked the path to the stable. The sounds of nickering and the male voices that answered in soothing tones filled her with an unexplainable excitement.
Her eyes were on the corral and the handsome roan when she stumbled against the young stable hand as she rounded the corner of the building. In a crash of bodies, Caroline found herself off balance, tumbling toward a broad chest. Then, strong arms caught her in a firm grip and set her back on her feet.
She looked up into the darkest green eyes she had ever seen and felt her heart skip a beat.
"I am begging your pardon, sir," she muttered. Then remembering her position, she blushed furiously. What was she thinking, apologizing to a stable hand? She was glad Lady Aberly had not witnessed the scene.
A smile played at the corner of his well-formed lips. "It was my fault, my lady. Have you been injured?"
Caroline shook her head, still flustered from the physical nature of their encounter. "I am fine. I fear I was admiring that fine horse instead of watching where I was going."
She noticed that he watched her with interest as she righted her bonnet. Her annoyance with herself grew with the realization that she was enjoying his attention. If she had any hope of her scheme succeeding, she must remember her position.
She forced herself to regain the composure that had been shattered in the encounter. "I am Miss Stewart, newly arrived from London to stay with my aunt. I had hoped to see some of the horses."
He tilted an eyebrow in a gesture that was almost patronizing. "Really? It is nice to meet you, my lady. I am Geoffrey, newly arrived at the stables."
As he stood staring at her, she saw an amused light in his eyes. His chestnut hair shimmered in the early sunlight. Taking herself in hand, Caroline tried again to become mistress of the situation.
"Would you be so kind as to walk me through the stables, Geoffrey?"
Geoffrey gave a slight bow. "As you wish, my lady."
He followed as she rounded the building to the dozens of stalls that held only a dozen horses. Caroline wondered if a former master of the estate had enjoyed hunting parties. With only the three ladies in the house, the use of horses was reserved primarily for carriage rides.
An older man looked up from examining a hoof as Caroline strolled past the stalls.
"Miss Stewart has come to admire the horses," Geoffrey told the ostler.
The man tipped his hat. "Morning, ma'm. If you decide to ride, Geoffrey can saddle a horse for you and your abigail."
Caroline did not want to admit she had abandoned propriety and come alone. "I am not dressed for riding. Perhaps I shall come back another time."
The man nodded and continued his duty with the horse.
Back in the sunshine, Caroline strolled to the corral. The lovely roan nickered and shook his mane as she paused to study him. "What a lovely horse. What is his name?"
"Victory. He is named for Lord Nelson's flagship."
"How interesting. Where did Lady Aberly get him?"
"She did not buy him, Miss. He is mine. I rode him here."
Caroline studied the groom briefly as his startling green eyes rested fondly on his horse. Caroline knew little about horses, but she could tell the animal in the corral was of fine quality.
"Where did you get him?"
"I won him in a bet, but I do not suppose such things are of interest to a lady like yourself."
Caroline found herself flushing even as she wondered where he got the money for such a bet. He was an unusual man, especially for a groom. She had lived her life with servants. In comparison, this young man's forward manner and lack of humility disturbed her. Even more disturbing was the way her pulse behaved ever since she had run into him.
Caroline decided she should return to the house. It would not be advisable for her to be seen keeping company with this man.
She nodded curtly. "I thank you for showing me the horses. Now I shall be going."
Geoffrey bowed. "I do hope you will come back for a ride. I would be happy to escort you and your abigail, and perhaps, Miss Lavenia."
Caroline felt a twinge of jealousy. "Does Miss Lavenia come riding?"
"I would not know, Miss. I have only just arrived."
Caroline bit her lip. "I fear I am a poor rider. There was not much occasion in London."
Geoffrey's smile spread across his smooth features. "Of course, Miss. I should be happy to teach you anything you need to know."
The statement sounded slightly teasing, but Caroline had no proof of his intent. She responded somewhat tartly. "Perhaps I shall ride on another day. Good-day, Geoffrey."
"Good-day, Miss."
His deep voice seemed to hover in the air behind her as she turned for the house. Something about this man disrupted her composure. She would have to be careful to keep the proper distance between them.
She arrived at the house to find Lady Aberly and Lavenia at breakfast. "I could hardly sleep a wink last night after that dreadful visit by Mr. Humphrey," Lady Aberly admitted.
Lavenia turned to Caroline. "What do you think of him?"
Caroline tore her thoughts from the groom, to Mr. Humphrey, who seemed quite the fop by comparison.
"He dresses very well," she answered mildly.
Lady Aberly fanned herself. "He has not always been the way he behaved last night. I hear he has had some financial set backs of late."
Caroline accepted the invitation to seat herself beside Lavenia. The maid brought an extra cup and Caroline accepted tea from Lady Aberly.
Lavenia nibbled a sweet cake. "He fancies the estate. I think he is not pleased that no immediate plans have formed to bring him here."
Caroline swallowed hard and wondered if he were a violent man. "What wrath would she incur if she were to marry him, only to have him find out her true station? She could never take that chance. Her safety lay in marrying someone outside the Stewart family. Unfortunately, she could not convey this knowledge to any of the parties involved.
Talk turned to other matters, particularly the party that Lady Aberly had proposed. Lavenia bloomed with the possibility of dressing for her Henry and dancing away an entire evening.
There was much planning to do and invitations to write. Caroline had little to offer except her willingness to help wherever needed.
Lady Aberly patted her arm. "You just take care for your frock. I am sure we can manage the rest."
Just before lunch, a carriage arrived. Caroline's heart sank as she heard Mr. Humphrey speaking to Edwards in the front hall.
Lady Aberly floated out, determined to behave as a gracious hostess despite her personal feelings. "Why Mr. Humphrey, how kind of you to drop by. Perhaps you will stay for lunch?"
He engaged her with a smile. "I would be honored. I have come to apologize for my beastly behavior last night. I must admit, I hardly remember what was said or done."
Lady Aberly nodded politel
y. "I am sure you were not yourself. We will not speak of it again. I shall ring for Maggie to tell Cook to prepare an extra dinner."
Mr. Humphrey turned to the young women. "I would like a word with Miss Caroline. Perhaps Maggie would be so kind as to bring some handwork to the garden and complete it out of hearing."
He turned to Lady Aberly. "I assure you there will be no untoward behavior on my part."
Lady Aberly's anxious look at Caroline belied her mild answer. "I am sure that would be acceptable to our guest."
Trapped like a small mouse, Caroline desperately reviewed her choices. She clutched the back of the arm chair. "I fear I am unwell, my lord. The theatre last night tired me more than I expected. Perhaps you would excuse me and we might have our talk another time."
Lord Humphreys's dark features hardened in irritation. However, his station required that his manners respect a lady's delicate constitution.
"As you wish. I shall take my leave and trust you will feel better on my next visit."
"I am sure I shall."
Caroline excused herself to her room, feeling a missed lunch a small price to pay in escape from the overbearing Viscount.
CHAPTER FOUR
In Lady Aberly's enthusiasm, the plans for the upcoming party quickly expanded. The guest list grew as did the need for elaborate preparations. Caroline began to feel rather lost as Lavenia and her mother went about their days in planning for the occasion.
On one such day, Caroline looked out to the stables and found she had a clear view of Geoffrey grooming the beautiful roan horse. Unable to deny her impulse, she decided to see what he could teach her about riding.
His servant status would preclude him from ever telling anyone of influence about any faux pas she might make in her efforts as a horsewoman. And, perhaps, she might ride the roan that she found worthy of admiration.
She broached the need for a riding habit with Lavenia. "I had no need for such attire either in India or London. I shall endeavor to acquire my own outfit on our next trip into Bath. However, I've taken it into my head to go for a ride and wondered if you might have something you could loan me for today."