by Karen Cogan
Caroline and Lavenia let a look of disquietude pass between them before accepting Lady Aberly's decision. Caroline knew etiquette would demand that she speak to the Viscount. However, she hoped to keep their association as brief as possible.
The hostesses had not gathered long in the drawing room before the guests began to arrive. Lavenia was immediately swept up with Henry while Lady Aberly conversed with Lady Ruyter and the Baron and Baroness, leaving Caroline in the unhappy position of being companion to Lord Humphrey.
He offered his arm to escort her to dine.
Caroline accepted as graciously as possible. He strolled behind the others, allowing time to speak to her privately.
"My dear Miss Stewart, you are looking charming this evening. I believe that dress enhances your consummate beauty."
"Thank you, my lord. I am pleased you approve."
"I approve most wholeheartedly. Have you given our previous conversation additional consideration?"
"Yes, my lord. I will not be intimidated into marriage. And, in this, I think not only of myself, but of you as well. If you were to marry me, rest assured you would be sorely disappointed in the possessions which I would bring to the marriage."
His glanced down at her and smiled a chilling smile that did not reach his eyes. "I care not for your possessions, my lady. I care only that you are a Stewart. That is all that counts. Lady Eleanor may disown me, but she cannot stop me from marrying back into the family. I will attain what should rightfully be mine. And I suggest that you cooperate."
They reached the table. Caroline did not wish to shock their genteel guests with a cutting reply to the Viscount. Therefore, she could only smile, while seething inside as her mind cast about for a way to end his brazen blackmail. To resist meant sure danger. And yet, even if she were a Stewart instead of an impostor, Caroline knew she would rather die than surrender to his plan.
Though the kitchen staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty, Caroline found her appetite very slight. She forced smiles and polite replies to the Baron who, being almost deaf, spoke so loudly that she feared she would be nearly deaf, too, by the time the meal ended.
The arrival of the first guests for the ball spared Caroline further need to pretend interest in the Baron's conversation. Her attempt to avoid escort by Lord Humphrey failed and she found herself, again, privileged to his intimate overtures.
"I should like the first three dances, my lady, if you would permit me to sign your card."
Caroline shook her head. "It would be improper, my lord, for me to give you three dances in a row since you have made no declaration in form, nor should you, for I would not accept. I shall dance with you as propriety permits."
Extricating herself from the Viscount, she joined Lady Aberly and Lavenia in greeting the guests. Her fragile composure flagged as she struggled to remember the list of names that Lavenia had carefully taught her along with the particular information which went with each guest. She tried to remember the men of political importance, along with whether they were Whig or Tory, the particular matrons of social influence, the fortune hunters, and the men of good family.
With the introductions complete, Henry led Lavenia out to the floor to open the dancing. Lady Aberly and Lady Ruyter sat together watching the couple with obvious pleasure. "He plans a declaration in form this evening," Lady Ruyter confided.
Lady Aberly clapped her plump hands, her small eyes following the dancers. "Ah, this is a delightful occasion. I am fond of your Henry and so pleased that he wishes to wed my Lavenia. I cannot wait to see them settled happily together."
She refrained from mentioning her greater relief to see Lavenia rescued from the attentions of Lord Humphrey. She hoped the accusations waged against him proved untrue. She had become fond of Caroline and did not wish to see her married to a man of ill character. However, if someone had to marry the Viscount, she could not help the relief that if should be Caroline and not Lavenia. The thought of settling in the same house with the man set her near to vapors.
She saw the Viscount spot the obscure edge of the dance floor where Caroline appeared to be hiding, no doubt from the very attentions he sought to impart. His face clouded darkly as Mr. Blois claimed Caroline's attention just before the Viscount arrived. Lady Aberly smiled as Caroline accepted a dance with Mr. Blois and disappeared among the swirling figures already on the floor.
Caroline, though relieved to be spared the company of Lord Humphrey, suffered the dreadful pangs of humiliation as she mis-stepped, causing Mr. Blois to steady her in his arms. Though he gave no indication of objecting to the need to deliver her back onto her feet, Caroline blushed furiously, fearing that she would repeat her mistake.
At the end of the dance, she saw Lord Humphrey bearing down upon them. Caroline favored Mr. Blois with a look of supplication. "I am feeling rather fatigued. I think it is the warmth. May we not sit out this dance and sip punch?"
His face lit with pleasure. "To be sure, Miss Stewart. I should be honored to keep you company with refreshment."
Lord Humphrey appeared at her elbow. "Is your card free for the next dance, my lady?"
Caroline cast a pleasant smile at Mr. Blois. "I am sorry, my lord. Mr. Blois has promised me a glass of punch and his company while I seek a brief respite. Perhaps another dance."
Lord Humphrey bowed courteously, though his dark eyes flashed with displeasure. "I shall await your return to the dance floor with great anticipation."
Caroline's conscience pricked with the understanding that she was leading Mr. Blois to expect her favor. The captivated expression upon his too angular face left no doubt as to his pleasure at her suggestion to spend this extra time in her company.
To his dismay, he soon found them surrounded by a coterie of young men. Caroline tried to remember which of the admirers were landed gentry and within her plans to captivate. She offered the best imitation of the demure smile she had practiced in front of her looking glass as she chatted, in turn, with each suitor.
She found none of them of particular interest. Her disappointment mounted as she reminded herself that love was not the objective that she ultimately sought. After another poorly executed waltz with a young squire with more land than observable wit and intelligence, she found herself once more confronted by the Viscount.
"I should like the pleasure of this dance."
Caroline paled at the announcement of the impending minuet. The timing, the complicated steps and the parting and uniting were far beyond her ability to copy what she observed on the occasions she had served at Lady Aberly's parties.
"I am fatigued. I shall take a break in the ladies' refreshing room and return shortly. Perhaps then, I shall feel my vigor renewed."
Suspicion glittered in his eyes. "I did not know you were a woman of such delicate constitution, my lady. The accounts I have heard of your riding expeditions would suggest otherwise."
Caroline lowered her voice, not wishing to quarrel at the ball. "One should be careful of one's source, my lord. There are those who would tell you anything you wish to hear if they are well paid for the service."
"Power has a way of commanding loyalty, my dear Miss Stewart. Do not forget that. And I intend to have power. Take your rest, but do not forget that I will not be put off. I am not one to be toyed with."
He left her to her escape with those words of parting. Caroline watched him a moment, his tall figure cutting a path around the perimeter of the dance floor. She felt chilled in spite of the warmth of the room.
Geoffrey stood, concealed in the shadows of the rose garden and watched the proceedings of the ball through the open French doors. He suppressed a laugh to see Lady Aberly presiding over the affair with the aplomb appropriate to the lady of the estate. His dealings with her had led him to conclude that she was a simple woman, who was harmless and liked her life of ease. He begrudged her nothing.
He glimpsed Lavenia swirling gracefully across the floor and understood why her mother believed her mastery of deportment
should procure her a proper place in society. Her serene expression and flawless performance were a credit to her education.
Soon she would marry Mr. Ruyter and be out of reach of Lord Humphrey. Her feelings for Mr. Ruyter preoccupied her, though she had proved astute enough in her suspicion regarding the Viscount. Still, Geoffrey grimaced, thinking how little the ladies truly understood the intrigue which threatened the household.
The true object of his search appeared amidst the waltzing figures, looking uncomfortable in the Viscount's arms. Geoffrey's hands clenched unconsciously into fists. Frustration filled him. He was forced to stand outside and watch the sly wretch, Humphrey, dance in a house where the true master dared not safely reside, nor even attend a ball.
He longed to break through the happy dancers and pull Caroline from the arms that held her with possessive confidence. Yet his very position to defend her depended on his keeping his current position. A discharge from his work at the stable would make it more difficult to stay privileged to Caroline's accounts of Lord Humphrey's visits as well as keeping an eye on his henchman, Benson.
So, he held his posture just beyond the soft glow of light that spilled out from the ballroom. He watched Caroline and knew intuitively that it was more than her displeasure with the Viscount that marred her evening. She danced as stiffly as Lavenia was graceful, depending on her partner to right her occasional mis-step.
She glanced around the room, appearing as desperate for escape as a beautiful butterfly caught in a net. Her distress surprised him. Daughters of the British officers in India were carefully schooled in all the fine arts.
He had not been surprised when she had not been a proficient rider. Many young ladies grew up without developing this skill. Yet, her lessons in dance and deportment wound never have been overlooked unless, perhaps, Caroline's parents had neglected her education.
He frowned, puzzling over his thoughts as Caroline withdrew suddenly, leaving Lord Humphrey to stalk away.
She fled as though chased by demons. Her feet took her through the darkened library, out the door and into the rose garden. Her initial relief faded as she wondered what excuse she might make for the extended absence she desired.
She heard the music trickling out from the ballroom.
"Minuet, minuet," she moaned. "I cannot dance."
A shadow moved beside her and Caroline gasped. She stifled a scream as she recognized Geoffrey.
"You are in distress, my lady?"
Caroline shook her head, struggling to quiet the pounding of her heart.
"You startled me. That is all."
He stepped closer. Caroline lost all progress she had made to calm herself.
"You said you cannot dance. I am a servant, here to serve you. With practice, and with your natural grace, you should have no difficulty learning."
Before she could protest, Geoffrey swept her firmly into his arms.
"We will begin with a waltz.
"We must not," she sputtered. "Can you imagine what would happen should we be seen?"
She struggled briefly, yet found herself held securely in place as he pulled her forward. "It is dark and everyone is at the ball. We will not be seen."
His masterful leading and her previous practice helped Caroline become comfortable with the flowing steps. He held her close. She could smell the scent of costmary on his clothing.
She knew she must extricate herself from his arms and the danger of discovery they presented. The matrons of influence and young men of property would not be agreeable to the report that she had slipped off to dance with the groom.
Yet enfolded in his arms, the ball seemed far away, existing in a different time than the world she shared with Geoffrey. He released her when the music ended. Caroline appreciated the cover of darkness to hide the disappointment she knew showed on her face.
"Unless I am mistaken, there will be another minuet next. Here, I will show you the steps."
When the music started, Caroline followed his directions and found that she made passable progress. Her confidence grew. If she were careful, she would be able to perform the dance without committing a ghastly mistake.
"You are an exceptional dance teacher. What other talents do you have besides that of a groom?" Caroline smiled her appreciation.
"Any number, my lady. Time does not permit me to expand on my mysterious past. We cannot hope to have but one more dance before your absence may become of concern."
"I shall not forget your kindness in taking pity on my difficulty."
Geoffrey bowed to her courtesy. "Forgive me, my lady, but I am fascinated by your time in India. I understand most young ladies are sent to England for a proper education and training in the arts. How did you escape the rigors of a dance master?"
"My family felt the education provided by the natural beauty of India was quite sufficient."
Geoffrey raised an eyebrow. "They must have been most exceptional people. Has your family been there long?"
Caroline thought back to the bit of family history Lady Eleanor had imparted for Caroline's introduction to Lady Aberly.
"My grandfather is Lady Eleanor's youngest brother. He came to India years ago as an officer."
Had she not been distracted by the complication of the upcoming step, she would have noted the crease of perturbation that formed on his brow.
"Before returning to England I served under Lord Nelson in the battle of Cadiz. Perhaps I know an officer in your family," Geoffrey stated.
"Perhaps. My father is an officer, like his father before him."
Caroline was proud of her ability to recall this detail of
Stewart history. Still, the familiar discomfort returned at this need of deception. Luckily, it was only a stable hand with whom she conversed.
He stepped forward in time to the music. "And your father's name?"
Caroline caught her lip between her teeth. Perhaps he knew the officer whose daughter she was impersonating. It would be best to avoid any mention of names.
"I do not wish to discuss my personal history any longer."
"Yes, my lady. Perhaps you would tell me how you liked that lovely dish the Hindu servants cooked of tender beef? Frangipani, I believe it was called."
Caroline felt relief with this question. A matter of personal taste would surely not present the danger that discussing matters of family history presented.
"I found it quite to my liking," she replied with a smile.
The music ended.
Geoffrey released her abruptly. "Perhaps, my lady, you had better go inside. I have given you all the instruction which I have to offer."
Caroline nodded. "Very well. I remain in your gratitude."
Geoffrey bowed. "The pleasure was mine."
She looked back, gathering her long skirts. She found her reluctance to depart disconcerting. "I shall come for a ride soon. You have proved an apt tutor of riding as well as of dancing."
"Yes, my lady."
Caroline would have heard the flatness of his tone, had she not been flustered by the memory of his touch and the magic of his arms.
She scolded herself as she hurried through the library, back to the company of young men who did not confuse her senses and disrupt the determination that had sent her here. If she did not guard her heart and keep her behavior above reproach she might be forced to return to London and find herself pleading for a position with the distasteful, Adela, daughter-in-law to Lady Eleanor. And she would have only herself to blame. As it was, she had allowed, even desired, a breach of proper distance between her position and a stable hand.
Geoffrey's expression clouded with anger as he watched her depart. He had been a fool. She had bewitched him and stolen his heart. He intended to reclaim it before it was too late. How she had thrown in with the Viscount, he did not understand.
But he felt sure he had been deceived. He took comfort only in the fact that he had resisted the impulse to tell her the identity of the true heir of Castlegate Manor. Though he had l
onged to trust her, his natural caution had held him in check.
Even now, he did not want to believe that she was capable of deception. Yet, he could not ignore the obvious truth.
He would uncover her role in the plot. Then, he would see to her downfall as well as to that of Lord Humphrey.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Caroline returned to the ballroom and put on a coquettish smile as she danced and flirted with various admirers. She was aware of Lord Humphrey's peevish presence in her small coterie as she alternately filled her dance card, then took her rest and refreshment. Yet her unruly heart compared each partner to Geoffrey's tutelage in the garden and she found each to be a disappointing substitute.
Near the end of the ball, Lady Ruyter and Lady Aberly had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Ruyter declare his intentions for Lavenia. Lavenia blushed becomingly as she accompanied him on a round of well wishes, followed by toasts to their prosperity and good health.
Lavenia took Caroline's hands. "I hope you will be as happy one day as I am right now."
Her words sent a stab of doubt into Caroline's heart. Would she be happy one day? Or would she settle on one of the young men present in order to escape her plight with Lord Humphrey?
He sidled up to her at Lavenia's departure. She sensed his presence before he spoke.
"It seems the fair Lavenia has made up her mind to wed Mr. Ruyter, a decision I find most unwise since he is only to become a baron of small estate. Her loss shall be your gain."
"I fail to see the connection, my lord," Caroline replied coldly.
"Let us not play games, my lady. I can make things most uncomfortable for you if you persist in this ridiculous defiance."
Fatigue and the strain of dancing fanned Caroline's emotions into furor. "Do what you like. I shall never marry you. And you shall never inherit Castlegate Manor."
"You should not say such things. I have told you I will do whatever it takes to become master of this estate. It would be terrible if something dreadful should happen to the existing heirs, would it not, my dear Miss Stewart? You have it within your power to prevent such a tragedy or to allow it to occur. Think about it, my dear."