The Earl That Overruled My Destiny

by Hanna Hamilton

  Lord Caspian glanced at her. His brow was furrowed. “Did I truly insist I was charming? I don’t recall that.”

  “I’m certain you did. It was a long time ago, though. I recall only because I found your remark to be decidedly devoid of charm. Arrogant, too.”

  Lord Caspian chuckled. “Perhaps, I ought to leave the matter to you. What can you discern about my character, My Lady?”

  For an instant, their eyes met. Brown locked with blue, and Gwendoline fidgeted with her hands, stroking the horn of the horse’s saddle. “Well, I should say that my impression of you has changed somewhat since the Season began.”

  “For the better, I hope?”

  It was a game; Gwendoline realized. A test of wits and cleverness.

  “Well,” she said, feigning as though she was deep in thought. “I do not know if I ought to indulge you, my Lord. It is quite apparent to me that you hope I’ll pay you a compliment of some kind, and I do not know if I like to think of my good will to be some…prize for you to win.”

  Lord Caspian gasped and put a hand over his chest, making a show of being irreparably wounded by Gwendoline’s remark. “Your response tells me quite clearly enough! You think that I am a man who does not value a Lady’s honest opinion regarding my character! I am terribly distraught.”

  His eyes sparkled with merriment, and a small laugh bubbled from Gwendoline’s throat. “Somehow, I have difficulty believing that you are terribly distraught, my Lord. I still hold that you seek to inspire my pity and receive some kind remark in return.”

  “Do you hold your kind remarks so tightly locked away that I must inspire your pity to receive one? You’ll not deign to grant me one from the goodness of your tender heart?”

  Gwendoline smiled to herself. They lapsed into silence, as they went along the London streets. Lord Caspian turned to the quietest bank in London. Now, a few people milled about, but none of them spared a glance for Lord Caspian or Gwendoline as they passed.

  “I will pay you one compliment,” Gwendoline said after a few seconds of quiet. “You are a persistent, young Lord. More persistent than most. And good with a turn of phrase. You have a wit about you. That’s two compliments.”

  “Do you admire my wit?” Lord Caspian asked.

  “There you are again. Trying to trick me into singing your praises.”

  “I’ll sing my own praises. With you, I wish to know.”

  When Gwendoline looked at him, she suspected he was laughing at her, and yet there was something deeper in Lord Caspian’s eyes, a sort of seriousness that made her doubt his levity. Perhaps, he truly did care very deeply about her honest thoughts.

  “I enjoy your wit now that it is not being used to inspire me to a fury,” she conceded.

  Lord Caspian sighed softly. He brought the horse to the bank of the Thames and offered his hand once more, helping Gwendoline dismount. For a heartbeat after her feet touched the ground, Lord Caspian held her hand still. Gwendoline felt her pulse flutter. His hand was so warm in hers, so present and gentle. But with a sort of dependability and strength.

  When the lord dropped his hand, Gwendoline wondered if he’d noticed that moment. If he did, he gave no indication of it.

  “I do regret that I inspired that fury in you, but you were so beautiful there,” Lord Caspian said. “You looked so fierce when you stood before me. So passionate. It was as though I stood before some great goddess. Like Venus.”

  “You praise me too highly.”

  Lord Caspian only shrugged. They stood together beside one another, and Gwendoline turned her gaze to the Thames. The waves lapped quietly along the banks of the shore, accompanied by a gentle whisper of spring winds. Together, the smell of water and fish mingled together. Gwendoline breathed it in deeply.

  “Do you come here often, too?” Gwendoline asked. “Like you do the lake?”

  “Not as often. But sometimes. I like the feeling of being near water. I like the sound of it,” Lord Caspian said. “And the way that water mirrors the sky.”

  And Gwendoline could see it. She watched the gentle waves with a few boats swaying on their surface. Lord Caspian had been right about the sky, too. It was dark and spotted with brilliant diamond-like stars. Gwendoline imagined that she could climb onto one of those boats and sail down the Thames and off to somewhere grand and exciting.

  “I think it’s because water is capable of so much,” Lord Caspian added. “There’s something soothing about its moods.”

  “Moods? You speak as though it’s alive.”

  But as she spoke, Gwendoline felt as though she might understand what he meant.

  “I mean, water can be different things. There is my lake, which is almost always still, but when it rains, I like to watch the little droplets that fall and create ripples that spread outwards to the banks.”

  “Which mood is that?”

  Lord Caspian turned his head toward her and brought his brows close together. “Are you asking the question in jest?”

  Gwendoline shook her head. “I merely wanted to know.”

  The Lord clasped his hands behind his back and looked over the Thames. “I don’t think they’re the same as the moods of men and women. Waters have moods that are all their own, which men cannot hope to embody. It’s a rainy mood.”

  “And the Thames tonight?” Gwendoline asked.

  “A peaceful mood, I suppose.”

  “How odd.”

  Lord Caspian chuckled. “I’m odd?”

  “No.” Gwendoline shook her head. “I was going to say that it was an adventurous mood.”

  “You long for adventure so ardently. I hope that someday you find it.”

  Gwendoline bit her lip and tried to decide how much she ought to say. She did not want Lord Caspian to misinterpret her words, to think that she was some lovestruck maiden aching for his presence. That might frighten him or make him realize that they had gone too far with one another.

  “I enjoy the adventures that you bring,” she admitted, shooting a glance at him to survey the Lord’s reaction.

  “The adventures I bring?”

  “You did not have to aid me in finding the answers about our aunt and uncle.”

  “Oh.”

  Did she imagine that he sounded a little disappointed?

  “I meant to ask,” he added, with the air of someone who’d only just remembered something. “My family is hosting the next ball.”

  Gwendoline had already known that, of course. Florence had been invited, but Gwendoline had not. She knew, too, that an invitation would likely not be forthcoming. There was a reason that she and Lord Caspian met by moonlight.

  “What are your thoughts on asking Lord Woodmore about his experience with Lady Helena? Or his knowledge of Lord Charles?”

  Gwendoline frowned and nudged a clump of weeds with her big toe. “Well, I don’t know. I do agree that he might know something that no one else is telling us.”

  “And yet?”

  The Lady sighed. “And yet if Lord Woodmore intended to share something, I would imagine that he’d have said it before now. I also imagine that the Lord will react angrily to an inquiry.”

  “Oh, that I don’t doubt,” Lord Caspian replied. “I was only thinking that I might be able to coax something from him. Somehow. I’ll confess that it’s not a plan I have thought terribly long on.”

  “Perhaps, we should leave it for now,” Gwendoline mused. “We agreed that we ought to keep this a secret between us until we’d learned more, and while I agree that Lord Woodmore could likely tell us something about Lady Helena and my uncle, I doubt that he would.”

  “And even if we present him with the little evidence we have, it would likely only serve to stoke his anger,” Lord Caspian said, ending with a sigh. “I do see your point, My Lady. I just feel as if it’s a shame to lose the opportunity.”

  “But if you speak to Lord Woodmore of the matter and it ends poorly, there is a chance that he’ll speak to our parents, which will end everything,” Gwe
ndoline argued. “I truly think we’d best wait and consider that matter at a later date. Perhaps, after we have learned some more.”

  Lord Caspian nodded. “Such sage advice.”

  “You weren’t expecting my advice to be good?”

  The Lord shrugged. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have not forgotten how fiery you are. I’m certain if you unleashed your wrath upon Lord Woodmore, he’d readily agree to any of your demands, no matter how absurd.”

  “You make it sound as if I’m a screeching harpy rather than a goddess.”

  “You aren’t. Rest assured. I can scarcely imagine a man who would think you were a harpy, My Lady.”

  “What a compliment,” Gwendoline replied. “But what were we talking about?”

  “Adventures, I believe. You enjoy the adventures I bring by helping you unravel this family mystery, My Lady.”

  “I enjoy these adventures, too,” Gwendoline said. “Although I know I shouldn’t. They are highly improper.”

  “But would you accompany me on another?”

  The Lady sighed. “I would, and therein lies that problem, my Lord. I ought not enjoy them so much.”

  Lord Caspian sighed. “But sometimes,” he said, his voice very soft. “It is simply enjoyable to do something which you ought not to, and it’s apparent you know that as well as I.”

  “Yes.”

  “I do fear this one has come to an end, though. Neither of us will have any adventures if we’re caught, so you mustn’t be gone long.”

  Without awaiting her reply, Lord Caspian climbed the bank and returned to his waiting horse. Gwendoline followed and let him help her once again. There was something delightful in holding his hand, even for the briefest of instances.

  But surely, it is only because of the excitement which comes from doing something a little improper.

  Chapter 18

  “Our father returns,” Noah said dryly. “I’d wondered if he intended to stay away and miss the occasion entirely.”

  Caspian, who stood beside his brother, nodded. Indeed, Lord Elderdale had just entered the room and joined a group of lords who stood clustered together, likely talking about their businesses despite the loud music and the merriment around them.

  “I wonder which sort of mood he’s in tonight,” Caspian said. “He’ll either pressure us to find brides or ignore us entirely. That’s usually his way during these grand occasions.”

  “I hope it’s the latter,” Noah muttered.

  Indeed, Caspian did, too, though he did not voice the opinion. It was not as though he had any particular aversion to being wed, but he also had no desire to be married to a woman whom he did not have some fondness for. Even though his own dear mother insisted that she was content with her lot, Caspian nevertheless felt as though the poor Lady must surely feel neglected.

  And the Lady who I’d most like to see is not here.

  Of course, there were several ladies who Caspian was sure would be delighted to make his acquaintance or win his attention, but somehow, Lady Gwendoline’s absence made him more pensive than usual. More careful with his affections.

  Alexander waved from across the room and approached, a roguish smirk stretched across his face. “Good evening.”

  “The same to you,” Caspian said. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

  “I haven’t been here long enough to determine whether or not I’m deriving enjoyment from the occasion, though I’m certain I shall. I have never had a disagreeable time on your family’s estate.”

  Lady Florence entered, as lovely as always. Caspian felt a pang of disappointment to find that she was unaccompanied by the lovely Lady Gwendoline, although he’d known she would be.

  “Gentlemen,” Caspian said, “I’ll return shortly.”

  Alexander’s sly gaze swept to Lady Florence. “James won’t be pleased if you intend to pursue her.”

  “I don’t,” Caspian replied briskly. “I just want to exchange a few words about a mutual acquaintance of ours.”

  “And who is that?” Noah asked.

  Caspian shrugged. “No one you know.”

  Noah smirked. His eyes seemed knowing, and the expression gave Caspian pause. Had his brother surmised that he’d paid more visits than he ought to have to Lady Gwendoline?

  No, he couldn’t possibly suspect. It was more likely that he expected Caspian admired this mutual acquaintance, which he realized he did. A bit. More than a bit. He’d tell Noah the truth once he really knew all of it, but for now, he’d leave his brother in the dark.

  Caspian left his friends and crossed the room. Lady Florence saw him and excused herself from Lady Lydia. For an instant, Caspian and Lady Florence stood and considered one another. Caspian had no idea how much Gwendoline had told her friend about their moonlight escapades.

  “Good evening,” Caspian said.

  The Lady smiled. “Good evening.”

  Caspian felt a burst of desire to ask about Lady Gwendoline, even though he’d seen her only a few nights before and would have known if anything had changed with her. And had Lady Gwendoline mentioned to her dear friend that they were engaging on those moonlight escapades? The thought of their outings sent a delighted thrill through his body.

  He had a rather sudden and impossible fantasy of slipping away from his family’s own ball and of going to her, of greeting Lady Gwendoline beneath her window. And yet he knew that his absence would be noticed at a ball hosted by his own family.

  “And how are you?” Caspian asked. “How is your family?”

  “I am well, as are they,” Lady Florence replied.

  The Lady’s eyes shined with amusement. While it still remained unclear how much she knew of his adventures with Lady Gwendoline, it was quite apparent that she’d gleaned his reason for speaking to her.

  “And how is our mutual acquaintance?” Caspian asked, trying to keep his tone cold and politely interested.

  But even then, Caspian suspected that he sounded far too curious in his inquiry regarding Lady Gwendoline than he should have.

  “Gwendoline is well, enjoying the Season. As am I,” Lady Florence said. “Am I to assume that your inquiry is merely one of courtesy, or was there a message which you wanted me to pass to her?”

  The music ceased and began again. “Shall we dance?” Caspian asked.

  Lady Florence nodded her assent, and Caspian took her hands in his. They walked to an unoccupied place on the ballroom floor and moved seamlessly into the first steps. Lady Florence was a gifted dancer, her every movement the epitome of grace.

  “I ask out of courtesy,” Caspian said, his words hidden by the music and the movement of the dancers, who found their attention otherwise occupied.

  “I’m certain she appreciates your thoughtfulness.”

  Caspian eyed her, trying to discern from the Lady’s sparkling eyes how much she knew about the situation.

  “I daresay she is nearly fond of you, My Lord,” Lady Florence said, “Although I would not want to misconstrue my dear friend’s intentions.”

  “To that, I would insist that I may be nearly fond of her as well.”

  Lady Florence’s lips curled into a sly, clever smile. “I have enjoyed witnessing the two of you progress from being bitter enemies to near friends. Pleasant acquaintances. However you would choose to describe one another.”

  That made one person who was pleased to see it. Despite his resolve to see the feud between the Lockwood and Farraday families finally end, Caspian couldn’t help but feel a small inkling of doubt. Even if he and Lady Gwendoline discovered the truth of what occurred between their families, would they willingly accept that the feud was a misunderstanding? Something which needed to come to an end?

  And I don’t know yet that our families are unaware of what really occurred between Lady Helena and Lord Charles. Perhaps, they know and have only hidden it all these years.

  Caspian could think of no reason why it should be so, but the possibility was there.

  “I hope t
hat our family will likewise enjoy witnessing it,” Caspian replied. “Although I cannot guarantee that they will.”

  “Nevertheless, I imagine most would enjoy witnessing strife come to an end. Surely, neither your family nor Gwendoline’s longs for the continuance of this feud?”

  Perhaps, not. Maybe Caspian was merely thinking the worst, but he felt that surely someone must have known what really happened. Even if there were no certain answers, he was sure that there must have been gossip revolving around what Lady Helena and Lord Charles might have been done. And there may have very well been confidants, as Lady Florence was to Lady Gwendoline.