by Anne Herries
‘I assure you that I have never thought you empty-headed, Miss Holbrook,’ Freddie said, a gleam in his eyes; he knew that she was being deliberately provoking. ‘A little reckless, perhaps? Or is that simply a disguise to fool us all?’ His manner was decidedly provocative and received the answer it deserved.
‘Oh, you are unkind, sir,’ Caroline came back at him challengingly. ‘What makes you think that I would pretend to be other than I am?’
‘It was simply a thought that popped into my head,’ he murmured, attempting innocence. ‘I dare say I was wrong?’ Caroline was silent and he raised his brows. ‘Have I offended you, Miss Holbrook?’
‘Oh, no, not at all,’ she said and looked up at him. ‘Please continue what you were saying.’
‘I think I meant to ask if you will come driving with me one morning, Miss Holbrook,’ Freddie said. ‘I was hoping that you might say yes…if you are not otherwise engaged?’
‘Oh…’ Caroline was a little surprised, for she had not expected it. ‘Yes, I do not see why not, sir. I have driven out with Mr Bellingham several times, but, yes, thank you. I should be happy to do so.’
‘Perhaps the day after tomorrow?’
‘Yes, I believe that will suit. My aunt never makes engagements for the mornings. She prefers to stay in her room until eleven or twelve, but I like to go out early.’
‘So I have observed,’ Freddie said. ‘I shall call for you at ten, if that is not too early?’
‘No, not at all,’ she said. ‘I shall look forward to it.’
Their dance was ending and Sir Frederick escorted her back to Julia, who was to be his next partner. Caroline was momentarily alone, and she saw that Mr Farringdon was making his way towards her. Fortunately, her next partner arrived before he could do so and she was swept back into the throng of dancers.
* * *
As the evening progressed, Mr Farringdon made two more attempts to reach her, but Caroline avoided him, and it was not until she stepped outside on the terrace to cool herself for a moment before the supper dance that he succeeded in speaking to her. She had not seen him standing in the shadows, and, as he moved towards her, turned away, intending to return to the ballroom.
‘Miss Holbrook,’ he said. ‘I have been wishing to speak to you. I had hoped that I might be given the honour of a dance with you this evening?’
‘Forgive me, but my card was filled almost at once. Excuse me. I must go, for my partner will be waiting.’
‘Surely you can spare a moment?’ He moved to block her way, sending a little shiver of alarm down her spine.
‘No, I must go,’ she said and tried to move past him, but he laid his hand on her bare arm, making her jerk away instinctively. His eyes glittered and she thought he was about to say something more, but then his face froze and he took his hand from her arm.
‘Miss Holbrook—I believe this is our dance?’
Caroline had never been more relieved in her life as she saw Sir Frederick standing in the doorway. Her face lit up and she moved towards him eagerly, offering him her hand.
‘I had not forgotten. I was about to return, sir.’
‘Nothing has happened to disturb you?’
‘Oh, no,’ Caroline said, for she did not wish to make something out of nothing. ‘Excuse me, sir.’ Farringdon stood back, nodding to Sir Frederick, who was regarding him sternly.
‘And that,’ Freddie said in a low voice as they went inside, ‘was extremely foolish of you, Miss Holbrook. There are some gentlemen you would be safe with on a desert island, but not that one. What made you go outside with him?’
Caroline glanced at him, a hint of temper in her eyes. ‘If you imagine that I went to meet him, you are mistaken, sir. I do not like the gentleman and would not even grant him a dance!’ The expression on her face hinted that at that moment she did not particularly like Freddie either.
A smile flickered in his eyes as he inclined his head to her. ‘I stand corrected, Miss Holbrook, and I am happy to admit it. I jumped to conclusions, but I happen to know that Farringdon is not ideal as an admirer for a young lady like you. Neither is he possessed of a great fortune. I do not imagine your family would think him suitable, for I dare say they expect you to make a good match.’
‘Do you, indeed?’ Caroline tossed her head at him as he led her into the dance. ‘I thank you for your advice, sir. In this instance I believe the advice was not needed, but please do feel free to give me the benefit of your superior knowledge on these matters whenever you wish. As you say, it is imperative that I marry well, and I dare say you may know to a penny what any particular gentleman is worth.’ Since he clearly thought her a fortune hunter, she might as well encourage the thought!
Freddie’s mouth twitched at the corners, but he made no further remarks on the subject as he led her into the dance. Caroline relaxed as she felt his hand at her waist, and for some reason her anger vanished instantly. She looked up at him a little uncertainly.
‘I have distressed you. Forgive me, Miss Holbrook.’
‘I think that perhaps I have been rude? I am the one to ask for understanding, Sir Frederick. I was upset and spoke too hastily. Indeed, I was glad to be rescued.’
‘No forgiveness is needed,’ he assured her. ‘I would have you no other way, Miss Holbrook. I prefer that a young lady should speak her mind—and I find you most refreshing.’
Was that another way of saying that she was ill mannered, but to be forgiven because of her youth? Caroline was not sure if he was mocking her or not, because she was sure that he was laughing inside. She decided that the best thing to do was to retain a dignified silence, which she did for the remainder of their dance, but when he asked if he might escort her into supper she was obliged to smile and thank him.
‘And thus might Saint Joan have looked as she was taken to the stake,’ he said in a low voice, and as she looked up she saw that his eyes were bright with laughter. ‘Am I still to be permitted to take you driving, Miss Holbrook?’
‘Do you still wish to?’
‘Yes, certainly,’ he said. ‘I believe…’
What he had been about to say was missed, for they were joined by Julia and a party of young bucks, and after seeing that Caroline had all she needed, Sir Frederick soon left them to the enjoyment of their supper. When she looked for him later, she realised that he must have gone.
She could not help feeling piqued, because she did not know what she had done to give him such a poor opinion of her. It was true that if she married well she might be able to make Mama’s life better, and she would like to do something for her brothers too—but she would not wish to marry exclusively for money. Indeed, she could not imagine herself married to most of the gentlemen she knew…
Chapter Three
Caroline was thoughtful as she went to bed that evening. She was aware that the evening had been very pleasant, and she was enjoying her stay in town—but for some reason the sparkle had gone out of things after Sir Frederick had left the ball. Now why should that be? She had continued to dance all evening and many of her partners were very personable young men—but somehow none of them made her feel quite as alive as Sir Frederick.
Why had he left early? She wondered if she had offended him by being a little sharp and was sorry that she had been hasty. He’d seemed to imagine that she was interested in making an advantageous marriage and that had made her angry. What had she done to give such an ill opinion of her? Caroline pondered the question, but could not think that she had done anything. It was hardly her fault if she had attracted the attention of several important and wealthy men. She ought not to have said anything about being a duchess, though; the memory made her feel ill at ease with herself.
Sir Frederick had said that he still wished to take her driving, but she was afraid that she might have given him a dislike for her company. She was at heart a very well-behaved young lady despite being sometimes reckless. She decided that the next time they met she would be more careful of her behaviour.
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br /> * * *
The following day was quite taken up by shopping and appointments with the seamstress, and in the evening they attended a musical event. There was no sign of either Sir Frederick or Mr Bellingham, and Caroline wore a rather fixed smile all evening, and was rebuked by her aunt for being above her company.
‘You may be bored, Caroline, but if you show it so plainly you will soon find that you are no longer invited anywhere.’
‘I am sorry, Aunt,’ Caroline said. ‘I did not mean to offend anyone, but I am feeling…’ She sighed, because she did not know why her spirits were at a low ebb. She ought not to feel as if the evening were pointless just because her particular friends were not present. ‘Perhaps I am a little tired.’
It was merely an excuse, she knew, but she was glad when it was time to leave and she could be alone in her own room. She was a little on edge, and she wondered whether or not Sir Frederick would keep his appointment to take her driving the next morning.
* * *
She need not have worried, for he arrived at the appointed time. He looked extremely handsome in his blue coat and pale breeches, his boots having the kind of shine that only a valet of the first order could bestow on them.
‘Miss Holbrook,’ he said as the footman announced him, showing him into the downstairs parlour where Caroline was pretending to read a news sheet that had just been delivered. ‘You look charming this morning, if I may be allowed to say so?’
‘Thank you, sir. You are very kind.’
‘You are ready?’
‘Yes, of course.’ Caroline smiled, allowing none of her uncertainty to show as she picked up her gloves and went out into the hall. ‘You will not want to keep your horses waiting.’
She was assisted with her pelisse, and, tying the ribbons of her bonnet, followed him outside. The young lad Freddie employed as his tiger was walking the horses and brought the phaeton back to them.
‘Thank you, Jim. Up with you now, lad.’ Freddie turned to Caroline as the lad obeyed. She had noticed that he was driving a pair of perfectly matched greys.
‘Mr Bellingham told me that you had some fine chestnuts, sir. Have you changed your horses recently?’
‘No, but I had a chance to purchase these and thought they would be a splendid addition to my stables. One can never have too many horses.’
‘Oh, I agree. I should imagine anyone would be pleased to own these.’
‘Not all young ladies take such an interest in horses. You are a rarity, Miss Holbrook.’
‘Am I?’ Caroline looked at him as he handed her up. ‘I have loved horses since I was first able to walk down to the stables with my father…dogs, too. Proper dogs, I mean, not the fancy lapdogs that many ladies dote on. At home I like to walk with them, sometimes for hours at a time.’ She laughed. ‘Indeed, I think I prefer being out with my dogs to talking to some of the people I have met in town.’ She drew a sharp breath as she realised what she had said. ‘Oh, dear, that was not well said. Now you will think me a country bore and I shall be ruined.’
‘Not at all,’ Freddie said. ‘You have too much intelligence and vivacity to be a bore.’
‘I shall take that as a compliment.’
‘Well, you may do so, for it was meant as one.’
‘Thank you. Do you have a country estate, sir?’
‘I have three at the moment,’ Freddie said. ‘A hunting lodge in Oxfordshire, my family seat in Derbyshire and a shooting box in Scotland, which I seldom use. It was set up by my maternal grandfather and came to me on his death, but I prefer to spend much of my time in London.’
‘Oh…yes, I see,’ Caroline said. ‘I suppose the country does not appeal to everyone, though I believe I prefer it.’
‘The countryside can be pleasant enough if one has the right companions. But I do not care to spend too much time alone there when my friends are in town.’
‘Yes, of course. Do you have no family, sir?’
‘I had an elder sister, but she died of a putrid fever when a child.’ His eyes darkened as if the memory still held echoes of pain for him. ‘My parents had both died some years earlier, so that meant I was left to the mercy of the servants—and occasional visits from my uncle and grandfather. Grandfather died when I fifteen, but my uncle still lives. As does my godmother, Lady Stroud.’
‘I had no idea.’ Caroline glanced at him, for she guessed that he must have felt lonely as a child, but his face was a mask that showed no sign of emotion.
‘Why should you? It was a long time ago. However, you must not be sorry. If I have few relatives, I have some good friends and many pleasant acquaintances.’
‘Oh, yes,’ Caroline agreed. ‘I believe you are very close with Mr Bellingham, are you not?’
‘We have been friends for some time.’
They were entering the park gates now and Caroline saw several ladies and gentlemen she knew. Some were in carriages, but most were on foot.
‘Would you count that gentleman as a friend?’ Caroline asked after they had been driving for some minutes. She had noticed Mr Farringdon. He was on foot and seemed to be staring fixedly in their direction.
‘An acquaintance. I believe his estate is not far distant from my hunting lodge, but I would not count him a friend. We meet at the card tables and at various functions.’
‘Yes, I suppose you must play with so many gentlemen at the tables,’ Caroline said, looking thoughtful. ‘Papa was not lucky at cards. I think it is not always wise to gamble too much.’
‘You are very right, though the golden rule is to play only if you can pay.’
‘Ah, yes, very true—but I think that gaming has brought more than one gentleman to ruin.’
‘I am sure that is so. The devil of it is that one can do nothing to prevent it. When someone has the need for self-destruction, no cautionary words will help.’ Freddie was thoughtful for a moment and then he glanced at her. ‘But tell me, do you go to Lady Rowe’s affair tomorrow?’
‘Yes, indeed we shall,’ Caroline replied, allowing his wish to change the subject. ‘Shall you be there, sir?’
‘It was my intention, but I have business that takes me to Oxford, though I hope to return within a few days.’
‘Oh…’ Caroline knew a pang of disappointment. ‘Well, I suppose you must settle your affairs.’
‘I must speak to my agent urgently,’ Freddie told her. ‘There are certain things that must be seen to at my estate and…elsewhere.’ He smiled at her. ‘Do you intend to stay in town until the end of the Season?’
‘I am not sure…’ Caroline wrinkled her brow in thought. ‘For some weeks yet, I believe, but it depends…on many things.’
‘Just so,’ Freddie agreed. ‘Tell me, Miss Holbrook, have you progressed with your reading?’
They began to discuss the merits of Mrs Radcliffe’s writing, passing on to the discussion of literature and poetry. The park was full of people that morning, and, as they made their rounds, they were hailed by Mr Bellingham, who was driving Julia that morning.
Caroline was sorry when they completed their turn of the park and returned to her aunt’s house. She smiled and thanked Sir Frederick for his company, and went in feeling oddly out of sorts with herself. She had enjoyed driving with him, but was still uncertain whether, if asked, he would count her as a friend or merely an acquaintance.
* * *
Freddie left town that afternoon, his thoughts much exercised by his conversation with Miss Holbrook. She had begun to pop into his mind too often of late, but he had not yet come to a decision concerning his future plans. If he cared to marry, Miss Holbrook was exactly the kind of lively young woman he would wish to make his wife—though he would not wish his offer to be accepted simply for the sake of his wealth and rank. He supposed that in time he must marry, for it was his duty to produce an heir, as his uncle had no children to carry on the family name. However, he would not wish to marry for such a reason.
It would be unfair to the lady and to him. He firmly
believed that there must be genuine respect and affection on both sides for a marriage to work—and therein lay the rub, for he could not suppose that he had found much favour in the lady’s eyes even if she had caused him a restless night or two. He knew that her careless remark about becoming a duchess had been made out of pique, but it might not be far from the truth. He had noticed that one or two of her suitors were more than a little interested and some were his equal in birth, if not quite in wealth. Was it possible that Miss Holbrook—or her mama—was waiting for the highest bidder? Caroline might be feigning indifference so as to arouse his interest the more.
Freddie had been used to living much as he pleased, and was answerable to no one for his actions. If he were to marry, he would need to make changes to his lifestyle and his various houses. What would do for a bachelor would not do for a lady, particularly one with modern tastes and a lively mind.
Yes, he must consider carefully while he was away. In the meantime, however, he had other more pressing matters on his mind…
* * *
It was as well for Caroline that the next few days were too full to allow her time for reflection. It seemed that she went from one affair to the next, sometimes attending more than one event in the same evening. If it was not Almack’s, it was a private dance or a card evening, and she met the same people with amazing regularity.
She had begun to realise that there were very few gentlemen she would be happy to see every day of her life. Most of them seemed good mannered and pleasant, but that spark was missing, the vital element that made her feel so much more alive. There were actually no more than two or three in whose company she felt truly able to be herself. Mr Bellingham was perhaps the kindest of her acquaintance and she was usually happiest when with him and Julia Fairchild, who had become a particular friend.
* * *
Nearly a week had passed before she saw Sir Frederick again. However, he was with Mr Bellingham and Julia as she entered Mrs Ashton’s large drawing room that Saturday evening. Her breath caught in her throat, and all at once her heart began to beat very fast. It was so very pleasant to see him again. She fanned herself delicately, for she believed that her cheeks must be flushed.