The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “I was hoping to convince Mr. Thomlin to dance with me,” Caroline said.

  Arthur Thomlin bowed and put out his arm. “I would be honored, my lady.” He led Caroline out to join the other dancers.

  Caroline hesitated to ask him any questions regarding Hannah. She was aware Hannah watched them from the sidelines.

  “Lady Hannah is looking especially beautiful tonight. Don’t you agree, Mr. Thomlin?”

  “Yes, Lady Royston, I do agree. She is both beautiful and a most agreeable young lady.”

  Arthur Thomlin glanced away. Caroline saw him swallow nervously. Then he looked down at her with his serious hazel eyes.

  “I have only the utmost respect for Lady Hannah and would be most happy to be included among her ardent admirers.” The dancing had stopped, and he reached up to pull on his collar.

  “A serious suit from you could be rather awkward, Mr. Thomlin.”

  “Because I am Lady Ferrier’s brother? I hope my sister’s current behavior would not reflect on my whole family. My father is the Earl of Thorton. We are known as a respectable family with no scandals attached to our name. I do not approve of my sister’s behavior, but I do understand her unhappiness, which drives her to act without propriety at times. I love her and will do what is necessary to protect her.”

  “I am most impressed. I hope if you do win Lady Hannah’s heart that you would bring such caring, compassion, and protection to her.” Caroline thought she saw Sara and quickly excused herself.

  “Sara, are you all right?” Caroline stepped into the hallway. “I thought I saw you slip by the door.”

  “I’m going to my room. If anyone asks, please explain I am not feeling well. I can’t return to the dance as I am.”

  Caroline saw the dark smudges on Sara’s dress.

  “Do you want to tell me what happened?” Caroline asked.

  “Later tonight, come to Joan’s and my room, if you can. If not, we will talk in the morning.” Sara slipped away and hurried up the stairs.

  Going back into the ballroom, Caroline saw Joan and Rand come back into the ball from the open terrace doors. They proceeded to dance the waltz. No one seeing them would suspect they had been gone from the ball.

  A shiver ran down Caroline’s back. Charles was missing, as was Rook. She was relieved to hear the last dance announced.

  “May I have this dance?” Rook was suddenly at her side, smiling with his hand out.

  Caroline breathed a sigh of relief. “Where have you been?”

  “Rescuing a fair damsel in distress. It is quite dangerous to become involved with such ladies. I was threatened, shot at, and finally dismissed with the instructions to not speak to a soul of my quest tonight.” Rook finished his tale with a laugh in his eyes, his mouth quirked up on one side.

  “I did not know rakes ever became heroes and went to a lady’s rescue. It must have been quite traumatizing for you.”

  “Very, I fear I shall never be the same. I am certain I shall be thrown out of the brotherhood of rakes, if word should get around of tonight’s deeds.” Rook swirled her around the floor.

  “Don’t look now,” he whispered, “but I think your husband is glaring at us.”

  Caroline moved her head casually to the right and her eyes collided with Damon’s. Damon, who was dancing with one of their guests, stared at her and Rook and apparently did not like what he saw.

  Caroline smiled at him briefly and returned her attention to Rook. She would show him she would not stand on the sidelines while he played his games.

  Rook looked between the two. He glanced at Caroline.

  “Don’t even consider putting me in the middle, Lady Caroline. I have created enough problems for myself tonight.”

  “Did you find anything of value? I’m not sure, but I suspect you must have gone with Sara. I was hoping you would talk her out of taking such a chance.”

  “Talk her out of it.” His voice rose. “The girl could make a good general cry. She would stop at nothing to get her way. Why she threatened to say I ravished her, if I didn’t help her through Charles Royston’s window.” Rook’s voice sounded exasperated and incredulous.

  Caroline broke out laughing. “Oh my, Rook. I think you may have met your match.” She struggled to talk between her gasps of laughter.

  “It is not at all funny. To add to everything else, I’d be compromised, if anyone saw us tonight. And if Joan and Rand hadn’t arrived when they did, I think our pursuer would not have given up,” Rook replied indignantly.

  The music stopped and Caroline took his arm. “Did he see who you were?”

  “I don’t believe so. We both had on cloaks with hoods and were some distance away before he saw us and took up pursuit. Whether he recognized Rand and Joan, I don’t know, but it is a dark night.”

  “My dear, it is time we told our guests good night.” Damon’s cold voice cut into the conversation. “Rook, I’m sure you will excuse us.” Damon nodded at Rook and took a firm grip of Caroline’s elbow, leading her toward the open door.

  She felt the heat of anger and saw the blackness of his eyes. Surely dancing with Rook had not caused such a reaction.

  “After our guests retire, you will join me in the library.” Damon’s words were not a request.

  Caroline turned from him and forced a smile on her face to say good night to their friends.

  * * * *

  Caroline rubbed her temples and bit the side of her lip. She was tired, bone weary. If only they could have this confrontation tomorrow when they were both rested, but she saw from her husband’s expression that was not possible.

  Damon sat in an armchair he had drawn up by the fireplace. The rest of the room was dark. Books lined the walls and heavy dark-green drapes covered the windows. Two candles sat burning on a table by Damon’s left hand.

  Caroline sat in the chair across from him. She pulled her cashmere shawl close around her. Damon had started to light his cigar.

  “Do you mind, my dear?” His voice was cold and remote.

  “No, not at all.” Caroline felt like she was back in front of her parents waiting for the lecture sure to follow.

  Damon lit the cigar, took a deep draw, and then he leaned his head against the chair back. “Charles came to see me just before the last dance. He reported his home was broken into this evening. He saw two people ride away, but he couldn’t identify them.” Damon stopped and glanced at Caroline. “Nevertheless, he feels certain it was two of your friends.”

  Caroline sat straighter. “Why ever would he think my friends would go into his house, in the middle of the night, during a ball? How very silly.”

  Damon held her gaze. “I noticed Rook and Sara left the dance. I did not see Sara return.”

  “Sara tore her underskirt and went upstairs to repair it. She decided she didn’t feel well enough to return. As for Rook, I have no idea of his activities. Perhaps he had a rendezvous with a lady.”

  “I find I do not believe you, my dear.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Damon would be very angry if he knew four of their friends were involved. She also knew if she voiced her suspicions to him regarding Charles, his anger would boil over.

  Damon walked over to the side table and poured himself a glass of whiskey. “Perhaps you would like a taste of brandy?” he asked, turning to Caroline.

  She shook her head no. “What do you want me to do or say, Damon?

  “I suppose knowing your family, the truth would be too much to hope for.” The sarcastic words hit her in the chest like hard punches.

  “I’m sure you are right, as usual. I don’t know how to convince you. What would you have me do?” She had an idea and spoke before thinking. “I’ve considered moving to Atelstone Hall. That might be the best solution for both of us.” She wished she hadn’t said anything, but she was sure Damon wouldn’t agree with her suggestion. Caroline stood and faced him.

  “You can do nothing without my permission.” Damon took a swallow of the whiskey
and turned from her.

  Relief swept over her. She started to walk toward the door.

  “But, I think you are right. You seem determined to live there, and I have no plans to leave my new home. After the guests leave tomorrow, you will pack and prepare to make the move.

  “I will keep the servants I have employed. You may take Nanny Fowler and Mary. I suppose old Peter will insist on going. He has taken a fondness for you. The rest of the servants you will have to hire. Charles will see you tomorrow about a housing allowance.” He looked down at his glass.

  “Why Charles, Damon?” Caroline bit her lip harder, trying not to cry in front of him. How had things gone so wrong?

  “I am leaving for a few days early in the morning. I want to check on a filly being sold by Lord Hutshell.” Damon looked across to her. “I’m sure you can manage to establish yourself at Atelstone Hall by my return.”

  Caroline heard the bitterness in his voice. She walked to the door. Her shoulders slumped as though a weight pressed her down. “I am sure I can. Have a pleasant trip.”

  * * * *

  Damon sat in his chair. He’d released his anger on Caroline. Still, he had a bitter taste in his mouth and a deep sadness. He raked his hand through his hair. Never had he felt so lost, or so full of darkness. A faint hint of her cologne scented the room. It reminded him of flowers and sunshine. He raised his head. The shadows in the room mocked him and filled his very being with bleakness. It was as though he’d deprived himself of all light and joy when he sent her off.

  Damon arose early and was finishing his breakfast and coffee, when Hannah joined him in the small breakfast room.

  “Good morning, Hannah. You look very serious this morning.”

  Hannah nodded and walked into the room sitting in the chair Damon pulled out for her. He sat down and looked questioningly at his sister. “Would you like Mrs. Parker to bring tea and muffins?”

  “That would be fine, thank you, Damon.”

  He waited until after the tea and muffins were placed before his sister. He hadn’t seen her so quiet and still. It worried him to see she lacked her usual glow of cheerfulness.

  “This must be something very important to have robbed you of your smile, little one,” Damon prodded.

  “I just saw Caroline. She told me she is moving to Atelstone Hall, alone,” Hannah stated bluntly.

  “Hardly alone,” Damon answered. “She will be hiring staff to take care of her needs and to take care of the household.”

  “But her husband will be living several miles away in another house,” Hannah said, and looked at Damon with questions in her eyes.

  “Hannah, you know I had this house built so I would never have to live at Atelstone Hall!” Damon realized he’d shouted when he saw Hannah flinch. “I’m sorry, I’m not angry with you. You will have to trust me that this is best for both of us.”

  “I have always trusted you, Damon, and respected your judgment, but I feel you are wrong this time. The ancestral home is where you should live and bring up your children. All of our ancestors for two hundred years have lived there.” Hannah’s words rang loud in the small room.

  Damon sat back. Hannah had never questioned him, and he had never heard her raise her voice to anyone.

  “If this is all you came to tell me, Hannah, then the conversation is at an end,” Damon warned her.

  “I do have one other topic of conversation before I leave.” Leaving her tea and muffins barely touched, she walked toward the door. “Arthur will ask to see you to request my hand in marriage. I want you to accept his suit. I care for him very much.”

  “Arthur Thomlin, Lady Ferrier’s brother?”

  “Yes, surely you can find no complaint to refuse his suit. He is an earl’s son.”

  “You have a marquis and even one duke showing an interest in you. This is too soon. Be patient. You can do much better,” Damon stated bluntly.

  “Perhaps you chose to marry for other reasons than affection, Damon. I do not. Mr. Thomlin is a fine man and I wish to marry him.” Hannah curtsied at the door and swept through the doorway with her head held high.

  Damon strolled to the window. It was a bright, sunny summer day. A good day to visit Hutshell about the mare he was considering buying. It would get him away for several days.

  All of this was Caroline’s fault. Ever since she’d arrived his control seemed to be eroding, especially with females. He had not really believed she would agree so easily to move without him to Atelstone Hall. She had held on her ground on so many issues before. Why didn’t she argue and try to convince him to either go with her or let her stay with him?

  It didn’t matter. The decision was made. He would not follow behind her. This was a good time to show her who was in control. She’d return to him after a few nights in that old empty building.

  Of course, Nanny Fowler, Mary, and old man Peter would be with her. But other than those three, Caroline would have to hire the rest of the staff she needed from the village.

  Damon strode out the door to the stables. This trip would be good for him and Devil. They both needed the exercise. Hannah had never confronted him on any decision and he was confused and unhappy. The fresh air would clear his head.

  * * * *

  Caroline awoke early and considered going downstairs to confront Damon. She had slept little last night. Damon’s bitter words went round and round in her head.

  Hannah had stopped by her room, and Caroline found herself telling Hannah about the move. Talking to her about living at Atelstone Hall made it more real. Perhaps it would turn out better than she expected. She would go to breakfast and then prepare to open up the grand, old house.

  “We thought you might be up,” Joan said, as she and Sara came into the small breakfast room. “Let’s go for a short walk. Sara and I will be leaving soon, as will your other guests. We should discuss last night before we go.”

  “I’m ready.” Caroline scooped up several crumpets in a napkin for Joan and Sara and they headed out the side door. Caroline lifted her head and breathed in the fresh air.

  “You look sad. Has something happened?” Joan spoke in her matter-of-fact, calming voice.

  “Damon confronted me last night after Charles complained of someone breaking into his home.”

  “We did not break in. He left a window partially open,” Sara responded indignantly.

  Caroline gave her a wry smile. “That is not an invitation to visit. I thought we agreed you would forget the idea of going to his house?”

  Sara flushed and looked down. “I wanted to help. It was the only chance you would have to know if he had hidden anything there.”

  “I, for one, was not happy to have to ride with Lord Haddon to your rescue. It could have been disastrous for all of us. Perhaps you would not mind if Rook would have to marry you, but I have no intention of marrying someone who is forced to do the right thing.” Joan looked angrily at Sara.

  “You did not have to rescue me. I had Rook.”

  “And how much good was that doing you? You were being vigorously pursued until we arrived and joined forces,” Joan replied.

  “Sara, Joan, please don’t argue. I have enough problems today, and my stomach is feeling very queasy right this moment.”

  Caroline put out her hands to calm her two friends. “Tell me if you found anything important.”

  “Caroline, you look pale. Here sit on this bench under the tree.” Joan took Caroline’s arm and walked with her to the bench.

  Sara followed, looking guilty. “What we found was strange. There was a loose board in his bedroom and under it were some papers in a small black satchel. The papers were addressed to the Honorable Mr. Charles Royston. They were identification papers for a Mr. Charles Royston, and there was a letter from a lady named Eleanor. Why would you hide your own papers under a board in your bedroom?” Sara’s eyes reflected her bewilderment.

  “Probably to keep them safe from thieves,” Joan said dryly.

  Sara glared at
her. “We did not have time to read the letters or check the identification papers closely. We heard a horse and had to get out of the window and back to our horses before getting caught.

  “Rook was very upset. He used a few words I had never heard before.” Sara grinned, but neither friend smiled back.

  “You took a terrible risk, Sara. I do appreciate your desire to help. But, please promise me you won’t do anything so dangerous again.” Caroline reached out to take Sara’s hand.

  Sara knelt down in front of Caroline. “I won’t. I really wanted to help. You must have noticed me holding this satchel. The papers we took are all in here.” She handed it to Caroline. “Keep it. Maybe the information will help you in some way in the future. Seeing you now, I feel I have only caused you more anguish.”

  “No, Sara. What happened last night between Damon and me has been coming ever since we met. Both of us are hardheaded and determined. I am not the refined lady Damon expects in a wife.”

  “Nonsense,” Joan protested. “You are not feeling well today. All will look brighter tomorrow when all of us are gone from here.”

  Caroline tried to smile. She would not tell her friends of her move to Atelstone. They would only worry and Sara would feel guiltier. Looking across the lawn, Caroline was relieved to see Nanny coming toward her.

  “It is good to see you three together again,” Nanny Fowler said, and smiled at them. “I see you are not looking well this morning, Caroline. Shall we go to your room? You can rest a few minutes until you have to see your guests on their way.”

  Caroline took Nanny’s arm and waved good-bye to her friends. “How did you know I needed you, dear Nanny?”

  Nanny patted her hand. “I looked out the dining room window and sensed something was not right. Are you feeling unwell this morning?”

  “I feel strange, tired and queasy, but I slept poorly last night, so that is probably the reason.”