Oxford Blood (The Cavaliers: Book One)

by Georgiana Derwent

  ***

  “I’ve got you some water. Drink it baby.”

  Caroline opened her eyes to find herself sitting on the woodland floor. Ben had his arms around her and held a glass to her lips.

  “Wow, someone overdid the champagne,” he said laughing. “Can you stand?”

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she replied, jumping to her feet. “What happened? Did I totally pass out?”

  “You just laid on the grass for about ten minutes.” He gave her a kiss. “Well as long as you’re all right. You look absolutely wonderful by the way.”

  Caroline, never able to resist a compliment, smiled. “You too sweetheart. Are you ready for the selections? They must be starting soon.”

  “I guess so. If I’ve convinced someone as lovely as you that I’m worthwhile, the selection committee should be a breeze!”

  At that moment, the flares turned themselves off, plunging the clearing into darkness. When they relit a moment later, the members had arranged themselves in a line on the stage. Caroline stared at George, standing commandingly at the front of the scaffold. To her mind, his arrogant mask appeared to have slipped slightly. She wondered if worry about Harriet had got to him.

  While George gave his speech, Caroline tried to focus on whether or not the committee would select Ben and where on earth Harriet had got to, but her thoughts blurred. When an attractive middle-aged man appeared, she stared at him but couldn’t muster any interest. Even when he announced Ben’s name, she didn’t register any surprise or excitement. Shortly afterwards, each of the selected candidates called a girl to them.

  “Caroline Woodhouse,” Ben said, with a huge grin.

  She went to him on autopilot.

  “I did it! I can’t believe it,” Ben said to her.

  Caroline nodded placidly. While the last few candidates picked their partners out, Ben leaned across and kissed her. He held her in his arms and the cloud in her brain fell away. A combination of overwhelming love for Ben and a chilling concern that something wasn’t quite right vied for her attention. Then he let go, and all conscious awareness left her.