“I will do my best to give satisfaction,” said Caroline tartly.
Two evenings later, Caroline and Cecilia attended Lady Halliwell’s rout. They had spent Cecilia’s first afternoon in London at the modiste, ordering a variety of gowns for every possible occasion that might occur over the course of the Season. For this first evening Cecilia was able to wear a gown that had gone uncollected from Madame Franchot’s atelier; she had been pleased to alter it quickly for the charming new customer the Countess of Eskmaine had brought. One look at Miss Ashdown’s adorable countenance and neat figure told her the young woman would be much admired, a circumstance from which her modiste could only benefit.
Caroline had been relieved that a gown in a shade appropriate for a young lady, and in a style that became Cecilia, had been available. No one would be able to sneer at her cousin’s finery, and the girl was certainly lovely. Caroline had loaned her a pearl necklet and earrings, which set off her creamy skin to great advantage. They were a delightful complement to the very pale coral silk of the dress, with its lace covered bodice, and skirts that opened over a white petticoat richly embroidered with roses. Her hair was unpowdered, and ivory rosebuds were woven into her curls. The ensemble, though sophisticated, nodded to its wearer’s youth, while emphasizing her blue eyes and dark hair.
Lady Halliwell’s salons were full to almost overflowing, and Cecilia paused when they entered, drawing in a deep breath. “So lovely,” she murmured, her hand squeezing Caroline’s. “How I have dreamed of this!”
Caroline laughed. “It is terribly crowded, and thus will be considered a huge success. I fancy you’ll meet many eligible gentlemen tonight. Remember, you need only be pleasant and sweet; no one looks for more than that in a young lady from the country.”
“I will do my best,” said Cecilia. “I will betray no unseemly interest in aught but the latest fashions and gossip.”
At that moment Lady Halliwell swept down upon them. “My dear Caroline!” she said. “How delightful of you to honor me with your presence! It is too kind of you! And who is this?” she asked, looking at Cecilia with avid curiosity.
Caroline returned the embrace that was thrust upon her. “My mother’s niece, Miss Ashdown. She has come to stay with me for the Season.”
“Ah, I had heard you were to have a visitor!” Lady Halliwell turned to Cecilia, who dropped a graceful curtsey. “But what a lovely child!” She grasped Cecilia’s chin lightly and turned her face towards the light. “You do resemble your mother, who I remember well. Tell me, how does she in - where is it that she lives? Some dreadfully uncomfortable place, as I recall.”
“Yorkshire,” supplied Cecilia. “She is well, and sends her best wishes.”
“La, did she so? How sweet of you to say that, though I doubt she would have sent any such message. We did not care for each other at all. But at least she seems to have raised you properly and had the sense to send you to your cousin.” Lady Halliwell turned to Caroline. “There is a lack of pretty girls in London this Season. We have plenty of young women freshly out, but so few of them have manners or presence. She should do very well indeed.”
“I trust you may be right,” said Caroline, her lips twitching slightly. Lady Halliwell’s bluntness was renowned.
“I have some young gentlemen that I wish to introduce to your charge,” continued Lady Halliwell. “As I said, the young men are anxious for a pretty face. May I steal her for a time?”
“By all means,” said Caroline promptly. She had been dreading the idea of dragging Cecilia about the salons, introducing her to matrons in the hope that they would provide introductions to their sons.
“I will have a care of her,” said Lady Halliwell, and whisked Cecilia away.
Within a very few minutes Cecilia was comfortably ensconced on a chair, chatting animatedly with two young gentlemen that Lady Halliwell had seemed to produce from thin air. Caroline watched for a moment and then, content that Cecilia had herself well in hand, went in search of a glass of lemonade. The rooms were close, and she felt as though she needed some air.
“Did your fair charge abandon you? Allow me to provide you solace in your loneliness.”
Caroline closed her eyes for a second as Lord Gresham’s voice washed over her, and she felt a tiny tingle down her spine. The memory of that afternoon four days ago was very fresh; she had known she must encounter him sometime, and she had been dreading it. She turned to greet him, arranging her features into a suitably bored expression.
“Lord Gresham, how charming to find you here,” she said politely.
“I have brought you a glass of ratafia,” he said, extending it towards her with a wicked smile. “I feel sure you will need fortification as the night proceeds.”
“Thank you,” said Caroline accepting the glass and taking a sip. The thought of lemonade receded. “It was kind of you to think of me.”
“I’ve thought of little else for the past four days. I have the most wonderful memories of our afternoon together, and your enjoyment of it.”
Caroline downed the rest of the glass of ratafia in one gulp. Lord Gresham raised his quizzing glass and gazed at her through it.
“Would you care for another?” he asked conversationally.
“No, thank you. I must ask you, Lord Gresham, not to mention that again.” Caroline stared fixedly at his chin rather than meet his gray eyes, which she knew were full of amusement.
The quizzing glass fell. “Ratafia? Why should I not mention ratafia?”
Caroline stifled a laugh and managed a disapproving look. “You know exactly what I mean. “
“Ah. My dear, you mustn’t be shy with me. It’s far too late for that.” He lowered his head slightly so that their eyes met, and she felt the tingle again. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Lady Eskmaine. You are a respectable widow, and may take your pleasure where you choose. “
“And I do not choose to take it in that way again,” said Caroline stiffly. “Please believe me.”
“I believe you think that now,” murmured Lord Gresham, using the crowded state of the room to move closer to her. His thigh brushed the silk of her skirt, and she resisted the urge to reach out and touch him. “But I also believe I could tempt you. You have three more days, my dear.”
Caroline swallowed. It had taken all of her resolve not to go the house in Mount Street for the past several afternoons; she kept the key in her reticule, where it tempted her daily. While she had been selecting gloves and stockings with Cecilia, her mind had been with Lord Gresham. But it would not do to let him know that.
“I fear that I am far too busy to spend my afternoons in leisure - ” she began.
“Do you consider that leisure? I thought it was quite invigorating,” said Lord Gresham blandly.
Caroline gave him a snaking glance. “ - as I have obligations to my cousin,” she finished.
“Ah yes, the fair cousin from Yorkshire.” Lord Gresham glanced in Cecilia’s direction. “She’s lovely, if a trifle unsophisticated. You should have little trouble finding some gentleman to take her off your hands.”
Caroline resisted the sudden urge to confide in Lord Gresham about Cecilia’s determination to find a rich husband. She felt sure it would amuse him and the thought of sharing her concerns with him was tempting. “What makes you think I want her to find a husband quickly? Is it so hard to believe I might enjoy her company?”
“I’m sure she’s a charming young woman, but I don’t see you playing the duenna for her and a series of eager young men barely breeched. Wouldn’t your sister-in-law be a better choice? They are much of an age.”
“Allegra is much occupied with her family,” said Caroline. “And - ”she broke off.
“And she is far too flighty to be a suitable chaperone, whereas your family feels that you have the sobriety of mind to perform that role admirably,” finished Lord Gresham.
Caroline could not suppress a smile. “You understand me exactly.”
“I understand you fa
r better than you know,” rejoined Lord Gresham. “I know how you chafe at the restrictions put upon you.”
“Not at all,” replied Caroline. “It is my fondest wish that Cecilia make an eligible match.”
“I have no doubt of that at all. Then you would have more time to pursue other - interests.”
“On the contrary, I merely wish to be left in peace,” said Caroline.
“Now that is something I will never do.” Lord Gresham moved even closer, and she could feel his thigh brushing against hers. “You, Caro, are not someone who needs peace and quiet. You have had far too much of that. You need excitement, and to have the attentions of a man who realizes that.”
“You, Lord Gresham?” she asked coolly, but not moving away.
“Your understanding is impeccable,” he murmured. He leaned towards her; his lips almost touched her cheek. Caroline glanced around nervously.
“Enjoy it,” he said. “No one in this ridiculously overcrowded room will notice, or if they do, they will not care. We are free to do as we choose.”
Caroline felt a warmth rush through her; she stifled an almost overwhelming urge to ask him to take her away from Lady Halliwell’s, or even just out to the garden, and take her in his arms.
“You are very persuasive, my lord.”
“I made you free of my name, Caro. Once again, there is no one here who will notice if you use it. And I did love hearing it on your lips the last time we were together.”
Caroline colored and made to move away, but the press was so great that she couldn’t. Lord Gresham laid one hand on the side of her waist and then slowly moved it down, crushing the sea-green silk, and cupping her buttock.
“And I thought I despised crowded parties,” he said, his hand stroking her gently. “I swear, if we were quiet I could almost take you here.” He looked into her eyes and saw an answering spark. “But I think you would have difficulty being quiet, would you not?”
“Tristan!” she said, trying to sound shocked, but she realized that her voice instead quivered with anticipation.
“That’s better,” he said. “Can you come to me tonight?”
“I can’t,” said Caroline weakly, striving to maintain control. “I must take Cecilia home.”
“Then tomorrow. Send me a note when you are free.” His hand moved over her, stroking persuasively.
“Perhaps,” she murmured.
“Say ‘yes, Tristan,’” he prompted.
She shrugged and gave him a beguiling smile, leaning a fraction of an inch closer. “Yes, Tristan,” she said.
“Wonderful. And now I am once again glad for the crowd, for you have put me in a lamentable state.” He turned slightly, and she felt his hardness through their clothing as he touched her.
“Oh,” breathed Caroline.
“Oh, indeed,” he answered. “Do you understand what you do to me? If I had my way I’d hasten you out of here now and I’d—”
“Cousin Caroline!”
Caroline gave a squeak of surprise and turned to see Cecilia approaching them. She hastily turned her back on Lord Gresham, who promptly seized the opportunity to press up against her. She felt her knees go weak.
“Cecilia, dear,” she said. “Are you having a pleasant time?”
“Oh, yes,” said Cecilia artlessly. “Everyone has been very kind, and I have met several gentlemen. I have memorized their names, and you will have to tell me if they are eligible.”
“I will do my best,” pledged Caroline.
“Do introduce me to your charming relative,” said Lord Gresham. He stepped forward slightly, and Caroline was relieved to see that his lower body was still hidden behind her skirts. His eyes caught hers for a moment, and she almost gave an answering laugh when she saw the mischief in his.
“Cecilia, this is Lord Gresham. Lord Gresham, my mother’s niece, Miss Ashdown.”
Lord Gresham bowed with easy grace. “How delightful to meet one of Lady Eskmaine’s relations. All the women in your family are so lovely; it hardly seems fair.”
Cecilia dropped into a curtsey, but peeped up at Lord Gresham curiously. “Are you a particular friend of our family’s?” she asked.
“Some members of it,” said Lord Gresham, glancing at Caroline teasingly. “And, of course, I am not so friendly with others.”
Cecilia glanced from Caroline to Lord Gresham curiously. “I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand.”
“That is because Lord Gresham is being ridiculous,” said Caroline briskly. “Pay him no heed, he loves to be mysterious.”
“You wound me,” said Lord Gresham. “I will take my leave. But I look forward to our next, er, encounter.” He took Caroline’s hand and pressed a very real kiss to it, before bowing to Cecilia politely. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Ashdown. I hope you enjoy your stay in London.”
Chapter 6
As Gresham disappeared into the crowd, Caroline stared after him for a moment. The atmosphere in the room seemed suddenly flat.
“Cousin Caroline?”
“What?” Caroline started. “Oh, yes, Cecilia dear, what is it?”
“Is he married?”
“Lord Gresham? No, he is not married. He is not the sort of man who marries.”
“Is he rich?”
Caroline had caught sight of Lord Gresham gazing at her from across the room, and she stared back, mesmerized. “Is who rich?” she asked absently.
“Lord Gresham,” said Cecilia patiently. “Is he very rich?”
Caroline pulled her attention back to Cecilia. “Lord Gresham is not seeking a wife,” she said with a hint of alarm. “When you have been in London longer, you will know that he is not the sort of man with whom you should be speaking. Indeed, it was wrong of me to present him to you.”
“He’s very handsome, and very charming,” said Cecilia. “And everyone must get married sometime. I’m sure he wishes to father an heir. If he is rich, then I see no reason why I shouldn’t consider him.”
“Lord Gresham does not involve himself with young girls just out of the schoolroom,” said Caroline firmly.
“You seem to be very friendly with him,” observed Cecilia. “If you know him, then he cannot be unacceptable.”
“Lord Gresham and I are mere acquaintances,” said Caroline. “He is not respectable, and you will find that my brother has a great dislike of him. I would not mention to Adam that you have met him.”
“Oh?” said Cecilia. “Why do they not care for each other?”
“I cannot tell you that. You will simply have to believe me that Adam and Lord Gresham do not speak.”
Cecilia digested this piece of information. “Very well,” she said reluctantly. “I suppose I cannot pursue the acquaintance if my cousin does not approve. But it seems a pity.”
Caroline gave a sigh of relief. Really, the child was impossibly focused on her goal. “In any event, he would be unlikely to take in an interest in you. You would do far better to find yourself a younger man, with a less soiled reputation. Come, let me introduce you to someone nearer your own age.”
Cecilia allowed herself to be drawn into the crowd. There came a rustle of silk, and Allegra materialized beside them. As usual, the duchess lived up to her reputation as an arbiter of fashion; she wore a lavender gown, heavily laced, and her petticoats were striped with an old gold brocaded pattern on an ivory background. Her titian curls were unpowdered in the looser style newly fashionable.
“Caroline, darling!” she exclaimed, embracing her sister-in-law with a flutter of lace. “And you must be Cecilia! How wonderful to meet you! I am so sorry I did not come to visit you today, but Adam needed me.”
Cecilia blinked at the elegant apparition that had appeared in front of her. She had thought Caroline’s appearance was very fine, but this woman’s appearance was truly magnificent.
“Cecilia, this is Allegra, Duchess of Gravesmere, your cousin’s wife,” Caroline said.
Awed, Cecilia began to drop a curtsey, but Alleg
ra stopped her, catching her up in a warm embrace. “Nonsense, no curtseying around me. I am barely two years older than you!” she exclaimed. “I should feel terribly aged if you were to treat me in that way. Are you having a marvelous time?”
“It’s certainly very grand,” ventured Cecilia.
“I remember when I first was introduced to Society,” said Allegra. “Of course, it was different for me, as I was already married to Adam, but I was very frightened at first. However, I soon learned that a beautiful woman can command all if she chooses. And you are quite lovely. ‘Tis a good thing you are dark, whereas I am fair, or I should be hideously jealous. But we shall be very good friends, I think.”
Cecilia nodded, seemingly enchanted by the idea.
“Come, walk with me,” said Allegra brightly. “I know many young men, and I think they would be glad of an introduction. But first, I must have just one word with Caroline. Will you wait for me?”
Cecilia obediently sank down onto a chair, and Allegra maneuvered Caroline into an alcove, where she tapped her sister-in-law lightly on the arm with her fan.
“Did I see you speaking with Gresham?”
Caroline frowned. “He approached me,” she said. “What was I to do?”
“Caroline, you must not encourage him. I know he means to make trouble. Far more than you, I have experience with Lord Gresham.”
Caroline raised her eyebrows, pondering how shocked Allegra would be if she knew precisely how much experience Caroline had with Gresham. “While I realize your advice is kindly meant, I believe I can handle myself,” she said. “Really, Allegra, you are the one who has needed constant rescuing from your admirers, not me.”
Allegra bit her lip. “You are being unfair. I was a child, which you are certainly not. I only mean to remind you not to succumb to his so charming manner. His attitude towards you just now seemed most intimate.”
“The room is very crowded, and to even speak to another you must stand close,” observed Caroline. “Lord Gresham is merely amusing himself with his usual mischief making; I’m sure he would be more than pleased to know that you noticed his behavior.”
Sense & Sensuality: Caroline's After Dark Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 3) Page 7