Regency Romances Page 22

  “A woman often says no when she means yes,” Adam said, still holding on to her hand. “Caroline, we have been friends for so long, surely you cannot be indifferent to me. I know my charms; I am considered handsome by the prettiest girls in London. You are a mere clergyman’s daughter. If you considered my advances, it could only be beneficial to you!”

  “Adam!” Shocked, Caroline tried to push him away. “Let go of me this instance! You speak of my family most disrespectfully, and I won’t allow it.”

  Instead of letting her go, he had only pulled her farther into his arms and tried to plant his lips on her. With a cry, Caroline had responded with a resounding slap to his cheek. Stunned, he had taken two steps back and put a hand to his cheek. Seizing the advantage of his confusion, Caroline had run all the way back home. Half a mile away from home, she had dared to look back and felt relief that Adam had not followed her. She had wiped the tears from her eyes, and composed herself, preparing to speak to her mother when she had reached home.

  Instead, when she had arrived home, her mother had immediately confronted her with gossip about a neighbor’s twenty-two-year-old daughter who had rejected an excellent groom, “for no reason other than some frivolous talk of not being well matched in character! Could you believe that? A marriage takes hard work, and with work, she would have been happy with the boy. But she turned down an annual settlement of 5,000 pounds. Girls these days are far too picky. In my day, she would have taken his offer and been glad, and worked hard to create a good home. It was a perfectly good arrangement!”

  Caroline had found the words turning to dust in her mouth. She longed to talk to somebody over the events that had transpired, but she could not bring herself to speak of the disgust she had felt when Adam had tried to force himself on her. Her sister, she felt, was too young to be shocked this way. As for her mother…

  As for her mother, Caroline was not entirely sure whether Aurelia Weston would be outraged and demand retribution and an apology from Adam, or be confused and scold Caroline for rejecting “a perfectly good alliance.”

  Caroline had found solace in prayer instead, and decided that she would speak of the events to Aunt Gladys privately when she got the chance. Overhearing them now, she was glad of her decision.

  Chapter 4

  The Masquerade

  B efore Caroline could speak to her aunt, however, exciting news came to the Huntington Manor.

  Uncle Huntington, a large potbellied man with a thick beard and twinkling eyes, entered the house and greeted them all. In his hand, he had an invitation.

  “Next week,” He said, “There is to be a grand costumed ball at the duke’s estates. I met Robert today. Oh, I must remember to call the lad duke now; he personally invited all of us. That includes you, Caroline and you, Emily.”

  Emily squealed and clapped her hands. “This is delightful! A costume ball! Oh, that sounds so wickedly fancy! I’ve never heard of anything like it.”

  “It is the latest fashion in Paris, so says Robert’s sister Arabella.” Lord Huntington smiled. “Well, I personally must say that it is rather unamusing. I am not much pleased by masquerades. They are occasions when men and women become rather enthralled with the loss of social boundaries. Quite inappropriate.”

  “Well, for someone who hates masquerades, you seem rather excited to go to this one.” Aunt Gladys laughed.

  “Well, while it was Arabella’s idea, Robert implied to me that this is the ball where he might choose his future wife.” Lord Huntington said. “If that doesn’t pique one’s interest, what would?”

  “So Robert is doing the right thing and settling down,” Jeremy smiled. “No doubt, he’s been pushed into it by his mother.”

  “What manner of man is the new duke?” Caroline’s mother asked. “Is he as chivalrous as his older brother was?”

  “Well, I’ve never had many occasions to make merry with him,” Jeremy said. “Robert is a most focused man, and he is not one to forget his manners. But personally, I find him rather dull. All he seems to do is work hard. I have never heard of him being wild, even at Oxford.”

  “Is he a miser, then?” Emily asked. “Only focused on money? No doubt he will pick the richest girl in the room.”

  “Actually, he isn’t,” Jeremy said. “I can say this definitely, there is always a line outside their manor, and even when he didn’t have much money, Robert has always made donations to those who truly needed it. I remember Adam telling me once that Robert had canceled plans to buy himself a desperately needed new suit because he gave away his allowance to an old woman whose son had just died in the war.”

  “Well, it sounds to me that he is an admirable man,” Caroline smiled.

  “Oh, too much virtue is a vice!” Jeremy said. “But who knows, Caroline, this ball might be your chance to get to know him better!”

  “Oh, I’m afraid I won’t be going,” Caroline said.

  “Why ever not?” Aunt Gladys exclaimed. “This is an excellent opportunity for you to mingle with others. If you are afraid of it being inappropriate, fear not, your Uncle, and I will be there to chaperone you, as will your mother.”

  “Yes.” Said Lord Huntington. “You must go.”

  “I did not bring along any clothes that will be appropriate,” Caroline said. “And before you offer to buy me some, Uncle, know that I will absolutely refuse your money.”

  “We have a week.” Aunt Gladys said, “As for clothes, you and Emily may borrow some of mine, and alter them as you please. I’ve been putting on weight in my old age, and the lovely dresses your Uncle bought me in my youth are longing for someone to wear them.”

  “It’s settled then!” Caroline’s mother said with a laugh. “We will all go next week.”

  “But Mother…” Caroline was still hesitant but did not know what to say. There was no excuse she could give, really, nor could she tell people that she wished to avoid the ball because she was afraid Adam would be there.

  Almost as if she had guessed it, Aunt Gladys said, “It’s a pity that Adam will not attend, isn’t it Jeremy? He always knew how to make a party brighter.”

  “He’s traveling right now,” Jeremy said. “I hear he’s in Paris at the moment.”

  “Oh,” Caroline smiled. “Well, we shall try to have fun anyway.” Inside, she felt very relieved at not having to face him again.

  “Of course, Arabella will be there,” Jeremy smiled at her. “I’m sure you’re not looking forward to meeting her after your last encounter.”

  “That girl!” Aunt Gladys exclaimed. “I must thank you one more time, Caroline, for freeing Jeremy from her sharp talons.”

  “Oh, Aunt!”

  “It is the truth. Had you not pointed out to Jeremy how she behaves with the staff, and how she looks with contempt at any man or woman who she perceives as an inferior, he would have been completely taken in by her charm.”

  “It is true,” Jeremy said. “I was close to making an injudicious decision. But your words tilted the balance. Arabella never cared about me anyway. I can see that now. I notice that she only hovers around men who have money, and tries her best to be charming around them. As to those who are poorer, well, Arabella either acts as though they do not exist or tries to make them aware of their shortcomings. I would have been miserable married to a girl like that.”

  “Oh, she might have changed for the better, now,” Caroline said. “We must give her a chance to redeem herself.”

  “I’m surprised you can say that, after the way she behaved with you.” Aunt Gladys said, “Do you know, Jeremy, she threatened to ruin Caroline’s reputation?”

  “Aunt Gladys, please don’t bring this up again,” Caroline said. “I harbor no ill will towards her.”

  “You should.” Aunt Gladys said. “You are far too good for your own health, Caroline. When you do marry, I hope it is a man who protects that goodness.”

  “Who knows, that man might be at the masquerade next week!” Emily exclaimed. “In a few months, you mig
ht be married!”

  “Speaking of marriage,” Jeremy said. “I think this masquerade would be a good time to announce to all that I am now engaged to Beth, the daughter of our neighbors Charles and Lydia Green.”

  “Oh congratulations, Jeremy!” Caroline said. “I have always liked Beth. She’s a sensible and sweet girl.”

  “She is the finest girl in all the kingdom,” Jeremy said, with some pride. “Which is why I must thank you again, Caroline, for your doing part and not allowing me to marry another woman who I will not name.”

  ***

  The next week passed smoothly. Aunt Gladys was an excellent host and had good relationships with all her neighbors, who were delighted to call upon and be called upon by Aurelia and her daughters. Jeremy’s fiance Beth met them too, and Caroline once again thought to herself that she would be an excellent addition to the family. Beth wasn’t one to talk much, but she had a genuine smile and an incredible talent for sewing.

  With a little help from her aunt, Caroline had soon found the gown she would wear to the masquerade. It was a beautiful dress, colored purple, and silver, to which Caroline attached a large ribboned collar and lace sleeves. Her mask was a lightly decorated Colombiana that would cover her cheeks and eyes while keeping the lower half of her face free.

  Now that she knew Adam would not be present, Caroline was very keen to attend the masquerade. She had never been to one before though she had heard many a rumor about them. Of course, she would keep to the bounds of propriety, but nevertheless, part of her was intrigued at the prospect of being able to say and do what she liked for once, with no concern about being watched by society.

  The day arrived soon, and the family bundled into two separate coaches, with Uncle Huntington accompanying Emily and Caroline, while Jeremy rode with his mother and aunt. The duke’s estates were located five miles away, and they reached just as the sun had begun to set.

  The property was marked by the historic castle from which the Westhamshire Dukes had reigned for four hundred years. Unlike other castles, which were often a monochromatic stone, Westhamshire was distinctive for the multiple colors it used. One side had a circular yellow tower topped with a green dome, while the other tower was long and lean, with purple and gray alternating stones. The gates were surrounded by massive gray stone and inscribed all over with the initials of soldiers who had once worked in the castle.

  Inside, it was just as magnificent, with candles lighting up the path, and brilliant white marble shining as bright as the full moon. Ivy climbed up pillars, and heavy velvet curtains parted aside to reveal tasteful paintings of the English landscape.

  “Goodness.” Emily gasped, as she took in her new surroundings. “Sister, I thought that castles like this existed only in fairy tales!”

  “The duke’s mother, Lady Elizabeth, has excellent taste.” Lord Huntington said. “She is descendent of the Emperor of France. It is said that as a younger woman, she would refuse to put her feet in any slippers that had not first been lined with velvet, nor would she eat from any spoon that was not made of silver or gold.”

  “That is incredible,” Caroline said.

  “Yes, she is a rich woman with very clear ideas of what is right and wrong.” Lord Huntington said. “She even scares me sometimes!”

  “Oh, Uncle, you must point her out to us,” Emily said.

  “Point her out? Come, I will introduce you.”

  Emily squealed and protested, but her uncle dragged her and her sister along.

  Soon, Caroline was very glad she had her mask on for she was standing in front of Lady Elizabeth Watts, and her daughter Arabella. As Uncle Huntington approached, Arabella pointedly turned her back and walked away. Apparently, Jeremy’s rejection of her still stung. Before she left, Arabella shot Caroline a particularly malicious glance.

  Lady Elizabeth was perfectly gracious, however, as she greeted the girls and their uncle. She wished them a good evening and pointed out various aspects of the ball that they should not miss. There would be jugglers and mimes who had been bought from France to give their performances and a large table filled with cakes and pastries that guests would graze on when they were tired of dancing.

  “Yes, she’s an elegant lady.” Lord Huntington said. “She has a sharp temper, but that’s the royal blood in her. Her son Richard was the same, I heard, quick to fly into a rage, but generous and noble and brave all the same. As for the new Duke Robert, well, I like the lad a lot. He’s quiet, but still waters run deep. Every once in awhile, that famous Westhamshire temper roars. In his case, I’ve heard that servants run for cover, and entire villages shut down when he roars.”

  “Is he so scary?” Emily asked.

  “Oh no.” Lord Huntington said. “He’s a good lad, but he takes very badly to deception. One of his close advisors was found to be stealing from him a month ago. I’ve heard that the way Robert spoke to him aged the man ten years then and there. What a temper! He cut the man to shreds with his tongue. Then he made sure that he was imprisoned.”

  “Sounds scary,” Caroline said with a shudder.

  “Well, don’t be scared, let’s go enjoy ourselves.”

  Caroline, in her purple and silver gown, had made more than one head turn as she walked in. Soon, a gentleman in a dark suit wearing a Zanni mask, a flat leather mask with a long nose, had taken her hand and was dancing to Strauss’ The Blue Danube with her.

  He seemed like a nice man, though Caroline soon lost interest in him when he insisted on regaling her with stories about his exploits at sea and making himself look like a tragic hero. He had just finished telling her about how he would improve the world if he were ever made minister to the King when a hand tapping on his shoulder interrupted their dance.

  A tall, thin man whose face was covered in a golden mask stood behind them. With a bow, he requested a dance with Caroline, to which she acceded. He wore a dark suit, clasped with pearls and lined with deep purple satin at the collar and cuffs. On his hands were white suede gloves. One of those hands was now extended out to her.

  Clasping it, she stepped forward, and as a new symphony began, he twirled her around. They did not need to speak, for almost as easily as planets orbit the sun, their feet circled around each other. Caroline had never considered herself a particularly graceful dancer, but with the man in the golden mask, her feet seemed to grow light, and her entire body seemed to sway and move as if it were controlled by another force.

  Slowly, the music built, and they circled, stepped, and dipped together. The mystery man held Caroline's waist and lifted her into the air and then back down gently. She felt her breath quicken and her heart race. With his face covered by his mask, all she could see were his eyes, almond shaped and sparkling blue. There was kindness in those eyes and arrogance, but there was also something else; a magnetism that she could not tear herself away from.

  When the music had finally stopped, she felt ready to swoon. There was applause all around them, and it took her a moment to realize that they were the cause of it.

  As her heart tumbled, she turned and fled to the gardens, unable to bear the feelings that were roiling inside her.

  Chapter 5

  The Duke’s

  Infatuation

  W ho was she! What had just happened to him? Robert caught his breath as men congratulated him after the dance. He had never fancied himself as much of a dancer, but the woman in the purple and silver gown had put him in a trance. Since Robert had seen her first, dancing with an unknown man, he had wanted nothing more than to pluck her out of the man’s hold and into his own arms. Throughout their dance together, he hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her. Those wide eyes, the color of warm mahogany.

  He had been mobbed by people once the dance finished, and she had made her escape almost as soon as he had let go of her. But he couldn’t let the night go by without seeing her again. He had to talk to her. He had to find out more about her.

  Unease coursed through him. What if she were utterly unsuita
ble? What if, for instance, she was already married? The thought disappointed him more than he cared to admit. Perhaps that was why she had run away. It had to be. Or else, he had displeased her somehow. He should let the memory of the dance remain, and let her fleeing be his answer, but he could not. He moved around the ballroom, trying hard to find her.

  The guests thronged around the table where the buffet had been kept. It was his mother’s idea and a fine one. Ladies turned red as they sipped wine and popped canapes with olives and grapes into their mouth. But although he saw more than one purple gown, he did not see his very own dancer.

  He moved out into the garden, and almost at once, his eyes had narrowed in on her. She was standing and talking to a man dressed as a pirate wearing a stark white mask. Jealousy flooded his body as Robert moved to them. Almost immediately, on seeing the crest sewn on his suit, Robert realized that the man was Jeremy Clarke, and as he approached, Jeremy apparently recognized him as well.

  “Ah, here comes our host,” Jeremy said. “We have you to thank, Robert, for this fantastic party.”

  Robert smiled, and said, “It is my mother and sister that you must thank, Jeremy.”

  Almost as soon as he had said her name, Arabella shimmered under his arm and curtsied. “Well, Jeremy. A surprise to see you here. I did not think you spent much time away from London these days.”

  “Perhaps there are finer charms around his neighbor's houses than in London.” Robert teased.

  Jeremy laughed. “On that note, may I introduce you to my fiance Beth Green.”

  A horrible disappointment cast nails into Robert’s heart but it ceased at once as the woman who bowed was not his dancer, but a delicate thing in pale blue.

  “Excellent, you have my very best wishes for a happy future,” Robert said, very enthusiastic now that he knew it was not her.

  “May I also introduce my cousins, Caroline and Emily, daughters of Hamish and Aurelia Weston of Sommershire.” Jeremy said.