The Secret of Castlegate Manor (10 page)

He glimpsed Lavenia swirling gracefully across the floor and understood why her mother believed her mastery of deportment should procure her a proper place in society. Her serene expression and flawless performance were a credit to her education.

Soon she would marry Mr. Ruyter and be out of reach of Lord Humphrey. Her feelings for Mr. Ruyter preoccupied her, though she had proved astute enough in her suspicion regarding the Viscount. Still, Geoffrey grimaced, thinking how little the ladies truly understood the intrigue which threatened the household.

The true object of his search appeared amidst the waltzing figures, looking uncomfortable in the Viscount's arms. Geoffrey's hands clenched unconsciously into fists. Frustration filled him. He was forced to stand outside and watch the sly wretch, Humphrey, dance in a house where the true master dared not safely reside, nor even attend a ball.

He longed to break through the happy dancers and pull Caroline from the arms that held her with possessive confidence. Yet his very position to defend her depended on his keeping his current position. A discharge from his work at the stable would make it more difficult to stay privileged to Caroline's accounts of Lord Humphrey's visits as well as keeping an eye on his henchman, Benson.

So, he held his posture just beyond the soft glow of light that spilled out from the ballroom. He watched Caroline and knew intuitively that it was more than her displeasure with the Viscount that marred her evening. She danced as stiffly as Lavenia was graceful, depending on her partner to right her occasional mis-step.

She glanced around the room, appearing as desperate for escape as a beautiful butterfly caught in a net. Her distress surprised him. Daughters of the British officers in India were carefully schooled in all the fine arts.

He had not been surprised when she had not been a proficient rider. Many young ladies grew up without developing this skill. Yet, her lessons in dance and deportment wound never have been overlooked unless, perhaps, Caroline's parents had neglected her education.

He frowned, puzzling over his thoughts as Caroline withdrew suddenly, leaving Lord Humphrey to stalk away.

She fled as though chased by demons. Her feet took her through the darkened library, out the door and into the rose garden. Her initial relief faded as she wondered what excuse she might make for the extended absence she desired.

She heard the music trickling out from the ballroom.

"Minuet, minuet," she moaned. "I cannot dance."

A shadow moved beside her and Caroline gasped. She stifled a scream as she recognized Geoffrey.

"You are in distress, my lady?"

Caroline shook her head, struggling to quiet the pounding of her heart.

"You startled me. That is all."

He stepped closer. Caroline lost all progress she had made to calm herself.

"You said you cannot dance. I am a servant, here to serve you. With practice, and with your natural grace, you should have no difficulty learning."

Before she could protest, Geoffrey swept her firmly into his arms.

"We will begin with a waltz.

"We must not," she sputtered. "Can you imagine what would happen should we be seen?"

She struggled briefly, yet found herself held securely in place as he pulled her forward. "It is dark and everyone is at the ball. We will not be seen."

His masterful leading and her previous practice helped Caroline become comfortable with the flowing steps. He held her close. She could smell the scent of costmary on his clothing.

She knew she must extricate herself from his arms and the danger of discovery they presented. The matrons of influence and young men of property would not be agreeable to the report that she had slipped off to dance with the groom.

Yet enfolded in his arms, the ball seemed far away, existing in a different time than the world she shared with Geoffrey. He released her when the music ended. Caroline appreciated the cover of darkness to hide the disappointment she knew showed on her face.

"Unless I am mistaken, there will be another minuet next. Here, I will show you the steps."

When the music started, Caroline followed his directions and found that she made passable progress. Her confidence grew. If she were careful, she would be able to perform the dance without committing a ghastly mistake.

"You are an exceptional dance teacher. What other talents do you have besides that of a groom?" Caroline smiled her appreciation.

"Any number, my lady. Time does not permit me to expand on my mysterious past. We cannot hope to have but one more dance before your absence may become of concern."

"I shall not forget your kindness in taking pity on my difficulty."

Geoffrey bowed to her courtesy. "Forgive me, my lady, but I am fascinated by your time in India. I understand most young ladies are sent to England for a proper education and training in the arts. How did you escape the rigors of a dance master?"

"My family felt the education provided by the natural beauty of India was quite sufficient."

Geoffrey raised an eyebrow. "They must have been most exceptional people. Has your family been there long?"

Caroline thought back to the bit of family history Lady Eleanor had imparted for Caroline's introduction to Lady Aberly.

"My grandfather is Lady Eleanor's youngest brother. He came to India years ago as an officer."

Had she not been distracted by the complication of the upcoming step, she would have noted the crease of perturbation that formed on his brow.

"Before returning to England I served under Lord Nelson in the battle of Cadiz. Perhaps I know an officer in your family," Geoffrey stated.

"Perhaps. My father is an officer, like his father before him."

Caroline was proud of her ability to recall this detail of

Stewart history. Still, the familiar discomfort returned at this need of deception. Luckily, it was only a stable hand with whom she conversed.

He stepped forward in time to the music. "And your father's name?"

Caroline caught her lip between her teeth. Perhaps he knew the officer whose daughter she was impersonating. It would be best to avoid any mention of names.

"I do not wish to discuss my personal history any longer."

"Yes, my lady. Perhaps you would tell me how you liked that lovely dish the Hindu servants cooked of tender beef? Frangipani, I believe it was called."

Caroline felt relief with this question. A matter of personal taste would surely not present the danger that discussing matters of family history presented.

"I found it quite to my liking," she replied with a smile.

The music ended.

Geoffrey released her abruptly. "Perhaps, my lady, you had better go inside. I have given you all the instruction which I have to offer."

Caroline nodded. "Very well. I remain in your gratitude."

Geoffrey bowed. "The pleasure was mine."

She looked back, gathering her long skirts. She found her reluctance to depart disconcerting. "I shall come for a ride soon. You have proved an apt tutor of riding as well as of dancing."

"Yes, my lady."

Caroline would have heard the flatness of his tone, had she not been flustered by the memory of his touch and the magic of his arms.

She scolded herself as she hurried through the library, back to the company of young men who did not confuse her senses and disrupt the determination that had sent her here. If she did not guard her heart and keep her behavior above reproach she might be forced to return to London and find herself pleading for a position with the distasteful, Adela, daughter-in-law to Lady Eleanor. And she would have only herself to blame. As it was, she had allowed, even desired, a breach of proper distance between her position and a stable hand.

Geoffrey's expression clouded with anger as he watched her depart. He had been a fool. She had bewitched him and stolen his heart. He intended to reclaim it before it was too late. How she had thrown in with the Viscount, he did not understand.

But he felt sure he had been deceived. He took comfort only in the fact that he had resisted the impulse to tell her the identity of the true heir of Castlegate Manor. Though he had longed to trust her, his natural caution had held him in check.

Even now, he did not want to believe that she was capable of deception. Yet, he could not ignore the obvious truth.

He would uncover her role in the plot. Then, he would see to her downfall as well as to that of Lord Humphrey.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Caroline returned to the ballroom and put on a coquettish smile as she danced and flirted with various admirers. She was aware of Lord Humphrey's peevish presence in her small coterie as she alternately filled her dance card, then took her rest and refreshment. Yet her unruly heart compared each partner to Geoffrey's tutelage in the garden and she found each to be a disappointing substitute.

Near the end of the ball, Lady Ruyter and Lady Aberly had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Ruyter declare his intentions for Lavenia. Lavenia blushed becomingly as she accompanied him on a round of well wishes, followed by toasts to their prosperity and good health.

Lavenia took Caroline's hands. "I hope you will be as happy one day as I am right now."

Her words sent a stab of doubt into Caroline's heart. Would she be happy one day? Or would she settle on one of the young men present in order to escape her plight with Lord Humphrey?

He sidled up to her at Lavenia's departure. She sensed his presence before he spoke.

"It seems the fair Lavenia has made up her mind to wed Mr. Ruyter, a decision I find most unwise since he is only to become a baron of small estate. Her loss shall be your gain."

"I fail to see the connection, my lord," Caroline replied coldly.

"Let us not play games, my lady. I can make things most uncomfortable for you if you persist in this ridiculous defiance."

Fatigue and the strain of dancing fanned Caroline's emotions into furor. "Do what you like. I shall never marry you. And you shall never inherit Castlegate Manor."

"You should not say such things. I have told you I will do whatever it takes to become master of this estate. It would be terrible if something dreadful should happen to the existing heirs, would it not, my dear Miss Stewart? You have it within your power to prevent such a tragedy or to allow it to occur. Think about it, my dear."

The dangerous glitter in his eyes chilled Caroline. He turned away and made his courteous departure to Lady Aberly. Caroline would not dream of ruining this merry occasion by reporting the thinly veiled threat. Yet, she chided herself on the irony of her deceitful masquerade should it prove to place her in mortal danger. Yet, she could not tell Lord Humphrey the truth. If it were known, she would have no chance of escaping a destiny in the poor house.

After the guests departed and she had gone upstairs to slip into her night rail, she lay awake sipping hot chocolate and pondering her choices. If only she had someone she could trust to give her counsel. Lady Eleanor had known her guilty secret and taken it to her grave. If only the dear lady were still alive, Caroline would never have come here, nor fallen into such a disastrous position.

It would be a burden off her shoulders simply to share her true identity with someone she could trust. Mentally, she listed her choices and summarily dismissed them. The shock would be too much for Lady Aberly and Lavenia. Lady Aberly's social conscience would never allow Caroline to remain under her roof should Caroline turn to her as confidant.

Her thoughts turned to Geoffrey. Had he not been retained to resolve the threat to the true heir's interests? Surely he would have nothing to gain by revealing her secret. Yet if he should reveal her identity to the true heir, in time, it might be made known and become an embarrassment to her future husband. She debated deep into the night, before falling into a troubled sleep.

She awoke early to a quiet house. Only the occasional subdued voice of a servant convinced Caroline she was not all alone on the large estate. Since the ball had concluded at a tardy hour, Lady Aberly and Lavenia would doubtlessly sleep late into morning.

Caroline gave into her impulse and the memory of Geoffrey's competence and donned her riding habit. She paused briefly in the sitting room for a crumpet and spot of tea before striking out for the stable.

The snap of a branch along the wooded path caused her to jump. She glanced fearfully into the brambles and saw a moor hen scoot away with her chicks on their way to the creek below the path.

She admonished herself for letting her nerves rule her mind. No gunman skulked behind a tree, no one followed her steps waiting to harm her. Lord Humphrey had surely exaggerated his threat in order to frighten her.

She found Geoffrey currying Victory.

He cast her a glance that seemed to appraise her, then continued his chore as though dismissing her presence. Caroline found his manner disconcerting.