The Secret of Castlegate Manor (6 page)

"I took a fall while riding. I do not wish my aunt to know of the incident. It would only worry her."

Caroline could still see a dozen questions in Maggie's eyes. Fortunately, propriety would keep her from asking.

In short order, her hair was restored to fashion, tied in rose ribbons at the side, and falling in a gentle wave down her back. She studied her reflection with approval. If only she could keep from doing any more unladylike things, such as falling off a horse. She felt sure that Lady Eleanor, if she were still alive, would not have approved of her afternoon adventure.

Now, she would engage in an activity she was sure Lady Eleanor would have approved. She had been longing to peruse the well-stocked library. Several years ago, Lady Eleanor had insisted that Caroline learn to read. She patiently instructed the young girl. In return, in the dear lady's declining years, the stories Caroline read aloud each day provided her with a source of pleasure and amusement.

Reluctantly, Caroline had Maggie return the borrowed riding habit to Lavenia's room. Lavenia had planned a trip to Bath for material for new gowns. While there, Caroline could choose a velvet for a riding garment for herself. Then, she could go riding every morning if she wished. After all, if she were to become the wife of a country squire, she would have to learn to play the part.

On the way past the parlour, Caroline heard a male voice.

She paused in curiosity. Catching sight of her, Lavenia drew her into the room. "Why, Caroline, Mr. Blois has come to call. I have persuaded him to join us for us a meal."

Caroline fought her disappointment with her change of plans for inspecting the library and reminded herself that she must choose a husband before her role as impostor was discovered. Perhaps, she had been tired on the night of Lady Ruyter's party and not given Mr. Blois a fair chance.

As they sat for their light repast, she nearly laughed aloud at the silliness of herself, a servant girl, feeling she could be so particular with a husband. What would Mr. Blois, or any of the other young men think if they knew the truth about her?

All through the meal, he spoke, at length, about his latest activities working with the solicitor. Caroline found her mind wandering and, with great effort, remembered to favor him with an occasional nod and smile. As they lingered over a cup of tea, he laced and unlaced his long fingers in a gesture Caroline found quite distracting.

It was with private relief that Caroline bid him good afternoon when he proclaimed his need to return to the city. He took her hand and bent over it most gallantly. "You will save room on your dance card for me at your aunt's party, will you not?"

Caroline felt her pulse quicken with alarm. Lady Eleanor had taught her to read, but Caroline had never had occasion to learn to dance. That she would be expected to do so at the ball had not entered her mind.

She forced a smile. "I shall, my lord."

She watched his retreating figure and knew she had no intention of keeping her promise.

Finally, she was free to escape to her private passion. Books would ask nothing of her. They would not accidentally discover her masquerade. In the library, she would be free to lose herself in the concerns of fictional characters and forget her own subterfuge. Here, she would be safe.

She turned the knob of the library door and pushed it open, ignoring its protesting creak. On the far wall, the French doors stood open, letting in a fresh breeze from the garden. Caroline could see, Robert, the gardener, tending roses. The lovely perfume of the blossoms filled the air.

Though the servants kept the room dusted, Caroline did not think that either Lady Aberly or Lavenia used it often. Though Lavenia had spoken of Jane Austen, she had admitted that she had yet to read any of her work.

Caroline had read it to Lady Eleanor and they had both liked it immensely. Perhaps, she would find other volumes among the many rows of books which would also catch her fancy.

She stood before a stack of books and read the titles. The musty smell of the older volumes reminded her of Lady Eleanor's library in London.

She spotted a volume of Fanny Burney's EVELINA, and had just plucked it from the shelf when a voice beside the open French doors startled her. The book tumbled from her fingers as she turned to see Lord Humphrey framed in the doorway. A smug smile spread across his thin lips as he observed her discomposure.

"My dear Miss Stewart, I did not mean to startle you. I wished to have a word with you if you are not too occupied."

He crossed to retrieve the fallen book. Caroline shrank from his nearness as he seemed to deliberately brush against her as he straightened to hand her the book.

"Thank you, my lord. Perhaps you would like to sit. I could order tea, or coffee if you would prefer."

She glanced toward the hallway, uncomfortable at being alone with him and eager to rectify the situation. Lord Humphrey, however, seemed intent upon a personal conference.

"I require nothing expect to sit with you and finish our talk. "Perhaps we could sit in those chairs beside the fireplace."

Caroline proceeded to the chairs which faced the cold hearth. In the winter, the setting might have engendered a homey warmth. On this summer day, with the Viscount beside her, Caroline felt no comfort in either the location or position in which she found herself.

He turned to face her. "My dear Miss Stewart, my regard for you has not escaped your attention. I do not wish to press my suit upon you, but I see no reason for delay when we are obviously suited to one another."

Caroline stared at her trembling hands. "Really, my lord, we hardly know one another."

"I know all I need know about you."

Caroline's heart skipped a beat in reflex to her guilty secret. She relaxed as he continued.

"You are a lady of breeding and beauty. I have a title to offer. Have we need of more?"

Caroline stiffled the urge to laugh at his description of her background. "Yes, my lord, I would need to know a great deal more about you to consider marriage."

His expression darkened. "You had a bit of a riding accident this morning, did you not?"

"How did you know about that?"

"The new groom I employed supplied the information."

Caroline caught her lip, confused by the turn of conversation.

Lord Humphrey continued to lean forward. "Consider this, Miss Stewart. I always get what I want. And I want you. There could be other uncomfortable happenings in this household, if you prove obstinate to my suit."

Caroline caught her breath. "What did you have to do with what happened this morning?"

The Viscount studied his immaculate nails. He smiled an unpleasant smile that did not reach his eyes. "Perhaps nothing."

Caroline clasped her fingers to control their trembling. "I will not be threatened into marriage, sir."

Their eyes locked in a battle of will. Lord Humphrey's eyes narrowed. "We shall see."

He stood and gave a small bow.

Caroline looked away in dismissal. She sensed the Viscount's gaze resting upon her.

"I understand your aunt is giving a ball. I hope our little dispute does not incline you from allowing me to sign your dance card."

Caroline replied without favoring him with a glance. "I shall not be rude, my lord."

"Good. I shall look forward to our next meeting. In the meantime, please consider what I have said."

As he left the room, Caroline found her thoughts in turmoil. Foremost in her mind, was the knowledge that Geoffrey worked in the stable. Had he anything to do with the plot to marry her to Lord Humphrey? If so, proof of his treachery would cause her more pain than the acts themselves.

She needed someone to trust. Yet, who would that be? No one knew her true circumstances.

She decided on the only course open to her. She would share as much as she could with her aunt and Lavenia during tea and hope they could provide counsel.

CHAPTER FIVE

Caroline accepted her tea with the hope that the turmoil, which churned within, did not show on her face. While Lady Aberly talked on about the ball, Caroline could not keep her thoughts on a word that was spoken. At last Lady Aberly said, "You seem distracted, my dear. Whatever is on your mind?"

This provided just the opening for which Caroline was hoping. She set down her cup and composed her countenance.

"I had a visit with Lord Humphrey in the library. It was most troublesome."

Lady Aberly frowned. "Was it? Why was that?"

Caroline did not wish to alarm the ladies, but she did want to give fair warning in case Lord Humphrey's evil schemes affected them as well as herself.

"He said that we would find life uncomfortable here if I did not agree to marry him."

Lavenia gave a startled gasp. "How horrible. Whatever could he mean by that?"

Caroline was loath to reveal the riding mishap for fear her aunt would forbid her from returning to the stable. "He hinted that a mischief would come to us, an accident perhaps."

Lavenia's lips parted in astonishment.

Lady Aberly clicked her tongue. "Oh, la. I think you must be making more of it than is wont by the circumstances. You must have misunderstood. Lord Humphrey can be tedious when he is in his cups, but I do not believe he would do anything to harm us."

Caroline would not presume to disagree with Lady Aberly, so she took a different approach. "Perhaps you would help me understand why he wishes to rush into marriage. We have not known each other long enough to develop a true attachment."

Lavenia set aside her cup of tea. "Perhaps he believes that it is his only way to gain control of Castlegate Manor. He must believe that you will inherit it. He wishes to marry you before another suitor claims you and takes his place."

Caroline frowned. "But I have inherited nothing. Does he not see you and your mother living here after Lady Eleanor's death? Surely he knows you are the heirs. It is you he should still wish to wed."

Lady Aberly appeared flustered. "I suppose he got the idea from me. You must not tell him about not having a part of the inheritance. Please, if you speak now, he may bring trouble about Lavenia's wedding. After the wedding, simply tell him the truth."

Caroline caught her lip. What was the truth? It was getting harder for her to imagine.

"Of course I shall say nothing. I would not do anything to disturb a wedding of two people who are so obviously in love."

Lavenia placed her hand atop Caroline's hand. Her eyes shone with emotion. "You are truly like a sister to me."

Caroline smiled. "I am an only child, too. Like you, I have always wanted a sister."

It felt good to share a little of her past. She was an only child and that much was the truth.

Lady Aberly seemed pleased that the unpleasant conversation had come to an end. For her part, Caroline tried to ignore the resentment she felt toward the older woman. Lady Aberly had put her in an awkward and perhaps dangerous position in order to free her own daughter to marry. The best that could be done now was to stall Lord Humphrey until after Lavenia's wedding. Then Caroline could tell him that it was Lady Aberly and her daughter who had inherited this lovely estate, in entirety, and not herself.

The next morning, they arose early for a light repast. Each lady eagerly anticipated the trip to Bath to visit the famous salon of Madam Marian. There they would choose the material she would use to create their gowns.

Caroline felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. She had gone with Lady Eleanor on several occasions to choose material for new ball gowns. Yet, she had never chosen one for herself.

She must choose well and make a good impression. The ball might be her chance to meet a suitable match. She could not afford to come ill attired.

Fortunately, Lavenia misunderstood her anxiety to reflect upon Madam Marian. "You must not worry. Madam Marian is the best dressmaker in all of Bath. She will produce a perfect fit."

Caroline smiled. "I am sure she will."

John Coachman brought the carriage round and the old groom, Nottington, helped the ladies inside. Despite her careful preparations, Caroline keenly felt her pretense of being a lady.

She silently chastised herself with the fact that, if she talked and dressed like a lady, no one would know the fears and insecurities that plagued her existance. She would simply have to be careful at Madam Marian's and do exactly as Lady Aberly and Lavenia did.

They talked of fabrics and fashions and what had been popular in London as they clattered from the estate onto the road that led to Bath.

"My, but this is a most bumpy ride. I wonder if the rains last night have done damage to the road," Lavenia complained.

Caroline was inclined to agree. She had not remembered this road being so bad on their previous trip to Bath.

However, Lady Aberly not wishing anything to abandon her favorite topic of fashion and fabric, dismissed the jolting with a flounce of her fashionable curls. "I dare say we will be past the worst part soon."