The Secret of Castlegate Manor (9 page)

"I am pleased to hear it. It disheartens me to think that I must be the cause of his suffering."

"You could not have known, my lady, that your presence would put John Coachman in danger. I believe I may know the identity of the assailant."

Caroline brought her horse up short. "I should be most interested in hearing what you have learned."

"As you know, the new stable hand, Benson, was hired by Lord Humphrey. When I questioned him regarding his activity at the time of the assault, he could give me no satisfactory answer and, indeed, seemed most impatient with my questions.

Caroline glanced uneasily in the direction of the trees.

"You need not worry. We can trust Nottington to keep him at the stable. He will find ample chores within his sight to keep Benson busy."

"Are you sure Nottington can be trusted?"

"Quite sure, my lady."

"And you think Benson had opportunity to shoot at us and also tamper with the carriage?"

"Ample opportunity, my lady. I was with you when the first shot was fired. So you know that I was not the gunman."

"And the carriage?"

"Four of us work in the stable. Any of us could have had the opportunity to disable the carriage. John Coachman and Nottington were riding atop. I do not think they would have taken the chance of their own injury, nor to they have anything to gain from frightening you. I was with you when John Coachman was shot. Again, I could not have been the gun man. That leaves only Benson who had the opportunity to both shoot, and tamper with the carriage."

Caroline watched the play of expression on his handsome features. His words made perfect sense. She wished she had thought of the groom as a possible suspect in contributing to Lord Humphrey's foul scheme.

"What shall we do? We have no evidence," she said.

"I shall endeavor to watch him closely and shadow him wherever he goes. Perhaps I shall catch him in meeting with Lord Humphrey."

"If you could overhear that would be much more the better."

He smiled. "You would make a fine investigator, my lady."

She met his approving gaze. "I think not. I would most likely be caught in the act of espying and meet a dreadful end."

"I cannot think of how anyone could wish so beautiful a lady a dreadful end."

She felt her cheeks grow warm. "You speak boldly for a stable hand."

His warm laughter broke forth like a bubbling brook. Caroline quite enjoyed the sound.

"I've been told that I am bold. I like to think of myself as honest and outspoken," he said.

They rode to the outskirts of the Stewart property where they could look upon the adjoining estate and a small cottage nestled down in a glen.

"I do not miss the bustle and confusion of London when I look upon such a peaceful scene," Caroline said.

Geoffrey studied her, a smile playing upon his lips. "I should think a sophisticated woman such as yourself would miss the trappings of the city."

Caroline shook her head. "I love the country. I should be glad never to leave it."

"Were you brought up in London?"

"No. In India."

Had she been looking at Geoffrey instead of the cottage, she would have seen the look of curious interest that lit his eyes at her carelessly tossed answer.

"We should go back. I have been gone far too long as it is," Caroline said.

They cantered across the meadow, then walked the horses down the path to the stable.

Geoffrey helped her dismount, a curious expression still lodged in his eyes.

"In what part of India did you reside?"

Caroline felt the discomfort her lies always brought. She glanced up to see that he awaited her answer. Irritation gripped her that she should feel obliged to fabricate an answer.

"Along the coast," she answered vaguely, with a wave that dismissed the subject.

His eyebrows rose. "Were you from the military settlement in Bombay?"

"Yes. That was it."

She turned away too soon to see the surprise that lit his eyes. She knew only that the intimate ride had been a mistake. She must remember her position. The ball and the hope of meeting a marriageable country squire must provide an escape before her wayward emotions led her astray.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Caroline sat in front of the mirror as Maggie carefully styled her hair into a becoming upsweep that cascaded in the back with chestnut brown curls. Clad in her new ball dress, she felt like a prized doll being displayed for showing. Her inner composure, however, belied the doll-like exterior, which she would endeavor to maintain.

The ball was only a few hours away. And with the ball, came her debut into society, a debut that might be fraught with numerous social mistakes. And before the ball, she must manage an intimate dinner with close friends of the family. Anxiety swept over her with the knowledge that Lady Aberly had insisted that Lord Humphrey be invited along with the Lady Ruyter and Henry, and the Baron and Baroness Caroline had met at the concert.

When Lavenia had protested the Viscount's invitation, Lady Aberly had been adamant. "We have no proof that he is behind our misfortune. And, since he is family it would be most indiscreet to withhold the invitation."

Caroline and Lavenia let a look of disquietude pass between them before accepting Lady Aberly's decision. Caroline knew etiquette would demand that she speak to the Viscount. However, she hoped to keep their association as brief as possible.

The hostesses had not gathered long in the drawing room before the guests began to arrive. Lavenia was immediately swept up with Henry while Lady Aberly conversed with Lady Ruyter and the Baron and Baroness, leaving Caroline in the unhappy position of being companion to Lord Humphrey.

He offered his arm to escort her to dine.

Caroline accepted as graciously as possible. He strolled behind the others, allowing time to speak to her privately.

"My dear Miss Stewart, you are looking charming this evening. I believe that dress enhances your consummate beauty."

"Thank you, my lord. I am pleased you approve."

"I approve most wholeheartedly. Have you given our previous conversation additional consideration?"

"Yes, my lord. I will not be intimidated into marriage. And, in this, I think not only of myself, but of you as well. If you were to marry me, rest assured you would be sorely disappointed in the possessions which I would bring to the marriage."

His glanced down at her and smiled a chilling smile that did not reach his eyes. "I care not for your possessions, my lady. I care only that you are a Stewart. That is all that counts. Lady Eleanor may disown me, but she cannot stop me from marrying back into the family. I will attain what should rightfully be mine. And I suggest that you cooperate."

They reached the table. Caroline did not wish to shock their genteel guests with a cutting reply to the Viscount. Therefore, she could only smile, while seething inside as her mind cast about for a way to end his brazen blackmail. To resist meant sure danger. And yet, even if she were a Stewart instead of an impostor, Caroline knew she would rather die than surrender to his plan.

Though the kitchen staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty, Caroline found her appetite very slight. She forced smiles and polite replies to the Baron who, being almost deaf, spoke so loudly that she feared she would be nearly deaf, too, by the time the meal ended.

The arrival of the first guests for the ball spared Caroline further need to pretend interest in the Baron's conversation. Her attempt to avoid escort by Lord Humphrey failed and she found herself, again, privileged to his intimate overtures.

"I should like the first three dances, my lady, if you would permit me to sign your card."

Caroline shook her head. "It would be improper, my lord, for me to give you three dances in a row since you have made no declaration in form, nor should you, for I would not accept. I shall dance with you as propriety permits."

Extricating herself from the Viscount, she joined Lady Aberly and Lavenia in greeting the guests. Her fragile composure flagged as she struggled to remember the list of names that Lavenia had carefully taught her along with the particular information which went with each guest. She tried to remember the men of political importance, along with whether they were Whig or Tory, the particular matrons of social influence, the fortune hunters, and the men of good family.

With the introductions complete, Henry led Lavenia out to the floor to open the dancing. Lady Aberly and Lady Ruyter sat together watching the couple with obvious pleasure. "He plans a declaration in form this evening," Lady Ruyter confided.

Lady Aberly clapped her plump hands, her small eyes following the dancers. "Ah, this is a delightful occasion. I am fond of your Henry and so pleased that he wishes to wed my Lavenia. I cannot wait to see them settled happily together."

She refrained from mentioning her greater relief to see Lavenia rescued from the attentions of Lord Humphrey. She hoped the accusations waged against him proved untrue. She had become fond of Caroline and did not wish to see her married to a man of ill character. However, if someone had to marry the Viscount, she could not help the relief that if should be Caroline and not Lavenia. The thought of settling in the same house with the man set her near to vapors.

She saw the Viscount spot the obscure edge of the dance floor where Caroline appeared to be hiding, no doubt from the very attentions he sought to impart. His face clouded darkly as Mr. Blois claimed Caroline's attention just before the Viscount arrived. Lady Aberly smiled as Caroline accepted a dance with Mr. Blois and disappeared among the swirling figures already on the floor.

Caroline, though relieved to be spared the company of Lord Humphrey, suffered the dreadful pangs of humiliation as she mis-stepped, causing Mr. Blois to steady her in his arms. Though he gave no indication of objecting to the need to deliver her back onto her feet, Caroline blushed furiously, fearing that she would repeat her mistake.

At the end of the dance, she saw Lord Humphrey bearing down upon them. Caroline favored Mr. Blois with a look of supplication. "I am feeling rather fatigued. I think it is the warmth. May we not sit out this dance and sip punch?"

His face lit with pleasure. "To be sure, Miss Stewart. I should be honored to keep you company with refreshment."

Lord Humphrey appeared at her elbow. "Is your card free for the next dance, my lady?"

Caroline cast a pleasant smile at Mr. Blois. "I am sorry, my lord. Mr. Blois has promised me a glass of punch and his company while I seek a brief respite. Perhaps another dance."

Lord Humphrey bowed courteously, though his dark eyes flashed with displeasure. "I shall await your return to the dance floor with great anticipation."

Caroline's conscience pricked with the understanding that she was leading Mr. Blois to expect her favor. The captivated expression upon his too angular face left no doubt as to his pleasure at her suggestion to spend this extra time in her company.

To his dismay, he soon found them surrounded by a coterie of young men. Caroline tried to remember which of the admirers were landed gentry and within her plans to captivate. She offered the best imitation of the demure smile she had practiced in front of her looking glass as she chatted, in turn, with each suitor.

She found none of them of particular interest. Her disappointment mounted as she reminded herself that love was not the objective that she ultimately sought. After another poorly executed waltz with a young squire with more land than observable wit and intelligence, she found herself once more confronted by the Viscount.

"I should like the pleasure of this dance."

Caroline paled at the announcement of the impending minuet. The timing, the complicated steps and the parting and uniting were far beyond her ability to copy what she observed on the occasions she had served at Lady Aberly's parties.

"I am fatigued. I shall take a break in the ladies' refreshing room and return shortly. Perhaps then, I shall feel my vigor renewed."

Suspicion glittered in his eyes. "I did not know you were a woman of such delicate constitution, my lady. The accounts I have heard of your riding expeditions would suggest otherwise."

Caroline lowered her voice, not wishing to quarrel at the ball. "One should be careful of one's source, my lord. There are those who would tell you anything you wish to hear if they are well paid for the service."

"Power has a way of commanding loyalty, my dear Miss Stewart. Do not forget that. And I intend to have power. Take your rest, but do not forget that I will not be put off. I am not one to be toyed with."

He left her to her escape with those words of parting. Caroline watched him a moment, his tall figure cutting a path around the perimeter of the dance floor. She felt chilled in spite of the warmth of the room.

Geoffrey stood, concealed in the shadows of the rose garden and watched the proceedings of the ball through the open French doors. He suppressed a laugh to see Lady Aberly presiding over the affair with the aplomb appropriate to the lady of the estate. His dealings with her had led him to conclude that she was a simple woman, who was harmless and liked her life of ease. He begrudged her nothing.