‘I fear that if I asked you to walk with me in the gardens for a few minutes you would refuse.’

‘We hardly know each other well enough for that, sir.’

‘We do not know each other at all, Miss Holbrook.’ Freddie let one finger trail down Caroline’s arm, sending a frisson of sensation shooting through her. For a moment, as she stared into his dark eyes, she felt as if she were drowning. Being sucked down and down into a swirling pool and out of her depth. ‘I am not sure that it would be to the benefit of either of us to become more intimately acquainted…’

‘Then please allow me to pass,’ Caroline said, and gave him a frosty stare. Until that moment she had been revising her opinion of him, and liking what she had discovered, but now she was once again aware of the danger of allowing herself to like such a man. If she were foolish enough to develop a tendre for him, he would be sure to break her heart.

Anne Herries, winner of the Romantic Novelists’ Association romance prize 2004, lives in Cambridgeshire. She is fond of watching wildlife, and spoils the birds and squirrels that are frequent visitors to her garden. Anne loves to write about the beauty of nature, and sometimes puts a little into her books—although they are mostly about love and romance. She writes for her own enjoyment, and to give pleasure to her readers.

Recent novels by the same author:

A DAMNABLE ROGUE*

MARIANNE AND THE MARQUIS†

MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS†

MARRYING CAPTAIN JACK†

THE UNKNOWN HEIR

THE HOMELESS HEIRESS

*Winner of the Romantic Novelists’ Association romance prize †The Horne Sisters

And in the Regency series The Steepwood Scandal :

LORD RAVENSDEN’S MARRIAGE

COUNTERFEIT EARL

And in The Hellfire Mysteries:

AN IMPROPER COMPANION

A WEALTHY WIDOW

A WORTHY GENTLEMAN

THE RAKE’S REBELLIOUS LADY

Anne Herries

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Chapter One

‘My word, Freddie, that pair of yours are out-and-outers,’ George Bellingham said, admiring the thoroughbred chestnuts that Sir Frederick Rathbone was driving in Hyde Park that May morning. ‘You are an excellent judge of horseflesh. I shall come to you next time I decide to improve my stable.’

George was walking, Sir Frederick having pulled over to oblige him. He now offered the reins, inviting him to climb into the high-wheeled phaeton.

‘Care to try them yourself?’ he asked. ‘They have as sweet mouths as any you’ll find in London. I was lucky to get them. Came from Farringdon’s stable. He sold them to me after a run of ill luck at the tables.’

‘Had some of that myself recently,’ Bellingham said, pulling a wry face. ‘We can’t all be as fortunate as you!’ He looked thoughtful for a moment, then, ‘It surprises me that Farringdon sold them; I thought they were his pride and joy.’

‘Needs must when the devil drives, I dare say.’ Freddie laughed, a gleam of mockery in his dark eyes. He was a handsome devil, arrogant, wilful and the bane of matchmaking society mamas, for at eight and twenty, he had managed to avoid all the traps set for him with consummate ease.

‘Lucky at the tables, unlucky in love, is that not what they say?’ Freddie’s look challenged and provoked his friend. He did not add that the chestnut horses had been in settlement of an overdue gambling debt and that he had offered to take them at an inflated price well above their true worth.

‘Not in your case!’ Bellingham retorted. ‘Your latest highflyer is a beauty, Freddie. There isn’t a fellow in London who doesn’t envy you the magnificent Yolanda.’

‘An expensive hobby,’ Freddie remarked grimly; his mistress might be a spectacular beauty, but she had a decided partiality for expensive baubles. ‘As greedy in bed as out. To be honest, I weary of her. She is too predictable.’

‘Good grief, man! What do you expect? She is a courtesan of the first line. They say she has consorted with crowned heads in Europe—perhaps even Bonaparte himself!’

‘You don’t say?’ Freddie said, pulling a face. He had heard the rumour and knew it to be untrue, but could not resist teasing his friend. ‘Why did I not know this before? Boney, indeed! I do not know whether to be flattered or horrified.’ He shook his head as he returned to the subject of his mistress. ‘I dare say she is well enough in her way, George, but she is not… Perhaps I am too particular.’

‘You would not want a simpering society miss? Perhaps the lovely Miss Avondale—if you are on the catch for a wife?’

‘God forbid! That insipid fairness—and that lisp! I would be bored within days—hours!’ Freddie laughed mockingly. ‘No, I have no thought of marriage, George. Yet I sometimes yearn for a woman I can talk to as I do to you. A partner in more than a physical sense.’

‘If such a woman exists, she’s mine,’ Bellingham said, taking up the challenge instantly. ‘A woman like that would be something out of the ordinary. I might consider marrying her myself.’

‘Come, come, old fellow,’ Freddie chided, for his friend was four and thirty, and a confirmed bachelor in his own words. ‘She would have to be special indeed to tempt you.’

George nodded, but looked thoughtful. ‘As you say, though I have wondered of late…’ He shook his head as the horses moved restlessly, impatient at being kept waiting. ‘Since neither of us is likely to meet such a lady, it is mere speculation.’ He gave the reins a little flick, allowing the high-spirited horses to move on at a trot. ‘Do you attend Almack’s this evening?’

‘Good grief, no!’ Freddie said, revolted at the idea of such a wasted evening. ‘When you see me there you will know that I have discovered the paragon we spoke of.’ He laughed softly deep in his throat. ‘I believe that you may safely assume that hell will freeze over first.’

‘Oh, you will fall in the end,’ George murmured, more for the sake of provoking his companion than anything. He grinned at Freddie. ‘You don’t care to sell these beauties, I suppose?’

‘No—but I will wager them against your greys.’

‘On what?’ George was surprised. His greys were very good horses, but not the equal of the chestnuts.

‘That a woman who could tempt me to marriage does not exist.’

George grinned, for they were in the habit of making such bets, and often on a simple thing like the turn of a card, Freddie the winner at least three out of four times. However, he bore his friend no ill will; he could afford to gamble, and, often, the stakes were trivial. ‘I’ll willingly put my greys up against your pair—but we must have a time limit.’

‘Christmas,’ Freddie said, a wicked glint in his eyes. He had made the bet for sheer devilment, as a cure for the slow, creeping boredom that had come over him of late.

‘Done!’ George cried instantly. ‘But you must attend all the main affairs of the Season, no running off to hide in the country or disappearing to your club until you’ve met all the new hopefuls.’

‘Fair enough,’ Freddie agreed. ‘But I draw the line at Almack’s. When you see me there you will know that you have won your bet.’

‘Indeed I shall,’ Bellingham said for he knew his friend too well. ‘I would not be attending myself, except that my sister is bringing her daughter to town and I have agreed that I will escort them. I assure you that Miss Julia Fairchild is not the lady you are seeking. She is seventeen and a shy child, so I must do my best for her—but we have the whole Season to look forward to, Freddie. Who knows what may happen?’

‘Precious little, if past experience serves me true,’ Freddie said and wondered why he had made such a bet, when it meant that he would have to attend many tiresome affairs that he usually avoided like the plague.

He yawned behind his hand, wondering what he could find to do with his evening. There was no denying that he was bored with Yolanda and a visit with her did not engender any feeling in him. It would be best to make an end. His tastes had altered of late, and he thought that it might be time to start making changes to his lifestyle.

He would buy the lovely Yolanda a handsome present, perhaps the diamond necklace she had been angling for these many weeks. Yes, he would give her the necklace and make an end to it.

‘Mama, do we truly have to stay with Aunt Louisa?’ Caroline Holbrook asked of her mother that morning. It was more than two years since Caroline’s father, the Honourable Mr Anthony Holbrook, had passed away, and his grieving widow was only now coming to terms with her situation. ‘Could we not take a house for ourselves for the Season?’

‘You must know that that is impossible.’ Marianne Holbrook sighed deeply. She was a thin, pale lady with a fragile air. Having given her husband two sons and a daughter, she had suffered a series of unfortunate miscarriages, which had left her a semi-invalid for some years. Her bereavement had taken its toll of her too and, never a strong-minded woman, she had fallen under her elder sister’s influence. ‘Your father died owing considerable amounts of money, and your brother has had difficulty in holding the estate together. I do not feel able to ask him for such a large amount of money.’

‘Poor Tom probably hasn’t any to spare,’ Caroline said regretfully. She was fond of her eldest brother and had no wish to make life more difficult for him. She sighed because it seemed that there was no escape for her. Her aunt, Lady Taunton, had married to advantage and though she had been widowed a few years previously, she was in possession of a generous independence, which enabled her to live as she chose. It was kind of her aunt to offer to pay their expenses, but she had such an overpowering manner that Caroline was dreading the experience. ‘Couldn’t we afford a short stay—if I did not spend too much on my clothes?’

‘Please do not be difficult, Caroline,’ her mother requested. ‘I have a headache coming on. You know my health is not what it ought to be. I should not be able to escort you to all the balls and affairs you would wish to attend.’

‘Forgive me, Mama,’ Caroline said, suddenly feeling wretched for upsetting her mother. ‘I suppose we must accept, but I hope that Aunt Louisa will not try to dictate to me, especially on the subject of whom I should marry.’

‘Of course, my dear, but you must choose someone suitable—if you receive offers, of course.’

Marianne Holbrook gazed at her daughter doubtfully. She was certainly very striking, though not in the particular fashion of the day, which seemed to be for slight, fair girls with gentle manners. Caroline was a flame-haired temptress with a seductive mouth and challenging green eyes. She was tall and filled with a restless energy that made her mother feel distinctly weary around her. Sometimes, she wondered how she had managed to give birth to such a spirited creature. She must be a throwback to the old marquis, Caroline’s grandfather, now a recluse, who had been a rake, a gambler and highly disreputable from all accounts. Certainly she in no way resembled any of Marianne’s family.

‘You married for love, did you not, Mama?’

‘Yes, and have regretted it since,’ Marianne said ruefully. ‘Louisa married for position and wealth. I chose a younger son with only a small estate and have suffered the consequences. I should not wish to see you in a similar situation.’

‘Poor Mama,’ Caroline said. ‘But I think you were happy enough while Papa lived, were you not?’

‘Yes, perhaps…’ Another sigh escaped her mother. ‘Yet I do not care to see my son worn down by worry. And Nicolas has gone to be a soldier. I cannot sleep at night for thinking of him in danger.’

‘The war with Bonaparte is surely over, Mama, for he has been confined on Elba,’ Caroline said. ‘Besides, Nicolas is not the kind of man who would be happy staying at home. You know that he was always into some adventure when a child.’

She and Nicolas had been born a matter of eleven months apart. Although not particularly alike in looks, for he favoured their mother, they had been kindred spirits. It was Nicolas who had taught his sister to climb trees, to swim in the river in her shift and to ride her horse astride. All of these unladylike pursuits had of course landed her in hot water first with her nurse, and later her governess. She had learned to be more sensible as she grew older, but secretly envied her brother his freedom.

‘You always encouraged him in his wayward behaviour,’ her mother said a little unfairly. ‘But I suppose you are right. A mother may not keep her son in leading strings for ever. However, it is my duty to see you settled with a husband and a home of your own, and therefore we shall accept Louisa’s invitation to stay with her in town. It is my intention to go up next week.’

Caroline gave up the attempt to dissuade her mother. It was not often that Mrs Holbrook set her mind to something, but on this occasion it seemed that she was determined. However, Caroline was equally determined that she would not allow her aunt to dictate to her in the matter of the gentleman she accepted as her husband—if anyone actually offered for her, of course.

* * *

‘Very suitable,’ Lady Taunton said, approving her niece’s attire for that evening. ‘Yes, I was right to insist on mainly white for your gowns, Caroline. The emerald you favoured would have been too bold with hair like yours. It is a pity that you are not more like your mama, but it cannot be helped.’

Caroline gritted her teeth, but kept her thoughts to herself. She had been in town for three days now and already she was finding her aunt’s overbearing manner hard to accept, especially in matters of dress, which should surely have been her choice. She believed the white gown was less becoming than the emerald she had wanted, but her aunt was paying for most of her clothes and there was little she could do but accept her choices. Mrs Holbrook wanted only to keep the peace, and Caroline was forced to mind her tongue.

‘Well, come along then, Caroline,’ Lady Taunton said and swept ahead out to the waiting carriage, leaving her niece to follow in her wake. ‘It is a pity your mother did not feel up to attending the ball this evening, but she will be better resting at home with her maid to cosset her.’

Caroline did not answer, for she knew it was not required. Her mother had accompanied them to a musical evening and two small dinners, and then declared herself exhausted. It was clear that she had abandoned the task of finding her daughter a husband to her sister, and that she would not bestir herself unless it was truly necessary.

During the carriage drive to the house of Lady Melbourne, who was holding one of the most prestigious balls of the season, Caroline was forced to endure another lecture from her aunt.

‘I dare say I have no need to remind you not to be too free in your manners, Caroline,’ Louisa Taunton droned on. ‘It was a fault I observed in you when you were younger, but I expect that you have learned how to behave since you left the schoolroom.’

Caroline made no reply; she felt that if she did she might say something rude, and therefore it was best to say nothing at all.

‘Did you hear me, Caroline?’

‘Yes, Aunt, of course.’ Caroline folded her hands primly in her lap.

‘Indeed,’ Louisa Taunton said, eyes narrowing suspiciously. ‘I do hope you are not sulking. I cannot abide gels that sulk.’

‘No, Aunt, I am not sulking.’ Caroline held on to her temper by a thread. If she was forced to endure much more of this, she would rather go home and never marry! She was fuming inside, and found it difficult to produce more than a polite smile when she was introduced to her hostess. However, as she followed her aunt’s progress through the reception rooms, her mood began to lift.

Music was playing in the furthest room, which was the ballroom, and there was an atmosphere of excitement that communicated itself to Caroline. She looked about her, admiring the lovely gowns some of the ladies were wearing, and the flash of costly jewels. Overhead, a shower of sparkling light fell on the company from the massive chandeliers.

‘Caroline, pay attention,’ Lady Taunton said, recalling her thoughts sharply. ‘This gentleman is Sir Henry Forsythe and he has just asked you for the honour of the next dance.’

‘Oh…thank you,’ Caroline said, relieved that the gentleman was in his middle years and quite attractive. She dropped a curtsy. ‘How very kind of you.’

‘No, indeed, Miss Holbrook,’ Sir Henry said with a smile of approval. ‘It is my pleasure and my privilege.’

Caroline gave him her hand, feeling a little spurt of excitement as he led her through to the ballroom. The black cloud that had hung over her dispersed as she was swept into the throng of dancers, and suddenly she was feeling wonderful.

The feeling continued after the dance ended, because she was besieged by gentlemen begging for the favour of a dance and her card was filled in no time at all. She laughed as she gazed up at her partners, for most of them were young and some were rather handsome.

The hours seemed to fly by with never a dull moment. She was the centre of a small group of ladies and gentlemen for the whole evening. It was not until the dance before supper that she was claimed by a gentleman she had rather liked when he asked for the privilege earlier.

‘George Bellingham,’ he told her, making his bow. ‘You were kind enough to grant me the pleasure of this dance, I believe?’

‘Yes, I remember,’ Caroline said, giving him a dazzling smile. ‘I have been looking forward to it, sir.’

‘Have you?’ Bellingham raised an eyebrow, a quizzing look in his eyes. ‘But you have danced with all the young bucks, Miss Holbrook. I fear I cannot compete with the likes of Brackley or Asbury.’

‘Indeed, I disagree, sir,’ Caroline said at once, forgetting her aunt’s strictures not to be too free in her speech. ‘I do not think you need fear either of them—they are young rattle-heads, are they not? Charming, of course, but interested only in horses and sport.’

‘But one the heir to an earldom, the other to his uncle the Marquis of Northbrooke.’ Bellingham’s mouth twitched, for she had described the pair of young bucks to perfection.

‘Oh, that!’ Caroline made a face at him. ‘As if I cared for such things. I think a gentleman of your mode might possibly take an interest in poetry and reading, as well as sport, of course. Do not think I have anything against such pursuits, for my brother Nicolas is a rare goer at many things and I have enjoyed fishing for trout with him.’ Her face sparkled up at him as she recalled her childhood adventures with pleasure.

‘Have you indeed?’ George was intrigued—she was not quite in the ordinary way. He recalled his wager with Freddie Rathbone and smiled inwardly. ‘You must tell me more…’ He was disappointed as the music ended. ‘Oh…it has seemed but a minute…’

‘Do you not think time always flies when one is enjoying oneself and drags when one is forced to do something utterly tedious?’

George disguised his laughter as a cough. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her to have supper with him, but as soon as they left the floor, she was surrounded by four splendid young bucks dressed in the height of fashion, and all with the same question in mind.

‘Miss Holbrook, may I take you in?’

‘Ignore Brent, Miss Holbrook. I am sure you promised the privilege to me.’

‘Oh, Asbury, she damned well said nothing of the kind—she is promised to me,’ another gentleman claimed entirely falsely.

‘No, no, gentlemen,’ Caroline said and laughed, her eyes dancing with mischief. ‘I have promised no one, but I shall yield to the gentleman who can quote Richard Lovelace to me—accurately, mind.’ She looked at them expectantly.

There was stunned silence for a moment, their faces falling as they struggled to bring a word to mind; though most had subscribed to books of more modern authors, they were unable to remember the lines of the seventeenth-century poet.

‘Stone walls do not a prison make,

Nor iron bars a cage;

Minds innocent and quiet take

That for an hermitage;

I’ll have freedom in my love,

And so in my soul am free;

Angels alone, that soar above,

Enjoy such liberty.’

‘Oh, well done, sir!’ Caroline clapped and turned as the deep voice finished his quotation. ‘That was excellent…’ Finding herself having to look up at the newcomer, she discovered that he was the most devastatingly handsome man she had yet met. His hair was the colour of a raven’s wing, almost blue-black where the light from the chandeliers touched it, his eyes very dark, just now mocking her, his mouth strangely enticing as it curved in a smile that made her heart jerk and then race on at frightening speed.

‘Good evening, Miss Holbrook,’ Freddie Rathbone said and offered her his arm, a glint in his eyes as a murmur of protest came from the other gentlemen when she took it. ‘The honour is mine, I think. Better luck next time—George, gentlemen.’ He inclined his head to them, his mannera nice blend of mockery and arrogance, as if he had claimed the prize by right.

Caroline laid her hand on his arm. She was laughing inside, though she did her best not to show it. ‘I do not believe we have been introduced, sir?’

‘Sir Frederick Rathbone at your service,’ he said and smiled at her. ‘I came late and was reliably informed that your card was full—young Asbury supplied the details. You must be aware that you have made a hit with that gentleman, and a few others, I dare say.’

‘They have been amazingly kind,’ Caroline said, a faint blush in her cheeks. She did not often blush, but there was something about this man’s gaze that made her a little uncomfortable. He seemed to demand her thoughts, and she was not sure that she wished to share them with him. There was something about him that seemed to challenge her. To accept that challenge might prove dangerous.

‘Come, now, no false modesty,’ Freddie said, his eyes seeming to dare her to respond in a way that was not at all fitting. ‘You must know that you are a sensation. I might almost say you are the belle of the evening, perhaps of the Season, though it is early days yet, I think.’

‘This is my first ball,’ Caroline said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. ‘I have been lucky enough not to sit down for one dance as yet, but I do not think I am the only lady to have been popular this evening.’

‘True enough, but people are talking about you. Everyone wishes to know where you came from—perhaps you were wafted here from some distant paradise? You are a siren come up from the depths of the sea to weave your spell over us poor mortals…’

‘You mock me, sir,’ Caroline reproved. She was a little uneasy—there was something about him, a glint in his eyes that told her he might be dangerous if she were to like him too much. And yet despite that she was drawn to him, much like a moth to an open flame. She tilted her head, deliberately challenging him. ‘If we are to speak of looks, I dare say yours have won you more than your fair share of attention from the ladies? And if you should be wealthy, of which I have no idea, I am sure you are much sought after—unless you are already married, of course?’

‘Oh, rich as Croesus,’ Freddie said and grinned at her. Her bold manner was immediately attractive to a man of his humour, intriguing him. He wondered how she would respond to his teasing. ‘And not married—a fact that some find irresponsible, for it must be the first object of a gentleman to marry, must it not?’

‘Must it?’ Caroline said, wrinkling her brow. He was clearly mocking her. She threw him a daring look, a flicker of defiance in her eyes. ‘I do not see it. Much better to remain unwed unless it is for the further happiness of both partners—do you not think so? It would be tedious to marry just for the sake of it, I imagine.’

‘Absolutely,’ Freddie said, much amused. He had not met such frankness in a young lady of her class before and found it refreshing. ‘Unfortunately, the match-making mamas of too many young ladies do not see it from your point of view. Now, what shall we have of this fine supper provided for us, Miss Holbrook? Please do not say you are not hungry. Surely you must fancy some of that delicious ham—or the chicken? Perhaps with a few green peas?’

‘I would prefer one of those savoury pastries, and a syllabub,’ Caroline said. ‘But you must certainly have some of that beef, sir. It is rare and I know gentlemen like their beef that way—at least Nicolas does and so did my papa, although my other brother, Tom, likes the first slice from the cut.’

‘Your father is dead, Miss Holbrook?’

‘These two years past,’ Caroline said and sighed. ‘I miss him sorely, sir, but, truthfully, I miss my brother more. Tom has taken on the estate, of course, but Nicolas has gone to become a soldier. I just wish that I might have gone with him. I think it must be a fine thing to wear a handsome uniform and march to the sound of the drums.’

‘Do you, indeed?’ Freddie hid his smile at her naivety. ‘I have had my share of it, Miss Holbrook. I can assure you that it is not all drums and flying colours.’

‘Were you with Wellington when Napoleon was defeated?’

‘No, I had resigned my commission, but I was with him at Salamanca.’

‘Truly? Did you resign because you were wounded?’

‘I was wounded several times, but I resigned because my father died and I had commitments at home.’

‘Ah, yes, you are the elder son, I assume. I think poor Tom wishes that he were Nicolas at times. He has all the burden of the estate, while Nicolas may do much as he pleases.’

‘Within reason, I dare say, but he will have to make his fortune—or marry into one. I dare say he has not much fortune of his own?’

‘Oh, no,’ Caroline said candidly, unaware that she was being quizzed for information. ‘None of us has. Poor Papa was not a good manager, you see.’

‘Ah…’ Having gained all the information that Asbury had not been able to give him earlier, Freddie was satisfied. The girl clearly needed to marry well, which in her case should not be difficult, even without a fortune. She was undoubtedly beautiful and her easy manner had made her a favourite with the gentlemen. He found her amusing company himself, but could not help wondering if there were some artifice behind her easy manner. It would be interesting to discover more about her. ‘Now, we must eat, Miss Holbrook. Please seat yourself, and I shall arrange for our supper.’

Caroline saw that a table by the window was still free, and she went to sit there. Before Sir Frederick could bring her her supper, Mr Bellingham came and sat down, supplying a third chair for himself.

‘Freddie looking after you?’ he asked. ‘Decent chap, but rather stole my thunder. I was recalling what I know of Lovelace when he jumped in. I dare say he won’t mind my joining you. We are close friends, you see.’

‘I set the question, thinking that you might answer it,’ Caroline said truthfully. ‘I particularly like his letter to Lucasta—do you know it?’

‘“Tell me not, Sweet, I am unkind…”’ George quoted, raising an eyebrow. ‘Is that the one?’

‘Oh, yes, written to Lucasta when he was about to go to war. I find that period so romantic, do you not agree? I have a book at home, which tells the story of a lady defending her home in her husband’s absence. It was a brave age, less polite than today, I imagine.’

‘Yes, indeed,’ George Bellingham agreed and smiled.

‘George,’ a voice said from behind him. ‘What is this, my dear fellow—stealing a march on me?’ Freddie waved the servant forwards who had brought various plates of the delicious food on offer. The servant deposited them and bowed, leaving the company to serve themselves. ‘Please do join us…feel free to eat whatever you wish, but not the syllabub.’

‘Very well, I shall,’ George said, impervious to the sarcasm in his friend’s voice. ‘Miss Holbrook and I were discussing Lovelace—and the Civil War, a brave age.’

‘Really?’ Freddie said drily. ‘With the whole country in arms and most of the aristocracy ruined for years?’

‘Oh, you have no soul,’ Caroline said, throwing him a challenging look. Her eyes were bright with mischief, making both men aware of her wayward spirit. ‘The men were so gallant, and the ladies very different from the ladies of today, would you not say?’

‘In what way?’ Freddie asked, a gleam in his eye as he realised that his friend had been quoting her views, not his own. It seemed that this young lady was not afraid to voice her opinions.

‘Oh, we are hedged about with convention,’ Caroline said. ‘I think it was easier to speak one’s mind then than now.’

‘Indeed?’ Freddie was hard put to it not to answer in kind, for she was speaking quite freely. ‘What would you like to say that you dare not, Miss Holbrook? Please do not hold back, for you are amongst friends. Neither George nor I will censure you.’

‘Oh…’ She looked into his eyes and saw the mockery. ‘Have I been speaking too freely? My aunt forbade it, but I have been used to speaking as I find with my brothers. Forgive me.’ A faint blush touched her cheeks.

‘No, indeed, you have not. I find your frankness refreshing,’ George assured her hastily. ‘Do not let anyone tell you that you should be otherwise, Miss Holbrook.’

‘Yes, well, perhaps I should not be quite so open,’ she said, belatedly realising that her aunt might be right in some instances. ‘Do you go to Almack’s this week, sir? I believe I am to be given vouchers.’

‘Then I shall certainly be there,’ George said and shot a look of triumph at his friend. ‘But I believe Freddie has other engagements?’

‘Yes, I fear I have,’ Freddie said and gave his friend a look that spoke volumes. The challenge was fairly joined and both men were enjoying themselves. ‘But I shall be at Lady Broughton’s rout—do you attend?’

‘Yes, I believe so,’ Caroline said. ‘Indeed, we have so many cards that I am not sure how we shall manage to attend a half of the affairs we have been invited to.’

‘You will no doubt simply make an appearance at some and then go on as many of us do,’ Freddie said. ‘But I shall engage to dance with you at least twice at the rout, Miss Holbrook. Please mark your card for me as you will.’

‘Thank you, sir…’ She looked at Mr Bellingham, for she sensed a friendly rivalry between the two and was amused by it. ‘And for you, sir?’

‘I believe two would be suitable,’ he said, ‘and I should like to take you driving in the park—perhaps tomorrow afternoon, if you have no prior engagements?’

‘I know we are engaged for the evening, but I think there is nothing as yet for the afternoon. I shall be delighted to drive out with you, sir.’

‘I shall look forward to it,’ George assured her and glanced at Freddie. Their habitual rivalry was good-natured, but often quite fierce, and their friendship was all the stronger for the occasional clash of temperament.

Freddie was eating his supper. He made no comment, apparently leaving the field for the moment, though George did not doubt that he would re-enter when he chose.

Caroline looked up and saw her aunt bearing down on them. ‘Gentlemen, I think my aunt may need me.’

The gentlemen got to their feet as Lady Taunton descended on them, but she smiled and indicated that they should sit. ‘Please continue with your supper, gentlemen. I came only to see if my niece wanted to accompany me to the rest room?’

‘Thank you, Aunt.’ Caroline rose obediently, for she knew when she was being told to do something, however charmingly it was put. ‘Excuse me, Mr Bellingham—Sir Frederick. I shall hope to see you at the rout we spoke of.’

She followed Lady Taunton from the room and up the stairs to the bedrooms that had been set aside for the comfort of the ladies, waiting for the tirade to begin. However, when they were alone, her aunt smiled at her.

‘You have done well, Caroline. Mr Bellingham is a wealthy gentleman, though some think him a confirmed bachelor—but of course Sir Frederick is one of the catches of the Season. He has been for years, of course, but so far has shown no inclination for matrimony. If you were to receive an offer from either of those gentlemen it would be highly satisfactory, though Sir Frederick is the better catch of the two. He is his uncle’s heir, you know—and will be the Marquis of Southmoor one day.’

‘I am sure that they were just being gallant,’ Caroline replied. ‘They wanted to pass the time pleasantly.’

‘I am not quite so certain,’ her aunt replied, looking thoughtful. ‘Rathbone’s godmother is a friend of mine. I do not think you have met her—Lady Stroud?’ Caroline shook her head. ‘No, I thought not. She told me that he has been attending more of these affairs recently, something he hardly ever does. I imagine that must mean he has set his mind to taking a bride. You have clearly caught his eye. It might be to your advantage to make a push, Caroline.’

‘We share an interest in certain poets,’ Caroline told her, ‘but I dare say that is all we have in common. Besides, there were many others who asked me to dance, and to take supper, Aunt.’ Her aunt’s untimely interference was irritating, for she had only just met the gentlemen in question.

‘Yes, of course. You must not show neglect in your manner to any gentlemen who take an interest in you, my dear—but bear it in mind that Rathbone is a good catch.’

Caroline did not answer. Her aunt’s words had the opposite effect of the one she had surely hoped for. If anything were calculated to set Caroline against someone, it was being pushed in his direction.

Freddie looked across the card table and sighed inwardly. He had been holding the winning hand for the past few minutes, but was reluctant to declare it. He would have preferred not to play Farringdon, but had been unable to refuse the challenge, having won from him only a few nights previously. He was aware that the fool was playing out of his depth, and could probably not afford to pay a half of the notes he had so carelessly thrown on the table. He toyed with the idea of throwing his hand, but that was against all the rules of play. Farringdon must learn not to gamble beyond his means.

He took a card from the pack; it was the one card that could improve his hand, which was now virtually unbeatable. He discarded and then laid his cards on the table. A groan broke from two of the other players; they complained of his incredible luck, but did so with a smile and a careless shrug, for both were well able to pay what was owed. Freddie looked at Farringdon’s white face as he sat staring at the cards in disbelief.

The other gentlemen got up and left the table almost immediately, in search of wine or food, but Farringdon sat on, almost as though he were frozen to the spot.

‘It will take me some time to raise the cash,’ he said in a flat voice, the seriousness of his situation showing only by a slight nerve flicking at his right temple.

‘Yes, of course,’ Freddie said, gathering up the various gold coins and notes that had been tossed on to the table. ‘Unless you would wish to toss for double or quits?’

‘No, no, I think not,’ Farringdon said with an attempt to seem casual. ‘It is a temporary thing, Rathbone. I should be able to settle in a few weeks.’

‘Yes, of course. There is no hurry, none whatsoever. You may take as much time as you please, sir. Will you drink a nightcap with me? It is my intention to walk home.’

‘Thank you, no,’ Farringdon said and got up. He left the table and walked from the gaming club without looking from left to right, his face set in a frozen expression that gave no indication of his state of mind.

‘Have you won again?’ George Bellingham wandered over to Freddie as he sat on for a moment in contemplation. ‘Farringdon looked desperate. I heard a rumour that unless he finds some way to come about he may be forced to sell his estate.’

‘The damned fool should have cut his losses earlier,’ Freddie said with a frown of displeasure. ‘I have no desire to ruin any man, George, and if he comes to me with the truth, I shall return his notes to him. However, he must retire from the tables. He should take a bolt to the country and stay there until he has the funds in his pocket. The rule is that if you can’t pay do not play.’

‘A gaming debt is a debt of honour,’ George agreed immediately. ‘Why do you not put the poor fellow out of his misery, Freddie? Send the notes back to him if you mean to do it.’

‘He needs a lesson,’ Freddie said. ‘Had he lost to Markham or Lazenby, they would have demanded payment within the month. If I give him his notes, he may be tempted to play again with someone less lenient than I.’

‘Well, yes, there is that to it,’ George said. ‘But he will hate you if you show him leniency—it will damage his pride.’

‘Then he must hate me,’ Freddie said. ‘The man is not ruined yet—not while I do not press my claim. No, no, Farringdon must come to me, and then we may settle this thing like gentlemen.’

‘Well, I dare say you are right, though you may make an enemy,’ George said, and then grinned at his friend. ‘Tell me, what did you think of her?’

‘I am not certain what you mean?’ Freddie said with a lift of his mobile brows, though he was perfectly aware of George’s meaning. Caroline Holbrook had made her mark with him, even if he was not prepared to admit it. There was something very appealing about her, which had drawn him to her despite her youth.

‘Miss Holbrook, of course,’ George said. ‘Do you not think she is everything we spoke of the other day, Freddie? She has beauty, a liveliness of spirit that one cannot but admire, and when she smiles the room seems to light up. Enchanting would not be too strong a word.’

‘Ah, I see you have been smitten. When am I to wish you happy, my dear fellow?’ Freddie raised his brows

‘Oh, as to that…I am set in my ways, you know. I am not certain that I should be comfortable married to any lady…but I must admit that, if I were tempted to change my ways, I might ask Miss Holbrook if she would do me the honour. Not that I expect she would accept me. I am too old for her—and she may take her pick of a dozen or more gentlemen, I dare say.’

‘All this on the strength of one ball?’ Freddie looked incredulous. ‘She is not quite in the usual style for one so young, I give you that, George—but you have met lively young ladies before.’ He refused to allow that Miss Holbrook was anything out of the ordinary, even though she had unaccountably lingered in his thoughts these past few days. He had not yet decided if that ingenuous manner was genuine or whether it hid something rather less pleasant. The girl had been frank about her lack of fortune—but was she a fortune hunter herself? For the moment he was inclined to stand back and watch as others fluttered about the flame.

‘Yes, of course,’ George said. ‘I am not sure what it is, Freddie—but does she not strike you as being remarkable?’

‘She has an amusing turn of phrase,’ Freddie conceded. ‘But is that artlessness real or assumed? I am reserving judgement for the moment. You will not see me at Almack’s just yet, George.’

‘I shall certainly attend,’ George said. ‘Sally Jersey has been giving me hints for ages. She thinks I should bestir myself to find a wife before I sink into the murky waters of old age.’

‘Good grief,’ Freddie said, revolted. ‘You are in your prime, George. But if you fancy the little Holbrook filly, I shall not stand in your way—though I warn you she has scant fortune.’ Now why had he added that piece of information? It could make no difference to George, who had fortune enough not to need a rich wife.

‘Where did you hear that?’

‘She told me herself.’

‘Well, you may be right, though…’ George shook his head. ‘It matters not a jot either way. I am not on the catch for a fortune. I may not have your luck at the tables, but I am not done up yet.’

‘I never imagined you were, my dear fellow,’ Freddie said, amused as much by his own feeling of pique as George’s enthusiasm. ‘Do you care to walk with me?’

‘I have my carriage,’ George said. ‘Let me take you up, Freddie. It has started to rain.’

‘Has it? I had not noticed,’ Freddie said. ‘Very well, then. I had thought to stretch my legs, blow the cobwebs away, but I do not care for a soaking.’

The two men smiled at each other, in perfect accord as always as they went out of the club and into the waiting carriage. Neither of them noticed the shadowy figure watching as they were driven away.

Chapter Two

‘Damn it, Jenkins—’ the Marquis of Bollingbrook glared at his valet ‘—I am not yet in my dotage. When I ask for brandy, I do not wish it to be mixed with water!’

His valet’s face wore a martyred air, for, having served his master, man and boy, he was not like to resent his outbursts of temper. Especially since he, above anyone at Bollingbrook Place, understood the pain behind the anger.

‘Begging your pardon, milord,’ Jenkins said, ‘but it was Dr Heron as told me your lordship ought not to drink so much.’

‘Damn his impertinence and yours,’ the Marquis said with a grunt of displeasure. ‘Pour a smaller measure if you will, but do not ruin the damned stuff!’

‘No, your lordship.’ Jenkins retained his impassive stare. The Marquis was prone to severe bouts of painful gout, which another, more critical man might have considered a judgement for his sinful past—sins that had haunted the older man for too long. Jenkins, however, was devoted to his master, besides being privy to secrets that others did not share. ‘It shall not happen again.’

‘See that it doesn’t.’

‘I am sorry, milord.’

‘No need to be sorry.’ A weary smile settled over the old man’s features. He knew that of late he had become almost impossible to live with. There had been a time when he was a very different man, but he had lived too long trapped in the pain of his memories. ‘Damned if I know how you put up with me, Jenkins. It’s a wonder you haven’t walked out before this. I’ve driven my family away. None of them visit me these days.’

The Marquis had fathered three sons, all of them by different wives. He had been unfortunate in losing the last of them, a beautiful young lady many years his junior. She too had died shortly after childbirth from a putrid chill. The Marquis had not been the same since her death. However, the loss of his youngest son had almost finished him.

‘Wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I retired, sir,’ Jenkins answered in the same flat tone as before. ‘Can’t blame your family for not visiting. You lost your temper and banned them from the estate the last time.’

‘Do you think I don’t know that?’ Bollingbrook growled. His foot was causing him excruciating pain and there was nothing to be done about it. ‘But I didn’t mean her, damn it!’ A look of regret came into his eyes. ‘Caroline is the best of them all. She is very like her, do you not think?’

Jenkins understood perfectly. ‘Yes, very like, my lord. You could write and invite her to stay…’

‘Her mother and aunt have taken her to London,’ the Marquis muttered. ‘Had a letter from that wilting lily last week. Damned if I know what Holbrook ever saw in her. I blame her for his death, you know. Another woman might have steered him to a safer path instead of weeping buckets in her bedchamber! Still, water under the bridge now.’ He glared at his valet. ‘I won’t have Caroline forced into a marriage she doesn’t care for. I suppose her mother is feeling the pinch. That is my fault, of course. Should have done something for her. I ought to have done something for Tom before this.’

‘Why not invite him here?’ Jenkins suggested, braving his master’s fierce stare. He knew him too well to quail in his boots, though others had been known to flee before such a look. ‘If I may take the liberty, milord? Send him to town to look after his sister. He can keep you informed on her situation.’

‘Excellent notion,’ the Marquis agreed. ‘He’s not as weak as his mother, though I prefer Nicolas. Full of spunk, that lad! However, Tom is Holbrook’s heir, so I must do something for him. Bring me pen and ink, if you will. I shall write the letter now.’

Jenkins obeyed, setting the well-used, mahogany writing slope on the Marquis’ lap, as he sat in his high-backed chair before the fire.

‘Is there anything else, milord?’

‘Not for the moment. I shall ring for you later.’

Left to himself, Bollingbrook opened the secret drawer of his writing slope and took out the miniature of his third wife. Angelica was the only one he had loved, though there had been many women before her, some of them acknowledged beauties, but none at all had followed her. He had loved her dearly, and believed that she would survive him for she had been so much younger. She had been the delight of his life, and when he’d lost her he had wanted to die and to be buried in her grave with her. Only her dying wish had prevented him from taking his own life.

‘Look after our son; look after Anthony,’ she had whispered as she lay slowly wasting of the putrid fever. ‘Love him for my sake, I beg you.’

He had loved Holbrook for her sake and his own—and he loved Caroline too because she was so like his lost wife; she had the same vitality, the same brave heart. For the rest of his family he had scarcely any affection. He disliked his eldest son, Sebastian. He thought it a damned silly name, and would have disinherited him if he could, but would find it difficult to break the entail. He liked Claude slightly better, but not enough to want him to visit.

The Bollingbrook estate must go to his eldest son by law, and Claude must have the London property. He had lived there for years and it would not do to put him out. Yet he had some money and property that had not come to him through the estate and was his to dispose of as he pleased. He would divide it equally between Caroline and her brothers. He should have done it before, but it was still not too late. Despite the constant pain, he was sound of mind and there were a few years left to him yet.

Caroline dressed in a green-striped carriage gown. At least she had been allowed to choose this for herself, she thought with some satisfaction. She knew the colour suited her and she was pleased with her appearance as she went downstairs.

Louisa Taunton was still in her room, but she knew of and approved Caroline’s engagement to go driving with Mr Bellingham that morning. She had given her permission without hesitation.

‘He will no doubt bring his groom with him. However, it is quite respectable to drive out unaccompanied with a gentleman of Mr Bellingham’s reputation. I have known him for some years, and a more likeable gentleman could not be found, I am sure.’

‘Yes, Aunt. I thought you could have no objection to the outing. He is a gentleman of good taste, would you not say?’

‘Indeed,’ her aunt replied and looked thoughtful. ‘But he has no immediate prospects of a title. It is unlikely it will happen—there are several cousins before him—whereas Sir Frederick will undoubtedly inherit his uncle’s title, as the present marquis has no living sons or grandchildren and he is not likely to marry again at his time of life.’

‘I think I prefer Mr Bellingham,’ Caroline replied, ‘should he take an interest—but I do not think we should count on it just yet, do you?’

She spoke innocently, yet with a look in her eyes that her aunt suspected. Lady Taunton was no slowtop and she was well aware that her niece resented her interference.

‘I am only reminding you of possible options,’ Louisa said tartly. ‘I believe that Sir Frederick might be on the catch for a wife, whereas Mr Bellingham is unlikely to marry. Everyone knows that he is too set in his ways.’

‘Is that so?’ Caroline asked sweetly. ‘Well, I dare say there may be others, Aunt. We must be patient, must we not?’

‘You are impertinent, miss,’ Lady Taunton said with a sour twist of her mouth. She thought that if Caroline were her daughter, she would have beaten some of that sauciness out of her long ago. ‘Do not ruin your chances to spite me, Caroline. You may get less than you imagine, despite your success so far.’

‘Oh, I do not let such foolishness weigh with me,’ Caroline replied. ‘I dare say I shall be fortunate to receive any offers at all.’

‘Well, you will make a push for Sir Frederick if you have any sense,’ her aunt said and dismissed her with a wave of her hand.

Caroline was not sure why it should make her so out-of-reason cross that her aunt was trying to influence her decision. As yet, of course, there was no decision to be made, for she was barely acquainted with any of the gentlemen she had met. Perhaps it was her aunt’s eagerness to rush her into marriage for the sake of a fortune that she found so distasteful. It had soured what might be simply a pleasant acquaintance. She shook her head, thrusting the irritating thoughts to the back of her mind as she heard someone arrive at the door.

The footman opened the door to admit Mr Bellingham into the elegant hallway. He was looking extremely fine in his blue coat and pale grey breeches, a beaver hat now removed from his fair curling locks. His face lit up as he saw her descending the stairs, clearly ready to accompany him.

‘Good morning, Miss Holbrook. May I say how charming you look?’

‘Thank you, sir. We have a beautiful day for our drive, do we not?’

‘Very pleasant. There is a slight breeze but it is quite warm.’

They went outside to where his curricle stood waiting, his groom at the horses’ heads. Drawn by a pair of fine greys, it was a smart affair with yellow-painted spokes to its wheels, and Caroline felt privileged to be taken up by him. He handed her up himself and then took the reins, the groom jumping up behind.

During the drive to Hyde Park, they made polite social conversation, but once they were within the park, they turned to poetry and books they had both read. From there it was an easy matter to progress to other pursuits they enjoyed.

‘Do you ride much at home, Miss Holbrook?’

‘As often as I can, before breakfast if the weather is good. My father put me up on my first pony almost as soon as I could walk—and of course I rode with Nicolas most days. I miss him greatly now that he has joined the army, but I know that it was what he wanted.’

‘Nicolas is the younger of your brothers, I believe?’

‘We are but eleven months apart in age. My elder brother Tom manages the estate, of course. I am fond of Tom, but it was Nicolas with whom I shared so much.’ She laughed as she recalled some of the naughty escapades that had landed her in hot water when she was younger.

‘Yes, I see,’ George said. ‘It is natural that you should feel closer to Nicolas with him being so near in age.’

‘It is more than that.’ A husky chuckle escaped her. ‘Nicolas was sometimes a little high-spirited, and he encouraged me to do things of which my governess did not always approve. We escaped our tutors together, and he always shouldered the blame as much as he could, though I confess that the ideas for our adventures were not always of his making.’

George smiled inwardly. Her laughter was infectious and he thought her enchanting. She seemed to have no fear of speaking out, though some of her revelations might displease the old tabbies who considered themselves the arbiters of good taste and decorum.

‘You were fortunate in having such a companion, Miss Holbrook. I, on the other hand, was an only—’ He broke off as he saw who was approaching them on foot. ‘There is Freddie. I think we must pull over for a moment…’

Caroline made no comment. She knew that he could not neglect to acknowledge his friend, but would have preferred to drive past with a polite nod. Something about Sir Frederick Rathbone unsettled her, whereas she was perfectly comfortable with Mr Bellingham.

‘Good morning, George—Miss Holbrook.’ Freddie’s dark eyes dwelled on her face. With that flame of hair peeping from beneath her chip-straw bonnet, which was tied with green ribbons to match her gown, she was certainly a beauty. She would not lack for suitors, he thought, and wondered why the idea of her being pursued by all the young bucks should be slightly irritating. ‘Are you enjoying yourself, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Very much, sir, thank you. I have seldom seen a finer pair than Mr Bellingham’s greys.’

‘You haven’t seen Freddie’s fine chestnuts,’ George said, generous to a fault. ‘Miss Holbrook is a great rider, Freddie, and a judge of horseflesh. You must take her up in your phaeton one of these days. I am sure she would enjoy it.’

‘Oh, yes, I should,’ Caroline said without pausing for thought. ‘Nicolas let me drive his phaeton sometimes, and we once raced a friend of his around the estate…though perhaps I ought not to have said so? I believe it might be frowned upon by some?’

‘You have just damned yourself in the eyes of the old tabbies,’ Freddie said, amused. Her way of confiding in one was attractive, for she did it with such innocence that one could not help being charmed. ‘But fear not, Miss Holbrook. Neither George nor I shall betray you.’

‘Thank you,’ Caroline replied, a faint blush making her look touchingly vulnerable for a moment. That was the second time he had said something of the sort. Had he taken her in dislike? She lifted her head defiantly, meeting his gaze. ‘I think my tongue will land me in trouble one of these days. I should learn to curb it, but it runs away with me.’

‘No, no,’ Bellingham assured her, but Sir Freddie remained silent. His silence made her feel that he disapproved of her and that made her want to challenge him. For why should he censure her? She had done nothing outrageous, and his manner had pricked her pride. ‘Though you might offend the tabbies without meaning to.’

‘Who are these tabbies?’ Caroline asked innocently, though she was well aware of their meaning. Her eyes were bright with mischief, bringing a laugh from George and a thoughtful look from Freddie. ‘Please do tell, for I am all at sea.’

‘You are a minx,’ Freddie told her and now there was a hint of amusement on his lips, which caused her heart to flutter oddly. ‘I think you mean to tease us, Miss Holbrook. George, I shall not keep you. I am certain you are wishing me to the devil.’

‘Not a bit of it.’ George smiled. ‘All is fair in love and war, they say. I shall see you later at White’s…’ The words died on his lips, for at that moment Caroline gave a little cry and jumped down from the carriage, lifting her skirts clear to avoid stumbling as she ran across the grass. ‘What the devil is she doing?’

Sir Freddie did not answer—he had seen what had caused Caroline to risk life and limb and dash off so suddenly. A youth was tormenting a puppy, kicking at it cruelly, and the creature was yelping with pain. Without reference to George, he set off after her, arriving just as Caroline rounded on the youth in a fury.

‘How dare you?’ she cried as the animal cowered away from yet another blow. ‘Stop that at once or I shall teach you better manners, sir!’

‘What yer gonna do, then?’ the youth asked, leering at her. He was a dirty, ragged boy and his face was smeared with dirt. ‘Can’t stop me. Master told me to get rid of it—and he’ll kill me if I go back with the flea-ridden brute.’

‘Then go back without it,’ Caroline said. ‘Touch it again and I shall have you beaten!’

‘Yeah? How yer gonna do that, then?’ the youth asked, squaring up to her. He lifted his fist as if he would strike her, only to have his arm caught in an iron grip. Looking up, his face turned white beneath the dirt and his eyes darted to Caroline in fear. ‘Call him off, miss. I weren’t gonna hurt yer.’

‘No, you certainly were not,’ Caroline said, head up, eyes glittering. ‘For I should have hit you with my parasol. Let him go, sir.’ She addressed Freddie in a tone of command. ‘He may run back to his master and say what he will. This poor thing shall not be tortured again.’ Turning her back on them as though neither were of the least importance, she did not notice Sir Freddie give the youth a sharp clip of the ear before sending him off. Caroline was on her knees beside the puppy, stroking its head softly as it whimpered and shrank away from her hand. ‘Oh, you poor little thing. He has hurt you so, but he shan’t do it again—no one shall, I promise you.’

‘The creature may well have fleas as well as broken bones.’

Caroline turned to look up at Freddie. ‘The fleas are a matter of indifference to me, and may soon be cured with a warm bath—the broken bones are a different thing. He must be looked at by someone who understands these things and then…’ She faltered, for she had suddenly remembered that she was a guest in her aunt’s house. Lady Taunton would not welcome a bedraggled puppy in her home. ‘He is not the prettiest dog, perhaps, but he deserves to be cared for, do you not think so?’

Freddie bent down and picked the puppy up carefully. He ran gentle hands over its quivering body, but, though it whimpered at first, it seemed to quieten at his touch.

‘I believe he likes you,’ Caroline said. ‘Do you think—?’

‘Oh, no,’ Freddie said instantly. ‘I do not wish to be saddled with a mongrel—and he most certainly has fleas.’

‘I was going to ask only if you could direct me to a place where I can arrange for him to be cared for until I can claim him. I can pay for his keep and when…when I go home he shall come with me.’ Her eyes were bright and filled with unconscious appeal that placed him on his mettle. Freddie struggled and lost. She saw it in his eyes and gave him a dazzling smile. ‘I promise I shall claim him as soon as I can.’

‘Very well,’ he said reluctantly. ‘I shall take charge of the wretched thing—but only until you can find a home for it. I have several dogs at home and they would make mincemeat of the creature. It can go to my stables. The grooms will know what to do for it.’

‘You are generous, sir. I am grateful.’

‘The dog remains your responsibility,’ Freddie said gruffly, for something in her look had touched him. ‘You should be aware that your dress has become stained, Miss Holbrook—and I would advise you not to throw yourself down from a carriage so precipitously in future. George was about to move on and you might have been injured.’

‘What can that signify?’ Caroline asked with a toss of her head. She bent her head to kiss the puppy’s neck. ‘Please take care of him, won’t you?’

‘I have never neglected any animal,’ Freddie said a trifle haughtily. ‘I do not think you need fear for this one.’

‘No, of course not. And thank you for your assistance, though there was no need. I should have hit him if he had tried to attack me.’ Her eyes flashed defiantly.

‘Next time I shall remember,’ Freddie said, a flicker of amusement in his face. ‘I think you should go now, Miss Holbrook. George’s horses begin to fret.’

‘Oh, yes, I had forgot,’ Caroline said and flushed. ‘I did not mean to sound ungracious—thank you.’

She ran towards the waiting curricle and was handed up by George while his groom held the now impatient horses.

‘You know you owe your good fortune to her, don’t you?’ Freddie murmured, scratching the puppy behind its ear. It had now settled in his arms and he was inclined to optimism about its condition. Painfully thin, it had obviously been starved, but with some good food and care… ‘Ridiculous!’ he said aloud, causing a passing lady to stare at him. ‘I do not know who is the greater fool.’

Freddie stood watching as his friend drove on by with a wave of his hand. The girl was an original, there was no doubt of it. She would either become the latest rage or fall foul of some sharp tongues. It would be interesting to watch her progress.

He was not likely to be caught in her toils though, he told himself. She was lovely, intelligent and lively, and it seemed that she was both brave and compassionate, but he was not in the market for a wife. Though Miss Holbrook had certainly enlivened what had looked like being a damned dull Season before her arrival. He tipped his hat to a passing acquaintance, deciding to visit the club of a certain pugilist he favoured after he had handed the puppy to his groom. He was feeling oddly restless and in need of some exercise before he kept his appointment with George later that afternoon.

Tom Holbrook frowned over the letter from his grandfather. He had not been expecting it, but he was not averse to visiting the old gentleman. He had never been afraid of Bollingbrook, as some of his cousins were, though he had thought it wise to hold his tongue. The Marquis had a volatile temper, and had never hidden his dislike of Tom’s mother.

Left to his own pursuits with nothing but a pile of debts to keep him company, Tom had been thinking that he might take a trip to town and visit his mother and sister. It would not bother him to make a small detour to visit his grandfather. The Marquis had said there was a matter of business to discuss, which did not sound promising. It was quite likely he was to be taken to task for putting up a part of the Holbrook estate for sale, but there was little else he could do in the circumstances. Tom had been forced to sell or risk losing everything, for his father had made some foolish investments.

He instructed his valet to put up a travelling bag for him and send his trunk on, and then had his groom bring round his curricle.

Within three hours of receiving the letter from his grandfather he was walking into Bollingbrook Place. It was an old house, but both the building and grounds were immaculately kept, which Tom knew must be expensive. The estate was clearly flourishing. Tom had not given much consideration to it in the past, but now he wondered where his grandfather’s money came from.

‘Master Tom, it’s good to see you, sir,’ Jenkins said. He had just come into the hall as the footman opened the door and smiled his approval at the young man. ‘Milord wasn’t sure you would answer his call, but I thought you might—and here you are.’

‘Of course I came,’ Tom said. ‘He threw Mama out with instructions never to darken his door again, but I was pretty sure that he didn’t mean it. How is he, Jenkins? The gout playing him up as usual?’

‘His lordship is in some pain,’ the valet told him, ‘but not as bad this morning as it has been for the past few days. I try to keep him from his port, but you know how it is, sir.’ Jenkins sighed heavily, his long face wearing an expression of extreme martyrdom.

‘I do indeed,’ Tom answered and grinned; he knew the man had much to bear, but he also knew that nothing would prise him from the Marquis’ side. ‘May I go up and see him, do you think? His letter sounded important.’

‘I believe it would do him good to have company, sir. He dwells too much on the past when he is alone.’

‘I’ll go up, then,’ Tom said and nodded to Jenkins as he ran up the stairs. Outside his grandfather’s door, he paused and knocked, waiting until a gruff voice invited him in. ‘Good morning, sir. How are you?’

‘No better for your asking,’ the Marquis grumbled, but then thought better of it. He had, after all, invited the young man to call. ‘Not so bad, thank you, Tom. It was good of you to come to see me.’

‘I had nothing better to do,’ Tom said frankly. He saw shock and then amusement in his grandfather’s face, for it was unlike him to answer so. ‘I was considering taking a trip to London, thought I might escort Caroline to some of the affairs, save Mama the trouble—that’s if she has troubled herself, which I dare say she may not very often.’

‘I take leave to doubt she will do so at all,’ Bollingbrook growled. ‘Featherhead! Still, she produced the best of my grandchildren—the rest of them are a pack of ninnies! I won’t have them here; they argue and whinge and I can’t stand that at my time of life. However, I want to see that gel of mine—Caroline. It’s an age since she was here. I know she’s gadding about town at the moment, and I don’t want to spoil her fun, but I should appreciate a visit when she can spare the time. I want you to tell her that, Tom.’

‘Yes, sir, of course. I shall go up in a few days—that’s if you will put up with me in the meantime?’

‘I hope you won’t run off too soon,’ the Marquis said gruffly. ‘I didn’t get you here just to talk about Caroline. I have some things to discuss with you. It concerns the future—you, Nicolas and my gel. I have been remiss, but I intend to put things right. In fact, I have already had my lawyer here and the thing is done, a day or two back as it happens. It can’t be explained all in a moment. Concerns secrets that most of ’em don’t know—and are not to be told, do you hear me?’

‘Yes, sir.’ Tom was surprised and yet flattered that he was to be let into that part of his grandfather’s life that was never spoken of, though he knew the old reprobate had been a high-flyer in his heyday. ‘You may rely on me to do as you wish on the matter.’

‘Good, thought I might,’ the Marquis said. ‘Do you see that chest in the corner? The one with the iron bands? It is locked and this is the key.’ He took it from his waistcoat pocket and held it out to Tom. ‘Open it and bring me the packet you see lying on top. You may study it at your leisure, and then we shall talk…’

* * *

Caroline saw that Sir Frederick had entered the ballroom, which was overflowing with people and far too hot. He had such presence and such an air that she could not help thinking him the most distinguished man of her acquaintance, and her heart suddenly beat a little faster.

His gaze seemed to travel round the room, and then settle for a moment on her. She dropped her own gaze immediately, for she would not like him to think she was staring, even though she had been. However, in another moment her next partner claimed her and she was whisked into the middle of the dancers. For the following few minutes, she forgot about Sir Frederick; when she was returned to her aunt’s side, he had moved from the place he had been standing earlier. Perhaps he had preferred the card room, she thought, deciding to put him from her mind.

‘I should like to tidy myself,’ Caroline told her aunt. ‘Would you tell Mr Asbury that I shall be only a few moments, please?’

‘Yes, though you must be quick,’ Lady Taunton said with a look of disapproval. ‘It is rude to keep partners waiting.’

Caroline left the room immediately, going upstairs to the room that had been set aside for the ladies. She made herself comfortable as quickly as she could and left the room, beginning to descend the stairs once more, but as she reached the bottom she met Sir Frederick. He had been about to go up, but stood to one side to allow her to pass. Caroline did not know what prompted her, for she ought simply to have nodded and passed him by, but some little imp was on her shoulder.

‘You do not dance this evening, sir?’

‘I seldom dance unless I particularly wish to,’ he replied. ‘And George told me that I had no hope of securing a dance with you, since your card was full soon after you arrived.’

‘I am afraid that is so,’ she said, ‘but there are others who may have a space left, sir.’

‘Of little use when I came only for one purpose.’

Caroline caught her breath. Was he saying that he had come merely to dance with her? Surely not! She smiled at him and went to pass him, but now he would not permit it and caught her arm, his fingers seeming to close on her like bands of steel so that she could not move without pulling away from him. His touch seemed to burn her and she trembled inside, wondering why he should have such an effect on her senses.

‘You wanted something, sir?’ She looked back at him, eyes wide and clear, a hint of challenge in their depths. ‘But perhaps you came to give me news of the puppy we rescued?’

‘Well, it would seem my groom has taken rather a fancy to the creature, which fawns on him in a ridiculous manner, and would like to take it home for his children—if you have no objection?’ Freddie raised his brows. ‘I was not sure what you would wish—unless you expected me to care for it personally? I am assured it will be well treated.’

‘That is excellent news.’ Caroline smiled. ‘How very kind of your groom to take the poor little scrap in. Tell him that I am grateful for his kindness.’

‘So would you like to name the pup or shall we leave it to Jacob and his children?’

‘I should think his name ought to be Lucky,’ she said, ‘forhe undoubtedly is to find such a good home, but it must be for your groom to decide, sir. I am in your debt for relieving me of what might have proved a problem in my present circumstances.’

‘Yes, indeed you are,’ Freddie said, his expression seeming to mock her. ‘But I fear that if I asked you to walk with me in the gardens for a few minutes you would refuse.’

‘We hardly know each other well enough for that, sir.’

‘We do not know each other at all, Miss Holbrook.’ He let one finger trail down her arm, sending a frisson of sensation shooting through her. For a moment as she stared into his dark eyes, she felt as if she were drowning, being sucked down and down into a swirling pool and out of her depth. ‘I am not sure that it would be to the benefit of either of us to be become more intimately acquainted…despite our mutual interest in a lucky dog.’

‘Then please allow me to pass,’ Caroline said and gave him a frosty stare. Until that moment she had been revising her opinion of him, and liking what she had discovered, but now she was once again aware of the danger of allowing herself to like such a man. If she were foolish enough to develop a tendre for him, he would be sure to break her heart. ‘My partner is waiting and I am already late for our dance. As you said, all my dances are taken.’

‘Just so,’ Freddie said, releasing her. He felt the reserve in her and mentally drew back. If he were not careful he would find himself drawn into a situation that could lead to only one end. He liked her enough to enjoy a light flirtation—but marriage? No, he had no thought of it! He reverted to the mocking stance that was his habitual manner. ‘You intrigue me, for I do not believe that you can be all that you seem, Miss Holbrook. You have made an impression. I dare say you could marry one of several gentlemen, all of them titled and wealthy.’

‘Do you think so, sir?’ Caroline lifted her head. ‘Perhaps you imagine that I wish to marry for fortune and position? If that is so, I think you may regard yourself as safe. I believe a marquis is as high as you can aspire in the future? I have only to encourage it and I may become a duchess one day…’ She walked off, her back straight, leaving Freddie to watch her in wry amusement.

The devil of it was that she was probably right! He was annoyed that she intrigued him, holding his thoughts more often than he liked. What was it about her that had caught his attention? She was a beauty, but there were other ladies as lovely who aroused no more than a flicker of interest in his mind. It seemed that the only way he might free himself was to develop the acquaintance, for he was sure to find her out in the end. She could surely not be as innocent and pure of mind as she seemed.

Caroline returned to the ballroom. Had she been a cat, her tail would have been twitching, for he had managed to get beneath her skin. Sir Frederick Rathbone was a sight too sure of himself for her liking. He had deserved a set down, and that was the only reason she had spoken in a way that might be seen as bragging. It was true that a young gentleman, who was the second in line for a dukedom, had paid her considerable attention, but she would not normally have dreamed of drawing anyone’s notice to it—and she had no intention of encouraging Sir Frederick to make an offer. Indeed, she had done her best to discourage it.

She wished that she had thought of some other way to put Sir Frederick down, for she did not wish him or anyone else to suppose that she was hanging out for a title. It was the furthest thing from her mind. At the moment she did not precisely know what she wanted from a husband. He must be an educated gentleman, able to discuss poetry and literature and to appreciate music and art. She thought that he must also have a sense of humour, for she did not think she could bear to be married to someone who was serious all the time.

For a moment her thoughts turned to Sir Frederick. She smiled at the thought of him giving into the seduction of a helpless puppy, allowing it to inveigle its way in to his good graces. Perhaps he was not as reserved or haughty as he sometimes seemed…and perhaps she did quite like him after all. At the back of her mind the thought hovered that, perhaps if her aunt had not been so very keen to see her marry Sir Frederick, she might have liked him quite a lot…

The next morning, Caroline had almost forgotten the little incident of the previous evening. She had decided to go to the lending library to take out a book one of her new friends had told her about. She went early, escaping without her maid, though she knew that her aunt would not approve of such behaviour. However, since the library was only a few streets away, she thought that it was quite safe for she would be at home again before her aunt was aware that she had been out.

It was as she emerged from the library, her parcel of books held by the string the assistant had obligingly tied for her, that she almost bumped into the man she had been thinking about despite her struggle to put him from her mind. He lifted his hat to her, and she could not but admire the way he looked in his dark green riding coat and pale breeches. It would seem that he had been riding earlier, for he still carried his whip. It was impossible to avoid him, so she smiled and wished him good morning.

‘You are about early, Miss Holbrook.’ He glanced at her books, a flicker of amusement on his lips as he saw that she had chosen not only a book of poetry, but also a rather lurid gothic novel that was just then causing quite a stir amongst the younger ladies. ‘Ah, I see you have fallen victim to a great piece of nonsense, mistakenly described as excellent stuff.’

‘You do not like Ann Radcliffe’s work, sir?’

‘I do not find it particularly entertaining,’ Freddie said, ‘though I can see it might appeal to the female mind.’

Caroline’s eyes glinted with anger. ‘I think you are patronising, sir. The female mind is equally capable of understanding more worthy works of literature, but a novel of this kind is meant for entertainment.’

‘Yes, I dare say,’ Freddie said, amused by how easily she had risen to his bait. ‘Personally, I prefer the Marquis de Sade—but that would not be fit reading for a young lady, of course. If you wish to read gothic novels, may I recommend Gregory Lewis’s novel The Monk to you?’

‘Had I not already read it, I would have been pleased for you to do so,’ Caroline said, lifting her chin. She suspected that he was teasing her and it brought a hint of defiance to her lovely face. ‘I thought it a little shocking, but it was very well written, did you not think so?’

‘Indeed, yes,’ Freddie said and laughed softly, for he had read the hint of challenge in her eyes. She looked just like an angry kitten! ‘Have you not guessed yet that I am teasing you, Miss Holbrook? It is a fault in me. My godmother often takes me to task for levity. She says that, if I were ever to conquer the need for such foolishness, I might become a better man.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Caroline said, sheathing her claws. ‘Then may I take it that you have read Mrs Radcliffe’s book The Mysteries of Udolpho?’

‘Indeed, I have, some years ago,’ he agreed. ‘I found it the best of her work—though I dare say others are tolerably readable.’

‘I have not yet found it on the shelves,’ Caroline said. ‘It seems to be popular still, even though it was published some years ago.’

‘Ah, then perhaps I may be of service to you,’ Freddie said. ‘I believe I still own a copy. Allow me to lend it to you, Miss Holbrook…’

Freddie became aware that she was not attending. Her eyes seemed to be fixed on something behind him, and he turned, taking in the incident instantly, for he saw the young boy being attacked by a group of older boys. Seeing that Caroline was about to plunge recklessly into the path of an oncoming dray wagon, he took hold of her arm, restraining her so violently that she yelped with pain.

‘Forgive me,’ he said, ‘but I beg you, leave this to me. Stay here!’

The instruction was given in such a severe tone that Caroline remained where she was while he crossed the road, dodging between the traffic. She watched as he spoke to the lads, sending them off about their business, and noted that he slipped a coin into the hand of the one that had been attacked.

‘What happened?’ she asked as he returned to her. ‘Was he much hurt?’

‘It was merely a spat amongst brothers,’ Freddie told her. ‘The boy had lost some money one of the others had given him to buy their supper—nothing for you to be distressed about, Miss Holbrook.’

‘You gave him money,’ she said. ‘That was kind of you, sir.’

‘It was an easy task.’ He gave her a severe look. ‘May I recommend you to be less impulsive, Miss Holbrook. You could easily have been injured just now.’

‘You are good to be concerned for me,’ she replied with a toss of her head. ‘I assure you that I was aware of the wagon and felt that I was quite able to avoid it. I am not one of those fragile young ladies who faint at the slightest thing, sir.’

‘Indeed you are not, but your behaviour is sometimes reckless in the extreme,’ he said severely. ‘If I may say so, Miss Holbrook, you are far too pretty to end your life crushed beneath the wheels of a heavy-goods wagon. But before you grow cross with me again, I believe I had just asked if I might lend you a book you wished to read?’

Caroline hesitated, for he had seemed critical, but her desire to read the novel overcame her pique. ‘Thank you, I should like to read it for it has been recommended to me by a friend.’

‘I shall send it round to your aunt’s house,’ Freddie said. ‘In the meantime, may I walk you home?’

‘You are kind, sir,’ Caroline replied, ‘but I am but two streets from my home and I dare say you have other things to occupy you.’

‘Then perhaps we shall meet again soon.’

Freddie tipped his hat to her and set off down the street.

Caroline successfully managed to slip back into the house without being discovered by her aunt, though Mrs Holbrook had been to her room to inquire for her and was a little upset that she had been out alone that morning, even though it was merely to the lending library.

‘It will not do for you to visit these places alone in town, my dear,’ she scolded her daughter, though without malice. ‘I am not sure it is safe, for who can tell what might happen to you, dearest? You might be snatched from the street and then I should never see you again.’

‘Oh, Mama!’ Caroline laughed. ‘I do assure you that I was quite safe, and the only person I met was Sir Frederick, who had been out riding.’

‘Oh, well, I suppose it was perfectly respectable,’ her mother said. ‘But I know that your aunt would not approve, my dear.’

‘Aunt Louisa does not approve of anything I do.’

‘Caroline!’ Marianne reproved her daughter with a shake of her head, and then sighed. ‘But do you know, I do not believe Louisa approves of much I do either.’

‘Oh, Mama!’ Caroline said and went into a fit of giggles for she had never expected to hear her mother say such a thing. ‘Do be careful or she will give us both the most frightful scold.’

‘I dare say she may,’ Marianne said. ‘Do you know, I think I shall accompany you this afternoon. You are going to visit some friends, I believe?’

‘Yes, Mama. Mr Bellingham has asked me to take tea with his sister, Mrs Fairchild, and her daughter, Julia, and I have agreed. If you come with me, Aunt Louisa need not, and I know she had another appointment for she spoke of my going with just my maid.’

‘If I come with you, there will be no need for a maid to accompany us,’ Marianne said. ‘Now, my dearest. The reason I came to look for you was that I have received some silk I ordered from the merchant a few days ago, and the seamstress is coming later this morning to discuss styles and fashions. Do come and look at the fashion plates she left for me to peruse. I need your advice.’

Caroline followed her mother obediently to her bedchamber, where various bales of silk were spread out on the bed. She was delighted to find that her mother had purchased some colours as well as grey, and there was not even a black ribbon to be seen.

During the next hour before the seamstress arrived, they had a pleasurable time discussing the styles that would most suit Marianne, and the colours she ought to choose for each ensemble.

Caroline left her mother when the seamstress arrived, retiring to one of the small parlours overlooking the garden at the back of the house to read her book. She returned to her bedchamber before the bell sounded for nuncheon and she was joined by her aunt and her mother, to partake of a cold meal.

After they had eaten, Caroline went up to change into an afternoon gown of pale green. She put on a bonnet tied with matching ribbons and a pelisse of creamy white, adding a pair of white gloves and a green reticule. She had hardly reached the bottom of the stairs when Mrs Holbrook joined her and they went out to the carriage.

‘Well, this is nice, my dear, just the two of us,’ Marianne said. ‘Perhaps we should do this more often.’

Caroline forbore to answer that they might do it as often as she chose. It was nice to see her mother looking better and to know that she seemed to have begun to throw off her grief at last.

Mrs Fairchild welcomed them to her At Home, and invited Mrs Holbrook to sit opposite her, while Caroline shared a small sofa with Julia. There were only three other guests: Mr Bellingham, Mr Milbank, a gentleman of mature years, and also a gentleman Caroline had not particularly noticed before this day. She was introduced to him as Mr Farringdon, a man of some thirty-odd years, attractive but not as gentlemanly in his manners as Mr Bellingham in Caroline’s opinion. He seemed to her to be ill at ease, and she disliked the way he spoke to her, as though trying to claim an intimacy that did not exist.

When Julia got up to help her mother by serving tea and cakes, Mr Farringdon came to sit beside Caroline. He began by being very complimentary to her, remarking on her dress and asking if she was enjoying her stay in town. Caroline replied politely, but did not smile or allow her tongue to run away with her as she so often did. She was glad when Julia looked at him expectantly, and he was obliged to relinquish his place to her. He took his leave soon after, and Caroline was pleased that he had gone. The tea party now became more intimate, and she was entertained by Mr Bellingham, who was relating a saucy tale that was going the rounds of London’s drawing rooms.

‘Well, you can imagine what Prinny made of that,’ George said. ‘He asked the lady to remove herself if she could not control her excess wind and she went off with her cheeks the colour of puce.’

‘Oh, how embarrassing for her,’ Caroline said. ‘We should not laugh, for it must have been awful for her.’

‘Think of poor Prinny. He was seated next to her, you know. I think it must have been just a little unpleasant for him.’

‘Oh, my dear,’ Mrs Fairchild said. ‘I am not sure you should repeat that tale in mixed company. You may have offended Mrs Holbrook.’

‘Not offended,’ Marianne said. ‘Surprised might be a better word—for I had not thought the Regent would mind his words to that extent…’

Silence greeted her sally, and then they all laughed. It was unlike Marianne to make a jest, but she had certainly attempted it and was given generous approval for her efforts.

‘There, you see, it was quite acceptable,’ George said and turned his attention to his niece. ‘I am glad that you did not encourage Farringdon, Julia. I have every reason to believe that he is hanging out for a rich wife. From what I hear, he is all but done up.’

‘Oh, I need no warning against that gentleman,’ Julia declared. ‘He asked me if I would take the air with him at Mrs Peterson’s musical evening, but naturally I refused.’ She laughed, a look of unusual naughtiness in her eyes. ‘In any case, I believe he has turned his attention to Caroline—so I shall not receive a proposal after all.’

‘Oh, dear, I do hope not,’ Caroline said and gurgled with laughter. ‘If he has hopes of me, I fear he will be sadly disappointed on two counts. I do not care for his manner so very much—and I am not the heiress he needs.’

‘Caroline, my love,’ her mother reproved. ‘You are from a good family, and you have a small trust fund from your father. And your grandfather may give you something when you marry.’

‘He might if he chose,’ Caroline said. ‘But I do not expect it.’

‘I dare say your face is your fortune,’ Julia said and looked at her admiringly. ‘I wish I were as beautiful as you, Caroline.’

‘Oh, I am not beautiful,’ Caroline said, ‘and you are very pretty, Julia. You must know that you are?’

‘Pretty is not beautiful—is it, Uncle George? Caroline is beautiful, do you not think so?’

‘Oh, most certainly,’ he replied obligingly. ‘But Caroline is right, Julia. You are very pretty, and you have your share of beaux so you do not need to pull caps with each other.’

‘Oh, we shan’t do that,’ Julia said. ‘I like Caroline best of all my new friends, and I intend to see a lot of her while she is in town.’

‘Do you intend to stay in London long, ma’am?’ Mr Milbank asked of Marianne. ‘I myself have come only for a short visit. I find Bath suits me better and I have only come up to visit my tailor—there is no one to rival a London tailor, you know.’

The conversation immediately turned to the merits of various tailors of note, and the time passed quickly. Indeed, they stayed for much longer than the polite twenty minutes, and Julia was reluctant to let Caroline leave.

‘You are coming to my dance tomorrow evening, are you not?’ she asked. ‘Please, you must say yes, for if you do not I shall be so disappointed.’

‘Yes, of course we are coming,’ Marianne said before her daughter could answer. ‘We are looking forward to it very much—but now we must go. Lady Taunton has arranged a dinner party this evening, and we must not be late.’

She stood up and Caroline followed her, Mr Bellingham coming out into the hall to say goodbye to them.

‘It was a pleasure to have your company,’ George told her. ‘It is seldom that one gets the chance to talk as we have this afternoon. I do not dine with Lady Taunton this evening, but I shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening. May I beg that you will reserve two dances for me, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Yes, of course,’ she said. ‘I shall be honoured, sir.’

She followed her mother into the carriage, accepting Mr Bellingham’s hand as he came to assist her. She sat forwards and waved, and then relaxed against the squabs as they were driven away.

‘Well, that was very pleasant, was it not?’ Marianne said. ‘I thought I should be quite tired, but do you know, I feel very well. I think the air in London must agree with me. It is not as damp as the air at home, I believe.’

Caroline thought that it was perhaps being out in company that had helped her mother recover her spirits, but she said nothing. It was too soon to be sure of anything, and she would not embarrass her mother for the world.

When they arrived home, Caroline found a package waiting for her on the hall table. She knew immediately that it was the book Sir Frederick had promised her, and picked it up with a pleased smile. He had brought it as promised, which was kind of him, and improved her opinion of his character even more.

She was a little sorry that she had not been at home to thank him personally, but decided that she would send a polite note of thanks to the address on his card, which was tucked inside the package. As she went upstairs to rest before changing for dinner, she wondered if she would see Sir Freddie at Julia’s dance…

Lady Taunton was somewhat indisposed the following morning, and announced that she would not be able to attend the dance that evening.

‘Something must have disagreed with me last night,’ she said, rubbing at her chest. ‘I am sorry to disappoint you, Caroline, but I believe you must prepare yourself for an evening at home.’

‘I am very sorry that you are feeling uncomfortable, Aunt,’ Caroline said. ‘However, Mama is to accompany me. She had already decided on it, and I believe she is looking forward to wearing her new gown.’

‘Very well,’ her aunt said, looking sour. ‘It is all this junketing about I have been doing on your behalf, miss. It does not suit me. Your mama may do her duty by you for once and we must hope that she is not prone upon her bed in the morning.’

‘I do sincerely hope she will not be,’ Caroline said. ‘And I hope that a rest this evening will cure your indigestion, Aunt.’

‘If it is merely indigestion,’ Lady Taunton said, looking much as a martyr might being led to the stake. ‘I think I shall send for my doctor just to be on the safe side.’

However, nothing untoward happened, and Caroline set out with her mother at the appointed time. It was just a small dance, not one of the important affairs of the Season. Julia was greeting her guests, looking delightful in a white dress with spangles embroidered over the skirt. She stood with her mother to welcome everyone, but once Caroline arrived she was released and soon after the dancing began.

Despite it being a small affair, there were several gentlemen present, most of whom Caroline was beginning to know quite well, for she had met them at most of the affairs she had attended. She was, however, a little surprised when she saw Mr Farringdon walk in a little later, and asked Julia about it.

‘Mama invited him before George told us that he was in financial difficulty. I wish she had not, for I do not like him. I had hoped that he might not attend, but it seems that he does not know when he is not welcome. I just hope he does not try to get me to go outside with him.’

‘If he does, you must simply refuse,’ Caroline said. ‘Isyour card full yet?’

‘Almost,’ Julia said. ‘Oh, look, here comes Sir Frederick. I shall ask him if he will dance with me twice. That will leave no space for Mr Farringdon.’

She smiled beguilingly as Sir Frederick came up to them and offered him her card, asking if he would write his name in the only two spaces available. He did so and returned it to her, turning to bow to Caroline as Julia’s next partner came to claim her.

‘May I hope that you have a space left for me, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Yes, I do have two, as it happens,’ Caroline said. She had left them deliberately, but she was not going to admit it. ‘One is just about to begin—and the other is just before supper.’

‘Then I shall claim them both,’ Freddie said and held out his hand to her. ‘I hope you found the book you took from the library as enthralling as you hoped?’

‘I have managed to read only one chapter as yet,’ Caroline said, ‘but I am sure I shall enjoy it. Mama says that she wants to read it when I have finished—so you see, I am not the only empty-headed female to be seduced by the delights of Mrs Radcliffe’s work.’

‘I assure you that I have never thought you empty-headed, Miss Holbrook,’ Freddie said, a gleam in his eyes; he knew that she was being deliberately provoking. ‘A little reckless, perhaps? Or is that simply a disguise to fool us all?’ His manner was decidedly provocative and received the answer it deserved.

‘Oh, you are unkind, sir,’ Caroline came back at him challengingly. ‘What makes you think that I would pretend to be other than I am?’

‘It was simply a thought that popped into my head,’ he murmured, attempting innocence. ‘I dare say I was wrong?’ Caroline was silent and he raised his brows. ‘Have I offended you, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Oh, no, not at all,’ she said and looked up at him. ‘Please continue what you were saying.’

‘I think I meant to ask if you will come driving with me one morning, Miss Holbrook,’ Freddie said. ‘I was hoping that you might say yes…if you are not otherwise engaged?’

‘Oh…’ Caroline was a little surprised, for she had not expected it. ‘Yes, I do not see why not, sir. I have driven out with Mr Bellingham several times, but, yes, thank you. I should be happy to do so.’

‘Perhaps the day after tomorrow?’

‘Yes, I believe that will suit. My aunt never makes engagements for the mornings. She prefers to stay in her room until eleven or twelve, but I like to go out early.’

‘So I have observed,’ Freddie said. ‘I shall call for you at ten, if that is not too early?’

‘No, not at all,’ she said. ‘I shall look forward to it.’

Their dance was ending and Sir Frederick escorted her back to Julia, who was to be his next partner. Caroline was momentarily alone, and she saw that Mr Farringdon was making his way towards her. Fortunately, her next partner arrived before he could do so and she was swept back into the throng of dancers.

As the evening progressed, Mr Farringdon made two more attempts to reach her, but Caroline avoided him, and it was not until she stepped outside on the terrace to cool herself for a moment before the supper dance that he succeeded in speaking to her. She had not seen him standing in the shadows, and, as he moved towards her, turned away, intending to return to the ballroom.

‘Miss Holbrook,’ he said. ‘I have been wishing to speak to you. I had hoped that I might be given the honour of a dance with you this evening?’

‘Forgive me, but my card was filled almost at once. Excuse me. I must go, for my partner will be waiting.’

‘Surely you can spare a moment?’ He moved to block her way, sending a little shiver of alarm down her spine.

‘No, I must go,’ she said and tried to move past him, but he laid his hand on her bare arm, making her jerk away instinctively. His eyes glittered and she thought he was about to say something more, but then his face froze and he took his hand from her arm.

‘Miss Holbrook—I believe this is our dance?’

Caroline had never been more relieved in her life as she saw Sir Frederick standing in the doorway. Her face lit up and she moved towards him eagerly, offering him her hand.

‘I had not forgotten. I was about to return, sir.’

‘Nothing has happened to disturb you?’

‘Oh, no,’ Caroline said, for she did not wish to make something out of nothing. ‘Excuse me, sir.’ Farringdon stood back, nodding to Sir Frederick, who was regarding him sternly.

‘And that,’ Freddie said in a low voice as they went inside, ‘was extremely foolish of you, Miss Holbrook. There are some gentlemen you would be safe with on a desert island, but not that one. What made you go outside with him?’

Caroline glanced at him, a hint of temper in her eyes. ‘If you imagine that I went to meet him, you are mistaken, sir. I do not like the gentleman and would not even grant him a dance!’ The expression on her face hinted that at that moment she did not particularly like Freddie either.

A smile flickered in his eyes as he inclined his head to her. ‘I stand corrected, Miss Holbrook, and I am happy to admit it. I jumped to conclusions, but I happen to know that Farringdon is not ideal as an admirer for a young lady like you. Neither is he possessed of a great fortune. I do not imagine your family would think him suitable, for I dare say they expect you to make a good match.’

‘Do you, indeed?’ Caroline tossed her head at him as he led her into the dance. ‘I thank you for your advice, sir. In this instance I believe the advice was not needed, but please do feel free to give me the benefit of your superior knowledge on these matters whenever you wish. As you say, it is imperative that I marry well, and I dare say you may know to a penny what any particular gentleman is worth.’ Since he clearly thought her a fortune hunter, she might as well encourage the thought!

Freddie’s mouth twitched at the corners, but he made no further remarks on the subject as he led her into the dance. Caroline relaxed as she felt his hand at her waist, and for some reason her anger vanished instantly. She looked up at him a little uncertainly.

‘I have distressed you. Forgive me, Miss Holbrook.’

‘I think that perhaps I have been rude? I am the one to ask for understanding, Sir Frederick. I was upset and spoke too hastily. Indeed, I was glad to be rescued.’

‘No forgiveness is needed,’ he assured her. ‘I would have you no other way, Miss Holbrook. I prefer that a young lady should speak her mind—and I find you most refreshing.’

Was that another way of saying that she was ill mannered, but to be forgiven because of her youth? Caroline was not sure if he was mocking her or not, because she was sure that he was laughing inside. She decided that the best thing to do was to retain a dignified silence, which she did for the remainder of their dance, but when he asked if he might escort her into supper she was obliged to smile and thank him.

‘And thus might Saint Joan have looked as she was taken to the stake,’ he said in a low voice, and as she looked up she saw that his eyes were bright with laughter. ‘Am I still to be permitted to take you driving, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Do you still wish to?’

‘Yes, certainly,’ he said. ‘I believe…’

What he had been about to say was missed, for they were joined by Julia and a party of young bucks, and after seeing that Caroline had all she needed, Sir Frederick soon left them to the enjoyment of their supper. When she looked for him later, she realised that he must have gone.

She could not help feeling piqued, because she did not know what she had done to give him such a poor opinion of her. It was true that if she married well she might be able to make Mama’s life better, and she would like to do something for her brothers too—but she would not wish to marry exclusively for money. Indeed, she could not imagine herself married to most of the gentlemen she knew…

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