The Diabolical Baron

by Mary Jo Putney

  There was a long silence before Caroline answered, “He has not really done anything to me. I would not dislike him if I did not have to marry him.”

  Probing gently, her aunt continued, “Then what is the problem?”

  There was a long, long pause, then the painful words, “He ... reminds me of my father.”

  What Jessica had heard about the elegant, sardonic lord sounded very unlike Sir Alfred, but there had to be a reason for the reply. “In what way is he like your father?”

  “He ... frightens me. I always feel there is anger just behind those black eyes.”

  “That is how your father seems to you?”

  “You know how Papa was never much around? I was always glad ... I think he dislikes me as much as I dislike him. When I was little, sometimes he would want to play, but one could never tell when he would lose his temper. He would scream at me ... hit me ... and I never knew what it was that would cause him to behave as he did. I never knew!” She ended on a shuddering sob, close to breaking down entirely.

  Under Jessica’s hands, she struggled to regain control, then said more calmly, “I do not mean he was always beating me. Indeed, he was more violent with the boys. Gina would yell back at him—she had so much more courage than I. What made it so hard for me was ... never knowing. The constant uncertainty and fear.

  “All my life I have kept as far from him as possible. If he came in a room, I would drift out the other door. I was waiting only until I could leave, to live with you if I could, but if necessary to find any kind of job that would support me. I know I could teach music. I never thought I would have to spend the rest of my life living with that kind of fear, constantly wondering if I had done something wrong, never knowing when lightning would strike . . . and living without love.” She started to tremble uncontrollably.

  Jessica held her until the shaking stopped, then said carefully, “I understand why the idea is abhorrent to you. But are you sure it is anger you feel in Radford? It might be just that he is intense. I knew a man rather like that once. He lived life as if two hundred years would not be enough to do all he wished.”

  She thought a moment. “Everyone is angry sometimes. A quickly passing irritation is very different from being a child at the mercy of an adult. When you are sure he loves you, a burst of temper won’t bother you anything like so much as your memories do now.”

  “Do you really think that is true, Jess?”

  “I know it is true, just as I know that our fears are almost always worse than reality.”

  “I... I think you must be right. When I was little, it was the fear, the unknowing, that was hardest to bear.”

  “If the reality is as bad as your imaginings, you can come to me. You will not have to spend your life living with a man you hate, Caroline. I promise you that.”

  Caroline looked directly at her aunt for the first time. “You would take me in? Even as a disgrace, a failed married woman?”

  “Yes, anywhere, anytime. But in return, you must promise me you will try as hard as you can with Lord Radford. Look at him as he is, not overlaid with your father’s shadow. You may truly come to love him; the closeness and sharing of married life are stronger bonds than you can imagine. Will you try to love him? For me, if not for yourself?”

  “Oh, Jess, of course I will! What would I ever do without you?” Caroline laughed shakily, than raised herself up on the bed. “I must look like an absolute fright!”

  “You do.”

  Caroline looked slightly affronted, then gave a watery giggle. “If I am worrying about how I look, I guess the patient is on the mend. Thank you, Jess. I don’t know how I can possible repay you.”

  “Well, you can start by convincing Linda her kitten has no talent for the pianoforte. Sometimes it is more than even a loving mother can take.”

  “Consider it done. Indeed, I will even teach Wellesley to play creditably on the instrument if that is what you wish.”

  “I will settle for silence, love. And your best efforts with the Diabolical Baron.”

  “Perhaps he is not so very diabolical. Should we start to call him the Dashing Baron?”

  “Much better!” Jessica said. “Now it’s time we started working on making you fit to be seen tomorrow.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Major Sterling, ma’am.” Caroline’s patented demure look was not up to her usual standard, but Jessica decided it was a good step in the right direction.

  One could only hope the baron would cooperate by not being diabolical. He might be stern and insensitive to the fears of a shy young lady, but there was no reason to suppose he was a monster. She must meet him soon and draw her own conclusions about his suitability as a husband.

  * * * *

  Jason was immaculately attired as he entered the Hanscombe town house, Hessians gleaming like obsidian and the discreet glint of a ruby in his neckcloth. After all, a man didn’t make an offer every day, and he intended to do justice to the occasion.

  His only other offer had been made under a beech tree with both parties smelling of horse, and that had been a singularly profitless venture.

  Though his confidence had grown enormously in the last dozen years, he was not absolutely sure Caroline would accept him; she was the most unaccountable girl. He knew little more about her now than when his courtship had begun weeks earlier. The workings of her mind were a complete mystery. She showed very little interest in either his polished address or his equally polished person. It would be a serious blow to his pride if she refused him, quite apart from the fact that he would lose his wager. But uncertainty lent spice to the venture.

  He got a prim, knowing smile as he handed the butler his hat and asked for Miss Hanscombe. Everyone in the household must know why he was here. As he entered the sitting room to wait, his mind returned to his interview with Sir Alfred the day before. His lip curled slightly at the memory; really a most unattractive man, effusive in his delight at Lord Radford’s so-flattering offer for his daughter.

  For all his effusions, he’d bargained like a Billingsgate fish peddler over the settlements. For the amount of money he was asking, he should have thrown in Lady Hanscombe and all the younger daughters. But an agreement was reached. Jason could afford to be generous, and by this time too much time and pride were invested in the business to cry off.

  His musings were interrupted by Caroline’s arrival, just in time to catch the unpleasant expression left on his face by thoughts of Sir Alfred. He straightened his features immediately, but she had obviously seen the look and perhaps thought it intended for her.

  She was pale but greeted him with composure. “Good morning, Lord Radford. Please be seated. I trust you are well today.”

  “Very well, thank you,” he said with some brusqueness as he sat down. Now the moment was at hand, he felt unexpectedly nervous. “There is something I particularly wish to discuss with you.”

  “Indeed? Pray continue.” Her neutral voice gave no hint of her thoughts, though she must know why he was here.

  “You cannot have failed to notice my great regard for you. Your charm, your ladylike demeanor, have convinced me you are the woman I have sought for many years.” Jason paused, finding it difficult to face those unfathomably deep blue eyes. “I would be greatly honored if you would consent to become my wife.”

  “Is this what you truly wish?” she asked in a low voice.

  “Of course,” he said, puzzled by her lack of response. Perhaps she was hoping for a more passionate declaration. He opened his mouth to make the necessary statement but found that the words wouldn’t come. To save his life, he could not have spoken lies of love.

  While he sat in silence, Caroline gave a slight sigh and answered him. “In that case, I will of course be pleased and honored to accept your most flattering offer, Lord Radford.”

  “Perhaps you could see your way to calling me Jason now we are betrothed?”

  From the look on her face, it seemed clear she had never thought he might have a personal name. Swallo
wing hard, she replied, “I shall try ... Jason. Please forgive me if I take time to acquire the habit.”

  “Of course. I wish you to take a good deal more than that. For a betrothal gift, I would like to send you to Madame Arlette’s for a whole new wardrobe to celebrate your new life.”

  This called forth a violent blush. So he had noticed her dreadful clothes! He must have thought that was how she preferred to dress. Not only had her protective coloring failed, he must think she had wretched taste. It was time to start working for his good opinion.

  “That sounds a delightful prospect, Lor... Jason. It will be a great pleasure, and is most generous of you.”

  “In addition,” Jason continued, “I wish to take you to my home, Wildehaven, at the end of next week. It will give us a chance to become better acquainted before the wedding. You must of course bring your family. I’m sure you would wish for your mother’s support, and perhaps your sister Gina as well.”

  Caroline hesitated for a moment. “My sister is just engaged to Gideon Fallsworthy, and she and my stepmother will be going to visit his family in Lincolnshire. Would ... would it be possible to invite my aunt, Mrs. Sterling? She is a widow and free to come and go as she chooses. She would probably wish to bring her young daughter, but Linda is a pretty-behaved child and would be no trouble.”

  Jason shrugged indifferently. One chaperon was much like another. In this case, the aunt would doubtless be preferable to the dragon mother. Or rather, dragon stepmother. “Of course they will both be welcome. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. I was thinking of an August wedding date.”

  Caroline looked a bit dismayed. “So soon?”

  “‘If it were done, ‘twere well it were done quickly,” Jason said, then mentally condemned his choice of quotation.

  Surprisingly, Caroline ventured a slight smile. “Surely Macbeth is not entirely appropriate on this occasion? Although I recall he and his wife were well-matched, so perhaps it is not so far afield. But I would be greatly miscast as Lady Macbeth.”

  Jason chuckled at the improbable thought of Caroline wielding even an imaginary dagger. “I expressed myself poorly. Say rather that I see no virtue in a lengthy engagement, and am anxious to see you installed as Lady Radford.” And of course, the wager specified they wed within six months.

  He added, “I know my Aunt Honoria will be anxious to do something in your honor, since I have no closer female relatives. She is Lady Edgeware, you know.”

  Caroline looked alarmed. “I did not know. I was introduced to her at a card party once. She is very. .. memorable.”

  “She’s a proper Tartar,” Jason cheerfully agreed. “However, she will be so pleased at my choosing a bride that she will be bound to like you.”

  Caroline looked thoughtful. If Lord Radford’s relations had been urging matrimony, it might help explain why he had suddenly decided to marry at his age. He didn’t appear to be a man easily browbeaten, so she supposed marriage suited his own purposes.

  Jason stood to take his leave. “I trust you will accept my escort to the Stanhopes’ ball tonight? I will call for you at nine o’clock.”

  He moved toward her, towering above her small figure even when she was standing. He hesitated a moment, then bent to give her a quick kiss to seal the engagement. Had it not been for her slight but unmistakable withdrawal, the sensation would have been much like kissing a piece of Roman statuary.

  With so little response, the embrace was perfunctory in the extreme. Bowing farewell to his intended, his lordship beat a hasty retreat.

  Jason felt an unexpected sense of depression as he left Adam Street. When he had entered into this damnable wager, he had assumed he would find some cheerfully avaricious wench who would be delighted to sell her body and breeding for his wealth and title.

  He might even have found a damsel who would fancy herself in love with him, although he hadn’t wished for that. A lovelorn maiden would have been a great nuisance, sighing and demanding his attention.

  He hadn’t bargained for a girl who was being coerced as he expected Caroline was. Not even an optimistic lover would have taken her attitude as anything higher than resignation.

  But there was no help for it now. She would become more relaxed when she knew him better. And when he was in the mood for passion, that could be purchased easily enough.

  Chapter 6

  Jessica swept across her parlor to give Caroline a hug as the girl entered. “I presume you are officially engaged now. Was it as bad as you expected?”

  Caroline hugged her aunt back, then took her bonnet off. “No, you were right—anticipation was worse than reality. Lord Radford was most considerate, though very far from lover-like. From something he said, I believe he just thought it was time to get married, and for some reason decided on me. Still, if he doesn’t want much of me, no doubt we shall rub along tolerably.”

  She colored suddenly. If nothing else, his lordship was certain to want an heir. And the thought of how that would be done ...

  She said hurriedly, “He wants me to go to Madame Arlette’s for a new wardrobe. Apparently he was not impressed with my governess clothes. Will you help me at the modiste’s? Then I shall be rigged out in proper style.”

  “How delightful. I have never set foot in that august salon. It will be the greatest fun to spend large quantities of Lord Radford’s money to put you in the first stare of fashion. I still think you must misjudge his feelings. He chose you above every other eligible lady in London.”

  “He probably drew my name out of a hat,” Caroline said darkly. She paused, then said diffidently, “There is something else. He wishes me to come to his estate, Wildehaven, at the end of next week. Mama and Gina will be going to Lincolnshire to meet the Fallsworthys. Do you think ... could you possibly come as my chaperon? Lord Radford has agreed, and says Linda can come, too. I’m sure the riding will be good, and you would have a pleasant time.” She finished in a rush, with a hopeful look her aunt couldn’t have resisted if she tried.

  “Indeed, I would like nothing better than to meet the Diabolical Baron on his own ground,” she said with a smile. “But I think I will take Linda to her grandparents’. It will be good for us to be apart for a time. I depend too much on her company. She is already halfway to being a young lady, and I had best start learning to live without her. She will have her cousins and her pony and shan’t miss me at all. Do you think Radford could be persuaded to take us to Gloucestershire by way of my in-laws’? It is not too far out of the way.”

  “Splendid!” cried her niece. “It will be so much easier if you are there. I’m sure he won’t mind the detour-—he has been most obliging. He wishes to leave next Friday, so the sooner we get to Madame Arlette’s, the better.” She wrinkled her nose a bit. “He has asked me to call him by his Christian name, but I don’t think I am ready for that yet. It would be like calling God by a nickname. I shall start by thinking of him as ‘Radford’ without the ‘Lord.’ I daresay when I am more comfortable with him, in five or ten years, I shall achieve greater informality.”

  “Truly, Caro, it won’t take so very long. It was a fine and considerate idea of his to let you get better acquainted before the wedding. You have always preferred the country anyway, and will doubtless take to being the lady of the manor very quickly.”

  “We shall see,” Caroline said skeptically. “In the meantime, would you be free to go to the modiste’s right now? Buying a mountain of expensive clothes should be diverting.”

  “Just let me get my bonnet.”

  The trip was quickly accomplished in the old-fashioned Hanscombe carriage Caroline had arrived in. Now that she was destined to be a peeress, her stepmother was taking great care of her consequence. No more walking around like a servant girl.

  * * * *

  Madame Arlette’s proved to be all one might expect of the most fashionable modiste in London: thick carpet, expensive furniture and draperies, a delicate scent of some exotic perfume. Plus Madame herself when her chief
saleswoman informed her that Lord Radford’s future bride had arrived.

  A stately woman of great dignity, one would never have guessed she started life as the illegitimate daughter of a Parisian prostitute. To the English, all émigrés were much the same; if she chose to present herself as an aristocrat fallen on hard times, who would care to dispute her?

  Sweeping grandly up to Jessica, she said, “It is the greatest of pleasures for me to meet the future Lady Radford enfin. You will make a couple très magnifique!”

  Jessica inclined her head coolly. “Permit me to introduce myself. I am Mrs. Sterling, and this is my niece, Caroline Hanscombe, who is to wed Lord Radford.”

  In the face of the proprietor’s embarrassment, Caroline could only dimple and say, “Indeed, Madame Arlette, I am used to being overlooked when my aunt is around. I am trusting your skills to make me less invisible. Lord Radford wishes me to have a completely new wardrobe, and I am sure you will do a wonderful job of it. Where would you suggest we begin?”

  Relieved to have her gaffe dismissed so gently, Madame Arlette studied her client carefully and pronounced, “For you the clear spring colors, delicate but vibrant, no? And a great simplicity of line. Leonora, bring some of the bolts of Italian silks from the back room. Yes, the ones I was saving for a very special customer. You will be of an unmatched superbité when we are done, hein?”

  She looked again at Jessica. “If I may say so, Madame Sterling, your own toilette is most exquisite. Only a woman of Madame’s magnificent coloring could wear that shade of dark teal blue. And the cut— subtle yet très chic. Might I inquire who is your modiste?”

  “But of course,” Jessica said affably. “Madame Sterling does her own clothes.”

  “A-a-h-h-h!” Madame Arlette said, giving Jessica the look of one artist to another. “It is most fortunate for my humble establishment you are not in the business yourself. You would take the honors from us all.”

  By no means averse to flattery, Jessica laughed and they settled down in earnest to the business of turning Caroline into a lady of fashion. Round gowns, morning gowns, riding habits, pelisses, walking dresses, ball gowns, bonnets, exquisite unmentionables, a domino for possible masked balls—nothing was left to chance.