by Rose Pearson
“Now, remember,” Lord Brandeis said firmly, as the carriage began to make the long journey towards the marquess’ estate. “I have made arrangements for Peter and me to arrive at my father’s estate on horseback, whilst you will remain in the carriage. We will arrive together, having made the arrangements to do so previously. You have only met Peter today. Whilst we will be there rather late and perhaps have only my father waiting to greet us, you must always pretend that you and Peter do not know each other in any way. There can be no familiarity between the two of you. Do you understand?”
Glad that she had Lord Brandeis’s questions to distract her from the pain of leaving Mrs. Beeson behind, Caroline cleared her throat, turned her eyes towards him and nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“You do have similar coloring, but I do not think that anyone will comment on it, given that you are to be a baroness and your brother an army officer,” Lord Brandeis continued, looking a little anxious himself. “I will also say, Miss Devonshire, that my family will be expecting something significant between us very soon since I have brought you along with me. A gentleman does not often do that unless he intends to propose to the lady very soon.”
A slow flush began to burn its way up into Caroline’s cheeks as her brother snorted with laughter.
“Yes, Lord Brandeis,” she managed to say, despite the embarrassment she felt. “I quite understand.”
“I will have to show you some appropriate affection,” he continued, as though thinking aloud. “But nothing overly much, of course. It is not the done thing to show any sort of preference to another in company, you understand. Not even when one is married!”
Caroline, unable to help herself, shook her head and muttered something about the beau monde being quite ridiculous with all their rules and regulations. In her heart, she was rather relieved that Lord Brandeis would not be showing her any kind of particular affection.
“You will have to do the same, Caro,” Peter chuckled, making her wince. “You shall have to put on quite the performance!”
Choosing to remain silent, Caroline looked out of the carriage window, becoming more anxious as she thought about what her brother had said. She did not even want to consider what would be expected of her relationship with Lord Brandeis. She knew that she would have to show some partiality towards the man. Yes, she would have to simper and smile and mayhap even bat her eyelids now and again, but surely there would be nothing more?
“You need not look so anxious, Miss Devonshire,” Lord Brandeis chuckled, evidently seeing her concern. “We shall only be allowed a few minutes alone together at any one time since there is no significant attachment between us as yet. We will have to spend a good deal of time in one another’s company, but that will always be with other members of the house party nearby.” As Caroline raised her eyes to his, she saw a slight flicker of concern in Lord Brandeis’s expression, appearing almost worried as he looked at her.
“You do not think, I hope, that I should ever try to do anything more,” he said, in a softer voice. “I have learned my lesson, Miss Devonshire, I assure you.”
For a moment, Caroline was lost in Lord Brandeis’s eyes. Peter faded away, the noise of the carriage wheels rattling over the cobbled streets grew silent. Lord Brandeis was quite earnest, it seemed, doubt burning in the depths of his eyes.
“No, Lord Brandeis,” she said slowly. “I find that I am forced to trust you in this matter.”
There was a moment or two of silence, where Lord Brandeis’s expression did not change, his lips a little thinner than before.
“Besides, I will be there,” Peter said grandly, shattering the strange tension that had developed between them. “Even though we are not meant to know one another, Caro, I will be keeping a close eye on Lord Brandeis!”
He chuckled and Lord Brandeis dropped his gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Caroline tried to laugh but found that the sound stuck in her throat, trapped there by the strange, unsettling feelings rising in her chest. Trying to calm her fractious thoughts, she let her gaze settle on the carriage window once more, her fingers tightening in her lap. She did not know how long she remained like this, for the minutes began to pass her by with increasing speed as she battled against her anxiety. Lord Brandeis was talking to Peter and their conversation did not include her in any way, leaving her feeling quite alone. Was this truly a wise decision? Had she done the right thing in agreeing to help Lord Brandeis? Suddenly, it did not seem to be the wonderful adventure she had hoped it might be. Suddenly her future began to crumble into dust and ash. What if she was to make a fool of herself? What if Lord Brandeis’s family were to realize the truth about who she was? She could never pretend to be a baroness, not even with all the training and practice Lord Brandeis had given her! This would be a complete and utter failure on her part, and she would have only herself to blame.
“Trust me, Miss Devonshire.”
A hand touched hers, making her jump in surprise. Turning her head, she saw Lord Brandeis smile at her from across the carriage, whilst Peter’s head lolled gently, his mouth open as he slept. She had no idea when her brother had fallen asleep, for she had not even noticed when the conversation had come to an end.
“You are worried, Miss Devonshire, but you need not fret so. No-one will say a word against you, I promise you that.”
His fingers were warm against her skin and, despite herself, Caroline felt her heart begin to tug free of the shackles that held it in despair and fright.
“You will do very well, Miss Devonshire,” Lord Brandeis continued, softly. “It will be a wonderful fortnight. In a week’s time, you shall declare that you have never enjoyed yourself as much as you have done these last few days.” His smile stretched across his face and Caroline felt her own lips begin to smile in response.
“That’s better,” Lord Brandeis murmured, leaning back in his seat and letting go of her hand. “Now, shall we talk about something quite different, Miss Devonshire, in order to take your mind from your anxiety?”
“Thank you, Lord Brandeis,” Caroline replied, a little surprised to find him so considerate towards her. “That would be most welcome.”
He grinned, slumping in a little in his seat. “Very good, Miss Devonshire. Then you must tell me about the latest book you have acquired. I shall be an avid listener and ask as many questions as I can.” A quiet laugh escaped him, his green eyes sparkling with mirth. “Just so long as it is not ‘A Hand-Book of Etiquette for Ladies’, Miss Devonshire!”
Caroline laughed aloud, feeling her anxiety begin to loosen its tight threads from her heart. “No, Lord Brandeis, I can assure you it is not!” Then, taking in a deep breath, she began to converse with him about the latest novel she had procured, finding that, as they talked, the journey and the company began to become rather enjoyable. The hours began to pass quickly and still, they talked, with Peter sound asleep in his seat. Lord Brandeis, it seemed, could be quite the gentleman.
8
“Are you quite ready, my lady?”
Caroline drew in a long breath, looking at herself in the mirror. They had arrived at the Marquess of Fareshire’s country estate a few hours ago. She still did not feel in any way prepared to go down for what was, as far as she was concerned, a very late dinner. It was a relief to know that she would not be yawning her head off during the meal, for she was well used to keeping late hours, but the fact that the rest of the family appeared quite used to dining so late had surprised her.
“My lady?”
Glancing at the maid who was bobbing nervously behind her, Caroline managed a bright smile and rose to her feet. She barely recognized herself in the mirror but knew that she certainly could not stay and gawp at her reflection, whilst trying to encourage herself to get up and descend the grand staircase towards Lord Brandeis.
“You have done an excellent job,” she said, recalling what Lord Brandeis had told her about the staff. “I do not think I will require you again this evening.”
> The maid frowned, looking a little doubtful. “But how will you remove your stays, my lady?”
That made Caroline pause. She did not want to keep the girl from her bed, understanding the weariness that came with employment, but the truth was that she would not easily be able to escape from her confines without assistance.
“Ah, yes,” she stammered, feeling quite foolish. “Then expect me…..within a few hours.”
The maid, thankfully, did not appear to be upset nor surprised by this, simply bobbing a curtsy and then escaping from the room the moment Caroline dismissed her, leaving Caroline alone to gather her composure.
It had all been quite overwhelming thus far. It had not just been the Marquess who had come to greet them but had, in fact, been the entire family. Caroline had been introduced to the Marquess himself, then the Marchioness who had, much to Caroline’s relief, been warm and friendly with the same sparkling green eyes as Lord Brandeis. Then there had come introductions to Miss Gosford and Lord Josiah Weston, the eldest son and heir, both of whom had seemed polite and friendly. There had been a few others guests but, by that time, Caroline had struggled to do anything more than smile and nod, quite unable to make any kind of effort to remember their names and titles. The strain had been so much that she had been more than relieved when the Marchioness had suggested that she might like to rest and recuperate for a few hours before dinner.
There had even been a bath waiting for her – something she had never truly experienced before. Of course, at Mrs. Beeson’s home, there had been a hip bath of sorts, but nothing as glorious as what had awaited her here! She had sunk into the hot water, smelling the perfumed water and seeing the rose petals dancing across the surface, and had thought herself in heaven.
Only to have been startled from her bliss by the presence of a maid with towels in her arms, who had set about washing Caroline’s hair as though it was the done thing to see one’s mistress quite naked. How she had struggled to keep her mouth shut, despite the flush in her cheeks and the desperate urge to scramble out of the bath and behind the waiting screen! This was what Baroness Winter would be quite used to, she had reminded herself, as the maid had soaped her hair. There was no need for either alarm or embarrassment.
And still, the embarrassment had remained. Even with the maid helping to dress her, to do her hair and ensure that she was quite ready for dinner this evening, Caroline had still never quite lost that initial sense of mortification. It was an entirely different life, she realized, a life that she was not quite sure she would truly be able to fit into.
The flurry of nerves in her stomach unsettled her all the more, forcing her to take in a shaky breath. This evening’s dinner would be her first true social event, where she would have to do all she could to remember what Lord Brandeis had taught her. Whether or not she would be able to recall what cutlery to use or the like remained to be seen, and Caroline grew horribly worried that her mind would forget almost everything, such was her anxiety. She would also have to ensure that she responded to being referred to as ‘Lady Winter’ – something that she was struggling to manage even when Lord Brandeis had called her by her supposed title. It would not do to appear rude, not when she was being treated so kindly by the Marquess and Marchioness.
The dinner gong sounded, startling her. Taking in a few deep breaths, Caroline tried to force herself to become Baroness Winter. Setting her shoulders, she lifted her chin high, just as Lord Brandeis had told her to do, and ensured that she walked with slow, careful steps out of her room and towards the staircase. Silently praying that she would be able to remember where she was going, Caroline forced herself to take her time, keeping her face as expressionless as she could. Descending the staircase, she paused for a moment, her stomach tightening as she tried to remember where to go – only for the sound of Lord Brandeis’s voice to greet her.
“Lady Winter,” came his low, graveled voice. “May I say just how resplendent you look this evening.”
She turned her head and sucked in a breath, astonished to see him in such finery. He had never appeared so handsome before, for he had never taken such great care with his appearance.
“I do hope you still recognize me,” he chuckled, softly, offering her his arm. “I can do what is expected of me when required, Lady Winter.”
Swallowing her astonishment, Caroline let a light smile touch her lips. “So I see, Lord Brandeis,” she murmured gently, letting her eyes alight on him. There was a moment’s hesitation and then he smiled, his eyes glowing with appreciation.
“Very good, Lady Winter,” he murmured, offering her his arm. “You are the picture of perfection.”
She accepted his offer at once, laying her hand on his arm just as she ought, before beginning to walk alongside him.
“You are not too overwhelmed, I hope,” he said quietly, as they progressed towards the drawing room, where they would then all walk, as one, into the dining room. “I have not had the chance to speak to you after the initial introductions were made.”
She managed another smile. “I am quite all right,” she replied, “although I confess that I am rather worried that I shall forget everything the moment I am seated!”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You will not, Lady Winter, I have every faith in you. And, if you do momentarily forget, then you need only look to me and I shall be ready to help you.”
Looking up at him sharply, she saw the twinkle in his eye. “I will not be seated next to you?”
Shaking his head, he shrugged. “Mama has an inclination to mix up the seating purposefully, although I do not know why she insists upon it. Something about making sure that we all get to know one another a little better.” His smile did not reassure her, her nerves quickening her heart. “Regardless, you will be able to see me and engage in conversation if you so wish,” he continued, kindly. “Do not worry, Lady Winter. You have done marvelously well thus far and made a very good impression.”
That, at least, was a relief.
“Now,” he said, as they came to the drawing room. “Into the lion’s den we go.”
It was rather hard for Caroline to enjoy even a single bite of the delicious meals that were set before her, such was her fraying nerves. The food turned to ash in her mouth and she did not dare touch her wine, for fear that it might have the undesirable effect of loosening her tongue and making her forget who she was truly meant to be. They were nearing the close of the meal, at last. She had not been particularly engaged in conversation, although she had managed a few short responses. It was enough, she thought, even if the family did think her rather quiet. She did not mind being considered something of a church mouse. For then it meant that they did not suspect her of being anything other than what she said, then that was something of a relief.
Seeing the dessert being brought into the dining room by the impeccably dressed footmen, Caroline looked down at the remainder of her cutlery, trying her best to recall what it was she was meant to use. Her mind went blank. There were two forks, a small spoon, and a larger one. Which was she meant to take?
“A choice, this evening,” the marchioness declared, making Caroline’s head jerk up in surprise. “Two desserts served one after the other. If you do not care for the first, then simply ask for the second and the footmen will do as you ask.”
Caroline’s eyes widened as she heard the groans coming from Lord Brandeis as well as Lord Weston.
“Must you always be so unusual, mama?” Lord Weston muttered, passing one hand over his eyes. “One large dessert would do just as well.”
The marchioness chuckled, ignoring him completely. “I do hope our guests enjoy their meal,” she said, catching Caroline’s eye. “I have every hope that their first meal with us is an enjoyable – and memorable – one.”
Her lips tugged into a tight smile as she tried to think of what to say.
“I am quite sure it will be, Lady Fernley,” she stammered, feeling as though she were gasping for air. “It has all been quite….quite su
mptuous thus far.”
Her whole body was tingling with anticipation and fear, but much to her relief, the marchioness smiled back at her with apparent warmth.
“Thank you, Lady Winter,” she said, as the footmen served the first dessert. “It is very kind of you to say so.”
Dropping her gaze, Caroline looked down at the dessert and then sent a sidelong glance towards Lord Brandeis, who was, to her relief, looking back at her from across the table. His smile was gentle and, without drawing any attention to himself, he gently touched the small fork to his right. Caroline, suddenly weak with relief, picked up her small fork and, seeing the other guests begin to eat, followed suit.
The conversation continued to flow around them. Caroline forced herself not to look up when Lord Fernley began to talk to Peter about his days in the army, knowing that she had to show a suitable amount of interest, but nothing that would suggest she knew him better than the rest of the guests had been told.
“And so you saved my son’s life,” the Marquess stated, as Peter’s conversation came to a close. “My goodness. Who would have thought it?”
“Who would have thought what, Father?” Lord Brandeis asked, sounding a trifle on edge. “I hope you have no intention of insulting my good friend.”
Her fork fell with a clatter on her plate, her stomach churning with the sudden icy tension that had filled the room. Warm with embarrassment, Caroline made to adjust her fork, only to recall that she had no need to do anything of the sort. Folding her hands in her lap, she did not raise her eyes to either Lord Brandeis or her brother, reminding herself to remain quite silent and unobtrusive.
“I meant nothing, Brandeis,” Lord Fernley said, mildly. “I suppose I did not expect that you should have to do actual physical combat, although I am glad to hear that you did. What a shame, however, that you could not fight your corner when it came to it. I would have thought that a man with your status and training would not have required the service of a….” He paused, and Caroline felt her fingers dig into the soft skin of her palms.
