Lord Hopkins left his daughters to take Lady Hopkins by the hand. “You shall not avoid my compliments so easily. I feel as if we are both twenty years younger and I am seeing you for the first time at old Ravenhurst’s party.”
“Girls, I am beginning to think your father has turned mad,” Lady Hopkins said calmly, as she once more dismissed his compliment while directing everyone out the door. She stopped suddenly, inspecting Caroline’s new gown.
“I cannot understand why you chose such a color, my dear. It’s not the fashion at all.” Lady Hopkins paused, looking Caroline up and down once more. A small smile spread across her powdered cheeks. “And yet, it suits you so well. There will not be another like it.”
A
The ballroom was overcrowded and already overheating despite the efforts of Lord Searly’s staff. Caroline found herself caught in a cloud of conversation and anxiety as she shuffled past the clusters of ladies perched along the edges of the room. Never had Caroline seen such a fantastic room. At nearly every opportune spot sat a magnificent flower arrangement. The colors were soft, muted tones, and seemed to accent nearly every detail of the room’s furnishings. The aroma of the arrangements filled the entire room with a fresh and feminine scent that overpowered the already perspiring occupants. They were the same flowers that Lord Searly had sent to Caroline, the same flowers Louisa had placed in Caroline’s extravagantly styled hair that evening.
Lord Searly greeted Caroline upon her arrival, as he had all of his guests. He had straight away commented on the blossoms in her dark hair and had not even attempted to disguise his pleasure. The duke swiftly took her hand and kissed it softly, his eyes lingering on her own. The effect of such a gesture left Caroline feeling even more heated than she already was.
The duke had then bent his head rather low toward her ear and whispered, “And shall I have the pleasure of your company for the first two dances?”
The words sent shivers down her back, and Caroline laughed nervously, offering a simple, “But of course, Your Grace.”
From the corner of her eye, Caroline saw her mother watching their exchange. Caroline was mortified to see that her mother made no effort to hide her satisfaction, shifting her shoulders back proudly while sticking up her nose. Furthermore, the display had not gone unnoticed by the crowded corridor, and Caroline felt the eyes of many bearing down upon her. She curtsied elegantly to Lady Searly, the silver-haired duchess that remained a step or two behind her son, and Caroline quickly shuffled through the crowd in hopes of overcoming her embarrassment.
The musicians were tuning their instruments. Lady Hopkins was now seated near Caroline, clearly bored with the conversation of Mr. Jenkins. Though the man spoke to her mother, Caroline knew immediately that it was not her mother he longed to see. Poor Lucy, Caroline thought. Thank goodness Charles Jasper is not here as well!
The orchestra began to play an opening number, and Lord Searly approached Caroline, offering his arm. Caroline had not anticipated the attention that followed as the duke led her to the middle of the floor. The thought that she would lead the ball had never entered her distracted thoughts, and she was sorry for her thoughtless acceptance of such an offer.
Couples were now following the pair. Caroline’s nerves were only made worse when she passed a mother and daughter standing near the circle.
“And who is she to lead the dance?” asked the mother in a disapproving tone. The daughter, no older than Caroline, pursed her lips and shook her head of curls in response. The mother continued. “It seems Lord Searly has forgotten his manners. He must have been distracted by that hideous dress.”
Caroline straightened her shoulders, reminding herself to ignore the jealous looks and idle chatter. She glanced down at the emerald silk of her dress.
Lord Searly must have heard the gossip and sensed Caroline’s nervousness. He smiled warmly. “I think your dress is quite beautiful, a nice change from the pinks and pastels. I find it most becoming.”
The music was lovely, and Lord Searly danced gracefully. It was not long until Caroline forgot the staring bystanders, the silly gossip, and her own strained nerves. The twirls and enthusiasm of the other dancers only added to her enjoyment.
Lord Searly gave a small chuckle. “I am glad to see you are finally at ease, but are you always such a quiet and concentrated dancer?”
Caroline managed a small laugh. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. I am afraid I lost myself to the music and dancing. I have not seen such a ballroom.”
“You like it then?”
“Of course, though I do not know the meaning of leading the ball with me. I have scarcely met you but two times.”
“Can you not guess at my meaning?”
Caroline fell silent. She knew his bluntness should not irritate her, but his arrogant manners bothered her.
“And really, you must stop calling me Your Grace. It is entirely too formal, for we are to be friends. You shall call me Jonathon.”
“Is that right? I am to call you Jonathon and we are to be friends?” She pulled back from his grip as she seriously responded, “I won’t call you Jonathon. You are a duke. It is not proper.”
“Then Lord Jonathon?” Lord Searly spun her elegantly, but when she returned to him, he brought her even closer.
“I suppose you mean to flirt with me?” Caroline looked squarely into his eyes.
“You might suppose that, but I ask what your intention is for me? Do you intend to lead me along, like a kitten to a string? You must come to know and trust me.”
“And why must I come to know and trust you?” The music had slowed, and Caroline felt the crowd watching her every movement once more.
Lord Searly paused for a moment and looked more serious as he all but whispered, “I think we shall be great friends.”
His words surprised her once more. She shrugged as she passed his side. “I suppose I have been rather severe on you.”
He laughed openly. “Yes, yes, I suppose you have, though I am sure I have given you some reason not to trust me.”
With that, the song ended, and the couples were lining up for a lively jig.
Lord Searly escorted Caroline to the file of ladies. He tilted his head playfully as he explained, “I must warn you. My jig is quite dangerous.”
Caroline laughed genuinely for the first time all evening. “I will take care. I thank you for the warning.”
Though the dance did not allow for much talk, the duke’s expressions and movements were entertainment enough. The man to the right of Lord Searly had almost taken out the duke twice with his spirited spins and leaps. Lord Searly had given Caroline a pleading look, and dodged the man rather dramatically. The effect left Caroline’s sides aching from laughter by the end.
Afterward, the duke escorted Caroline to a seat near the punch, retrieving two glasses. He smiled as he handed one to Caroline. “Perhaps I may steal you later?”
Caroline shook her head apologetically. “My dance card is all but full.”
Lord Searly did not look the least deterred as he replied, “What a shame for the poor chap that will miss his dance.” And with that, he disappeared in search of his next partner.
It was after the fifth dance, that Caroline sought a seat for a much needed rest.
Lucy appeared out of the crowd and made her way through a maze of people to Caroline’s side. “How were your famous dances with Lord Searly?” She had spoken it with pride. “It is too much that you led the ball!”
Caroline’s eyes widened as she clutched Lucy’s arm. “Yes, it was too much! I felt every eye in the room on me. However, Lord Searly turned out to be quite amusing. I think we shall find a friend in him after all.”
“A friend?” Lucy leaned closer to Caroline as she whispered seriously, “Come now, you are not telling me everything.”
Caroline hesitated. Perhaps she was attracted to the duke, but her association with the man was so new, and something in her heart warned her to be cautious.
“Ah, th
ere you are, Miss Lucy. Shall we?” Mr. Jenkins said. He held out his hand in invitation.
Lucy accepted Mr. Jenkins’s arm, but only after turning to Caroline and whispering, “You must tell me everything.”
Caroline nodded, sighing softly. The ball, though enjoyable, was tiring. The forced conversation, the heat, and even the beautiful gown were all beginning to feel suffocating. It was not until a small intermission for the musicians that Caroline saw Lord Searly again. He was scanning the ballroom, searching, his eyes lighting when he spied her. He made his way toward her.
Though Caroline pretended she had not seen him, she could not pretend she did not feel his presence directly behind her.
He spoke in hushed accents, bending toward her neck. “It is a rather nice evening for a walk in the gardens. Do you not agree?”
Caroline spun around, unaware of how close his face was to hers. “May I remind you that I am a lady? I hope you are not suggesting anything scandalous.”
“Oh, you imagine too much. It will not be entirely without chaperones. Come, you shall see.” Lord Searly turned and walked toward an open terrace. Caroline sat undecided, but when Lord Searly had reached the threshold and stared at her mockingly, Caroline stood and followed the duke out the door.
The terrace overlooked an intricate array of gardens. A small path, out of what appeared to be gray stone, wove throughout the elaborate maze. There were not many lanterns, but the moon was bright and the light from the ballroom illuminated the various trees, shrubbery, and landscapes. The view eased Caroline’s nerves, and she silently reflected on the much larger and familiar gardens at Whitefield Hall.
“I do not think I have seen a home in town equal to yours, Lord Searly,” Caroline offered in sincere compliment. “The gardens are lovely.”
“You must see it in the spring. I have a beautiful rose bush that is particularly alluring.” He paused. “I am happy to see everything is to your liking.”
Caroline began to tense. Her expression became once again severe as she inquired, “Why must you carry on so, as if you have known me for some time?”
“You do not like the attention?”
“I did not seek it.”
“Still, you have once again avoided my question.”
“Perhaps it is because I do not know what to make of you.”
Lord Searly’s face twisted as one of his brows rose in amusement. He pulled his face forward to accentuate his words. “Ask me anything. I will be frank with you. I can tell you are not like most young ladies, set out to trap a duke.” He began to laugh.
Caroline was silent. If Lady Hopkins had it her way, that is just what she’d have Caroline do. Caroline pushed the thought aside, resuming her inquiry. “Why have you chosen to pay such attentions to me on such short association?”
“You are different.” Lord Searly stopped, staring at the moon. “I was intrigued by you the moment I heard you conversing with Mr. Clark about my riding boots in the window. I sensed your fire.”
“My fire?” Caroline looked toward Lord Searly in disbelief, shaking her head. “And so you wish to bask in my flames?”
“To put it shortly, yes.”
Caroline leaned against the railing, shivering as she whispered, “But you do not know me.”
“Yet. You shall see.”
Caroline felt a tingling sensation as he touched a loose curl of her hair. “I have never met a more striking woman, in qualities or looks.”
A blush rose to Caroline’s cheeks, and she was grateful for the disguise of the shadows. She swallowed hard as she at last found her courage. “I do not trust you one whit, Your Grace.”
“And why is that?”
Caroline shook her head in frustration. “Perhaps it is because I see you for what you are, an incorrigible flirt!”
The honesty of her comment must have surprised Lord Searly, for he fell back a step and broke into laughter once more. He shook his head, slapping his hand against his thigh. “Have you not considered that because you see me for what I am, I find you attractive? Surely everyone must have their equal.”
Caroline was not laughing. She did not mean to talk so intimately with him, and she sensed Lord Searly had taken her frankness as permission to be even more blunt with her.
Lord Searly reached for her hand, placing it inside his arm. His voice was softer now. “I cannot imagine a more beautiful night.”
She nodded, though she did not agree. The only thing different about this night was the moon and the beautiful gardens. She was sure Lord Searly said it only to soften the mood. Perhaps he had grown tired of her distrust. She tried to say something amiable. “I suspect you see many beautiful nights, standing here looking at these gardens. I can only imagine it in spring.”
“It is one of the benefits of my birth,” he said.
Caroline blushed. His words served to reprimand her for her behavior. She pulled her hand away slowly. Of course Lord Searly was free to be as direct and outlandish as he chose. People would always make allowances for those of such rank and wealth. She cleared her throat. “I almost forgot who I was addressing this evening. You are practically royalty. I am sorry I have spoken so freely. I hope I have not offended you, Your Grace.”
Lord Searly turned toward her, his face for once completely serious. “I wish you would forget the title more often. It is liberating to be spoken to with such honesty.”
Caroline took a nervous step to the side, pretending not to feel the burning in her throat.
Lord Searly sighed. “It is so refreshing to know you, Caroline.”
A cold wind blew up against Caroline. She peered at the moon, now partially covered by a descending fog.
“It is getting colder. Perhaps we should—”
Caroline turned, just as Lord Searly had put one arm to her waist and the other to her cheek. He leaned toward her, his hand lifting her chin to kiss her. She dodged him dramatically, suddenly awakening to her senses. She ducked under the height of his arm toward the opening of the ballroom. She was walking much too fast to be considered ladylike, but she did not care.
She spied her father lazily chatting with Mr. Frandsen and sat beside him, anxiously clinging to his arm. Even Lord Searly would have his limits, and Caroline doubted he would have the nerve to approach her again after such behavior. Caroline tried to tell her heart to calm down, to stop beating so loudly. The perspiration forming at her temples was beginning to slide down her cheeks. She breathed in deeply, suddenly aware of her father’s soothing voice.
Lord Hopkins and Mr. Frandsen were in a deep discussion, and Caroline could not help watching Lucy admire the pair. Lord Hopkins, the observant father that he was, cleared his throat, glancing at Caroline. “Mr. Frandsen, I have found your company quite enjoyable. You must visit me in my library so we can continue our discussion, but I am afraid we are boring the ladies with our talk of tenant farmers and estates. Let us not even begin to discuss Napoleon.”
Mr. Frandsen grinned. “I am sure you are right, Lord Hopkins. I shall visit you in the coming week.”
Lord Hopkins squeezed Caroline’s hand. He nodded to Mr. Frandsen, who promptly left his side.
“Caroline, what has you troubled?” her father asked.
But Caroline could not answer his question. Instead, she leaned her head against his shoulder and asked, “Have you ever seen such a ballroom?”
“It is splendid. I hear we owe our invitation to your bright eyes.”
Caroline shrugged her shoulders as she mumbled, “I cannot seem to understand why Lord Searly has set his heart upon making my acquaintance. I have been anything but encouraging.”
Lord Hopkins scratched his brow. “Perhaps that is why he desires to know you. Some gentlemen are set on the chase of it all. Do not let it cloud your judgment, Caroline.”
The music had turned lively again, and Caroline found the moment ironic.
“I fear I will disappoint you, Papa.”
Lord Hopkins shook his head, biting the side of
his lip. “My darling, nothing could be further from the truth. You are most certainly prepared to make every decision that lies ahead. You have never allowed your mother or me to dictate you. Certainly you will not allow Lord Searly to do so now.”
Caroline pulled away from his shoulder instantly, fixing her eyes on her father. “You mean to say you do not approve of him?”
Lord Hopkins let out a large sigh as he grasped Caroline’s hand tightly. “I do not mean that at all. Lord Searly is a respectable man. Even more so, he is a duke. He has a great fortune and you could not do wrong by encouraging his attention, that is—unless you did not feel him your equal in heart and mind.”
Caroline exhaled slowly. “Papa, I suppose you have ruined me for I shall never meet another man equal to you.”
Lord Hopkins smiled, pulling Caroline to her feet and dancing with her for the next two songs. Caroline did not even glance at her dance card again.
A
CHAPTER 8
Lord Searly could scarcely eat his breakfast. He had never been so affected by a lady. Caroline had injured his pride, but instead of feeling bothered by her, he worried he had lost the little gains he had made with her. He left his plate full and went to his credenza to begin writing a letter. His words were open and honest, and he hoped she would see them as such. It was his one strength.
Dearest Caroline,
Allow me to apologize for not acting my part as a gentleman. I fear your beauty and charms clouded my judgment. I forgot myself. I know not how to restore what little trust you had in me, but I will endeavor to prove my worth to you. May I call on you in two days? I will await your reply.
Your humble servant,
Jonathon Searly
Lord Searly penned the address and gave it, along with a single rose from the ball, to be posted directly by the footman himself. The footman was warned of its delicate nature and was entrusted to only deliver it to Miss Caroline herself.
A
Caroline was sitting in the parlor with Lucy and Miss Kensington when the footman arrived. Upon receiving the letter and token, Caroline excused herself and escaped to her room directly.
The Second Season (Regency Romance) Page 5
