The Secret of Castlegate Manor

by Karen Cogan

  "Of course."

  Lavenia found a dark green velvet riding outfit with a matching top hat and veil. Caroline tried it on in the privacy of her room. She stood in front of her looking glass and twirled the full skirt. She found it fit her suitably well. The color went well with her dark hair and eyes and the skirt pinched in about her slim waist.

  She gathered her borrowed riding crop and, followed by the abigail Lavenia had lent for the morning, made her way down the path to the stable. She had been pleased, that in her distraction with the party, Lavenia had shown no interest in joining in the ride.

  Her pulse quickened as she spied Geoffrey pitching grass for the stable horses into the corral. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to wonder whether it was the horses or the groom that had really drawn her attention. She put the traitorous thought from her mind as she addressed the tall young groom.

  "I'm come for a ride. Would you be so kind as to saddle a horse? I'm afraid I shall need advice and assistance. It has been some time since I have been for a ride."

  "I would be most happy to assist you." Geoffrey answered, agreeably securing a plump mare from the corral.

  Caroline caught her lip between her teeth. "I had hoped at some point I might ride Victory."

  He studied her a moment and Caroline flushed under his candid gaze. "At some point, perhaps. But Victory is a spirited horse for a beginner. I fear you might have difficulty controlling him."

  His words seemed to carry an implication that Caroline was unable to discern. "Then I shall accept your advice as to my mount."

  Caroline waited in the shade of the path while Geoffrey chose another mare for the abigail and led the horses to be properly saddled.

  An altercation in the stable, caught Caroline's attention. An unfamiliar male voice was raised in argument with the old ostler Caroline had met on her first visit to the stable.

  After a moment, Geoffrey emerged, seeming unruffled.

  She frowned. "Pray, tell me, what that was all about."

  Geoffrey held her mount and lifted her into the saddle. Caroline felt her skin tingle at his touch. He had lifted her without effort, as though she were tiny as a child.

  Then, peering up to answer, he said, "Mr. Humphrey has employed another groom. He felt we were understaffed even with my arrival. I think he would like to rebuild the stable to its former grandeur should he ever be lord here."

  "But the argument?" Caroline persisted.

  "The new groom wished to accompany you. However, as we had already settled that arrangement, it required our boss to set things straight."

  "I see."

  Caroline felt flattered to be the object of interest, even if the two men were below her supposed status.

  She held her head high as Geoffrey mounted Victory and, followed by the abigail, they began a sedate walk down the shaded dirt path to the grassland beyond.

  When they reached the gently rolling land, Geoffrey turned to say, "I believe we might safely increase your pace to a canter, if you like, Miss. Old Beauty there has a gentle gait."

  Caroline laughed. "Beauty, is it? Well, perhaps in her youth."

  The fresh air had a relaxing effect, unlike the mounting excitement which permeated the house. She studied Geoffrey under her lashes as he rode along beside her. His speech was proper for that of a groom. He had obviously not gone without education.

  "I shall trust you to set the pace," she directed.

  Geoffrey urged Victory into a gentle canter. Caroline kept pace while the abigail trotted behind.

  Here was a man whom she might have enjoyed keeping company had she come here as a servant. How ironic that, because of her own lie, she would never know if the attraction she felt was genuine. How many fine men might there be who were now below her station?

  Her musings were cut short when a loud report tore the peaceful glen. Caroline felt Beauty give a violent lurch before breaking into a terrified run. With no time to consider what had gone wrong, Caroline spent her energy trying to hang onto the frightened creature.

  Hooves pounded behind her and she knew, without looking that Geoffrey was in hot pursuit. Even in her terror, she felt an unreasoning assurance that he would be able to save her and stop the run away mare.

  She could see him beside her. He reached for her reins just as her horse stumbled. The lurch sent Caroline out of the saddle to tumble onto a grassy knoll.

  The reassuring thought that he would still save her was her last memory before she felt the wind knocked from her body and a temporary darkness block all consciousness.

  Geoffrey pulled the frightened horses to a halt and sprang from his saddle. Caroline lay crumpled on the ground. He rolled her over gently, his heart in his throat at the sight of her pale face. Her lashes fell in a dark fan on her ivory cheeks.

  At that moment, though he had known her only a short time, Geoffrey knew without a doubt that he truly admired her. For the first time, he had found a woman who honestly intrigued him. It seemed a cruel twist of fate that she might be stolen from him just as he recognized how much he wished to know her better.

  Above the lace of her habit shirt, he spied the faint pulse that still beat in her slender neck. She roused, opening her eyes, and he knew he had been holding his breath. She stared at him vacantly, then struggled to sit up.

  "Not too fast," he cautioned. "You took a nasty fall."

  He placed an arm behind her slender back and cradled her against his chest. "Are you in pain?"

  She lay against him, trying to regain her sense of balance that had been jolted in the fall. He knew, like a common cad, he was taking advantage of her weakened condition. Still, he loved the lavender scent of her hair, the sweet softness of her body. He felt quite loathe to let her go.

  She struggled in his arms. "I do not believe that I have broken any bones."

  "Then you are likely just bruised and shaken."

  "Perhaps if you would help me to my feet, I could be sure of my situation."

  He longed to ignore her protest, sweep her into his arms, and carry her back to the estate. Instead, he would remember his position. He must, he thought wryly. It would be awkward for the old ostler, Carter, if she were to demand Geoffrey's dismissal. He had no choice but to play his part.

  He released her and lifted her gently to her feet.

  The abigail trotted up. "Are you alright, Miss? I seen the horse take off and you hanging on for dear life. Please tell me you 'aven't broke any bones."

  Caroline smiled shakily. "I believe only my dignity has been harmed."

  She stared up at Geoffrey with a frown. "What was that noise I heard just before Beauty bolted?"

  "It was a gun shot, Miss. No doubt a poacher was hunting rabbit."

  "Oh."

  Caroline seemed satisfied with his answer as she

  brushed grass from her riding skirt. Geoffrey did not believe for a moment it had been a poacher hiding in the bushes. The bullet had likely been meant for him. If so, it would mean he had been found out. He would have to be watchful as he proceeded with his plan.

  Caroline straightened her habit. "Does it happen often, this poaching, I mean?"

  Geoffrey stared at her full lips that were filled again with color and he longed to taste their sweetness. Forcing himself to meet her eyes he said, "I don't think it has ever happened before. I shouldn't worry about it."

  "Is it safe to go back now?"

  Geoffrey glanced back to the woods that had concealed their assailant. "I am sure whoever frightened the horses has taken his rabbit and left the woods. However, we will stay far to this side. I am sure we will be quite safe."

  He lifted Caroline easily onto her horse, pleased to note that she did not refuse to get back in the saddle. He could not abide women who had hysterics at the slightest provocation. Caroline had a quality of practicality that he found immensely appealing.

  They walked the horses back to the stable so as not to jar Caroline's already bruised person. Except for the fall, she had found t
he mad pelt across the meadow somewhat exhilarating. Her pulse still raced when she remembered Geoffrey riding hard in pursuit. She had come conscious in the warmth of his arms. The security she had felt had been nearly worth the fall.

  She glanced beside her to see him riding erect and self-assured in the saddle. His handsome features and confident bearing could pass him off as an aristocrat. If only he could trade places with that annoying Lord Humphrey. She would welcome the attentions of Geoffrey as much as she disliked the attention of the Viscount.

  She sighed and scolded herself for such silly thoughts. The penchant she had for engaging in fantasies did her no good. Life was what it was and she would have to live with it. She could not encourage Geoffrey, but neither did she have to give up her riding. She did quite enjoy the sport and, if his company came with it, that was no fault of her own.

  At the stables, Geoffrey helped her from her horse. Concern showed in his eyes. "Are you sure you were not injured?"

  She smiled into the green inquisition of his gaze. "I am sure. I am also sure that my accident has not put me off of riding. I will keep trying until I learn to sit a horse."

  "You did well to stay on as long as you did. You have the making of a fine horsewoman, my lady."

  His kind words hung in her mind as she and the abigail walked the path to the house. She walked into the parlour to find Lady Aberly and Lavenia having a late breakfast.

  Lady Aberly frowned. "You look a bit rumpled, my dear. I trust you had no trouble with your ride."

  Caroline cast a warning glance at the abigail and replied mildly, "The ride was quite invigorating. However, I believe the jaunt in the wind has left me disheveled. If you will excuse me, I shall retire to my room for repairs.

  Once sequestered in her quarters, Caroline allowed the chambermaid to help her out of the riding habit and into a day dress of rose muslin. She set the top hat carefully back into the box and surveyed her tousled hair.

  Maggie took up a brush and began to smooth the chestnut tangles. Her eyes widened at the bits of grass that fell onto the dressing table. Caroline expected her thoughts had taken a turn in the wrong direction. She did not want to be the subject of speculation of the upstairs servants, even until Lavenia's abigail could put things right.

  "I took a fall while riding. I do not wish my aunt to know of the incident. It would only worry her."

  Caroline could still see a dozen questions in Maggie's eyes. Fortunately, propriety would keep her from asking.

  In short order, her hair was restored to fashion, tied in rose ribbons at the side, and falling in a gentle wave down her back. She studied her reflection with approval. If only she could keep from doing any more unladylike things, such as falling off a horse. She felt sure that Lady Eleanor, if she were still alive, would not have approved of her afternoon adventure.

  Now, she would engage in an activity she was sure Lady Eleanor would have approved. She had been longing to peruse the well-stocked library. Several years ago, Lady Eleanor had insisted that Caroline learn to read. She patiently instructed the young girl. In return, in the dear lady's declining years, the stories Caroline read aloud each day provided her with a source of pleasure and amusement.

  Reluctantly, Caroline had Maggie return the borrowed riding habit to Lavenia's room. Lavenia had planned a trip to Bath for material for new gowns. While there, Caroline could choose a velvet for a riding garment for herself. Then, she could go riding every morning if she wished. After all, if she were to become the wife of a country squire, she would have to learn to play the part.

  On the way past the parlour, Caroline heard a male voice.

  She paused in curiosity. Catching sight of her, Lavenia drew her into the room. "Why, Caroline, Mr. Blois has come to call. I have persuaded him to join us for us a meal."

  Caroline fought her disappointment with her change of plans for inspecting the library and reminded herself that she must choose a husband before her role as impostor was discovered. Perhaps, she had been tired on the night of Lady Ruyter's party and not given Mr. Blois a fair chance.

  As they sat for their light repast, she nearly laughed aloud at the silliness of herself, a servant girl, feeling she could be so particular with a husband. What would Mr. Blois, or any of the other young men think if they knew the truth about her?

  All through the meal, he spoke, at length, about his latest activities working with the solicitor. Caroline found her mind wandering and, with great effort, remembered to favor him with an occasional nod and smile. As they lingered over a cup of tea, he laced and unlaced his long fingers in a gesture Caroline found quite distracting.

  It was with private relief that Caroline bid him good afternoon when he proclaimed his need to return to the city. He took her hand and bent over it most gallantly. "You will save room on your dance card for me at your aunt's party, will you not?"

  Caroline felt her pulse quicken with alarm. Lady Eleanor had taught her to read, but Caroline had never had occasion to learn to dance. That she would be expected to do so at the ball had not entered her mind.

  She forced a smile. "I shall, my lord."

  She watched his retreating figure and knew she had no intention of keeping her promise.

  Finally, she was free to escape to her private passion. Books would ask nothing of her. They would not accidentally discover her masquerade. In the library, she would be free to lose herself in the concerns of fictional characters and forget her own subterfuge. Here, she would be safe.

  She turned the knob of the library door and pushed it open, ignoring its protesting creak. On the far wall, the French doors stood open, letting in a fresh breeze from the garden. Caroline could see, Robert, the gardener, tending roses. The lovely perfume of the blossoms filled the air.

  Though the servants kept the room dusted, Caroline did not think that either Lady Aberly or Lavenia used it often. Though Lavenia had spoken of Jane Austen, she had admitted that she had yet to read any of her work.

  Caroline had read it to Lady Eleanor and they had both liked it immensely. Perhaps, she would find other volumes among the many rows of books which would also catch her fancy.

  She stood before a stack of books and read the titles. The musty smell of the older volumes reminded her of Lady Eleanor's library in London.

  She spotted a volume of Fanny Burney's EVELINA, and had just plucked it from the shelf when a voice beside the open French doors startled her. The book tumbled from her fingers as she turned to see Lord Humphrey framed in the doorway. A smug smile spread across his thin lips as he observed her discomposure.

  "My dear Miss Stewart, I did not mean to startle you. I wished to have a word with you if you are not too occupied."

  He crossed to retrieve the fallen book. Caroline shrank from his nearness as he seemed to deliberately brush against her as he straightened to hand her the book.

  "Thank you, my lord. Perhaps you would like to sit. I could order tea, or coffee if you would prefer."

  She glanced toward the hallway, uncomfortable at being alone with him and eager to rectify the situation. Lord Humphrey, however, seemed intent upon a personal conference.

  "I require nothing expect to sit with you and finish our talk. "Perhaps we could sit in those chairs beside the fireplace."

  Caroline proceeded to the chairs which faced the cold hearth. In the winter, the setting might have engendered a homey warmth. On this summer day, with the Viscount beside her, Caroline felt no comfort in either the location or position in which she found herself.

  He turned to face her. "My dear Miss Stewart, my regard for you has not escaped your attention. I do not wish to press my suit upon you, but I see no reason for delay when we are obviously suited to one another."

  Caroline stared at her trembling hands. "Really, my lord, we hardly know one another."

  "I know all I need know about you."

  Caroline's heart skipped a beat in reflex to her guilty secret. She relaxed as he continued.

  "You are a lady of
breeding and beauty. I have a title to offer. Have we need of more?"

  Caroline stiffled the urge to laugh at his description of her background. "Yes, my lord, I would need to know a great deal more about you to consider marriage."

  His expression darkened. "You had a bit of a riding accident this morning, did you not?"

  "How did you know about that?"

  "The new groom I employed supplied the information."

  Caroline caught her lip, confused by the turn of conversation.

  Lord Humphrey continued to lean forward. "Consider this, Miss Stewart. I always get what I want. And I want you. There could be other uncomfortable happenings in this household, if you prove obstinate to my suit."

  Caroline caught her breath. "What did you have to do with what happened this morning?"

  The Viscount studied his immaculate nails. He smiled an unpleasant smile that did not reach his eyes. "Perhaps nothing."

  Caroline clasped her fingers to control their trembling. "I will not be threatened into marriage, sir."

  Their eyes locked in a battle of will. Lord Humphrey's eyes narrowed. "We shall see."

  He stood and gave a small bow.

  Caroline looked away in dismissal. She sensed the Viscount's gaze resting upon her.

  "I understand your aunt is giving a ball. I hope our little dispute does not incline you from allowing me to sign your dance card."

  Caroline replied without favoring him with a glance. "I shall not be rude, my lord."

  "Good. I shall look forward to our next meeting. In the meantime, please consider what I have said."

  As he left the room, Caroline found her thoughts in turmoil. Foremost in her mind, was the knowledge that Geoffrey worked in the stable. Had he anything to do with the plot to marry her to Lord Humphrey? If so, proof of his treachery would cause her more pain than the acts themselves.

  She needed someone to trust. Yet, who would that be? No one knew her true circumstances.

  She decided on the only course open to her. She would share as much as she could with her aunt and Lavenia during tea and hope they could provide counsel.