by Karen Cogan
Her fears were soon put to ease as the stylish proprietress graciously greeted Lady Aberly and the two young women. "With three such elegant figures, I shall find my creations the talk of the town," she proclaimed, including Caroline in her assertion.
The ladies accepted lemonade and settled into gilt chairs in the elegant workroom with walls of flowered satin silk.
"I trust you have been well?" asked Madame Marian.
Lady Aberly launched into an account of the unfortunate carriage mishap, a story which she now seemed to enjoy retelling. She provided such embellishment and detail that Caroline soon quite despaired of ever getting on with the reason for the visit.
However, after the polite coze, the modiste proved more than efficient. As her assistants brought out various fabrics available from the storerooms, Madame Marian lent her advice on the way they might be made up. They examined fashion plates until Caroline thought she should never be able to make up her mind.
Lady Aberly proved more than willing to assist and enjoyed adding her opinion to that of Madame Marian in advising the younger women of the best choice of color, style and material.
At last, the new ball gowns were chosen and measurements given to the assistants who were to have them ready in ample time for the anticipated affair. Caroline had nearly collected her nerve to request assistance with riding attire, when Lavenia saved her the necessity.
"Why, Caroline, we have nearly forgotten about your riding habit. You would look so lovely in royal blue velvet, don't you agree, Mother?"
Lady Aberly looked blank for a moment. "I did not know you enjoyed the sport, Caroline."
"I do, my lady. But I fear, in my packing, I neglected to include my attire." Her conscience pricked at the half-truth. She had packed her own wardrobe. Never, in her life, however, had she possessed riding attire.
Madame Marian commenced to produce rich velvets of such quality that Caroline could not choose between the various shades. At last, she settled on a deep blue that brought out the creamy color of her skin.
They left Madame Marian's shop and stepped into the bright sunshine of late morning. A look at Geoffrey, waiting with the coachman, told Caroline why she had taken more trouble with her riding habit than the choice of a gown for the ball. She flushed with embarrassment and told herself she had no interest in impressing the handsome groom.
So why did her heart tremble at his touch as he helped her into the carriage? She must collect her common sense and rid herself of this spell that had been cast over her. She forced her thoughts to the sensible plans she had made for the future. The ball was less than two weeks away. If she could manage without a terrible faux-pas, she might meet the man that Lady Eleanor had envisioned for her. She would settle comfortably on a country estate and forget both the danger of Lord Humphrey and Geoffrey's dangerous intrigue.
They took luncheon in a popular tearoom, then journeyed on to the milliner for a bonnet to match the deep velvet of the new riding habit. When Caroline had found just the thing, a top hat with a lovely gauze veil, she returned to the coach and ventured a covert glance at the groom. The boldness with which he returned the look flustered her and she hurried into the coach.
After a late afternoon stop for Sally Lunn rolls, they were again on their way, clattering out of the cobbled city and bound for the estate that Caroline had come to think of as home.
Caroline found herself dozing as the steady pace of the team lulled her. Her drowsiness was interrupted with the sound of a loud crack. It was immediately followed by a wild careening of the coach as the horses took their heads.
She peered out to see Geoffrey urging Victory along side the run-away coach. Moments later, a riderless Victory told her Geoffrey had mounted the coach and calmed the frightened horses. As they drew to a halt, she wondered what had happened to John Coachman.
She sprang from the coach, followed more sedately by a pale-faced Lavenia while Lady Aberly remained inside proclaiming that she was overcome by the megrims.
"What has happened? Was that a shot I heard?" Caroline asked.
Geoffrey spared her a brief look. "Yes. It caught your coachman in the arm. Nothing too serious I am glad to report, though it could have been a good deal worse."
While Lavenia hurried to impart news of the injury to Lady Aberly, Caroline watched Geoffery attend the coachman, marveling at his competence as he helped the man out of his coat and cut away the damaged sleeve. When the wound had been bound with John Coachman's clean cravat, Geoffrey tied Victory to the coach and assisted Caroline back to the carriage.
"We should be on our way before our lingering presence allows us to become the target of another attempt."
Caroline cogitated upon the fact that this was the second time they had been a target. She felt certain now that the shot fired during their first riding expedition had been directed at them.
Once inside, the ladies began to speculate. "Do you still believe Lord Humphrey is behind the mischief that is befalling us?" Lavenia asked Caroline.
"Perhaps not directly. However, I do believe he has had a hand in our misfortunes."
"I wonder who fired the shot." Lavenia still looked pale with worry.
"Someone who knew we had gone to Bath and would be returning along this road," Caroline answered.
Lady Aberly fidgeted with her handkerchief. "Again, you young ladies are making too much of the Viscount's careless words. Our assailant was undoubtedly a highwaymen."
Caroline contained her inner thoughts regarding what she regarded as an errant opinion. Nonetheless, she remained convinced their assailant was someone who was aware of their whereabouts, someone from the estate.
When they arrived at the estate, the ladies retired to their rooms with the assurance that Geoffrey would attend to the coachman. A long rest and time to think did not change Caroline's opinion as to who lay behind the unnerving deeds. She had believed Lord Humphrey meant only to frighten her, without the intent of harming anyone. With the attack on their coachman, she wondered to what length he might go to assure her compliance.
Unable to sleep, she finally arose and retired to the parlour to find Geoffrey speaking to Lady Aberly. "I have put a poultice on the arm and expect that it shall heal nicely. While he is in recovery, I shall undertake to assist you, my lady, on any errands which need attending."
At Caroline's unobtrusive appearance, Geoffrey found his concentration sorely tested. He longed to stay to tea and chat with her in a cozy manner, to see her blush becomingly under his admiring gaze. Yet he knew this was impossible. Considering his position as a groom, it was surely his imagination which had caused him to believe that she had sought his company.
"It is good of you to bring me this report. Geoffrey, is it?" asked Lady Aberly.
"Yes, my lady."
"I do not believe we shall be traveling again before the ball."
She dismissed Geoffrey and Caroline felt the curious racing of her pulse begin to slow.
Edwards brought a pot of tea and a tray of biscuits and tiny sweet cakes. He poured the tea with quiet efficiency, the trace of a worried frown showing on his usually inscrutable features.
Lavenia joined them for tea, still looking pale.
"I do not believe you have recovered from the shock. I must confess I do not believe my own poor heart could stand another such adventure," said Lady Aberly.
Lavenia managed a wan smile. "To think I used to think our country life dull and I longed to live in the city. I feared our Caroline would languish from boredom after the excitement of London. Of course this was not the excitement which one would enjoy."
"I assure you I have been quite enjoying my stay in spite of these difficulties which in no way reflect upon your hospitality," Caroline assured her.
Lavenia smiled. "I shall be satisfied to turn our attention back to the ball. When our dresses arrive all our preparations shall be in place."
The dresses arrived only three days later to the delight of Lady Aberly who found Caroline s
itting in the rose garden with a book she had chosen on the day after Lord Humphrey's visit to the library.
"My dear, you must come see the dresses. They have just come by courier from Madame Marian and she has quite outdone herself."
Caroline followed Lady Aberly upstairs to the sitting room where Lavenia looked a treat in a pale turquoise silk. She held out Caroline's creamy creation of rose silk. "You must try it on. I know you will be pleased."
Caroline took the dress to her room, barely able to stand still while Maggie slipped the soft fabric over her head and attended to the tiny pearl buttons down the back. An overlay of pearl and lace trimmed the bodice and front of the skirt.
Caroline stood in front of the mirror and sighed at the sight of herself in a new gown, one created especially for her and not altered from those of Lady Eleanor. She twirled and watched the graceful line of the skirt. If not for her apprehensions about her ability to carry off her role, she would be thoroughly looking forward to the ball.
She joined Lavenia and Lady Aberly, now dressed in her pale green sarcenet gown, in the sitting room and had to agree that Madame Marian was indeed masterful in her knowledge of color and design.
Lavenia gushed, "I shall not be able to wait another day to wear this delightful creation. Mother, you and Caroline look so beautiful I shall have to see that Mr. Ruyter does not behold you at the ball."
Lady Aberly blushed. "The excitement has gone to your head. Mr. Ruyter has eyes only for you. Do you not agree Caroline."
"I have seen the way he looks at you, Lavenia," Caroline agreed.
Lavenia blushed, in turn. "You are both kind and I find your words reassuring."
The ladies returned to their rooms to remove the dresses. As Maggie packed the gown carefully away, Caroline's eyes fell on the box resting on her bed. She removed the wrapping and admired the deep blue velvet of her riding habit. She caressed the soft fabric and wondered if it would elicit an admiring look. She caught her lip as she hung it carefully in the wardrobe, realizing whose admiring look she wished to attract.
Dismissing the ridiculous thought, she determined to dress for a ride tomorrow. She would seek Geoffrey and ask his advice as to the safety of an outing. After what happened with John Coachman, she did not wish to put either an abigail or Geoffrey in danger.
Two days of steady rain delayed Caroline's outdoor plans. She drifted about the house, helping with ball preparations when possible and spending the remainder of her time in the library.
When, three days later, the sun at last appeared, Caroline donned her new blue habit and slipped off to the stable. The ground smelled of damp earth and leaves. She drew a deep breath and thought again of how much she loved the sights and scents of the country.
She renewed her determination to marry a country squire, for to return to London after becoming used to her life at Castlegate Manor would be a bitter disappointment.
Victory nickered, looking up from his hay as she neared the outside pen. She walked over to pat his nose only to move away quickly as he nibbled at her delicate jacket.
Laughter behind her sent a flush to her cheeks. She spun to see the amused light in Geoffrey's shamrock-green eyes. His laughter touched her pride.
"I fail to see what is so amusing."
He assumed a more serious expression. "I have often thought Victory would have been better born a goat. In a playful mood, he has torn some of my best jackets and a pair of fine trousers. And it would be a most opprobrious shame to have any harm come to such a delightful riding habit, if you will pardon my saying so, my lady. "
The admiring light in his eyes cast away any offense Caroline had harbored at his previous laughter. Her heart told her this was the reward she had sought when she had envisioned herself clad in the deep blue velvet.
"I have come for a ride if you feel it would be safe. I do not wish to put anyone in danger. However, I cannot believe Lord Humphrey, if he is behind this, has someone always at the ready to take a shot."
Geoffrey nodded, his expression solemn. Caroline noted the cleft in his smooth forehead that formed when he was deep in thought. She tucked her gloved hands into her skirt to still their wayward desire to caress the thoughtful crease from his brow.
Geoffrey glanced toward the stable and the voices drifting from inside. "I think it will be safe to ride. We can talk when we are away from the stable."
He saddled the two horses, then lifted Caroline into the saddle, reluctant to remove his hands from her waist when she was safely settled. Her sweet lavender scent seemed to move with him as he mounted the spirited Victory.
Caroline glanced at him as they walked the horses toward the hilly grassland. "How is John Coachman?"
"He is recovering. The servants are caring from him in his attic quarters. The wound was not deep. Since there is no sign of infection, I do not believe he will be incapacitated for long."
"I am pleased to hear it. It disheartens me to think that I must be the cause of his suffering."
"You could not have known, my lady, that your presence would put John Coachman in danger. I believe I may know the identity of the assailant."
Caroline brought her horse up short. "I should be most interested in hearing what you have learned."
"As you know, the new stable hand, Benson, was hired by Lord Humphrey. When I questioned him regarding his activity at the time of the assault, he could give me no satisfactory answer and, indeed, seemed most impatient with my questions.
Caroline glanced uneasily in the direction of the trees.
"You need not worry. We can trust Nottington to keep him at the stable. He will find ample chores within his sight to keep Benson busy."
"Are you sure Nottington can be trusted?"
"Quite sure, my lady."
"And you think Benson had opportunity to shoot at us and also tamper with the carriage?"
"Ample opportunity, my lady. I was with you when the first shot was fired. So you know that I was not the gunman."
"And the carriage?"
"Four of us work in the stable. Any of us could have had the opportunity to disable the carriage. John Coachman and Nottington were riding atop. I do not think they would have taken the chance of their own injury, nor to they have anything to gain from frightening you. I was with you when John Coachman was shot. Again, I could not have been the gun man. That leaves only Benson who had the opportunity to both shoot, and tamper with the carriage."
Caroline watched the play of expression on his handsome features. His words made perfect sense. She wished she had thought of the groom as a possible suspect in contributing to Lord Humphrey's foul scheme.
"What shall we do? We have no evidence," she said.
"I shall endeavor to watch him closely and shadow him wherever he goes. Perhaps I shall catch him in meeting with Lord Humphrey."
"If you could overhear that would be much more the better."
He smiled. "You would make a fine investigator, my lady."
She met his approving gaze. "I think not. I would most likely be caught in the act of espying and meet a dreadful end."
"I cannot think of how anyone could wish so beautiful a lady a dreadful end."
She felt her cheeks grow warm. "You speak boldly for a stable hand."
His warm laughter broke forth like a bubbling brook. Caroline quite enjoyed the sound.
"I've been told that I am bold. I like to think of myself as honest and outspoken," he said.
They rode to the outskirts of the Stewart property where they could look upon the adjoining estate and a small cottage nestled down in a glen.
"I do not miss the bustle and confusion of London when I look upon such a peaceful scene," Caroline said.
Geoffrey studied her, a smile playing upon his lips. "I should think a sophisticated woman such as yourself would miss the trappings of the city."
Caroline shook her head. "I love the country. I should be glad never to leave it."
"Were you brought up in London?"
"No. In India."
Had she been looking at Geoffrey instead of the cottage, she would have seen the look of curious interest that lit his eyes at her carelessly tossed answer.
"We should go back. I have been gone far too long as it is," Caroline said.
They cantered across the meadow, then walked the horses down the path to the stable.
Geoffrey helped her dismount, a curious expression still lodged in his eyes.
"In what part of India did you reside?"
Caroline felt the discomfort her lies always brought. She glanced up to see that he awaited her answer. Irritation gripped her that she should feel obliged to fabricate an answer.
"Along the coast," she answered vaguely, with a wave that dismissed the subject.
His eyebrows rose. "Were you from the military settlement in Bombay?"
"Yes. That was it."
She turned away too soon to see the surprise that lit his eyes. She knew only that the intimate ride had been a mistake. She must remember her position. The ball and the hope of meeting a marriageable country squire must provide an escape before her wayward emotions led her astray.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Caroline sat in front of the mirror as Maggie carefully styled her hair into a becoming upsweep that cascaded in the back with chestnut brown curls. Clad in her new ball dress, she felt like a prized doll being displayed for showing. Her inner composure, however, belied the doll-like exterior, which she would endeavor to maintain.
The ball was only a few hours away. And with the ball, came her debut into society, a debut that might be fraught with numerous social mistakes. And before the ball, she must manage an intimate dinner with close friends of the family. Anxiety swept over her with the knowledge that Lady Aberly had insisted that Lord Humphrey be invited along with the Lady Ruyter and Henry, and the Baron and Baroness Caroline had met at the concert.
When Lavenia had protested the Viscount's invitation, Lady Aberly had been adamant. "We have no proof that he is behind our misfortune. And, since he is family it would be most indiscreet to withhold the invitation."
