by Anne Herries
‘Miss Holbrook was very brave and acted with calm good sense. But why should anyone want to hurt her—or her brother, for that matter?’ George looked puzzled.
‘I have no idea,’ Freddie said with a frown. ‘However, I intend to make inquiries into this affair. It will not stop here.’
‘No, it cannot,’ George agreed. ‘I don’t suppose it was aimed at someone else…?’ He lifted his brows.
‘Exactly,’ Freddie said. ‘I was meant to be in that balloon with Miss Holbrook.’
‘Then you think it may have been aimed at you?’ George was shocked and stared at him incredulously. ‘Although she could easily have been killed—both of you might have died, to say nothing of Jackson. If that is the case, you have a dangerous enemy, Freddie. He is ruthless and cares not who he harms.’
‘Yes, unless it was merely a malicious act from a mindless idiot who did not understand what he did.’
‘You think it might be simply that?’ George raised his brows. ‘But why would anyone do such a thing?’
‘At this moment I have no idea, but I intend to discover the truth. We want no more accidents, George. I shall set an agent to work to discover what he may and I think I may take a trip out of town myself.’
‘Were you thinking of going immediately?’
‘Why do you ask?’ Freddie saw something in his friend’s eyes. ‘Spit it out, man. It clearly bothers you.’
‘There are some spiteful rumours circulating, Freddie—about Miss Holbrook…’
‘You mean because of that business with the balloon, I suppose? I know it was a little bold of her, but surely nothing that could cause her to be censured?’
‘That and other things…’ George frowned. ‘Apparently, she was seen alone at the inn, coming from the bedchamber. Obviously, she had been with her brother, so that may be set to rights easily enough, but it seems that she was also seen leaving an inn early one morning quite recently…with you.’
‘Damn!’ Freddie glared at him so fiercely that George was taken aback.
‘Didn’t mean to offend you, old fellow. Dare say it is all lies?’
‘That is the devil of it,’ Freddie said. ‘I did take her to an inn—and that’s not the worst of it, George. I took her to a mill and she was dressed as a youth.’
‘That was somewhat reckless of you, Freddie.’
‘I know it,’ he said with a rueful smile. ‘She demanded it of me in settlement of a wager, George—but that is no excuse. I admit that I was at fault. I wanted to see if she would dare and she did! Sneaked out in borrowed clothes, as game as anything. We left before the fight finished, as it happens—but she would have seen it out if I’d let her.’
‘She is very spirited,’ George said, ‘but quite innocent, you know. It would be a sad thing if she were to lose her reputation for a lark, Freddie.’
‘Yes, you are right, of course,’ Freddie replied. ‘This other business must wait for the moment. There is something I must do first…’
* * *
‘That was no accident,’ Nicolas said and frowned as he looked at his brother when they were alone. ‘Caro told me the rope had been deliberately frayed. It must have been done in the hope of causing harm—either to you or Caroline.’
‘But it was a last-minute decision,’ Tom said, wrinkling his brow. ‘That I should go up with her, I mean. It was to have been Sir Frederick.’
‘Damn it!’ Nicolas was concerned, angry. ‘She might have been killed! I cannot think that Caroline has an enemy…but it might have been intended for Rathbone. Besides, he is to blame for risking her safety in that ridiculous thing!’
‘No, no,’ Tom said. ‘I do not think you can blame him for this, Nicolas. Caroline teased him into letting her go up and he would have been with her had I not intervened.’
‘Then the intended victim must have been Sir Frederick…’ Nicolas frowned. ‘Though I cannot think why anyone might want to harm our sister in the process.’
‘It might have something to do with the money…’ Tom mused thoughtfully. ‘Grandfather has decided to leave a large chunk of his fortune to us—not the entail, of course, but it is a sizeable amount as I understand it.’
‘You mean to suspect our uncles—cousins?’ Nicolas looked dubious. ‘I know they are not exactly fond—but murder?’
‘No, of course not. Uncle Sebastian will get what is his, naturally. The entail cannot be broken, nor should it. Uncle Claude will also get something—the London house and a small estate in Cornwall, which came to Bollingbrook through his second wife, I believe. However, there is someone else who might stand to gain if we were not around when Grandfather dies.’
‘I don’t understand you,’ Nicolas said. ‘Who could possibly benefit?’
‘I dare say Grandfather won’t mind me telling you this much in the circumstances,’ Tom said. ‘There is a fellow in Jamaica who might benefit if the named heirs were dead. I suppose he is an uncle of sorts, though illegitimate. Grandfather wants me to sell the plantation out there and I’m to do something for this uncle fellow.’
‘You mean the old gentleman had another son in Jamaica?’ Nicolas was fascinated, his eyes bright with amusement. ‘He hasn’t been out to the plantation since before he married our grandmother. I understood he had left the management of his property there to his overseer…’
‘It is a wonder that there is anything left to sell, for it has been shamefully neglected,’ Tom observed. ‘But it seems that the man was entirely trustworthy. Now he has died and Grandfather says it is time to sell. Whatever I get for it will come to me, and that may be very little. Apparently Grandfather had property elsewhere, which did not come to him through the estate. It was sold some years ago and the money invested safely. Caroline is to have something and you, I imagine—but there should be a couple of hundred thousand pounds, and Grandfather is determined that his elder sons shall not touch a penny of it. I think he intends to divide it between us and the fellow in Jamaica.’
‘Good grief!’ Nicolas ejaculated, feeling astonished at the size of the bequest. ‘Now that alters things somewhat. As lazy as he undoubtedly is, even Uncle Sebastian might consider stirring himself for that kind of money.’
‘No, you cannot think it? His wife was an heiress and both daughters married well. Come to think of it, Uncle Claude married to advantage and he has but one daughter. Grandfather gave her ten thousand when she married.’ Tom frowned. ‘I cannot say with any certainty that it was truly an attempt on Caroline’s life or mine. Besides, Uncle Sebastian has no sons at present and the Bollingbrook estate may well come to me in the end—or you, if I die.’
‘But if it were the bastard…surely he is in Jamaica? And surely you would be his intended victim, not Caroline!’
‘He may not be in Jamaica. Apparently, he wrote to Grandfather a while back and told him that he intended to visit England and that he would call on him.’
‘Do you think his letter was intended as a threat of some kind? I dare say he might think himself ill used if nothing has been done for him.’
‘Yes, that was in my mind,’ Tom said.
Nicolas frowned. ‘Shall you risk going out to Jamaica?’
‘I think I must. The overseer’s daughter is to marry, and she wants to know if her future husband may purchase the estate. An offer has been made, but it is paltry. I must see what can be done elsewhere.’
‘You will need someone to watch your back.’
‘Any ideas?’
‘I might have. I shall ask around and see if I can find a suitable man for you. You need an old soldier, Tom. A man you can trust in a fight.’ Nicolas was thoughtful. ‘Meanwhile, you must take more care—you and Caroline.’
* * *
‘I trust I may rely on you to behave yourself this evening?’ Lady Taunton looked at Caroline with something not far from dislike. ‘We can only hope that the rumours circulating town have not become so strong that we shall be asked to leave. The patronesses of Almack’s are extremely stri
ct, as you very well know, and if you are treated with some coolness you have only yourself to blame. The very idea of going up in a balloon! It is not the behaviour expected of a respectable young lady, I can tell you. And as for being seen coming from the bedchamber of an inn alone…’ She clicked her tongue in disgust. ‘It is no wonder if people are talking.’
‘I promise you that I shall be circumspect this evening,’ Caroline replied, feeling unusually chastened.
‘We must hope that that is an end to it,’ Lady Taunton replied with a sour look. ‘All I ask is that you do not disgrace me, Caroline.’
It was not to be expected that Caroline went with a light heart to the assembly that evening. Her mother had declined to accompany them, because she was worried about Tom, who seemed a little less well that day, but she would not hear of Caroline staying at home.
‘You must go, my dear,’ she insisted. ‘Especially if there are silly rumours circulating. To stay at home might cause people to think they were true.’
Caroline knew that her mother was right. To stay away when she had been given vouchers would look as if she had something to hide. It was usually a very insipid evening, for she knew that Sir Frederick would not be there. Mr Bellingham had told her that Sir Frederick had never attended these gatherings, had not done so since he was first on the town. The most that she could hope for was to dance twice with Mr Bellingham and perhaps stand up for a waltz or two with others of her friends, for there was often more ladies than gentlemen present.
She wished that she might have seen Sir Frederick—she was afraid that he was still angry with her and that had left her feeling rather low. Since the incident at the balloon ascension, he had seemed to change towards her—what could have happened? And why did she mind so much?
Caroline was aware of something different as she went into the ballroom with her aunt. People turned their heads to look at her and she heard a little buzz of noise, as if they were whispering. For a minute or two she and her aunt stood alone, and then Mr Bellingham brought Julia across to speak to them.
Caroline’s cheeks were a little warm, for her friends usually surrounded her as soon as she entered a room; she felt wretched, for clearly her aunt had been right. After a moment, one or two others drifted over to join them and she began to feel better. However, she was aware of an odd atmosphere, and even when Sally Jersey came over to speak to her, she felt that there was something a little chilly in that lady’s manner.
Caroline lifted her head and danced with George, determined to brave the evening out whatever happened. He, of course, was just as usual, making her laugh and complimenting her on her gown so that she began to relax a little and wonder if she had imagined that she was being given the cold shoulder by some of the older ladies. It was just as their dance was drawing to a close that she heard a little gasp of surprise that seemed to echo from the assembled company as one. And then, turning her head towards the door, she saw that a gentleman had entered, accompanied by an elderly lady.
‘Good grief!’ Bellingham said, clearly startled. ‘I never thought I would see the day. Freddie here and his godmother too! He intends business…’
‘What do you mean?’ Caroline asked, looking at him.
‘Lady Stroud hardly ever attends this sort of affair these days,’ George said. ‘She was one of the leading hostesses of her day, of course—a stickler in all matters of propriety. Clever devil!’ A look of appreciation had entered his eyes.
‘I do not understand…’ Caroline said, her voice fading as he nodded at her encouragingly, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. She began to see what he was getting at. ‘Oh…’
‘Trust Freddie to see you right, m’dear,’ George said and smiled at her. ‘Knows he got you into it, up to him to see you safe.’
‘No, please…’ Caroline said, her cheeks becoming hot. This was dreadful! George was suggesting that it was up to Freddie to make her an offer because he had compromised her, and that wasn’t right at all. ‘It was all my fault. He mustn’t—’
‘Freddie might be a bit reckless, careless, even, at times,’ George said, still smiling rather oddly at her. ‘But he knows what is expected of a gentleman—and he is fond of you, m’dear. He’ll see you right and tight.’
Caroline knew that he was leading her towards Sir Frederick and Lady Stroud. She wanted to break away from him and seek a place to hide, but his hold on her arm was quite firm and it was clear that there was no escape for her.
‘Lady Stroud,’ George said. ‘May I say that I am delighted to see you here this evening, ma’am. It is too seldom that we see you in company these days.’ He looked at Caroline. ‘May I present you to a young lady I admire, ma’am? This is Miss Caroline Holbrook.’
‘I am aware of the gel’s name,’ Lady Stroud said a little testily, her steely gaze fixed on Caroline’s face as she addressed her godson. ‘Pretty enough, I’ll grant you that, Freddie. I dare say you’ll know how to steady her.’ She fixed Caroline with a bayonet look. ‘A spirited gel, so my godson says. He often talks a great deal of nonsense, but in this instance I have been prepared to listen to him. Miss Holbrook, I believe they are about to play a waltz. I give you permission to dance with Rathbone. Off you go, now, and try to look as if it pleases you.’
‘Thank you, ma’am.’ For once in her life Caroline did as she was bid without demur. ‘Sir, you are very kind.’ She lifted her head, meeting his eyes without flinching.
‘Caroline, my privilege,’ Freddie said, taking her by the hand and leading her towards the floor. ‘Do not look so scared. I promise you that her bark is much worse than her bite. She is actually on your side, though you may not think it.’
‘Lady Stroud is very good,’ Caroline said, a trifle pale though her head was up, her smile in place. ‘But it was not necessary to ride to my rescue like a white knight, sir. I am quite able to manage for myself.’
‘Caroline, do you not know what people are whispering—what they are thinking? You were seen leaving the inn with me on the morning of the fight.’
‘Oh…’ Caroline glanced up at him, her eyes wide. ‘I thought it was just that I was alone at the inn when Tom was hurt.’
‘No,’ Freddie said. ‘You might have ridden that out, but this is more serious—and it is my fault. Therefore I must do my best to see you clear of it. Lady Stroud still has significant influence in society and if she is seen to approve of you…’
‘Yes, I see,’ Caroline said and swallowed hard. ‘I thought…Mr Bellingham said…thank you for thinking of it, sir. I know this is all my own fault, though I do not see that I have committed a terrible crime.’ Her eyes were suddenly filled with defiance as her pride took over and she threw off her subdued mood. ‘You did not seduce me, sir, and are therefore blameless.’
‘No, not blameless,’ he said honestly. His expression was serious, a little harsh. ‘I have a way of teasing, Caroline—a provoking manner that sometimes leads others to recklessness that they would not otherwise think of, and I believe this is what happened in your case. Therefore, I must do what I can to—’
‘No!’ Caroline said quickly. ‘I am not sure what you mean to say, sir, but I must tell you that I shall soon be leaving London on a visit to my grandfather. I think that it would be better if you waited until I return…if you have anything you wish to say to me.’ Her cheeks were flushed and she concentrated very hard on the second button of his pristine shirt.
‘Very well, if that is your wish,’ he said. ‘My own feeling is that Lady Stroud may do all that is necessary. I do have something to say to you, Caroline, but it may easily wait for a few weeks.’
‘Thank you,’ she said and smiled up at him. Her smile at that moment was so brave and so beautiful that Freddie was momentarily dazzled. ‘You are very kind, sir, and I am glad that you are not cross with me.’
‘Have I done something to make you think that I might be?’ He raised his brows at her.
She took a deep breath. ‘You seemed angry after Tom was hurt�
�at the inn.’
‘I was angry at what had happened,’ he said. ‘You made light of the accident, Caroline, but you could have been badly hurt. And it is for this reason that I must leave town for a few days. If someone is trying to harm one of us, I think it needs investigating.’
‘You are very kind to take an interest.’
‘Anything that concerns you, concerns me, Caroline. Besides, whoever tampered with that rope may have had another victim in mind altogether.’
‘Do you have an enemy, sir?’
‘I dare say I have more than one,’ Freddie said, looking grim. ‘He may do his damnedest as far as I am concerned, but when the safety of others—your safety, Caroline—is concerned, that is another matter.’
There was such sincerity, such anger in his eyes that her heart caught. She knew in that moment that there was a special feeling between them, but the dance was ending and she was unable to say more as Sally Jersey came up to them at that moment. She gave Freddie a look of pure mischief.
‘Sir Frederick, this is indeed an honour. I had long given up hope of seeing you here, my friend.’
‘As well you might,’ he said. ‘It took a great deal to bring me here, Sally—but I imagine I have no need to elaborate? I believe that my godmother will do all that is necessary.’
‘Of course,’ the lady replied and threw Caroline a speaking look. ‘You are a fortunate young lady, Miss Holbrook. I believe I may not say more for the time being, but now that I understand you were visiting Lady Stroud that morning, there cannot be the least need for censure. It seemed a little odd that you should be seen leaving an inn with Sir Frederick at such an hour, but I understand that he was forced to stop because his horses had some trouble with their harness. It is all explained and shall be forgotten. Come along, Caroline. I want you to take pity on a young gentleman who is newly come to town. He is very shy and may tread on your toes, but I know that you will be kind to him.’
Freddie watched as Lady Jersey bore Caroline off with her. He smiled a little as George came up to him.
‘The chestnuts are yours, my dear friend. I believe that was our bet—that when you saw me here I should have met my match?’
