Robert bowed, a glow forming around his heart. So. This was the girl he had danced with. Caroline. What a magnificent name. The very best name he had ever heard. It suited her. Almost timidly, he said, “May I compliment you, my lady Caroline, on the grace with which you dance. May I also dare to ask you for another?”
"I'm sure she's she’s tired, brother.” Arabella interrupted. “After all, Sommershire is so far away from us.”
Robert was rather shocked at the rudeness of Arabella’s tone. It was clear that it was not distance she was referring when she said far away, but wealth.
To her credit, Caroline’s voice remained gentle as she said, “It is not we who are tired, but you must be, to have organized a ball this grand. I would regret very much to accept a dance that might tire you even further.”
Fantastic! Robert thought. Her voice was as wonderful as the rest of her. It had kindness in it, even when she had been rather rudely put upon.
“I insist.” He said, unable to help himself, even as his heart stung at the rejection.
“Go on, Caroline.” Emily urged. “The duke himself has asked for a dance!”
Caroline smiled and put her hand in his. Now that he finally looked away from her eyes, Robert had time to notice the delicate features of her chin and her rose-like lips. A single dimple formed along the side of her face when she smiled, and like a comet that trailed across the sky, it disappeared too soon.
Their next dance was La Strasbourgeoise Cotillion, a group dance which involved frequent switching of partners. Each time he let her go to another man, Robert felt a twinge. He had to do everything in his power to be a gentleman and not to stare at her as he danced with others.
Was this love? He wondered. He had always laughed at talk of cupid’s arrow and mocked those of his friends who turned from lions into sheep around the women they loved. He understood it now. He was recklessly impatient for the dance to end, and for a chance to have a conversation with her. The periods in which she was whisked away were torture, and the brief moments when he could dance hand in hand with her were new heights of pleasure.
Finally, the music had ended, and the dancers all bowed to each other as they exited the floor. Robert and Caroline found themselves standing by a group as a new set of dancers began a waltz.
“My lady, your grace at dancing is only exceeded by your graceful manners.” He said.
She smiled, and he saw red touch her cheeks. But she remained quiet. Was this the same man with the volcanic temper that everyone had been telling her about, she wondered. He seemed so kind!
“Have you trained with masters?” He asked. “I must congratulate your teachers.”
“Indeed, I scarcely dance,” Caroline replied. “Most of my days are spent in the company of books or on long walks alone.”
“Ah, I am relieved,” Robert said. “I greatly feared that a lady as fine as you might already have had her heart claimed by another.”
“Oh!” She exclaimed. “I am a mere clergyman’s daughter, Sir Robert. Please do not flatter me so.”
“Perhaps so,” Robert said. “That would explain the nobility and character that are apparent in your bearing. Forgive me for embarrassing you, my lady, but I must ask. Was it something I did that lead to you fleeing away from me after our first dance? If so, give me a chance to apologize and change.”
“It was not you,” Caroline said. “The… the dance was lovely. I was only shy when the applause began.”
“Ah,” Robert said, rather pleased with her shyness. Although he did not want to, he contrasted her modesty with the arrogance that his sister and her friends always displayed. His sister, he knew, would have lapped up the applause, and tried to act in ways that garnered her more of the same.
“I have never seen you here before,” Robert said. “Are you visiting your cousin?”
“We will be with him for a month,” Caroline said. “We have met before, as a matter of fact, my sister Emily and I spent our childhood summers with our Aunt Gladys and Uncle Huntington. You often came over to learn to fence from Uncle Huntington. Of course, you were too old to play with us, children.”
“Oh yes, I have vague memories of it,” Robert said. “Adam and Jeremy were fast friends, I recall.”
Caroline seemed to shrink at the mention of Adam. Robert wondered why. Perhaps his brother’s reputation as a rake had tainted Robert’s own, and she now doubted his intentions? Robert could see why she might think that way. Adam had a terrible reputation, though he had a good heart. His many trysts with girls around the country were well known, and the women he frolicked with were never of very good character. Lately, however, after their brother Richard’s death, Robert had noticed a great change in Adam.
Changing the topic, Caroline said, “I wonder if it is true, Your Grace, that you have a magnificent library here in your castle?”
“Oh, my father was very fond of reading,” Robert said. “As am I. We have 2000 books in our collection, so far. Including many rare original copies. In fact...” Robert smiled. “If I could persuade you, I would love to take you on a tour of the library.”
She seemed to shrink more, and Robert realized his mistake immediately. He had just suggested that she, a lady of good breeding, come to the library alone with him. Especially after mentioning his rake of a brother, it must seem that his intentions were not very noble. Hastily, he amended, “I will, of course, invite your cousin Jeremy and your sister too.”
Jeremy, who was quite fed up of the ball and wanted time alone with Beth, jumped at the chance. Emily was quite busy dancing and declined. So accompanied by Beth and Jeremy, Robert took Caroline on a tour of the library.
Away from the crowd, Caroline seemed far more relaxed, Robert noticed. They had all taken off their masks now, and Robert found himself working very hard not to openly stare at her. Her face was not the most conventionally beautiful one. Indeed, he had met ladies that would be considered far prettier. But something about the delicacy of her expressions, and the light of happiness in her eyes had caught him in a strong net. He found himself watching her covertly, memorizing each of her expressions. The gentle way she teased Jeremy, showed that she apparently held great affection for him. The kindness with which she treated Beth, showed that she was trying her best to make Beth feel at ease as a new member of their family. With him, Caroline was more formal. Her smiles were fewer and her answers far more elaborate, though not as warm. But there was the way she looked at him. There was the way he caught her looking at him when she thought he wasn’t observing her. She had a longing in her eyes that she tried hard to disguise.
The more they talked, the more Robert felt he wanted to spend time with her. He had always thought himself well read, but Caroline had read far more than him. She discussed Dante’s Inferno passionately and happily quoted Shakespeare.
He showed her the rare copies of Gulliver’s Travels that his father had bought, and she held one with the respect that bordered on reverence. When he offered to lend it to her, she refused, saying, “I would not dare to bring such a jewel back to my humble home. Thank you, Lord Robert, but I fear that when the magic of this night has waned, I will need no reminders but my memory.”
What did she mean by that? Robert thought to himself. Did she believe that he was only showering her with attention because of the magic of the masquerade? Did Caroline believe that once it was over, he would forget about her? Or was she telling him that she would forget about him?
No. Robert decided. He would definitely not forget about her. As for him, she might try to ignore him, but he would work hard to stay on her mind.
Chapter 6
The Duke’s Visit
F or days after the ball, Caroline found herself dreaming about the duke. She had been so nervous when he had found her in the gardens that she could scarcely talk. When he had asked her to dance with him again, she had felt that he must be joking. Surely, a man so great could not possibly be interested in her? Somehow, being in his company had swept a
ll doubts aside from her mind. She found herself enjoying everything with him, from the canapes he insisted on feeding her, to the magnificent library. She was charmed at how generous he was when he offered to lend her one of his most valuable books. She was also charmed at how thoughtful he was, and how kindly he treated everyone around him. Not just her.
But once she was back home, doubt worked its way into her mind. Slowly, it hardened into conviction. The duke was, after all, one of the richest men in England, and one of its most eligible bachelors. She did not think he was money minded, but she had to be realistic. He was used to a different breed of woman, those who were born with silver spoons in their mouths. While her family was not poor, they were humble folk who counted good values as the greatest of their riches. She had looked beautiful at the masquerade and been surrounded by finery. But would the duke still love her if he saw her as she was in her daily life? A simple girl from the countryside could not hope to win his heart.
She was in the upstairs library at Huntington Manor, seated on a comfortable chair, the book lying propped open and entirely forgotten in front of her. Emily came bounding up the stairs.
“Caro! Caro!” She cried.
“Emily, goodness. What is the matter?”
“He’s here, Caro!” Emily said. “The duke has come himself to pay us a visit! We just spotted his carriage coming down the road!”
Caroline sat up immediately and uttered a little cry. “Don’t play such a cruel prank on me, Emily!”
“It’s true!” Emily said.
Behind her, their mother raced up the stairs. “Caroline! Caroline you silly girl. Get up this instance! What are you dressed in? Those old rags? Oh dear, oh dear!”
Aunt Gladys raced up too. “Caroline, we must get you dressed up. Come away to my room at once. Aurelia, dearest, what do you think about the pale green dress?”
“All of you, stop,” Caroline said. “This will not do.”
“We must have you dressed in your finest clothes,” Gladys said. “I will lend you my diamonds too. It is evident that it is you the duke wishes to see. We must encourage him.”
“If he truly wishes to see me, he must see me as I am,” Caroline said. “Aunt Gladys, I am in your home, but I do not wish to unintentionally deceive the duke. I will put up my hair and freshen up but I will certainly not dress in your finest clothes, nor will I accept your jewels.”
“Not dress in finery!” Aunt Gladys said.
“What is wrong with you!” Her mother exclaimed. “Go at once and do as your aunt says. You are a young girl with silly ideas in your head. It is not deception to be dressed well.”
“But mother...” Caroline protested.
“Caroline, do not test me.” Her mother said. “Gladys, you must pay no attention to her. Let us go now and put her in that pale green dress. I must thank you, sister, for the kindness you are showing us.”
“Kindness forsooth!” Aunt Gladys said. “Caroline is no less than my own daughter. She is welcome to all of my things. What use are they if they can’t help her capture the duke’s heart?”
“I would rather capture his heart on my own virtues, or not at all.” Caroline protested once more.
Unfortunately for her, her mother and aunt would have none of it. In half an hour, while the duke spoke in the parlor with Jeremy and Lord Huntington, they had put perfume under her ears, and adorned her with a silver pendant and a diamond bracelet belonging to Aunt Gladys. Gladys had an eye for colors, and soon, Caroline looked as fashionable as a Parisian model.
Downstairs, Robert and Jeremy had decided to pass the time with an impromptu fencing session. The women sidled in to watch as the young men wore their gear, picked up their foils and bowed to each other. Caroline admired Robert’s figure. He was a head taller than Jeremy but leaner than her stocky cousin. Dressed in all white, the slight tan of his face stood out. He swept his hair back as he placed a mask on his face. With a cry, the two men began to fence.
Jeremy advanced first and tried to measure his opponent with a whisk of the sword. Easily, Robert moved to the side and dodged him. Again, Jeremy advanced, thrusting his sword out, and once again, Robert ducked. Through this, Robert’s own sword was held close, not making an attack.
With a cry, Jeremy ran forward and jabbed out his foil. Instantly, Robert sprang into action. His movements were so fast that Jeremy’s seemed tortoise-like in comparison. Swiftly, Robert had disarmed his friend and given him a friendly poke.
Twice more, they fenced each other. Twice more, Robert’s superior speed had Jeremy defeated.
With a laugh, Jeremy flung off his mask and said, “I’ve got to admit defeat, old boy. You’ve got the best of me.”
Robert smiled. His hair was sweaty as he threw aside his mask and put an arm around Jeremy. His eyes sought out Caroline and lit up when he saw her smiling at him.
“You're just nice because I’m a guest,” Robert said. “No doubt, you’ll defeat me when you come to my home next week.”
“Are we included in this invitation?” Emily asked cheekily.
“Em!” Caroline gasped.
“Of course.” Lord Robert said with a bow. “I would be honored if you all...” He paused and looked straight into Caroline’s eyes, “came to visit me.”
“Well, it’s far too stuffy in here,” Gladys said. “Jeremy, why don’t you take the duke and your sisters outside? Show them the new mushrooms that have sprung up.”
“Outside? But it’s about to rain.” Lord Huntington said, clueless to his wife’s intentions. “Surely they’d be better off playing cards with us?”
Aunt Gladys gave him an exasperated look.
Robert, uncertain what to say, replied, “Well, Lord Huntington, I won’t melt in the rain. If Jeremy’s really keen to show me those mushrooms, I’d say yes.”
Caroline blushed, knowing perfectly well what was happening. Her aunt was conspiring to throw them together, and the duke seemed to be happy to comply. Jeremy, who was a little smarter about his aunt’s maneuvering, said, “Let’s go then. Mother, I expect tea and scones after for my services.”
“Get on with you.” Aunt Gladys said.
Chapter 7
A Walk and A Talk
T hey took a walk in the woods that bordered Lord Huntington’s estates. The air was damp, and gray clouds threatened a storm overhead but to Caroline, everything seemed right with the world. No sun could have shone brighter than Robert’s face. Emily and Jeremy quickly moved ahead, leaving Robert and Caroline to walk slowly behind.
“It has been three days since the ball,” Robert said. “I’m afraid that I haven’t slept well ever since.”
“Whyever not?” Caroline asked. “Has something been bothering you, Lord?”
“Whenever I close my eyes, a face keeps popping up.” He said. “I get lost in its beauty. Now that I see it in front of me, I realize what a poor imitation the other image was.”
“Oh, Lord Robert, please don’t say such things,” Caroline said, feeling her cheeks turn pink.
“Why not?” Robert asked. “I have a policy to always tell the truth.”
“Do you, really?” Caroline asked. “You know, you’re not like the others say. Others say that you are reserved and focussed solely on work. Yet to me, you seem generous and funny, and very charming.”
“I’m afraid the others are right,” Robert said. “I am a rather dull man. But something about you inspires me to be otherwise, Lady Caroline.”
“No one could call you dull,” Caroline said. “You have a sharp mind, and a sharp sword- as your evidenced by your fencing.”
“I have Lord Huntington to thank for my skills.” He said. “As for my mind, it is far too crowded with you to be sharp anymore.”
“Lord Robert!” Caroline protested, blushing again. “Please, don’t say that.”
“You must know, Caroline, that I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you since that day at the masquerade.” He said. “Is it possible... could it be... that you fee
l the same?”
Caroline looked away, unable to answer. Her lips trembled as she tried to form words. Had she dreamed of him? Yes! Over and over, but even in dreams, she did not imagine the sweetness of his voice or the way he was looking at her now as if only she existed, and the rest of the world had fallen away.
All she wanted was him, she realized. In the space of a day, her life had been turned upside down, because once she had met him, there could be no other. But she felt a twinge of sadness. Did he feel the same way? She would want him whether he was a farmer or a duke. But once her finery had gone, surely the duke would see that she was far out of his social sphere. Her father was a poor clergyman. He was devoted to God, and to the betterment of his parish. He had never had any need for finery. Any extra money they had at the end of the month was always given away to others. She had grown up wearing the same dress for years at a time. The duke would want a lady who had knowledge of beautiful things.
“What are you thinking of, my lady?” Lord Robert asked. “I see a shadow pass in front of your eyes. Let me help you.”
“I am only thinking of my father.” She lied quickly. “In his last letter, he mentioned that he had developed a cough. I worry now, he has none but us, and we are so far away.”
“I know good Doctors here in our county.” Lord Robert said. “If you like, I can ask them to recommend a potion for your father’s health.”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Caroline said, touched at his offer.
“Lady Caroline, may I ask that you tell me the whole truth?” Lord Robert said. “It wasn’t just your father you thought of.”
“No,” Caroline admitted. “I thought that you are used to women far richer than I. That it would not do for me to get as attached to you as I am already.”
“Then you too have feelings for me?” Robert was delighted. “I could cry out with joy!”
“Lord Robert…” Caroline hesitated. “Your brother Adam...”
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