Chapter Five
Her dress arrived the afternoon of the ball. Inside, along with the dress, were several dark-blue and silver feathers with a note to place them in her hair. Caroline watched as her maid, Mary, pulled the gown out.
“’Tis lovely, my lady. You will be the most beautiful lady at the ball.”
“Thank you, Mary. Perhaps we can arrange my hair in a more relaxed style and place the feathers to the back.”
“It will be the crowning touch.” Mary turned to her and smiled. “You will show the ton your real beauty.”
“Ah, Mary, if only life were so simple.” Caroline looked at the gown and regretted her decision to buy it. Perhaps this wasn’t her best idea. However, the situation was beyond her control no matter what she wore.
When she swallowed, she tasted her fear. She mustn’t let him sense it. She planned to hold her head high.
Caroline took her time dressing. She soaked in the tub much longer than usual and sat patiently while Mary worked on her hair. Finally, she stood in front of her mirror.
The dark blue jets sparkled seductively when she moved. Mary had arranged her hair with soft curls in the front and had placed the feathers standing up from her braids in the back.
“Caroline.” Her mother stood in her doorway. “Oh, my dear, you are beautiful. That gown is the most becoming I have ever seen you wear.”
“Then you are pleased, Mama?”
Her mother crossed the room to stand behind her. Caroline smelled the rose bath water, a fragrance she’d always associated with mama.
Tonight, her mother had dressed in dark red and wore a necklace of diamonds. Caroline smiled to herself. Mama would go down defiantly. But she wouldn’t have to go down at all if Caroline succeeded in her plan. Her heart pounded at the thought of approaching Lord Royston.
“I know this has been a difficult time since your talk with your Father. I am sorry for the compromising situation you find yourself involved in because of your fathers’ past discretions.
“Nevertheless, I’ve been thinking about a solution to your father’s problem. Perhaps Lord Royston would change his mind about hurting your father and us, if you married him. He did appear interested in you, and he is a viscount, so he’d be quite an eligible catch. I’m sure he would not mistreat you in any way. Altogether this may be the best answer.
“Really, Mama? Did he tell you he would love and honor me? That he was not serious in his threats to Papa?”
“He is a gentleman. You will see. Everything will be fine.”
Caroline started to snap at her mother but stopped herself. Mama had assumed Caroline would agree to marry the viscount and end their problems. She saw Lord Royston as an advantageous match for her daughter.
“It is hard to believe you might be married soon and moving into your own home.” Her mother smiled.
“Let us not pretend, Mama, this is a match I would desire.”
“He is as good as any and better than most. You will lack for nothing.”
“Only love and who knows how he may treat the daughter of his sworn enemy,” Caroline retaliated.
“You would be his wife. You have nothing to be concerned about. I am sure.” Lady Halsford snapped her fan across the palm of her hand.
“You are aware, Mama, that I may not accept, if he offers for me.” Caroline looked in her mirror at the reflection of her mother standing behind her.
Lady Halsford’s face paled. Caroline turned away and picked up her gray pelisse. Her plan, should it work, would make Mama very happy.
* * * *
Damon saw her as soon as she entered the ballroom. The lights sparkled off her gown. Her golden hair glowed, and the feathers waved in the slight breeze from the open French windows.
The beads on her gown swayed continuously in a seductive movement as she wove her way around the crowd. The low neckline of her ball gown exposed the soft mounds of her luscious breast. Several males gasped, and then turned silent to watch her progression across the room.
He knew the moment she spotted him. There was a slight change in her breathing. Her eyes glanced off his, refusing to make longer contact.
Deliberately, he turned his back to her and walked over to Lady Ferrier to ask her to dance. The silent battle had begun. His body quickened with exhilaration. He enjoyed a challenge.
* * * *
“Caroline.” Sara spoke with awe in her voice. “You look magnificent. Where did you get your gown?”
“My usual seamstress. I let her have her way this time.”
“Seems you should have been doing that for a long time,” Joan said dryly from where she stood by Sara. “Half the men in the room are drooling.”
Caroline laughed. “My plan was to taunt Lord Royston, but I see he is keeping company with Lady Ferrier.”
“She is beautiful, too,” Sara said with a touch of envy in her voice.
Caroline glanced at Sara in her white gown with silver trim. “All of us are looking our best.”
“May I have this dance?” Rook stood in front of Caroline.
Caroline’s mouth dropped open. She glanced at Sara, whose face had gone pale. She looked longingly at Rook.
Rook didn’t notice. He smiled and reached out, putting a finger under Caroline’s chin, lifting it up. “You don’t have to look so shocked.”
“Not shocked, surprised,” Caroline replied.
Rook took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. The music started, and he guided her into the steps of the waltz.
“You are looking especially lovely, Lady Caroline.”
“Thank you, Lord Stinson.”
“Lord Stinson? Why such formality? Have I offended you, my lady?”
Caroline frowned at him. “I might ask you why the sudden interest in me at this time.”
“You know I have never been known to ignore a beautiful woman,” Rook said.
“And you, Rook, know I don’t like the man you’ve become.”
“Perhaps you are really covering up an undying love for me,” he said, continuing to tease her.
“My friend, Sara, may be able to see some redeeming side to your character, but I do not agree.”
Caroline saw him glance to the sidelines toward Sara. She clenched her lips. Why did I let that slip out? Sara would be terribly embarrassed if she found out.
“Please don’t let Sara know I said anything. It would only upset her.”
Rook looked back at her. “So you do care about the feelings of others, rather than just yourself?”
“Of course. Why would you say such a thing? It is obvious you really don’t know me at all.”
Rook twirled her around the corner briskly and stopped, opening a door to the outside terrace. “Let’s cool off for a few minutes.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and directed her out onto the patio.
Caroline sat down on a stone bench at the edge of the terrace. Rook put one foot on the bench and leaned toward her. He really was a handsome man. Still, he did not arouse the feelings of desire or danger his friend, Lord Royston, managed with one glance.
“What game is this you are playing, Rook?” she asked.
“No game. You are the most beautiful and interesting lady at the dance tonight.”
“And you thought I might feel differently this evening than I have the past three years?” Caroline’s voice was cool.
Rook grinned. “You are very hard on a man’s ego, Lady Caroline. Thank goodness I am confident in myself, or I would be quite devastated.”
Caroline couldn’t stop the laugh. “You really are incorrigible,” she said. “But you are right. You are handsome and dashing and most of the young women present would be flattered to receive your attention. Their hearts would beat rapidly at the chance of a dance. Fudge bucket, you know you and I would never do. We grew up within ten miles of each other, and you and I often disagreed even as children.”
Rook straightened. “You’re right, as usual. Nevertheless, you are so much fun to tease. I
thought you had forgotten how to smile these past three years, but the little Caroline I knew so long ago is still there, inside.” He reached out and touched over her heart briefly.
“You have not been kind, naming me Miss Icicle,” Caroline reminded him.
“It fit you until tonight. I wonder what or who is causing the thaw?” With that remark, Rook glanced away.
Caroline thought about what Rook had just said to her. Had she begun to thaw? No, she shook her head in denial. It was only the outward façade. She refused to accept his words about her changing. The viscount was not having any effect on her.
“Rook, we should go back in,” Caroline said to get his attention.
“You are right. My arm, my lady.”
“I will escort her back.” Damon stepped up.
Rook looked at Caroline. “It is all right. Thank you for the dance.”
“So you go out in the dark with Rook but push me away.” His cold voice reached her just as his hands yanked her into his arms.
“Let me go.”
“No, I will never let you go. You will be mine, and I keep what belongs to me.” His words were sharp.
She refused to look at him. He laughed as he pulled her tighter and lifted her chin up.
His eyes were dark and fiery. Heat pouring off his body went all the way through her. His possessive attitude reached out to her, trying to chain her to him.
“I am not yours and may never be! Do you think your threats to my parents will endear you to me?”
“I believe you will marry me.”
Caroline heard the footsteps and realized too late what Damon had planned. He deliberately reached down to capture her lips, but she stomped on his instep and pushed hard against his chest. For a second, he was separated from her. Caroline smiled and put out her arm. “It is so much cooler out here, but we must go in. Thank you for escorting me outside to enjoy the fresh air.” She turned and smiled at the couple who joined them on the terrace. They nodded and walked across to the other side of the area.
Damon smiled and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “The battle is not over, my love.”
“But the first skirmish goes to me. I wanted to speak with you tonight to ask if you’d meet me at the art museum tomorrow. Would two o’clock be a good time for you?” Caroline chuckled inwardly at his surprised expression.
In the distance, she heard the dance music. The leaves rustled in the slight breeze and the moonlight shone across the surface of the large fountain. It was a night made for romance, but not for her. Inside she felt cold, trapped, and scared.
He put his hand at her elbow. “I will escort you inside.”
Her body trembled. Reluctantly, she walked with him into the ballroom. Then she thanked him and quickly walked off.
When she glanced back, she saw him maneuvering his way around the room in the opposite direction. No one appeared to have noticed their reentry. She won this round. Nothing had changed though. She had to marry him. There hadn’t been any way out from the start.
“Caroline, are you all right?” Joan and Sara stepped in front of her.
“Yes,” she lied.
Her friends insisted she join them in the nearest empty room. After entering, they closed the door. Joan took her into her arms and held her close. Sara gently touched her hair. Caroline hadn’t even seen them approach.
“It will be all right.” Joan pulled away and looked at Caroline. “He came to us and asked us to see to you. There was something in his eyes. I believe, given time, you two will do well together.”
Sara and Caroline stared at Joan. Joan, the sensible one, was much more difficult to please than the other two.
“Now who is being the romantic?” Sara asked.
“Nonsense, he’s a very eligible catch. I can’t believe he is the monster we’ve been picturing. That’s all. Caroline has to marry someone. He’s rich, handsome, and from a good family.” Joan glared at them, defying Caroline or Sara to repeat her earlier remark.
“He hates my father and possibly me. He only wants revenge.”
“What nonsense, Caroline,” Joan spoke firmly. “You are upset and exaggerating the situation.”
“You are right. I’ll find Mama and ask her to take me home. My head is pounding.” Caroline knew she could not tell them the whole sordid story.
Caroline looked around as they left the room. She saw her mother walking toward them. Seeing Caroline’s pale face, she agreed to leave. Sara and Joan waited with her as her mother went to get their wraps.
She was startled to see Damon stood beside her father. She said good-bye to her friends, and then she and her mother joined them. Caroline refused to make eye contact with Damon.
“Papa, we are ready to go home,” Caroline said softly. Her father put his arm around her, and they left without another word to Damon.
* * * *
Caroline dressed carefully the next morning. Her hair was pulled tightly back into her braids and covered with a small blue bonnet. She chose a dark-gray wool gown with a high neckline. She pulled her gray shawl around her shoulders and sat in front of the fire in her bedroom.
She had been cold all night while she lay pondering a way to escape Damon’s clutches without marrying him. To refuse his proposal meant financial ruin for her parents. Breakfast didn’t even appeal to her at all. She’d wait until after her meeting with him. Perhaps afterward her appetite might return.
The hours passed slowly. Finally, it was time. She’d rehearsed in her head what she wanted to say. The demands she planned to make. He didn’t have to accept them. He held all the winning cards. He knew she’d never refuse and see her parents hurt.
Her mother had left earlier to visit a sick friend. The house was empty and quiet. Caroline had requested the carriage be out front at one fifteen. Arriving early gave her time to stroll around and hopefully get rid of some of her nerves.
Few people visited the museum this afternoon. Caroline and Mary walked slowly around the various rooms. Caroline tried to focus on the artwork and noted each artist’s name. She heard the sound of footsteps. She didn’t need to turn to know it was him. Her senses were attuned to him. And in some way she didn’t understand, she knew when he was near. It really was quite disturbing.
“Lady Caroline.” He said her name, and she reluctantly turned in his direction. “May I join you in your stroll through the museum?”
“Please do.” She put out her arm, and he stepped forward. Mary dropped several steps behind them. Caroline had already told Mary who she was meeting and asked her to stay far enough behind that she and the viscount might have a private discussion. But she warned her not to lose sight of them.
“You are looking especially lovely,” Damon said, a wry smile on his face. “In spite of the gray color of your attire. It just shows you are able to wear anything and still be beautiful.” He leaned closer. “Even in nothing your beauty would totally dazzle a man.”
She jerked her head around and glared at him, then moved her head back when she realized how close his sensuous lips were to hers. “You, my lord, are not acting as a polite gentleman.”
“Perhaps not. My only excuse is that I seem to lose my head around you.”
“What utter nonsense. Please be serious. I only have a short time before I must return home. I needed to speak with you about this matter of marriage between us. The other night I heard my mother and father discussing you and your nefarious plan.”
“Surely not an evil plan. Simply making your father pay back for what he did to my family.”
Caroline noted the stiffening of his posture and darkness in his blue eyes. His arm muscle under her hand hardened. Her mouth went dry.
Taking a breath and determined to have her say, she continued. “One of your demands is for me to marry you. My parents can’t force me to marry anyone.”
“True,” he said, agreeing. “Yet, can you stand by and see what happens to them and consequently to you, if you do not marry me?” He stopped and faced he
r. Then he glanced down the corridor. His hand came up and caressed the side of her face. “No matter how lovely you are, no one will offer for you without a good dowry. Oh, perhaps an older man or a widower with children. Is that what you wish for yourself?”
Her face heated where his hand touched. “And marrying you would be any better?”
He lowered his mouth to the side of her head and whispered in her ear. “I’m young and a very good lover.”
The words and his breath on her ear sent a strange hunger straight to the center of her body. “My lord, you are being quite disrespectful.” She backed away from him and started walking. Thank goodness no one was around but Mary, some distance away. He strode quickly to her side, still smiling, which only irritated her more.
“Tell me what you wanted to say when you asked me to meet you here,” he said.
Facing straight ahead, she started to speak. “I see there appears to be no choice but for me to marry you. Still, I refuse unless you agree to my terms.”
This time he laughed out loud. “Your terms? I don’t need to agree to anything. Time and seeing the despair of your parents will force you into my arms. But I am curious. What do you want?”
Hope and fear fluttered in her heart. She entered a nearby empty room and walked to a side bench and sat. He joined her. The heat from his body penetrated the cold that had enclosed her since last night. She had difficulty not moving closer to him.
“What are your plans for me? I will not spend my life with a man who would abuse me or our children.”
His expression hardened. “I have never abused anyone. Nor would I, and especially not a woman or child. No matter how provoking the woman might be,” he added.
“I thought you might take your revenge out on me.”
She lowered her head so he couldn’t see the fear in her eyes.
He reached out and tilted her chin. “My god, you are frightened of me.”
“I am not,” she protested, and tried to glare at him. “No man will ever control or frighten me.”
The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7
