She colored slightly. “Indeed, before I knew you I thought that was true. But surely there are other things you do?”
He shrugged and ran a hand down her arm, lifting her hand and carrying it to his lips. He lightly kissed her fingertips. “If you are the wench, there is nothing I would rather do. But I also have some interest in my stables, which I believe are held to be very fine, and of late I have taken more care of my estates. I was not fond of my father, and I fear I neglected them after he died. But I have now taken as much of an interest in modern farming methods as I once did in cards. I see no reason that my tenants should not improve their lot in life, while at the same time increasing my rents.”
Caroline glanced up at him to see if he was teasing her, but his face was serious. He caught her eye.
“You appear amazed,” he said. “I hesitate to inform you that I too read Latin and Greek and enjoy the classics. You clearly would not believe me.”
“No, I believe you,” she assured him. “I’m merely surprised. You seem so—frivolous at times.”
“I have no interest in sharing my passions with Society,” he said. “I am better off being thought a wastrel. It is far more amusing, and virtuous bores are less likely to engage me in dull conversation.”
Caroline appeared thoughtful. “I have maligned you, perhaps.”
He shook his head. “Don’t think me a paragon, Caro. I have indeed done all the dreadful things that have been laid at my door. The stories of drinking and gambling and wenching are all true. Latin and Greek don’t make up for decades of a life ill spent. And I have not been unhappy in my pursuit of decadence; I’ve enjoyed almost every minute of it. If you thought I was scholarly and responsible, would you be here now?”
“I suppose I would not have dared to ask you to—to—” said Caroline.
“Precisely,” said Tristan. “You see, wickedness has its rewards, and, right now, mine is you.”
“I must go,” said Caroline, though she made no effort to move from his grasp.
“Must you?” he said.
She nodded. “The coachman will be here at four-o-clock. I have no idea what my staff thinks I’ve been doing all afternoon.”
Tristan shrugged. “The servants know what you’re doing, my dear. They always know.”
Caroline looked shocked. “Surely they cannot have guessed so quickly!”
“My little innocent,” he said with a hint of laughter. “No, I’m sure your lady’s maid noticed nothing different about your petticoats, and that your coachman thinks you are visiting a sick friend.” He noticed the hint of alarm in her eyes. “They won’t say anything. They value their employment, and, I imagine, they are fond of you. Certainly everyone else is.”
Caroline looked appalled. “Well, now that I know they suspect my activities, I must not keep them waiting!” She sat up, and Tristan admired the narrowness of her waist and the length of her legs as she stood. He lounged in the chair for a moment, watching her as she collected her clothing, but then he stood and came to her, drawing her into his arms.
“No, really, I must not,” she said, without any real heat.
“I will not delay you,” he said softly. “I merely wanted to touch you once more.” He pressed his lips to hers in a gentle, soothing kiss, and then took her chemise out of her hands, helping her to ease into it. His fingers trailed gently across her breasts as he smoothed the fabric. Her nipples puckered, and he leaned down, kissing one through the material. Her fingers knifed through his hair as she grasped his head, holding him close.
“No, my dear, you must dress,” he said softly. “I will be here tomorrow.”
She stood docilely as he released her and began to dress her, almost as though she were a doll. When he lifted up her petticoats from the floor, he laughed.
“I think that once again you will not be wearing these home,” he said, showing her that the ribbon holding the waistband together was in shreds.
“Oh, Tristan,” said Caroline. “I don’t remember that happening.”
“You were thinking of other things,” he said with a wicked grin. “And you don’t need them. Perhaps you should forego them all together when you know you will be with me.”
“Nonsense,” she said, willing away a brief pang of excitement at the thought. She took the ruined petticoats from his hand and placed them on the settee. A thought struck her. “What do you do with them?” she asked.
“My servants know far better than to ask questions,” said Tristan. “I have no idea what they make of them.”
“I suppose these aren’t the first they’ve encountered,” said Caroline thoughtfully.
Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “There is no one else just now, Caro,” he said gently.
Caroline shook her head as images of Lady Lansdowne and Lady Manning crossed her mind. “It would mean nothing if there were. I have no claim on you. I asked you to—to do me a service, and you have obliged.”
“And I will continue to oblige you, as often as you wish,” he said. He helped her into her dress, fastening it with gentle fingers, taking time to run his hands lightly over her back and bottom.
“I should hire you as my lady’s maid,” she said. “You would be far more entertaining than Beckham.”
“It’s a career I had not previously considered, but I do believe I might excel at it.” Tristan turned her so she faced him, and he reached up to touch her hair. “’Twill do, I suppose,” he said, moving a curl or two into place. “To be honest, I prefer it when you’re undressed.”
Caroline leaned forward briefly, but then pulled away. He watched as she gathered up her reticule and moved towards the door.
“Will it be the same time tomorrow?” he asked.
She turned. “I don’t know if I can be here tomorrow,” she said. “Cecilia—”
“You promised,” he interrupted. “Do you remember?”
She flushed. “Of course I remember. But that is hardly fair of you to remind me. I would have said anything at that moment.”
“Which is why I asked you then. So you would say yes. I hold you to your promise, Caro.”
“I will try,” she said. The thought of being with Tristan again so soon seemed like the greatest treat imaginable. “I will send you a note.”
“See that you do,” he said.
Caroline turned and left the salon, and he stood in the doorway, watching her put on her gloves and hat and cross the hallway. She laid one hand on the doorknob, and paused a moment. She heard him chuckle as he guessed her thoughts once more, and she turned back with a warm smile. Their eyes met briefly, his gray ones and her green ones both lit with laughter.
“You are impossible,” she said.
“Not at all,” he replied. “I believe you have been reassured as to how serious I am.”
Caroline opened the door and stepped out, the noise of the London street shocking her back to reality. Her carriage stood in front of the house, and her coachman, seeing her, alit to open the door. She looked back once at the house, but there was no sign of Tristan. She squared her shoulders and climbed into the carriage. She must remember, she told herself, that those moments with him were a passing pleasure. She must not confuse their affaire with the actualities of her life.
Caroline returned home and, found Cecilia and Allegra ensconced in the sitting room, their heads together as they compared notes over their ride in the park.
“Caroline!” cried Cecilia. “Oh, you have missed a lovely afternoon. I hope yours was not too dull.”
“It was far more entertaining than you might imagine,” said Caroline. “But I am glad you enjoyed yourself. Tell me all about it.”
Cecilia launched into a tangled story of the delights of London, the handsome young men she had met, and the kindness of all she had encountered. Allegra chimed in from time to time; it was clear that she was very fond of her charge. Caroline finally shook her head.
“I’m happy to know you had such a lovely time,” she said. “But now you must dress f
or the Claridge’s ball tonight, Cecilia. When I came in Bunton told me that the modiste had delivered several of your new gowns; you should wear the rose, I think.”
Cecilia gave a squeal of delight. She hugged Caroline and Allegra, and then sped from the room; she could be heard running up the stairs in a completely unladylike fashion.
“She is very dear, but so volatile,” said Caroline with a smile.
“Do you think so? I find her amusing,” said Allegra.
“Well, you are much of an age. She is more like a sister to you than a cousin,” said Caroline. “But I am glad you like her, for I will need your help. My solicitors will want my attention for some time about certain matters on my estates, and I will be spending a number of my afternoons with them. I hope you can help me entertain Cecilia.”
“Certainly,” said Allegra. “Adam must go to Gravesmere for a week, and I will tell him I cannot go with him. I will miss him but…well, they say absence makes the heart fonder.”
“I would hate to think of you and Adam being fonder of one another,” said Caroline with a smile. “But I thank you.”
Allegra looked at Caroline and cocked her head to one side. “You look different,” she said.
Caroline raised one hand to her hair. “It was windy outside, and I fear it mussed my hair,” she said tentatively.
“No, not that,” said Allegra. “You look - content. Satisfied. A bit smug, almost.”
Caroline blinked. “I have no idea what you mean, Allegra. I spent the afternoon with my solicitor. I suppose a job well done brings some sort of contentment.”
Allegra shrugged. “It is a compliment, Caroline. Perhaps having Cecilia here is giving you something new to think about.”
“Yes, she is keeping me from descending into doddering old age,” agreed Caroline.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Whatever it is that you are doing, it suits you. You should continue.”
Caroline’s eyes twinkled. “I will do so, gladly,” she said.
“Now you are teasing me,” said Allegra. “Well, I must go now if I am to have time to dress for the ball.” She gathered up her belongings and left with a charming smile and a kiss on Caroline’s cheek.
Chapter 9
Some hours later Caroline and Cecilia swept into the Claridge’s ballroom. Cecilia gasped as she gazed at the glittering throng gathered in the room, which glowed with hundreds of candles. Caroline smiled at her; she had to admit the child looked lovely. The gown of rose silk brought out the delicate pink in her cheeks, and her dark hair, unpowdered, was piled high on her head. Caroline herself wore a damasked blue and silver silk gown, with an underskirt of white and silver. Her powdered hair was threaded with silver ribbons, and she wore a sapphire and diamond parure that highlighted her fine décolletage.
Cecilia was soon besieged by young gentlemen soliciting her to dance, and Caroline had the pleasure of watching her young charge acquit herself well on the dance floor. She was regularly approached by young men soliciting an introduction to her cousin, and Allegra also provided a steady stream of partners. Caroline thought contentedly that Cecilia was well on her way to being the toast of London. Whatever her parent’s faults, they had not neglected their daughter’s social graces.
As she watched Cecilia with approval, her brother approached her and greeted her with a casual peck on her cheek.
“My compliments, Caro,” he said. “You appear to have made quite a success of our cousin.”
Caroline shook her head. “Not at all. ’Tis entirely Cecilia’s own doing. She has a natural grace and a quick mind, not to mention a good deal of determination. And Allegra has been such a help; she knows the young people far better than I do, and has made sure that Cecilia has appropriate company.”
“You don’t take enough credit, Caro. I’m sure if she were left only to Allegra’s care she would run wild. My lovely wife has more charm than is good for her, but she is not known for her circumspection.”
Caro shook her head. “Why Adam, you’re not fair to her. She seems to be taking her role as chaperone very seriously.”
“Almost too seriously,” said Adam. “She tells me she will stay in London when I go to Gravesmere this week.”
“I am sorry about that,” said Caroline feeling a twinge of guilt. “I—I have some matters with the estate that must be dealt with, and Allegra has agreed to chaperone Cecilia for me. I know she will miss you dreadfully.”
“And I her,” said Adam. He caught Caroline’s eye and laughed. “Aye, I remember when I swore I’d never be a husband to her. And now I am loath to leave her for even a few days. But I know that you will keep an eye on her for me.”
“Perish the thought,” said Caroline. “Watching two young ladies is too large a burden!”
Adam took her hand affectionately. “You are too good to all of us, Caro. Have I told you that you look lovely tonight?”
“There’s no need to flatter me, Adam,” said Caroline. “It’s not something I’m used to from you.”
Adam cocked his head and looked at her more closely. “But you do look lovely. You’ve always been a beautiful woman but tonight you look different. You look more warm and approachable.”
“Spare my blushes,” said Caroline. “I am exactly the same as I was the last time you saw me.”
He shrugged. “At any rate, whatever you’re doing agrees with you. I recommend you continue it.”
Caroline permitted herself a tiny smile. “How nice to have your approval, Adam.”
He bowed exaggeratedly and smiled back. “I forget sometimes that you’ve the same needs and wants as any woman. You probably have things you wish to do besides chase Cecilia and Allegra about.”
“Not at all,” lied Caroline. “But I did want to talk to you about Cecilia, Adam. The child hasn’t two pennies to rub together, and no marriage portion. Several people have now asked if you will settle some money on her, so that she will not go into her marriage without some wealth. Have you given any thought to that?”
Adam nodded. “She’s a sweet thing, and Allegra likes her. I see no reason not to settle a small amount on her when she marries. Mama would like that, and it seems only right. Perhaps ten thousand pounds.”
“Thank you, Adam.” Caroline touched his arm softly. “I hate to think of her being utterly beholden to any man, and even a small marriage portion will make her a more desirable bride. She does take this trip to London very seriously, and means to aid her sisters by marrying well.”
“I don’t see that she will have much trouble with that,” observed Adam, glancing over to where Cecilia danced with Mr. Gregory Troughton. Her dark eyes sparkled with laughter as she looked up into his face, a gentle smile curving her lips. He appeared to be entranced.
“Not at all,” agreed Caroline. “We’re far more likely to have to beat them off with sticks.”
Adam laughed. “I’d best find Allegra and dance with her, if I can shake her loose from her cavaliers. An attractive wife can be a curse.”
Caroline watched affectionately as he bore down upon Allegra, who was surrounded by a small group of fawning men. With barely a word he took her hand and drew her out of the group, and she followed him eagerly, without a backward glance.
Caroline made her way to where Cecilia stood, conversing with a small court of admirers. The circle around Cecilia opened to let her through, and the gentlemen bowed politely to Lady Eskmaine. She noticed with a touch of annoyance that, though they were much of an age with her, they treated her as though she were greatly their senior. Lord Barford was there with several other men, and one very fine gentleman she did not recognize. She gave him an enquiring look.
“Lady Eskmaine, may I present Mr. Wyman?” asked Cecilia promptly.
“Charmed, my lady.” Mr. Wyman made an excellent bow, and waved his scented handkerchief gracefully. His coat was well cut and embellished with a quantity of the large buttons that had become quite modish. It fit excellently across his shoulders, and his wig was of the latest s
tyle. “Your cousin has quite stolen all our hearts.”
“And ours as well,” said Caroline. “We are so happy she has joined us for the Season.”
Cecilia beamed, and then there was a small silence. Caroline realized with a touch of dismay that she was inhibiting the fun of the young people. She made a move to leave, but Lord Barford stepped forward politely. “May I have this dance, Lady Eskmaine?”
Caroline agreed pleasantly, reflecting that at least one of Cecilia’s beaux had good manners. The young viscount led her to join the dancers, and she realized that only a few short weeks ago she had refused to dance with him. Now he was paying court to her cousin, and she was involved in an illicit relationship with Lord Gresham.
The thought made her shake her head, and Lord Barford glanced at her as the steps brought them together. “Are you fatigued, my lady?” he asked solicitously.
“Not at all,” Caroline assured him. “I am still reasonably able to dance despite my advanced years.”
Lord Barford smiled abstractedly at her jest. “Miss Ashdown is a lovely girl,” he said enthusiastically. “How long does she stay in London?”
“I believe she means to be with me the entire Season,” Caroline assured him.
Lord Barford appeared to be relieved. “Her mother is your aunt, is she not?”
Caroline nodded. “My mother’s sister. As you know, their father was the Marquess of Thorndon. My uncle is the current marquess.”
Lord Barford nodded. “My mother says that she is a very acceptable young woman.”
“I’m honored that she approves of my cousin,” said Caroline. “And that you find her so delightful.”
Lord Barford colored a bit, and then lapsed into silence, the effort of praising Cecilia apparently leaving him bereft of conversation. The dance wound to its end, and Lord Barford bowed. “May I fetch you a refreshment?” he asked politely.
Caroline took pity on him. “I believe I will look for my sister-in-law,” she said. “Pray, do not trouble.”
Lord Barford looked relieved, and left, doubtless, Caroline reflected, seeking Cecilia. She moved gracefully over to the wall, where she paused a moment, fanning herself and watching the dancers. It was a pretty scene, but one she felt removed from. She felt a movement at her elbow, and sensed, rather than saw, that Lord Gresham stood there.
Sense & Sensuality: Caroline's After Dark Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 3) Page 10
