“I see you were dancing with your young suitor,” he said. “Should I be worried?”
Caroline looked up at him with a twinkle in her eyes. “Alas, he has abandoned me for a younger and fairer woman. He prefers my cousin.”
“What execrable taste,” observed Lord Gresham. His eyes raked over her, lingering on her throat for one moment, and Caroline fancied she knew what he was thinking. She felt herself grow warm.
“Not at all,” said Caroline. “I feel they would be well suited, whereas Lord Barford and I would be a sad mismatch.”
“I can only be pleased that you think so,” said Lord Gresham. He laughed suddenly, a deep, warm sound that made her look at him in surprise. “I was only thinking of what Barford might have said if you had approached him rather than me.”
The image this created made Caroline laugh as well. “He would have been far too shocked to answer,” she said. “I’m sure he would have turned tail and fled.”
“Only an idiot would flee from the, er, opportunity you presented,” said Lord Gresham. “I’m honored you chose me, and not Barford.”
“Then we are both happy about my choice, for I can’t imagine trying to seduce him. And I’m quite sure he would not be able to seduce me.” There was a pause. “Adam is here, and Allegra,” she said. “You shouldn’t talk to me, I suppose.”
“I very much regret to inform you Caro, that I have no intention of bending to the prejudices of your so sensitive brother. I greatly enjoy our time together, but it does not give you the right to order my comings and goings. Nor does it mean that I cannot address you in public.”
His voice was bland, but Caroline sensed a touch of steel behind it. “I did not mean—” she began.
I know you did not,” he said politely. “I merely wished to make it clear to you that I am not some toy you may pick up and put down.”
Caroline looked up at him doubtfully. “I truly did not mean to imply that. It is just that Adam is so impetuous.”
“That is hardly the word I would use,” said Lord Gresham. “But I suppose it will have to do unless I wish to shock you. And, speaking of hot-headed young men, I would put a word in your ear. Mr. Roland Wyman is no fit suitor for your young cousin’s hand.”
Caroline followed his gaze and saw that Cecilia was on the dance floor with Mr. Wyman. The two made an elegant pair; he was a graceful dancer, and appeared to be much amused by his laughing companion.
“Why not?” she asked. “I did not know him before tonight, but the name would imply he is a relation of Lord Wincroft. It’s a respectable family.”
“Yes, it’s a respectable family. But not all the scions of it have equal value. Roland Wyman is a frequenter of some unsavory haunts, not to mention a gambler of some reputation. And by that I do not mean that he always wins.”
“And how do you know this?” asked Caroline primly.
He grinned at her. “You know very well, Caro. Because I have often been at the same places. And I took several thousand pounds off him not six months ago in Paris.”
“Oh.” Caroline digested this information. “I cannot imagine what he wants with Cecilia then. She would hardly seem likely to hold his attention.”
“She’s lovely and unspoiled, and men like Wyman enjoy, er, spoiling that sort of virtue. And he’s hanging out for a rich wife. He has two older brothers, and his father won’t support him forever.”
“A rich wife?” exclaimed Caroline. “But Cecilia is little better than a pauper! Her father has no money to settle on her, and there are three more girls at home!”
“So I apprehended,” said Lord Gresham. He pulled his snuffbox from the pocket of his indigo silk coat and took a pinch with an elegant turn of his wrist. He turned back to Caroline, who was waiting impatiently. “However, Society believes your mother and brother mean to settle a large sum of money on her. You’ve shown her much favor, your family is wealthy, and the heir to the dukedom is a mere babe. The gossips have it that she is a fine catch.”
“You cannot be serious! Adam means to provide her a small marriage portion, but he has no plans to make her a wealthy woman!”
“I am merely repeating what I have heard,” said Lord Gresham. “It is not a tale I started.”
“I wish you would try to discourage others when they repeat it,” said Caroline crossly.
“My attempts would do you no good. All the world knows how matters stand between your brother and me. I would immediately be suspected of trying to cause trouble.”
Caroline sighed. “It is too vexatious,” she said.
“You will simply have to steer her away from the fortune hunters,” said Lord Gresham. “And Wyman is certainly one of them. Now, my dear, perhaps we could discuss something besides your charming but naïve cousin.”
“What might that be?” asked Caroline.
“Only what time you wish to join me in Mount Street tomorrow,” he murmured.
“Oh.” The thought made her forget Cecilia instantly. “Twelve-o-clock?” she said hesitantly.
“I look forward to it,” he said in a low voice that resonated through her senses. He looked up and then continued, “Alas, I see your brother bearing down on us, resembling a thundercloud. I will relieve you of my distressing presence.” He raised her hand to his lips and bowed low over it. “A demain, Caro,” he said, and was gone with a rustle of his coat.
Chapter 10
Caroline watched Gresham leave, feeling a definite yearning and a bit of a quiver as she thought of the afternoon to come. She turned to see Adam approaching, his face stern. She moved to meet him, and cut him off before he could speak.
“Yes, Adam, I was speaking to Lord Gresham. Please recognize that it would do you no harm to be civil. It causes far more comment when you behave in this way than if you simply allowed the man to have a conversation with me from time to time.”
“Damn it, Caro, what does he want with you?” demanded Adam. “It seems I can’t turn around without him hanging about you.”
“In this case, he was trying to do me a kindness,” said Caroline. “Lord Gresham tells me that the gossips have dubbed Cecilia an heiress, in the erroneous belief that our family intends to make her so.”
Adam gaped at her. “Who would believe that?”
“Any number of people, it seems,” said Caroline with some asperity.
“Dash it, why would I make the girl an heiress? I never met her before a day or two ago, not to mention that she has a pack of siblings for whom I have no intention of providing. To their credit, her family hasn’t asked me to do anything for the chit! They’re content the way they are, and the girl’s face will win her a husband soon enough.”
“It doesn’t matter why people believe nonsense, only that they do,” said Caroline.
Adam shook his head. “No, count on it that Gresham is merely stirring up trouble. The man can’t help himself, and he’s been a thorn in my side for years now. He either started this rumor or is encouraging it.”
“On the contrary, he warned me about it,” said Caroline. “He is trying to help.”
“Gresham wouldn’t help anyone without a reason,” said Adam. “I’ve warned you to stay away from him, Caro, and I mean to see that you listen.”
“Adam, please stop trying to blame this on Gresham. Whatever shall we do about this ridiculous rumor?”
“Do?” Adam snorted. “There’s nothing we can do but hope a man with a large fortune decides to offer for her, while trying to beat the fortune hunters off betimes.”
Caroline bit her lip. “Lord Gresham also said - ” she broke off and gave Adam a warning look as he swore at the name. “He said that young Roland Wyman is quite the libertine.”
“Rollie?” Adam appeared surprised. “I suppose he goes to the places all the young men do, but he’s no worse than anyone else.”
“Are you sure?” asked Caroline. “After all, for the past two years you’ve been moving in much more respectable circles.”
“Dash it, Caro, Al
legra doesn’t keep me from all fun,” he said.
“No, but she wouldn’t react at all well if she heard that you’d been in a gaming hall or seen with ladies of questionable virtue,” Caroline pointed out. “How do you know this Mr. Wyman is not? If you are friendly enough with him to call him Rollie, I must imagine you knew him on the Continent before you returned to London, or here in London before you and Allegra came to terms. That doesn’t fill me with confidence. You were hardly the sort of young man I would trust with Cecilia.”
“Well, I like that!” protested Adam. “A pretty way to talk about your own brother!” But he finally nodded under Caroline’s withering gaze. “I will ask my friends. But I am sure it will amount to nothing. I wouldn’t listen to Gresham if I were you, Caro. The man lives to cause mischief.”
“Thank you for looking into it, Adam,” said Caroline. “And really, you’re like a dog with a bone when it comes to Gresham. Leave it be, Adam.”
Adam frowned at her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a tendre for him, Caro. You know he means you no good.”
“Nonsense,” said Caroline stoutly. “Gresham has no intentions towards me whatsoever, nor I him.”
Adam shrugged. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“I shall remember,” said Caroline. “Now, let us cease this silly quarreling. Truly, you should dance with Cecilia, Adam. It is only polite.”
Adam groaned. “You know I hate to dance with anyone but Allegra,” he groaned, but he allowed himself to be led off to his fate.
From across the room, Lady Manning had watched Gresham’s conversation with Lady Eskmaine with great interest.
“What do you suppose they are talking about?” she said to Lady Lansdowne, who stood next to her, idly playing with her fan.
Lady Lansdowne followed the direction of her gaze and shrugged. “I have no idea, but it is curious, is it not? The so virtuous Countess of Eskmaine and the rakish Lord Gresham do seem to be very friendly.”
“Gresham may be merely amusing himself,” observed Lady Manning. “But it almost seems to be something more.”
“More?” replied Lady Lansdowne. “What more can Gresham have of her? She would never stoop so low as to entangle herself with him, nor would she risk her standing in Society’s eyes. Now I, on the other hand, would be interested, as I find virtue tedious. Tell me, Louisa, is what they say of Gresham true?”
Louisa caught her eye and smirked. “Aye, it’s true,” she said.
Lady Lansdowne looked at Gresham covetously. “I must make sure I find out for myself,” she sighed.
“You can afford to amuse yourself, Sylvia,” said Louisa. “Alas, I must try to be virtuous. And you are correct, it is very dull.”
Lady Lansdowne laughed. “Poor Louisa, having to forego your pleasures to catch a respectable husband. How I pity you. You should not have married your Mr. Campbell, no matter how great his wealth.”
Louisa stiffened slightly. “At least I now have enough for my needs,” she said.
Sylvia laughed maliciously. “Indeed, you do, my dear. But you are also barely tolerated among the ton. What shall we do to help you?” She glanced around the room. “Roland Wyman needs to marry a wealthy woman. He is the third son of an earl’s second son; the family is ancient, but he does not have near enough to support his very expensive tastes. And now I hear his father has cut him off due to various indiscretions.”
Louisa’s eyes lit up. “Roland Wyman? I don’t believe I know him.”
“No? I could introduce you,” said Sylvia. “He’s been hanging about that Ashdown chit all evening. Perhaps you could put her nose out of joint; she’s been lording it over the other young women these past days, and she’s related to Gravesmere as well.”
“Is she now? I don’t know the girl, but I would never pass on the opportunity to show Gravesmere up. That little duchess of his—” Louisa broke off.
“It must rankle, the two of them being so happy,” purred Sylvia maliciously.
“It matters not at all to me,” said Louisa, recovering herself.
“No? I remember when you had hopes of being the Duchess of Gravesmere,” said Sylvia. “But then, being Mrs. Wyman would be no mean thing. With his honorable name and your vast wealth, the two of you might make a perfect match. Not that he would be an upstanding husband. His vices are well known.”
“Once I have a ring on my finger, any husband of mine can do as he chooses,” said Louisa.
“As you will too, darling, I’m sure. Come, I will make you known to him. It will be so amusing.”
The two women crossed the ballroom to where Mr. Wyman stood at Cecilia’s elbow, vying with Lord Barford for her attention. Lady Lansdowne swept up with a rustle of her silken skirts.
“Miss Ashdown,” she said brightly. “I am delighted to see you here.”
Cecilia, who had been introduced to Lady Lansdowne the previous night, sketched a slight curtsey. “Lady Lansdowne, how kind of you to notice me,” she said politely.
“How can one not, when you have all of London at your feet?” said Lady Lansdowne. “I wanted to introduce you to a dear friend of mind, Lady Manning. She is newly widowed and has just returned to London.”
Cecilia smiled charmingly at Louisa. “How pleasant to meet you,” she said. “Do you know my family?”
Before Louisa could respond, Lady Lansdowne broke in. “La, child, she knows Gravesmere well. They are old friends indeed.”
Cecilia beamed at Louisa, glad to have met a friend. Louisa schooled her features, determined not to let her annoyance at Sylvia show.
“How lovely to make your acquaintance,” she said.
“And this is Lord Barford, and Mr. Wyman,” continued Lady Lansdowne, indicating the two gentlemen.
Lord Barford, well aware of Lady Manning’s reputation, bowed stiffly, and acknowledged her with a nod. He gave Cecilia an anxious look.
Mr. Wyman smiled graciously. “I don’t believe we have met before, Lady Manning,” he said. “I had heard of your husband’s death, however. My condolences.”
“Thank you.” Louisa turned her large violet eyes on him and assumed a mournful expression. “It was very sad; I miss him dreadfully. But one must go on.”
“Of course one must,” said Mr. Wyman reassuringly. He looked her up and down, his eyes lingering on the very low neckline of her gown. Louisa, aware of his gaze, took a deep breath and put her shoulders back. Mr. Wyman’s smile grew wolfish.
“Would you care to dance, Lady Manning?” he asked.
“How kind of you,” she murmured. “I would be honored.”
With a bow to Cecilia, Mr. Wyman led Lady Manning off to the dance floor. Lady Lansdowne watched them, a satisfied look on her face.
“How does Lady Manning know my cousin?” asked Cecilia cheerfully.
Lord Barford’s eyes opened very wide, but he said nothing.
“You must ask your cousin to tell you the whole story, my dear. I’m sure you will find it very amusing,” said Lady Lansdowne. She patted Cecilia’s cheek lightly, and disappeared into the crowd.
On the dance floor, Lady Manning tilted her head coquettishly at Mr. Wyman as the steps of the dance brought them together. “I do not believe we have met before.”
Mr. Wyman leered at her. “No, we have not met, but I have heard much of the lovely Lady Manning,” he replied.
“You flatter me,” replied Louisa. “I’m honored that I am remembered after my long absence from London.”
“Despite the sad circumstances, I must tell you that I am glad you once more adorn Society,” said Mr. Wyman. His hand tightened a shade on hers.
Louisa dropped her eyes and achieved a blush. “I thank you,” she said modestly.
“I’ve heard a great deal about your hospitality,” observed Mr. Wyman. “Would you object if I were to call upon you?”
“I would be honored,” said Louisa. “I am renting a house in Curzon Street. It is small, but comfortable.”
“I thank
you,” said Mr. Wyman. He looked down into her eyes and smiled. “I very much look forward to pursuing your acquaintance.”
“I’m not sure I should encourage you to visit,” said Louisa. “I am a widow without family and live alone.”
“Ah, but there is no harm in a friend calling on you, is there?” asked Mr. Wyman.
“Are we to be friends?” responded Louisa,
“Oh, I very much think so,” he assured her.
“I rather thought that you were courting the Ashdown child,” continued Louisa.
“I see no reason why that should have a bearing on our friendship.” Mr. Wyman gave her a significant look.
Louisa gazed back at him thoughtfully. “Perhaps not,” she said. “But I also have a reputation to guard. I’m not at all sure I should allow you to visit me.”
Lord Wyman greeted this comment with a look of surprise, and then gave a shout of laughter. “Ah, very clever,” he said, amused. “It is so rare to meet a woman with a sense of the ridiculous.”
Louisa gave him a smoldering look from under her lashes, but Mr. Wyman continued to smile. “I look forward to spending more time with you, my lady,” he murmured. “It is so rare to meet a woman with the combination of both beauty and wit.”
Louisa glared at him, a sharp set-down on her lips. But then she realized that Miss Ashdown was watching them with a curious gaze, and she remembered why she was dancing with Mr. Wyman. A husband was a husband, she told herself sternly. She was suddenly wreathed in smiles.
“Well, we shall discuss it another time,” she said lightly.
“Perhaps when I pay a morning call tomorrow?” asked Mr. Wyman.
Louisa smiled warmly. “Perhaps,” she said.
Caroline made her way to Cecilia’s side. “How are you feeling, child?” she asked.
“Oh, it has been wonderful,” breathed Cecilia.
“I thought we might leave soon,” said Caroline tentatively. “I am a bit weary.”
Sense & Sensuality: Caroline's After Dark Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 3) Page 11
