Sense & Sensuality: Caroline's After Dark Georgian Romance (The Gravesmeres Book 3)

by Alicia Quigley

  Mr. Wyman hesitated. “That would be most kind of you, Lady Manning,” he said distantly.

  Louisa looked at him with a hint of temper that she nonetheless attempted to conceal. “Remember that I helped you the next time you look down your nose at me,” she said. “It seems that things my money can supply make you happy enough now.”

  Mr. Wyman smiled reluctantly. “It is kind of you,” he said. “I do appreciate your assistance.” He looked her up and down. “You look quite lovely tonight. Will we be going to my lodgings, or to your house?”

  Louisa smiled coquettishly. “That depends on how you conduct yourself in the carriage,” she murmured, and, taking his hand, led him away.

  The next morning found Caroline abed late, attempting to work through the tangle her life had become. That she owed a great debt to Lord Gresham she understood clearly; he had intervened not once, but twice the evening before to protect Cecilia, a situation that she perceived, but did not clearly understand. She did understand quite clearly, however, that she had returned his kindness with rudeness. Something must be done to set things right. While she had no intention of marrying Lord Gresham, it would not do for him to think she was lacking in manners.

  An hour later she was seated in the morning room, her head bent over a piece of paper as she attempted to write a letter to Lord Gresham. After much sighing and staring off into the distance, she finally produced something she felt was acceptable. She read it over carefully, hoping that it struck the right note; she thanked his lordship for his service to her cousin the previous evening, and assured him of her undying gratitude. Nothing could be more proper than the sentiments expressed. However, the tone itself was forbidding; it was as distant as a note to a complete stranger would be. She hoped that Lord Gresham would understand that he would not be welcome to renew his suit.

  After sanding and sealing the note, she gave it to a footman and asked that it be delivered immediately. She then met with the housekeeper to go over menus, and eventually sat down to review her accounts, which did not hold her attention. When Cecilia danced into the room sometime later, her eyes sparkling, she put her pen down with relief.

  “Good morning, Caroline,” Cecilia said brightly. “What a lovely time I had at Ranelagh last night!”

  Caroline stared at her in amazement. “Surely you cannot mean you enjoyed yourself!”

  “But of course I did!” said Cecilia, sitting down in a chair with a swirl of her muslin skirts. “Ranelagh is so beautiful, the dinner was delightful, and I have never seen fireworks before! And Lord Gresham was so gallant; truly a gentleman. I told you that I might set my cap at him, and indeed, why would he rescue me from Mr. Wyman if he were not interested in pursuing me?”

  Caroline opened her mouth to respond, but shut it again hastily. Cecilia had no idea that she and Gresham had until recently been lovers, and would be shocked to the core if Caroline enlightened her.

  “Darling, you must not take Lord Gresham seriously. He meant to do me a service by assisting you, but there is nothing else in it, I promise you.”

  Cecilia shot her a peevish look. “I have no idea why you discourage me so from pursuing Lord Gresham.”

  “I don’t wish you to be disappointed, my dear,” said Caroline.

  “You have no reason to think I might be disappointed,” countered Cecilia. “It is not as though I love him. I merely wish to marry him. I would know enough to not to interfere with his other pursuits. I did ask you if you had an interest in him, you know.”

  “I know,” said Caroline.

  Bunton entered the room, carrying a note on a silver tray. “For you, my lady,” he said. “It was just delivered. Our footman was asked to wait for a reply.”

  Caroline opened the missive quickly, knowing it must be a response from Lord Gresham. She unfolded the paper quickly, and was startled to see only very few lines of writing.

  Caro,

  I aided your cousin not for you, but because I could not allow mischief to be wreaked upon one so young and foolish if I could prevent it.

  You have made your sentiments more than clear to me. I ask only that you no longer feel any obligation to me, as I feel none to you.

  T.

  Caroline read the note twice, hoping for she knew not what. Clearly, Tristan had understood that he should not pursue her, a circumstance for which she should be glad. What if she had accepted his offer of marriage, she wondered. Surely the day when he turned from her to someone else would only have been slightly delayed. It was better that she had refused him. While his pride might be pricked, in the end he would be glad of it.

  “Is it something important?” asked Cecilia, watching Caroline closely.

  “No, not at all,” said Caroline. She stood and went to the grate, and tossed the note in the fire. She turned back to Cecilia with her customary air of calm, and said, “Shall we order the carriage, and visit the Royal Exchange this afternoon, and perhaps Bond Street as well? I find myself wishing for some new gloves, and who knows what else we may encounter?”

  “Oh, what a famous notion,” Cecilia enthused. “I will change my dress and be back directly to join you. “

  Caroline nodded, the suggestion of a shopping expedition had been as useful as she hoped in redirecting Cecilia’s attention; now she had only to find a way to set her own feelings aside.

  Chapter 19

  Caroline was in low spirits the following morning; the thought of another day without Tristan’s amusing and caring company, as well as his passionate lovemaking, seemed almost unbearable. However, she knew that doing her duty, and a return to her previous routine, would eventually fill the hole in her life. She rang the bell, allowed Beckham to dress her, and went down to breakfast. In an effort to lift her spirits, she had selected a primrose yellow gown, its silk fabric embroidered with delicate periwinkle patterns. Periwinkle chiffon poufs rather than ruffles adorned the bottom of her sleeves, and she sported a fichu to match. Caroline pinned a smile on as she swept into the breakfast room, and was surprised to find her sister-in-law enjoying a cup of chocolate with Cecilia.

  “Allegra, how delightful to see you here! It’s a bit early to be paying morning calls though, is it not?”

  “I am definitely more inclined to enjoy my chocolate abed, as you know, Caro, but,” Allegra said as she waved a piece of toast animatedly, “I wanted to inform you both that I’ve decided to join Adam at Gravesmere. My coach is outside, and I thought I would take the opportunity to tell you in person.”

  Whatever shall we do without you?” Cecilia cried. “I will miss you dreadfully.”

  “You have so many admirers now, you have little need of me,” Allegra responded. “And Caroline has finished her business with her solicitors, so I am no longer required to play the chaperone in the afternoons. I miss Adam sorely, and feel certain that if I follow him to Gravesmere, he will return to London sooner than if he is left to his own devices.”

  “Travel safely my dear,” Caroline said. “I’m quite sure that my brother will be delighted to see you, and we’ll look for your quick return. There are too many amusements in the next few weeks for you to allow him to keep you in the country.”

  When Allegra floated out of the room a few minutes later, Caroline fell to reading the post. She found nothing but invitation cards, and a letter from an aged aunt who lived in the country, but she refused to acknowledge any disappointment at the lack of a note from Gresham.

  As the week passed, Caroline found herself increasingly bored with the entertainments to which she escorted Cecilia, and annoyed by the effort required to maintain a watch over her volatile charge without Allegra’s help. They attended a soiree, a rout, and the Duchess of Queensbury’s ball, and Lord Gresham, unfortunately to Caroline’s mind, was at all of them. Although he did not approach her, the sight of his broad shoulders, elegant bow, and graceful attention to other ladies rankled. Caroline felt as though the Season might go on forever, and as an al fresco party at Lady Lansdowne’s house in Richmo
nd approached, she sought for excuses to absent herself. Unfortunately, Allegra had yet to return to town, and Cecilia would not be denied the opportunity to attend.

  Although Caroline had prayed for rain the preceding evening, the appointed day dawned bright and fair. Her horses were sound, and the barouche did not miraculously lose a wheel, and it therefore duly pulled up before the house in Brook Street, eventually depositing them safely at the party. On their arrival, Caroline and Cecilia strolled about the gardens for a few moments, before their hostess approached, a brittle smile on her face.

  Lady Landsdowne extended her hand. “Lady Eskmaine,” she murmured. “How good of you to come. It has been an age since we have spoken.”

  Caroline took her hand briefly, not wishing to encourage her pretensions. “Lady Lansdowne,” she acknowledged, and drew Cecilia forward. “You do remember my cousin, Miss Ashdown, do you not?”

  “But of course,” said Lady Lansdowne. “One hears constantly of the charms of Miss Ashdown.” She smiled maliciously. “I gather all the young men—and some not so young men—are at your feet, child.” She took Cecilia’s hand in hers and patted it.

  “Truly?” said Cecilia, intrigued.

  “Oh, yes, my dear. Why, Lord Gresham was telling me only the other day how lovely you are.” Lady Lansdowne’s eyes slid from Cecilia’s face to Caroline’s.

  “Did he?” asked Cecilia, her eyes glowing. “Lord Gresham has been so kind to me.”

  “I’m sure he has, my dear. Tristan is—kind—to so many ladies. He will be here, I believe; you must be sure to talk to him. And, dear Lady Eskmaine, Sir Geoffrey Arkwright will also be in attendance, I believe. I invited him just for you, as I’ve heard you prefer the stalwart to the exciting.”

  Caroline stiffened. “How very thoughtful of you. But I’m sure you have other things to attend to, Lady Lansdowne,” said Caroline, taking Cecilia’s arm in hers. “I believe we will join the party.”

  “Do, my dear,” replied their hostess. “I look forward to a long chat with you soon.”

  “As do I,” lied Caroline gracefully, as she led Cecilia away. A moment later, Lady Manning strolled up, and gazed after them thoughtfully.

  “I see the little heiress is here,” she said. “What a pity. Mr. Wyman will not look at me all afternoon, I suppose.”

  “What a shame that she eclipses you so. It must rankle,” said Lady Lansdowne. “Does he truly hope to land her, when she has as eligible a suitor as Lord Barford?”

  Louisa shook her head. “I suppose he relies on his charm; Barford is prim and stodgy. Wyman thinks the girl is foolish and will be malleable and easily distracted. In other words, she will be a perfect wife to him.”

  “And you would not?” asked Sylvia.

  “I have promised not to interfere with him, but he seems to think he can do better.”

  “Well, we all must bear our burdens. That horrible Caroline Eskmaine is here, holding her nose in the air as though she is far above me. I hope she will marry Sir Geoffrey; they are well-matched, I think—stuffy, and boring.”

  “Possibly,” said Louisa thoughtfully. “I still believe that there is something between her and Gresham.”

  “Gresham! The man is impossible,” said Sylvia.

  “Still no luck?” asked Louisa.

  “None! At Ranelagh some days ago I thought all would be well, but then he disappeared. I was almost distraught, after all the effort I have put into landing him. He is here today as well, but seems not at all inclined to dally with me.”

  “What a pity. Well, my dear, I will see if I can pry Mr. Wyman from Miss Ashdown’s side. Your gardens are so beautiful, and I’m sure there are some wonderfully private areas.”

  “I wish you luck,” said Lady Lansdowne with a knowing wink.

  Cecilia and Caroline walked down the steps into the gardens. Ornate carpets of flowers and parterres of hedges were laid out in front of them, with statuary and fountains scattered tastefully about. Tables were laid out with copious refreshments, and ladies and gentlemen strolled about in pairs and in groups, the women’s dresses glowing like jewels, the men’s gorgeously embroidered waistcoats acting as a counterpoint. Cecilia clasped her hands together.

  “How lovely,” she said.

  “It is beautiful,” acknowledged Caroline grudgingly. “I’m told that there is a lake, and a Palladian villa.”

  “Lady Lansdowne must be very rich,” said Cecilia frankly.

  Caroline shrugged peevishly. “Her husband was,” she said. “That reminds me, Cecilia, that I must caution you against encouraging Sylvia Lansdowne, and other ladies of her type, from too much familiarity.”

  “But I wished to hear more about Lord Gresham,” Cecilia replied.

  “Indeed, and by so doing, you allowed yourself to be led into an indiscreet conversation with an underbred woman, whose only entrée into good society is her husband’s fortune. You are known by the company you keep, and if you wish to make a good marriage, you must be careful with whom you are seen to be familiar. A gentleman of good family will not want you to bring friends like Lady Lansdowne into his circle.”

  “It is just that I was curious; I did not think of anything else,” Cecilia replied. “There is so much more to remember in London than there was in Yorkshire.”

  “Very true, but if you don’t learn discretion quickly, you may have the opportunity to learn it at length, husbandless and back in the country,” said Caroline.

  Cecilia looked away, stricken, and Caroline, aware that her annoyance had made her unduly harsh, hastened to reassure her. “I don’t mean to strike fear in you, child, only to help you think twice when you are tempted to gossip with those who could harm your reputation and chances. And I do think to remind you that you should not acknowledge Mr. Wyman in any way. Let us find some unexceptionable company to talk with now.”

  They joined the throng, and soon Cecilia had attracted her usual coterie of admirers. Lord Barford procured her a lemonade and a plate of petits four, which he held at her elbow as she daintily consumed them, while Mr. Troughton hovered on her other side, asking if she would care to take a stroll through the garden.

  As Caroline hesitated, wondering whether to leave the young people alone, she saw Cecilia gazing over her shoulder, an ecstatic expression on her face. She turned slowly to see Lord Gresham approaching them, a sardonic smile on his lips.

  “Oh! Lord Gresham! How wonderful to see you,” said Cecilia, her voice fluttering.

  “Miss Ashdown,” said his lordship, bowing gracefully over her hand, and pressing a kiss to it. “I hope I find you in good health.”

  “Oh! Yes, indeed. I am very well,” responded Cecilia.

  Lord Gresham turned to Caroline, his eyes meeting hers briefly before he bowed politely. “Lady Eskmaine. I trust you are also well?”

  “Certainly I am well,” said Caroline.

  “But then, I did not need to ask. You are always well, I believe,” said Tristan.

  Caroline blinked. She was unused to discussing such dull subjects with Tristan. “I believe my health is tolerably good,” she said.

  “I am delighted,” he murmured. Turning away from her, he languidly acknowledged Lord Barford and Mr. Wyman, and then offered his arm to Cecilia. “Please allow me to show you the gardens, Miss Ashdown. I have some small familiarity with them, and your company will only make them more beautiful.”

  “Oh! Thank you!” beamed Cecilia, taking his arm and looking up at him admiringly.

  “Not at all,” he responded, and whisked her away before Caroline or the outraged gentlemen could stop him.

  Caroline gazed after them, but realized that if Tristan was determined to make mischief, there was little she could do without creating a scene. She had few fears that his attentions to Cecilia were serious, and absolutely no doubt that Adam would never allow anything to come of it if they were. But what she was not expecting was the wave of overpowering jealousy that swept her as she watched their retreating figures. Thoughts of he
r afternoons with Tristan, his wicked smile, soft laugh, and hard assets, left her almost breathless with annoyance at the thought of him wasting his charm on Cecilia.

  Gathering herself together, she excused herself to Mr. Troughton and Lord Barford and moved away, admiring the gardens despite herself. A long walk extended through the flowerbeds and hedges to a pond, in which a fountain featuring the unclad figure of Aphrodite rose from the center. With no aim in mind, and only the wish to be alone with her thoughts, she walked towards the pond.

  “Lady Eskmaine, how good to see you.”

  Caroline turned to see Sir Geoffrey at her side, bowing politely. She felt a flash of annoyance at having her solitude disturbed, but greeted him civilly nonetheless.

  “Sir Geoffrey. Lady Lansdowne told me you would be here.”

  “Indeed. She was gracious enough to invite me, though we are mere acquaintances. I regret to say it, but she is not the sort of woman I would care to know well.”

  Perversely, Caroline felt the urge to defend Lady Lansdowne. “Nonsense,” she said. “She is invited to all the best homes.”

  “Indeed, I believe her family is very respectable, and of course her late husband was known to be a true gentleman. But since his death, I understand her to have led a life that does not bear inspection. Her relationship with Lord Gresham, for instance, is notorious.”

  Caroline felt a sinking sensation. “Her relationship with Lord Gresham?” she asked.

  “I beg your pardon, I should not have sullied your ears with such salacious gossip,” said Sir Geoffrey. “It was inexcusable.”

  “Not at all,” said Caroline. “I believe Lord Gresham’s affaires are conducted quite publicly.”

  “I know you have some acquaintance with him, but I must say I find his behavior scandalous,” opined Sir Geoffrey.

  Caroline, not knowing quite what to say, remained silent. They had reached the pond, and Caroline looked up, admiring the statue of Aphrodite. Water ran in rivulets over her naked body, pooling in a shell shaped basin, which then ran into the pool. In the afternoon sun, Caroline reflected that it looked refreshing, and she somewhat envied the marble goddess. Her mind wandered to Lord Gresham, and she wondered what he and Cecilia could possibly be talking about.