Seeking Scandal

by Nadine Millard

  "Remove your eyes from my sore spot," he said through clenched teeth, glowering at Tom.

  Tom bit back a laugh and tried to look concerned.

  "Are you well?"

  "No, I'm bloody not well. I've aged a decade in the last twenty seconds. What are you shouting for anyway?"

  "Nothing. It's just—well, the ladies have been alone for a long time and since I am the host I really feel that manners dictate that we join her. Them! I mean them."

  Edward smirked at Tom's slip.

  "I doubt you're thinking with your manners."

  "Oh do shut up, Edward."

  Edward merely grinned again. Which was most annoying.

  "Luckily for you, I married the most beautiful woman in the world so I do not mind joining the ladies now," Edward said moving toward the door.

  "Second most beautiful," muttered Tom.

  "Did you say something?" asked Edward, stopping and turning.

  "No. Not a thing."

  Tom had learned to expect the unexpected from Rebecca, and in recent weeks, Caroline.

  Even he was not prepared however, for what awaited them in the drawing room.

  Crying women.

  He hated the sight of crying women. Not as much as Edward, it seemed, since that man had actually turned to run and bumped into Tom.

  "Coward," muttered Tom before turning to the ladies. "What on earth is the matter? What has happened?"

  He addressed the question to Caroline, primarily because his gaze was always drawn to her and her alone.

  And God how it hurt to see her cry.

  Caroline blushed and looked down at the Persian carpet, furiously wiping her eyes and trying to control herself.

  He had only ever seen her cry in public twice before and both times it had been because of Rebecca's disappearance two years ago and her subsequent recovery from a nasty fall.

  But since Rebecca was gripping Caroline's hands supportively, or so it seemed, he could only assume that the tears were for Caroline herself.

  Caroline gave him a small, albeit watery, smile.

  "Oh there is nothing amiss. I'm afraid my sister and I are feeling a little sensitive tonight."

  Tom's heart was actually hurting more seeing her be brave.

  "Caroline—" he came forward forgetting their audience— "if there is anything I can do to ease your upset, please tell me. I cannot bear to see you cry."

  He'd said something wrong, obviously. Though he knew not what. For as soon as he spoke the words, Rebecca cried out and threw her head into her hands, crying even louder than before.

  "What did I do?" Tom asked Edward in desperation.

  Edward, who had yet to move from his position by the door, shrugged his shoulders most unhelpfully.

  "Oh Tom." Rebecca looked up now and damned if he didn't feel guilty looking into her big, sad eyes even though he was quite sure he had nothing to feel guilty for. "You truly are a wonderful man."

  Oh.

  Well, that was good.

  "Er, thank you?" he answered in confusion.

  He felt nervous and sweaty. He really wished Rebecca would get control of herself. Although he enjoyed being complimented.

  This had not been the evening he had in mind when speaking to Caroline earlier. He had hoped to perhaps convince her to take a turn around the gardens with him, maybe enjoy a nightcap after Edward and Rebecca had retired.

  In truth, he would not have minded had the four of them been together all evening so long as he was with Caroline.

  But now there were far too many emotions on display for his comfort and what he really wanted to do was run away until everyone was back to normal. And with dry eyes.

  "Perhaps the day's travelling has taken its toll after all," he said regretfully, "I think an early night and a good sleep should put everyone to rights."

  His interest was piqued by the glare Caroline shot at her snivelling sister at his words and Rebecca's apologetic glance in return.

  What was going on with these females?

  Nobody spoke for a moment. Caroline and Rebecca were clearly communicating through glares and shrugs, neither of them seeming particularly happy. Edward was still cowering by the door.

  He needed a drink. Again.

  "Fine," finally, Caroline broke the silence and stood, followed quickly by Rebecca. "Goodnight, Edward. Tom." With a nod to them both she turned and swept from the room.

  Rebecca hurried after her without uttering a word.

  Edward and Tom stared at each other in bafflement before Edward sighed and fixed Tom with a penetrating stare.

  "I hope you realise what you're getting yourself in for," he said, shaking his head before turning and following the ladies from the room.

  "Caroline, wait."

  Caroline could hear Rebecca run lightly up the stairs behind her. She turned and glared at her smaller sister.

  "Now look," Caroline whispered fiercely, "we've been sent to our rooms."

  "Like naughty children, yes I'd noticed," answered Rebecca with a frown.

  "It is your fault, you know."

  "Yes, I know and I am sorry. Truly. Oh, but Caro it is such a tragedy," Rebecca said, her voice wobbling and her eyes filling again.

  "Good heavens Rebecca, get a hold of yourself," scolded Caroline.

  Her temper was frayed and, honestly, she was struggling enough with her own tears already. She could not bear it to see Rebecca's again.

  "He loves you."

  "Loved."

  "Loves."

  "Loved."

  "Loves."

  Caroline threw up her hands in frustration.

  "I am not standing here having this ridiculous argument. You were supposed to help me seduce him. Not cry all over him."

  "Well, there's plenty of time. Try not to fret so. All will be well."

  "I did not want him to see me as a snivelling wreck."

  "You cry beautifully," answered Rebecca stoutly. "Like an angel."

  Caroline raised her brow at her sister's obvious and dramatic attempt at flattery.

  "It is of no consequence. There's plenty of time for seduction."

  "How so? He's terrified of me now."

  "Do not fear, dear sister. First, all men are terrified of all women. And second, the man is already completely under your spell. You do not need seduction techniques. Your mere presence is seduction enough. What you need is time alone."

  "But how? No doubt Edward will be vigilant in his care of my virtue. Not to mention the dowager."

  "You leave them to me. Just make sure to strike at every opportunity."

  "Rebecca," Caroline laughed a little, "you talk as if we were on a battlefield."

  "And so we are," said Rebecca, "and we are fighting for Tom's affections."

  "I told you. He—"

  "Yes, yes. I know what you said. He has no plans to marry. He will never love you again. We shall see. Now go to sleep."

  Caroline sighed in resignation. There was very little point in arguing with Rebecca when she'd decided on something. Especially when the something she'd decided on happened to be Caroline's greatest wish.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  CAROLINE AWOKE THE next morning feeling refreshed and much more optimistic.

  Last night had not exactly gone as planned, granted. But Rebecca was right; she had plenty of time.

  For a moment, a tiny voice of reason popped into her head.

  What happens after you've had your fun? How do you suppose to happily marry someone else if you allow yourself to get closer to the man you love?

  Caroline pushed her doubts aside. She would worry about that when the time came.

  Sally's entrance with Caroline's morning chocolate was enough to distract her from such maudlin thoughts.

  "Good morning, Sally" Caroline chirped.

  "Good morning, my lady." Sally set the chocolate down and held Caroline's robe open for Caroline to step into. "How did you sleep?"

  "Wonderfully, thank you. Such a beautif
ul room," Caroline answered, her eyes taking in the décor of her beautifully appointed bedchamber.

  There was a fine prospect of the driveway from the window that Sally was busy opening to allow the fresh morning air into the room. The room itself was dominated by the large four-poster bed that Caroline had just vacated. A writing desk in the same rosewood, a washstand, and a small chaise made up the rest of the furnishings. It was simply furnished but expensively so. The furniture was of the highest quality and the deep blue carpet was plush and soft underfoot.

  The walls were painted the palest of blues making the room immediately refreshing without appearing cold.

  It was very pleasant indeed and Caroline had felt immediately at home here. She could well imagine herself living here permanently, spending cosy evenings by the fire with Tom. Entertaining guests in the massive dining hall.

  "—if that suits, my lady."

  Caroline realised that Sally had been chattering about something while she had been miles away.

  "I am sorry, Sally. I did not hear you."

  Sally smiled indulgently.

  "Daydreaming, my lady?"

  "Something like that."

  "I was just saying that her grace has suggested a morning ride around the estate. So I said I would get your habit ready if you wanted to wear the white muslin down to breakfast."

  Caroline smiled in delight. A ride around the estate sounded wonderful. She was looking forward to seeing Tom's lands and meeting his tenants. And perhaps they would get a chance to converse together, if Rebecca kept Edward distracted. And she should have no trouble doing so, since she merely had to look at him for him to become distracted.

  It was an enthusiastic Caroline therefore who made her way to breakfast a short while later, her hair pulled into a simple knot in anticipation of her newly acquired riding hat.

  She was surprised to find that everyone else had arrived at breakfast before her.

  "Good morning, my dear." The dowager was the first to greet her.

  Caroline bid everyone a good morning then moved to sit beside Rebecca.

  "Be sure to eat well, Caro, for we are to tour the estate this morning." Rebecca spoke as a waiting footman came forward to pour Caroline's coffee.

  "Yes, I heard. I am so looking forward to it."

  She looked up and caught Tom watching her closely, the look in his eyes smouldering. Immediately, an answering heat flamed up inside Caroline and settled into the pit of her stomach. Hurriedly, she glanced away.

  Breakfast passed without incident and the young people began to depart to change for their ride. The dowager had plans to write to Caroline and Rebecca's mother, amongst other acquaintances, and waved them off with the assurance that she would be perfectly all right by herself and would see them all at luncheon.

  Caroline entered her room to find Sally just laying out her riding habit. It was a new one purchased for her trip to London and Caroline could not wait to wear it.

  The colour was a soft, dove grey outlined with black frogging. The jacket fit like a glove and fastened with black velvet buttons. The accompanying hat was the same grey material with a short veil and a small black feather, which curled slightly at the top.

  It was a beautiful habit and showed off Caroline's slim figure to perfection.

  "Ooh, my lady. How striking you look," breathed Sally.

  Caroline smiled satisfactorily at her image in the looking glass.

  Hopefully, Tom would be well pleased with what he saw.

  He was. Or at least, the slack jawed expression and unholy gleam in his eye led her to believe he was. Her pulse sped up in response, as it always did.

  "Tom, are you quite well?" she asked mischievously. She felt her nerves melt away in the face of his obvious appreciation. Flirting would be as easy as child's play.

  Tom coughed once. Then twice. Then once more.

  His eyes raked her head to toe before returning to land on her own and scorching her.

  "Oh, I'm well," he said in a voice that sent her blood racing.

  He stepped forward and Caroline's lips parted of their own volition. The man could control her body with a single glance.

  "Ah, there you are."

  Rebecca's voice sailed down from the top of the stairs making Caroline want to weep in frustration.

  Rebecca was turning out to be more hindrance than help.

  Glancing up, Caroline was surprised to see that Rebecca still wore the simple morning dress from earlier.

  Ah. Perhaps she was here to help after all.

  "Rebecca, shouldn't you be readying yourself for our ride?" Tom asked.

  "Yes, about that," Rebecca said then stopped and gave a huge yawn, "I find that I am suddenly greatly fatigued. Would you mind terribly if I were to skip our outing?"

  Caroline smiled up at her sister before quickly schooling her features to concern.

  "Are you quite alright, dearest?" she asked now.

  "Oh I shall be fine after a nap, no doubt. But please do not let me stop you. I should feel dreadful if you were to miss out."

  Tom did not jump at the chance and Caroline worried that he did not want to be alone with her.

  "Won't Edward be—" he started only to be interrupted.

  "Won't Edward be what?" asked the duke, coming down the hallway in his riding gear.

  "Be staying here with me," jumped in Rebecca quickly. "I find I do not want to go out after all."

  Edward frowned, looking between Tom and Caroline.

  "Well they can't very well go without us."

  Caroline tried not to look too disappointed, but really, she should have known. Edward was not likely to let her out of his sight, not when he knew that he was solely responsible for her.

  But she had underestimated the manipulative powers of her sister.

  Within seconds of Edward's comments Rebecca's expression became utterly crestfallen. Her eyes, which were always one of Edward's biggest weaknesses, became huge and sad. Even Caroline felt sorry for her.

  "You do not wish to stay with me?" she asked in a small voice, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

  "I do," Edward practically yelled, sprinting up the stairs. "I do, sweetheart. But we can't let them go alone."

  Rebecca said nothing, merely watched him with her big, brown eyes.

  Edward groaned.

  "Please do not look at me like that. Won't you come? For a little while?" he asked rather desperately.

  "I do not want to go. I want to lay down."

  Caroline wondered if Edward noticed the subtle shift in Rebecca's demeanour from sad little innocent to mischievous woman. Caroline certainly did. Poor Edward.

  "Are you tired?" he asked now, suddenly all concern.

  "Not particularly," she answered.

  It took a second for her words to register. And when they did, Edward went from concerned to predatory in the blink of an eye.

  "Well, what harm can come to Caroline on Tom's own estate? And really, there is nobody here to witness them. And even if they were, a morning ride through the countryside is hardly scandalous, is it?"

  Rebecca smiled slightly and shook her head.

  "Right, that's settled," said Edward brusquely. "You two enjoy yourselves," he shouted down the stairs as he turned Rebecca round and coaxed her up the stairs.

  The silence he left behind was deafening.

  Caroline all of a sudden felt self-conscious. What if he truly did not wish to go alone with her?

  Perhaps she should refuse?

  "Well, that was unexpected," she said though she had known from the first second what Rebecca was up to. "I suppose Edward is right. It really wouldn't be at all the thing if we were to go alone. Perhaps it is best if we leave it for another day."

  "Like hell it is," Tom said roughly. "I haven't slept all night and won't do again until I hear this plan of yours. We're going."

  He took her by the elbow and escorted her outside.

  Caroline thrilled at his touch and obvious desire to kno
w her plan. She only hoped that he desired to execute it too.

  Once at the stables, Tom called the stable hand to bring out the horse he'd chosen for Caroline, as well as his own stallion, Brutus.

  Caroline gasped in pleasure at the sight of her horse, a dappled grey mare with a beautiful white mane.

  "Oh, she's beautiful," Caroline enthused, "what's her name?"

  "Fortuna," answered Tom.

  "Brutus and Fortuna. You are an admirer of Roman history?"

  "All history really," answered Tom self-consciously.

  "I am surprised. I did not imagine you to be very scholarly," Caroline answered and then immediately realised how insulting she must sound.

  "Oh, dear. I did not mean that you lack intelligence. Of course you don't. You are terribly successful and I am sure that requires a vast amount of intelligence." She was rambling. A novice she may be, but she was quite sure that this was not the way to seduce somebody.

  To her eternal relief, Tom just laughed.

  "Caroline, do not distress yourself. I have worked hard to show people I am not the scholarly type."

  "Why?"

  He shrugged self-deprecatingly. "It seemed easier to be a rake, to act like a rake. Nobody expects anything of you then."

  Caroline frowned at this cryptic remark but chose not to question him further, at least not yet.

  The stable hand produced a box for her to stand on and moved to help her mount her horse. But Tom was there in an instant and rather than assist, he lifted her bodily from the ground and placed her gently in the saddle.

  Caroline's heart raced at the feel of his hands on her waist.

  "Thank you," she mumbled shyly, forgetting that she was supposed to be an alluring temptress.

  Tom merely smiled and winked.

  She nearly fell off her horse.

  The morning was beautiful and perfect for riding. Fortuna was a steady, unexcitable horse and Caroline was able to handle her with ease.

  Tom led them on a meandering journey through the fields and cottages of his tenants.

  The estate was huge, much larger than Caroline had expected.

  Several tenants and their families approached Tom and Caroline with deferential greetings and Caroline was pleased to see that Tom knew each of them by name, including their children with whom he was obviously a firm favourite.