The Ice Queen

by Sasha Cottman

  “Yes, and as I recall, it is you who is infuriating,” she replied.

  They shared a silly, private grin. How things had changed since that horrid encounter between them at the ball.

  James poked his head out of the coach. “Come on, Caroline. I want to make Leicester before it is dark. Newhall, unless you are coming with us to see my uncle, I suggest you unhand my cousin and let her leave!”

  Julian helped her back into the coach. He stole a kiss right in front of James, who rolled his eyes and looked away. “I shall see you in London. In the meantime, don’t forget that I love you.”

  As the Strathmore coach disappeared over the rise, Julian headed back to the castle, a happy whistle on his lips.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  “Well, that was an interesting visit on all accounts,” said James.

  Caroline nodded. She had been fighting back tears all the way to the village of Newhall. Several times, she had been tempted to rap on the roof of the coach and ask the driver to turn around. But each time, she had sat back in her seat and counselled herself that she and Julian had agreed on a way forward and she should stick to the plan.

  “Do you think the two of you could make a go of it?” asked James.

  “I think so. Julian had a terrible childhood as a result of his parents’ disaster of a marriage, which means it will take time for him to become comfortable with the notion of a happy family. By undertaking a formal courtship, it will give us the opportunity for him to get to know the rest of our extended clan,” she replied.

  “Yes, I had heard that the countess was an unpleasant woman. When she visited at Fulham Palace and tried to press my mother into forcing Claire to attend this week, she was quite forthcoming in her opinions. My mother is not used to being told what to do. Newhall’s mother did not take kindly to being given a firm ‘no.’”

  Caroline was more than a little relieved to know that the countess had sailed back to the Continent. Austria was a long way from England, and for that, she was grateful.

  “And what about you? I could tell from the lovestruck look on Newhall’s face that you have stolen his heart. Then again, I have seen that look on the faces of many men over the years. I hope your reasons for becoming the next Countess Newhall are sound. I must say, it does have a nice ring to it,” he added.

  Countess Newhall did sit well with her. Not that the title in particular would sway her when it came to choosing a husband. Her mother was the daughter of a duke, and there were a few other noble titles floating around the family.

  She wanted to marry for the very same reason that had made her sister elope with Viscount Rosemount’s second son. She wanted to love a man with all her heart and for him to love her in return.

  “I love him. I just want the rest of London society to know that, and understand we are serious about our marriage and future.”

  The journey back to London was as boring as James had said he hoped it would be. Without Francis taking up space, Caroline and he were able to spread themselves out on the benches of the coach and sleep most of the day.

  A pleasant evening at an inn in Leicester, followed by an overnight stay with friends at Northampton saw them back in London in less than three days. James escorted Caroline inside the front door of the Saunders’s house in Dover Street, before making his hurried exit.

  “I have to speak with my father before he meets with the Archbishop of Canterbury on Monday. I shall try to catch up with you before the week is out. Oh, and do send word on the Harry situation.”

  With that, he was gone, leaving Caroline standing alone with her luggage, until a pair of burly footmen came and retrieved her things.

  She eventually found a friendly face in her father’s study. The door was open, and she knocked on the wooden doorframe as she stepped into the room.

  Charles Saunders was seated at his desk. At the sight of his youngest daughter, he leapt from his chair and came to her, pulling her into a fatherly embrace. “Caroline. Ma douce enfant, it is so good to see you. Welcome home. I have missed your sweet face.”

  The weight on her shoulders fell away as she lay her head against her father’s chest. Charles was a modern father, not one who kept a distance from his children. Having lost many members of his family during the French Revolution, he was especially close to his offspring.

  He leaned back and looked at Caroline a concerned expression on his face. “You have had an interesting time away from London, by all accounts. Have you seen Francis since you arrived home?”

  “No, Cousin James literally dumped me and my luggage in the front hallway and then left. I have been in the house for mere minutes,” she replied.

  Her father frowned but Caroline decided to leave the question of James alone for the moment.

  “Well then, I shall call for tea and inform you of the developments since Francis returned home,” her father said.

  Caroline took a seat on a nearby low couch and her father went to his desk. He returned momentarily, with several pieces of paper in his hand, including a copy of The Times. He set them on the low table, which was at the end of the couch, and took a seat next to Caroline.

  He handed her the newspaper and pointed to a small square bordered notice.

  Apology. The Times wishes to acknowledge an editorial error with regard to the false announcement of a betrothal, and hereby issues a full and unreserved apology to the following persons: Mister Harold Menzies of Mount Street, London. Miss Caroline Saunders of Dover Street, London. The error was made by a junior editor whose services have been subsequently terminated.

  Caroline put the newspaper down and looked at her father. She dreaded to think how much money had changed hands to get the paper to print the apology. And a young man had lost his employment due to Harry’s pigheadedness.

  Charles nodded. “The Times were very good about it, though it took Francis quite some effort to get Harry to go with him to Printing House Square. He still had it in his head that you might come to see sense and agree to marry him. It finally took both Harry’s father and myself to get it through his thick skull that you would not be changing your mind.”

  “I don’t think it is fair that someone has lost their livelihood over this,” she replied.

  Charles handed her a second piece of paper. It was an employment contract for a shipping clerk with the Saunders family business. Caroline read the front and then reached over and placed a tender kiss on her father’s cheek. “I take it this is for the young man who made up the betrothal notice for Harry at The Times? Thank you, Papa. I shall rest easy knowing we have set matters fairly to right.”

  A footman knocked on the door and carried in a tray with a pot of tea and several cups. Adelaide Saunders followed.

  Caroline rose from the couch and went to greet her mother. Adelaide took one look at Caroline’s bandaged hand and sighed. “Oh, my poor girl, you have been in the wars.”

  “I am fine. The wound is healing well. Julian has a good hand with a needle and thread,” replied Caroline.

  Adelaide raised her eyebrows. Caroline knew her mother would not have failed to notice the familiar use of the Earl of Newhall’s name rather than his title. Caroline simply smiled.

  “Well now you are home. And, just as importantly, not engaged,” said Adelaide.

  Caroline looked down, unable to meet her mother’s gaze. If luck would have it, her status would be changing very soon. She yawned, tired from the long days of travel in the cramped confines of the coach. “Yes, and I would like to take to my bed for a few hours if that is alright? I did not sleep well the night before we left and have been trying to catch up ever since.”

  Her parents did not press her for further news of her stay at Newhall Castle, but she knew that in time, the questions would come.

  Adelaide accompanied her upstairs and to Caroline’s bedroom. “Get some rest today; we can talk later at supper. I will have your things unpacked and hung in the wardrobe. You will need your formal gowns for the day after tom
orrow.”

  Caroline stopped unbuttoning her coat. “What do you mean I will need my gowns so soon?”

  Adelaide took hold of Caroline’s right hand and met her gaze. “The whole mistaken betrothal issue is far from over. While The Times printed an apology, I can assure you that there are plenty of people within the ton who think that there is more to it than a simple error made by a newspaper clerk. There is a charity ball at Collins House, at which you need to make an appearance. The sooner you are back out in society, the sooner we can take the heat out of the rumors.”

  Caroline sat on her bed after Adelaide had left. Her mother was the pragmatic one in her parents’ marriage. As the daughter of a duke, Adelaide Saunders had intricate knowledge of the workings of London high society. If Adelaide said Caroline had to be back in circulation, she said it with good reason.

  Caroline lay down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She wished she was in Derbyshire. Newhall Castle was a simpler place. There were snow-covered grounds to ramble over, with Midas following behind. The little cottage by the frozen lake was a haven of tranquility.

  Rolling onto her side, she dragged part of the bedclothes over her. As she drifted off to sleep, a soft smile sat on her lips. An image of Julian looking back at her from outside the cottage formed in her mind. He held out a hand and beckoned for her to join him.

  “Soon. Come soon,” she whispered.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  “Come on in out of the rain, you foolish creature.”

  Midas gave Julian what he took to be a dog’s version of a dirty look. He had been playing in the rear garden of Newhall House and had found himself a muddy puddle. A puddle which, with the now constant London rain, had turned into a mud bath. Midas was having a whale of a time.

  Midas slowly made his way in out of the wet and Julian closed the door behind them. “Thank you. What would Caroline say to the mess you have made of your coat?”

  At the sound of Caroline’s name, Midas pricked up his ears. His head moved quickly from side to side, as if searching for her.

  “No. She is not here, but if you want her to be, then you have to stay clean. I must venture out into polite society tonight and I cannot do that if you are going to make me stand and call you, as I have done for the past five minutes,” said Julian. He playfully frowned as Midas lowered his head. “Oh, come now. I wasn’t that hard on you.”

  A footman appeared from upstairs and took Midas away for a bath, leaving Julian free to seek out Lady Margaret. She was in the main ground floor sitting room.

  “How did you go with finding out the lay of the land?” he asked.

  Lady Margaret smiled. “Very well. An apology for Mister Menzies’s foolish act was published in The Times. I managed to speak to a mutual friend of Caroline’s mother, and they are setting about putting her back into society. There is a charity ball at Collins House tonight and she will be in attendance.”

  Julian nodded. “Excellent. Now to secure some tickets so we can also be among the guests.”

  Lady Margaret reached into her reticule and pulled out a single ticket. She handed it to Julian. “I have an early appointment with my modiste tomorrow to spend lots of your money, so you go on ahead without me. I expect you and Caroline have plans for a secret rendezvous. Three makes for a crowded room.”

  He gave her a hug. “Make sure you select the finest fabrics.”

  After arriving at Collins House, Julian made himself scarce. He took the glass of brandy offered by a footman and then retreated to a quiet, dark corner of the main ballroom. If Caroline was true to form, sooner or later, she would make her way to the dance floor.

  He didn’t have to wait long. Caroline and Francis appeared in the doorway of the room. A group of young gentlemen hurried over to her side, followed almost immediately by Francis bowing to his sister and leaving the room.

  Wishing to avoid having to speak to anyone of his acquaintance, he retreated further into the shadows. His gaze was now fixed firmly on Caroline. Much had changed between them during her time at Newhall Castle, but here in London, he suddenly felt the need for confirmation that the woman he had lost his heart to was the woman he wanted to share his future with. That Caroline would remain true to her word.

  Caroline’s usual court took it in turn to declare how much they had all missed her. Julian was mighty pleased to see that neither the troublesome Mister Menzies or Mister Walters was present.

  He took a sip of his brandy and continued to watch. His vantage point was out of sight, but still within earshot. If Caroline reverted to her old ways, he would soon know. A hubbub quickly rose in the group, and Julian pricked up his ears.

  “Where is your dance card, Miss Saunders?” exclaimed one of her admirers.

  “I have no need of a dance card this evening. I am here to see friends and help raise some badly needed funds for our returned injured soldiers.”

  One of the other young gentlemen then stepped forward and dipped into a low bow. He held a dance card in his hand. He turned to his fellow courtiers and smiled sweetly. With Harry Menzies now out of the picture, there was an opening for the role of Caroline’s closest protector. He held the card out to her.

  Julian held his breath. Waiting.

  Caroline looked down at the card, but did not take it. “Thank you, no. As I said, I have no need for it tonight. Gentlemen, I think it is time that you all found other young ladies with which to spend your evening. I am sure there are plenty of pretty girls who would love to dance.”

  Julian clenched his fist. If it would not have caused others to look at him, he would have raised his arms and punched the air. She was not dancing, and he was the reason why.

  “Well then, could I interest you in a glass of champagne?” offered another admirer.

  Julian paused his quiet celebration. Caroline did not tolerate fools who did not listen.

  To her credit, she simply shook her head. “No, thank you. Gentlemen, it is time we put an end to this group. Recent events have compelled me to look long and hard at my character, and I realize I have been more than a little cruel to you all. I apologize for my behavior. It was wrong of me to lead you on. I also want to wish every one of you the very best of health and happiness for the future. Good evening to you all.”

  Silence fell on the small group. Then one young man stepped forward and bowed low to Caroline, and departed. Followed by another. One by one, the members of her court dismissed themselves.

  Caroline was left standing alone in the middle of the room. The temptation to step out from his seclusion was strong, but Julian remained hidden. He had not yet spoken to her father. Well done, my love. I am proud of you.

  He would take the place of her court of admirers, but in good time. The gossip of the ton would only be silenced if the next time her name was mentioned in social circles was when she appeared on his arm in public.

  Julian drained the last of his brandy and made for the nearest exit.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  A knock at Caroline’s bedroom door roused her from a deep sleep. She had been dreaming of a tall man pulling her along at high speed on the frozen Thames. Every time she tried to skate faster and catch up to him, he drew away and she was left struggling to remain upright.

  She rolled over and faced the door as Adelaide came into the room bearing a large box. She set it down on Caroline’s dressing table and then stood, waiting.

  “What is it?” asked Caroline.

  Her mother hurried over to the chair where Caroline’s dressing gown hung, picked it up, and handed it to her.

  “I have no idea, but I had hoped that your efforts in dissuading young gentlemen from making rash displays of devotion would have had an immediate effect. Clearly, I was wrong. Whatever it is, you had better open it and then send it back,” said Adelaide.

  A reluctant Caroline put on her dressing gown and padded barefoot to where the box sat. She looked at it for a moment, examining the outside.

  It was an elegant pale
blue box, with silver ribbon wrapped around it which finished in an enormous bow. Someone had spent some serious blunt on a gift, if the box was any indication of what was inside.

  Caroline pulled on the ribbon and loosened the bow. Adelaide leaned closer. Then, with a great flourish, Caroline whipped the lid off.

  “Oh.”

  Inside the box was a pair of ice skates.

  Adelaide screwed up her face. “That is an odd gift. Who would send such a thing?”

  Tears pricked Caroline’s eyes as she picked up the small note which lay on top of the skates. Her bottom lip trembled as she read it.

  Midas misses you terribly, as do I. We shall be in Hyde Park at 5pm this afternoon. I have an appointment with your father at 3pm.

  She closed her eyes and put a hand to her mouth. Julian knew exactly how to touch her heart.

  Adelaide slipped a hand around Caroline’s waist. “May I ask who has sent you this?”

  Smiling through her tears, Caroline handed her mother the note. “Lord Newhall, Julian. Midas is his dog.”

  Julian had waited only a day before setting out to follow her. Knowing that he was impatient to see her again brought a welcome sense of relief.

  “Do you love him?” said Adelaide.

  Caroline nodded. The past days being separated from Julian had been torture. Almost every waking moment was spent thinking about him, and wondering where he was and what he was doing.

  She looked at the note once more. He would be in Hyde Park at 5pm today. It would only be a matter of hours before she saw him again.

  “He is going to speak to Papa this afternoon and ask for permission to court me. I had better go and tell Papa that he can finally say ‘yes’ to a young gentleman. After that, will you come with me to Hyde Park? I would very much like for you to meet him,” replied Caroline.