Free The Rake's Rebellious Lady by Anne Herries Page A

everyone, though I believe I prefer it.’
    ‘The countryside can be pleasant enough if one has the right companions. But I do not care to spend too much time alone there when my friends are in town.’
    ‘Yes, of course. Do you have no family, sir?’
    ‘I had an elder sister, but she died of a putrid fever when a child.’ His eyes darkened as if the memory still held echoes of pain for him. ‘My parents had both died some years earlier, so that meant I was left to the mercy of the servants—and occasional visits from my uncle and grandfather. Grandfather died when I fifteen, but my uncle still lives. As does my godmother, Lady Stroud.’
    ‘I had no idea.’ Caroline glanced at him, for she guessed that he must have felt lonely as a child, but his face was a mask that showed no sign of emotion.
    ‘Why should you? It was a long time ago. However, you must not be sorry. If I have few relatives, I have some good friends and many pleasant acquaintances.’
    ‘Oh, yes,’ Caroline agreed. ‘I believe you are very close with Mr Bellingham, are you not?’
    ‘We have been friends for some time.’
    They were entering the park gates now and Caroline saw several ladies and gentlemen she knew. Some were in carriages, but most were on foot.
    ‘Would you count that gentleman as a friend?’ Caroline asked after they had been driving for some minutes. She had noticed Mr Farringdon. He was on foot and seemed to be staring fixedly in their direction.
    ‘An acquaintance. I believe his estate is not far distant from my hunting lodge, but I would not count him a friend. We meet at the card tables and at various functions.’
    ‘Yes, I suppose you must play with so many gentlemen at the tables,’ Caroline said, looking thoughtful. ‘Papa was not lucky at cards. I think it is not always wise to gamble too much.’
    ‘You are very right, though the golden rule is to play only if you can pay.’
    ‘Ah, yes, very true—but I think that gaming has brought more than one gentleman to ruin.’
    ‘I am sure that is so. The devil of it is that one can do nothing to prevent it. When someone has the need for self-destruction, no cautionary words will help.’ Freddie was thoughtful for a moment and then he glanced at her. ‘But tell me, do you go to Lady Rowe’s affair tomorrow?’
    ‘Yes, indeed we shall,’ Caroline replied, allowing his wish to change the subject. ‘Shall you be there, sir?’
    ‘It was my intention, but I have business that takes me to Oxford, though I hope to return within a few days.’
    ‘Oh…’ Caroline knew a pang of disappointment. ‘Well, I suppose you must settle your affairs.’
    ‘I must speak to my agent urgently,’ Freddie told her. ‘There are certain things that must be seen to at my estate and…elsewhere.’ He smiled at her. ‘Do you intend to stay in town until the end of the Season?’
    ‘I am not sure…’ Caroline wrinkled her brow in thought. ‘For some weeks yet, I believe, but it depends…on many things.’
    ‘Just so,’ Freddie agreed. ‘Tell me, Miss Holbrook, have you progressed with your reading?’
    They began to discuss the merits of Mrs Radcliffe’s writing, passing on to the discussion of literature and poetry. The park was full of people that morning, and, as they made their rounds, they were hailed by Mr Bellingham, who was driving Julia that morning.
    Caroline was sorry when they completed their turn of the park and returned to her aunt’s house. She smiled and thanked Sir Frederick for his company, and went in feeling oddly out of sorts with herself. She had enjoyed driving with him, but was still uncertain whether, if asked, he would count her as a friend or merely an acquaintance.
    * * *
    Freddie left town that afternoon, his thoughts much exercised by his conversation with Miss Holbrook. She had begun to pop into his mind too often of late, but he had not yet come to a decision concerning his future plans. If he cared to marry, Miss Holbrook was exactly