Free The Diabolical Baron by Mary Jo Putney Page B

thy’s suit. You remember Sir Wilbur Hatchett? He was willing to make a very good offer for your sister, and could still be brought up to scratch should we indicate that she is available. I am reluctant to do that. The man is in Trade, and personally unattractive as well. Cer tainly Gina showed no partiality for him.”
    Caroline could only blink at the understatement. Gina detested the man and referred to him as “the toad” when her mother was not around.
    “Lord Radford has offered a generous settlement, very generous indeed. If you persist in refusing him, we will have to force your sister to cry off from the engage ment. Unlike you, she is not yet of age and must do as her parents bid her.” Even though Louisa was sure the headstrong chit would have her Gideon in the face of any opposition, she did not hesitate to play on Caro line’s affection to gain her cooperation.
    Caroline bowed her head in defeat. She remembered her sister’s joyful proclamation of her marriage, and Gideon’s tender adoration whenever he was near his beloved. How could she make the two of them so un happy, as well as blighting the chances of the younger children? There was no way out.
    “Very well, then,” she said in a dead voice. “I will accept him.”
    Lady Hanscombe nodded her head approvingly. “I was sure you would know your duty.” She paused, then added awkwardly, “Do not be unhappy. Radford is a fine man with an impeccable reputation. I am sure he will treat you with all kindness and consideration. S oon you will look back at these megrims and laugh.”
    There was no way under the heavens Caroline could have explained why the prospect of marriage to his lordship was so distressing. She didn’t even try; her temples throbbing with pain, she whispered huskily, “May I go now, Mama?” Without waiting for an answer, she stood and went blindly to the door. Her stepmother made no attempt to stop her.
    * * * *
    It was late that evening when Jessica entered the Adam Street town house, drawn by Gina’s hastily scrib bled note: Please come at once. Caroline needs you.
    As the footman took her cloak, Gina hastened down the stairs, motioning her into the small ground-floor salon with gestures to keep silence. The door safely closed behind them, Jessica demanded, “What is going ? What is wrong with Caroline?”
    Gina shook her head, her round face drawn and wor ried. “It has been the most dreadful day! Lord Radford offered for Caroline. There was terrible yelling from my father’s study, then Caro went to her room and cried for hours. I asked what was wrong, but she would only say she is to marry Radford. Why would she accept him if it makes her so miserable? She has only to say no, after all. She hasn’t talked or eaten all day. I’ve never seen her like this. Usually if she is un happy she just wanders off or plays the piano or some such. This time she looks like she is under sentence of death. Please, Jessica, see if you can do something for her!”
    Jessica’s lips tightened; she had suspected something of the sort. Much better than Gina, she could understand how Caroline could be forced against her will. “I’ll go up to her room immediately.”
    She tapped softly on her niece’s door, then entered without waiting for an answer. In the low light of a single lamp, the crumpled child-size figure lay unmoving.
    “Caro, are you all right?” She walked quietly across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Her lips parted in silent shock; Gina had not exaggerated. Caroline looked barely alive, her blue-white lips contrasting sharply with the swollen red eyes, the skin drawn tight to the bone, and her eyes staring blankly.
    A bowl of water and a cloth sat on the bedside table; Jessica picked up the cloth and wrung it out, smelling lavender as she did so. She carefully spread the cloth over her niece’s forehead and asked, “Can you hear me?”
    Caroline blinked and stared at her aunt, slowly bringing her into focus.