Free The Secret of Castlegate Manor by Karen Cogan

head and attended to the tiny pearl buttons down the back. An overlay of pearl and lace trimmed the bodice and front of the skirt.
    Caroline stood in front of the mirror and sighed at the sight of herself in a new gown, one created especially for her and not altered from those of Lady Eleanor. She twirled and watched the graceful line of the skirt. If not for her apprehensions about her ability to carry off her role, she would be thoroughly looking forward to the ball.
    She joined Lavenia and Lady Aberly, now dressed in her pale green sarcenet gown, in the sitting room and had to agree that Madame Marian was indeed masterful in her knowledge of color and design.
    Lavenia gushed, "I shall not be able to wait another day to wear this delightful creation. Mother, you and Caroline look so beautiful I shall have to see that Mr. Ruyter does not behold you at the ball."
    Lady Aberly blushed. "The excitement has gone to your head. Mr. Ruyter has eyes only for you. Do you not agree Caroline."
    "I have seen the way he looks at you, Lavenia," Caroline agreed.
    Lavenia blushed, in turn. "You are both kind and I find your words reassuring."
    The ladies returned to their rooms to remove the dresses. As Maggie packed the gown carefully away, Caroline's eyes fell on the box resting on her bed. She removed the wrapping and admired the deep blue velvet of her riding habit. She caressed the soft fabric and wondered if it would elicit an admiring look. She caught her lip as she hung it carefully in the wardrobe, realizing whose admiring look she wished to attract.
    Dismissing the ridiculous thought, she determined to dress for a ride tomorrow. She would seek Geoffrey and ask his advice as to the safety of an outing. After what happened with John Coachman, she did not wish to put either an abigail or Geoffrey in danger.
    Two days of steady rain delayed Caroline's outdoor plans. She drifted about the house, helping with ball preparations when possible and spending the remainder of her time in the library.
    When, three days later, the sun at last appeared, Caroline donned her new blue habit and slipped off to the stable. The ground smelled of damp earth and leaves. She drew a deep breath and thought again of how much she loved the sights and scents of the country.
    She renewed her determination to marry a country squire, for to return to London after becoming used to her life at Castlegate Manor would be a bitter disappointment.
    Victory nickered, looking up from his hay as she neared the outside pen. She walked over to pat his nose only to move away quickly as he nibbled at her delicate jacket.
    Laughter behind her sent a flush to her cheeks. She spun to see the amused light in Geoffrey's shamrock-green eyes. His laughter touched her pride.
    "I fail to see what is so amusing."
    He assumed a more serious expression. "I have often thought Victory would have been better born a goat. In a playful mood, he has torn some of my best jackets and a pair of fine trousers. And it would be a most opprobrious shame to have any harm come to such a delightful riding habit, if you will pardon my saying so, my lady. "
    The admiring light in his eyes cast away any offense Caroline had harbored at his previous laughter. Her heart told her this was the reward she had sought when she had envisioned herself clad in the deep blue velvet.
    "I have come for a ride if you feel it would be safe. I do not wish to put anyone in danger. However, I cannot believe Lord Humphrey, if he is behind this, has someone always at the ready to take a shot."
    Geoffrey nodded, his expression solemn. Caroline noted the cleft in his smooth forehead that formed when he was deep in thought. She tucked her gloved hands into her skirt to still their wayward desire to caress the thoughtful crease from his brow.
    Geoffrey glanced toward the stable and the voices drifting from inside. "I think it will be safe to ride. We can talk when we are away from the stable."
    He saddled the two horses, then