Free The Secret of Castlegate Manor by Karen Cogan Page B

She glanced up to see that he awaited her answer. Irritation gripped her that she should feel obliged to fabricate an answer.
    "Along the coast," she answered vaguely, with a wave that dismissed the subject.
    His eyebrows rose. "Were you from the military settlement in Bombay?"
    "Yes. That was it."
    She turned away too soon to see the surprise that lit his eyes. She knew only that the intimate ride had been a mistake. She must remember her position. The ball and the hope of meeting a marriageable country squire must provide an escape before her wayward emotions led her astray.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
     
     
     
    Caroline sat in front of the mirror as Maggie carefully styled her hair into a becoming upsweep that cascaded in the back with chestnut brown curls. Clad in her new ball dress, she felt like a prized doll being displayed for showing. Her inner composure, however, belied the doll-like exterior, which she would endeavor to maintain.
    The ball was only a few hours away. And with the ball, came her debut into society, a debut that might be fraught with numerous social mistakes. And before the ball, she must manage an intimate dinner with close friends of the family. Anxiety swept over her with the knowledge that Lady Aberly had insisted that Lord Humphrey be invited along with the Lady Ruyter and Henry, and the Baron and Baroness Caroline had met at the concert.
    When Lavenia had protested the Viscount's invitation, Lady Aberly had been adamant. "We have no proof that he is behind our misfortune. And, since he is family it would be most indiscreet to withhold the invitation."
    Caroline and Lavenia let a look of disquietude pass between them before accepting Lady Aberly's decision. Caroline knew etiquette would demand that she speak to the Viscount. However, she hoped to keep their association as brief as possible.
    The hostesses had not gathered long in the drawing room before the guests began to arrive. Lavenia was immediately swept up with Henry while Lady Aberly conversed with Lady Ruyter and the Baron and Baroness, leaving Caroline in the unhappy position of being companion to Lord Humphrey.
    He offered his arm to escort her to dine.
    Caroline accepted as graciously as possible. He strolled behind the others, allowing time to speak to her privately.
    "My dear Miss Stewart, you are looking charming this evening. I believe that dress enhances your consummate beauty."
    "Thank you, my lord. I am pleased you approve."
    "I approve most wholeheartedly. Have you given our previous conversation additional consideration?"
    "Yes, my lord. I will not be intimidated into marriage. And, in this, I think not only of myself, but of you as well. If you were to marry me, rest assured you would be sorely disappointed in the possessions which I would bring to the marriage."
    His glanced down at her and smiled a chilling smile that did not reach his eyes. "I care not for your possessions, my lady. I care only that you are a Stewart. That is all that counts. Lady Eleanor may disown me, but she cannot stop me from marrying back into the family. I will attain what should rightfully be mine. And I suggest that you cooperate."
    They reached the table. Caroline did not wish to shock their genteel guests with a cutting reply to the Viscount. Therefore, she could only smile, while seething inside as her mind cast about for a way to end his brazen blackmail. To resist meant sure danger. And yet, even if she were a Stewart instead of an impostor, Caroline knew she would rather die than surrender to his plan.
    Though the kitchen staff had prepared a feast fit for royalty, Caroline found her appetite very slight. She forced smiles and polite replies to the Baron who, being almost deaf, spoke so loudly that she feared she would be nearly deaf, too, by the time the meal ended.
    The arrival of the first guests for the ball spared Caroline further need to pretend interest in the Baron's conversation. Her attempt to avoid escort by