Anne Herries - The Rake's Rebellious Lady

‘Oh…’ Caroline was a little surprised, for she had not expected it. ‘Yes, I do not see why not, sir. I have driven out with Mr Bellingham several times, but, yes, thank you. I should be happy to do so.’

‘Perhaps the day after tomorrow?’

‘Yes, I believe that will suit. My aunt never makes engagements for the mornings. She prefers to stay in her room until eleven or twelve, but I like to go out early.’

‘So I have observed,’ Freddie said. ‘I shall call for you at ten, if that is not too early?’

‘No, not at all,’ she said. ‘I shall look forward to it.’

Their dance was ending and Sir Frederick escorted her back to Julia, who was to be his next partner. Caroline was momentarily alone, and she saw that Mr Farringdon was making his way towards her. Fortunately, her next partner arrived before he could do so and she was swept back into the throng of dancers.

As the evening progressed, Mr Farringdon made two more attempts to reach her, but Caroline avoided him, and it was not until she stepped outside on the terrace to cool herself for a moment before the supper dance that he succeeded in speaking to her. She had not seen him standing in the shadows, and, as he moved towards her, turned away, intending to return to the ballroom.

‘Miss Holbrook,’ he said. ‘I have been wishing to speak to you. I had hoped that I might be given the honour of a dance with you this evening?’

‘Forgive me, but my card was filled almost at once. Excuse me. I must go, for my partner will be waiting.’

‘Surely you can spare a moment?’ He moved to block her way, sending a little shiver of alarm down her spine.

‘No, I must go,’ she said and tried to move past him, but he laid his hand on her bare arm, making her jerk away instinctively. His eyes glittered and she thought he was about to say something more, but then his face froze and he took his hand from her arm.

‘Miss Holbrook—I believe this is our dance?’

Caroline had never been more relieved in her life as she saw Sir Frederick standing in the doorway. Her face lit up and she moved towards him eagerly, offering him her hand.

‘I had not forgotten. I was about to return, sir.’

‘Nothing has happened to disturb you?’

‘Oh, no,’ Caroline said, for she did not wish to make something out of nothing. ‘Excuse me, sir.’ Farringdon stood back, nodding to Sir Frederick, who was regarding him sternly.

‘And that,’ Freddie said in a low voice as they went inside, ‘was extremely foolish of you, Miss Holbrook. There are some gentlemen you would be safe with on a desert island, but not that one. What made you go outside with him?’

Caroline glanced at him, a hint of temper in her eyes. ‘If you imagine that I went to meet him, you are mistaken, sir. I do not like the gentleman and would not even grant him a dance!’ The expression on her face hinted that at that moment she did not particularly like Freddie either.

A smile flickered in his eyes as he inclined his head to her. ‘I stand corrected, Miss Holbrook, and I am happy to admit it. I jumped to conclusions, but I happen to know that Farringdon is not ideal as an admirer for a young lady like you. Neither is he possessed of a great fortune. I do not imagine your family would think him suitable, for I dare say they expect you to make a good match.’

‘Do you, indeed?’ Caroline tossed her head at him as he led her into the dance. ‘I thank you for your advice, sir. In this instance I believe the advice was not needed, but please do feel free to give me the benefit of your superior knowledge on these matters whenever you wish. As you say, it is imperative that I marry well, and I dare say you may know to a penny what any particular gentleman is worth.’ Since he clearly thought her a fortune hunter, she might as well encourage the thought!

Freddie’s mouth twitched at the corners, but he made no further remarks on the subject as he led her into the dance. Caroline relaxed as she felt his hand at her waist, and for some reason her anger vanished instantly. She looked up at him a little uncertainly.

‘I have distressed you. Forgive me, Miss Holbrook.’

‘I think that perhaps I have been rude? I am the one to ask for understanding, Sir Frederick. I was upset and spoke too hastily. Indeed, I was glad to be rescued.’

‘No forgiveness is needed,’ he assured her. ‘I would have you no other way, Miss Holbrook. I prefer that a young lady should speak her mind—and I find you most refreshing.’

Was that another way of saying that she was ill mannered, but to be forgiven because of her youth? Caroline was not sure if he was mocking her or not, because she was sure that he was laughing inside. She decided that the best thing to do was to retain a dignified silence, which she did for the remainder of their dance, but when he asked if he might escort her into supper she was obliged to smile and thank him.

‘And thus might Saint Joan have looked as she was taken to the stake,’ he said in a low voice, and as she looked up she saw that his eyes were bright with laughter. ‘Am I still to be permitted to take you driving, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Do you still wish to?’

‘Yes, certainly,’ he said. ‘I believe…’

What he had been about to say was missed, for they were joined by Julia and a party of young bucks, and after seeing that Caroline had all she needed, Sir Frederick soon left them to the enjoyment of their supper. When she looked for him later, she realised that he must have gone.

She could not help feeling piqued, because she did not know what she had done to give him such a poor opinion of her. It was true that if she married well she might be able to make Mama’s life better, and she would like to do something for her brothers too—but she would not wish to marry exclusively for money. Indeed, she could not imagine herself married to most of the gentlemen she knew…

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