‘Yes, sir.’ Tom was surprised and yet flattered that he was to be let into that part of his grandfather’s life that was never spoken of, though he knew the old reprobate had been a high-flyer in his heyday. ‘You may rely on me to do as you wish on the matter.’
‘Good, thought I might,’ the Marquis said. ‘Do you see that chest in the corner? The one with the iron bands? It is locked and this is the key.’ He took it from his waistcoat pocket and held it out to Tom. ‘Open it and bring me the packet you see lying on top. You may study it at your leisure, and then we shall talk…’
* * *
Caroline saw that Sir Frederick had entered the ballroom, which was overflowing with people and far too hot. He had such presence and such an air that she could not help thinking him the most distinguished man of her acquaintance, and her heart suddenly beat a little faster.
His gaze seemed to travel round the room, and then settle for a moment on her. She dropped her own gaze immediately, for she would not like him to think she was staring, even though she had been. However, in another moment her next partner claimed her and she was whisked into the middle of the dancers. For the following few minutes, she forgot about Sir Frederick; when she was returned to her aunt’s side, he had moved from the place he had been standing earlier. Perhaps he had preferred the card room, she thought, deciding to put him from her mind.
‘I should like to tidy myself,’ Caroline told her aunt. ‘Would you tell Mr Asbury that I shall be only a few moments, please?’
‘Yes, though you must be quick,’ Lady Taunton said with a look of disapproval. ‘It is rude to keep partners waiting.’
Caroline left the room immediately, going upstairs to the room that had been set aside for the ladies. She made herself comfortable as quickly as she could and left the room, beginning to descend the stairs once more, but as she reached the bottom she met Sir Frederick. He had been about to go up, but stood to one side to allow her to pass. Caroline did not know what prompted her, for she ought simply to have nodded and passed him by, but some little imp was on her shoulder.
‘You do not dance this evening, sir?’
‘I seldom dance unless I particularly wish to,’ he replied. ‘And George told me that I had no hope of securing a dance with you, since your card was full soon after you arrived.’
‘I am afraid that is so,’ she said, ‘but there are others who may have a space left, sir.’
‘Of little use when I came only for one purpose.’
Caroline caught her breath. Was he saying that he had come merely to dance with her? Surely not! She smiled at him and went to pass him, but now he would not permit it and caught her arm, his fingers seeming to close on her like bands of steel so that she could not move without pulling away from him. His touch seemed to burn her and she trembled inside, wondering why he should have such an effect on her senses.
‘You wanted something, sir?’ She looked back at him, eyes wide and clear, a hint of challenge in their depths. ‘But perhaps you came to give me news of the puppy we rescued?’
‘Well, it would seem my groom has taken rather a fancy to the creature, which fawns on him in a ridiculous manner, and would like to take it home for his children—if you have no objection?’ Freddie raised his brows. ‘I was not sure what you would wish—unless you expected me to care for it personally? I am assured it will be well treated.’
‘That is excellent news.’ Caroline smiled. ‘How very kind of your groom to take the poor little scrap in. Tell him that I am grateful for his kindness.’
‘So would you like to name the pup or shall we leave it to Jacob and his children?’
‘I should think his name ought to be Lucky,’ she said, ‘forhe undoubtedly is to find such a good home, but it must be for your groom to decide, sir. I am in your debt for relieving me of what might have proved a problem in my present circumstances.’
‘Yes, indeed you are,’ Freddie said, his expression seeming to mock her. ‘But I fear that if I asked you to walk with me in the gardens for a few minutes you would refuse.’
‘We hardly know each other well enough for that, sir.’
‘We do not know each other at all, Miss Holbrook.’ He let one finger trail down her arm, sending a frisson of sensation shooting through her. For a moment as she stared into his dark eyes, she felt as if she were drowning, being sucked down and down into a swirling pool and out of her depth. ‘I am not sure that it would be to the benefit of either of us to be become more intimately acquainted…despite our mutual interest in a lucky dog.’
‘Then please allow me to pass,’ Caroline said and gave him a frosty stare. Until that moment she had been revising her opinion of him, and liking what she had discovered, but now she was once again aware of the danger of allowing herself to like such a man. If she were foolish enough to develop a tendre for him, he would be sure to break her heart. ‘My partner is waiting and I am already late for our dance. As you said, all my dances are taken.’
‘Just so,’ Freddie said, releasing her. He felt the reserve in her and mentally drew back. If he were not careful he would find himself drawn into a situation that could lead to only one end. He liked her enough to enjoy a light flirtation—but marriage? No, he had no thought of it! He reverted to the mocking stance that was his habitual manner. ‘You intrigue me, for I do not believe that you can be all that you seem, Miss Holbrook. You have made an impression. I dare say you could marry one of several gentlemen, all of them titled and wealthy.’
‘Do you think so, sir?’ Caroline lifted her head. ‘Perhaps you imagine that I wish to marry for fortune and position? If that is so, I think you may regard yourself as safe. I believe a marquis is as high as you can aspire in the future? I have only to encourage it and I may become a duchess one day…’ She walked off, her back straight, leaving Freddie to watch her in wry amusement.
The devil of it was that she was probably right! He was annoyed that she intrigued him, holding his thoughts more often than he liked. What was it about her that had caught his attention? She was a beauty, but there were other ladies as lovely who aroused no more than a flicker of interest in his mind. It seemed that the only way he might free himself was to develop the acquaintance, for he was sure to find her out in the end. She could surely not be as innocent and pure of mind as she seemed.
Caroline returned to the ballroom. Had she been a cat, her tail would have been twitching, for he had managed to get beneath her skin. Sir Frederick Rathbone was a sight too sure of himself for her liking. He had deserved a set down, and that was the only reason she had spoken in a way that might be seen as bragging. It was true that a young gentleman, who was the second in line for a dukedom, had paid her considerable attention, but she would not normally have dreamed of drawing anyone’s notice to it—and she had no intention of encouraging Sir Frederick to make an offer. Indeed, she had done her best to discourage it.
She wished that she had thought of some other way to put Sir Frederick down, for she did not wish him or anyone else to suppose that she was hanging out for a title. It was the furthest thing from her mind. At the moment she did not precisely know what she wanted from a husband. He must be an educated gentleman, able to discuss poetry and literature and to appreciate music and art. She thought that he must also have a sense of humour, for she did not think she could bear to be married to someone who was serious all the time.
For a moment her thoughts turned to Sir Frederick. She smiled at the thought of him giving into the seduction of a helpless puppy, allowing it to inveigle its way in to his good graces. Perhaps he was not as reserved or haughty as he sometimes seemed…and perhaps she did quite like him after all. At the back of her mind the thought hovered that, perhaps if her aunt had not been so very keen to see her marry Sir Frederick, she might have liked him quite a lot…