The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (11 page)

Caroline narrowed her eyes at him and turned her nose up. She turned back to her father. She heard Damon’s deep chuckle.

“I’m glad someone is enjoying this travesty of ridiculousness. May I be excused, Father? I have nothing to add. Let me know when I must appear at the church.” Caroline stood.

Damon touched her shoulder and turned her toward him. “I shall be glad to tell you. We will wed in three weeks’ time in your village church, after the banns have been read.” Caroline’s throat had tightened with held-back emotions.

“My aunt will be glad to assist you with our list of guests and any other help you or your mother might need.

“But I must warn you, do not appear in church in anything to embarrass me. Remember, you will be going home alone with me that night.” His words were cold and harsh, all laughter erased from his face.

Caroline stared back at him but finally turned without saying a word and walked to the door. She put her hands within the folds of her skirt to hide their trembling. When she strode out and closed the door behind her, she let the tears flow.

Caroline walked up the stairs to her room and sat on the side of her bed. Three weeks and she would be his to command. A wife was nothing more than a possession to her husband. She had dared to defy the tiger and now the tiger would have her all to himself.

She stayed in her room, except for meals, the rest of the day.

Her parents had not commented on the scene in her father’s study.

This morning she must get up and behave as normal as possible. She was to see Madame Charmaine about her wedding gown.

Her mother knocked and then opened her bedroom door. “You aren’t ready yet? Get up and quit moping. I expect you downstairs for breakfast in a half hour. Afterward, we will take the carriage and go to the dressmakers.”

“I’m not hungry. We can go as soon as I’m dressed.”

“You will have tea and a biscuit, at least,” her mother said.

It didn’t take her long to join her mother in the dining room. She wanted to get all of this over and done. After forcing down one cup of tea and part of a biscuit, her mother relented and they headed out to the dress shop.

“Ah, milady, how lovely you will be as a bride.” Madame Charmaine smiled warmly at Caroline and her mother as they entered. “Your future husband is so very handsome and thoughtful.”

Surprised, Caroline said, “I didn’t realize you knew Lord Royston.”

“Yes. Early this morning, he came to my shop. He congratulated me on the gown you wore to the Billingsham ball and requested a whole new wardrobe for you.” Madame Charmaine touched her arm lightly. “He said you would object, but to tell you he insists. I am happy you are getting such a generous husband.”

Lady Halsford smiled. “Her father and I have been telling her the same thing. She is, of course, shy and nervous, but all that will disappear after the wedding.”

Caroline watched as her mother and Madame Charmaine smiled knowingly at each other. Why did her mother insist on pretending this was a happy occasion, a marriage Caroline desired?

But of course, Mama would never let anyone suspect this was not exactly what she wanted for her only daughter. Now Caroline would have even her clothes chosen by Damon. Irritation with her mother’s behavior gave Caroline the start of a headache. She turned away while her mother and the dressmaker talked.

“Oh, yes, and Lord Royston brought this beautiful material to make into a special gown for you,” Madame Charmaine said.

Caroline didn’t have to look to know it was the material she’d returned to him. When she did turn, she saw it was still wrapped in the brown paper.

“He also sent this cream-colored satin and matching lace for your wedding gown.” Madame Charmaine’s voice was hushed in awe as she spread the shiny satin and spiderweb-fine lace in front of Caroline.

“It seems since you already have my measurements, I am not needed further. Come, Mama, we have packing to do.” Caroline started to leave the store without speaking further to Madame Charmaine.

“Milady, if I have offended you, please forgive me.” Madame Charmaine reached out to her with tears in her eyes. “I only want to please you. You know how very much I respect you.”

Caroline was ashamed. She had allowed her anger at Damon and her mother to spill over onto an innocent party. “It’s quite all right. I woke with a headache and have so much to do. I let my frustration and pain come out. You have always done a wonderful job on my clothes, and I know you will make my wedding gown very beautiful and special.”

Madame Charmaine beamed at her. “Oh, yes, you will be pleased
chérie
, I promise.”

Caroline stepped into their carriage and leaned her head back against the satin lining. She really did have a full-blown headache.

“I am very disappointed in your behavior this morning. Most young women would be excited over a new wardrobe and such a generous husband.” Her mother’s voice was sharp as she settled herself across from Caroline.

“Who are we pretending to right now, Mama? No one is listening. Please do not repeat to me how generous my future husband is to me. We both know I am marrying him for one reason only, to save you and Papa. We do not know how he will treat me as his wife.”

Caroline continued to sit with her eyes closed. Her mother reached across the carriage and squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry. I thought you’d want me to pretend how thrilled we are about your fiancé to save your pride.”

“I’m a mess, Mama. Forget what I said.”

As soon as the carriage stopped and the footman helped her out, Caroline excused herself and went up to her room. She closed the door and stared around at the familiar and comfortable bedroom she called her own.

Once she married Damon this house would no longer be her home. This room would not be hers ever again. Time was racing by, and she felt helpless to stop the chain of events facing her.

She sat and looked at her reflection.

Why me? Only because of the revenge for his father’s death? I’ve always known what to do in any situation. I’ve been able to take charge, but now someone stronger, more determined, is controlling me and my family.

Caroline fought back the fear trying to smother her.
I will not be overcome. Damon may control me outwardly, but he will never conquer my spirit.

Her eyes blazed into the mirror.
I will not surrender!

* * * *

An invitation to a family dinner came the next day from the Marquis and Marchioness of Sommerplace. Caroline handed the invitation over to her mother.

“We are to dine with the earl’s family tomorrow night. Hopefully, they may disapprove of this match and talk the viscount out of marrying me.”

“I simply do not understand your obstinacy regarding this marriage. Your husband is wealthy and has a title. You will be making an advantageous match in anyone’s eyes. I will not believe the viscount would stoop to being cruel to his wife.”

“Why not, Mama? There are well known cases of gentlemen beating their wives.”

Her mother’s cheeks flushed. “It is of no use trying to converse with you this morning. Excuse me, I am going out.”

Caroline stared out the window to the back garden. It was a sunny day. Getting up, she carried her teacup and strolled to a bench placed in the middle of the small grassed area.

She raised her face to the sun and closed her eyes. The warmth and breeze caressed her face. Birds chirped in nearby trees.

“An idyllic scene. My future wife reposing in her chair with nature as her background. I shall have you painted in just such a setting.”

Caroline jumped, spilling her tea.

“Forgive me, my dear.” Damon leaned down and took the teacup from her hand. He handed her his handkerchief. “I did not mean to startle you.”

“Whatever are you doing in my garden at this hour of the morning?” Caroline snapped.

“Why, I came to ask my fiancée to go riding with me. It is a beautiful day, and I thought you might enjoy some exercise. I have brought a small mare named Joy. I do believe the two of you will be perfect for each other.”

Caroline stood and brushed at her skirt with his handkerchief. She hated to agree to do anything with this man, but she might as well get used to being with him. She had to admit a ride sounded very enticing.

“I have to change my gown anyway, so I will join you.” She started to walk away. “I’ll have this washed for you.” She held up the cloth.

“One other item needs to be taken care of this morning.” Damon stopped her. “I went to the bank and got my mother’s ring out of the safe.” He took her hand and slipped the diamond and sapphire ring on her finger. “Just as I expected, a perfect fit.”

Caroline froze. The ring was beautiful, but it was also the beginning of binding her more closely to him. She stared into his cold blue eyes.

“It’s a gorgeous ring, but shouldn’t we wait until after the family dinner? Perhaps your family will dislike me and not wish to see us married.”

His laugh was short and harsh. “Don’t worry, my dear. No one will change my mind.”

She pulled her hand from his grasp and ran into the house and up the stairs to her room. She heard his mocking laughter follow her.

“Mary, help me into my riding habit, the plain brown one,” Caroline said breathlessly.

She sat at her dressing table and stared at the ring on her finger. She sighed. She had not really believed he would change his mind. He meant to have her. There was to be no last minute reprieve.

The warmth of his touch and his strength as he had held her hands clasped in his and put on the ring lingered with her. There was something both comforting and frightening about him.

* * * *

Damon waited at the bottom of the staircase and watched for Caroline to return. He was pleased with the way his plan had worked. He had not decided if he would continue to see that the Earl of Halsford had problems with his finances.

He did not want to hurt Hannah’s chances to make a good match. He’d enjoy letting the Earl of Halsford dangle, wondering if his pursuit of him was over.

When she started down the steps, Damon took a deep breath. The riding outfit was dark brown. She probably thought it would be most unbecoming, but the color, with the green trim, darkened her eyes and accentuated her porcelain skin.

He took her hand as she reached the last step and smiled. “You are beautiful.” She frowned when he smiled. “Shall we go? It is early for riding in town. We can have a good run before the park fills with crowds of people.”

* * * *

Caroline soon forgot to be displeased with her escort. Joy was a lovely horse, and though she had expected a docile mount, the little mare showed plenty of spirit.

Once they arrived at Hyde Park, they let the horses gallop. Few riders were about. The fashionable people liked to sleep in after long nights of socializing.

Slowing down, Caroline smiled across at Damon. “My lord, your mare is rightly named. She is a joy to ride.”

“I thought the two of you would have much in common. Outwardly you both appear very ladylike but inside you are both filled with a feisty spirit.”

Caroline did not reply. She wasn’t certain whether to take his statement as a compliment or not. She turned her head and saw more people arriving. “Shall we go home?”

“No,” Damon said. “People need to see us together and see your ring. You will smile and look pleased,” he commanded.

Caroline didn’t answer him, but agreed in her mind with his plan. She did not want additional gossip about her. Nor did she desire anyone’s sympathy, in regards to what might appear a forced marriage.

The gossips would lose interest if they saw a smiling engaged couple. Straightening her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Caroline slowed her mount and smiled at Lady Melbourne when she stopped her coach to speak with them.

Smiling at the two, Lady Melbourne looked deliberately at Caroline’s hand. “You naughty young man, but I see all is well. Impetuous youth. Lady Caroline, you are pleased?”

“What is not to be pleased about, my lady? Lord Royston is very handsome and has given me this lovely ring to wear. I believe I have chosen well.”

“You took your time, my dear.” Lady Melbourne frowned on her briefly and then smiled. “I see sometimes waiting can bring the best rewards. I do like your handsome young man. You are both invited to the dinner and dance next week at Almack’s.”

“Thank you, Lady Melbourne,” Caroline said.

Damon smiled at the older woman. “You are looking very lovely this morning, my lady. I am glad you are one of the first to know that I have won the hand of my lady.” He nodded toward Caroline. “After all my years abroad, she quite literally took my breath away the first time I saw her.”

Caroline stared at him. He did seem to be overdoing it a bit.

Lady Melbourne snapped her fan shut and teasingly hit his hand with it. “You are a handsome rogue and full of yourself, but I do think I am envious of your Caroline.” With that she sat back and motioned her driver to move on.