The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (9 page)

Lord Halsford raised his head, surprise on his face. He got up and walked to the window pulling the curtain open. Afternoon sunlight spilled into the room.

He turned back to her. His face still in the shadows. “I’m relieved I don’t have to repeat what is an unpleasant story and certainly not favorable to me. I hope you won’t think too harshly of me. Although I deserve it.”

“You were in the wrong, Papa, but so was Lord Royston’s father. He must have known he needed to stop playing. Nevertheless, you said you cheated. I see the regret and guilt in your face.”

“He was still despondent over the loss of his wife, and he was about to lose all his money if the cards did not turn in his favor. At some level I realized that, but I ignored my conscience and not only continued to play but, in the end, I cheated. I can’t expect his son to forgive me when I can’t forgive myself. I’ve tried to forget what happened over the years, but it was always at the back of my mind. I deserve what Lord Royston is doing. But you and your mother are innocent pawns in his game.”

“His father lost everything?”

“All but his estate.”

“Lord Royston told me he’d come home rich. He apparently made his fortune back. Surely that makes you feel better.”

“Lord Royston hates us.”

Fear gripped her throat. “Surely not, Papa.”

“Yes, he does.” Her father sat back behind his desk and ran his hand through his thinning hair. When he raised his head, his eyes looked haunted. “I tried to explain to Royston today. I told him I had traveled to his estate to give the banknote back to his father but heard of his death on my way.”

“Did he accept the explanation?”

“No, and he is right. I should have given the banknote to the son right after his father’s death, if I was sincere. I wanted the money, and I am damned for it.”

Caroline poured more of the tea into her cup, giving her hands something to do. An ordinary task felt comforting in a suddenly upside-down world. The chore helped to hold the fear at bay.

“Is there anything that can be done to satisfy him instead of his current plans?”

Her father started to answer her. He closed his mouth and shrugged. “No, nothing.”

* * * *

Caroline paced up and down his office. She was such a lovely young woman. He wished she were already married. Then she’d be out of Royston’s reach.

“There must be a way to resolve this problem. I can understand Lord Royston being angry. He must have been a very young man at the time of his father’s death,” Caroline said.

“He was eighteen, handsome, likable, and the
ton
loved him. He left it all behind and went far away to recoup his fortune.” Lord Halsford sighed. “I suppose I always knew he would return. I did not expect him to be this bitter and seeking revenge. I foolishly hoped he’d be happy with what he’d achieved.”

“Excuse me, Papa. I have to change. Some ladies are coming to visit this afternoon. Plus, I need time to think about our conversation.”

His heart sank, as she avoided his eyes and hurried from the room. Their relationship might never be the same. He rubbed his hand over his heart. He didn’t expect his folly to hurt the people he loved the most. At that moment he hated himself far more than Royston ever could.

Her dress arrived the afternoon of the ball. Inside, along with the dress, were several dark-blue and silver feathers with a note to place them in her hair. Caroline watched as her maid, Mary, pulled the gown out.

“’Tis lovely, my lady. You will be the most beautiful lady at the ball.”

“Thank you, Mary. Perhaps we can arrange my hair in a more relaxed style and place the feathers to the back.”

“It will be the crowning touch.” Mary turned to her and smiled. “You will show the
ton
your real beauty.”

“Ah, Mary, if only life were so simple.” Caroline looked at the gown and regretted her decision to buy it. Perhaps this wasn’t her best idea. However, the situation was beyond her control no matter what she wore.

When she swallowed, she tasted her fear. She mustn’t let him sense it. She planned to hold her head high.

Caroline took her time dressing. She soaked in the tub much longer than usual and sat patiently while Mary worked on her hair. Finally, she stood in front of her mirror.

The dark blue jets sparkled seductively when she moved. Mary had arranged her hair with soft curls in the front and had placed the feathers standing up from her braids in the back.

“Caroline.” Her mother stood in her doorway. “Oh, my dear, you are beautiful. That gown is the most becoming I have ever seen you wear.”

“Then you are pleased, Mama?”

Her mother crossed the room to stand behind her. Caroline smelled the rose bath water, a fragrance she’d always associated with mama.

Tonight, her mother had dressed in dark red and wore a necklace of diamonds. Caroline smiled to herself. Mama would go down defiantly. But she wouldn’t have to go down at all if Caroline succeeded in her plan. Her heart pounded at the thought of approaching Lord Royston.

“I know this has been a difficult time since your talk with your Father. I am sorry for the compromising situation you find yourself involved in because of your fathers’ past discretions.

“Nevertheless, I’ve been thinking about a solution to your father’s problem. Perhaps Lord Royston would change his mind about hurting your father and us, if you married him. He did appear interested in you, and he is a viscount, so he’d be quite an eligible catch. I’m sure he would not mistreat you in any way. Altogether this may be the best answer.

“Really, Mama? Did he tell you he would love and honor me? That he was not serious in his threats to Papa?”

“He is a gentleman. You will see. Everything will be fine.”

Caroline started to snap at her mother but stopped herself. Mama had assumed Caroline would agree to marry the viscount and end their problems. She saw Lord Royston as an advantageous match for her daughter.

“It is hard to believe you might be married soon and moving into your own home.” Her mother smiled.

“Let us not pretend, Mama, this is a match I would desire.”

“He is as good as any and better than most. You will lack for nothing.”

“Only love and who knows how he may treat the daughter of his sworn enemy,” Caroline retaliated.

“You would be his wife. You have nothing to be concerned about. I am sure.” Lady Halsford snapped her fan across the palm of her hand.

“You are aware, Mama, that I may not accept, if he offers for me.” Caroline looked in her mirror at the reflection of her mother standing behind her.

Lady Halsford’s face paled. Caroline turned away and picked up her gray pelisse. Her plan, should it work, would make Mama very happy.

* * * *

Damon saw her as soon as she entered the ballroom. The lights sparkled off her gown. Her golden hair glowed, and the feathers waved in the slight breeze from the open French windows.

The beads on her gown swayed continuously in a seductive movement as she wove her way around the crowd. The low neckline of her ball gown exposed the soft mounds of her luscious breast. Several males gasped, and then turned silent to watch her progression across the room.

He knew the moment she spotted him. There was a slight change in her breathing. Her eyes glanced off his, refusing to make longer contact.

Deliberately, he turned his back to her and walked over to Lady Ferrier to ask her to dance. The silent battle had begun. His body quickened with exhilaration. He enjoyed a challenge.

* * * *

“Caroline.” Sara spoke with awe in her voice. “You look magnificent. Where did you get your gown?”

“My usual seamstress. I let her have her way this time.”

“Seems you should have been doing that for a long time,” Joan said dryly from where she stood by Sara. “Half the men in the room are drooling.”

Caroline laughed. “My plan was to taunt Lord Royston, but I see he is keeping company with Lady Ferrier.”

“She is beautiful, too,” Sara said with a touch of envy in her voice.

Caroline glanced at Sara in her white gown with silver trim. “All of us are looking our best.”

“May I have this dance?” Rook stood in front of Caroline.

Caroline’s mouth dropped open. She glanced at Sara, whose face had gone pale. She looked longingly at Rook.

Rook didn’t notice. He smiled and reached out, putting a finger under Caroline’s chin, lifting it up. “You don’t have to look so shocked.”

“Not shocked, surprised,” Caroline replied.

Rook took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. The music started, and he guided her into the steps of the waltz.

“You are looking especially lovely, Lady Caroline.”

“Thank you, Lord Stinson.”

“Lord Stinson? Why such formality? Have I offended you, my lady?”

Caroline frowned at him. “I might ask you why the sudden interest in me at this time.”

“You know I have never been known to ignore a beautiful woman,” Rook said.

“And you, Rook, know I don’t like the man you’ve become.”

“Perhaps you are really covering up an undying love for me,” he said, continuing to tease her.

“My friend, Sara, may be able to see some redeeming side to your character, but I do not agree.”

Caroline saw him glance to the sidelines toward Sara. She clenched her lips.
Why did I let that slip out? Sara would be terribly embarrassed if she found out.

“Please don’t let Sara know I said anything. It would only upset her.”

Rook looked back at her. “So you do care about the feelings of others, rather than just yourself?”

“Of course. Why would you say such a thing? It is obvious you really don’t know me at all.”

Rook twirled her around the corner briskly and stopped, opening a door to the outside terrace. “Let’s cool off for a few minutes.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and directed her out onto the patio.

Caroline sat down on a stone bench at the edge of the terrace. Rook put one foot on the bench and leaned toward her. He really was a handsome man. Still, he did not arouse the feelings of desire or danger his friend, Lord Royston, managed with one glance.

“What game is this you are playing, Rook?” she asked.

“No game. You are the most beautiful and interesting lady at the dance tonight.”

“And you thought I might feel differently this evening than I have the past three years?” Caroline’s voice was cool.

Rook grinned. “You are very hard on a man’s ego, Lady Caroline. Thank goodness I am confident in myself, or I would be quite devastated.”

Caroline couldn’t stop the laugh. “You really are incorrigible,” she said. “But you are right. You are handsome and dashing and most of the young women present would be flattered to receive your attention. Their hearts would beat rapidly at the chance of a dance. Fudge bucket, you know you and I would never do. We grew up within ten miles of each other, and you and I often disagreed even as children.”

Rook straightened. “You’re right, as usual. Nevertheless, you are so much fun to tease. I thought you had forgotten how to smile these past three years, but the little Caroline I knew so long ago is still there, inside.” He reached out and touched over her heart briefly.

“You have not been kind, naming me Miss Icicle,” Caroline reminded him.

“It fit you until tonight. I wonder what or who is causing the thaw?” With that remark, Rook glanced away.

Caroline thought about what Rook had just said to her. Had she begun to thaw? No, she shook her head in denial. It was only the outward façade. She refused to accept his words about her changing. The viscount was not having any effect on her.

“Rook, we should go back in,” Caroline said to get his attention.

“You are right. My arm, my lady.”

“I will escort her back.” Damon stepped up.

Rook looked at Caroline. “It is all right. Thank you for the dance.”

“So you go out in the dark with Rook but push me away.” His cold voice reached her just as his hands yanked her into his arms.

“Let me go.”

“No, I will never let you go. You will be mine, and I keep what belongs to me.” His words were sharp.

She refused to look at him. He laughed as he pulled her tighter and lifted her chin up.

His eyes were dark and fiery. Heat pouring off his body went all the way through her. His possessive attitude reached out to her, trying to chain her to him.

“I am not yours and may never be! Do you think your threats to my parents will endear you to me?”

“I believe you will marry me.”

Caroline heard the footsteps and realized too late what Damon had planned. He deliberately reached down to capture her lips, but she stomped on his instep and pushed hard against his chest. For a second, he was separated from her. Caroline smiled and put out her arm. “It is so much cooler out here, but we must go in. Thank you for escorting me outside to enjoy the fresh air.” She turned and smiled at the couple who joined them on the terrace. They nodded and walked across to the other side of the area.