The Rake's Rebellious Lady Read online

  ‘And he may think himself fortunate, for if you had chosen you might have had him arrested for debt or fraud, whichever you preferred—but instead of being grateful, he has dwelled on his misfortunes and now blames you for all his ills.’

  ‘Well, he may think as he pleases,’ Freddie said. ‘He was already set on the path to ruin before I won a guinea from him.’ He smiled wryly. ‘I must settle my debt to you, George.’

  ‘There is no hurry,’ George said. ‘I am happy to see you so well suited, my friend. I think she is just the woman for you.’

  ‘How could it be otherwise?’ Freddie said and offered his hand. ‘The chestnuts are yours and I wish you joy of them.’

  ‘I think I shall give them back to you as a wedding present,’ George said, shaking his hand. ‘I would not wish to win such a wager, for it was taken lightly. Yes, you shall keep them, and in return you will ask me to be godfather to your first child.’

  ‘Yes, of course. Thank you, George. I am glad to know what is in Farringdon’s mind, though I set little store by it. The man is a loser by nature and I shall not let his bitterness disturb my peace of mind.’

  ‘Well, I dare say it was merely a drunkard’s loose talk,’ George said and smiled. ‘Tell me, when are you to be married?’

  ‘As soon as Mrs Holbrook allows,’ Freddie said. ‘I am on my way to the Pump Room now, for she takes the waters most days. Perhaps you would like to accompany me?’

  * * *

  Caroline saw the two gentlemen come in together, and, leaving her mother to talk to companions of her own generation, she went to join them, her face alight with mischief.

  ‘Have you come to take the waters, Freddie?’ she asked innocently. ‘I believe they are beneficial for all manner of ailments. Especially the rheumatics, they say…’

  ‘Minx!’ he said, giving her look of mock outrage. ‘You deserve a spanking, miss, and the time is coming when you may get all that you deserve.’

  Caroline went into a peal of delighted laughter. ‘Have you come to take me driving? I was about to go to the lending library, for Mama has asked me to return a book for her. If you accompany me, we may go driving afterwards—should you wish for it?’

  ‘As it happens, George and I are both on foot this morning,’ Freddie said. ‘But we should both be delighted to accompany you, Caroline. Afterwards we may stroll for a while and perhaps gaze in the shop windows or take a cup of chocolate and some of those delicious cakes they sell at a little shop nearby—if that would please you?’

  ‘Oh, yes, that sounds delightful,’ Caroline agreed. ‘I must just tell Mama what we plan, and then we may leave. I confess I find the prospect of chocolate more appealing than a cup of this water.’

  Freddie and George exchanged a few words with Mrs Holbrook and then the three set out together. Caroline found the two gentlemen good company, for they teased each other unmercifully, and made wagers on the silliest things, but only for amusement’s sake.

  ‘Shall you attend the theatre while you are here, Miss Holbrook?’ George asked her. ‘I believe there is a very good play on this coming week. Does Mrs Holbrook approve of the dramatic art?’

  ‘Oh, yes, I think so,’ Caroline replied, a naughty twinkle in her eye. ‘You see, Mr Milbank particularly likes to visit the theatre, especially for something of a light-hearted nature—and Mama approves of most things that Mr Milbank likes.’

  ‘Perfectly proper,’ Freddie told her with mock severity. ‘I hope you are taking a lesson from your mama, Caroline? I shall expect you to agree with everything I say when we are married.’

  ‘Shall you truly?’ Caroline said, tipping her head to one side. ‘Oh dear, I fear you shall be sadly disappointed, sir.’ She laughed softly, her eyes bright with mischief. ‘Oh, do look,’ she said. ‘I believe that is Julia over there with her mama. I must speak to them…’

  She let go of Freddie’s arm, and went to step out into the road, but, remembering that he had once scolded her for being impulsive, hesitated as she saw a heavy wagon rumbling quite fast towards them. Then, as she hovered at the kerb, she suddenly felt something knock into her and she gave a little cry, almost falling from the pavement into the path of the oncoming vehicle. She was within a hair’s breadth of being crushed under its wheels, for her ankle had twisted and she could not keep her balance. Fortunately, Freddie was standing close to her and he grabbed her pelisse, pulling her back out of harm’s way and into his arms as the wagon thundered past over the cobbles.

  ‘Oh,’ she said as he held her. She was trembling, for the accident had shocked her. ‘What happened? What is George doing?’ she asked as she saw that their companion had taken off after someone who was clearly running away. ‘I think… did someone push me?’

  ‘Yes, Caroline,’ Freddie said, looking grim. ‘I did not notice him, for I was concerned that you meant to dash across in front of that wagon. I was watching you and only saw the rogue as he pushed you, but I think George realised what was going on, for he was after the man like a shot.’

  ‘Oh, how horrid,’ Caroline said, feeling shocked and a little sick. ‘Do you think…I mean, did he actually mean to push me or was it an accident?’

  ‘I cannot be sure,’ Freddie said, though he did not believe it could have been an accident. ‘Miss Fairchild has seen you, Caroline. She means to come to us. It may be best if we say nothing to anyone just yet. Invite your friend to take chocolate with us, and then we shall see what George has to say when he returns. I hope he may catch the fellow, but I make no reliance on it.’

  ‘Caroline!’ Julia said as she came across the road to them. ‘What happened—did that fellow push you? I thought you were going to be hurt!’

  ‘Oh, no, I believe it was a mere accident,’ Caroline said. ‘We are going to have some chocolate and cakes, Julia—do say you will come?’

  ‘Yes, of course. I should love to,’ Julia said. ‘I have been to the lending library, but the book I wanted was out.’ She looked at Freddie. ‘I hear you are to be congratulated, sir—and you, Caroline. I wanted to tell you how very pleased I am for you both. Of course I expected it—we all did.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Caroline said and blushed as she glanced at Freddie. ‘I was not aware that anyone knew until recently.’

  ‘It was commonly talked of in London,’ Julia told her and smiled a little coyly. ‘I know for a fact that some of our friends had a wager that you would be married before Christmas. Everyone remarked on it, because Sir Frederick had never been known to take so much interest in a young lady before. Besides, it was obvious that he was in love with you.’

  ‘Oh, no…’ Caroline glanced at Freddie, and saw that he was looking thoughtful. ‘Was it so easy to see? I confess that I did not know it myself for some time.’

  ‘Oh, here comes my uncle,’ Julia said, her attention turned. ‘Did you catch that wicked fellow, sir?’

  ‘I fear not,’ George said, a trifle out of breath. ‘He went into an inn and escaped out the back somehow. I’m sorry, Freddie. I should know the fellow again if I saw him, but that isn’t of much use to you.’

  ‘You did your best, George,’ Freddie said. ‘As it happens, Caroline was not hurt. I dare say he must have been after your purse, Caroline. It is over now—shall we all have our chocolate and cakes?’

  George offered Julia his arm and the four of them went into the chocolate shop together. Caroline glanced at Freddie, for she sensed that he was playing the incident down to try to avoid gossip, which would have been bound to reach her mother’s ears sooner or later.

  ‘What are you thinking?’ she asked in a low voice.

  ‘That I must do something about this business, Caroline. That is the third time you have been attacked and it really cannot go on.’

  ‘But what can you do?’

  ‘Trust me, my dearest,’ he said and smiled at her. ‘When does Nicolas return to his regiment?’

  ‘In the morning, I believe.’

  ‘I must speak to him before he leaves,
’ Freddie said. ‘But Julia is looking at us. We must behave as if nothing has happened.’

  Caroline went to join her friend by the counter where delicious-looking cakes had been set out on various plates and stands. Freddie certainly had something on his mind, but there was no use in asking. He would tell her when he was ready for her to know.

  When she glanced over her shoulder, she saw that Freddie was talking earnestly with George about something, and the two of them looked serious. However, when the ladies walked to join them at the table, having made a selection of cakes that they would all enjoy, they were laughing over some jest and she thought that perhaps she had imagined it.

  After enjoying their chocolate, they parted company, George having agreed to escort Julia to join her mother, who had gone on to the Pump Room, and Freddie to deliver Caroline to her lodgings.

  ‘I shall see you this evening, my love,’ he told her, kissing her hand. ‘Please take care of yourself until then.’

  ‘You are very worried about what happened this morning, are you not?’

  ‘You could have been killed or at least badly injured,’ Freddie said. ‘The time has come when I must do something, Caroline—but do not worry your head over it, my love. I am taking certain steps to make sure it will not happen again.’

  Caroline stared after him, wondering what he meant to do. She sighed as she went indoors. It was most unpleasant that these things should be happening, and she could not help wishing that her grandfather had never thought of changing his will.

  * * *

  ‘I believe it must be for the best,’ Nicolas agreed when, a little later that day, Freddie finished telling him what he planned. ‘The sooner she is removed from harm’s way the better, in my opinion. She should be safe enough at Lady Stroud’s house, particularly if you have employed certain measures to protect her.’

  ‘I shall be with her,’ Freddie said. ‘I have been giving the matter a great deal of thought recently, Nicolas. Something George told me earlier today has made me wonder if we were wrong to consider the Jamaican connection. I think that business may have rather more to do with me than your grandfather’s will.’

  ‘Yes, it had crossed my mind,’ Nicolas agreed. ‘But why is Caroline his target?’

  ‘I imagine at the start it was meant to be me, for I was due to fly in that balloon, not Tom. He may have had no idea that Caroline was to be involved—but when he realised that I was planning to marry her, he turned his hand against her, thinking to cause me more grief.’ Freddie looked grim. ‘It is fiendishly clever, Nicolas, for I would rather die than have harm come to her.’

  ‘Yes, I understand you,’ Nicolas said grimly. ‘I am very fond of Caroline and I think I might kill this rogue if I got my hands on him—whoever he may be.’

  ‘You may stand in line,’ Freddie said, a glitter of anger in his eyes. ‘I have agents working on this affair, Nicolas. Do not imagine that I have been idle. They will discover who is behind all this bother and the culprit will be punished. Until then, Caroline must be protected. You must return to your regiment tomorrow and that means I must be the one to see that she is watched constantly. I shall do that best if I have her near me at all times—and there is only one way to be sure of it.’

  ‘Yes, that is very true. Your plan is the best that can be achieved, sir. I understand what you mean to do—and I pray that all will go well.’

  ‘If Caroline is safe, I care little for anything else,’ Freddie said, and on that note of agreement they parted, Freddie to complete his plans for that evening, and Nicolas to prepare for his part in the plot.

  Mr Milbank had given a small party for a select number of friends that evening. It was Nicolas’s last evening with them in Bath, and was to be a celebration, for he would not get leave to attend his mother’s wedding. Tom had driven over from Bollingbrook to join them, for he was about to set out on his journey to Jamaica and had been invited to the party. Naturally, Freddie was invited as Caroline’s fiancé. Amongst others, Mr Bellingham, Julia and her mother made up the company that sat down to a very good dinner.

  The conversation flowed easily, helped by the fine wines and delicious food served at table. It was quite late in the evening when the party finally began to break up. Nicolas took his mother aside, asking if he might escort her home in his curricle, for there was something he wished to say to her.

  ‘Yes, of course, dearest,’ Marianne said, smiling at her son, who was her favourite, though she had always tried to love her children equally. ‘Caroline may come with Tom if she pleases. Or perhaps Sir Frederick will bring her…’

  ‘Yes, of course I shall take Caroline,’ Sir Frederick said and smiled at her. He turned to Tom and shook hands with him. ‘I am glad to see you again. You are looking much better. I trust nothing more has happened to disturb you?’

  ‘No, I am sure thanks to you,’ Tom said. ‘I have noticed a few extra rather brawny men about the place recently. Grandfather knows and said to tell you he appreciated your interest in the business. He hasn’t quite got round to sending you his apologies, but I think he may do so before long.’

  ‘Well, I am not perfectly certain of that,’ Freddie said, a flicker of a smile in his eyes. ‘I may be in his bad books again soon, and in your mama’s—but Nicolas will fill you in, I am sure.’

  He turned to Caroline, seeing that she had her velvet evening cape about her shoulders, smiling at her as she came up to them. ‘Ah, there you are, my love. Are you ready to leave?’

  ‘Yes, thank you,’ she said, and took a step forwards, standing on her toes to kiss Tom’s cheek. ‘I shall not see you for some weeks, perhaps months, dearest. You will promise me to take care of yourself while you are away?’

  ‘Yes, as best I can,’ Tom told her and gave her a one-armed hug, his other arm still in a sling, but no longer painful. ‘Freddie sent me someone I might trust—an old soldier. He swears worse than Cousin Amelia’s parrot, but I shall walk safer with him at my back.’ He nodded to her. ‘Go with Freddie now, Caroline. You will be married when I next see you, and I shall leave a gift for you with Mama.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Caroline said, ‘but my best gift will be to see you safely home again, Tom.’

  She became aware of Freddie waiting for her, and went to him, tucking her arm through his and looking up at him. ‘I am quite ready now.’

  ‘Then we must be off,’ Freddie said. ‘My curricle is waiting, I believe.’

  ‘Your curricle?’ Caroline asked curiously, for she knew that he more usually drove his phaeton in town. ‘I thought you walked here this evening?’

  ‘Yes, that is true, but my groom has his instructions.’ Freddie offered her his arm. ‘Are you tired at all, my love?’

  ‘No, not at all,’ she said. ‘It was a very pleasant evening, but I do not feel like going to bed.’

  ‘What would you like to do?’ Freddie asked with a flicker of a smile.

  ‘Oh…walk with you under the stars perhaps,’ Caroline said and laughed. ‘Yes, I know I am being foolish. It is just that…it becomes harder and harder to part every night.’

  ‘Does it, Caroline?’ Freddie took her hand, helping her into his curricle. His groom was driving that evening and he climbed in after her, sitting next to her and taking her hand in his. ‘Why do we not take the long way home?’

  ‘Oh, may we?’ Caroline was pleased, for though she had enjoyed her evening, she did not wish to say goodnight to him yet. ‘That would be lovely, Freddie.’

  He kept her hand in his, stroking it idly with his thumb so that she felt her blood rush wildly through her veins and turned to him as he drew her towards him, his lips brushing hers in the softest of kisses.

  ‘You do know that I love you and that I would never do anything to harm you?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she said and gazed up into his eyes. ‘I love you, too, Freddie.’

  He touched her cheek, his fingers shaping the contours of her face and then going behind her head as he pulled her to him fo
r a kiss that was deeper and more hungry than any she had yet had from him. Caroline melted into him, her body aching for the release of something she hardly understood, but knew would come from being one with him.

  ‘Oh, Freddie…’ she whispered. ‘When you kiss me like that, Christmas seems a very long way away.’

  ‘Yes, it does,’ he agreed. ‘But we are leaving for my godmother’s home this evening, and that means we shall be together constantly until we are married.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Caroline looked at him. She was suddenly aware that they were leaving Bath. ‘Freddie, this isn’t the way home. What are you doing?’

  ‘We are leaving Bath, my love,’ he said and gave her a wicked smile. ‘My godmother travelled home this morning and will be waiting for us.’

  ‘No, Freddie, we must not,’ Caroline said, startled and anxious. ‘Mama will be so worried—and there is her wedding… No, we must not do this.’

  ‘She will know of my intentions by now,’ Freddie reassured her. ‘Do not distress yourself on Mrs Holbrook’s account, Caroline. Nicolas has promised to talk to her and explain why I have taken this desperate step. It is to protect you, my dearest one. I told you that I could not allow the situation to continue any longer. You were not safe in Bath, but you will be safe with me at my godmother’s, I promise you. In the meanwhile I shall try to mend fences with your mama—and possibly your grandfather, if he will see us.’

  ‘Oh…but Mama will be so upset,’ Caroline said. ‘Poor Mama…you really should not have done this, Freddie.’

  ‘I am sorry if it distresses you, Caroline—and I would not have done it had I not believed it was the only way. I took precautions to protect you at Bollingbrook Place, but even though I was with you in Bath you were still attacked. I shall feel safer in the country for your sake—just until this thing is settled.’