Chapter 5
CAROLINE
For the first time since arriving in London, I was excited to attend a ball. Thanks to either my brother’s carelessness or his scheming, I would be taking my first step toward freedom tonight.
After dressing, I made my way downstairs. Henry was waiting for me in the drawing room. His scowl intensified when he saw I was dressed in a pale-blue ballgown that I knew made my eyes appear even bluer.
“You’re not going to attend the ball tonight.”
I gave him my most insincere smile. “Whyever not, brother dear?”
He was about to say something else, but Aunt Augusta chose that moment to enter the drawing room.
“Yes, Henry. Please tell us why the diamond of the season shouldn’t be attending tonight’s ball.”
My smile turned triumphant as I watched Henry squirm. I added, “Is there something we should know?”
My brother’s scowl deepened, then he turned and went to wait for us outside.
Auntie watched him go, a V forming between her brows. “What has gotten into him?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea.”
She made a soft sound of displeasure. “I’m not sure why he cares since he’ll probably spend the entire night in the card room.”
I sincerely hoped that wasn’t the case. He’d been doing more than enough gambling of late. Also, I wanted him to witness what was to unfold tonight.
Auntie and I followed Henry outside. My anticipation was mixed with a healthy dose of doubt. Everything depended on whether Lord Kendrick kept his word.
When we’d spoken yesterday, he’d seemed agreeable to my suggestion that he attend the ball.
But enough time had passed that he might have changed his mind.
From all accounts, each of the Legendary Lords was wealthy.
He didn’t need the money my brother owed him, so he might have decided it wasn’t worth the trouble to bother with me.
Henry was already waiting for us in the carriage, and he didn’t bother to hide his glare when we joined him.
“What has gotten into you, nephew?” Auntie took out her fan and began using it with vigor. For early June, it was unseasonably warm. Auntie was going to be very uncomfortable in her high-necked gown.
The carriage began to move, and Henry leaned forward. “Penham has already made his intentions clear. If you’d allow him to court you—”
I raised a brow. “I wasn’t aware that I was free to accept him.”
His face paled as he darted a glance at our aunt.
Her eyes were narrowed on me. “Have you accepted someone’s proposal without telling me?”
I smiled widely at her. “Of course not, Auntie.”
“She means,” Henry rushed to add, “that she intends to enjoy the rest of this season.”
“Yes,” I said with a small nod. “That is exactly what I meant.”
And that wasn’t a falsehood. If Kendrick didn’t change his mind about helping me, I could very well see myself enjoying the rest of the season.
With my name linked to that of a Legend, it would be a relief to see all the fortune hunters turn their attentions to someone else.
I’d be able to spend my time chatting with the few friends I’d made this season.
The trip to the Henderson’s large townhome was short, and before long, we were slowing. When the carriage halted, Henry exited first. As was his custom, he didn’t turn to help us. He left that task to one of the footmen assisting with the carriages.
He seemed very anxious about how things would unfold tonight. Good. He should feel guilty after what he’d done—wagering me as though I were an inanimate object.
And if Lord Kendrick’s assumptions were correct, my brother was trying to force me into a marriage he knew I didn’t want. Thankfully, Aunt Augusta was my ally in this. Auntie made it clear that she wanted me to wed, but she was determined I choose my own husband.
The ballroom was already crowded when we were announced. Almost immediately, Henry made his excuses and headed for the card room.
Aunt Augusta watched him go with a small frown. “That boy. If he isn’t careful, he’ll bankrupt the estate.”
I held back my wince. I didn’t want to think about the fact that he might already be on the road to ruin.
I scanned the crowd, looking for friendly faces. I didn’t see Lord Kendrick, but I did spot a friend. “Lady Diana and her family are already here.” I started in their direction, and Aunt Augusta followed.
I’d taken a liking to Diana Atherton from the start. Early in the season, I’d seen her hovering around the edges of the room with her aunt and uncle, who I now knew were her legal guardians. Something about her open expression had called to me, and I’d made a point of befriending her.
Looking at her now, I couldn’t understand why her aunt had dressed her in a yellow gown. Diana wasn’t a fan of the color, and against her brown hair and hazel eyes, it brought out an unpleasant tone in Diana’s pale skin.
I greeted Diana and her aunt and tucked my arm through my friend’s. I aimed my best smile at our respective aunts. “Would the two of you mind if I borrowed Diana? I’d like a refreshment before the dancing begins in earnest.”
I could already see several men tracking my progress through the room and knew they’d soon be approaching to ask to sign my dance card. I made every effort not to make eye contact with any of them in what I knew would be a vain attempt to avoid the coming onslaught.
Diana’s aunt waved us off, and I was relieved that Aunt Augusta chose to stay with the woman.
“Thank you,” Diana whispered as we moved away. “I was quite tired of listening to my aunt’s recital of my faults.”
I shook my head. “Your only fault is succumbing to her insistence in dressing you in yellow. I think we’re of a similar size, and I have a lavender gown that I know would look lovely on you. It would bring out the green in your eyes.”
Diana sighed. “Aunt Matilda insists yellow is a lucky color. She says it will attract the attention of eligible gentlemen and make them think of sunny days.” She fluffed her dress.
“I don’t know what is wrong with her eyesight when anyone can see that the color does not suit me. It makes me appear ill.”
She glanced over my shoulder and sucked in her breath. She lowered her head quickly and shifted us to one side.
I barely resisted the urge to look over my shoulder. “Is something the matter?”
“Lord Clifton is here.”
That piqued my interest. “Lord Clifton?”
She leaned in close. “He’s one of the Legends.”
My smile widened. If Lord Clifton was here, surely Kendrick would be as well. I refrained from turning to look for him. Lord Kendrick would find me soon enough. He was more adept at playing these games, after all. I was content to let him decide how tonight would proceed.
“Do you know him? How is it possible I’m only just learning that you have a connection with one of the Legends?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know him well. My mother was friends with his mother.”
I didn’t press further. Diana’s mother had died two years ago. My friend was 18 this year, which meant she would have been only 16 at the time. Her aunt and uncle had taken her in.
I was very curious about their acquaintance. “Do you think he remembers you?”
She shook her head. “I doubt it. I was still a girl the last time I saw him. We were visiting his parents’ estate, and I think he was home from school.”
“It couldn’t have been that long ago if you still remember him.”
She shrugged. “Oh, look, Lord Fairfax is also here. Do you think we might be introduced tonight? He’s very pretty.”
She was changing the subject. Interesting.
“Is he?”
“He’s standing by the garden doors. They call him ‘The Fairest of Them All.’”
I couldn’t help but laugh. The obvious play on his name was so unoriginal. “Perhaps Lord Clifton could introduce you to his friend.”
She smiled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “He wouldn’t remember me.”
I turned us so I could discreetly look over her shoulder.
I spotted Lord Kendrick right away, and our eyes locked.
He inclined his head in greeting then looked away.
The saying was such a cliché, but I actually felt my heart leap.
Next to him stood an equally tall man with fair hair.
Lord Fairfax, no doubt. They were standing with a small group of men who were attracting a lot of attention.
I could hear the whispers grow in volume. “Legends,” they were saying. “What are they doing here?”
I found it difficult to contain my glee. Lord Kendrick was proving to be a formidable ally.