Chapter 13
CAROLINE
Life would be so much easier if I didn’t have to deal with Aunt Augusta’s determination to secure a husband for me. Dealing with Henry was straightforward since he only thought about me when he was prodded to do so.
But I couldn’t look at Auntie without remembering my mother, with whom she shared a striking resemblance. Auntie was going to be so disappointed when I reached the end of the season without accepting a marriage proposal.
Which was why I found myself at another event tonight, but this time I hadn’t uttered a word of protest. My performance last evening had caused Auntie a great deal of stress, and I felt the need to make up for it.
I consoled myself with the fact that I wouldn’t have to dance tonight. We were attending a musicale being hosted to showcase the talents of Lord and Lady Farleigh’s unmarried daughters. I was content to blend into the background and allow someone else to be the center of attention.
We’d been listening to the three Miss Farleighs sing and take turns at the pianoforte for an hour when Auntie leaned close and whispered, “Do you think they’ll allow others to perform after the intermission?”
I gave her a small smile but said nothing. Simply sitting here, I was already attracting far too much attention. Lord Farleigh was burdened with three unmarried daughters, yet I could see the way several gentlemen kept glancing my way. I tried not to scowl at them for being unbearably rude.
So I paid attention to the young women’s performances and clapped heartily at the end of each set.
Fortunately, the three of them were very talented at the pianoforte, and their voices were quite lovely.
They were just about to call for an intermission when I saw that Lord Penham had arrived at some point.
Unfortunately, I noticed him because he had the temerity to approach Lady Farleigh and whisper something in her ear. The woman’s jaw tightened, her smile taut, but then she turned, her eyes scanning the crowd before landing on me. Dread settled in the pit of my stomach.
“I’ve been told that Miss Edwards is quite talented and that she loves to sing as well. I would consider it an honor if she’d join my daughters for one song.”
I forced a smile, pushing back my annoyance, and rose to my feet. Auntie was clearly pleased with the turn of events, but I wanted to throttle Penham. His behavior was becoming increasingly problematic, and I knew he still expected to win my hand.
Ignoring him, I joined the three Miss Farleighs.
I shifted so my back was to the audience and mouthed a silent “I am so sorry” to them.
I then turned to the eldest Miss Farleigh, who was seated at the instrument, and watched her set up the music for a commonly known Irish air.
She looked at me, and when I nodded my acceptance, she began to play.
My gaze swept over the occupants of the room. Spotting Kendrick, I almost missed my cue to begin singing. He was leaning against the back wall, feet crossed at the ankles and arms folded over his chest. When our eyes met, he smiled, and my stomach turned over.
I tried to brush off the unexpected sensation and concentrate on not forgetting the lyrics to the song. I was surprised to see him here, and his presence meant I would enjoy the rest of the evening much more—for no reason other than I enjoyed his company.
I couldn’t help but wonder if he was bored. Surely this wasn’t the type of event he normally attended. Had he been here long? Even worse, had he witnessed Penham’s horrible rudeness in forcing Lady Farleigh to invite me to perform when the first half was meant to showcase her daughters?
When the song was over, I dipped into a curtsy and turned to thank the three young women. They had much better voices than me, and I was relieved to finally escape the spotlight. My singing was passable, but no one would want to hear me perform a solo.
The guests were all beginning to stand now and heading in search of refreshments. Thankfully, Auntie reached me before Penham, who I could see heading our way out of the corner of my eye. I threaded my arm through hers and pulled her in the opposite direction.
“You don’t seem happy,” Auntie said when I found a small, unoccupied space to the left of the small stage.
“Penham was unbearably rude. It was clear to everyone that it wasn’t time for guests to have a turn.”
Auntie sighed. “He’s made his interest in courting you clear. He’s quite wealthy and is only a few years older than you. I don’t know why you won’t even consider him.”
I almost frowned, but managed to stop myself in time. I didn’t want anyone watching to think we were arguing.
When I didn’t say anything, Auntie continued. “He can be insufferable at times, but so are most men. It would be a good match.” She sighed. “Perhaps we should thank Lord Penham for thinking of you.”
I’d rather ask him not to think of me, but I couldn’t say that out loud.
“Imagine my surprise at finding the two loveliest women in all of London here tonight.”
Kendrick’s words settled over me, and I smiled. For the first time tonight, I didn’t have to feign delight at a gentleman’s compliment.
“Lord Kendrick,” I said, turning to greet him. “You flatter us.”
Auntie’s eyes narrowed slightly as she watched him. “I didn’t take you for the type of man to attend musicales.”
A corner of his mouth lifted. “I am a man of many interests.” His gaze slid to mine on the last word, and anyone observing would think that he was referring to me.
I found myself wanting to believe him. He offered me his arm, and I took it. “There is no dancing tonight, my lord.”
“No, but there are refreshments.” He turned to my aunt. “Your niece and I will bring you a cup.”
Of course he wasn’t the kind of man to ask for permission.
He was informing Auntie he wanted to speak to me in private.
I could see the momentary indecision in my aunt’s eyes, but the room was crowded, so nothing untoward would happen.
Auntie inclined her head, and I could feel her gaze on us as we walked away.
I lowered my voice. “What are you doing here? Despite your statement to the contrary, I imagine this is the first musicale you’ve ever attended.”
He smiled. “It is, but I was recently informed that I’m courting you. And if that’s true, I thought it best if all the other gentlemen who are even now watching you and trying to figure out how to pry you away from me realize that I have a prior claim.”
I winced. “I didn’t expect word to reach you so soon. But in my defense, it’s surprising that anyone would be foolish enough to believe your motivations would be that honorable. And you’re not one to care about what others say about you.”
His eyes lit with amusement. “It appears you know me far too well.”
“Your reputation precedes you. So, why are you here?”
He leaned down, moving his head closer to mine. Anyone watching would think he was murmuring compliments in my ear.
“Is Penham being a nuisance?”
I sighed. “He is the bane of my existence. I can’t believe he was so rude as to coerce Lady Farleigh into inviting me to sing.”
“I saw you sitting off to one side, attempting to appear invisible. Is that normal behavior for someone who’s sought after by every gentleman?”
“You know how much I hate all the attention I attract. For once, I was content, as others were center stage.”
Kendrick tsked. “Have no fear. I’ll sit with you for the second half of the performance and ensure Penham stays away.”