Chapter 25
CAROLINE
It was nice to pretend. I’d never been one to fantasize about finding my prince charming or falling in love. I’d always hated the amount of attraction my appearance garnered when I was still barely out of the schoolroom.
I shouldn’t have been surprised. My mother was beautiful, and she’d always seemed like a fairytale princess to me. Growing up, many had remarked on how much I resembled her. But when I turned fifteen, that attention became all-encompassing.
Older men who were happily married with daughters or granddaughters of their own were generally safe, for the most part. But the attention I attracted from young and middle-aged men was insufferable. Being named the diamond of the season had only intensified the attention.
But everything was different when I was with Kendrick.
I dropped into a curtsy when the waltz came to an end, enjoying the way he smiled down at me before bowing in a formal manner. One corner of his mouth tilted up, and I could tell he was amused by the performance. He was not a proper gentleman courting a young lady.
And I was not a foolish, naive young woman who thought he would be interested in marrying me.
But for now, I would allow myself to enjoy the fantasy.
I’d chastise myself about it later and give myself a stern talking to when I returned home.
But while we were at Almack’s, I could pretend he was courting me in earnest.
The rest of the evening wasn’t nearly as enjoyable.
Kendrick disappeared, and I assumed he had left.
He’d already danced with me, so there was no reason for him to stay.
I saw no gardens for us to disappear into.
No secret rooms where we could breathe and laugh at all the antics of the young women and men who were here tonight.
I’m not sure why he’d sent the vouchers and tickets for tonight’s outing, but Auntie had been overjoyed to receive them, and the overture had gone a long way to thawing her suspicions about Kendrick’s attention.
Several hours passed, and people were starting to leave for the night when I glimpsed Lord Penham. I turned away, smiling widely at the man who’d asked me for this last dance. At least my brother’s friend hadn’t arrived early enough to claim a dance with me.
I couldn’t imagine why he was here now, since he wasn’t the type to attend Almack’s. Henry must have told him we’d be here. I’d known Penham’s presence was a possibility but had assumed he wouldn’t be granted entrance. I seemed to have underestimated his influence.
The dance was over far too quickly. In a simple quadrille, I did not have to engage in much small talk with my partner. But he was giving me that earnest look that told me he would be calling tomorrow.
I sighed and thanked him for the dance. He escorted me back to my aunt, and I stiffened when I saw that Penham was with her.
“Look who’s here, Caroline,” my aunt said. “Lord Penham was hoping to have a dance with you.”
My smile was insincere, and I couldn’t help wishing that Kendrick was still here. “It is too bad the dancing is over.”
As if I’d conjured him, Kendrick appeared at my side. “As promised, I brought you refreshments.”
He handed me a cup of the weak tea Almack’s was known for. He also had a cup for my aunt, who smiled warmly at him.
I watched her carefully when she turned to look at Lord Penham. She made a comment about the unseasonably warm weather that evening, attempting to engage him in conversation. But from the way Penham was looking at Kendrick, I could tell he was angry.
A shiver of foreboding slid down my spine. I didn’t know why, but I had a horrible feeling something bad was going to happen.
“I am very tired, Auntie. I think it’s time to go home” Smiling my thanks at Lord Kendrick, I drained the rest of the tea and handed the cup to a passing footman.
Kendrick moved between me and Lord Penham and held out his arm. Relieved, I tucked my hand into his elbow and leaned into him.
“Thank you, my lord.” I lowered my voice so only he could hear. “I’d assumed you left hours ago.”
He looked down at me. “I was passing the time in the card room, but it was always my intention to return. I wouldn’t want you to think I’d abandoned you.” He leaned a little bit closer. “Has Penham been bothering you?”
I shook my head and mouthed, “He only just arrived. I believe.”
He nodded in satisfaction, and I realized he was serious about protecting me from the man’s attention.
We made our way downstairs. Penham was escorting my aunt, and Kendrick and I followed a few steps behind them.
When we reached the main floor, Auntie asked a footman to call for our carriage. We made an awkward foursome standing there outside Almack’s as we waited for the carriage to arrive. With each passing second, I could see Penham’s temper growing.
I turned slightly and made sure my face was averted so that Penham wouldn’t see me mouth the words to Kendrick. “Be careful. I think he’s angry.”
Kendrick nodded, but he didn’t seem particularly concerned.
Men were so frustrating. Although I didn’t know why I was worried.
What exactly was Penham going to do? They weren’t going to brawl out in the street—not over me.
Kendrick certainly wasn’t emotionally invested enough for that.
And he had arrived with his friends. If they were still here, Penham would be a fool to try anything.
Our carriage pulled up, and Kendrick helped me in before turning to help my aunt. He effectively blocked Penham from doing anything except standing ineffectually behind him.
“Thank you for tonight,” my aunt said. “It was an unexpected surprise, and I do appreciate the effort you went to.”
He smiled at her. “It was no effort at all. You need only ask if there is anything you need.”
Auntie looked between him and me, an assessing gleam in her eye. She nodded her thanks, then Kendrick closed the door. She waited until the carriage pulled away before saying, “That young man is very fond—and protective—of you.”
I wasn’t sure what I felt at her words. Surprise? Pleasure? Shock? She didn’t seem particularly upset about the revelation.
I shrugged. “We are friends. It stands to reason that he would be fond of me.”
She smiled but said nothing more on the subject.
I resisted the urge to protest whatever it was she was thinking. The more I objected, the more she’d realize I liked Lord Kendrick more than I should. More than was wise, certainly.