Chapter Forty-Four
“Come on in out of the rain, you foolish creature.”
Midas gave Julian what he took to be a dog’s version of a dirty look. He had been playing in the rear garden of Newhall House and had found himself a muddy puddle. A puddle which, with the now constant London rain, had turned into a mud bath. Midas was having a whale of a time.
Midas slowly made his way in out of the wet and Julian closed the door behind them. “Thank you. What would Caroline say to the mess you have made of your coat?”
At the sound of Caroline’s name, Midas pricked up his ears. His head moved quickly from side to side, as if searching for her.
“No. She is not here, but if you want her to be, then you have to stay clean. I must venture out into polite society tonight and I cannot do that if you are going to make me stand and call you, as I have done for the past five minutes,” said Julian. He playfully frowned as Midas lowered his head. “Oh, come now. I wasn’t that hard on you.”
A footman appeared from upstairs and took Midas away for a bath, leaving Julian free to seek out Lady Margaret. She was in the main ground floor sitting room.
“How did you go with finding out the lay of the land?” he asked.
Lady Margaret smiled. “Very well. An apology for Mister Menzies’s foolish act was published inTheTimes.I managed to speak to a mutual friend of Caroline’s mother, and they are setting about putting her back into society. There is a charity ball at Collins House tonight and she will be in attendance.”
Julian nodded. “Excellent. Now to secure some tickets so we can also be among the guests.”
Lady Margaret reached into her reticule and pulled out a single ticket. She handed it to Julian. “I have an early appointment with my modiste tomorrow to spend lots of your money, so you go on ahead without me. I expect you and Caroline have plans for a secret rendezvous. Three makes for a crowded room.”
He gave her a hug. “Make sure you select the finest fabrics.”
After arriving at Collins House, Julian made himself scarce. He took the glass of brandy offered by a footman and then retreated to a quiet, dark corner of the main ballroom. If Caroline was true to form, sooner or later, she would make her way to the dance floor.
He didn’t have to wait long. Caroline and Francis appeared in the doorway of the room. A group of young gentlemen hurried over to her side, followed almost immediately by Francis bowing to his sister and leaving the room.
Wishing to avoid having to speak to anyone of his acquaintance, he retreated further into the shadows. His gaze was now fixed firmly on Caroline. Much had changed between them during her time at Newhall Castle, but here in London, he suddenly felt the need for confirmation that the woman he had lost his heart to was the woman he wanted to share his future with. That Caroline would remain true to her word.
Caroline’s usual court took it in turn to declare how much they had all missed her. Julian was mighty pleased to see that neither the troublesome Mister Menzies or Mister Walters was present.
He took a sip of his brandy and continued to watch. His vantage point was out of sight, but still within earshot. If Caroline reverted to her old ways, he would soon know. A hubbub quickly rose in the group, and Julian pricked up his ears.
“Where is your dance card, Miss Saunders?” exclaimed one of her admirers.
“I have no need of a dance card this evening. I am here to see friends and help raise some badly needed funds for our returned injured soldiers.”
One of the other young gentlemen then stepped forward and dipped into a low bow. He held a dance card in his hand. He turned to his fellow courtiers and smiled sweetly. With Harry Menzies now out of the picture, there was an opening for the role of Caroline’s closest protector. He held the card out to her.
Julian held his breath. Waiting.
Caroline looked down at the card, but did not take it. “Thank you, no. As I said, I have no need for it tonight. Gentlemen, I think it is time that you all found other young ladies with which to spend your evening. I am sure there are plenty of pretty girls who would love to dance.”
Julian clenched his fist. If it would not have caused others to look at him, he would have raised his arms and punched the air. She was not dancing, and he was the reason why.
“Well then, could I interest you in a glass of champagne?” offered another admirer.
Julian paused his quiet celebration. Caroline did not tolerate fools who did not listen.
To her credit, she simply shook her head. “No, thank you. Gentlemen, it is time we put an end to this group. Recent events have compelled me to look long and hard at my character, and I realize I have been more than a little cruel to you all. I apologize for my behavior. It was wrong of me to lead you on. I also want to wish every one of you the very best of health and happiness for the future. Good evening to you all.”
Silence fell on the small group. Then one young man stepped forward and bowed low to Caroline, and departed. Followed by another. One by one, the members of her court dismissed themselves.
Caroline was left standing alone in the middle of the room. The temptation to step out from his seclusion was strong, but Julian remained hidden. He had not yet spoken to her father.Well done, my love. I am proud of you.
He would take the place of her court of admirers, but in good time. The gossip of thetonwould only be silenced if the next time her name was mentioned in social circles was when she appeared on his arm in public.
Julian drained the last of his brandy and made for the nearest exit.
