Ewan smiled at that pleasant memory. Caroline had always been a willing and enthusiastic lover.
Perhaps that might be what I need to do over the next few weeks. Keep Caroline cloistered away from our family and guests. Show her the pleasures of the flesh while the rest of the Radley horde sort themselves out.
That sounded the perfect solution to all and any problems that his wife was facing. He would be more than content to let the family use sharp picks and swords to settle any disputes that might arise. They could battle to the death in the center of the castle bailey. It would certainly give the servants and local villagers something to talk about.
Just as long as Caroline was happy.
ChapterThree
Following a beautiful wedding at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, where her father, Hugh, presided, Maggie Radley officially became Baroness Woodford. Caroline dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief as Piers bent and placed a tender kiss on the lips of his bride.
Thank heavens Maggie dearest found love again.
After all she had been through with the loss of her fiancé at Waterloo, Maggie richly deserved to find happiness. Piers Denford seemed a good man, and he was clearly in love with his new wife.
The guests adjourned to Denford House to enjoy the sumptuous wedding breakfast. Caroline was speaking to Piers’s mother, Viscountess Denford, when a footman arrived bearing a note. He handed it to Lady Denford, and she quickly opened the letter.
“Oh. It’s from the Duke of Mowbray,” said Lady Denford, her gaze fixed to the piece of paper. “He sends his apologies for his family not being able to attend the wedding. They are apparently indisposed. Someone in the family must be unwell, and they have all decided it was best to stay home.”
“I expect so,” replied Caroline. Lady Denford had no reason to see anything untoward about the note, but Caroline was not so easily placated. It did nothing to ease her concerns about her relatives—about what was happening behind the doors of Mowbray House.
In truth, it only served to make matters worse. It was rare for the Kembals, especially Lady Victoria and Lady Coco, to miss any sort of social event. With no sign of Anne or Augusta having returned to London, Caroline’s suspicions that something was amiss grew stronger by the minute.
I wonder if Ewan can pay Mowbray House a visit before we leave for Scotland. If he can talk to Clifford, he might get some answers.
Lady Denford excused herself and went to mingle with her other guests. Caroline turned away, and as she did, she caught the eye of Adelaide Saunders. Her sister-in-law shot Caroline a quizzical look. Caroline briefly shook her head in reply.
If I knew what was going on, I would tell you.
The senior Radley women had an unwritten rule that any important family matters should not be kept from one another, but they could of course keep things secret from the rest of thehaute ton. Power in London society came as much from hiding behind united fronts as it did from wealth and position.
“How are things going? You look a tad worried,” Ewan said, coming to stand alongside her in the small but elegant ballroom of Denford House. Maggie, and Piers, were making their way around the room, chatting with guests.
Caroline lifted her gaze, taking in the handsome face of the man she loved. It was times like these that she was so very grateful that he was by her side. Ewan could always read her mood.
“Lady Denford has just received a note explaining that the Kembals are indisposed—whatever that means. And while I know some members of our family have not questioned their non-appearance, I know Adelaide, and more than likely Mary, are not so easily content to let the matter lie.”
Ewan huffed. “Yes, and Francis is also making his disappointment at Gideon not being here known. Though our nephew appears to be disappointed by everything at the moment, so I wouldn’t put too much weight on his opinion. That lad’s head is too full of grand plans and self-importance. I know Charles wants to retire, but I’m not sure if young Francis is ready to take over full management of Saunders Shipping.”
Caroline nodded. She had enough to deal with without getting involved in her nephew’s business problems.
“I am sure Francis will sort himself out. If our two eldest boys can set aside their foolish ways and find their way in life, so can he.”
“Yes, but Alex and David have both taken wives. Francis Saunders has declared that he has no use for a spouse, or at least not in the foreseeable future,” replied Ewan.
Caroline snorted. “So, say all young men. Cupid will find him. It is only a matter of time. I hear that while they are in Scotland, Adelaide intends to bend her youngest son’s ear about the importance of him finding a bride. If that is the case, then Francis is in for a long month of motherly advice.”
Adelaide may well have all the right intentions, but Caroline doubted Francis would see it that way. In her experience, she had found that young men had a tendency not to listen to their mothers. She included her own brood in that number.
Ewan took a drink of his whisky. “Yes, well, Francis is currently giving the brandy a solid nudge. I wouldn’t want to be his head tomorrow morning. Speaking of tomorrow, are we planning to take our leave of this party soon? If we are still intending to be on the road early, then there are a few things I need to get done this evening.”
Caroline knew exactly what that really meant. Ewan had reached the end of his social tether and wanted to go home. He would never come out and actually say that, but she caught the obvious hint in his words.
She turned toward her husband, and when Caroline spoke again, it was with a lowered voice. “Would you have time to call in at Mowbray House? I am worried about Clifford and the children.”
Ewan kept his gaze on the other guests. “I do have a few things to do, but I can send a footman over with a note once we get home. Will that suffice?”
They had an early start in the morning, long days ahead of them in the travel coach, so Caroline was loath to press him for more.
