The Rake's Rebellious Lady

Freddie’s mouth twitched at the corners, but he made no further remarks on the subject as he led her into the dance. Caroline relaxed as she felt his hand at her waist, and for some reason her anger vanished instantly. She looked up at him a little uncertainly.

‘I have distressed you. Forgive me, Miss Holbrook.’

‘I think that perhaps I have been rude? I am the one to ask for understanding, Sir Frederick. I was upset and spoke too hastily. Indeed, I was glad to be rescued.’

‘No forgiveness is needed,’ he assured her. ‘I would have you no other way, Miss Holbrook. I prefer that a young lady should speak her mind—and I find you most refreshing.’

Was that another way of saying that she was ill mannered, but to be forgiven because of her youth? Caroline was not sure if he was mocking her or not, because she was sure that he was laughing inside. She decided that the best thing to do was to retain a dignified silence, which she did for the remainder of their dance, but when he asked if he might escort her into supper she was obliged to smile and thank him.

‘And thus might Saint Joan have looked as she was taken to the stake,’ he said in a low voice, and as she looked up she saw that his eyes were bright with laughter. ‘Am I still to be permitted to take you driving, Miss Holbrook?’

‘Do you still wish to?’

‘Yes, certainly,’ he said. ‘I believe…’

What he had been about to say was missed, for they were joined by Julia and a party of young bucks, and after seeing that Caroline had all she needed, Sir Frederick soon left them to the enjoyment of their supper. When she looked for him later, she realised that he must have gone.

She could not help feeling piqued, because she did not know what she had done to give him such a poor opinion of her. It was true that if she married well she might be able to make Mama’s life better, and she would like to do something for her brothers too—but she would not wish to marry exclusively for money. Indeed, she could not imagine herself married to most of the gentlemen she knew…

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