Page 69 of The Undaunted
That scoundrel, that reprobate who, upon discovering he’d impregnated a poor maid had told her she coulddance on a table and shout it to the world.
Richard gulped down his brandy. Dance on a table. That was what Miss Upton had been accused of doing when the rumors went round about Alvanley’s party.
Was that a coincidence? Or had it been Landon that had started the rumor?
One would think a gentleman would not spread such a rumor about a lady he admired. And, of course, agentlemanwould not. But Landon was no gentleman.
Perhaps he thought to weaken Miss Upton’s position so that she would be grateful to a man who did not condemn her. Perhaps a baron might be willing to connect himself to a second son who was willing to take on a scandalous daughter.
He would not put it past Landon to try such a gambit. After all, was not the idiot hoping his older brother would kill himself driving his phaeton? And not even afraid to express such ideas to a gentleman he did not particularly know?
Miss Upton might be in real danger of being tricked into marrying that clod.
She could not be allowed to marry him. Of course she could not.
Richard slammed his empty brandy glass on the table. Edgar leapt up and looked around for the alarm.
“Bramley!” he shouted. “Tell Kingston I need my dress clothes this instant!”
*
The musicians hadbeen tuning their instruments for some minutes and now the Regent signaled the dance would commence. How he signaled it had caused Caroline to bite her lip lest she laugh at the sight. The Prince led the duchess, who was just now swimming in brocade and sprouting ostrich feathers out of the top of her head, to the top of the first set.
The duchess held her head high, looking for all the world as if she were on her way to her coronation. Caroline thought her rather wonderful. She was further amused by the looks on the faces of Lady Easton and Lady Heathway, gazing down from the gallery. It was a very studied aloof indifference.
Mr. Landon led Caroline to her place and said, “I see the old dragon deigns to be led by a Prince.”
“If you refer to the duchess, she is anything but a dragon,” Caroline said. “She is only very forceful.”
“I’ll say,” Mr. Landon said laughing. “She has given me such blistering glances on the street that I am surprised I have not gone up in a puff of smoke.”
“Well, yes, I could see that,” Caroline admitted. “I do not believe she is very approving of your set of friends.”
“Or of me,” Mr. Landon said ruefully. “Fortunately, I have not a care for the duchess’ opinion. My only interest is in Miss Upton’s opinion.”
Mr. Landon led her forward to begin La Dorset and Caroline gratefully glanced away. She was not at all certain whether he was simply making glib conversation, or whether that comment had been a hint of some sort.
She had come close to convincing herself that if Mr. Landon were to pursue her, she must accept. It had all seemed so rational—her father would like him, he wished to make his business horses, and he saw no reason why a woman must be kept out of it. She must marry and so why not to a gentleman with like interests? And then, he was very pleasant.
That had all changed though. She could not consider it. Not when she spent so much time thinking about Lord Bertridge. ThenewLord Bertridge who’d attempted to rescue her and followed it up with an apology. Or if he were not new, then the more clearly seen Lord Bertridge.
It was stupid, she was well aware. A brave action and a few kind words did not signify anything other than that he was a fine man with solid principles.
And yet, she understood now that she would not accept Mr. Landon if he asked.
They had returned to their place and the lead couple began La Victoria.
“I’ve not made it any secret, Miss Upton,” Mr. Landon said, leaning close to her ear, “that I admire you exceedingly.”
Caroline was afraid Mr. Landon was on the verge of going somewhere she did not wish to go, but how to stop such a thing? Nobody had ever told her that.
“As well,” Mr. Landon continued, “I am very keen on horses and believe I could do very well.”
“I’m sure you will,” Caroline said noncommittedly.
“And I also imagine we might do very well together. Only think, with your father’s skill and reputation, and then a younger man coming in to boost the whole operation—”
“Mr. Landon,” Caroline said, “I cannot influence my father in any way.”
