Page 18 of War of the Wedding Wagers
Henry’s usual cheerful expression suddenly darkened. “Did you know Greene’s been filling her head with tales of Paris? All glamour and fashion and fancy titles. But our Caroline’s worth ten of those fashionable misses who only care about their next new bonnet.”
“OurCaroline?” Sir Frederick raised an eyebrow.
Henry flushed. “Well, we practically grew up in each other’s pockets, didn’t we? Someone needs to remind her that true worth isn’t measured by how many diamonds a gentleman can offer.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’ll keep an eye on her, Sir Frederick. She may not listen to me like she used to when we’d climb trees and hunt for fairy rings, but I won’t let her throw herself away on a fortune hunter.”
Sir Frederick studied the young man thoughtfully. Henry’s boyish features had matured since Sir Frederick had last seen him, though that irrepressible grin still appeared frequently.But there was something new in his manner when he spoke of Caroline—a protective warmth that went beyond mere childhood friendship.
“I trust you’ll be subtle,” Sir Frederick said. “Caroline doesn’t respond well to being managed.”
Henry’s laugh held a note of fond exasperation. “Don’t I know it! Remember when she decided she wanted to learn sword-fighting and wouldn’t take no for an answer? I still have the scar from where she jabbed me with a broken fence post.” His expression grew serious. “But I’d rather have a hundred such scars than see her hurt by someone like Greene.”
His smile was quickly replaced by another frown when he saw that Sir Frederick did not regard Caroline’s antics in the same way he did. Gravely, he added, “But I’m sure her infatuation with Mr. Greene is a passing phase.”
“I’ve no doubt it is, but if she misbehaves, she will have a lifetime to live with the consequences.”
Sir Frederick felt a flicker of hope that the grimness of his tone had the desired effect for Henry swallowed and said, “I hadn’t thought of that. No, well, she’d better behave then, hadn’t she? Or it’ll be Mr. Greene who carries her off after all. No, I hadn’t thought of that at all for I knew her fancy for him would be fleeting. He really isn’t the kind of gentleman who would make her happy for very long.”
Sir Frederick patted him on the shoulder. “So, since you understand how headstrong she can be, I would be enormously grateful if you could please ensure that she’s behaving as she ought to. I do not want this ghostly week to finish in tears. Or with her heading towards the altar with Mr. Greene.”
With Henry’s promise ringing in his ears, Sir Frederick turned back to the ladies, ready to throw himself back into solving the puzzle. If the truth be told, it was a rare and pleasantdiversion to be with two such charming young ladies. Though Miss Playford was young, she was really rather sweet.
“What do you suppose we should be looking for, Sir Frederick?” the young lady asked from near a large carved wooden screen which she’d been caressing as if it might yield a clue. She sighed. “We’ve looked behind all the pictures and tapestries and can’t find anything.”
“But have you lookedinthe walls?”
They turned at the sonorous tones of Lady Townsend who’d appeared at the end of the gallery.
Sir Frederick smiled. “Very cryptic, though it would appear you know more than the rest of us, Lady Townsend.”
“It is true that Lady Pendleton recruited me to assist.” She nodded at the cold stone walls. “Not all clues will be so easy to find so we need to hurry if we are to have everyone at the ball in an hour.”
Sir Frederick wondered if her assistance had included suggesting the groupings. Had she decided upon who would be paired up? And if so, could he prevail upon her to ensure Mr. Greene be kept as far away from Caro as possible. He glanced at the two young ladies who had turned their treasure-seeking efforts to feeling for loose stones, catching Lady Townsend’s smile as he returned his attention to her.
“My, my, but I am impressed by your companions’ ability to dig for clues,” she said. “On the dance floor a young lady must be a model of decorum, but she may reveal hidden depths when tasked with something as important as finding hidden treasure.”
“I’m sure the knowledge of such an unknown but potentially glittering reward unleashes something very different.” Sir Frederick smiled. “Though that said, my sister Caroline takes no trouble to hide her rebellious nature whether on the dance floor or not. If you are wandering the castle to help the guests find what they must, I wonder if you’d do me the great favor ofensuring my sister is kept away from fortune hunters. There is one in particular to whom she is very keen to lose her head.”
“I presume you speak of Mr. Greene,” replied Lady Townsend to Sir Frederick’s horror.
“She is so transparent?” he asked.
“As is he. Indeed, Lady Pendleton observed it, and I immediately understood her concern and now yours. You have my word, Sir Frederick, that I will do what I can to keep contact between them to a minimum.”
“And have you seen either of them this evening?”
“Young Mr. Henry was squiring her about last time I checked. Poor Mr. Pipkin looked very downcast. Ah, but there’s no accounting for the beating of a tender young heart. Love is spawned in the unlikeliest of places. But I will leave you as it clearly won’t be too long before your next clue is found,” Lady Townsend added, just as Miss Fairchild cried, “I’ve found it! Look! Look!”
Sir Frederick grinned at her unfettered enthusiasm but when she glanced up and caught his eye she sobered and said with more gravitas, “We found this behind a loose stone. Most definitely a clue. I shall read it:
‘A lady in white, with eyes that follow,
Her gaze holds a secret in rooms hollow.
Count the doors from left to right,
The third one leads to your next sight.’”
“Yes, but what does it mean?” asked Miss Playford. “It makes no sense at all.”
