Page 40 of Fortune Favors the Frivolous
Then another thought intruded. Cautiously, she asked, “Do you refer to… his sudden betrothal to Venetia and how that might have compromised people’s belief in Henry’s… integrity?”
Amelia shrugged. “Well, there is that, though of course, he acted honorably in a timely enough manner to satisfy all parties.” She twitched the fabric of her skirts as if the topic made her uncomfortable, then went on, “I know how you’ve always championed Henry. Frederick has spoken often of the childhood bonds you two have, so I understand that you are very anxious to ensure that Henry and Venetia’s marriage go ahead without the further scandal of what happened last night with this… strange noblewoman from abroad.”
Caroline swallowed with difficulty. In fact, it took all her willpower to prevent herself from revealing her true thoughts on her feelings regarding Henry and Venetia’s supposedly happy union. “I don’t believe this story about a foreign princess,” she said stolidly. “I think it’s a fabrication to harm Henry.”
“Good lord, Caroline, your sentiments echo mine, of course!” Amelia raised an eyebrow. “And your loyalty commends you, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’m not suggesting Henry did anything wrong. But clearly this stems from something hehasdone.” She sighed. “I think the sooner Henry and Venetia wed and go on a Continental honeymoon while this all blows over, the better.”
Caroline rose. What could she say to Amelia that didn’t compromise herself?
At the doorway, she paused, her hand resting on the polished wood. “Would you do one kindness for me, Amelia?” she asked.
“I would do a hundred if they were not unreasonable,” Amelia said with a smile. “You are my favorite sister-in-law, after all.”
“And the only one, so cultivating my good heart is a wise tactic,” Caroline said, grinning. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “Please, would you speak to this supposed mysterious noblewoman?”
“Why, Caroline, I wouldn’t know where to begin to find her.” Amelia’s eyes widened with surprise.
“She obviously could not leave last night without an escort and my guess is that Mrs. Pike might know something about where to take her home.” Caroline’s tone dripped scorn and Amelia nodded, her expression thoughtful.
“Of course,” she said. “It is hardly an unreasonable request and, now that you’ve laid it out plainly, it should not be difficult to ascertain at least something of the motivations of this young lady.”
“Or those who contrived for her to do as she did last night,” Caroline’s voice hardened.
Amelia smiled. “You really do believe in the grand conspiracy, do you not, my dear?”
Caroline nodded. “And you, with your greater years and wisdom, are just the one to reassure me. I look forward to hearing your opinion on the matter, after you consider this woman’s responses.”
*
So, while Carolinewaited for Amelia to do her investigative work, she needed to find Henry and reassure him.
And, although it took some effort and subterfuge, Caroline was becoming increasingly adept at what it took to make secret investigations.
She’d sent her maid, Beth, to enquire of one of the maids at Henry’s London residence where he would be that day.
So, now Caroline was adjusting her bonnet, using the movement to scan the crowded Great Room at Somerset House. The exhibition hall buzzed with conversation, the air heavy with perfume and the smell of wool dampened by the light rain outside. Her companion, Mrs. Watts, was already engrossed in studying a particularly florid portrait hung at eye level while consulting her exhibition catalog with great concentration.
Finally, Caroline spotted Henry’s tall figure near Turner’sTemple of Jupiter Panellenius, which hung well above the line. He stood alone, hands clasped behind his back, neck craned as he studied the artist’s dramatic use of light and shadow. Perfect. Even from a distance, she could see the tension in his shoulders. Poor Henry was under pressure from all sides these days.
Caroline hesitated, weighing up the best approach. Her mama, who had agreed that morning to accompany Caroline to see the exhibition at Somerset House, had cried off at the last moment claiming another megrim. For a tense half an hour, Caroline had feared this vital opportunity to apprise Henry of developments was about to be swept away from her.
Her final gambit, however, had succeeded. When Caroline had declared that her painting master had strongly encouraged her to study a range of Constables to assist her with her work in progress, her mama had reluctantly agreed that Caroline could go.
But with Mrs. Watts as chaperone.
Painting was the one accomplishment her mama seemed happy to indulge more than usual.
Now, Mrs. Watts, who was a friend of her mama’s, loved gossip.
In fact, she reveled so much in every littleon ditthat Caroline was prepared to bet that Mrs. Watts would be willing to set propriety aside—to a degree—in order to be the first one in the know.
Keeping Henry’s beloved form in her sights, Caroline maneuvered herself between her chaperone and a group of chattering young ladies. “Why, there is Mr. Ashworth!” she said casually, her heart beating faster despite her calm exterior. “You know he and I are childhood friends. I really must demand that he enlighten me regarding that peculiar business last night with the Hungarian princess—or whoever she really is.”
Mrs. Watts’s eyes widened with interest, her mouth forming a perfectoof surprise. “Such a scandal! And that poor Miss Playford to whom he is betrothed.” She cast Caroline a dubious look as her charge took a step towards the young man under discussion, her bonnet ribbons quivering with indecision.
Caroline sent her an artful smile. As all London was buzzing with the scandal, her mother would never have allowed Caroline anywhere near Henry. But Caroline knew her chaperone’s weakness. She sighed heavily, the picture of concerned friendship. “Yes, poor Venetia. Mr. Ashworth’s betrothed is one of my dearest friends, and she knows there must be some misunderstanding.” Time was slipping away, but Caroline tried not to let her agitation show. Henry did not know she was here, and she was very much afraid he’d leave the building before she had a chance to speak to him. The crowd shifted around them, constantly threatening to obscure her view.
“You are also acquainted with his betrothed?” Mrs. Watts looked interested, leaning closer. “Where is the young lady?”
