The Earl of Ice Page 2
“Yes, indeed. I hope you are now keeping well?” Her eyes searched his as she waited for a response. Rollo felt as though she was looking into his very soul and had to blink and quickly dismiss this thought as fanciful.
Keeping his expression shuttered, he probed further, trying to determine whether or not she intended to disclose his affliction.
“I am indeed keeping well,” he replied. “Thank you for asking. I am only very rarely afflicted in the way you observed. So rarely, in fact, that none of my friends and acquaintances are aware of this issue.” Damn it, he wished she would stop looking at him; he was not going to beg her to keep his secret.
“I am pleased to hear you are well, my lord.” She continued to study him closely as if trying to read his mind. “I can see no benefit for you in others knowing that you have suffered fits. It is, after all, a very personal matter.”
It was only habit that prevented Rollo from smiling down at her in relief. He knew instinctively that he could trust her and that she would not spread her knowledge. He respected the fact that she had directly referred to the fit, rather than trying to politely skirt around the matter.
“I had not had a seizure for many years and I was so very taken aback by it that I did not think to thank you for help at that time. So I will do so now.” He hoped that was now the end of the conversation. The young lady, however, was not prepared to let it drop so easily.
“Is it the fits—or seizures, as you call them—that make you unhappy and cross?” Diana questioned without guile.
Rollo was at a loss how to respond; it was not polite for a young lady to ask such a direct and personal question. Reasoning, however, that it had been he who had first introduced the topic, he felt a rebuke would be unjust.
“I am neither unhappy nor cross,” he replied a little sharply, and to his amazement he saw the girl raise her eyebrow slightly as though she did not believe him. He even imagined he heard a slight “humph” sound come from her.
They continued the dance in silence and when the music stopped he escorted her back to her mother. With satisfaction he noted that it was time for him to find his friend Bono and escape to their club.
Chapter 2
Diana and her cousin, Caroline, were buzzing with excitement as they returned home from their first ball at Almack’s Assembly Rooms. It was everything they had dreamed of and more.
They had already been in London for two weeks; they had shopped, been fitted for new gowns and had avidly read the gossip columns and the society pages in the newspaper whilst waiting for vouchers for Almack’s to be purchased. Tonight had been their first proper introduction into society and they had both enjoyed themselves immensely.
Caroline and her mother were staying with Diana and her family in her father’s London residence. Viscount Westbury, Diana’s father, had business to conduct, and her mother and aunt had the task of bringing the two girls to town for their first season.
Diana’s and Caroline’s worst fear was they would not have a partner for any dances, but although at first they had sat quietly, once Lady Sefton had introduced them to Lord Brockwood and they had each danced with him, their dance cards filled up quickly. It was beyond hope that they would meet the infamous Earl of Ice at their first outing!
“Did you see how severe he looked?” Caroline said, her green eyes shining with excitement. “He well deserves his nickname, does he not?” She chattered on, “He was so cold it was frightening. He did not speak one word to me throughout the entire dance.” She looked speculatively at her cousin. “I noticed he did speak to you.”
Diana was not about to divulge the nature of their conversation. “He said very little, just the commonplace.”
Caroline gave a pretend shiver. “I could scarcely remember the steps he made me so nervous. I will not dance with him again.”
Diana laughed at her friend. “You would never be brave enough to refuse him.”
Although the girls would have happily stayed up all night reliving the ball, their mothers soon put a stop to this and ordered them both to their bedrooms.
Flinging off her clothes and with her maid’s help donning her nightgown, Diana collapsed onto her bed. Only now did she permit herself time to reflect on her meeting with the Earl of Ice.
Prior to being introduced to him, she’d had no idea that this was the same man she had seen having a fit in the library all those years ago. She had not made the connection because the butler had said the gentleman’s name was Viscount Maythorpe.
She had recognized the Earl of Brockwood immediately, but on first introduction, he had given no sign that he knew her. It was only when they were dancing that she realized he had indeed known who she was. As she had looked into those piercing blue eyes, so at odds with his expressionless face, she imagined she saw just a fraction of uncertainty. She’d instinctively known that he feared she would relate the circumstances of their previous meeting. She would not, of course, and made sure he was aware of this; she could never be so unfeeling.
She had looked deep into his eyes, trying to find some emotion beneath the cold exterior, but had not detected any. She blushed now to think that she had suggested that he was unhappy and cross. What must he think of her, speaking so boldly? And she of all people should know better. She thought of her poor twin brother and how he’d been ostracized, even by his own parents. It was quite obvious that the earl’s chilly exterior was his way of not letting people close, fearing they’d reject him when they learned his secret. When she had studied him more intently, she did not see an ice man; she saw a man trying to protect himself and a man who perhaps was lonely.
But maybe she was imagining this and he really was as cold and uncaring as his behaviour implied. After all, she always tried to see the best in people, so perhaps she was just looking for a way to excuse his behaviour. His nickname, she had to admit, was well earned. When she had glanced at him after their waltz, she had not seen him display the slightest emotion, even when he was dancing with some of the prettiest ladies she had ever seen.
It was also rumoured that the earl had never asked any lady to stand for the waltz, but she knew that he had done this with her so he could have a discreet conversation with her; she read no more than that into it. She was very glad he did ask her, because although he did not look like he was enjoying himself, he had danced beautifully, his strong arms ensuring that she did not falter with her steps. Whatever the motives behind his offer, that dance had been the highlight of her evening, and following this attention from him, her dance card had filled up quickly.
* * *
The girls spent the next few days making social calls with their mothers. Lady Westbury and her sister, Lady Colpert, were acquainted with many of the ladies of their social standing who were now in London for the season. They were as excited as their daughters at the prospect of the entertainments they would take part in. Both women had been recognized as beauties in their younger days, and even though their shapely curves had filled out somewhat with age, they still dressed in the latest fashions. As they both used the same hairdresser and seamstress, they looked like two peas from the same pod, though Lady Colpert was the slightly larger pea.
Although these visits could be a chore at times for Diana and Caroline, they mostly found them instructional, as these society women knew all the latest gossip, which they happily shared. They knew, for instance, if any lady had set her sights on any particular gentleman. They knew the size of the dowry attached to each lady and also which gentlemen were in need of securing a wife with a fortune. Diana’s ears always pricked up a little when she heard the Earl of Ice mentioned, but she soon came to realize that only the most determined mothers still considered him a possibility for their daughters, although all acknowledged that he was handsome, wealthy and one of the most eligible bachelors in town.
The week flew by and soon the girls were struggling to decide which of their new gowns they should wear for their next ball. Diana, being quite small, kept her dress des
igns simply styled, as bows and frills overpowered her. Caroline, who was taller and had a much more defined figure, could carry the more elaborate styles. In the end, Diana, pretty in cream satin, and Caroline, stunning in a low-cut rose-coloured gown, made a lovely picture. Neither felt envious of the other, both being equally attractive in their very different ways. In fact, it was the contrasting picture they made that often drew people’s attention to them.
Tonight there was no waiting for their cards to be filled up. Both young ladies were pursued by eager young gentlemen attracted by their beauty and smiling faces. Mr. Oliver Stannington, the Earl of Brockwood’s younger brother, danced with them, and both and he and his friend, Lord Cotson, brought them refreshments. The Earl of Ice was present, but much to Caroline’s relief and Diana’s disappointment did not request a dance. The girls danced nearly every dance and were tired and footsore by the time the carriage to take them home was sent for. Their mothers were very pleased at the attention they had attracted, but as yet, neither girl had met any young man she liked more than another.
The following morning Diana was awakened by Caroline, who barged into her room full of excitement.
“You’ll never guess what has just arrived!” Her cousin danced around the room holding two cards aloft.
“I don’t need to guess because you are going to tell me,” laughed Diana, stretching and sitting up, now fully awake.
“It’s an invitation to a ball being held by the Earl and Countess of Whittington!” Caroline announced.
Diana was thrilled. “When is it?” she demanded, leaping out of bed and capturing Caroline’s hands to dance with her.
The Whittington Ball was considered one of the greatest events of the season. To have secured an invitation was proof that they had been accepted by the highest level of society. The ball was to be held at the end of June at the height of the London season.
“We must spend the time between now and the ball practicing our dance steps and our manners!” Caroline exclaimed.
“If you mean our teasing and flirting skills,” replied Diana, “I think you are most definitely right.”
Caroline assumed a more decorous manner. “Now, Diana, you had best get dressed. We have visits to make today, and this afternoon Lord Cotson and his friend Mr. Straw are taking us to Hyde Park—well, that is, Lord Cotson is taking you and Mr. Straw is taking me. Both requested and obtained permission from our mothers. Oh, it will be such fun!”
* * *
Lord Cotson and Mr. Henry Straw drew up outside the house in their respective open barouches at precisely four o’clock. Lord Coston was of medium build with fair hair and light brown eyes. Mr. Straw, tall and loose-limbed, had a head of ginger hair and freckles dusting his face. Diana and Caroline were dressed in readiness and, upon the announcement of the gentlemen’s arrival, needed only to don their cloaks, hats and gloves. The weather was perfect and Lord Cotson with Diana seated beside him led the way to the park, closely followed by Mr. Straw and Caroline.
Both men were dressed in the latest fashion. Mr. Straw, with his easy grace and open smile, wore dark trousers and coat, whilst the more flamboyant Lord Cotson was resplendent in a black superfine jacket over a peacock-blue waistcoat. Their horses and equipage reflected their wealth.
Upon arrival at Hyde Park, at what was considered a most fashionable hour, they almost came to a standstill due to the number of carriages, riders and walkers taking the afternoon air. It was the place to see and be seen. Diana was pleased to have such a handsome escort and was flattered at the number of people who nodded to them as they made their way through the park.
She recognized Mr. Oliver Stannington, who looked magnificent riding on a gleaming black stallion. He bore a slight resemblance to his brother, the same wide forehead and aristocratic nose. But whereas Rollo’s hair was a dark sable brown, Oliver’s hair was light brown with streaks of gold. He was accompanied by another young gentleman—Woody, the Viscount Woods, Lord Cotson informed her. When the two riders went out of their way to walk alongside the carriage for a short distance and exchange greetings, Diana was most flattered.
Lord Cotson was congenial company and she found him easy to converse with. If he was, on occasion, a little extreme with his compliments, she chose to ignore it. Glancing behind, she could see Caroline in deep conversation with Mr. Straw and looking very happy.
On returning them to their home, both gentlemen extracted promises from the young ladies to reserve them each a dance at Almack’s the following week. Caroline blushingly agreed and Diana did not hesitate in doing the same.
The next day a large arrangement of flowers arrived for Caroline and the card revealed that they were from Mr. Straw. Caroline pretended not to be impressed, but Diana knew otherwise. “You have an admirer,” she teased.
Caroline blushed and ducked her head. “Nonsense!” she replied. “He’s only being polite.”
“Of course,” Diana said, smiling to herself. Unbidden came the thought: I wonder if the Earl of Ice has ever sent flowers.
Chapter 3
As the season progressed Rollo knew he had been right to trust Diana to keep her word and not reveal his secret. He had kept an eye on her when their paths crossed at balls and assemblies, but had not favoured her with another dance. Indeed he noticed that she and her cousin were never lacking partners and always had several young gentlemen dancing attendance on them, his own brother, Oliver, included.
Having escaped early again from the Wednesday Ball, he was relaxing with brandy and a cigar at his gentlemen’s club when he overhead Diana Wells and her cousin, Caroline, being discussed. Although he strained to hear, he could not make out the details, so when his friend Bono arrived shortly afterward, he asked if he knew any reason that the ladies should be the topic of discussion.
“Oh. Have you not heard? It is all the talk at Brooke’s Club when I called in yesterday. I understand that a wager has been made that involves those young ladies, along with others,” Bono confided.
“What sort of wager?” Rollo questioned, interested.
“My understanding is that a couple of young bucks claimed that they could compromise a young lady in her first season—before the season is out,” Bono explained. “I think Miss Diana Wells and Miss Caroline Colpert are on the list of possible candidates.” Bono relaxed his lanky frame into the seat opposite Rollo and absently pushed his fingers through his mop of platinum -blond hair.
Rollo did not like the sound of this. “Who on earth has made such a wager?”
“Initially I heard that it was Straw and Cotson. They were bragging and then one wagered the other fifty guineas that he could succeed. I have since heard that Woody and another gentleman went in on it. So one of them stands to win two hundred guineas if he succeeds.” Bono wisely refrained from telling Rollo that Oliver was the “other gentleman” involved; he had once seen Rollo lose his temper and did not want to be around should he do so again.
Rollo tried to digest what he had heard. “This is preposterous!” he exclaimed, his blue eyes darkening in anger. “Those stupid young bucks.” The gentlemen Bono had named were his brother’s contemporaries, so there was a good chance that Oliver knew more of the matter. He’d have a talk with him.
Ordering another large brandy, Rollo put this from his mind for the time being and set to discussing the financial news with Bono, acknowledged to be astute in these matters.
* * *
The next morning Rollo stayed in the breakfast room until Oliver made an appearance. He gave his brother a chance to get a plateful of food before questioning him.
“I heard a rumour last night that some young bucks have wagered on being able to compromise a young lady’s reputation. Do you know aught of this?”
Oliver, completely missing the censure in Rollo’s voice, was eager with his reply. “Cotson and Straw were bored with the round of balls and card parties and thought a challenge would add a spark of excitement. Woody heard about it and we asked to be included.”
“What?” Rollo stood and faced his brother. “Do not tell me you are involved in this matter?” He kept his voice low, but now his brother couldn’t miss the disapproval.
Oliver tried to brush it off. “Well, it seemed a good idea. Make chasing the ladies a bit more interesting, you understand.”
Rollo could not believe what he was hearing. “Do you have any idea what the consequence would be for a young lady if one of you succeeded?” he exploded. “Obviously you numbskulls have not thought of that!” He paused for breath, then said, “Well, let me tell you, if I so much as hear a whisper that you have compromised, or even tried to compromise, any young lady, I will withdraw your allowance completely, and if you think you can afford to live the rest of your life on two hundred guineas, you will quickly find that you are mistaken.”
Oliver was shaken. He realized that Rollo was right and that he had not given a thought to the consequences for the young lady. “I give you my word that I will not progress with this. I really do not expect any of them to succeed. It just seemed a good laugh and …” His voice trailed off and he looked shame-faced.
Rollo relented somewhat. “I will accept your word, but in future you must think before accepting foolish wagers from your foolish friends.”
“I think that is a little harsh calling my friends foolish,” Oliver defended them weakly.
Rollo got up and left the room before he was tempted to give full vent to his anger. This now accounted for why Diana and her cousin seemed so popular with the young bucks. He hoped the rumour of the wager did not reach them and spoil their enjoyment of the season.
* * *
The next time Diana’s and Rollo’s paths crossed was at a card party hosted by Viscountess Newton, the mother of Mr. Henry Straw. It was becoming clear to Diana that her cousin was showing a marked preference for the handsome redhead and he seemed to reciprocate her feelings. He’d sent her flowers, was always the first to ask her to dance and had called twice to their home, as well as taking her riding in Hyde Park on no less than three occasions.