Montague paced back and forth across the short width of the private dining room he had secured upon their arrival. He knew the White Hart Inn well, having taken respite during several of his previous trips between London and Matlock. He felt a tad guilty, fabricating the little white lie of travelling with his sister to Mr Daniels. The mild mannered, middle aged inn keeper had never shown him anything but kindness. Apart from a slight raise of the brow and a small nod of the head, he did not comment further; following the young barrister outside to issue orders to his stable boys.

Blast Caroline! What could be taking her so long? Upon their arrival he had entered the inn alone, securing the private dining room alongside a second chamber in order for his sister to refresh herself after so tiring a journey. He himself had no desire to retire, having quickly exchanged his shirt and jacket using the gentleman's facilities found within the stable yard. He did not want to stop for too long, only the necessary amount of time for sustenance and to stretch his legs. A new set of horses had to be secured and bed and board arranged for the others until their return journey, but this he knew could be achieved most efficiently. He had not intended for this to be the staging for yet another long-winded struggle of power between himself and the stubborn Miss Bingley. He knew married couples who argued less! He stopped his pacing and threw himself upon the chair rather forcibly, taking a deep swig from the ale which lay before him. Blast Caroline. He should have known she would make matters difficult.

She had ignored him completely when Simon and the inn hands had taken her over sized, heavy trunk to her short-term lodgings. Taking no notice of his out stretched arm, she had leaned past him defiantly, accepting Mr Daniels offered arm with over zealous appreciation. Caroline alighted from the carriage flashing one of her most radiant smiles. The inn keeper was charmed by her immediately as she cooed and gushed over the décor and the quaintness of his pretty little establishment. Cedric watched unimpressed as she tilted her head and softened her voice until every gentlemen within the half mile radius were falling over themselves to assist the dark haired beauty into the sanctuary of her lodgings. Must she forever be such a show off?

Ever the extrovert, every eye was drawn to her overly exuberant well crafted display. Her burnt orange travelling gown with its chocolate rich feathers only heighten the colour of her skin and eyes. Her colours shone bright against the muted tones of the other patrons; her false smile, for false he knew it to be, as bright and charming as the sweet, rounded tone of her voice. He watched from the doorway, utterly unimpressed as gentleman tipped their hats in her direction, ogling her person as she swayed her way through the room. If she thought such a childish display would annoy him, then she was damn well right! He had practically glared daggers at every gentleman present as he followed his party up the staircase to the lodgings above. Upon reaching the private rooms he had called out loudly for his dear sister not to dawdle too long as they really must make haste. Her bedroom door was slammed firmly by way of reply. Indication enough that she would join him for breakfast when she was good and ready.


Caroline sat sombre upon the edge of the unfamiliar hard bed as she contemplated what to wear. Without an audience there was no need to hide her fowl mood. She knew she had to change her dress, it was creased from being cooped up in a carriage for near on a day. She just did not want to. She lifted her arms to roll back her shoulders. Truth be told she needed out of this particular short stay, the buggering thing was too tight under her arms which was only adding to her chagrin.

She kicked the heel of her boot against the bedframe. Sister! He had explained her away as his sister! She huffed loudly causing the nondescript chamber maid by the bedroom door to jump. She rolled her eyes. The girl was no more than a mere child. Another one! When had she suddenly become a nurse maid? Was she to be forever surrounded by numskulls and adolescents? She had considered sending the girl away, but truth be told she would need assistance with all the ruddy fastenings.

Although she had slept a little, she felt quite exhausted. Her choreographed display had taken more out of her than she was willing to admit. The last few days had been trying, her emotions swinging from great highs to bitter lows. Alfred was a bully, a huge stain upon her future happiness and security; yet at least with him she knew where she stood. She knew how he intended to hurt her. The same was not so clear for Cedric.

Her feelings towards the man worried her. The hold he had over her emotions could in no way be a good thing. Both Darcy and Lord Colville had rejected her advances, repeatedly: she shuddered at her behaviour. Yet, although such disregard annoyed her and wounded her pride, they had not touched her heart. The damage would never be lasting.

She looked up, catching her reflection in the looking glass opposite. She felt her stomach drop upon seeing her mothers face scowling back at her. She would not allow herself to think about her mother. She may have been made in her mothers image, but this did not mean she had to be her.

She would never allow herself to rely on a man for comfort; wealth, situation and stature were to be expected, but never would she allow herself to become swallowed up in the shadow of another.

In truth she knew ambushing Cedric had been unwise; but she could not help herself. She had allowed herself to act impulsively with no pause given to consider her best strategy. She had set her plan in motion immediately without a single thought or care for the potential repercussions. She had allowed her head to be clouded by feelings which she could no longer ignore.

It was an admission which played heavy on her mind. Her mother had felt safe under the protection of her father; as reliant on him as she had later upon the effects of Laudanum. Her mother had openly both loved and resented him due to such misgivings.

But Caroline was not her mother. No matter how much Alfred compared her to the woman; no matter how much the mirror reflected her appearance, Caroline was not she. Cedric saw Caroline, he understood her mind and ambitions. She did not need to play a part for him, or did she? She kicked the frame of the bed repeatedly with the heel of her boot. How long before he grew tired of her temper and behaviour?

Sister. She knew she was being irrational but the dark thoughts of the morning had taken hold, multiplying and festering, ready to implode. But what had she expected him to refer to her by? His wife? Maybe he was embarrassed by her. Uncertain of how far he was truly willing to commit. He had told her calmly that he loved her in spite of her character. There had been no dramatics or extravagance, he had merely kissed her forehead as the words came forth. In company he was forever disciplined and self controlled. Could he be the sort of man to take pleasure in toying with ladies affections?

He has made you no promises. Perhaps you mean nothing to him.

"Stop it," she spoke aloud, standing from the bed. "Stop it, stop it, stop it." She dug her nails into the palm of her hand, forcing the voices to retreat. So engrossed was she, she paid no mind to the curious expression upon the chambermaids face.

"Beggin' yer pardon Miss, but I have not done anything in which to stop."

Caroline's eyes grew wide, her doubt quickly evolving into irrational displeasure. "Exactly you silly girl! Stop lurking about in the shadows and help me dress."


Growing impatient, Montague finally heard movement from the corridor, quickly composing himself before the door of the dining parlour opened.

Caroline swept into the room: now dressed in a striking deep purple travelling gown and matching cloak. A young maid followed meekly behind her, removing the cloak to settle her charge within a chair at the opposite end of the large table. With the fabric bundled within her arms the maid stepped back, clearly intending to remain as chaperone. At whose request, Montague pondered.

"Well do you not look charming, I am almost tempted to forgive your tardiness. Shall we begin?"

When no reply came, he rolled his eyes, reaching forward to ring the small bell which sat upon the table. A moment later Mr Daniels appeared with several staff laden with plate upon plate of: cold cuts, roast partridge, preserves, baked goods, dried fruits and white soup. Montague had eaten many times at the White Hart, but this time Mr Daniels had truly outdone himself. The inn keeper stood proudly basking in the delicate compliments and bright smiles that Miss Bingley offered him.

"You may leave us," Montague said loudly growing impatient: "all of you."

"I do not think that necessary," replied Caroline coolly, her attention fully focused on the inn keeper.

Montague looked at her puzzled. What in the devil was she playing at? "Really I do insist, I have private matters I must discuss with my sister."

As the staff retreated from the room, Caroline hissed through clenched teeth: "Perhaps your sister does not wish to discuss anything with you." He felt his temper rise upon her childish outburst.

Finally alone with just the two of them, Montague sat back in his chair. He did not say anything, simply watched his volatile companion. He had known leaving her whilst she slept would annoy her, but he had hoped she would have possessed the good sense to understand his actions. Surely even she could see the inappropriateness of the situation. In truth her falling asleep against him was a temptation even he found hard to ignore. He had simply done what he knew to be for the best.

He lifted his glass of hock, watching her over the rim, as she avoided his gaze. He wondered for the benefit of his own sanity if they should have it out, or perhaps if he ignored her displeasure, she would simply burn herself into exhaustion. He would not apologise, his actions were just. It was high time she realised she was her own worst enemy.

He leaned back casually, bringing his right foot across to rest upon his left knee. No, he would not engage. He enjoyed her fiery nature, but even he could be pushed too far.

Caroline was determined she would not speak first. She would not give his smug, casual appearance the satisfaction. Stabbing a cold potato, she had barely swallowed the morsel before his silent observation became all too much.

"Will you stop looking at me."

He made no reply.

"I do not see why you should be allowed to stare at me when you were so disinclined to remain in my company earlier. To sneak away whilst I slept was most unchivalrous."

"On the contrary; I believe you will find I was being entirely honourable."

"Honourable! Ha!"

"It was not proper. May I remind you, it was you who imposed yourself upon me. I felt it best to remove myself from our close quarters."

"So you admit it!"

"Admit what?"

"That you did not wish to be seen alone with me."

"Whether I wished it or otherwise, yes, I removed myself from your company. Do be sensible."

"Sensible!" she remarked scathingly. "It is a well known fact that Lord Colville is much in the presence of sensible little Anne de Bourgh, just the two of them, long before their engagement and even still though they are unmarried!"

"Your point being?"

"Oh but I should have known you, just like all of London, find her a paragon of virtue. She can behave just as she chooses. How gallant, how romantic; that a woman such as she can capture the interest of such a man."

"I do wish you would at least attempt to hide your distain towards Miss de Bourgh a little better. The poor woman has shown you nothing but kindness. Such unchecked jealousy does not suit you."

"Do not twist my words. I wished to be with you. Why should we be any different to Lord Colville and..."

"I am not Lord Colville," he said flatly, cutting short her rant.

"Is this the reason for such behaviour towards my person? My regard for Lord Colville is nothing when comparable to how I feel towards you. You tell me you care for me, yet leaving me comes so easy! Perhaps you are correct, for he would never behave in such an ungentlemanly manner."

"Caroline when will you learn that the world does not revolve around you and your every whim? Have you taken even one moment to consider my feelings? My thoughts on the matter?"

Standing from his seat he moved slowly to the other end of the table. With deliberation, he pushed a ceramic serving dish to the centre, perching himself upon the end. He tilted his head to meet her gaze, leaning over her before continuing: "You seem to forget my girl, I am a man. A man with desires and thoughts which are in no way suitable for such a situation that you only seemed more than willing to put yourself in. I am no Lord Colville, the man has the patience of a Saint, I however do not.

For my sins, you capture my interest entirely; even the ridiculousness of your behaviour does not curb my feelings. It would appear I am no better than any red-blooded male when in the presence of a handsome female. Surely you can see why I could not remain alone with you? Regardless of proprietary, I do not wish to act impulsively. More than once you have overcome my better judgement.

Let me assure you, my most basic of urges are very real and your constant need to challenge my authority does little to deter them. I am not a man to be constantly pushed Caroline. I will reach a breaking point. Neither you or I are perfect. But I do not wish to do something irrational that I, or you, shall only regret."

"I do not understand," she replied.

"And that is what makes the situation even more ludicrous. Upon mere observation you appear artful, entirely experienced in the ways of the world; when in reality you are merely a girl who if not careful shall end up her own ruin. There are many things I shall forgive you for Caroline, many of them repeatedly; but manipulation shall never be one of them. Am I understood?"

She nodded sullenly. Was he implying what she thought he was suggesting? That she had tried to trap him? She felt her cheeks grow warm, not from anger but unease. And why should he not think so poorly of her? Her past behaviour towards Darcy and even Colville not did exactly paint her character in a positive light.

Montague stood from the table and returned to his seat, piling his plate high: he ate in silence.

"I just wanted to be with you," she spoke quietly after several minutes. "I did not think, it was foolish and impulsive."

"Facets of your character you would do well to improve."

"What would you have me do?"

"I wish for you to return to London. Before you argue allow me to explain. My reason for travelling north is I wish to visit the very workhouse your mother was born into as an infant. Her mother did indeed die during the birth, but it would appear she was already within the confines of the workhouse. You told me she ended up in an establishment as a mere child, I intend to find whatever records I can. I am certain some proof of purchase or exchange of coin with Alfred's father is to be found. So far the contacts I have reached out to have confirmed very little else. The trip may be frustrating but it may also uncover details that you would only find to be distressing. I do not wish to see you upset, nor do I wish for you to distract me from the task in hand. So far I have managed to conclude that around the time of your mother being taken under the care of your uncle, at least two other girls were also present."

"Other girls?"

"Yes, from what little information I have gathered, one girl of a similar age and another who would have been only seven around the time. Beatrice Dunn and Alice Smyth. Do either of these names mean anything to you?"

Caroline felt sick, she had never even considered such a possibility. She shook her head.

"I do not wish to upset you. But surely you can see, I can not allow myself to become distracted. I have a promise, both to you and your brother I intend to keep. I will do all in my power to find whatever information I need to discredit your cousin and his father before him. Scarborough really is no place for you."

"It would appear, reconsidering my impulsive behaviour that you are correct."

He grinned at her; "may I have that in writing?"

"No, but you may tell Mr Daniels he will need to secure you independent travel for the rest of your journey. If I am to return to London, I would much rather do so in the comfort of my own carriage."

"Thank you. I do not anticipate being away from London any longer than a sennight."

She nodded by way of reply. A sennight gave her ample time. As curious as she was to know what he would unearth in Scarborough, there was one piece of information she knew he would not find so easily. He could search all he wished for Alice Smyth, Cedric would find no trace of her. Let him send her back to London.

For Alice Smyth was now Alice Peters and had been living in London at the Bingley's family address for as long as Caroline could remember..


Hello Lovely People
Thanks for all the kind messages and reviews. I am feeling much better, and it was so nice to hear from you all. Apologies for the rather long gap, but hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and get this badger completed shortly.
Thanks for sticking with me and Caro

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