"It would appear fair cousin that you are avoiding me."

Caroline felt her stomach drop. What was Alfred doing dressed and downstairs at such an early hour? She should have known he would not have the common decency to sleep late as was expected. As was proper. Lord why must she be plagued with such inane relations?

"On the contrary cousin," she replied her voice bright and sweet. "For I believe it has been you who has been otherwise engaged. Why, horses with Lord Colville, Whites with Mr Darcy and the Colonel; I even heard rumour of a trip to the pugilism. I am rather surprised to find you awake and so well put together at such an hour."

"I have long required little rest in order to refresh my person. I take no pleasure in sleep, it is merely a must. And only look at my good fortune? Like so many others, I too could be idle, yet in doing so I would have missed the opportunity of being alone in your company. That, dear cousin, is a virtue in itself."

She smiled to mask her distaste, bringing her tea cup to her mouth to obscure her sneer. "Most fortunate indeed."

Satisfied with their exchange Alfred moved towards the dresser, serving himself a modest helping of eggs, braised mutton and several drop scones. His movements were laboured due to a large white paper parcel tucked firmly beneath his left elbow.

Caroline sat back in her chair, shoulders straight, her half empty plate left forgotten before her. She had hoped by rising at such an hour she could have broken her fast in solitude before retiring to await her much desired meeting with Alice Peters. Watching Alfred with narrowed eyes, sadly she knew this would no longer be the case. Nor did she wish Alfred to see sight of Alice. She knew nought of their previous interactions, but she had no intention of playing with fire.

She observed him closely, attempting to appear at ease when every muscle pulsed in trepidation. Moving round the table, Alfred ignored his usual place, continuing to move further down until directly positioned to her right. He pulled the chair out slowly, challenging a response. When none came, he sat down, turning the chair to face her. He placed the parcel on the table between them.

"Is not this nice, Caroline? Does not this seem Devine intervention; alone just you and I?"

She made no reply, all focus on her teacup.

"I must say, in my not having been graced with your presence for a whole four days, I am rather delighted to find my intentions have in no way wavered. I must admit the sensation is new to me, though not entirely unwelcome. You bewitch me cousin. A conquest few women can boast. Such a steadfast desire I find most encouraging."

He gazed upon her face, taking in her dark features; so familiar, almost perfect. The similarity could not be denied, yet she lacked the prowess when compared to the utter brilliance of the mother.

"I have thought long upon what you said. Sir Alfred Bingley and Lady Caroline does indeed sound utmost appealing. I know many influential people, and I hold many of them in my debt. A knighthood would not be so difficult to manipulate. You have my word; you shall want for nothing. I shall make you happy. Finally in the position you most desire."

He paused with gallant flourish awaiting an answer. His growing obsession had blinded him. He was truly convinced such a declaration would be most welcome, after all she was like him in so many ways. Their interactions so far may have been a little unorthodox when one considers the usual practice of courtship, but she would be a fool not to see the situation through his eyes. When no response followed his brow creased, the only outward sign of his building displeasure.

"I am playing your game," he continued with mounting frustration. "I am securing Lord Colville's business just as you so desired, and orchestrated might I add. For you are indeed a woman of beauty and ambition – this bending to your will alone should act as proof of my affection!"

"I would have thought a man such as yourself incapable of that particular emotion," Caroline replied snidely, regrettably unable to hold her tongue any longer.

His hand flew out, covering her own which until that moment had sat idle upon the table. His hand engulfed hers, pushing her palm firmly against the hard surface, splaying her knuckles painfully.

"Careful Caroline how you address me. I will only indulge your sharp tongue for so long. Your spirit amuses me, but every man has his limits." Here he squeezed, her hand tight within his grip, pulling it to clamp against his inner thigh. "Do not think for a moment I will allow such liberties forever. There will come a time when for my pleasure I shall entirely break that spirit. Three months until I can possess you will be the most exquisite torture. But never for a moment believe I will not take what is rightfully mine."

He moved her hand higher, taking delight in the look of horror across her dark eyes. He pressed her hand against himself firmly. "Never have I desired to possess a woman so." He let go of her hand which she quickly snapped away, her expression a mix of anger, and dare he hope fear? He smiled with satisfaction. Yes, she should fear him. Given time he would mould her into exactly what he desired, and where she failed, take great delight in punishing her accordingly. For now he would need to be satisfied with the chase.

"You wish to strike me," he laughed sitting back in his seat. "I can see it in your eyes. Your face is too expressive." He paused to admire her face, the curve of her mouth. "Your mother slapped me once, but perhaps that is a story best left for another day."

He rose from his chair, placing both hands on the table, looming over her. "Why such a look of distaste cousin? You should be pleased, a woman such as you, so proud of her looks. I desired nothing more than to ruin your brother; embarrass his family and reputation. But your charms and pretty face have rendered my plans null and void. The things I shall teach you once you are in my possession." He looked at her with such intensity it took all her resolve not to revolt under his gaze.

He chuckled at her visible distress. "Oh, do not look so worried cousin; I am engaged elsewhere for most of the day. Our paths are unlikely to cross any further. However, I intend for you to escort me tomorrow evening to dine with the Fitzwilliam's. I also except you to act accordingly."

"You have been invited to dine with the Earl of Matlock?"

"Naturally. The son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, we conversed at White's, rather ignorant fellow, but one should always know which side his bread is buttered. One should always place himself in the company of others superior to their rank but lacking in good sense. You of all people should understand such an advantageous position." He moved from the table ready to leave the room, at the door he paused;

"That is for you," he waved in the direction of the white paper parcel. "I expect you to wear it tomorrow evening. That is not a request."


"Ah you are awake! And rightly so for I was beginning to bore. I must say, as your friend, you look bloody awful. Your whole right cheek is the most unflattering shade of puce."

Montague moaned at such an uncouth but likely very accurate remark. Even after sleep his headache had in no way dissipated.

"Good to know I can always count on you to never shy from the truth. Charming as always Henry. With friends like you one has no need for enemies."

Henry laughed leaning back in his seat, flexing his legs in order to stretch his back. He was not accustomed to sitting confined within a carriage for such a long period of time; he was a man far more partial to the saddle than his current overly padded seat. Yet he had not wished to leave his friend unsupervised, no not in the state in which he had found him.

Friend. It was a rather odd friendship. The age gap was considerable yet Henry could not help but be fond of the ambitious young barrister.

So here he was, bored and stiff while his Turkish Bay sulked in a great depression for being tethered like some mere carriage nag. He was sure he would pay later for such an insult to his prize stallion.

"I see no benefit in not speaking plainly. I would be most affronted if I were told I looked handsome only to find out later it to be a great falsehood. You are a fright, Cedric. Your left eye is bruised and your complexion most shocking."

"Again, who needs enemies when I call you my friend."

"And lucky indeed that I am your comrade and in possession of such a fine, large carriage. There would be no way you could have made the journey to London on horseback. Or worse," Henry shuddered dramatically, "by post. You are lucky I received your note when I did; an hour later and I should have already left for London. Mother and father have already returned to Ton. Why mother left in the first place to travel back to Matlock with father I shall never know, so many trunks. It is a good job I decided to swap my Arabian for the Bay at the final moment or I too should have been en route."

Montague nodded; his whole body ached. They may have eventually parted ways amicably, partners even, though his earlier unfavourable discourse with Benjamin Turnpike had surely left its intended mark. He breathed out slowly aiming to subdue the pain running up the left side of his ribcage.

"I am eternally grateful for your indecisiveness. Though I had in no way anticipated the private escort. It is just some bruised ribs. I dare say it looks far worse than it is."

"Poppycock," cried Henry. "The least a man can do is admit when he has taken a thrashing and allow those around him to pity him at their leisure."

Cedric looked across the finely appointed carriage at the older gentleman opposite. The Viscount of Scarsdale did not have the most stellar of reputations. With his blunt observations he may not be everyone's cup of tea but since working for the father alongside the heir to his Matlock Estate, the two had formed quite a satisfying acquaintance. It appeared to Cedric that Henry did all in his power to project the image of an outlandish, selfish heir to an Earldom. He played the role exceedingly convincingly for others, though Montague had always felt the gentleman to be at heart anything but. For the life of him Cedric could not understand why his Lordship hid behind such a façade.

"Why do you not try and rest awhile?" Henry asked. "We have a good few hours before we need to refresh the horses."

Nodding by way of reply Cedric closed his eyes and slept undisturbed all the way to Kettering.


Caroline stood in front of the cheval mirror. What in the devil was Alfred thinking wishing her to wear such a dress. The dark navy fabric was sober and heavy, a colour she would never wear willingly. She had already called her maid twice with the intention of changing, yet recalling the tone of her cousin and his revolting behaviour to shock her person at breakfast the day previous she had stopped herself. She would not give him the satisfaction.

The colour was indeed ugly, but it was the style which confused her greatly. Why request her to wear a dress so out of fashion. A dress which did little to show off her figure or complexion.

She pulled at the high cream collar. The elaborate folds puffed about her shoulders, clawing at her throat. She felt trapped in the fabric. The shoulder seam was too low and the waist just off her middle, the fit was most shocking. She was so confined she could barely move. The fabric smelt musty and old yet the dress was pristine and recently starched. Why would he purchase such a dress for her?

She looked at her reflection, the image was in no way flattering. The dress made her look old, her features severe, utterly old fashioned. Caroline could only hope no one of note would be present at dinner to witness such a monstrosity. Lord would Richards silly Miss Carmichael be present? She would be rendered a fool, she would be seen as a laughing stock. Unless that was her cousins intention. To humiliate and ridicule her within the circle of her most common acquaintances.

She heard her brother call from the foyer for the second time. If she did not make haste they would also be late. Begrudgingly, she lifted her reticule and descended the stairs. She was surprised to find only Charles present, anxiously pacing back and forth.

"Honestly Caroline our cousin has been most desirous we be on our way, if only you would spend less time worrying about your appearance and place more importance on the situation in which we..." her brother trailed off as he took in her appearance. His eyes widened with understanding. "Oh you clever girl, no man would dream of giving attention to a woman so sombrely dressed. What better way to curb our cousins unwelcome advances than to wear the most shockingly dull dress in all of London. You look like an old governess!" He laughed offering his arm to escort his sister to the awaiting carriage.

"Honestly Caro I have never seen you look so severe, you remind me uncannily of mother." They had just reached the carriage when Charles dropped her arm. "Oh blast I left my gloves within the foyer, one moment." He turned darting up the steps two at a time leaving Caroline alone next to the open carriage door.

"Allow me dear cousin," Alfred spoke as he stepped from inside the carriage, offering his hand to help her take her seat. She did so quickly, smoothing the stiff fabric as best she could. He followed behind her closely, taking the seat opposite. He watched her intently but said nothing.

"It does not suit me," she scowled, folding her arms across her person, willing her brothers fast return. "Though I have worn it as per your request."

"My darling Alice you have never looked more perfect," he replied softly.

Before either could say another word Charles returned. "My sincerest of apologies, they were in my pocket all long," Charles cried as he bustled through the door taking the seat next to Alfred. "Shall we be off," he smiled thudding the roof of the carriage, signalling the driver to pull away.