A Question of Class (11 page)

Benjamin’s words made her blush. Earlier this evening, she’d noticed his eyes widen when she’d come downstairs after getting dressed, and part of her enjoyed the surge of power she experienced under his gaze.

She matched him step for step as they entered the ballroom. Carpenter and Theodosia were receiving guests in the foyer, and Catherine and Benjamin joined the queue.

“Catherine,” said Theodosia. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Theo, you know my brother-in-law, Benjamin Thomas,” Catherine said.

“Of course, how could I forget Mr. Thomas? Catherine, you look ravishing,” said Theodosia. “The color is lovely on you.”

“I have to agree,” said Carpenter, taking Catherine’s hand. He was a tall man and his skin always gave off a sheen, as if he had been lightly slicked with oil. “I’m only sorry Delcour isn’t here to see his lovely bride.”

Carpenter’s gaze lingered on her décolletage. Catherine yanked Benjamin forward. “Mr. Carpenter, may I present my chaperone for the evening, Benjamin Thomas.”

To her relief, Benjamin began speaking with Carpenter about one of the company’s ships that had been caught in a storm off the coast. Catherine moved close to Theodosia and whispered to her. “I have to speak with you privately tonight, it’s urgent.”

“Of course, we’ll find time once the dancing has begun, if you like,” said Theodosia. “I’m all yours.”

“I’m so lucky to have a friend like you.” Catherine squeezed Theodosia’s hand.

“By the way, have you taken a good look at Mr. Thomas? He looks quite dashing. He seems to be attracting attention.”

Catherine scanned the room. Several young women whispered behind their fans and stared in Benjamin’s direction. Percy stood with his pug-nosed fiancée off to one side. The woman was glaring at Catherine with unbridled hostility and Percy had a predatory look in his eyes.

Percy’s fiancée headed in her direction. As the band struck up a waltz, Catherine grabbed Benjamin, startling him and Carpenter in mid-sentence.

“We must dance,” she said.

“You better do as she says, young man,” said Carpenter. “I wouldn’t refuse a dance with such a beauty.”

Catherine led Benjamin to the floor. She lifted her arms and he encircled her with his.

“I was in the middle of speaking with Mr. Carpenter.”

She wondered what they could have been talking about that was so important. “Sorry, I didn’t realize. Now stop squeezing my hand so hard. And don’t look down.”

He gave her an exasperated look. “For God’s sake, stop ordering me around.”

She smiled sweetly back. “And look like you’re having fun. By the way, we’re the only couple dancing.”

The room was a sea of faces, all staring in their general direction. She matched her movements to Benjamin’s and they moved across the floor, as if propelled by a gentle breeze. The music was divine, and Catherine let her head drop back slightly. She noticed Benjamin was looking at her and smiling. A flood of warmth traveled through her body.

She was at the center of attention. This was everything she might’ve hoped for six months ago: knowing the latest dance and dressed to the nines in the epicenter of New York high society. But it all seemed hollow somehow, especially when she thought of poor Sophie. When the dance ended, she broke off from Benjamin and scanned the crowd for Theodosia.

“And where’s your sash, my dear?”

Mrs. Wetmore puffed over, accompanied by her gawky friend. She had an enormous red sash wrapped around her waist that emphasized the thickness of her trunk, and resembled a large, ungainly Christmas present.

“Ah, Mrs. Wetmore,” said Benjamin. “You look lovely.”

Mrs. Wetmore melted under his gaze for a moment before turning back to Catherine. “You said you were wearing a sash.”

“I did, didn’t I,” said Catherine. “But then you see I received a letter from Josephine this afternoon. Apparently the fashion has already peaked. It’s so difficult to keep up with the continent, you know.”

“A letter from Josephine?” Mrs. Wetmore’s lip trembled.

“Yes. Now everyone is back to wearing powdered wigs. I plan on ordering one right away.”

Mrs. Wetmore eyed her suspiciously. Before she could say another word, Benjamin turned to Catherine.

“You seem rather warm, you must let me get you a refreshment,” he said.

Catherine took his arm gratefully and let him draw her away.

“You seem to be able to single-handedly influence New York fashion. Well done,” he said.

“Why thank you. You can see what I’ve been up against.”

“It’d be easier to face a pack of wild wolves than that woman.”

Benjamin led them to a corner of the room and lifted two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray. He gave one to her.

“It’s all so beautiful, isn’t it?” she said.

“If you like that kind of thing.”

“When I first came to New York with Mr. Delcour, this is what I dreamed of. To be part of society, and be watched and admired.” She took a sip of champagne. “And now I realize it’s silliness. Whether they like me or not, it’s not worth the trouble. Unfortunately, this is more important to Mr. Delcour than anything else. Even family.”

“He has a particular set of priorities.” Benjamin looked across the room with a determined stare.

She followed his gaze and saw Carpenter regaling a group of older men with a story.

“Everything comes easily to Mr. Carpenter,” she said. “It drives Mr. Delcour mad.”

“He seems like an interesting fellow.”

She wondered what lurked beneath Benjamin’s quiet, rough facade. What was he doing following her around town as Morris’s lackey? There was something within him, an unsettled dignity she couldn’t help but admire.

Theodosia approached, trailing a pretty, pale girl who appeared to be around eighteen.

“Mrs. Delcour and Mr. Thomas, may I present my cousin, Miss Marianna.”

Before Catherine or Benjamin could say a word, Marianna cocked her ear and gave a small yelp. “It’s another waltz. Mr. Thomas, you must dance with me, I insist.”

Benjamin looked momentarily stunned.

“Oh, do let’s,” said Marianna with another squeal. “Mr. Thomas, you made such a dashing figure earlier. I found I was quite envious, and to make up for it you must dance with me now.” She gave a little leap in the air.

Catherine was certain the girl would levitate any moment. “Go on,” she said to Benjamin. “It would be rude to refuse.”

Benjamin offered his arm to Marianna, but shot a warning look at Catherine before he turned away.

“We must stay here for a moment, and pretend to watch,” said Catherine once Benjamin was out of earshot. “Then we’ll make a quick dash once he’s on the other side of the room.”

After a swarm of dancers swallowed up Benjamin and his dance partner, Catherine and Theodosia fled up a set of stairs and entered a small sitting room.

Catherine pulled Theodosia beside her onto a small sofa. “We should have five minutes before he comes looking for me.”

“Now tell me, what happened with Percy, was he of any help?” asked Theodosia.

“I’m afraid Percy Bonneville offered me the sort of help that only confirmed to me he’s a cad.”

“Oh dear,” said Theodosia.

“Yes. He asked me to be his mistress.”

Theodosia shook her head. “That’s awfully bold of him, arranging for a mistress before he’s even wed.”

“It is indeed. But that’s not the least of my worries. I’ve heard from my younger sister, Sophie. She’s in trouble and I have to travel to Bridgeport to find her.”

“Sophie? Why, you so rarely speak of her. How long has it been since you’ve seen her?”

“Since I left five years ago. I had hoped she was being well taken care of. But she writes that the couple who raised us are handing her over to a strange man, as they did me. I can’t let that happen.”

“Tell me what you need,” Theodosia said.

“I’m not quite sure, to be honest. I have to get to Bridgeport before she leaves in a few days, but I have nothing to my name. And I can’t go anywhere without Benjamin following along.”

“There must be a way to save Sophie. Is there anything you can use to get away?”

“I was hoping to find the bottle of Yquem Mr. Delcour loves so much.”

“Oh yes. The Yquem.” Theodosia rolled her eyes. “How many times has he brought that bloody wine up in conversation? That’s a brilliant idea. It will drive him mad if you take it.”

“Unfortunately, he guessed what I would do and the bottle is missing. I’m sure he moved it before he left town, knowing in my anger I’d be likely to smash it to pieces.”

“Do you think he could have given the bottle to my stepfather for safekeeping, while he was away?”

“Perhaps he did. Mr. Carpenter is the only other person he’d trust. Could it be in his wine cellar?”

Theodosia thought for a moment. “No. There are too many servants going in and out, particularly on a night like this. If the bottle were here, it would be in his study. Go back to the party and I’ll look.”

“No, I can’t put you in that position,” said Catherine. “I’ll go.”

“Are you sure?”

“Certain. Point me in the right direction.”

They exited into the hall. Sounds from the party echoed off the marble floor. “His study is the last door on the right,” said Theodosia.

Catherine nodded.

“Look in the locked drawer of his desk,” said Theodosia. “The desk used to be my father’s. He would keep sweets for my brother and me there when we were growing up. When my brother was ten, he figured out if you take a letter opener and fiddle with the lock, it’ll open. Good luck.”

Once Theodora had disappeared back into the party, Catherine leaned her ear against the study door. She didn’t hear any sounds, so she slowly turned the knob.

“Catherine!”

She whirled around. Percy was advancing on her. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. We need to speak.”

Catherine stepped away from the door. “I don’t think we need to speak at all, you’ve already said enough.”

He grabbed her arm roughly and pushed her against the wall. “I don’t think you understand. I’ve offered you an opportunity to have everything you could possibly want. You need security, and I need you. It’s simple.”

“No.” His breath reeked of alcohol and she turned her head away. “I am not interested in being anyone’s mistress. I thought I was clear.”

He leaned into her and pushed his knee between her legs. “You are a sight to behold tonight. Your dress is ravishing. I’ve wanted you for a long time and I think the time has come I get a taste, don’t you?”

“How dare you touch me.” She squirmed but he held her tight. A strand of his thin blonde hair fell across his forehead and he blew it out of the way.

“I’m sure you’re quite a pleasure, my dear. As Delcour has already been with you in sin, I don’t see how you can object.”

He kissed her and dug his fingers into her buttocks. She bit him hard on the lip and pushed him away. He yowled and stepped back.

“Stay away from me,” she warned.

Percy touched his lip gently. He leaned back against the opposite wall and laughed, and then pulled a shiny watch fob out of his coat pocket.

“Before long, you’ll be out on the streets begging for me to take you in. And I shall relish every minute.” He held the watch up and let it swing back and forth. “Tick, tock, it’s only a matter of time.”

She grabbed her skirts and ran down the hall toward the deafening roar of the party as fast as she could.

9

Benjamin’s dance with the eager Marianne seemed to last for hours. He spied Catherine and Theodosia dashing out of the ballroom, and was unable, with all of the turns of the dance, to keep them in his sight. When the music finally stopped, he gave Marianne a curt nod and escaped.

He headed in the direction where he’d last seen Catherine. The lilac dress, which had taken his breath away earlier that evening, was nowhere in sight. When Catherine had glided down the stairs at the townhouse, the silk clinging with every movement and her breasts swelling up enticingly beneath the gold lace trim, Benjamin had to look away to keep from staring.