Dark Rider (35 page)

Cassie and Josette stared at Jared.

He said through his teeth, “Carolyn won’t break her word. I’ve made sure of it.”

Josette grunted derisively. Cassie glared at him.

Jared threw down his napkin and stalked out of the room.

“Is he right?” Cassie asked. “Can he control Lady Carradine?”

“She won’t hurt Lani in any obvious way.” Josette smiled bitterly. “She can be very clever. Never once has she made mention of my birth. She gives little lectures to the other students on the horrors that butcher Napoleon is inflicting on good, honest Englishmen and then turns her back and doesn’t hear when they attack me.”

“Why don’t you tell Jared?”

“I don’t whine.” She made a face. “And she gives me nothing to grab on to. She’s a coward and her cruelty is very subtle. Just once I wish she’d lose her temper and slap me. Jared would never tolerate that, and I certainly give her enough cause.”

Cassie smiled. “I’m sure you do.” Her smile faded. “I know nothing about your customs. Is Jared right? Is it important that you belong to this ton?”

“Not to me.” Josette paused. “But it’s true, those ninnies at school would dry up and die if they were so ostracized.”

“Yours is a very cruel world.” Cassie frowned, troubled. “I don’t wish this to happen to you, but if that woman hurts Lani, I can’t allow it to go unpunished.”

“Really?” Josette looked intrigued. “What would you do to her?”

Cassie’s expression became grim. “Something very unpleasant.”

“Then don’t think of me,” she said magnanimously. “I’ll sacrifice everything, I’ll suffer any indignity. Even if I’m cast out, I’ll be brave and force myself to stay here in this great barn of a place, exercising the horses. On occasion perhaps a game of chess with Jared. It will be—”

“You’re enjoying this too much,” Cassie said dryly. “You might be happy cast out from the ton, but Jared would be furious. We must hope it doesn’t come to that.” She stood up and moved toward the door. “And the easiest way to avoid that happening is to convince Lani not to go.”

“Cassie, I don’t want to hear any more about it. I’m not afraid of her.” Lani added with great firmness, “And for the last time, I won’t hide tonight.”

Cassie sighed in frustration. She had been trying since the night before to persuade Lani not to go to the ball, to no avail. She had not thought this last attempt would fare any better, but she had tried. “We’re here to help Papa, not go to balls. Everything is becoming too complicated.”

“Do you forget Charles when you help Josette?”

“I never forget Papa.”

“Neither do I. It does no harm to give to a child in need.” Lani suddenly smiled and embraced her. “Now, go and get dressed. It’s getting late. Bradford said we should leave by seven. What are you going to wear?”

“The white silk.” She made a face. “Josette says
that, according to Lady Carradine, young, unmarried women should always wear white.”

“I know you wish to help Josette, and you always look good in white.” Lani turned to the armoire. “I believe I shall wear my yellow gown. I’ve always liked the color.” She glanced over her shoulder with twinkling eyes. “And it will annoy Lady Carradine the most. It’s as far from black widow’s weeds as our island is from this England.”

“Should you—” Cassie broke off as Lani shook her head. She should have known Lani would not change herself any sooner than she would hide. Cassie hugged her and moved toward the door. “You’ll be more beautiful than any woman there.”

A moment later she was standing before the armoire in her own chamber looking at the gowns Jared had provided.

The white silk was quite beautiful, the touches of lace at the round neck demure. Just the kind of gown Lady Carradine would approve for a shy young girl. Cassie took it out of the armoire.

As far from black widow’s weeds as our island is from this England.”

Lani’s words kept repeating in her mind. This island and these people were not her own. Much as she liked Josette, she was not Lani. They had not suffered together, the years had not bonded them. She wanted only the best for Josette, but if there were sides to be taken, she could not ally herself with anyone but Lani.

She shoved the pristine-white gown back into the armoire and reached deep into the rear of the wardrobe.

“Good God.” Bradford’s eyes widened as she came down the stairs. “Stunning. You look magnificent.”
He shook his head. “But I don’t think Jared is going to like this.”

“Then he shouldn’t have chosen it.” She glanced around the foyer. “Where is he?”

“He went on ahead to Carradine Hall to make sure everything was in order. He asked me to bring you. Lani and Josette are waiting in the carriage.” He frowned. “I don’t believe he meant that gown for this type of occasion.”

She knew the occasion he had meant her to wear it. When she came to his bed. In spite of its simple Empire lines, it was the gown meant for a temptress. The scarlet color alone shouted bold sensuality, the deep square neckline revealed the upper curves of her breasts. “It’s what I’m wearing.”

“Has Lani seen you?”

“No.” She had deliberately delayed dressing until she knew Lani would have no opportunity to find out in advance. “She thinks I’m wearing white. I changed my mind at the last minute.”

He took the black velvet cloak she was carrying and draped it around her shoulders, carefully fastening the button at her throat. “Well, let’s at least spare Jared the first shock when you walk into the ballroom.”

“I can’t wear a cloak all evening.” Yet she did not want Lani to see the gown until they reached Carradine Hall. She might insist Cassie go back and change. She drew the cloak about her and moved toward the door. “Shall we go?”

“You’ve been very docile of late.” His hand cradled her elbow as she moved down the steps toward the carriage. “I’d be curious to know why you chose this occasion to break the pattern.”

The footman opened the door of the carriage. Bradford glanced at Lani, resplendent in her yellow
silk gown and white velvet cloak, and then smiled. “Ah, that’s it, you’re going into battle. I always knew I had a fondness for you,” he said in a low tone in Cassie’s ear. “I hope a battle won’t be necessary, but no one is worth fighting for more than Lani.” He helped her into the carriage, then climbed in after her. “It’s going to prove an interesting evening.”

Lani smiled and reached for Cassie’s hand. “You’re late. Is all well?”

Cassie clasped her hand nervously. She didn’t know whether this was a wise move or not. Jared would be angry, and she might do damage to Josette. It might all be for nothing. Perhaps Lani would not need championing at all. Oh, well, she had made mistakes before, and she would not back away now. She smiled at Lani but did not answer directly. “You look glorious tonight. Like a queen.” She said with sudden intensity, “You
are
a queen, Lani.”

Lani chuckled. “You must have been talking to Bradford. He claims I could rule this harsh England.”

“It would certainly be a more interesting country if you did.” Josette grimaced. “You can’t imagine how stultifying this ball will be tonight.” She settled back on the seat with a sigh. “Not at all like Jared’s and Bradford’s parties.”

“Which you were never supposed to observe,” Bradford said.

Josette giggled and told Cassie, “My nurse used to fall asleep and I’d creep down and watch from the landing until Jared caught me at it one night. He was very angry.”

“He would have been angrier if he hadn’t caught you at that particular moment. Such parties are not for the delectation of innocents.”

“An orgy,” Josette confided to Cassie with relish.
“Bacchanalian revels. Everyone seemed to be having a perfectly splendid time.”

“May we talk of something else?” Bradford asked plaintively. “The subject of my wicked past is making me a trifle uncomfortable. Did you ride Morgana today?”

Josette obligingly accepted the turn of conversation and started to chatter on her favorite subject for the remainder of the journey.

Carradine House was ablaze with light. Lanterns hung from the trees bordering the long driveway that led to the stately brick manor house, revealing carriages of all sizes and description on the grass. Liveried coachmen moved briskly, tending their vehicles, or merely lolled in conversation with other servants.

“There’s Jared.” Bradford’s gaze went to the open doorway as he got out of the carriage. “And our sweet hostess.”

Cassie involuntarily tensed as the footman helped her from the carriage, and she caught sight of the two at the top of the steps. Carolyn Carradine was smiling up at Jared, glowingly lovely in pale-blue silk. Jared, in dark evening clothes, was no different from the Jared she saw every day. He always looked lean, graceful, slightly dangerous, and as wickedly handsome as a pagan god. It was no wonder that the gargoyle was staring at him as if she wished to eat him for dinner, Cassie thought with annoyance.

“Cassie?” Bradford said.

She hurriedly stepped aside so that the footman could help Lani and Josette from the carriage. Then she watched Lani approach their hostess for the evening with graceful dignity.

“Good evening, Lady Carradine.” Lani smiled at
the woman. “How kind of you to invite me to your home.”

Lady Carradine displayed perfect teeth returning her smile. “It’s my pleasure.” Her gaze ran over Lani’s gown, which was revealed when she shed her white velvet cloak and handed it to a waiting footman. “And what a lovely gown. You look quite like a sunburst.”

The words could have been construed as a compliment, and the woman’s tone was cordial. Perhaps it was not going to be as bad as Cassie feared.

Lady Carradine turned to Josette. “Take your chaperon to meet Lady Huntley. I’ve told her to act in my place while I finish greeting my guests. Her daughter, Joan, was just saying how much she missed you at school.”

Josette muttered something distinctly uncomplimentary beneath her breath before she shrugged off her cloak. “Missed a pincushion to accommodate her pricks, maybe.” Then, as she met Jared’s warning gaze, she pasted a smile on her face and took Lani’s arm. “Come along. Surely Lady Huntley is not nearly as rude as her daughter.”

Cassie watched Lani cross the crowded ballroom. As she passed, the men and women turned to stare at her. Well, who wouldn’t look at her? She was more beautiful than any woman in the room.

“Don’t be shy, my dear. Take off your cloak and run along and join them.”

Cassie turned to see Carolyn Carradine aim a glowing smile at her as she placed a proprietary hand on Jared’s sleeve. “We’ll join you and your stepmother shortly.”

“Very well.” She straightened her shoulders and then rid herself of her cloak.

She heard Lady Carradine’s shocked exclamation and Jared’s sharply inhaled breath. After handing the cloak to the footman, she looked around to see two bright patches of color on Lady Carradine’s cheeks. “That gown is totally inappropriate in a young girl. It’s … it’s—”

“A sunset?” She lifted her chin in defiance. “If Lani’s gown is a sunburst, surely mine goes a step further.”

“It goes a good deal further,” Jared said grimly. “I’d like a word with you, Cassie.”

“But Lady Carradine says I must run along and meet Lady Huntley.” She shrugged. “If you wish to speak with me, I suppose you may come with me.” She started across the ballroom.

Jared was walking beside her, looking straight ahead. “Why, damn you?”

“At least I didn’t wear a sarong. It did occur to me.”

“All you had to do was behave with a little decorum for one evening. Was that too much to ask for Josette?”

“I’ll behave with decorum as long as these people treat Lani with courtesy.”

“Has Carolyn indicated in any way that she won’t?”

“Not yet.” She glanced at him. “But we’ve just gotten here. I don’t trust her.”

“So you come to the most circumspect ball in England looking …”

“Like a harlot?”

“I didn’t say that and I didn’t mean it.”

“That’s why you gave me this gown. You wanted me to look like one of your lady birds. Well, here I am.”

“And every man in the room is wondering if he has a chance of luring you into his bed.”

She was suddenly tired of being on the defensive. She smiled tauntingly. “It’s a possibility. I’ve been without a man for a long time, and you were an excellent tutor.” She turned to him and said mockingly, “Come, Jared, introduce me to your friends. Let me choose a man to pleasure me.”

He went white. He had been angry a minute ago; now he was a step beyond. “Damn you to hell.”

She had never seen him more dangerous. She didn’t care. She felt as she had when she and Kapu had swum through rapids, too late to stop, too exciting to turn back. She had to go on. “Why are you so angry? You would bed your Carolyn without a second thought. Perhaps you’ve already done it tonight. Don’t I have the right to choose my own—”

“No, you do not.” His voice was hoarse with searing intensity. “You no longer have any choice at all. You’ve just forfeited it.”

“By wearing a gown you chose? By telling you a woman is not a slave? I think not. Go back to Lady Carradine. She will say anything you wish her to say.” Her pace quickened as she approached Lady Huntley. “I assure you I don’t mind your abandoning me. I’ll make my own way with these people.”

“I’m tempted to do it. Any of these women could cut you to the bone with one remark.”

“Why would you care?”

“Oh, I would care.” He smiled savagely. “It’s a privilege I reserve for myself.” He stopped before Lady Huntley, Lani, and Josette. He took Lady Huntley’s hand, and his smile became totally ingratiating. “Ah, how delightful you look tonight, Amanda. That color always becomes you. May I present my
kinswoman, Cassandra Deville? You’ve already met her gracious stepmother.”

“Something’s wrong.” Cassie watched worriedly as Lani was taken by Lady Huntley from one group to the other, leaving Cassie and Josette to their own devices. “I don’t like this.”

“What is it?” Josette asked.

“I don’t know.” Lani was smiling, but she had the frozen expression she had worn when suffering Clara’s worst abuse. “Can you find out?”