The Secret of Castlegate Manor by Karen Cogan Read Free Book Online Page A

in the concerns of fictional characters and forget her own subterfuge. Here, she would be safe.
    She turned the knob of the library door and pushed it open, ignoring its protesting creak. On the far wall, the French doors stood open, letting in a fresh breeze from the garden. Caroline could see, Robert, the gardener, tending roses. The lovely perfume of the blossoms filled the air.
    Though the servants kept the room dusted, Caroline did not think that either Lady Aberly or Lavenia used it often. Though Lavenia had spoken of Jane Austen, she had admitted that she had yet to read any of her work.
    Caroline had read it to Lady Eleanor and they had both liked it immensely. Perhaps, she would find other volumes among the many rows of books which would also catch her fancy.
    She stood before a stack of books and read the titles. The musty smell of the older volumes reminded her of Lady Eleanor's library in London.
    She spotted a volume of Fanny Burney's EVELINA, and had just plucked it from the shelf when a voice beside the open French doors startled her. The book tumbled from her fingers as she turned to see Lord Humphrey framed in the doorway. A smug smile spread across his thin lips as he observed her discomposure.
    "My dear Miss Stewart, I did not mean to startle you. I wished to have a word with you if you are not too occupied."
    He crossed to retrieve the fallen book. Caroline shrank from his nearness as he seemed to deliberately brush against her as he straightened to hand her the book.
    "Thank you, my lord. Perhaps you would like to sit. I could order tea, or coffee if you would prefer."
    She glanced toward the hallway, uncomfortable at being alone with him and eager to rectify the situation. Lord Humphrey, however, seemed intent upon a personal conference.
    "I require nothing expect to sit with you and finish our talk. "Perhaps we could sit in those chairs beside the fireplace."
    Caroline proceeded to the chairs which faced the cold hearth. In the winter, the setting might have engendered a homey warmth. On this summer day, with the Viscount beside her, Caroline felt no comfort in either the location or position in which she found herself.
    He turned to face her. "My dear Miss Stewart, my regard for you has not escaped your attention. I do not wish to press my suit upon you, but I see no reason for delay when we are obviously suited to one another."
    Caroline stared at her trembling hands. "Really, my lord, we hardly know one another."
    "I know all I need know about you."
    Caroline's heart skipped a beat in reflex to her guilty secret. She relaxed as he continued.
    "You are a lady of breeding and beauty. I have a title to offer. Have we need of more?"
    Caroline stiffled the urge to laugh at his description of her background. "Yes, my lord, I would need to know a great deal more about you to consider marriage."
    His expression darkened. "You had a bit of a riding accident this morning, did you not?"
    "How did you know about that?"
    "The new groom I employed supplied the information."
    Caroline caught her lip, confused by the turn of conversation.
    Lord Humphrey continued to lean forward. "Consider this, Miss Stewart. I always get what I want. And I want you. There could be other uncomfortable happenings in this household, if you prove obstinate to my suit."
    Caroline caught her breath. "What did you have to do with what happened this morning?"
    The Viscount studied his immaculate nails. He smiled an unpleasant smile that did not reach his eyes. "Perhaps nothing."
    Caroline clasped her fingers to control their trembling. "I will not be threatened into marriage, sir."
    Their eyes locked in a battle of will. Lord Humphrey's eyes narrowed. "We shall see."
    He stood and gave a small bow.
    Caroline looked away in dismissal. She sensed the Viscount's gaze resting upon her.
    "I understand your aunt is giving a ball. I hope our little dispute does not incline you from allowing me to sign your dance card."
    Caroline replied without