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

favoring him with a glance. "I shall not be rude, my lord."
    "Good. I shall look forward to our next meeting. In the meantime, please consider what I have said."
    As he left the room, Caroline found her thoughts in turmoil. Foremost in her mind, was the knowledge that Geoffrey worked in the stable. Had he anything to do with the plot to marry her to Lord Humphrey? If so, proof of his treachery would cause her more pain than the acts themselves.
    She needed someone to trust. Yet, who would that be? No one knew her true circumstances.
    She decided on the only course open to her. She would share as much as she could with her aunt and Lavenia during tea and hope they could provide counsel.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
     
     
    Caroline accepted her tea with the hope that the turmoil, which churned within, did not show on her face. While Lady Aberly talked on about the ball, Caroline could not keep her thoughts on a word that was spoken. At last Lady Aberly said, "You seem distracted, my dear. Whatever is on your mind?"
    This provided just the opening for which Caroline was hoping. She set down her cup and composed her countenance.
    "I had a visit with Lord Humphrey in the library. It was most troublesome."
    Lady Aberly frowned. "Was it? Why was that?"
    Caroline did not wish to alarm the ladies, but she did want to give fair warning in case Lord Humphrey's evil schemes affected them as well as herself.
    "He said that we would find life uncomfortable here if I did not agree to marry him."
    Lavenia gave a startled gasp. "How horrible. Whatever could he mean by that?"
    Caroline was loath to reveal the riding mishap for fear her aunt would forbid her from returning to the stable. "He hinted that a mischief would come to us, an accident perhaps."
    Lavenia's lips parted in astonishment.
    Lady Aberly clicked her tongue. "Oh, la. I think you must be making more of it than is wont by the circumstances. You must have misunderstood. Lord Humphrey can be tedious when he is in his cups, but I do not believe he would do anything to harm us."
    Caroline would not presume to disagree with Lady Aberly, so she took a different approach. "Perhaps you would help me understand why he wishes to rush into marriage. We have not known each other long enough to develop a true attachment."
    Lavenia set aside her cup of tea. "Perhaps he believes that it is his only way to gain control of Castlegate Manor. He must believe that you will inherit it. He wishes to marry you before another suitor claims you and takes his place."
    Caroline frowned. "But I have inherited nothing. Does he not see you and your mother living here after Lady Eleanor's death? Surely he knows you are the heirs. It is you he should still wish to wed."
    Lady Aberly appeared flustered. "I suppose he got the idea from me. You must not tell him about not having a part of the inheritance. Please, if you speak now, he may bring trouble about Lavenia's wedding. After the wedding, simply tell him the truth."
    Caroline caught her lip. What was the truth? It was getting harder for her to imagine.
    "Of course I shall say nothing. I would not do anything to disturb a wedding of two people who are so obviously in love."
    Lavenia placed her hand atop Caroline's hand. Her eyes shone with emotion. "You are truly like a sister to me."
    Caroline smiled. "I am an only child, too. Like you, I have always wanted a sister."
    It felt good to share a little of her past. She was an only child and that much was the truth.
    Lady Aberly seemed pleased that the unpleasant conversation had come to an end. For her part, Caroline tried to ignore the resentment she felt toward the older woman. Lady Aberly had put her in an awkward and perhaps dangerous position in order to free her own daughter to marry. The best that could be done now was to stall Lord Humphrey until after Lavenia's wedding. Then Caroline could tell him that it was Lady Aberly and her daughter who had inherited this lovely