He nodded, looking at her through eerily perceptive eyes. “I’m here to propose a?—”
“I will not marry you.”
His smile wavered. “Right. You mentioned so last night. I’d considered bringing you a toad this morning, but I did not know where to find one in Town. In any case, I had not intended to renew a proposal so abhorrent to you.”
Caroline’s cheeks warmed. “Then why have you come?”
“To fix what I have broken. I cannot go to Dennison, but James could. Have you considered sending him to plead your case? A woman does not need to appreciate horses to make a good wife, and I think Dennison would agree if the right man was able to reason with him.”
Her stomach flipped slightly. “It is too late. James is boxing at present, and I am not certain he would be interested in such an errand were he here.”
“Perhaps not, but that is where I could be of assistance. If it is agreeable to you, I could persuade James to take up your cause.”
Caroline stared at Tristan. “What benefit do you reap from this?”
“Only a reprieve of my guilt.”
“So, nothing?” she challenged.
He fixed his attention on her. “Peace is vastly undervalued.”
The fight deflated from her. “There is no need for you to concern yourself with my affairs.”
“I am the reason you are in distress, and I would love to hear your beautiful laugh again. I merely wish to help.”
“Then find me a decent husband,” she muttered, fighting a blush just as Mama returned. Tristan gave her a searching look, remaining silent as Mama took a seat on a chair near Caroline.
It was clear the time for private conversation had drawn to a close, and despite her frustrations, Caroline wanted to speak to Tristan further about Mr. Dennison. If the mancouldhelp, she was a fool not to accept. “Do you plan to attend any functions this evening, Mr. Shepherd?”
“I had considered Almack’s.”
Confound it, but that was the most stuffy assembly hall in London. Caroline was fortunate to have vouchers of her own, but she had only used them in order to see Mr. Dennison. She swallowed her feelings and nodded. “We often attend as well.”
“Would you be willing to save me a dance, Miss Whitby?”
Mama’s soft gasp was not as quiet as she likely intended.
“I would be happy to,” Caroline said, lying through her teeth. It was so she could speak to him privately and for no other reason. This was not her youthful fantasies come to life. It was the means to an end.
“You’ve made me the happiest of gentlemen,” he said, his smile looking almost too private for the parlor.
It sent a volley of chills up Caroline’s spine. “If a mere dance will do that, I shudder to think how you would respond to anything greater,” she said dryly.
Mama laughed. “Careful, Caro. Mr. Shepherd might not realize you are jesting.”
“Perhaps I am not.”
Tristan held her gaze. “I look forward to testing that theory. I will ruminate on the matter and prepare a proper invitation for you to accept. Perhaps it will be ready this evening.”
Disloyal, ridiculous anticipation settled low in Caroline’s stomach. The man was masterful. “I, likewise, look forward to hearing what you settle on, sir.”
His eyes flashed with interest before he straightened, turning his attention on Mama. “Have you been in Town long?”
“We come for the Season each year, but we leave the moment the weather turns warm. I cannot abide the heat of London in the summer.”
“It is too stuffy by half,” Caroline said.
Tristan nodded slowly. “I’ve found that while I do enjoy some time away each summer, there is something pleasant about remaining here while the majority of Society has fled.”
