Music softly punctuated the conversation as instruments were tuned. Knowing Tristan would arrive at some point and claim a dance did something to Caroline’s stomach. In their youth, she had always enjoyed his offhand flirting. But never knowing when to believe him serious or when he was teasing had grown to be something of a trial. When he’d left for university, she considered it a good opportunity to put him from her mind entirely. A feat she had been mostly successful at, until he had appeared in front of her again and ruined her chance at security and contentment.
Despite her frustration, she could feel eagerness tingle within her. Blast that man and the old feelings he’d inadvertently reignited. She needed to douse them entirely.
A throat cleared in her periphery, garnering both of the ladies’ attention. “May I have this dance, Miss Whitby?”
Tristan stood in the required knee breeches and pure white cravat, his blue coat setting his brown eyes to advantage. He struck a fine figure, even in the slightly outdated clothing Almack’s forced gentlemen to wear. His hair was dark and neat, his mouth set into an expectant smile.
Caroline ignored the pang of attraction. “Of course, Mr. Shepherd. Are you familiar with Miss Fielding?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” he said, bowing to her.
Kitty gave a delicate curtsy. “I’ve heard much about you.”
Tristan’s gaze flicked to Caroline. “Certainly nothing good, I presume. Miss Whitby has a tongue of steel when it comes to me, despite how beautifully she speaks in regard to everyone else.” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “If she mentioned toads, you must ignore her.”
She fought a blush. “Perhaps others have not earned my ire.”
“That is a fair observation. I suppose it is my new goal to climb my way back into your good graces. Is it possible for a man to be esteemed by the beautiful Caroline Whitby?”
The blush climbed her neck, and she hoped it was not noticeable. “I have plenty of friends who are men.”
“You are a shocking flirt, aren’t you?” Kitty said, entertained.
Tristan’s hand gripped his heart as though he’d suffered a pain. “You wound me, madam. I abhor being called a flirt. Everything I say is entirely true.”
Kitty’s eyes sparkled. “Youwouldsay that, whether you were honest or not. How is one to know?”
“My character, I suppose.” He smiled in amusement. “It is spotless.”
“The couples are lining up,” Caroline observed. It was moments like this, where his attention did not seem to focus on one person, that reminded her how much of a flirt he was. She could takenothingseriously that came from Tristan Shepherd’s mouth.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering his elbow.
Caroline placed her silk-gloved hand on his arm and let him lead her toward the center of the ballroom. Men in similar clothing lined up on one side of the room, facing their partners in an array of soft-hued gowns in every color. After Caroline took her place, she looked up into Tristan’s eyes, his smile soft and centered on her, and her heart paced rapidly.
Oh, dear. She was in trouble, wasn’t she?
Chapter Five
Tristan had never found his mind so preoccupied by a woman as he had this one. It could be argued that guilt kept Caroline at the forefront of his thoughts, but standing across from her now in Almack’s Assembly Room, just under the enormous chandelier sparkling with hundreds of candles, he was struck by her simple beauty. He’d recalled her to be a young girl with pale skin and wide eyes, and she had grown into someone rather fetching. He wondered why other men hadn’t snatched her up yet.
The musicians played the beginning of the song from their perch in the overhanging balcony. Music swirled, enveloping the room in the gentle swell of violins and flutes. They began to dance, taking each other by the hand high above their heads.
“You wanted to continue our conversation from earlier, I presume,” Tristan said. He could see no other reason she would wish to elongate their time spent together, nor accept awaltz, of all dances. Besides, he was eager to return to the topic as well. Had she truly asked him to find her a husband?Directly after he offered to fill that role himself? He was unsure if that had been a genuine request or a jest.
Caroline inhaled. “You offered to help me, but my mother sees weddings in everything. If we were to continue speaking in her presence, she would twist your motivations to my benefit with the skill of a seasoned strategist.”
“I understand.” Tristan peered down into her blue eyes. “You’ll recall my mother has no other purpose than to see her sons married.”
“Charles has satisfied her, then, has he not? I had heard he was recently married.”
“Yes. She is thrilled with his union, which is why I will soon bear the brunt of her prodding letters.” He pulled a face. “My sweet mother is not subtle.”
“You do not sound overly upset about the prospect. Are you looking for a wife?”
How much of the wager should Tristan reveal to this woman? She had a sharp mind and a sense of practicality he vastly appreciated, so he imagined it would not put her off. Besides, she had already turned him downandrestated how deeply she did not wish to marry him.
A man could really suffer from such abuse to his ego. It was a good thing Tristan had grown up with a brother and an entire group of good male friends. He was used to letting things roll off his back.
