Page 13

Eating alone, just thinking about it, her body shuddered, and she felt herself run hot. Not from fear, of course. Instead, the heat that built inside of her was an entirely alien sensation to her. One she had never felt before. But one that she did not need explained because it was obvious what had brought it about.

What was wrong with her? Why was she feeling this way? She hated the Duke. She despised him. Rude. Mean. A bully is what he was. The last person she should have wanted anything to do with. And yet he was so big and strong andpowerful. So handsome and commanding and impossible to look away from. So long as Esther was about, Caroline was certain she could control herself, but if the two were left alone again, she did not want to think of what might happen.

The next morning, before breakfast was to be taken, Caroline decided to take a small walk around the grounds. Partly, she wished to get some fresh air and acquaint herself with her new home. And partly, she did not wish to be sitting in the dining room alone should His Grace enter. So, it was best to give it some time until everyone had come down.

She walked along the drive and then down the side of the house, taking in the sheer size of the estate, for it was even bigger than Esther’s and the one she had grown up on as a little girl. From there, she made her way toward the back garden and in the direction of the stables. Not much of a rider, she liked horses and thought to take a look.

The carriage she and Esther had come in was parked beside the stables, and while, at first, it sat still and silent, nothinguntoward or strange about it, on a second inspection, Caroline could not help but notice something… strange.

The carriage was rocking slightly, but the inside was empty, for she could see through the windows. Caroline narrowed her eyes as she studied it, a smile working its way over her lips when she came to notice what was causing the carriage to rock.

Ever so casually, Caroline strolled down the steps and toward the carriage. When she reached it, she leaned against the back, arms folded as if she was simply there to relax. The carriage now sat perfectly still and for good reason.

“How is the view from up there?” Caroline asked, pitching her voice up so that it would carry.

There was no response, save for a shocked gasp, the sound of someone shuffling on the carriage’s roof, and then perfect stillness.

“I suspect it is quite something,” Caroline continued pleasantly. “Is there room for one more? Or are adults not allowed?”

She turned around and looked up at the carriage roof, waiting patiently as she sensed that it might take a moment for her audience to appear. And sure enough, like a frightened mouse, a tiny head soon poked itself over the edge to see who had spoken.

“You… you want to join me?” she asked nervously.

“If that is all right with you?” Caroline replied. “I confess, I am not much for climbing, but surely you can teach me a thing or two?”

The little girl’s brow furrowed as she considered. No doubt she was trying to discern if this was some sort of trick, but Caroline smiled honestly, making sure to appear as innocent as possible. This, eventually, had the little girl beaming.

“All right!” she squeaked. “And it is not so hard as you might think. You see there—” She shuffled forward and pointed at a foothold right by where Caroline was standing. “Use that to boost yourself up.”

“But what do I hang on to?”

“This.” The little girl indicated the railing of the carriage. “It is more than strong enough to hold your weight. All you need do is lift yourself up and trust the roof not to cave in,” she giggled.

Caroline’s eyes flashed with menace as she did what the little girl instructed. One foot on the foothold, she reached up and grabbed onto the railing. A deep breath as she readied herself, and then she pulled with all her strength, launching her body into the air so that she just about flew over the railing and landed on the carriage’s roof on her knees.

“Oooof!” Caroline grunted as she fell forward.

“You did it!” the little girl clapped excitedly.

“Somehow, I doubt that I was as graceful as you were.”

She giggled again as she sat herself cross-legged. “You did look a little clumsy, but that’s all right. Nobody saw.”

“You did!”

“I won’t tell anyone…” Her grin was mischievous. “I swear.”

Caroline narrowed her eyes at the little girl. “Promise?”

“Of course!”

There could be no doubt as to who this little girl was. Even if she had not been expecting it, Caroline could see that she was of the same stock as His Grace. The same dark hair. The same dark blue eyes. The same square face although the little girl’s features were softer. Twelve years old was Caroline’s guess, and full of life based on the way that her eyes lit up and the smile that crossed her lips.

As to what she was doing out here? Likely, hiding from her father. Not that Caroline could blame her.

“I take it that you are Isabella?” Caroline asked as she crossed her legs on the roof and steadied. It was not as solid a ground as she might have liked, but it would do.

“I am.” Isabella beamed. “And who are you?” She frowned as she looked Caroline over… only for that frown to turn into a tremendous smile. “Oh, I know! Father has hired you, yes? You’re to be my new governess?”