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behavior last night. I must admit, I hardly remember what was said or done."
    Lady Aberly nodded politely. "I am sure you were not yourself. We will not speak of it again. I shall ring for Maggie to tell Cook to prepare an extra dinner."
    Mr. Humphrey turned to the young women. "I would like a word with Miss Caroline. Perhaps Maggie would be so kind as to bring some handwork to the garden and complete it out of hearing."
    He turned to Lady Aberly. "I assure you there will be no untoward behavior on my part."
    Lady Aberly's anxious look at Caroline belied her mild answer. "I am sure that would be acceptable to our guest."
    Trapped like a small mouse, Caroline desperately reviewed her choices. She clutched the back of the arm chair. "I fear I am unwell, my lord. The theatre last night tired me more than I expected. Perhaps you would excuse me and we might have our talk another time."
    Lord Humphreys's dark features hardened in irritation. However, his station required that his manners respect a lady's delicate constitution.
    "As you wish. I shall take my leave and trust you will feel better on my next visit."
    "I am sure I shall."
    Caroline excused herself to her room, feeling a missed lunch a small price to pay in escape from the overbearing Viscount.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
     
     
    In Lady Aberly's enthusiasm, the plans for the upcoming party quickly expanded. The guest list grew as did the need for elaborate preparations. Caroline began to feel rather lost as Lavenia and her mother went about their days in planning for the occasion.
    On one such day, Caroline looked out to the stables and found she had a clear view of Geoffrey grooming the beautiful roan horse. Unable to deny her impulse, she decided to see what he could teach her about riding.
    His servant status would preclude him from ever telling anyone of influence about any faux pas she might make in her efforts as a horsewoman. And, perhaps, she might ride the roan that she found worthy of admiration.
    She broached the need for a riding habit with Lavenia. "I had no need for such attire either in India or London. I shall endeavor to acquire my own outfit on our next trip into Bath. However, I've taken it into my head to go for a ride and wondered if you might have something you could loan me for today."
    "Of course."
    Lavenia found a dark green velvet riding outfit with a matching top hat and veil. Caroline tried it on in the privacy of her room. She stood in front of her looking glass and twirled the full skirt. She found it fit her suitably well. The color went well with her dark hair and eyes and the skirt pinched in about her slim waist.
    She gathered her borrowed riding crop and, followed by the abigail Lavenia had lent for the morning, made her way down the path to the stable. She had been pleased, that in her distraction with the party, Lavenia had shown no interest in joining in the ride.
    Her pulse quickened as she spied Geoffrey pitching grass for the stable horses into the corral. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to wonder whether it was the horses or the groom that had really drawn her attention. She put the traitorous thought from her mind as she addressed the tall young groom.
    "I'm come for a ride. Would you be so kind as to saddle a horse? I'm afraid I shall need advice and assistance. It has been some time since I have been for a ride."
    "I would be most happy to assist you." Geoffrey answered, agreeably securing a plump mare from the corral.
    Caroline caught her lip between her teeth. "I had hoped at some point I might ride Victory."
    He studied her a moment and Caroline flushed under his candid gaze. "At some point, perhaps. But Victory is a spirited horse for a beginner. I fear you might have difficulty controlling him."
    His words seemed to carry an implication that Caroline was unable to discern. "Then I shall accept your advice as to my mount."
    Caroline waited in the shade of the path while Geoffrey chose another