Whirlwind Wedding

Hopefully she wasn't spreading tales of William being alive or spouting nonsense about visions.

Still, if Caroline befriended her, perhaps his sister could offer him some insights into Miss Matthews's character. Yes, he definitely needed to speak with Caroline.

As soon as possible.

Austin's first opportunity to have a private word with Caroline was in the drawing room before dinner that evening. Maneuvering her aside, he remarked in a casual tone, 'It appears you've made a new friend.'

Caroline accepted a glass of sherry from a footman. 'You mean Elizabeth?' At Austin's nod she said 'We spent most of the day together. I like her very much. She's unlike anyone I've ever met.'

'Indeed? What is so unusual about her?'

'Everything,' Caroline said without hesitation. 'Her knowledge of medicine, her love of animals. She's amusing, but her humor is not at the expense of others. She did not utter an unkind word about anyone the entire day.'

'That isn't unusual,' Austin muttered, relieved that Miss Matthews had clearly said nothing to upset Caroline. 'That's a miracle.' Especially given the way the members of the ton had treated her.

'Exactly. She possesses an interesting combination of shy awkwardness and bold intelligence, yet I sensed a sadness about her. She misses her home.'

'Had you met her before last evening?'

'We were introduced but I hadn't had the oppor-tunity to speak with her at great length.'

'Have you heard any gossip about her?'

'Only that she is a poor dancer and considered somewhat of a bluestocking. I noticed that most of the gentlemen ignore her, but I believe I may have fixed that.'

He stilled. 'What do you mean?'

Caroline waved her hand in a breezy manner. 'I simply shared a few fashion ideas with her, then sent my abigail to her this evening to style her hair.' Her blue eyes sparkled with sudden interest. 'Why do you ask about Elizabeth?'

'Just curious. I observed you with her today, playing with the kittens.' He smiled at her. 'It was good to hear you laughing.'

'I cannot recall the last time I enjoyed myself so much. I believe Elizabeth and I will be the best of friends. Have you had the chance to speak with her?'

He arranged his features into a bland mask. 'Yes.'

'And what did you think of her?'

'I thought she was…' His words drifted off as he caught sight of her entering the drawing room. Exquisite.

Surely this ravishing creature wasn't the same woman whom the gentlemen of the ton ignored. How could any man who saw her not want her? Dressed in a simple gown of ivory silk, a long, unadorned fluid column of alabaster, she rendered most of the other women in the room overdressed and garish in comparison.

Her auburn tresses were caught up in an elegant topknot. A single thick curl cascaded over her shoulder, ending just below her waist, an enticing streak of shimmering color against a pale background. He'd had no idea her hair was so long, and he wondered what she would look like with it unbound falling down her back. Exquisite.

She hesitated in the doorway, her eyes anxiously searching the guests until they lit on Caroline. A smile warmed her golden brown eyes, a look that he noticed faltered when she caught sight of him standing next to Caroline.

'Doesn't she look marvelous!' Caroline enthused. 'I knew with the correct dress and coiffure she'd be stunning. Why, I've transformed her into a swan!' Caroline glanced at him, then whispered 'Stop frown-ing, Austin. I told Elizabeth to meet me here by the fireplace and you'll frighten her away.'

'I'm not frowning.'

Caroline sent him an arch look. 'Your countenance resembles a thundercloud. Shall I fetch you a mirror?'

He forced his facial muscles to relax. 'No.'

'That's better. You never finished telling me your impression of Elizabeth.'

Austin watched her making her way across the room, pausing to chat with her aunt. His hands clenched when he noticed that every damn man in the room was watching her as well. She glanced in his direction and their eyes met for several heartbeats before she raised her chin a notch, then turned away.

Warmth crept up his neck at her obvious dismissal. With his gaze still fixed upon her, he said 'Miss Matthews struck me as unusual, no doubt because of her colonial upbringing.'

'Unusual?' Caroline repeated softly. 'Yes, I suppose that would explain it.'

'Explain what?'

'Why you haven't been able to take your eyes off her since she appeared in the doorway.'

He snapped his head around and encountered Caroline's amused blue gaze. Leveling his best frigid glare on her, he said 'I beg your pardon?'

Reaching up, she gently patted his cheek. 'Austin, darling. You know that icy stare doesn't scare me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I'll join Elizabeth and Lady Penbroke,'

She sauntered off, and Austin tossed back his champagne in a single gulp. His gaze again settled on Miss Matthews as she greeted Caroline with an inviting smile curving her lips, and he wondered how it would feel to have her greet him in such a warm manner. The very thought sent a tingle through him, thoroughly annoying him.

Caroline's words echoed in his mind. You haven't been able to take your eyes off her since she appeared in the doorway. Couldn't take his eyes off her? Ridiculous! Of course he could. And he would. As soon as she turned away and he could no longer see her smile. Or her mouth. Or that fascinating single curl flowing down her dress.

Until then, he needed to watch her, to observe her, to find out all he could about her.

For investigative purposes only, of course.

* * *

At dinner, Elizabeth sat between her aunt and Lord Digby. To her surprise, Lord Digby conversed with her at length, engaging her in conversation about American farming techniques. She knew next to nothing about the subject, but listened politely, nodding encouragingly, while she enjoyed the sumptuous ten-course meal and dodged her aunt's peacock feathers.

While Lord Digby waxed poetic about sheep-shearing procedures, her attention wandered to the head of the table where the duke sat. Resplendent in black evening wear, he all but took her breath away, a fact that irritated her to no end. She did not want to find that pigheaded man attractive.

He chatted easily with the guests seated around him, but she noticed that he rarely smiled, a fact that pushed her irritation aside and tugged at her heart.

A troubled soul lurked beneath his polished exterior, but he hid it well. If she hadn't touched him, she would have seen only what he presented. She wouldn't have known his sadness or loneliness or guilt. Or sensed the danger threatening him.

She hadn't realized she was staring at him until their eyes met. His silvery gaze locked onto hers and her skin tingled under his intense look. Heat suffused her, and she knew she should look away, but she couldn't. She wanted so much to help him. If only he would listen to her.

Dear God she wished she'd been able to see more, to know what menace threatened him, and when. Would harm befall him this very night? If so, what could she do to prevent it?

His gaze penetrated her, heating her as if he'd touched her. She forced her attention away from that disturbing stare, back to Lord Digby, but she'd already made a decision.

She would do whatever was necessary to see that the duke remained safe.

Austin approached the stables a little after midnight, restless, unsettled wanting only to ride Myst and work this annoying, unnamed frustration out of his system.