THE FOREST LORD By Susan Krinard

The party at Caldwick was a test of sorts, and she intended to pass it. She would prove to herself that she had no regrets in abandoning the former Lady Eden Winstowe. That she could play society’s games for Donal’s sake but keep her heart untouched and free. For Hartley.

The thought of Hartley made the room uncommonly hot for a mid-October day. Thank God Claudia had not spoken of him, though Eden had come to realize that she had been naive to think her aunt unaware. It wasn’t anything Claudia said but the way she so completely avoided any mention of him.

“It’s done,” her aunt said. “There are no more adjustments to be made. Your wardrobe is complete, and I have no doubt but that it will dazzle our marquess.”

Your marquess. “How shall I compare to you, dear Aunt? Everyone will believe that we are sisters.”

Claudia couldn’t hide a smile of satisfaction. At last, poring over patterns and ordering gowns, she had been in her element. “Tut tut, Niece. You know that is a patent falsehood. I shall look well enough for my age, nothing more.” She examined herself in the cheval mirror. “I am happy to bask in your reflected glory.”

Eden did not relish the prospect of shattering Claudia’s illusions. “Oh, Aunt—”

“No false modesty, my dear. Even with half your former looks, you would outshine all the rest.”

“We shall see. Now it is time for me to help you with your gowns.”

Claudia’s eyes lit up like those of a girl on her coming out. “This is exactly what we both required at this dreary time of year—new clothes and a Society gathering to attend!”

Eden smiled and resolved not to ruin Claudia’s enjoyment.

The first day of the house party arrived with a bustle of packing trunks and last-minute adjustments of coiffure and hemlines. Eden made sure that everything regarding the estate was in good order for her days-long absence. Mrs. Byrne promised a smooth-running house and prompt delivery of Donal to Caldwick on Saturday afternoon.

But all the time the landau traversed the rutted roads out of the dale and over the rolling fells to Caldwick, Eden was composing in her mind how best to refuse the expected renewal of Rushborough’s proposal.

She and Claudia were not the first to arrive at Caldwick. Eden caught sight of another carriage being driven to the stables, and a distant pair of walkers across the fine park. She swallowed and tugged at her gloves.

“You look lovely, my dear,” Claudia said. “At last you are returning to your rightful place. I know you will find it all much easier than you currently suppose.”

“Is it so obvious?”

“Only to those who know you well.” Claudia patted her hand. “I shall watch over you, as I have always done.”

And how disappointed you will be in me, Eden thought. She avoided Claudia’s piercing gaze and took the footman’s hand to descend from the carriage.

As if he had been watching for their arrival, Francis met them at the door. His display of unfashionable eagerness was humbling indeed, and while his greeting was impartially warm to them both, his intimate glance was for Eden alone.

Flustered, she was grateful to follow a servant to the room set aside for her, next to Claudia’s. She saw at once that someone had been at great pains to make it suitable for one of her taste and experience. The walls were hung with silk, the floor covered with Axminster carpets. Gilded Grecian-style furnishings lent the room a refined elegance.

Francis’s housekeeper arrived in person to offer her services and every comfort his lordship’s guests might require. Nancy had her own small room adjoining Eden’s, and she had plenty to say about the magnificence of the chambers.

It was a grand house indeed, twice the size of Hartsmere. A few hours before dinner—held on London time, not country hours—Francis took her and Claudia on a tour of the house. The way he spoke of it gave Eden the uncomfortable certainty that he soon expected her to become its mistress.

Nevertheless, she found herself relaxing in his company. It was almost like old times, when careless, light conversation was the order of the day, and flirting came as naturally as breathing. As the other guests began to arrive, her nervousness vanished amid the surprisingly warm greetings she received, from friends and strangers alike. The men were uniformly gallant, the women solicitous.

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