The Earl of Ice (2 page)

Diana and her cousin, Caroline, were buzzing with excitement as they returned home from their first ball at Almack’s Assembly Rooms. It was everything they had dreamed of and more.

They had already been in London for two weeks; they had shopped, been fitted for new gowns and had avidly read the gossip columns and the society pages in the newspaper whilst waiting for vouchers for Almack’s to be purchased. Tonight had been their first proper introduction into society and they had both enjoyed themselves immensely.

Caroline and her mother were staying with Diana and her family in her father’s London residence. Viscount Westbury, Diana’s father, had business to conduct, and her mother and aunt had the task of bringing the two girls to town for their first season.

Diana’s and Caroline’s worst fear was they would not have a partner for any dances, but although at first they had sat quietly, once Lady Sefton had introduced them to Lord Brockwood and they had each danced with him, their dance cards filled up quickly. It was beyond hope that they would meet the infamous Earl of Ice at their first outing!

“Did you see how severe he looked?” Caroline said, her green eyes shining with excitement. “He well deserves his nickname, does he not?” She chattered on, “He was so cold it was frightening. He did not speak one word to me throughout the entire dance.” She looked speculatively at her cousin. “I noticed he did speak to you.”

Diana was not about to divulge the nature of their conversation. “He said very little, just the commonplace.”

Caroline gave a pretend shiver. “I could scarcely remember the steps he made me so nervous. I will not dance with him again.”

Diana laughed at her friend. “You would never be brave enough to refuse him.”

Although the girls would have happily stayed up all night reliving the ball, their mothers soon put a stop to this and ordered them both to their bedrooms.

Flinging off her clothes and with her maid’s help donning her nightgown, Diana collapsed onto her bed. Only now did she permit herself time to reflect on her meeting with the Earl of Ice.

Prior to being introduced to him, she’d had no idea that this was the same man she had seen having a fit in the library all those years ago. She had not made the connection because the butler had said the gentleman’s name was Viscount Maythorpe.

She had recognized the Earl of Brockwood immediately, but on first introduction, he had given no sign that he knew her. It was only when they were dancing that she realized he had indeed known who she was. As she had looked into those piercing blue eyes, so at odds with his expressionless face, she imagined she saw just a fraction of uncertainty. She’d instinctively known that he feared she would relate the circumstances of their previous meeting. She would not, of course, and made sure he was aware of this; she could never be so unfeeling.

She had looked deep into his eyes, trying to find some emotion beneath the cold exterior, but had not detected any. She blushed now to think that she had suggested that he was unhappy and cross. What must he think of her, speaking so boldly? And she of all people should know better. She thought of her poor twin brother and how he’d been ostracized, even by his own parents. It was quite obvious that the earl’s chilly exterior was his way of not letting people close, fearing they’d reject him when they learned his secret. When she had studied him more intently, she did not see an ice man; she saw a man trying to protect himself and a man who perhaps was lonely.

But maybe she was imagining this and he really was as cold and uncaring as his behaviour implied. After all, she always tried to see the best in people, so perhaps she was just looking for a way to excuse his behaviour. His nickname, she had to admit, was well earned. When she had glanced at him after their waltz, she had not seen him display the slightest emotion, even when he was dancing with some of the prettiest ladies she had ever seen.

It was also rumoured that the earl had never asked any lady to stand for the waltz, but she knew that he had done this with her so he could have a discreet conversation with her; she read no more than that into it. She was very glad he did ask her, because although he did not look like he was enjoying himself, he had danced beautifully, his strong arms ensuring that she did not falter with her steps. Whatever the motives behind his offer, that dance had been the highlight of her evening, and following this attention from him, her dance card had filled up quickly.

* * *

The girls spent the next few days making social calls with their mothers. Lady Westbury and her sister, Lady Colpert, were acquainted with many of the ladies of their social standing who were now in London for the season. They were as excited as their daughters at the prospect of the entertainments they would take part in. Both women had been recognized as beauties in their younger days, and even though their shapely curves had filled out somewhat with age, they still dressed in the latest fashions. As they both used the same hairdresser and seamstress, they looked like two peas from the same pod, though Lady Colpert was the slightly larger pea.

Although these visits could be a chore at times for Diana and Caroline, they mostly found them instructional, as these society women knew all the latest gossip, which they happily shared. They knew, for instance, if any lady had set her sights on any particular gentleman. They knew the size of the dowry attached to each lady and also which gentlemen were in need of securing a wife with a fortune. Diana’s ears always pricked up a little when she heard the Earl of Ice mentioned, but she soon came to realize that only the most determined mothers still considered him a possibility for their daughters, although all acknowledged that he was handsome, wealthy and one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

The week flew by and soon the girls were struggling to decide which of their new gowns they should wear for their next ball. Diana, being quite small, kept her dress designs simply styled, as bows and frills overpowered her. Caroline, who was taller and had a much more defined figure, could carry the more elaborate styles. In the end, Diana, pretty in cream satin, and Caroline, stunning in a low-cut rose-coloured gown, made a lovely picture. Neither felt envious of the other, both being equally attractive in their very different ways. In fact, it was the contrasting picture they made that often drew people’s attention to them.

Tonight there was no waiting for their cards to be filled up. Both young ladies were pursued by eager young gentlemen attracted by their beauty and smiling faces. Mr. Oliver Stannington, the Earl of Brockwood’s younger brother, danced with them, and both and he and his friend, Lord Cotson, brought them refreshments. The Earl of Ice was present, but much to Caroline’s relief and Diana’s disappointment did not request a dance. The girls danced nearly every dance and were tired and footsore by the time the carriage to take them home was sent for. Their mothers were very pleased at the attention they had attracted, but as yet, neither girl had met any young man she liked more than another.

The following morning Diana was awakened by Caroline, who barged into her room full of excitement.

“You’ll never guess what has just arrived!” Her cousin danced around the room holding two cards aloft.

“I don’t need to guess because you are going to tell me,” laughed Diana, stretching and sitting up, now fully awake.

“It’s an invitation to a ball being held by the Earl and Countess of Whittington!” Caroline announced.

Diana was thrilled. “When is it?” she demanded, leaping out of bed and capturing Caroline’s hands to dance with her.

The Whittington Ball was considered one of the greatest events of the season. To have secured an invitation was proof that they had been accepted by the highest level of society. The ball was to be held at the end of June at the height of the London season.

“We must spend the time between now and the ball practicing our dance steps and our manners!” Caroline exclaimed.

“If you mean our teasing and flirting skills,” replied Diana, “I think you are most definitely right.”

Caroline assumed a more decorous manner. “Now, Diana, you had best get dressed. We have visits to make today, and this afternoon Lord Cotson and his friend Mr. Straw are taking us to Hyde Park—well, that is, Lord Cotson is taking you and Mr. Straw is taking me. Both requested and obtained permission from our mothers. Oh, it will be such fun!”

* * *

Lord Cotson and Mr. Henry Straw drew up outside the house in their respective open barouches at precisely four o’clock. Lord Coston was of medium build with fair hair and light brown eyes. Mr. Straw, tall and loose-limbed, had a head of ginger hair and freckles dusting his face. Diana and Caroline were dressed in readiness and, upon the announcement of the gentlemen’s arrival, needed only to don their cloaks, hats and gloves. The weather was perfect and Lord Cotson with Diana seated beside him led the way to the park, closely followed by Mr. Straw and Caroline.

Both men were dressed in the latest fashion. Mr. Straw, with his easy grace and open smile, wore dark trousers and coat, whilst the more flamboyant Lord Cotson was resplendent in a black superfine jacket over a peacock-blue waistcoat. Their horses and equipage reflected their wealth.

Upon arrival at Hyde Park, at what was considered a most fashionable hour, they almost came to a standstill due to the number of carriages, riders and walkers taking the afternoon air. It was the place to see and be seen. Diana was pleased to have such a handsome escort and was flattered at the number of people who nodded to them as they made their way through the park.

She recognized Mr. Oliver Stannington, who looked magnificent riding on a gleaming black stallion. He bore a slight resemblance to his brother, the same wide forehead and aristocratic nose. But whereas Rollo’s hair was a dark sable brown, Oliver’s hair was light brown with streaks of gold. He was accompanied by another young gentleman—Woody, the Viscount Woods, Lord Cotson informed her. When the two riders went out of their way to walk alongside the carriage for a short distance and exchange greetings, Diana was most flattered.

Lord Cotson was congenial company and she found him easy to converse with. If he was, on occasion, a little extreme with his compliments, she chose to ignore it. Glancing behind, she could see Caroline in deep conversation with Mr. Straw and looking very happy.

On returning them to their home, both gentlemen extracted promises from the young ladies to reserve them each a dance at Almack’s the following week. Caroline blushingly agreed and Diana did not hesitate in doing the same.

The next day a large arrangement of flowers arrived for Caroline and the card revealed that they were from Mr. Straw. Caroline pretended not to be impressed, but Diana knew otherwise. “You have an admirer,” she teased.

Caroline blushed and ducked her head. “Nonsense!” she replied. “He’s only being polite.”

“Of course,” Diana said, smiling to herself. Unbidden came the thought:
I wonder if the Earl of Ice has ever sent flowers.

As the season progressed Rollo knew he had been right to trust Diana to keep her word and not reveal his secret. He had kept an eye on her when their paths crossed at balls and assemblies, but had not favoured her with another dance. Indeed he noticed that she and her cousin were never lacking partners and always had several young gentlemen dancing attendance on them, his own brother, Oliver, included.

Having escaped early again from the Wednesday Ball, he was relaxing with brandy and a cigar at his gentlemen’s club when he overhead Diana Wells and her cousin, Caroline, being discussed. Although he strained to hear, he could not make out the details, so when his friend Bono arrived shortly afterward, he asked if he knew any reason that the ladies should be the topic of discussion.

“Oh. Have you not heard? It is all the talk at Brooke’s Club when I called in yesterday. I understand that a wager has been made that involves those young ladies, along with others,” Bono confided.

“What sort of wager?” Rollo questioned, interested.

“My understanding is that a couple of young bucks claimed that they could compromise a young lady in her first season—before the season is out,” Bono explained. “I think Miss Diana Wells and Miss Caroline Colpert are on the list of possible candidates.” Bono relaxed his lanky frame into the seat opposite Rollo and absently pushed his fingers through his mop of platinum -blond hair.

Rollo did not like the sound of this. “Who on earth has made such a wager?”

“Initially I heard that it was Straw and Cotson. They were bragging and then one wagered the other fifty guineas that he could succeed. I have since heard that Woody and another gentleman went in on it. So one of them stands to win two hundred guineas if he succeeds.” Bono wisely refrained from telling Rollo that Oliver was the “other gentleman” involved; he had once seen Rollo lose his temper and did not want to be around should he do so again.

Rollo tried to digest what he had heard. “This is preposterous!” he exclaimed, his blue eyes darkening in anger. “Those stupid young bucks.” The gentlemen Bono had named were his brother’s contemporaries, so there was a good chance that Oliver knew more of the matter. He’d have a talk with him.

Ordering another large brandy, Rollo put this from his mind for the time being and set to discussing the financial news with Bono, acknowledged to be astute in these matters.

* * *

The next morning Rollo stayed in the breakfast room until Oliver made an appearance. He gave his brother a chance to get a plateful of food before questioning him.

“I heard a rumour last night that some young bucks have wagered on being able to compromise a young lady’s reputation. Do you know aught of this?”

Oliver, completely missing the censure in Rollo’s voice, was eager with his reply. “Cotson and Straw were bored with the round of balls and card parties and thought a challenge would add a spark of excitement. Woody heard about it and we asked to be included.”

“What?” Rollo stood and faced his brother. “Do not tell me you are involved in this matter?” He kept his voice low, but now his brother couldn’t miss the disapproval.

Oliver tried to brush it off. “Well, it seemed a good idea. Make chasing the ladies a bit more interesting, you understand.”

Rollo could not believe what he was hearing. “Do you have any idea what the consequence would be for a young lady if one of you succeeded?” he exploded. “Obviously you numbskulls have not thought of that!” He paused for breath, then said, “Well, let me tell you, if I so much as hear a whisper that you have compromised, or even tried to compromise, any young lady, I will withdraw your allowance completely, and if you think you can afford to live the rest of your life on two hundred guineas, you will quickly find that you are mistaken.”

Oliver was shaken. He realized that Rollo was right and that he had not given a thought to the consequences for the young lady. “I give you my word that I will not progress with this. I really do not expect any of them to succeed. It just seemed a good laugh and …” His voice trailed off and he looked shame-faced.

Rollo relented somewhat. “I will accept your word, but in future you must think before accepting foolish wagers from your foolish friends.”

“I think that is a little harsh calling my friends foolish,” Oliver defended them weakly.

Rollo got up and left the room before he was tempted to give full vent to his anger. This now accounted for why Diana and her cousin seemed so popular with the young bucks. He hoped the rumour of the wager did not reach them and spoil their enjoyment of the season.

* * *

The next time Diana’s and Rollo’s paths crossed was at a card party hosted by Viscountess Newton, the mother of Mr. Henry Straw. It was becoming clear to Diana that her cousin was showing a marked preference for the handsome redhead and he seemed to reciprocate her feelings. He’d sent her flowers, was always the first to ask her to dance and had called twice to their home, as well as taking her riding in Hyde Park on no less than three occasions.

When the young ladies arrived they removed their cloaks and bonnets and followed their mothers into the drawing room of the grand town house. The room was already crowded and Caroline scanned the room searching for Henry Straw, eventually locating him lounging by the window in conversation with Oliver Stannington and Lord Cotson. Pulling Diana behind her, she headed across the room in his direction. Diana, realizing what she was about, pulled her to a halt to offer some concerned advice.

“Caroline, do you not think you may be seen as chasing Mr. Straw if you seek him out so directly?” She knew Caroline had feelings for the young man, but as there had been no verbal indication of his intent, Diana did not want to see her friend hurt or become the topic of unkind gossip.

“Oh, I never thought,” murmured Caroline. She need not have worried, however, for Henry Straw spotted her and immediately disengaged himself from his companions and began walking toward her, his long legs quickly covering the distance. The smile that lit up Caroline’s face could leave him in no doubt of her affections. He gave her a ready smile in response, and Diana felt reassured and happy for them.

Diana herself had received a lot of attention, but as yet had not begun to form any attachment. Lord Cotson showed a marked interest in her, but she did not encourage him. She found him pleasant company and handsome, in a dandified sort of way, but his flowery compliments did not win her over. She sighed, for although she was truly enjoying her season, she did envy Caroline a little for having found the romance that had thus far eluded her.

People were drifting into the card room, and Henry Straw had secured Caroline to partner him for a game of whist. Diana, not an accomplished card player, drifted around the room watching and stopping to talk with one or two people. After a while, hot and bored, she decided to visit the cloakroom and freshen up. She drifted out of the card room and headed for the entrance hall from which the great staircase led to the first floor and the cloakroom. The cloakroom was mercifully cool, and after splashing cold water on her face and tucking in stray wisps of her hair, she felt she ought to return to the party.

Descending the stairs slowly, Diana tried to decide where to go. She could return to the card room and watch the play, or she could join her mama, who had remained in the drawing room to gossip with her friends. She still had not made up her mind when she reached the bottom of the stairs and stood for a while trying to make a decision. Neither option really appealed. So engrossed was she in her thoughts that she had no awareness of her surroundings—until a nearby male voice made her jump.

“A penny for your thoughts,” drawled Rollo, who had just entered through the front door and seen Diana standing motionless. He had, in fact, been watching her for a couple of minutes before saying anything. The thin fabric of her cream muslin gown allowed him to glimpse an outline of her small shapely figure and the promise of a fine pair of legs.

Diana brought her gaze to the gentleman in front of her. Unbidden her pulse began racing and she feared she might faint.

“Are you unwell?” he questioned as he saw her face pale.

With a huge effort Diana took a deep breath and mentally chided herself for having such a reaction. She had been startled, but now, recognizing the gentleman as the Earl of Brockwood, she calmed sufficiently to answer him.

“I am afraid I was woolgathering,” she explained. “I am trying to make a mighty decision as to whether I should return to the card room and watch the play or to go join my mama in the drawing room.” Her wry smile demonstrated that she was laughing at herself for being so indecisive.

“Let me help,” Rollo offered. “Pray explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option and I may be able to assist you with your decision.” Although he did not smile, Rollo was sufficiently amused to continue the dialogue.

Diana, realizing he was playing along with her, pretended to take careful thought before replying, “Well, I am a poor card player, so the card room does not hold much appeal. I know very little gossip, so I shall not be much sought after in the drawing room. Hence my predicament.”

“Is your friend not here to keep you company or do you not have a bevy of beaux to pay court and amuse you this evening?” he probed.

“Alas, my cousin has deserted me to partner a handsome young gentleman in a game of whist, and I find that my ‘bevy of beaux’ appear to be otherwise occupied tonight.” Diana smiled and her eyes danced in amusement.

“I can indeed understand your predicament. ’Tis very sad.” Rollo was enjoying himself. He could not remember the last time any lady had dared to enter into this type of lighthearted repartee with him. He noted that his customary harsh, schooled expression was having little, if any, effect on Diana. He would have expected this realisation to annoy him but in fact he found that he did not, on this occasion, mind. “I may have an answer to your predicament,” he offered.

Diana smiled at him, her perfect white teeth peeping out from behind rosebud lips. “I must declare, Lord Brockwood, that I would be grateful for any assistance you can give me.”

“If I were to accompany you to the card room and take a turn around the room with you, this would create such comment that it would then allow you to retire to the drawing room with enough gossip to keep those ladies’ tongues wagging happily for the rest of the evening.”

Diana brought a hand up to her mouth to muffle her delighted laughter at Rollo’s perception of the situation. Then she said in mock seriousness, “My lord, how can I refuse such a gallant offer? Had you not come to my rescue, I daresay that I may have still been standing here at midnight.” She placed her hand on the arm Rollo offered and proceeded with him into the card room.

As they entered the room together, they were noticed first by one or two people, who turned their heads and commented to others. Within a matter of seconds murmurs spread across the room. For several moments it seemed that all faces were turned their way.

Rollo, thinking that Diana may find this discomfiting, patted her gloved hand and said, very quietly so only she could hear, “See how my plan works?”

Diana, her hand tingling from his touch, and feeling very brave on his arm, smiled and replied, also keeping her voice low, “I can see, my lord, that you are a great strategist.”

“Perhaps I should become a leading politician or a general in the army,” he responded, causing Diana to struggle to stifle the laughter that bubbled up.

To say that the people in the room were astonished was no exaggeration. Rollo was amused and pleased to see that Diana was not embarrassed and was taking this all in fun, as had been intended. The observers, of course, could not understand how Diana could appear happy and laughing whilst being escorted by the Earl of Ice. Certainly his face was the cold mask he always displayed, and humour had certainly never been known to be in his repertoire.

After no more than five minutes walking around the card room and knowing his task was complete, Rollo steered Diana through to the drawing room and saw her settled in a chair close to her mother before making his bow and leaving her.

Diana smiled to herself as she listened to the women around her. Surprisingly no one seemed to be aware of who had escorted her into the room, or if they were, saw it of little consequence. That is, until Caroline came to find her after her game of cards had finished and demanded, “Does the Earl of Ice not terrify you? Did he
make
you walk with him?” Her green eyes flashed with indignation, while the ladies in the room all turned to look at her.

“No, he did not
make
me. He offered and I accepted. I am not frightened of him at all. I think that beneath his cold and stern exterior is a very good kind man,” defended Diana.

“Oh, Diana, you have always been such a goose, always determined to see the best in people however awful they are. Remember that governess who was an absolute witch? You tried to convince me she was unhappy when all evidence showed that she just enjoyed being cruel to young girls.”

“You may be right and I may be wrong about the Earl of Ice. Nevertheless he does not scare me in the slightest.” And with that, Diana refused to be drawn further into the discussion.