Lady Caro Read Free Page A

six young ladies on the list that he knew, Emily Picton was by far the best of the lot, combining beauty and a lively personality. He might even have been willing to offer for her had not his good friend, Mercer Corte, been wildly in love with her.
    Ashley knew nothing of Lady Caroline Kelsie, the final name on the list, but supposed her to be Levisham’s daughter.
    The earl, watching his son’s face anxiously, said, “What do you think of the young ladies?”
    “I do not know Lady Caroline Kelsie,” Ashley replied evasively, looking out at a magnificent magnolia tree in the garden. It was in full flower, its big blooms creamy against the glistening green leaves.
    “Nor is she known to me, but she is of most distinguished parentage,” Bourn said.
    “I collect she must be the marquess of Levisham’s daughter.”
    “Yes, and her mother was the most enchanting creature I have ever known except for your own dear mama. How poor Levisham adored her, but she died very young. He was so heartbroken that he retired from society, living as a recluse at Bellhaven.”
    “Apparently he is returning to society, for I have been invited to Bellhaven for a spot of shooting and angling. I was astonished by the invitation, since I have never met the marquess.”
    “Levisham wrote me, too. Before his wife died, we were good friends, but I have not heard from him in years. Until his letter, I was not even aware that his son died nearly two years ago of a putrid sore throat. Now he has only his daughter left.”
    “Will you be going to Bellhaven, too?” Ashley asked. The earl shook his head. “No, Levisham wrote to tell me why he had invited you.”
    “Why did he?”
    “His is trying to matchmake. He was very candid—he wants to see his daughter married and settled. I am honored that he considers you as a possible son-in-law.”
    Ashley, not feeling in the least honored, asked, “Why is it that I have not seen his daughter in London?”
    “She does not come out until next season.”
    “Surely you cannot wish me to marry a child scarcely out of the schoolroom?” Ashley cried, aghast at the thought.
    “She is a trifle young,” the earl conceded. “But if she is as much like her marvelous mama as Levisham says, that won’t signify. Not even Georgiana, duchess of Devonshire, could hold a candle to her.”
    “So legend has it.”
    “For once legend is correct. What a delight the marchioness was. She would say the most outrageous things, yet she was the kindest-hearted creature imaginable. And a great heiress in the bargain. Her fortune, by the way, was bequeathed to her daughter.” A teasing glint shone in the earl’s eyes. “So you need not worry that Lady Caroline might marry you only for your money.”
    “How comforting,” Ashley said dryly. “If the girl is such a paragon, why is Levisham trying to marry her off before she has her first season?”
    “That is for you to find out. Furthermore, four of the other young ladies on my list will also be at Bellhaven.”
    “You cannot know how I abhor matchmaking parties,” Ashley said with loathing.
    His father smiled sympathetically. “I daresay that I do, but there is no better shooting and fishing anywhere in England than at Bellhaven. It will relieve you to know that several of the kingdom’s most eligible bachelors, including Lord Sanley, have also been invited.” The quizzing glint reappeared in the earl’s eyes. “The young ladies will have so many to choose from that you may find yourself ignored.”
    “I pray that may be the case,” his son said fervently.

 
    Chapter 2
    Ashley, driving his racing curricle with the skill that had justly made him a famous whipster, had left behind his entourage of traveling coach, baggage, groom, valet, and even his indignant tiger, who had predicted with less truth than wishful thinking that his master could not manage his high-stepping pair of chestnuts without him.
    A brief, heavy rain had left the road to Bellhaven