Caroline (12 page)

"Yes, he is rather like a panther," Caro murmured disconsolately.

"My dear, I don't believe I have succeeded in cheering you up at all! However, where words fail, gifts often succeed." Katrina clapped her dimpled hands in excitement. "I have a surprise for you!"

With that, she darted out of the room and returned holding aloft a perfectly tailored pine-green velvet riding habit. It included a hip-length jacket and short waistcoat, both with wide, turned-back collars. There was a frilled shirt, complete with a cravat, and the skirt was bell-shaped. In her right hand Katrina carried a small green tricorn hat which sported a pure-white plume. Caro couldn't resist Katrina's infectious smile and she hopped out of bed to get a closer look at the garment.

"It is lovely! But, I don't understand..."

"It is yours, my dear! When Sacha said you were leaving tomorrow I remembered him telling us that during your journey here you had ridden astride, wearing boy's breeches. Since he has not provided you with a carriage, I want to see to it that you are able to at least ride like a lady."

"But, where did it come from?"

"Actually, it was a gift from Gretchen's aunt in Holland for her eighteenth birthday in March. It broke our hearts when we opened the package, for it was obvious that my sister misjudged how tall Gretchen had grown. I'm certain, however, that it will fit you perfectly!"

"I love it. I can hardly wait to wear it tomorrow!"

* * *

Caro woke early the next morning, as the first pink streaks creased the dark sky. Although it had been very late when she and Katrina had said goodnight, she had slept lightly, an edge of excitement keeping her half awake. Rolling over in bed, she saw the beautiful green riding habit displayed inside the open wardrobe.

Springing out of bed, she splashed her face with cool water, then rubbed her cheeks briskly with a fresh towel. Quickly, she slipped on clean underclothes and the new riding habit. To her delight, it fit like a glove. Impulsively, Caro attempted to tie the cravat herself, trying to remember how Alec's looked. The finished product seemed passable, and she turned her attention to her hair. The thought of riding with it pinned up elaborately distressed her.

Picking up her brush, Caro applied it vigorously to her long, shining curls, then tied them back at the base of her neck with a ribbon. In the rosy glow of dawn, her reflection in the looking glass was lovely. The pine green of the habit suited her coloring and the garment looked elegant and smart on her petite body. The curls which fell down her back like a golden waterfall added the perfect finishing touch as she tried on the little tricorn hat. Silently she beamed at her own reflection.

Moments later she was on her way down the hallway. She could hear clattering in the kitchens on the lower level of the house, accompanied by hushed servants' voices. No one else appeared to be awake, and Caro decided to watch the last moments of sunrise from the veranda.

The view of the Hudson beyond the velvety expanse of grass was breathtaking, for the mountains stood out in deep shades of purple against the muted orange and pink sky.

Caro was so engrossed in the sight that she did not hear Stephen Van Der Pat until he spoke:

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Caro looked up in surprise, but managed to answer him quite naturally. "It really takes my breath away."

"What brings you out at this hour, Miss Bergman?"

"I woke early, eager to try on this lovely riding habit your wife was kind enough to give me. Once dressed, I couldn't resist the lure of the sunrise!"

He smiled. "For my part, I am just an early riser by habit. My office is there"—he gestured to a small stone building east of the house—"and I like to work while it's quiet."

"What sort of work do you do, Mr. Van Der Pat?"

"They call me lieutenant governor of New York, which sounds a lot more important than it really is. Most of my responsibilities lie right here with the people in this valley."

"I had no idea that you were involved in life outside your manor."

"I keep busy," he said humbly. "May I show you around the grounds before breakfast?"

"How kind of you! I would love it."

They strolled slowly around the grounds as Stephen Van Der Pat spoke in a quiet voice.

"The house is in quite bad repair at the moment, for during the war it received no small amount of damage. Next year, though, I hope to have it restored to its previous good looks."

"I think it's simply magnificent!" Caro exclaimed as they stood on the sloping lawn gazing back up at the house. The high red roof seemed to glow in the early dawn, and the veranda circled all the way around in perfect proportions. The structure itself was solidly and simply constructed of stone with many large, shuttered windows. There were vines of every description climbing the pillars which ringed the house in support of the veranda, while the trees along the walkways blazed with fiery leaves.

"Have you lived here long, Mr. Van Der Pat?"

"Over twenty years. I brought Katrina here as a child bride of seventeen and we've stayed ever since. That house was built nearly one hundred years ago by my grandfather; it has a proud family heritage and I pray that we never lose it. That is why I had to retain neutrality during the war—for the sake of the manor. There was too much action nearby and I do not believe that this house would be standing now if I had declared myself. Many, many families in this valley depend on me in one way or another; there were numerous reasons why I felt I had to put my lands before my politics."

"I am sure you did the right thing," Caro agreed.

They continued their walking conversation until the sun had fully risen. The sky was deep blue, the breeze only slightly chilly, and it promised to be a glorious day.

When Caro and Stephen entered the dining room Alec looked up from his coffee with a frown.

"I see you're awake!"

"Yes! As a matter of fact, Mr. Van Der Pat has been kind enough to show me around the grounds."

"Just don't fell asleep on Molly in mid-afternoon."

Caro sat down, hurt that he had not noticed her riding habit. There were steaming platters of eggs, ham, sausage, and biscuits on the table, so she began to fill her plate. She did not lift her eyes from her food until she heard Katrina's cheerful voice exclaiming:

"Good morning, Sacha! Don't you think Caroline looks simply ravishing in her riding habit? We were certain that it couldn't fail to lighten that black mood of yours!"

Caro felt her cheeks redden, then heard herself declare: "Nothing could lighten Alec's black mood! I was right about him from the beginning; he is an ill-tempered old man!"

Stephen Van Der Pat spluttered in his coffee, then exclaimed: "My dear girl, if Sacha is an
old
man, I shudder to think what that makes me!"

* * *

It was still early when they said their good-byes to the Van Der Pat family. Gretchen was looking hopeful in spite of her sadness, for she had overheard Caro's breakfast outburst.

Katrina wore a worried smile as she kissed Caro and Alec each with affection, whispering in the latter's ear, "Be gentle on the girl, Sacha."

He smiled back grimly. "Believe me, I've been trying, but the minx refuses to cooperate and allow me to behave like a gentleman. Sometimes I'd like to—"

Katrina interrupted, unsure of what he might say, and not wanting to find out. "Well, she may be impulsive and a trifle too outspoken—"

"Only a trifle?"

"—but you must remember she is a lady and you are her guardian. Her father entrusted you with a grave responsibility and I'm sure you are man enough to live up to that, my dear."

Alec looked testy as he mounted his horse, calling to Caro, "Are you ready?"

Thaddeus Kosciuszko had drawn her off under a tree to say good-bye and Alec found the earnest expression on his friend's face rather sickening. Kosci gallantly helped Caro onto her horse, then proceeded to kiss her gloved hand. When he came over to bid Alec good-bye he was met with a caustic:

"I hope I won't be seeing you for a while, comrade, if you take my meaning...?"

"Dear friend, you will be pleased to learn that I am soon departing for Poland. So, you see, all this fuss you have been making has been totally unnecessary!"

Alec reached out then to grip his hand. "Take care, Kosci."

"You too, Sacha. I will be sure to give your regards to Sonya, and—"

"Yes, yes. Have a safe journey."

They were off then, bound for New York town and a world which was fresh from a long war, still exulting over the sweetest victory ever.

As Ivan and Molly carried them out of sight of the house, Alec looked over at Caro with a reluctant grin.

"By the way,
cherie,
you look lovely in that habit."

Caro's face lit up with a smile that dimpled her cheeks and warmed Alec's heart. The wind ruffled his shining black hair, and Caro thought his features looked more chiseled than ever in profile. Although she had no idea what the future held, as she gazed down at the great Hudson River below them, Caro felt content to leave her fate in Alec's hands.

Chapter 9

New York town was a disappointment to Caro, for Alec had neglected to tell her that the long years of war had transformed it into a shambles. The British were still in residence even now, and nothing had been done to restore all the ruined buildings. There had been two massive fires in 1776 and 1778 which had destroyed at least a quarter of the city. Lamps were broken, garbage lay all around, and even the streets were torn up. The general atmosphere was one of silence, inactivity, and even defeat. Caro, expecting to find a city alive with triumph and jubilation, was sadly disappointed.

Alec, however, seemed to have a talent for discovering hidden treasures and, during their stay in New York, Caro would have forgotten the state of the city if she had not looked outside the windows of the inn where they were staying.

Alec was greeted at the Bull's Head with an effusiveness and respect that startled his young companion. The burly innkeeper, a Mr. Horace Shillingsworth, seemed to Caro to be on the verge of kissing Alec's feet as he rushed out to help them dismount. His lack of curiosity and surprise at the sight of Caro made her wonder all the more about Alec's life-style—and about what sort of future awaited her in Philadelphia. In fact, the only time she saw Mr. Shillingsworth raise his bushy eyebrows in surprise was when Alec ordered separate chambers for them.

The inn was a haven of comfort, good cheer, and constant service. The fact that Caro was with Alec seemed to make her extremely worthy in the eyes of Mr. Shillingsworth, for soon after she reached her room and began to remove her dusty plumed hat a serving girl appeared with a basin of fresh water. She curtseyed four or five times as she inquired repeatedly if there was anything she could bring "her ladyship." Caro finally had to lead the poor girl to the door in order to persuade her to leave the room, and when her footsteps died away Caro crossed the passageway to knock on Alec's door.

He opened it to find her standing there in her stocking feet, her hair unbound and falling over her shoulders, and wearing only the velvet skirt and lacy blouse of her riding habit. Two bright patches of color stood out on her cheeks, and Alec couldn't resist a smile as he waved her in.

"Missing me already, eh? My dear, this is most unconventional, but I suppose it is a bit late for us to begin observing the dictates of propriety..."

Caro glanced distractedly at Alec's mocking grin, barely noticing the fact that his fine linen shirt was open down the front to reveal his brown chest. She strode across the room, pivoting to exclaim:

"Everyone here seems to be under the mistaken impression that you are royalty! I thought that the war was fought to rid this country of a king!"

He threw back his head and laughed. "What has led you to the conclusion that I am considered to be a king? And why are you so put out by it?"

"I did not mean a king! Perhaps a duke—or whatever rank is necessary to earn me the title of 'your ladyship'! I find all this bowing and scraping extremely unsettling, especially considering the fact that you are only a—a scoundrel of the first water!"