When Caroline and Francis finally joined the others in the drawing room, Julian was quietly planning how he could get rid of Harry Menzies without causing offence. The headache he’d thought was slowly moving to the back of his brain had returned with a vengeance. He would do anything to go downstairs and find more sleep on the not-so-comfortable daybed.
At the sight of Caroline, however, his thoughts of self-pity vanished. She moved to the back of the room, maintaining as much distance as she could from their recently arrived guest.
Harry stepped forward and met Francis. “I was just telling Newhall and Radley here that it is all about London how the house party was cancelled at the last minute. The Countess of Lienz has spread a few rumors that Newhall was going back to France. Something about him and some young diplomat that he decided would warm his bed better than a wife.”
“Vicious rumors, by anyone’s account,” replied James.
Julian’s hand remained tightly fisted. His mother was staying true to form in her efforts to tear him down, but he had other more pressing concerns.
Julian wanted to wipe the simpering smile from Menzies’s face. He was enjoying retelling the story of the ugly rumors far too much in Julian’s opinion. His dislike of Menzies coalesced into hatred as Harry looked toward Caroline and he bowed his head.
“My apologies, dear, sweet Caroline. You should not have to hear those sorts of rumors. One can only hope that they are not true. Though it must be said that diplomacy is not the most manly of pursuits,” said Harry.
Caroline feared for Harry’s safety as he spoke. From where she stood on the other side of the room, she could see the veins on the side of Julian’s neck bulge. If Harry did not cease with his mad rant, she was certain violence would soon follow.
“Speaking of manly pursuits, we were talking about a hunting party this week, were we not?” she said.
She had promised Francis to let him broach the subject of her being allowed to hunt with the men, but at this point she was prepared to say anything in order to break the tension in the room. Harry frowned at her and opened his mouth to speak, but Julian stepped in.
“That would be an excellent idea, Caroline. It has been some time since I got some shooting practice in. One cannot let one’s war skills get rusty. What do you say, Menzies? Oh, my apologies. I forgot you have not picked up a rifle or sword to serve king and country,” replied Julian.
Harry, who had not served in the military at any point, muttered something under his breath then fell silent. Julian and Caroline exchanged a look of shared relief.
Julian stepped forward and offered Caroline his arm. “May I accompany you down to the hunt room so you can select your rifle? I am sure I have something that would suit you perfectly.”
“That’s a capital idea, Newhall. If we all come down and choose our weapons, we will be able to get off to an early start tomorrow. Caroline is a superb shot, and will make a great contribution to the hunt,” said Francis.
“It’s been ages since we went hunting. I am looking forward to it,” replied Caroline.
As she took Julian’s arm, she heard a low huff of displeasure come from Harry. He was clearly not happy with her inclusion in the hunting party.
She ignored his protest. Whatever his reasons were for coming to Derbyshire, he had no right telling her how she should behave. The sooner Francis could get Harry to go home, the better.