The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron

very enticing.
    “I have to change my gown anyway, so I will join you.” She started to walk away. “I’ll have this washed for you.” She held up the cloth.
    “One other item needs to be taken care of this morning.” Damon stopped her. “I went to the bank and got my mother’s ring out of the safe.” He took her hand and slipped the diamond and sapphire ring on her finger. “Just as I expected, a perfect fit.”
    Caroline froze. The ring was beautiful, but it was also the beginning of binding her more closely to him. She stared into his cold blue eyes.
    “It’s a gorgeous ring, but shouldn’t we wait until after the family dinner? Perhaps your family will dislike me and not wish to see us married.”
    His laugh was short and harsh. “Don’t worry, my dear. No one will change my mind.”
    She pulled her hand from his grasp and ran into the house and up the stairs to her room. She heard his mocking laughter follow her.
    “Mary, help me into my riding habit, the plain brown one,” Caroline said breathlessly.
    She sat at her dressing table and stared at the ring on her finger. She sighed. She had not really believed he would change his mind. He meant to have her. There was to be no last minute reprieve.
    The warmth of his touch and his strength as he had held her hands clasped in his and put on the ring lingered with her. There was something both comforting and frightening about him.
     
    * * * *
     
    Damon waited at the bottom of the staircase and watched for Caroline to return. He was pleased with the way his plan had worked. He had not decided if he would continue to see that the Earl of Halsford had problems with his finances.
    He did not want to hurt Hannah’s chances to make a good match. He’d enjoy letting the Earl of Halsford dangle, wondering if his pursuit of him was over.
    When she started down the steps, Damon took a deep breath. The riding outfit was dark brown. She probably thought it would be most unbecoming, but the color, with the green trim, darkened her eyes and accentuated her porcelain skin.
    He took her hand as she reached the last step and smiled. “You are beautiful.” She frowned when he smiled. “Shall we go? It is early for riding in town. We can have a good run before the park fills with crowds of people.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Caroline soon forgot to be displeased with her escort. Joy was a lovely horse, and though she had expected a docile mount, the little mare showed plenty of spirit.
    Once they arrived at Hyde Park, they let the horses gallop. Few riders were about. The fashionable people liked to sleep in after long nights of socializing.
    Slowing down, Caroline smiled across at Damon. “My lord, your mare is rightly named. She is a joy to ride.”
    “I thought the two of you would have much in common. Outwardly you both appear very ladylike but inside you are both filled with a feisty spirit.”
    Caroline did not reply. She wasn’t certain whether to take his statement as a compliment or not. She turned her head and saw more people arriving. “Shall we go home?”
    “No,” Damon said. “People need to see us together and see your ring. You will smile and look pleased,” he commanded.
    Caroline didn’t answer him, but agreed in her mind with his plan. She did not want additional gossip about her. Nor did she desire anyone’s sympathy, in regards to what might appear a forced marriage.
    The gossips would lose interest if they saw a smiling engaged couple. Straightening her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Caroline slowed her mount and smiled at Lady Melbourne when she stopped her coach to speak with them.
    Smiling at the two, Lady Melbourne looked deliberately at Caroline’s hand. “You naughty young man, but I see all is well. Impetuous youth. Lady Caroline, you are pleased?”
    “What is not to be pleased about, my lady? Lord Royston is very handsome and has given me this lovely ring to wear. I believe I have chosen well.”
    “You took your time, my