The American Bride - By Karla Darcy Page 0,4

to me these days. I was just beginning to wonder if it wasn't time to stick my spoon in the wall. You've brought some excitement into my life. I think I'm going to like having you in England."

"Is the headdress necessary?"

"Now, Cara, be sensible. Your hair is far too beautiful not to be noticed. Best to keep it covered. You can tell them that it's an American custom. Everyone knows how bizarre you colonials are supposed to be. Don't bristle. It's rather a dangerous game you're playing."

"I know, Gran. I'll be careful," Cara promised, her voice hinting at the seriousness of the masquerade.

"For all your freedom in America you've been a sheltered child. When you go to Lord Wilton's, you go as a servant with very few privileges. You will have little protection from the realities of life. It is necessary to remain inconspicuous, not only to avoid a scandal, but for your own safety. Even now I'm not sure that this is the wisest course, Cara." The Duchess worried her bottom lip in indecision.

"I'll be careful, Gran," Cara repeated.

After Anna and Bethel had been dismissed to complete the altering of Cara's new wardrobe the two women sat in front of the fire with a snack, provided by Anna. The Duchess watched as her granddaughter ate with the enthusiasm of youth. For herself she nibbled some cheese and sipped a glass of wine. She was well satisfied with the chit. Although thrust into a difficult situation she had handled herself with courage and resilience. Liela hoped that the opportunity would work to the girl's advantage.

"I do not wish to frighten you, child, but I must warn you that exposure of your true identity would mean social disaster," Liela cautioned. "A young lady of the ton is allowed to do certain things in England but to play act as a servant is not one of them. It is conceivable that you would never be received in polite society if your charade were discovered."

"But, Gran, I'm a married woman now," Cara reasoned. "Poppa said that in England I would be less confined by rules than if I were single."

"That part is true, of course. As a married woman you do have a certain amount of license. However society would not be amused by this sort of prank. Besides have you considered how Wilton would feel?"

"As you know, Grandmother, I have tried to think about Lord Wilton as little as possible," Cara answered.

Ignoring the girl's sarcasm, Liela continued, "If Wilton saw your masquerade as a form of spying then he might refuse you the protection of his name. If thoroughly angered he might even institute divorce proceedings."

"I thought you said that a divorce was impossible?" Cara asked in amazement.

"For you to get either a divorce or an annulment is an impossibility." Came the dampening answer. "If Wilton were angry enough he could divorce you." Then at the considering look in her granddaughter's eye, the Duchess continued. "This is not a way out, my dear. Your objection has been at the cold arrangement of the marriage, not marriage itself. A renunciation by Wilton would mean you would be finished in polite society. Both here and in America. No decent man would ever consider aligning himself with a divorced woman."

"It's not fair!" Cara exclaimed.

"You're not a child, Cara. The world doesn't have to be fair. The situation exists and you'll just have to make the best of it."

"If only Poppa had seen reason none of this would have been necessary."

"From his letters I know he wanted your safety and well being. You are an heiress. At his death you would have been alone in America with no family to protect you from the fortune hunters and charlatans. With your beauty and your money there would have been a bevy of suitors for your hand," Liela continued. "Your father thought that if he could arrange for you to be married and living in England he would be doing all he could to protect you."

"I do see that, Gran," Cara sighed. "I just wish there had been another way."

"Well there's no point in spending your time with the past. Now is the time to look forward, my dear. Tomorrow you will begin your adventure. Anna will supply you with the remainder of Bethel's clothes. If they show as little taste as the dress you are wearing, your disguise should be foolproof. As long as you behave yourself and remain in the background I can see little danger