Once in a lighter gown of white cotton, wearing nothing more than a slip underneath, Caroline finished her look by tying a bright blue ribbon around her middle. She observed herself in the looking glass as her lady’s maid braided her hair, tucking the end into a spiral around her head. Already, Caroline felt relaxed and refreshed. She knew coming to the coast had been the best decision for her. She felt as though she had no cares in the world.
When Caroline returned to the drawing room, Gwendolen was already there, sitting with her mother and going over the seashells they had found. Lord Murphy stood by the window, reading what appeared to be a letter. Caroline joined the other women in admiring the seashells, curious what Lord Murphy was reading.
“It seems we are not the only ones who have come to the seaside,” Lord Murphy declared as he turned from the window and approached the women. Caroline’s heart beat in her chest as she wondered what Lord Murphy could be implying.
“I hope it’s no one dreadful. I like the idea of leaving town to avoid so many social gatherings,” Lady Murphy said.
“It seems that Sir Roberts and Lord Sergio have come to the coast to discuss matters of business and the shipments of goods during these times of war and piracy. They have invited me to join them for these discussions upon discovering that we just took to our home today,” Lord Murphy explained.
“That’s rather odd. We told hardly anyone but the staff that we were coming to the coast. How could they have possibly known?” Lady Murphy wondered. Gwendolen and Caroline looked at one another, both of them fighting smiles that threatened to appear. They kept their eyes downcast as they played with the seashells.
“Unless someone told them of our travel plans?” Lord Murphy suggested, his voice rising in pitch as he neared his daughter. Slowly, Gwendolen looked up at her father as she did her best to keep her composure. But the more Lord Murphy stared down at his daughter, the more Gwendolen began to giggle.
“Shall we take tea out on the veranda?” Lady Murphy asked to break the silence.
“I think that is a grand idea,” Gwendolen manged to say amongst her mirth. The women then rose and quickly made their way outside, giving Lord Murphy a moment to compose himself.
“Gwendolen, my dear. Did you really write to these gentlemen?” Lady Murphy asked in a hushed tone once they had stepped outside.
“It was not just Gwendolen, Lady Murphy,” Caroline quickly put in, not wanting her friend to be in any trouble. “I did share our travel plans with Sir Roberts in my letter, thanking him for the new novel.”
“Well, I do hope you two know what you are doing when it comes to saying the decision of men. It’s not all fun and games, you know,” she warned.
“Of course, Mama,” Gwendolen said with downcast eyes.
“Either way, it would be better for the gentlemen to dine with us. You never know who might be in a tavern,” Lady Murphy said.
“Is that so, dear?” came Lord Murphy’s voice. They all turned, having not heard the Earl step out of the back door and join them on the veranda overlooking the ocean.
“Yes, I do so say,” Lady Murphy replied. “It would be far more convenient for two men to journey instead of three ladies.”
“Very well. I shall have a message sent to the gentlemen to join us for dinner.”
They settled down at the iron table and chairs next to the railing of the veranda. Caroline looked at Gwendolen, who winked at her as they sat down.
Caroline’s heart was full of joy at the idea of seeing William so soon. She had been hopeful to perhaps visit with him during their stay by the sea. But she hadn’t thought he would already be in the area upon their arrival. Furthermore, she was certain that Gwendolen was feeling the same way, by the light blush that had settled on her friend’s cheeks.
For the first time in many days, Caroline ate a proper meal. They dined on cucumber sandwiches and cold meats, as well as lavender tea that had been cooled and sweetened with honey. The only thing that was missing was the company of her own parents. She wished dearly to be sharing this moment with them.
But instead of focusing on such sorrowful things, Caroline reminded herself that had her parents still been alive, they would not only all be together, but Caroline would still be engaged to Lord Canton. Perhaps, in some strange way, everything was happening for a reason.
Regardless, she wished this perfect day could be spent with her loved ones.
Chapter 25
“Ah, there is nothing more delicious than the smell of the sea,” Lord Sergio declared as he rode with William towards Lord Murphy’s coastal estate. They’d received the Earl’s invitation to join them for dinner, and William was greatly looking forward to seeing Caroline again.
“For a man who sails so frequently, I would have assumed you would grow tired of the smell,” William commented as their horses cantered down the lane.
“Alas, I shall never grow tired of the open waters nor the smell of the salt on the wind,” Lord Sergio declared. “What about you, my friend? Do you ever long to sail again?”
“The open waters do not bring to me fond memories as they do you. I do not mind the freshness of the sea. Though I neither long for it, either,” William explained.
“Then perhaps your memory may be changed after our dinner with Lord Murphy. He has two young ladies underneath his wing that I do say we shall be in very good company this evening.”
“There I cannot fault you,” William replied with a chuckle, urging his horse into a faster pace.
After receiving Caroline’s letter, William had written to Lord Sergio, wanting to surprise Caroline and Miss Gwendolen with their presence in the same neighbourhood during their holiday.
He’d found Lord Sergio to be a good travelling companion and, travelling with very little, they were able to make good time to the coast and arrive well before the Murphys. Now, William longed to spend some quality time with Caroline while showing Lord Murphy that he was an amiable suitor.
“I will never grow tired of dining with the elite, Sir Roberts. This home is rather magnificent,” Lord Sergio said as they came upon the coastal estate.
It was at least two stories tall, with white pillars at the front stairs. The home had several windows, allowing plenty of light to filter through. However, no matter how lovely the home appeared, William knew that Caroline would be far more beautiful.
As they approached the house and led their horses to the front courtyard, two footmen approached to take the reins when they dismounted. William thanked the two kindly before joining Lord Sergio as they came up to the front door.
“You are very considerate of staff, I’ve noticed,” Lord Sergio pointed out as he pulled the cord next to the door to signal that they’d arrived.
“I believe it to be a good investment to treat those who serve you with the utmost respect. After all, we’re all humans,” William replied. Lord Sergio nodded as though he agreed, or at least thought William’s response was acceptable. Once the door was opened, they were greeted by Lord Murphy’s butler. Then, after they had taken off their top hats and placed their riding gloves inside to leave them at the front door, they were shown to the drawing room.
“What magnificent floors. I feel as though I could see my own reflection,” Lord Sergio commented in a hushed tone as they followed behind the butler. William smirked as he nodded, finding the Spaniard’s perspective of most things rather refreshing.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Lord Murphy greeted as they were led into the drawing room. The Earl quickly approached them, shaking their hands in warm welcome. “I hope you find your way well enough.”
“You gave good directions in your letter, Lord Murphy,” William assured him.
“You have such a lovely home, Lord Murphy. Thank you for inviting us to dine with you,” Lord Sergio said.
“Come and sit while we wait for dinner to be prepared. I am under the impression that you have matters of business to discuss,” Lord Murphy said as he gestured towards a small card
table with four chairs.
William looked over and saw Lady Murphy sitting with the two young ladies near the opened back door of the drawing room, all of them in hushed conversation. He couldn’t help but smile as Caroline looked up and caught his gaze, her face lighting up into a bright smile before she quickly turned away.
William joined Lord Murphy and Lord Sergio at the card table. The Earl began a simple game while they talked, giving William a true challenge to focus between the card game, their conversation, and the small glances he sent towards Caroline from time to time. It was a fun sort of game that William was enjoying as he waited for the opportune time to address er directly.
“I have ships coming to and from Spain each week,” Lord Sergio said. “Will Sir Roberts’ help, I am determining the safest routes due to England’s war with France, but also the pirates that seem to plague the waters.”
“Do you feel that pirating is still a large issue as of the present, Sir Roberts?” Lord Murphy asked as he dealt the next hand of cards.
“Indeed, my Lord. The pirating community is more than just a rogue crew of foreigners. They are also Englishmen who are paid by lords who jeopardize the businesses of others or try to steal goods to sell somewhere else. I fought more Englishmen while serving in the Navy than men of any other nationality,” William explained.
“This is so hard to believe,” Lord Murphy admitted. “Why would Englishmen do such a thing to their own people?”
“For money,” Lord Sergio spoke up. “‘Tis the reason why most men do anything anymore.”
“And you believe you know the best shipping routes?” Lord Murphy asked, looking directly at William.
“I do. It takes longer for the ships to sail from one port to another, but it’s safer. I am willing to share my knowledge for a portion of the profits from the sold goods. This way, we both have some sort of security,” William explained.
“I suppose if any of my goods don’t make it to port, then at least I don’t have to pay you,” Lord Murphy said with a chuckle.
“That is how confident I am of these shipping routes. I wouldn’t share this information with just anyone, only those I was sure could be the most successful.”
“And that is why I am choosing to side with Sir Roberts. I have been approached by many Englishmen. It is only he who has truly taught me about how to deal with English lords and how information can mean the advantage to others who wish to do my ships harm,” Lord Sergio spoke up, making William feel quite proud. He wanted to look good in Lord Murphy’s eyes and was thankful for his new friend for speaking such kind words on his behalf.
“Well, gentlemen. I think we have quite a bit to talk about then. And if you feel so comfortable to do so, Sir Roberts, I would be interested in knowing which lords to avoid when it comes to me shipping and receiving goods,” Lord Murphy said with his eyes fixed on his cards.
“I have made a detailed report to the King, my Lord. Names are expected to be published by the end of the summer months. However, I wouldn’t mind speaking to you concerning one such individual,” William said, lowering his voice so the ladies wouldn’t be able to hear him.
“Ah? And who would that be?” Lord Murphy asked, raising his eyes to William.
“Lord Canton. I understand how close he and Miss Caroline were, and how he might be a figure to find ways to be closer to her again. But as her guardian, I believe you should have the understanding of what type of man he really is,” William said with all seriousness.
“That is quite an accusation, for a man such as Lord Canton. After all, he is an earl,” Lord Murphy replied.
“I understand, my Lord. But I wouldn’t say so if it wasn’t true. I came into the knowledge of many of the lords who financed pirate ships for their own gain. Lord Canton was one of them.”
“And you have proof of this?”
“If I hadn’t, the King wouldn’t have knighted me,” William replied.
“Then I should like to see this proof, as well. Think of it as creating good faith between the two of us,” Lord Murphy suggested.
“When we are all back in town, I’ll have my solicitor send over the documents. I only ask that you send them back after you are done reviewing them. The King has paid me for my silence in the matter so that he may act in accordance to his own wills. I wouldn’t want any of these lords to get wind of what is coming, or they will more than likely flee the country.”
“I fully understand,” Lord Murphy said with a firm nod. The card game continued then as matters of business circulated between the three of them. It was only when a footman came to announce that dinner was ready that the game came to an end.
“Well, I suppose we have ignored the woman for long enough,” Lord Murphy said with a chuckle. He stood from the table and approached his wife, extending his arm towards her as she smiled pleasantly. William didn’t hesitate in doing the same for Caroline as they made light greetings.
“How was your discussion with Lord Murphy?” Caroline asked as they walked together towards the dining room.
“It was productive. How has your holiday been here at the coast?”
“Considering we only just arrived, quite lovely. I long to return to the beach this evening as the sun sets.”
“Then perhaps I could be of some company,” William suggested.
“I would very much enjoy that. I can only assume that your travelling companion would agree to the same thing if Miss Gwendolen wanted to go as well?”
“And if I wanted to speak with you privately?” William asked, his voice barely a whisper. Caroline’s eyes grew wide as her lips parted, the sight causing his member to stir with delight.
“I’m sure that could be arranged,” Caroline whispered back as she smiled at him.
As they entered the dining room, William sat Caroline at one side of the table and went to sit on the other with Lord Sergio. There were still rules of etiquette that he must follow, and was willing to behave himself in Lord Murphy’s presence. William knew how to bid his time and could wait for the dinner to come to a completion before asking permission to walk with Caroline down to the beach.
“English food never ceases to surprise me,” Lord Sergio said with a chuckle as the first course was served. It was a broth soup with chives that William found rather refreshing.
“What do Spaniards often eat?” Lady Murphy asked.
“I would describe Spanish food as a lot of seafood, spice, and potatoes,” Lord Sergio answered.
“Ah, how interesting. There is plenty more seafood here on the coast compared to in town,” Lord Murphy said. “You’ll be sure to share with my cook any particular requests.”
“It is not necessary, Lord Murphy. I enjoy English food very much and often look forward to the cuisine every time I am in town.”
“And how much longer do you plan to reside in England?” Miss Gwendolen spoke up. William’s heart went out to the young lady, already knowing the answer to her question.
“My ship leaves in four weeks. I must venture back to Spain to oversee my next business venture and to pay respects to my family. Unfortunately, my father grows older in years and I do not like to be away from him for very long. Already, it’s been two months,” Lord Sergio explained.
“The journey to Spain is a long one,” William commented. “I shall be sad to see you go.”
Lord Sergio chuckled before saying, “I will return before you know it. We have a business deal, after all.”
“And I’m sure there are many aspects of England that would have you returning as soon as you could,” William suggested.
“Ah, there certainly is,” Lord Sergio said, looking towards Miss Gwendolen over the rim of his wine glass as he drank the liquid slowly. William could see the blush in her cheeks and thought the two would make a good match.
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