Ophelia wanted to ask the Baron if he remembered meeting her, but what he said next made her realize he probably did not.
“Miss,” he said removing his hat and taking her hand to his lips. “I have been very anxious to meet you,” he said, with a dashing smile.
Ophelia was tongue-tied. Was it really too dark that night that he had no memory of her? He was also a baron?
She curtsied and said, “Pleasure to meet you again, my Lord,” she said on purpose. “Surely, you have not forgotten me so soon?”
Both Rebecca and Christopher looked at Benjamin.
“Are you acquainted?” asked Christoper directly at Benjamin who looked confused.
“I must say I am flattered,” he replied. “I do not recall that we have met before for I surely would have remembered someone as beautiful as you. ”
Both brother and sister were now directing their gazes at Ophelia.
“Well, you were the one that helped my family and I get back home after the fair when our money was stolen,” Ophelia explained.
The man looked surprised and then smiled. “Ah. I remember now. I apologize my lady. I have trouble with remembering faces and it was dark that night. What a small world,” he replied.
“My lady” he said, nodding slightly to Rebecca who gave him a broad smile and then walked over to him. “My Lord, good to see you again. Might I formally invite you to the family Christmas dinner tonight? I know we had a rough beginning and for the sake of my brother, I would like to make amends,” she said.
“I am honored, my lady,” Benjamin replied with a slight smile and a bow.
“Would you come with me for a second? I would love to discuss some things with you,” Rebecca said.
“Certainly,” replied Benjamin and left with her.
They walked further away from them but remained within viewing rang. Ophelia was happy to see Christopher again.
“Forgive my manners, Miss Campbell,” said Christopher, walking closer to her while keeping the socially acceptable distance between them. “I meant to tell you that you look as beautiful as you did at the ball,” he stated, putting his hat back on.
Ophelia tried hard not to blush and managed a smile. “Thank you, my lord. You looked rather handsome yourself.”
Christopher smiled. “You are most kind. Thank you for hosting my sister at your home. She has said many wonderful things about you and your family.”
Ophelia smiled, realizing she was enjoying every minute spent with the Viscount. “I enjoyed her company as well, my Lord.”
Christopher smiled. “I look forward to seeing you at dinner tonight, looking as beautiful as you always do.”
“I hope you do not expect so much from me,” Ophelia said with a smile as she curtsied. “Because I might disappoint you if you are after seeing me always beautiful.”
“I think not,” he replied. “I daresay no matter how you dress or how you look, you will always be beautiful.”
Ophelia could not stop herself from blushing as she heard that.
“I shall content myself with thoughts of your beautiful countenance till then, Miss Ophelia. Adieu, for now.”
He spun around smartly and continued down the cobbled street to meet his friend who was now waiting for him beside the carriage.
“You are blushing,” said Rebecca as she got to her side. “My brother must have said things to make your heart flutter.
Ophelia smiled wanting to tell Rebecca about the flirtatious exchange. However, her gaze was fixed on Benjamin who tipped his hat at her before entering the carriage after Christopher.
“Who is that man?” Ophelia asked Rebecca.
“Oh! He’s just my brother’s friend, that’s all. It is strange that he seems not to remember you.”?”
“Indeed,” Ophelia replied as they went their way.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Ever since the encounter with the Ophelia and his sister, Christopher had been a little disturbed. Why did Benjamin not say anything about meeting Ophelia all the while?
Even if he hadn’t met her, it was expected that he would say something to him about how surprised he was to have met Ophelia again but, Benjamin had chosen to remain quiet.
“Are you alright?” Benjamin asked.
They were on their way back home after after their trip into town.
“Not really,” he replied. He had never been good at hiding his worry.
“Well, whatever it is, you can tell me.”
“You do not remember meeting Miss. Campbell at the fair?” he asked, making sure not to sound suspicious.
“No, I do not. It was quite a surprise that she had remembered me. I merely helped two ladies and an elderly woman who was robbed of her purse.”
“You never mentioned that when we were talking about the fair,” said Christopher. “As a matter of fact, you brushed off what you were going to tell me, making me believe that you did nothing at the fair.”
Benjamin chuckled. “You are not accusing me of hiding things from you on purpose, are you?” he asked.
Christopher shrugged. He did not want to make things difficult between them.
“No, I am not,” he replied.
“I could not get a better look at their faces. Whatever I did was out of the goodness of my heart. I never had a motif for doing that.”
Christopher sighed and nodded. “I believe you, friend. We will speak of it no further.” Christopher adjusted himself in his seat and looked out the window. “We shall be home soon, just in time for dinner,” he said in a pleasant tone. “Very good,” Benjamin responded. They both remained silent for the rest of the ride.
Chapter 12
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
The carriage halted as they got back to the estates. Christopher climbed down from the carriage and was going inside but stopped and turned to look back at Benjamin.
“Are you not coming?”
“I shall be right behind you,” Benjamin said, fiddling with his boots. Chris nodded and went inside.
Benjamin then leaned back and slammed the seat with his hand. Things were getting out of hand and he could not control it. He was not expecting to have met Miss. Campbell that day but he felt it was good to feigning ignorance.
He climbed out of the carriage and was heading towards the front door when he saw movement by the window of the second floor. He looked up and there stood Ophelia.
She seemed to be talking with someone else. The curtain was pulled apart, making it easy for him to see her freshly curled hair and the red neckline of what he believed would be Rebecca’s silk gown.
She was smiling, and then she laughed.
Benjamin felt his heart warm up as he heard the muffled sound of her laughter. He was still looking at her when she looked out the window and then down at him. The laughter stopped but she had a smile on.
He tipped his hat to her while she waved back at him before walking inside.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Who are you waving at?” asked Rebecca as she walk peered out the window but saw nothing.
“Lord Gibbs,” she replied. “He was there just a moment ago,” she said, pointing to the empty space.
Rebecca pulled down the curtain and then turned to face her. “I still do not understand how you remembered Benjamin but he does not remember you.”
“Well,” replied Ophelia. “It was indeed a late night encounter. So, I believe it is quite normal for him not to have remembered me.”
“But you remembered him,” continued Rebecca. “And you were the lady. I often thought a man should be in a better position to remember a woman after a first encounter. He must have surely remembered something about you.”
Ophelia thought so too, but she decided not to think so much about it.
“It appears you are not so fond of Lord Gibbs, are you, my lady?” Ophelia asked.
Rebecca shrugged. “Well, not so much. I do no
t trust him.”
“You do not?”
Rebecca shook her head. “My brother found him after the embarrassing ball incident, and brought him home. Since then, he has been following him everywhere, dragging my brother to foul places with unsavory people.”
“So, you do not like him because he is not from your class?” asked Ophelia, testing her. She could tell that Mr. Gibbs was of her class.
“No. You should know, dear sweet Ophelia, that I do not discriminate when it has to do with classes. I do not care what class you belong to. I really had a great time when I came to Havenswood.”
“So, you think his lordship is just different?” Ophelia continued.
“No, I think he is not to be trusted,” she replied. “Why don’t you tell me more about how you met him that night?”
Ophelia recounted how her mother and Emily were robbed and how Benjamin tried to catch the thief but failed. Then he offered them a ride home in his carriage. Rebecca frowned. He could have easily paid the fare for a carriage of their own. Why would he go out of his way to take them home when it would be a long way from his home? And then not remember any of that? This is quite odd indeed.
Rebecca did not want to worry Ophelia so she decided to look into the matter at another time. “I do not trust the man but you need not worry about him. He might have slipped his mind at the moment,” Rebecca said with a reassuring smile. “Well, enough of that. We should head down for dinner.
Ophelia followed Rebecca out of the room and down the stairs where they were greeted with laughter and talking.
“I thought it was just the family having dinner,” she said confused. “There must be about twenty people in here.”
“Oh, no. Some of mother’s friends and father’s business associates are here as well and we are expecting more people.”
Ophelia inhaled. She had never been to a dinner filled with people of high nobilities before. She hoped she would not embarrass herself.
Ophelia pushed away her nerves and smiled. She understood the value of a graceful entrance and even though she was not expected to make a grand one, she knew it would determine how she would be addressed by the other dining guests.
She would not want to be seen as timid or embarrassed. She would need to make a good impression and she intended to do so.
Her dining gown was more than appropriate for the occasion, and in addition to the gown, Rebecca had made her wear some of her diamonds, making her look exceptionally beautiful as they sparkled softly in the candlelight. The only thing on her mind was how Christopher would feel on seeing her for she wanted her impression to be good.
There was an enormous arrangement of roses which spread a delicious scent through the air. A butler dressed in black answered the door every now and then as more people came in. There was also a giant Christmas tree by the entrance door.
The guests had separated into smaller groups. In one corner of the room was an older woman whom she recognized instantly to be the Lady Crampton.
It was difficult not to recognize her for there was a large portrait of her in the parlor, close to the door. It was difficult for anyone coming in not to notice it.
She bore a striking resemblance with Rebecca. The height and the cheeks bones were the only things Christopher shared with his mother.
The several ladies that surrounded her all held a cup of wine and smiled as they listened to her speak. There was a gentleman by the fire, playing a mandolin which sounded really good. Some men sat on the chairs while others on the sofas, laughing at a joke one of them had just made.
“These are some of the men that run Britain, along with their wives, sisters, and a few friends. There will be more men after we have dined.” Rebecca said to her as they slowly descended the stairs. “Try not to be intimidated. You have every right to be here just as they do. As far as they are concerned, you are part of the family. Rebecca gave Ophelia a reassuring squeeze of her hand. “Just be yourself. The only one you need to impress is my mother. Others, you can simply be yourself around.”
Ophelia nodded nervously, and as she looked below, she saw Christopher talking with one of the guests. When Ophelia spotted him as she climbed down the stairs, her stomach flustered. How could a man be so handsome?
He was wearing a white colored trousers with matching shoes. His burgundy coat was cut rather long in the back. His waistcoat was striped gold and cream, while his black cravat tied a mathematical style across pure white linen shirt.
He laughed, causing his Adam’s apple to protrude, giving him a more dashing look. He soon looked towards the stairs and caught her eyes. Ophelia colored immediately as he saw her and the next thing he did was to raise a glass to her.
“Come, I want to introduce you to mother,” Rebecca said as they got to the floor.
She took her hand and led her to where the women were gathered and introduced her to the Countess.
She curtsied. “It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Happy Christmas.”
Lady Crampton smiled as she lifted from her seat and walked closer to her. “Anyone who is a friend of my children is already part of the family. Do make yourself at home. Happy Christmas, dear.”
After this, Rebecca introduced her to other women and men, but Ophelia was more aware of Christopher who undoubtedly had his eyes fixed on her.
“And this is my husband, Lord Egerton,” said Rebecca.
Ophelia gasped when she saw the tall, handsome man in front of him. Rebecca was laughed at Ophelia’s reaction, haven purposely kept the information of her husband’s presence away from her.
“Miss Campbell. I am glad to meet you,” said the Earl. “My wife has told me a lot about you.”
Ophelia chuckled as she recovered from her shock and curtsied. “The pleasure is indeed mine, my Lord.”
While Rebecca spoke with her husband, Ophelia walked around the room and grabbed a drink from one of the waiters.
“You look beautiful,” said a voice behind her.
She felt warm all of a sudden as she heard the voice. She had been hoping Christopher would come to meet her.
“Well, you do not look so bad yourself, my Lord,” she replied, turning around but was surprised when she saw Lord Gibbs instead.
“Evening, Lord Gibbs,” she said with a smile yet her voice showed a tinge of disappointment.
“Miss Campbell,” he said, removing his hat. “I hope you are enjoying yourself? Because people like you and I do not fancy being around too much notable people who will always remind us of how we different we are to them. Happy Christmas.”
Ophelia was surprised as to how quickly he made his point about two of them being from the same class. “Well, happy Christmas to you too, Mr. Gibbs, however I am finding all this, rather interesting,” she replied. “I am certain you must have gotten used to it, being the Viscount’s closest friend.”
He chuckled. “I see, Lady Edgerton has told you about me.”
“Just that alone,” she replied.
“I seriously doubt that,” he added. “I am certain she must have made you aware of how much she detests me and how little she trusts me.”
“Not at all. She merely said how nice a gentleman you are,” Ophelia lied jokingly.
“You flatter me, Miss,” said Benjamin, smiling. “Do you mind if we take a walk together?”
Ophelia wanted only to take a walk with no one but Christopher but she didn’t want to seem rude.
“Well. Dinner will be served soon, and I do not wish to cause scandal if we are seen walking off alone.”
She wished he could just appear any second so she glanced around the room, hoping to see him before she would reply. She did, he was speaking with a lady in a green grown. She was someone of her age and she was laughing. She seemed to be enjoying his company.
Ophelia felt a slight pang of jealousy before turning to face Benjamin. “Well, I think that should be alright but I really do not want to miss the food. I’m starving.”
Benjamin laughed
. “The way you talk and think is a lot different than most ladies I have come across. You are very modest.”
She looked surprised. “Have I said something wrong?”
“Oh, no, not at all,” he said, stifling a smile. “You are always saying the right thing without having to think twice about it. Compared to other ladies. I admire you, Miss Campbell.”
“I am certain that either Christopher or your friend will find you once the meal is served. But for now, she is with her husband and…” he glanced around and saw Christopher. “And he is engaged with a beautiful woman as usual.”
A Lady to Redeem a Rakish Lord: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 9
