“Ryan cheated on her again?” Benjamin asked after she had departed.
Christopher nodded. “That bastard. I am so tired of him and the way he treats my sister, Benjamin. I want to do something to hurt him.”
“I understand you are angry but your sister does not want that,” said Benjamin.
‘I do not care what she wants and what she does not care. She has been suffering quietly in her marriage and this time, we need to act. I am so tired of staying mute.”
“It is alright to do what you think is right just like avenging your sister but, have you thought of the effect it would have on your sister’s marriage and your family altogether?”
Upon hearing this, Christopher was calm. “So what do you think we should do?”
“I think we should tell your parents and let them handle it.”
Christopher nodded. “Thank you,” he replied. “I have lots of things to tell you, Benjamin. Things have gotten better between Ophelia and I.”
Chapter 23
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
“Really?” Asked Benjamin as he sat next to him. “Going by the way you are calling her by her first name, I am certain that something must have really happened. Please do not tell me you slept with her.”
Christopher stared at him. “Of course not! But my parents would like to meet her soon.”
Benjamin was shocked. “Meet her soon? I thought they never wanted you to marry her in the first place.”
“Indeed, but a miracle happened that New Year eve and things just changed.”
Benjamin became uncomfortable as he listened to how everything went down at the party. He could not understand any more, he had witnessed Ophelia leaving the party, he had expected that it was over, and not being told now that they were actually planning to meet his parents.
“Benjamin, are you alright?” Christopher stopped to ask. “You are not listening to me anymore.”
“Oh!But I am,” he replied as excitedly as he could. “So, tell me, have you gotten a response from Miss Campbell herself?”
“That is what I am waiting for but she must be really excited just as I am.”
While they were talking, a servant rushed in.
“My Lord, a letter came for you from the Campbells,” he said with a quick bow before handing the letter to him.
“Thank you, Isaac,” he said, adjusting his seat while Isaac took his leave.
“This is certainly the response that I have been waiting for,” he said, tearing the letter to read. Benjamin waited watching his facial expression as he read.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Dear Lord Crampton,
I got your letter and I sincerely thank you for talking to your parents about me but I must decline, due to a reason best known to me. I also would appreciate if we do not see anymore. Do enjoy the rest of your life.
Yours sincerely,
Ophelia Campbell.
Christopher stared at the letter after reading, he could not understand. His heart was beating fast and he was beginning to sweat, yet he went through the letter again and at the same time, it made no sense to him.
“What happened?” asked Benjamin. “Did she finally pick a day to come?”
Christopher could not respond, he slumped into the couch dejectedly, looking confused. None of this made any sense. What happened to her? Why would she reject him all of a sudden? Could it be her cousin?
“Christopher?” Benjamin asked. “What happened?”
“She…she declined and said she does not want anything to do with me again,” replied Christopher, unable to believe it himself.
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
Benjamin was shocked when he heard this but was careful not to burst into laughter.
He picked up the letter where Christopher had dropped it and went through it himself. He realized the worst has happened, just like he had expected. He faced his friend.
“What do you think is the meaning of this?”
Christopher’s eyes were red and he was clearly disturbed. His breathing has also become very erratic.
“I do not know, Benjamin. I do not know how to explain this.”
“You need to be calm, Christopher,” said Benjamin. “At least, we need to first understand what must have led to this.”
While they talked Rebecca came out but frowned on seeing her brother.
“What happened to you, Christopher? Why do you look so troubled?” She asked, coming over to them.
None of the men responded and then she saw the letter in Benjamin’s hand.
“Is that from Ophelia?” she asked and Benjamin nodded, handing the letter to her.
She went through it and looked as surprised as they all were.
“Did something happen that night?” she asked Christopher.
“Apart from her cousin who I think does not like me, I do not know who else must have talked to her into changing her mind about me. I just write another letter to her…” he said, standing up.
“No!” Rebecca stated. “Do not write anymore letter, I myself shall go talk to her. I need to hear from her myself.”
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
Ophelia was in her room, forcing herself to read and trying hard not to think of how Christopher would have reacted on seeing her letter.
Her mother and her friend were discussing in the living room. Emily had finally decided to tell her mother for Ophelia was too embarrassed to speak of it herself.
She was hoping they would have been done with it when the door instantly opened and Emily came in.
“What is it?” Ophelia asked. “Does mother want to speak with me?” she asked.
Emily shook her head. “No, but someone else is here,” she replied.
Ophelia felt her heart skipped a beat as she thought it was Christopher but then, Rebecca came in shortly.
“My lady,” said Ophelia, gathering herself up to crusty.
“Oh, please, Ophelia. Do sit,” she said. “What happened to you? You do not look too happy to see me. Have we offended you?”
Ophelia said nothing for a while. She could not bring herself to say it.
“Ophelia, you must tell me why you have declined to meet with my parents. My brother is deeply troubled and I would like to know the reason you have decided this. We are friends, you can tell me.”
Ophelia opened her lips to speak but words failed her so, Emily came to her aid.
“Lady Rebecca, I’m afraid, Ophelia does not wish to see your brother anymore.”
“Yes, I read that in the letter, Emily. What I do not understand is the reason behind her sudden change of mind.”
Emily sighed. “Your brother broke her heart.”
Rebecca looked from one girl to another. “No, he did not. He would have told me if something happened that night.”
“Well, I’m afraid even he does not know, my Lady. You must let Ophelia do her as she pleases.”
Rebecca walked to Ophelia and took her hands in hers. “Even if you do not wish to see him anymore, do you not wish to be my friend anymore as well? I was not the one who offended you. Besides, I still do not understand all these.”
Ophelia inhaled and then told her everything that happened. When she was done, Rebecca was quiet for a while.
“So you see, I cannot allow myself to be another victim,” stated Ophelia.
“But you are the only one that he wants to introduce to our parents. I assure you, he is serious about you,” Rebecca stated.
“I understand,” said Ophelia. “But just like a Leopard never loses its spots, your brother might not change from his corruptive nature and everyone will start pointing fingers at me. Please, my reputation is very important to me, no matter how little it is. I do not desire to marry a man who will be sleeping with women around.”
With this, Rebecca was quiet.
“I understand if you do not agr
ee with me,” continued Ophelia. “But this is my decision, I do not wish to continue with him and…”
“I support you,” said Rebecca all of a sudden.
Both Ophelia and her friend stared at her.
“You do?” asked Ophelia.
Rebecca nodded. “I know one or two things about unfaithfulness in marriage and believe me, it is a nightmare. I face it everyday in my marriage and I do not want you to experience the same.”
After this, she embraced Ophelia and then picked her leave.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher listened as his sister recounted all Ophelia said to him. He could not believe his ears.
“But I have changed,” he declared frantically. “I have changed, I swear!”
Rebecca shrugged. “How can she be so sure of that?”
“I will show her, I must tell her,” he said, standing up.
“Do not attempt to write any more letter to her, Christopher. I think it is rather too late for that.”
Christopher stared at his sister. “No. You cannot tell me to give up hope on the only woman I have ever truly loved.”
“You might have lost her for good,” said his sister. “I warned you several times not to indulge in those things you did and now, see what it costs you. I shall go home now.”
Christopher watched as his sister left. He could not believe that this would mean the end of everything with Ophelia. He loved her too much and he wasn’t willing to let her go just like that. Contrary to what his sister said, he went to get his writing materials, he could not give up without at least fighting for her.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Ophelia!”
Ophelia turned around as her mother opened the door of her room. She had been busy laying her bed before she heard her mother’s face.
“Pete is here,” announced her mother.
“Peter?” she asked. “Who is Peter?”
“Oh! How could you have forgotten Peter Angleton so soon?”
Ophelia immediately remembered the Angleton’s son, the one in the navy whom she had insulted the other day.
“You do not look really excited that he is here,” said her mother.
“Why should I be? I do not really like the man and the last time we met, it was not an amicable parting.”
“Well, surely, Peter does not dwell on such matters, come dear. I need to brush your hair.”
“My hair is just fine, please, mother,” retorted Ophelia before leaving the room, followed by her mother.
“Hello, once again, Peter,” she said as she saw him. There was nothing different about him. He was still as ugly as the last time she had seen him except for the new coat he was wearing, he looked the same. In his hands was a bouquet of freshly picked daisies.
“Hello, Ophelia, how do you fare?” he asked, handing her the flowers.
She collected it and put in the basket on the table. Then they both sat, on opposite couches.
“I must apologize for my rudeness the last time,” Ophelia started.
“No, I should be the one to apologize,” he insisted and while they were at it, a letter came for Ophelia. She immediately colored when she realized it was from Christopher.
“Do you wish to read that now?” asked Peter after a while. Then she realized she has been staring at the letter, contemplating on whether to read or to toss in the fire.
“I am so sorry,” she said. “Do you mind if we take a walk?”
Just as she had expected, the walk was as boring as the one they had the last time.
“You seem awfully quiet today,” he said after a while. “You have also been distracted since you got the letter, I hope all is well?”
Ophelia thought of something to say. “Well, my father got back yesterday from his numerous journeys and has been sick. I am just worried about him and I must go back inside to tend to him.”
Peter looked surprised. “You must have told me this. I am so sorry that you had to leave because of me. Please, I shall take my leave now while you tend to your father.”
Ophelia was happy hearing this, her plan had worked. Indeed, her father’s health has worsened and he had just got back the other day, however, she hadn’t expected Peter would leave that soon. She was relieved. When she finally got back into the house, her mother was waiting.
“Well, did he propose?” asked her mother.
Ophelia shook her head in surprise. She sometimes could not believe the things that come out of the woman’s mouth sometimes.
“I heard that a letter came for you, from the Cramptons?”
Ophelia nodded while taking a seat.
“Have you gone through it?” her mother asked.
“No.”
After this, her mother said nothing but left for her father’s room. Ophelia turned to look at the letter which was on the table, she thought of throwing it into the fire.
Chapter 24
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
For some time, Christopher has not gotten himself. He could not stop thinking about his past and how it has affected his chances with Ophelia.
So distraught was he that his mother had to intervene. “You do know that she is not the only woman in this world, son,” his mother said to him that morning. She had come to meet him in the room, where he lay in his bed, brooding about everything.”
“No, mother, you are wrong. She is the only woman in this world for me,” he replied.
“But now that she wants to have nothing to do with you, what do you plan to do about it?”
“I will do whatever it takes,” he replied. Then he stood up to sit comfortably on the bed. “Perhaps, if we host an event and inviter her family….”
“No. You are not hosting any other event in this house until I say so. What is wrong with you? Get a hold of yourself son! The business needs you, your family needs you. I do not want to come back here and still see you lying down like someone who is experiencing a great calamity. She has never been in your class, she did you a huge favor by turning you down. At the same time, you are belittling yourself with this whole thing.”
Christopher said nothing but watched as his mother left the room. It was a week since everything has happened but it felt as if it just happened the previous day.
He hasn’t also heard anything from Rebecca and Benjamin was yet to be back from where he travelled to. He didn’t know what else to do than to just lie in his bed and brood all over again.
He thought of paying her a visit, but he knew it would seem as if he is pushing her to forgive him. How else would he show her that he has truly changed? That all those times were unknown periods?
He sighed. His sister would not speak to him because as she had said, he had refused to listen to him during those times. Now, he has to clean up his mess by himself.
Yet, he didn’t know how to. His mother had said he needed to focus on better things and move on, he wanted to do that but he couldn’t.
He desperately wanted to prove to her that he had changed but how would he do that when she never gave him a chance?
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
The last few days have been Benjamin’s happiest days. Just like Luke has advised him, he needed to wait for about a week after the whole thing has happened before gaining his entrance into the lady’s heart.
“But, I hope she is not going to realize that I have been waiting for a moment with her? I do not want it to be too obvious,” he said to Luke.
“You just have to be more careful and carefree. You do not make it seem as if you know everything. Try to be her friend…”
“Friend?” asked Benjamin. “I do not have time for that. Do you know for how long I have been waiting?”
“Well, you do not have a choice. It’s either you get more careful or you ruin everything.”
Benjamin sighed. “ Well, I shall pay her a visit tomorrow, as a concer
ned friend,” he said proudly.
“And I shall be here, waiting to hear how it goes.”
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
It has been several days since she last received a letter from the Cramptons, a part of her was relived while the other part missed it and was hoping for more.
She was sitting in the garden talking with her mother. The physician had just left her father’s room. According to him, more rest would help him get better quickly.
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