She did not want to think about Lord Searly today. Last night had been enough thinking of him to last a while. Caroline read the letter carelessly, tossing it to the side when she finished. The flower lay, untouched and unappreciated, beside her left hand. She refused to admire it, to smell it while pondering the arrogant man. She would wait to reply to his letter. Perhaps a day or two of waiting would do the duke some good. Furthermore, she still felt tired from the festivities. Her feet ached from the exercise.
Her left foot had a large blister from her new slippers. The emerald green slippers were by far the most elegant ones she had ever owned. Small pearl beads had been stitched into the rim of the slipper, with a pale ivory lace ruffle near the top. Caroline had never owned a finer set. She determined it was the rigorous dancing that was responsible for the large infected pinch, though she shook her head in dismissal of Mr. Clark’s prestigious skills as a cordwainer. She would have to tell him one day.
The morning turned to afternoon before she knew it, but Caroline remained in her room all day. She had claimed a headache when Louisa informed her Mr. Jenkins had come to call on her and Lucy, and she had pretended to be sleeping when Louisa brought tea and biscuits. Lady Hopkins must have been impatient to see her, for she had knocked on her door three times. Caroline had feigned a snore on one occasion, hoping to avoid her mother’s talk of the ball, and more specifically, Caroline’s time with the duke.
When Caroline peered out the window and saw Lady Hopkins step into the carriage, she exhaled loudly in relief. Caroline could finally roam the house freely. Yet, instead of running to the kitchens for food, she called for Louisa to help her dress in her riding attire. She felt the insatiable need to leave the house. Only riding could cure this state of mind.
The ride in the park could not compare to Caroline’s rides in the country. Even riding in the park was a social affair. Caroline could scarcely ride two minutes at a time without meeting an acquaintance from the ball or concerts. It was not until Caroline began to trot and venture off the path that she felt the crisp winter breeze on her face and began to feel at ease. Her thoughts turned to Whitefield Hall. She missed her little brother. She missed teasing him. Caroline hoped John was enjoying his time away at school, but even more so, Caroline wished John could be there to ride with her now.
Upon spying a fallen tree in the near distance and without a warning to her groom, Caroline took off in a sprint to clear the tree. The jump was executed well, and she stopped to catch her breath. She found herself laughing aloud at the exercise, as well as at the worried look on her groom George’s face. He was an anxious old man, and his surprise at her actions always left Caroline amused.
She turned away from him, finally finding her steadiness had returned. To her surprise, she found she was not alone. There, in the shade of a nearby tree, sat Mr. Clark eating a small picnic while reading a book.
George was shouting to her anxiously. “Miss Caroline, you must wait!”
She turned and smiled broadly, alleviating the poor man’s anxiety. She then approached Mr. Clark, but he did not seem to recognize her, or, at least he did not acknowledge her. He continued to read his book.
“How do you do, Mr. Clark? It is a bit chilly for a picnic in the park.” Caroline was now walking, leading her horse by the reins.
Mr. Clark looked up from his book. His dark eyes were now squinting; his eyelashes casting a shadow on his cheek. He awkwardly rose to his feet, straightening his hair as he did so. “Miss Hopkins, you have discovered my secret retreat. It is a beautiful day, and I was only reading before I returned to my work.”
“It is a pretty day, if you’d like to catch a chill. I see you like to read. Anything in particular?”
Mr. Clark paced a few steps, surveying Caroline. He did not answer her question. He simply flashed the cover of the book at Caroline instead. It was the Bible. Caroline nodded in embarrassment. She had caught Mr. Clark in a moment of solitude and reflection. She began to turn away, but Mr. Clark must have sensed her embarrassment.
“I saw you clear the jump. Do you ride often?”
“Yes, of course. At home in Chelmsford, I ride every morning. I find it great exercise.”
“You do not find the ladies’ mount too tiring?”
Caroline laughed. “Well, yes, it would be more comfortable to ride like a man.”
Mr. Clark almost smiled. His lip twitched as he changed the subject. “Are you pleased with your slippers, Miss Hopkins?”
Caroline let out a small laugh as she considered her sizeable blister. “Ah, now I do have a word or two for you, Mr. Clark.” She grinned as she gestured to her foot. “I am afraid my left heel has quite the blister.”
This time, Mr. Clark smiled. “I am a cordwainer, not a magician. Even the best shoes will raise a blister until broken in.”
“So I thought you would say, but are you not renowned for your innovation as a cordwainer? Can you not reach higher than to create shoes as instruments of torture for young ladies dancing at balls?”
Mr. Clark smiled, the small dimple to the right of his mouth rising. Caroline had not understood just how handsome the man truly was until now. “Of course I could do better, but I did not expect you to be dancing the whole of the ball.”
Caroline was taken back by the jest. She found her composure swiftly, and patted her horse tenderly. “Did you not? I see. Well, as Lord Searly’s particular guest, I found myself dancing the whole evening.”
“His particular guest? You must be honored, truly.” Mr. Clark’s face was twisted in a sarcastic expression.
Caroline laughed, shaking her head as she did so. It surprised her to hear him speak of the duke with such humor.
Mr. Clark joined her as she walked toward her groom. “I can take a look at your slippers if you bring them to the shop. Would that suit you?”
“That would be most serviceable, Mr. Clark. I do not know if I can endure this blister for one more ball.” Mr. Clark looked amused, but Caroline could not read beyond the expression. She mounted her horse and tipped her hat to him. “Good day to you, sir.”
He nodded as she trotted away.
A
Upon entering the house, Caroline was startled to find Lord Searly and Mr. Frandsen sitting with Lady Hopkins and Lucy.
Her mother must have heard Caroline’s footsteps, for Lady Hopkins rushed out of the drawing room entrance and called after her. “Caroline! You are home at last. I did not expect you to ride today after your dreadful headache this morning, but you have been gone for nearly two hours. Are you quite all right?”
Lord Searly had also risen to meet Caroline in the hall. With her face flushed from her exercise and the heat of the riding attire, Caroline felt the surprise might overwhelm her. Lord Searly had not waited a mere day for her reply.
“Miss Caroline, allow me to tell you how well you look.” The duke’s handsome face surveyed her own. Caroline curtsied but did not meet his gaze.
“Caroline, please, you must change directly and join us in the drawing room. I cannot stand to have you standing here in that dirty dress,” Lady Hopkins replied, gesturing for Lord Searly to return to the drawing room. As the pair of them turned their backs, Caroline heard her mother murmur, “Your Grace, you must excuse her. I fear the ball has left her not quite herself. Perhaps the dancing made her a bit dizzy.” Caroline heard Lord Searly’s polite laughter in response as she climbed the staircase.
Caroline felt her anger rising. Had he really attempted to kiss her? She trembled as she considered her own behavior on the terrace, the questions she had asked. But there was not time to consider her feelings any further. Louisa stood in the chamber, ready to assist Caroline out of her riding gear. Within a quarter of an hour, Louisa had managed to scrub Caroline’s face until it shined, pin the loose curls to the top of her head, and fasten the newly purchased afternoon gown. Caroline sat in silence, staring at her reflection. She did not know what she would say to Lord Searly. Not after last night.
&
nbsp; When Caroline entered the drawing room, the duke rose to his feet.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Caroline offered without the slightest hint of enjoyment.
“Miss Caroline, I called on you today in hopes you would recognize my sincere gratitude for your presence at my ball.”
Caroline tried to ignore her mother, who was winking at her encouragingly. “Yes, I see you are quite thoughtful. You must regard the evening as a success, then?” she asked, refusing to meet his eye. She seated herself on the window seat, out of her mother’s view. She could not stand for any more winking or eavesdropping.
Lord Searly winced at her reference to the ball. He made his way toward the window, his right hand shaking as he explained, “It was not without its—how shall I put this—difficulties, but I will call it a success for I enjoyed the best of company. I doubt I have had as equal a dance partner as you, Miss Caroline. You must cause quite the uproar in Essex.” He smiled warmly.
Lady Hopkins inched toward the couple. Apparently Caroline had not escaped her mother’s hearing. “You may depend upon that, Lord Searly. Caroline has always been much admired for her grace and delightful disposition. I would not be surprised if she had stolen many a heart in Chelmsford.” She cleared her throat, smiling. “I see you dance quite elegantly yourself. The pair of you dancing was a delight to witness! That’s the only way dancing should be done.”
Caroline shot a warning glance to her mother, which effectively sent Lady Hopkins to the other end of the room to Lucy and Mr. Frandsen.
Lord Searly watched Lady Hopkins’s movement as his voice became a hushed whisper. “Caroline, please speak to me.”
“Do not address me so. I cannot understand why you would continue to attempt at familiarity after your ungentlemanly behavior.” She whispered, but her voice threatened to rise.
“Forgive me, but it is not entirely my fault. You were much too charming. I fear the punch had stolen my inhibitions.” He now sat beside her, his hand stretched toward her.
“And would you have been so apologetic had I not fled your presence?” she replied, finally meeting his gaze.
At that, Lord Searly let out a nervous laugh. “Perhaps not. Still, I did not mean you any harm.”
Caroline blinked in disbelief. “Are you not aware of the damage you might have caused me?”
“It might have done your reputation some good, Caroline. I am not such a bad connection.”
Caroline dropped her hands to her side in frustration as she retorted angrily, “And that is the only way you suppose to have done me damage? Have you not considered my feelings, my modesty?”
Lord Searly’s expression softened. “I have considered only my own feelings. Would you wish me away because of a moment of weakness? It was not as scandalous as you suppose.”
Caroline sighed, considering Lord Searly’s words. Perhaps she had been overly judgmental. She swallowed hard, deciding whether or not to forgive him. “And you would not wish to be pushed away with such behavior as mine has been? I am sorry. I do not mean to be resentful. I suppose I may have even encouraged your outrageous behavior with my own openness and questions. You must forgive me.”
“Caroline, I will not listen to you speak so. The fault was mine entirely. I suppose I wished to lead you astray. Come, let us be friends once more.” His sincerity could not be mistaken.
Caroline tilted her head, hesitantly smiling as she assessed him. “I suppose we shall be friends if you will stop sending me notes and flowers.”
Lord Searly clapped his hands against his thighs and released a deep laugh. “I shall at last be able to sleep tonight!”
His absurdity left her laughing once again. “I do not think I shall ever understand you. You are quite ridiculous!”
Lord Searly nodded in agreement. “Yes, I suppose I am, but I am thankful you will not hold it against me any longer.” He stood from the window seat, smiling broadly, and turned toward his cousin. “Come, David, our work here is done. We must be off and allow these ladies some peace and quiet.”
A
CHAPTER 9
Twenty-Five Years Earlier
Phillip sat beside his mother as she patted him approvingly on the shoulder.
“You shall do nicely. I could not have asked for a better match. Miss Davenport is just the prize your uncle and I have been hoping for.”
Phillip sat uneasily, refusing to meet her penetrating gaze.
She continued to press him. “And why, may I ask, are you so prickly this evening? The affair is already settled, is it not? I thought you approved of the lady.”
To this, Phillip pulled away from her, dropping his face to his hands.
“Phillip, stop this ridiculous charade. You should be celebrating your engagement, my boy! It is not every day these things work out so nicely,” she explained, crinkling her nose. Her crooked teeth looked exaggerated, and for a moment, Phillip thought she resembled the monster he was beginning to think she was.
His voice cracked as he desperately explained, “It isn’t right, you know! The poor girl has no idea what she is marrying into.”
Mrs. Hopkins twisted her face in a mocking smile. “Of course she does, Phillip—she is marrying into title and reputation.”
“But she does not know the situation of the estate,” he said despairingly. “My uncle, he has ruined us. She will see the reason for our match. She will never forgive me.”
Mrs. Hopkins only smiled at this, smoothing his coat along the lapel. She gave a slight hiss as she spoke, “Ah, so that is it, is it? You are in love with the girl! My poor Phillip, what better reason than love is there to marry?”
A
CHAPTER 10
Twenty-Five Years Later
Lord Hopkins surveyed his wife nervously. He had just questioned her plans for Caroline. Lady Hopkins dismissed his questions and continued to spread jam across her toast.
“Eleanor, you would subject your daughter to a lifetime with Lord Searly merely for the title of Duchess?” He was pleading more than he was asking.
Lady Hopkins exhaled loudly. “I am not suggesting anything of the sort, Phillip. God knows I would never wish my child unhappy. I truly feel they are well suited to one another, and when their infatuation wanes—which is always the case, mind you—she will be better situated than we could have ever hoped for.”
Lord Hopkins was silent for a moment, shocked at the words he was hearing. Lady Hopkins sipped her tea, either oblivious to or uncaring of the pain she was causing him.
“Why are you so insistent?” he asked.
Lady Hopkins rolled her eyes and took a bite of her toast.
Lord Hopkins felt his blood begin to boil. He threw the newspaper on the table, while knocking his knuckle against its surface. “How can you be so unfeeling?”
His display seemed to awaken Lady Hopkins from her disaffected mood. Tears filled her eyes. She stood quickly, brushing her skirt with her hands as she walked. Just as she passed the frame of the door, she turned around and spouted, “I suppose you think me as evil as your mother, Phillip. However, I would never dream of selling my daughter for a title the way your mother so carelessly sold you in return for my fortune.” She left in haste, ignoring Lord Hopkins’s protests and pleas.
A
Caroline found she had checked her reflection an astounding six times that morning. She had borrowed a yellow afternoon dress from Lucy. The white lace across the bodice was delicate and complimented her complexion. Caroline abhorred vanity, but there she sat, peering into the mirror again while she pulled the lace gloves over her fingertips. She began to pinch her cheeks once more, when she let out a frustrated growl and tossed the small mirror aside. Lucy entered the room just as Caroline was leaving.
“Goodness, Caroline. You look absolutely radiant.” Lucy’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. “And just where are you off to?”
“I thought I’d go to town this afternoon. After my chance meeting with Mr. Clark in the park, I thought I might take my sli
ppers to be adjusted,” Caroline explained.
“Ah, yes, your blister. Of course you should have the slippers fixed,” Lucy said, nodding. Then, before Caroline could say another word, Lucy grabbed her sister’s arm. “You must let me accompany you, for I too was hoping to go to town this very day.”
A
The bell on the shop door rang, startling the clerk. Caroline watched as the man laid the book down on the desk in front of him, met her near the door, and offered dryly, “Miss Hopkins.”
Caroline presented her ball slippers and smiled warmly. “I have brought my slippers for Mr. Clark. He is to adjust them.” She attempted to peer around the curtain.
The clerk straightened his glasses. “He is with a customer at the moment. You may wait if you like, or I can schedule a private appointment, at your home perhaps?”
“No, that will not be necessary,” she replied, clutching the bundle as she seated herself. “I shall be glad to wait.”
The clerk returned behind the curtain, and Caroline waited in silence.
Within ten minutes, the clerk emerged again from behind the booth, followed by a beautiful young lady. She was dressed prettily, albeit in country attire, and her golden curls bounced as she laughed. She could not have been older than eighteen, and Caroline felt her stomach churn as the girl giggled profusely as she addressed Mr. Clark informally.
“Oh, Tom! You must not tease me! I am sure my cousin means nothing but kindness.” She startled upon seeing Caroline, seemingly aware of Caroline’s intense scrutiny.
Mr. Clark followed the girl, laughing as he walked. He placed his hand on her back, leading her toward the door, but upon seeing Caroline, he pulled his arm back to his side and stiffly said, “Miss Lenore, the boots will be finished within the week.”
“Thank you. As always, Tom, good day.”
Mr. Clark watched her leave and then turned to Caroline. The ease about him was now lost. He offered a small bow to Caroline, and upon seeing the slippers in her hand, shook his head knowingly. “Miss Hopkins, I see you have come for your fitting. If you will follow me.” He motioned toward the back booth, holding the velvet curtain open as she entered the small room.
The Second Season (Regency Romance) Page 6
