The four-course meal was more excellent than anything Caroline was accustomed to at Whitefield Hall, and by the time the desert biscuits arrived, Caroline felt the seams of her stay threaten mishap. The dinner was lit by candlelight and the meal was nothing short of divine, but the conversation had moved along at a painfully slow pace. Lady Searly had directed most of the discussions. The old duchess had spoken only a few words to Caroline during dinner, spending most of her time accosting Lord Hopkins with inquiries into his ancestry and estate in Essex. Lord Hopkins had openly responded to all of her questions, only pausing to suppress a smile when Lady Searly asked about his family’s history of infectious diseases and birth abnormalities.
It was made clear to the entire Hopkins family that Lady Searly did not consider this a friendly dinner party, but rather a test of pedigree.
Lord Searly, seated next to Caroline, was unusually quiet. He only spoke in an effort to redirect the conversations to more lighthearted topics, an effort not unnoticed by the duchess. She consequently ignored his attempts and continued in her uncomfortable talk.
At last when dinner had ended, Lord Searly assisted Caroline out of her chair. “I am afraid my mother is resolved to find out every detail of your ancestral line.”
Caroline glanced at him curiously when he spoke, unaware that he still held her hand. “I suppose gossip and pedigree could be interesting if one had a reason for knowing it. Does she have a reason, Lord Searly?”
The duke only grinned.
It was when the ladies were excused to the sitting room, that Lady Searly seated herself beside Caroline. The duchess smiled elegantly, if not a bit condescendingly, and began conversing with Caroline. “Jonathon speaks very highly of you. Are you accomplished?”
Caroline smiled politely, albeit secretly bothered by the duchess’s effort at conversation. “I am afraid I am not as accomplished as you would wish. I play the piano and sing in the confines of my own home exclusively. I neither sketch nor paint, and I am by no means bookish.”
Lady Searly crinkled her nose at this. She held an elaborately painted fan in her hand and had begun wafting it gently. The old woman leaned forward. “Is there nothing you are good at?”
Caroline’s eyes widened in surprise and found she could not swallow the uncomfortable laughter that escaped her lips. “I am a gifted horsewoman, and my mother also tells me I am gifted with a needle and thread.”
Lady Searly licked her dry lips. “So you ride and embroider? That is what you offer my son and his title?”
The impertinence of the woman rendered Caroline speechless. She had known Lord Searly to be blunt and forward, but Caroline had never imagined as much from the duchess. Caroline furrowed her brow. “Lady Searly, I am afraid you are mistaken. I do not offer your son anything.”
The duchess was now staring at Caroline with what Caroline could only guess was contempt.
“He has never asked as much, and I can assure you I have not considered the matter, for we only met four weeks ago.”
Lady Searly rolled her eyes and furthered her uncomfortable speech. “With spirit like that, I can almost assure you my Jonathon will develop some sort of feeling for you. It is only unfortunate that you are not highly accomplished. The true importance lies in the example you set for your children.”
Caroline felt as if the heat of the room might overcome her. Never had Caroline been confronted so forcefully, and by someone she had just met. She feared that responding to the duchess might cause offense. So, a simple nod and polite smile was all she offered.
It was a comfort to Caroline that the gentlemen arrived quickly, filling the room with chatter and laughter. Lord Searly challenged Lord Hopkins to a game of chess, and Mr. Frandsen began a lengthy conversation with Lucy and Lady Hopkins. The old duchess, to Caroline’s relief and surprise, claimed a headache and retired early, leaving Caroline content to roam. She spent some time perusing the books on the table, most of which held little interest. She then paced the room, examining the gold-trimmed furnishings and intricate antiquities.
It was near the end of the evening when Lord Searly approached her. “Your father has wounded my pride. I have not been defeated in that game for nearly two years.”
“Papa has always been a formidable opponent.” She smiled, staring into Lord Searly’s brown eyes, noticing they lacked their usual gleam. “Are you feeling all right?”
Lord Searly relaxed his shoulders and attempted a flirtatious smile. “How could I be anything but happy while in your presence, Caroline?”
Caroline glanced around the room, certain he had been overheard, but the rest of the party was distracted with the games and lively chatter. “Lord Searly—”
“Jonathon,” he corrected her.
“Is nothing the matter? You seem preoccupied?”
The duke shifted his weight again, silent for a moment. “Indeed I am preoccupied. Has my mother been awfully brash? I cannot doubt it, for she always is. Something about her rank seems to give her the idea that she can say whatever she wishes to whomever she wishes.”
It seemed to Caroline that both the son and mother subscribed to the idea. Caroline attempted to ease his mind as she shook her head, but Lord Searly’s piercing gaze broke her composure. She began to laugh.
Lord Searly shook his head knowingly. “I probably warned her five times not to speak to you. I told her it would ruin my chances.”
Caroline ignored this, examining the portrait over the fireplace. “That portrait must be of your father. Is it not?”
“Lord William Jonathon Searly,” he said formally, gesturing toward the painting. “It is a good likeness of him. The artist caught his exact expression.” The duke’s countenance fell, and he continued in hush tones. “He has been gone for seven years now.”
“You must miss him.”
“I am required as a son and gentleman to agree with you, though I cannot lie to you, Caroline. He was not an affectionate father, and I doubt he spoke more than two words to me, except to criticize or dictate.”
Caroline continued to stare at the portrait and found herself critiquing the man. “He does not look like a man that is easy to approach, but he does have an air of elegance. He was a handsome man. You share his likeness, but I think you do not share his stiffness.”
When she turned to Lord Searly, he was intently studying her. “I would hope you would not find me stiff. Pray, tell me, how do you find me?”
The blush on Caroline’s face would not seem to fade as she searched her mind for an appropriate response. “I have not come to a conclusion of your character yet. At times, you have proven a shameless flirt and a hopeless tease without a trace of propriety, but I am sure there must be more to you than that.” She bit the edge of her lip as she pondered a moment more.
After a moment of silence, Lord Searly erupted in laughter. “You must not think too hard about it. You have described me better than my own mother would.”
Caroline swallowed. She knew at least one thing about Lord Searly. He was incapable of being serious.
The duke must have sensed Caroline’s thoughts, for when the Hopkins family departed, he caught Caroline’s hand as she was about to step in the carriage and whispered tenderly, “I am most serious in my attentions to you, Caroline.”
She steadied herself, feverishly climbing into the carriage.
A
CHAPTER 14
Thomas set the boot down, refusing to acknowledge his cousin’s request.
“Tom, please! You must come. If I am to endure my aunt and cousin, I must have you there,” Georgiana pled as she grasped his arm.
“Georgiana, I cannot see how my presence would help,” Thomas picked up the boot again and began shaping the leather with his strong hands.
“But your acquaintance, Tom, is sought after. Your reputation precedes you wherever you go. There is no one that is above your notice. Even my aunt adores you. Think what a distraction and relief you will be to her and to me.” Georgiana began to p
out, sticking out her bottom lip.
“I do not like being valued because of my skill.”
Georgiana laughed aloud. “I do not value you for your skill, cousin. I value you for your directness and dancing!”
Thomas sighed, knowing Georgiana always got her way. “I will be there, Georgiana,” he replied, and while trying to hush her squeals, added, “Now go, so I can work in peace!”
Georgiana gathered her belongings, almost skipping out the door. She turned, exclaiming, “I shall not complain again of my brothers being so far away, for I have the dearest cousin to take their place!”
A
Caroline was sitting in her favorite garden at Whitefield Hall, the sun shining bright and the birds singing softly, when—
Louisa’s hurried movements in the chamber startled Caroline, the dream vanishing instantly. Caroline shot up, scratched her head, and tried to remember the pleasant scene. Louisa carried with her a handful of clothes and placed them at the foot of the bed.
“Miss Caroline, I am sorry to wake you, but it is nearly noon. You must dress. You have company coming within the hour—Mr. Jasper and his mother.” She smiled mockingly, then left in a hurry from the room.
Caroline slipped back under the covers. Surely this is a bad dream, she mused.
However, it was not long until Louisa returned with a small tray of tea. The maid began sorting through Caroline’s dresses and plucked a white frock from the closet, staring at Caroline and tapping her foot.
“Must you be so impatient? I have just awoken, Louisa!” Caroline cried.
To this, Louisa began to chuckle in a deep, heaving manner. In a scornful tone she said, “Yes, I suppose you have just awoken, while I have been up a good six hours.”
Caroline sat up, glaring across the room at her maid.
“Yes, you can look at me all you want, young lady, but I am not leaving till you are good and ready for company.”
Caroline finally sighed loudly and pulled herself out of bed. She allowed Louisa to poke and pry at her until, at last, the maid smiled in pride and patted Caroline’s back.
“Now, have a bit to eat before your company arrives.”
Caroline shook her head. She had lost her appetite at the thought of seeing the Jaspers.
The maid said nothing, but she shook her head in, what Caroline could only assume, was disapproval. Louisa had worked for the Hopkins since Caroline was a young child. And though Louisa could not be more than forty years old, she looked much older. Her gray hairs now shone through the blonde, a fact Louisa attributed to Caroline, and the wrinkles around Louisa’s eyes filled Caroline with mystery. The maid did not talk much, but Caroline knew there was not much that escaped Louisa’s watch. Her hearty laugh, escaping only too often in the presence of Caroline, was a sound that Caroline found strangely comforting.
Caroline discovered Lucy in the drawing room. Lucy was situated in the corner of the room with her knees beneath her, reading a small book. Caroline crept behind her sister in silence and took a seat near her. Lucy was enthralled with her reading, troubling herself only to move when turning a page. At last, Lucy closed the book, exhaling deeply as she held the book to her heart.
“Was it that moving?”
Lucy jumped from her seat and stood, glaring at Caroline.
A small smile snuck across Lucy’s face. “It was, actually, and Caroline, if you insist on sneaking up on me, I shall have to find a more private place of reflection!”
Caroline smirked as she saw the book of poetry. “Oh dear, Lucy. I had not thought Lord Byron capable of such reflection.”
Lucy gave a swift glance at Caroline, pursing her lips. “I suppose that is because you lack the depth of understanding.”
Caroline smiled and nodded, though both knew Caroline’s studies far surpassed those of Lucy’s. Caroline came to Lucy’s side, holding her arms out in surrender. The two embraced and had just began to confide in one another when the clock struck one and Lady Hopkins entered the room followed by Mrs. Jasper, Charles, and Louisa, who was holding a tray of tea.
A
“Mrs. Jasper, may I inquire about your health?” Lady Hopkins asked cordially. “You look well. How do you find town this year?”
Mrs. Jasper fidgeted with the lace on her sleeve, while lifting her chin to the air. She tilted her head and twisted her petulant features into what some might consider a smile. “I find town has been pleasant enough. I daresay my niece has proven to be a favorable relation. Oh, how she dotes on me! Why, just the other day, she asked me to go to town with her to meet her famous cousin, Mr. Clark. Georgiana treated me with a tour of the shop, and I was permitted to see the man at work. It was most entertaining. I cannot begin to imagine a more remarkable young man,” Mrs. Jasper replied as she eyed Charles.
Caroline sat in silence, composing multiple replies and questions in her head for Mrs. Jasper. The woman had, as always, turned a simple question into a discourse on her precious niece, while also making everyone else in the room feel uncomfortable.
“I am sure Miss Lenore does you credit. I am sure she could not have a more gratified aunt.” Lady Hopkins said, smiling as she brought a cup of tea to her lips.
“Or a more gratified niece,” Lucy added.
Caroline nodded. As usual, Lady Hopkins and Lucy always knew the right thing to say.
Charles looked tense. His eyebrows seemed to furrow more with each word Lucy spoke. He was studying her with even more scrutiny and attention than usual.
Caroline finally cleared her throat. She smiled the best she could and inquired, “Have you found many diversions, Charles, since we last spoke?”
Charles dropped his gaze from Lucy immediately, turned toward Caroline, and strode along the room’s length with his chest extended in a horribly overstated manner. “I am not the type to carouse around the gaming scene, if that’s what you mean.” He attempted to sit in a gentlemanlike fashion, yet his bad posture was only exaggerated more. “I do have news, and perhaps an invitation, if Miss Lucy, that is, if you both would … find it acceptable?” His pitch rose as he spoke the last phrase. Saliva had gathered at the corners of his mouth as it always did, while his eyes fixed on Lucy.
Mrs. Jasper put her hand out, impeding him from continuing. “What Charles is attempting to convey, Miss Lucy and Miss Caroline, is that we would be honored by your presence at a small party next Thursday evening at seven o’clock. It will be a party of youngsters like yourself—a few games, lovely refreshments, the like … you cannot find it a disagreeable way to spend the evening, I daresay.” Her eyes narrowed in a threatening manner.
Caroline swallowed the lump that was now forming in her throat as Lucy smiled appropriately.
“But of course, Mrs. Jasper. They would be most delighted,” Lady Hopkins replied with a warmness Caroline could not even pretend to feel.
The sour expression on Mrs. Jasper softened as she relaxed her shoulders, winking at Charles candidly. For his part, Charles secured Lucy’s hand and bowed exaggeratedly. With no more than a few exchanges, the odd mother and son were gone, leaving Caroline and Lucy to discuss the unfortunate occurrence.
A
CHAPTER 15
Lord Searly sat tall in the saddle. It was a cool February morning, but a good day for riding nonetheless. The duke questioned Caroline about Whitefield Hall and her brother, John.
Caroline’s cheeks were colored from the wind beating against her face. She lifted a hand to her head to steady her riding hat as she attempted to answer the duke’s inquiries. She told him more than she had meant to, but with each answer she offered, he listened quietly, only asking another question in response. She told him of her home, the small brook at the corner of her family’s property, and the tall trees that she often climbed as a small girl. She indulged his curiosity. She spoke of John lovingly, disclosing how she missed him while he was away at school, how she and he liked to tease one another. Caroline had never seen Lord Searly so attentive. Only periodically did he chuc
kle to himself.
When they rounded the southwest corner of the park, Caroline saw the duke repeatedly eying George. “Is there a reason you watch my groom so intensely?”
He nodded as he quipped, “Caroline, you have me again! I don’t know how you do it.” He pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted.
Caroline stopped, confused, but followed suit.
“Shall we take a stroll?” He gently motioned to a small clearing by some trees.
After the groom had caught up to the pair, Lord Searly handed George the reins, while offering Caroline his arm. The couple strode along the frosted ground in silence, until finally Lord Searly spoke.
“It is a lovely day.” He turned toward her, a mischievous grin spread across his face. “Though I do confess, I do not think it would be quite so lovely without you.”
Caroline cast him a reproachful glance, but did not pull away. “I do not know why you must always ruin the moment with that shameless talk.”
He placed his hand on hers. “I find it amusing to tease you. The way you furrow your brows in disapproval is nothing short of adorable.”
Caroline shook her head. “You speak of me as if I was your pet.”
Lord Searly stopped, and with forceful sincerity he caught her gaze. Caroline’s eyes darted away, glancing around nervously. She had seen that look before. To her surprise, Lord Searly had led her to a private enclave. The groom was still in sight but not in a position to see them clearly.
“Caroline, I must speak frankly. You must see your power over me.”
Caroline attempted to pull her hand away as she felt anxiety sweep over her. “Power over you? I am not a sorceress.”
“Ah, but you are, my dear. You have bewitched me with your beauty, your stubbornness, and your passion. I cannot see a way out of this one.”
The Second Season (Regency Romance) Page 8
