“Miss Caroline, you sit,” commanded Louisa without the slightest hesitation. “You have a visitor. Take it easy, child.”
Caroline nodded as she held her hand out to Thomas. “Mr. Clark, how kind of you to visit. Your cousin has left for the afternoon.”
Mr. Clark took her hand, giving a slight bow. “So I hear, Miss Hopkins. How are you? You look much better than the last time I saw you.”
Caroline reddened at the mention of the house party. “I feel I must apologize, Mr. Clark. I should have taken more care. I hope I did not disturb you terribly or ruin your evening.”
Mr. Clark began to laugh. “Are you truly apologizing for hitting your head?”
Caroline began to relax. She smiled for the first time in days. “I suppose it is silly to apologize for such a thing. Though I confess, I am quite embarrassed about the whole situation.”
Mr. Clark nodded his head, and seated himself on a bench nearby. “I hope you are feeling better. What does the doctor say?”
“Oh, I am quite all right, nothing to be so concerned about. I think I should be more concerned about my behavior. Mama says I was talking nonsense the night it happened. What did I say, besides begging for my Papa like a little child?”
Mr. Clark leaned toward her, likely examining the colorful bruise that had spread across her forehead. His eyes fell upon the scab across her hairline. Caroline was pleased it had started to heal at least.
“Oh nothing horribly strange, but you did ask me to sing to you.”
“You cannot be serious?” Caroline asked in bewilderment.
He broke into an authentic laugh, his dimple becoming even more prominent. “No, I am only teasing. You did not say much that I could understand, actually. You had all of us concerned.”
Caroline sighed in relief.
They stared at one another in silence, until Caroline at last found the words, “Thank you, Mr. Clark, for assisting me that night. I know you sent for my mother and the doctor. I am indebted to you.”
“It was all that I could do.”
Caroline cleared her throat. “How is your work?”
Mr. Clark looked grateful for the change of subject. “I have kept busy this season. With the likes of you and your sister and Lord Searly as my patrons, the whole of London has sought my craftsmanship.”
Louisa had drifted to sleep on a nearby chair, and she erupted in a loud snort, interrupting the chatter.
Caroline and Mr. Clark broke into laughter. The effect of it sent a sharp pain to the top of her head. Caroline sunk to the chair, catching her head in her hands. Mr. Clark attempted to steady her.
“Your chaperone is quite effective,” he managed sarcastically through the laughter. “Perhaps this is my signal to leave you to your rest.”
“Perhaps you are right. Thank you, Mr. Clark for calling. I am grateful to you for your service to me. I—I feel silly when I think of what happened.”
He waved his hand dismissively, replying, “Please, Miss Hopkins, do not mention it again. If anything, I feel at fault for not preventing the accident. I was, after all, invading your section of the drapery.”
Caroline was laughing again, so much so that she lost her balance once more. Mr. Clark was at her side, grasping her hand within seconds. Her laughter stopped as she felt the tingling sensation rise up her arm.
He was watching her. “I must go. You are not well. May I assist you to your room?”
She smiled at the offer but did not want him to think any worse of her. “That is thoughtful, Mr. Clark, but I do not wish to involve you in such scandal.”
Mr. Clark bent low. “I am afraid I do not catch your meaning. You are unwell. It is nothing to help you to your room.”
Caroline was not well. She did long to lie down.
“Very well then, but let us be quick about it.” She wobbled as she attempted to stand on her own. He lent his arm to her, which she all but clung to. He patiently assisted her up the stairs, making it a point to only offer more support when she required it. After she had found her footing at the doorway of her bedchamber, Mr. Clark dropped his arm.
“Will you be all right from here?” he asked.
She nodded drearily. He stood at the doorway, watching as she made her way to the bed. “Take care, Miss Hopkins.”
With that, he was gone, and Caroline was left alone to contemplate the man.
A
CHAPTER 18
Lord Searly had spent the last week in anticipation followed by disappointment. He had called on Caroline shortly after their ride in the park, only to find she was not at home. On further inquiry, he discovered she had fallen during a childish parlor game and sustained a concussion. The fact that she was recovering at the Jasper residence made matters even more frustrating. He did not know these Jaspers, and the idea of parading in, without being invited, left him feeling like a fool. He hoped she would send him word, but after a week, he had heard nothing. At last, he sat at his credenza and inked a short note, sending it along with a small bunch of flowers, as was his way.
Dearest Caroline,
I pray you are making a full recovery and that I may call upon you next Tuesday. I have missed your reproaches.
Yours,
Jonathon
Caroline read the card twice, tossing it to the side of the flowers like she had done the last time he had sent such a card. It was nearing spring, but the late February temperatures were still cold. She did not know where Lord Searly had found such a bouquet at this time of year.
“Caroline, they’re lovely. How thoughtful of him.” Lucy scanned the bouquet, resting her hand on a large pink blossom.
“Yes, the flowers are lovely,” replied Caroline, but she was not looking at them. Instead, she searched her sister’s face. “Lucy, I hope you have not been unhappy visiting me here. I know how Charles scarcely allows you a visit without harassing you with his awful talk. I am sorry.”
Lucy’s attention to the flowers faded as she seated herself by Caroline. “It is not ideal, but my daily visits are worth it to see you. Charles will always be Charles, I suppose. Besides, Dr. Rose is optimistic you will be well enough to return home in another few days.” Lucy fiddled with Caroline’s hair as only a sister might do, twisting the frays up into the mess on top of Caroline’s head. It was not until Caroline began to inadvertently yawn that Lucy decided to return home, commanding Caroline to rest and stay down.
A
Lucy descended the staircase in haste, hoping to avoid Charles, for Charles had made it a habit in the last week to await Lucy’s descent each day. He never had much to say, but he seemed to have a way of postponing Lucy’s departure in the most aggravating of ways. First it had been a stanza of poetry that he demanded her intellect to decipher, another day he called her to the parlor to assist his mother in a card game, and on Lucy’s last visit, he had asked her for her opinion about the weather. She had replied quickly that it looked like rain, which sent Charles in an awkward state of offering for Lucy to stay for dinner and wait out the storm.
It was too much for her, and she feared his growing interest would only amount to one thing, a proposal. Charles Jasper had always treated Lucy in a particular manner, even as a child. He had once walked all the way to Whitefield Hall to ask her what her favorite flower was. She was only seven then, Charles almost seventeen.
The Hopkins family had always felt it their duty to treat their neighbors with the greatest regard, no matter how taxing they might be. And so it was no surprise that Lady Hopkins demanded Lucy and Caroline always graciously accept Charles’s invitations to dance or to attend a party. However, Lucy had grown concerned that all of the congeniality she had been brought up to exhibit to a man such as Charles Jasper might be confused for something more substantial.
Lucy skirted past the parlor door, stopping only to fasten her cloak and bonnet.
“Lucy, I had not heard you were in. What a fortuitous moment.”
Lucy turned, squinting her eyes in an unconscious irr
itated fashion. “Mr. Jasper, I had no intention of disturbing you or your mother. Caroline is doing much better. Please send my regards to your mother.” She shifted her weight toward the door, but was surprised when Charles lunged forward, leaning across the opening in anticipation.
“Lucy, I must speak privately with you. Will you join me in the parlor?” His eyes were pleading, and Lucy felt the urgency in his voice. She searched her mind for some excuse, any excuse, but could not find a realistic or honest reason why she should not stay.
“Of course. Though I warn you, I must not be long. My mother is awaiting my return.”
Charles held his arm to her, and she drudgingly took it, feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of her. He led Lucy to a small nook by the front window. She seated herself, and he stood before her.
“We have known each other for some time, have we not?”
Lucy cleared her throat. “We have. I have always considered you a neighbor and a friend of our family.”
He nodded, missing the emphasis Lucy had placed on the word friend. “And am I correct in assuming I may confide in you?” Saliva gathered at the corner of his mouth, and as he licked his lips, he patted down a small patch of recently sprung hair on his balding head. Lucy turned away, fearing her disgust might reveal itself upon her face.
“You may always confide in me, Mr. Jasper, though I warn that I may not prove helpful to you.” She held her hands tightly together, attempting to dismiss the tension she felt.
“I find I am confounded with what action I must take. It is a delicate situation, and as such, I find I must have a delicate woman’s opinion of the matter.” Charles was now hunched over her, perspiration forming near his temples.
Lucy stared back blankly as she tried to form a sentence in response, but when she failed; she simply nodded, urging him forward.
“There is a young lady, of whom I have known for quite some time, that I have always been expected to marry.”
“And may I ask who has expected this match?”
“My mother and I have not always anticipated the union, but it has been the expressed wish of the lady and her mother. And, as I have considered the union, I find it pleases me above all else.”
Lucy felt her heart slow to a normal pace. She smiled at last. “What is your obstacle, Mr. Jasper? If it is the desired outcome of both parties, I do not see your need of help from me. You must proceed as you see fit.” She attempted to stand, but Charles was there, his sweaty palm pressed against her cheek.
A sudden surge of nausea encompassed Lucy.
Charles leaned in close, spitting as he whispered in her ear, “I have awaited this day in anticipation since the moment you danced with me at Whitefield Hall two years ago.”
The action could not have taken Lucy more off guard, and she removed his palm with great force. “Mr. Jasper! Surely you have not been referring to me as the woman of your desires?” She looked at his face, attempting to swallow her nerves along with his repulsive behavior.
“Lucy, you must not play the modesty card with me. I have known your mother and you have wished this marriage for some time. I myself heard your own mother urge you to dance a reel with me that night. Your compliance and the regard you have shown to me ever after have convinced me of your affection. And who could blame you? I find we are well suited, and I am determined to make it so.”
Lucy shook her head in disbelief. She felt her head burn hot as she attempted to reply calmly. “Mr. Jasper, you have been mistaken. It pains me that you have been misled. If my mother had urged me to dance with you, it was only as a neighborly gesture. As for myself, I have never desired anything more than to be your friend. I pray you will forgive me, but I must leave.”
Charles stood, his jaw dropped in agony, as if he had just been punched. His crooked front teeth protruded as he hissed, “You cannot be serious.”
“I am most serious, especially when I say it pains me to offend you.”
Charles began pacing clumsily, his arms flailing up and down. “And is this sudden change of heart due to one of your new London acquaintances, hmm? Mr. Jenkins, perhaps? I should have thought you above the fickleness of the ton, Lucy Hopkins!” He was yelling now.
Lucy closed her eyes, and breathing deeply she all but whispered, “Mr. Jasper, I have never held affection for you. London has not changed me on that account. I have simply only ever considered you a neighbor and friend. Please, I must return to my mother.”
Charles had gone redder in the face, and his eyes were beginning to bulge. His surprise at once turned darker, and he straightened his coat. “You will not get away that easy. I will have you for my wife, even if—” He pulled her into an embrace, placing a slobbery kiss to her neck.
Lucy screamed, slapping Charles across the face. He stood stunned, while Lucy hurried to the door.
“Mr. Jasper, I regret the civility I so attempted to show to you. You disgust me, and I shall never be your wife.” She slammed the parlor door and left the home as quickly as her legs would take her.
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At the sound of the door and shattering porcelain, Mrs. Jasper ran to the parlor, only to find Charles in a sobbing heap above a broken teapot.
“What on earth has happened, my darling boy?” She knelt beside him, placing her hands on his shoulders.
Without looking toward her, Charles hissed, “She has refused me.”
Mrs. Jasper let out a curdling laugh. She nodded unabashedly, “Oh, Charles. There is more than one way to make the girl marry you.”
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CHAPTER 19
The last days of Caroline’s stay at the Jaspers’ home was especially tiresome. She felt recovered, despite the dull pain that appeared upon moving too quickly. Lucy had not visited the last three days, and by the tone of the short letter she had received two days ago, Caroline suspected something had gone awry between Charles and Lucy. Caroline’s suspicions were only confirmed when she observed a sharp change in Mrs. Jasper’s behavior. The aging woman did not say but a few words to Caroline at a time, as if Caroline offended her or as if Mrs. Jasper had suddenly found Caroline beneath her and Charles’s company. Caroline did not mind the slight, for solitude was preferable to the gossip of Mrs. Jasper and the unintelligible ramblings of Charles.
Georgiana, however, did visit with Caroline on two separate days for the whole of the afternoon. Caroline enjoyed spending time with Georgiana. Georgiana had only been sent to school four years ago by the generous and adoring Mrs. Jasper, and there was much of Georgina’s manners that schooling had not changed. She was at times outrageous, though she was unaware of her inappropriate ramblings.
Georgiana spoke of her home, her father and brother who leased land from a larger estate to farm. She had grown up working alongside her brothers and sisters at harvest time. When Mrs. Jasper had offered to pay for her to attend a prestigious school, Mr. and Mrs. Lenore were only too grateful to send their daughter in hopes of giving her a brighter future. Georgiana had since become an accomplished painter, and she seemed to radiate contagious enthusiasm.
Caroline found herself laughing alongside Georgiana, gasping at her silly ideas and sympathizing with her anxieties about the future. But, it was Georgiana’s talk of her cousin Mr. Clark that captured Caroline’s attention the most. Georgiana spoke of him with such affection, such pride. Caroline giggled at the amusing stories Georgiana told of his youth.
It was with great relief that Caroline watched Louisa finish packing her trunk. For the first time in what felt like weeks, Caroline had taken care in dressing. Louisa had fixed her hair into a charming arrangement. The bruising had faded almost entirely and the scab on her forehead had now healed. And so it was, when Caroline’s carriage had arrived, she watched with anticipation as the footman loaded her trunk. She offered her thanks to the Jaspers, kissed Georgiana on the cheek, and happily stepped into the carriage.
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“I do not know how you bore it.” Outrage filled Caroline’s heart. She attempte
d to relax her clenched jaw, but the thought of Charles Jasper assaulting her sister prevented it.
Lucy neatly folded the embroidery, discarding it in her lap. “It has weighed me down. I have never held high regard for Charles, but I never had thought him capable of attempting such ungentlemanly behavior. He was so angry at my refusal.” Lucy shook her head violently.
“I cannot bear the man. You should have called for help, Lucy.”
Lucy remained silent, small tears pooling in her hazel eyes. Caroline rushed to her side, offering a warm embrace.
Lucy nearly choked as she explained, “I cannot help feeling that this is far from over. He threatened as much—”
She was interrupted by a forceful shake of her shoulders as Caroline’s eyes filled with determination and concern. “You will not ever speak to that man again. Do not let him occupy your thoughts, for he deserves none of it.”
With that, Lucy fell back into Caroline’s arms, sobbing heartily.
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CHAPTER 20
Mr. Clark stood, fidgeting with the bundle in his hands, as Caroline entered the parlor. Her eyes lit up when she saw the package.
“I hear you have something for me, Mr. Clark,” she said excitedly.
“Miss Hopkins, I had finished your boots some time ago, before the party at the Jaspers’, but with your recent … I thought it best to wait until you were wholly recovered to call on you with such a trifle. I have also brought your slippers.” He held his arm to her, and she took it willingly. After seating himself beside her, he handed her the package. Caroline pulled back the paper scraps to see the boots. She held one out, examining its craftsmanship. The boot was made of smooth leather, stained to a dark mahogany shade. The side of the boot had embellishments within the leather, and Caroline traced her finger along the pattern.
“They are beautiful. Are you sure they are for everyday wear?”
“I’m not sure what else you would use them for.” He smiled, taking the other boot from the box. “Shall we try them on? I suppose the fit is more important than the fashion?” He knelt in front of her, and quietly removed the slipper from her foot.
The Second Season (Regency Romance) Page 10
