"Pleased to meet you." Mr. Langley seemed to feel Madeleine's stare. He looked away from Caroline, seeing the now filthy pastry on the ground.
"Allow me to buy you a new one, and perhaps a coffee as well?" He gestured at the bakery she had just vacated, with a hopeful smile. Caroline wanted to scream, “Yes,” but Madeleine took a step closer to her, looking anxious.
I really ought to hurry back to the boutique. How strange it is that I wish that I could simply stand here, being in Mr. Langley's company, if only for a short while.
Before she managed to inform him that she must go back, he rummaged in his coat pocket. "Perhaps it would be better to arrange our rendezvous at another time," he said, handing her a small business card.
"Thank you again for your help. I am ever so grateful." Caroline accepted the card, placing it carefully in her reticule.
"I pray we will meet again." He bowed low before turning away from her and walked away. Caroline stood still, watching him leave, feeling inexplicably somber at the sight.
"My Lady..." Madeleine's voice was so high and nervous that she sounded like a bird.
"All right, let's hurry back." Caroline walked back toward the boutique, and once they had arrived, she thought for one horrible moment that the Dowager Duchess was no longer inside. Thankfully, she was still inside, trying on a new gown. Caroline was about to push open the door when Madeleine stopped her.
"Please, My Lady," Madeleine said, fetching a small brush from a pocket in her skirt. "Allow me." She began to brush off the dirt from Caroline's fall, which would no doubt have aroused questions from the Duchess.
"Thank you," Caroline said sincerely. They managed to slip back inside without anyone noticing. In the carriage ride back home, Caroline read the inscription on the card Mr. Langley had given her.
Jasper Langley - Langley Legal Practice
Jasper entered his office, his mind replaying his short moment with Lady Caroline. Suddenly, he couldn't remember why he had left the office in the first place. All he could think of were her eyes—as blue and deep as the ocean. He didn't hear Malcolm Holmes, his assistant, calling his name.
"Langley!" The young man had stood up and moved to Jasper's desk, looking bemused.
"I'm sorry, old chum." Jasper shook his head slightly, regaining his sense. "What were you saying?"
"I asked whether I should read over the Turner brief?" The young man looked hopefully at Jasper, his dark hair carefully trimmed and combed.
"Yes, that's a good idea, we can then discuss it once you're fully informed."
"Thank you," the younger man said, trying, without success, to hide his jubilation. Mr. Holmes had been working in Jasper's legal practice for a few months. He was still studying to become a solicitor but needed more experience.
It could be challenging to get ahead in the practice of law, without the right family and status, and Mr. Holmes, who was the youngest son of a poor cobbler, struggled to find someone who was willing to employ him. Jasper offered him an assistant position. The wages weren't high, but he was ready to assist Mr. Holmes whenever he could and was more than happy to let the solicitor-in-training try his strength with actual law cases.
Caroline sat at the pianoforte in the drawing room and played a sonata by Haydn. She knew this was one of the Dowager Duchess' favorite pieces. She needed to be on her best behavior since all afternoon Caroline kept gazing out the window, thinking about the handsome solicitor.
On more than one occasion, the Dowager Duchess reprimanded her for this. Caroline tried to soothe her aunt by telling her she could not stop thinking about how lovely her new gown was going to be, which seem to appease her aunt. She finished the tune and turned to her aunt.
"I ought to change for dinner." Caroline stood up and approached her aunt.
"Very well, dear." The Dowager Duchess was busy with her needlework, and she did not look up as her niece left the room. However, Caroline did not go straight to her room but made a stop at the library. Her aunt would not be pleased if she found out about this, but Caroline didn't care.
The door creaked slightly as it opened, but she knew it did not matter. Her father was still at court and would not return until later, and Caroline suspected her aunt might have fallen asleep in the warm drawing room.
The library was a magnificent place—shelves up to the ceiling, all filled with volume after volume of books on many subjects. Already, Caroline had read a great many of them. Since she had been a child, she had sought the comfort of this room. Caroline's mother had died when she was only five years old.
Her father had allowed her in here, and here their bond grew. Caroline remembered sitting in the brown leather armchair by the fire, with a book that was almost too big for her lap, asking every now and then the meaning of a word she had not yet encountered.
But lately, there had been few moments like that. In fact, Caroline couldn't remember when she last spent time with her father. The emphasis seemed to be entirely on preparing her for marriage. With age, the Earl had become stricter, and his views on Caroline's role in the world turned archaic. He felt that she should not have strong views or be well versed in politics.
Or at least she should not share her opinion.
It is not proper for a lady.
But Caroline couldn't stop herself. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable.
She strummed her fingers over the different titles until she found the one she was looking for. It was an advanced textbook about the law. A smile on her lips, and she quickly grabbed the book and hurried to her room. In a strange way, this felt like being near Mr. Langley again, holding his strong hand and inhaling his masculine scent. Her face felt warm, and a tingle shot down her core, a new but exciting sensation.
Jasper had read and re-read the same paragraph over a dozen times, but the text did not seem to sink in. This was very unlike him, and he needed to finish his preparation, as he would need to be in court in a few days. He dropped the brief on his oak desk and rubbed his eyes. Mr. Holmes had left to go to class, and Jasper was debating whether he should give up and head on home. Perhaps he ought to pop by his sister's. The distraction might help him.
Lady Selina Featherstone was his older and only sister. She lived not far from his office, with her husband and two children. She was the second wife of Lord Featherstone, a much older Baron that spent most of his time at one of the gentleman’s clubs or out riding. Selina was Jasper’s closest confidant and biggest supporter. Jasper had become estranged from his father at the age of eighteen. Their relationship had never been good, but a fateful day eight years ago, Jasper left his home and joined the military.
He had finally had enough of his father's resentment and cruelty, and he never looked back. His sister wrote to him, but Jasper never spoke to his father again. When he returned to London, his father had passed away, leaving Selina the entire Langley fortune. Penniless and resentful, Jasper had begun contemplating returning to the military, when Selina offered to fund his law studies.
I think seeing my dear sister is just what I need. Perhaps I can even get more information about the lovely Lady Caroline Beauchamp. Selina usually knows those sorts of things.
There was, indeed, something familiar about her name, but Jasper could not for the life of him remember where he had heard it before.
He had just put on his coat and hat when a knock sounded. He opened the door to see a young man, almost as tall as he was, wearing an ornate tailcoat with golden embroidery. His rigid posture could only mean one of two things: the military or a high-class servant. He suspected the latter.
"Afternoon, Mr. Langley."
"Afternoon," Jasper replied.
"The Lord Chief Justice, the Earl of Brighney, has requested your audience." The servant handed Jasper a neatly folded letter, which had an impressive coat of arms pressed into the red wax. Before he could respond, the man continued.
"A carriage will be sent to this address in an hour's time. Good day." At that, the man turned around and left as swift
ly as he had arrived.
"Same to you," Jasper muttered, closing the door.
Why on earth does the Lord Chief Justice wish to see me?
As the servant had informed him, a dark blue cabriolet arrived in front of his office an hour later. Feeling apprehensive, Jasper sat in the single seat, and then they were off. After a short ride, they arrived at Brighney Manor. The impressive front door was opened, and a gray-haired butler greeted him.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Langley." The butler ushered him inside a parlor to the right of a grand staircase.
"Lord Brighney will be with you shortly. Please be seated." The butler left the room and closed the door. Jasper had barely sat down when another door at the other end of the room opened. At once, he stood up, seeing the Lord Chief Justice approaching him.
"Ah, Mr. Langley!" A gentleman in his early fifties approached Jasper, his clothing impeccable, gray hair combed back, and his blue cravat was the same shade as his eyes, which watched his shrewdly.
"My Lord." Jasper bowed his head.
"I'm glad to see you. Please sit, Mr. Langley." The Earl himself did not sit down but walked toward a small table to the side, which had a crystal bottle on it, with amber liquid inside. He poured both of them a glass, handing Jasper one, then sat in front of him.
"Thank you, My Lord." Jasper waited until the Earl had taken a sip before tasting the port, which was exquisite—unlike anything he had ever tasted.
"Your work has not gone unnoticed," Lord Brighney said. "Which is why I have requested your audience today. I have invited you here to ask for your assistance." Jasper looked at him, surprised.
"There has come an unusual case for me to preside over, which I believe you will be able to give me valuable input. You will be well compensated for your work."
Jasper took a moment to think before he replied. "This is a great honor, My Lord, and an opportunity which I do not take lightly." He took another sip. "However, I have a full load of cases at my practice, and I will not permit myself to fail them. I pray My Lord will show his understanding."
"An honorable man," Lord Brighney said, his gaze penetrating. "How refreshing." He was smiling now, which changed his serious face entirely. "However, I will ask you to think this over and give me a definitive answer later."
"Of course, My Lord," Jasper replied, "Thank you."
"Now, I do insist you join us for dinner." Lord Brighney stood up and walked toward the door Jasper had come through.
"I would be honored, My Lord." They walked past many servants, to a grand dining room. There Jasper saw the footman that had come to his office earlier, standing alongside identically clad men near the wall. The huge windows were covered with lush maroon curtains, and the table was set for four persons.
"Allow me to introduce you to the Dowager Duchess of Winfair." Two ladies had entered the dining room, one who had a strong resemblance to the Earl, the other stood behind her.
"Welcome, Mr. Langley," she said gracefully. Jasper turned to look at the other occupant, and his breath caught in his throat.
"And my daughter, Lady Caroline."
Chapter 3
Caroline was at a complete loss for words. He was here—in front of her—next to her father! She blinked, making sure this was not a figment of her imagination. He was still there. He stared back at her, and Caroline felt weak in the knees.
I cannot believe it... He is even more handsome now, if that's even possible. What on earth is he doing here? I fear that my cheeks are burning—surely Father will notice my nerves and my racing heart.
However, her father did not seem to notice anything, thankfully. Caroline realized that she hadn't reciprocated the introduction.
"How do you do, Mr. Langley?" Caroline stared at him, willing him not to mention their earlier encounter.
"Pleased to meet you, My Lady," he replied politely.
"Let us eat." Lord Brighney turned away from the two of them and sat down at the table. Caroline walked over to the Dowager Duchess and sat down. Mr. Langley sat in front of her, chancing a brief glance in her direction.
For a while, there was silence at the table, as the servants entered the dining room carrying the first course, chestnut soup.
"Tell me, what do you do, Mr. Langley?" The Dowager Duchess looked at him. Her tone was polite, but Caroline could tell from her aunt's tone that she did not think much of their dinner companion.
"I am a solicitor, Madam." He was confident when he spoke, and he seemed unperturbed.
"Mr. Langley is a fine solicitor," Lord Brighney said. "With luck, he will accept my proposal to come work for me."
"How exciting," Caroline said, looking from her soup dish to Mr. Langley.
"Lord Brighney shows me great honor to consider me worthy of his audience." Mr. Langley's head was slightly bowed as he spoke to Caroline's father.
"How long have you been a man of the law?" The Dowager Duchess asked.
"I opened my law practice four years ago," he replied.
For the remainder of the dinner, the conversation turned to a scholarly legal discussion between Mr. Langley and Caroline's father. She tried her very best not to stare at him and only spoke when it was appropriate.
Caroline had the impression that the Dowager Duchess was observing her throughout the meal. Once her aunt stood up, signaling that the men should be left to have a drink and discuss politics, Caroline curtsied gracefully before escorting her aunt to the drawing room.
Jasper watched the two ladies leave, looking away much sooner than he would have preferred. Lady Caroline was enchanting, and he wished he could have watched her the entire evening. Lord Brighney had moved through a side door that led to a small staircase, which led to an impressive library. Jasper couldn't stop his gasp of amazement from escaping his lips.
"I quite agree." Lord Brighney chuckled softly, noticing the look on Jasper's face. "My pride and joy, and I have a book here which I believe would be of interest to you." He walked toward a shelf at the far end of the room. After searching for a little while, he turned back to Jasper, his brow furrowed.
"This is strange," he said, glancing at his desk, "I cannot find it. Well, sit down, let's have a drink."
They discussed the political climate in London, and Lord Brighney spoke briefly about the case he wished Jasper's assistance with. The case was indeed intriguing, and Jasper's interest was piqued. He had to admit that he was leaning toward accepting the Earl's proposition, but he wasn't sure whether it had to do with the case or the possibility to see Lady Caroline more.
Jasper fully understood that someone like him was not good enough for a lady. He was nothing—a common solicitor, with no fortune or great family behind him. Still, it might be his only chance to be near her, if only from afar. Feeling the influence of Lady Caroline's proximity, the excellent food, and the drink, Jasper blurted out, somewhat unexpectedly, "I have decided that I will assist you with the case, My Lord."
"Oh, what wonderful news!" Lord Brighney clapped his hands and patted Jasper on the back. "Most excellent, Mr. Langley."
In the carriage ride home, Jasper considered the situation he had landed himself in. His workload was intensive as it was, and this would likely take the majority of his time. Questioning his judgment, he looked out the window of the carriage, which was riding away from Brighney Manor. Just then, he was sure he saw a flicker of a curtain, and the silhouette of a petite lady, with silvery-blonde hair. At once, all his doubts left him, leaving only the beautiful image of Lady Caroline in his mind's eye.
Lady Caroline turned to her side, and something hard and sharp pushed painfully into her midriff. She gasped and looked down at the bed sleepily. It was the law book she had snuck from her father's library. She had fallen asleep reading it the night before. A grin spread her lips as she thought about the wonderful dream she had. It had begun more like a nightmare.
She had been running away from someone. Her heart was beating rapidly, and she was frightened. Just as the dark figure reac
hed out their hand to grab her, Mr. Langley appeared out of nowhere, riding on a white steed. He pulled her up easily and rode away, holding her tightly.
She got up from her bed, clutching the heavy book. She walked toward the carved wooden chest, which was at the end of her bed, and opened it. She placed the book inside, covering it with the white shawl, which her mother had made for her when she was a baby. A brief melancholy spread over her as she caressed the shawl.
Caroline wondered what her mother would have thought of her reading. Would she have approved? Would she have wanted Caroline to marry as soon as possible, just as she had done herself? Caroline desperately wanted to tell someone about...
What is this feeling? An infatuation?
The word felt bitter on her tongue, like a young girl's fantasy. Why did this feel like more?
For the Lust of a Rogue: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 2
