Am I just being silly? I hardly even know him!
A soft knock sounded, pulling her from her reverie. She replied to Madeleine's soft call, who opened the door just as Caroline closed the chest. "Good morning, My Lady." Madeleine curtsied and began helping Caroline get dressed. She brought out a day gown that Caroline only wore on special occasions, a primrose-colored silk dress, which required a heavy petticoat, and a bone-tight corset.
"Madeleine, what are you doing?" Caroline stared at the gown. She absolutely detested that gown.
"I do beg your pardon," Madeleine whimpered. "Her Grace requested you wear this gown." The young maid looked terrified that Caroline was about to scold her.
"All right, then," she sighed as she removed her nightgown.
Jasper walked down the street, feeling energetic, despite his lack of sleep. He had been up for much too long, preparing for his day of working at Brighney Manor. Although he was absolutely swamped with work, he felt this was all worth it.
Working closely with the Lord Chief Justice was sure to help further along his career. And seeing Lady Caroline again, well, it was only an added benefit—or that's what he told himself. The fact that his dreams had been filled with her smile and tantalizing laugh was something he would never admit to a living soul.
He turned at a side street and pushed open a gate at the second house to the right. It was an impressive house, a much bigger one than his small bachelor's lodgings, and was his sister's home. Jasper knocked on the front door, which was opened a moment later.
"Mr. Langley." Mr. Bolton, the butler, moved aside to let him enter.
"Do come in, Lady Featherstone is in the drawing room." Jasper walked the familiar path and was greeted by his young niece and nephew.
"Uncle Jasper!" The young boy beamed with excitement at the sight of him.
"Good to see you, Ambrose." Jasper ruffled his nephew's hair playfully.
"How do you do, Mr. Langley," Agnes, Ambrose’s older sister, said very politely.
"Why, I am very well, Miss Radcliffe," Jasper replied with a pompous sounding voice, which made young Ambrose fall about in a fit of giggles.
"Ambrose!" Agnes looked reproachfully at her brother.
"All right now, children." Selina approached them and grinned at Jasper.
"I'm glad you decided to join us for breakfast," she said, and walked toward the dining room. "We missed you yesterday." Jasper made a habit of trying to have dinner with his sister several times a week.
"I was held up with work." Jasper thought about last night, and immediately the image of Lady Caroline reappeared in his mind's eye. Selina looked curiously at him but did not say anything.
After they had eaten, the children were escorted from the room by the governess. Lord Featherstone had already retired to the drawing room. "I gather that Agnes has been impressed by her governess." Jasper chuckled, watching the door through which the children had just left.
"Oh yes," Selina said with a sigh. "She will be a proper lady."
"I have no doubt."
"Jas?" Selina said after a short pause.
"Yes."
"You seem… different." She peered at him, examining him.
"How so?" Jasper stood up from the table and walked toward the window that looked out to the road he had walked earlier.
"I guess I'm tired," Jasper said offhandedly, knowing well that his sister would not give up so easily.
"Has something happened?" Selina now stood next to him. "I'm sure there is something, you look inexplicably happy."
"Is that unusual for me?" Jasper laughed heartily.
"For this early and a simple breakfast? Yes." Selina's suspicious look intensified.
"Well, I was approached by the Lord Chief Justice yesterday," Jasper said, turning to face his sister. He wasn't ready to tell her more, not yet.
"Jasper!" Selina gasped. "How exciting!"
"Yes, quite exciting. I will, therefore, be rather preoccupied in the next weeks, and will have to miss our dinners." He took out his pocket watch and realized he would be late if he did not hurry.
"Darling Selina," he said regretfully, "I really must go now."
"So soon?"
"I will try to come back soon, I promise." He pocketed his watch and walked away from his sister. They bade goodbye, but Jasper had an inkling that Selina was still not convinced that his new job was the reason for his jubilant appearance.
Caroline walked into the enormous building. The corset was so tight she could hardly breathe. She suspected that the Duchess had instructed Madeleine to make it as tight as possible. They had just arrived at Wessex Manor for a late breakfast.
The Duchess of Wessex was hosting, along with her eldest daughter, Lady Anna. Inside the exquisite parlor were a few other young ladies with their chaperones, usually their mothers. It was essential to be seen during the Season.
After they had finished their tea, Lady Anna came rushing toward Caroline. The two of them had always gotten along nicely. Lady Anna was a year older than Caroline, was tall and slim, with dark brown hair, and her face was strewn with freckles. Her father was a wealthy Duke, and he and Caroline's aunt were cousins. "Did you hear about Miss Pembroke?" Lady Anna spoke quietly, lest someone scold her for gossiping.
"No, what happened?" Caroline looked curiously at her friend. Miss Pembroke was an acquaintance of theirs, one that always seemed to be on the unlucky side in life. Her father was a Viscount, known for his drinking and gambling. It was common knowledge that her father had squandered most of his wealth, and he had very little left for his five daughters. Caroline had always felt bad for Miss Pembroke.
"She has apparently been married to a Scottish Gentleman, and is expecting already." Lady Anna's eyes were wide as she continued.
"Her husband is ancient, and my lady's maid tells me that it is rumored that he is cruel to both his family and servants." She stopped speaking abruptly as the Dowager Duchess walked passed them. "Some have said that it is very suspicious how she was whisked off so quickly."
"You don't mean—?" Lady Caroline looked horrified at the implication.
"You know how naive she was," Lady Anna said sadly. "Her lady's maid was apparently dismissed, in disgrace, and no one knows why."
"This is a horrible rumor, surely." Caroline said a little too loudly.
"I'm afraid so." Lady Anna turned toward her mother, who had just called her name. She squeezed Caroline's hand affectionately before she stood up and joined her mother. Caroline was speechless. She thought about the little, sweet, innocent, and unfortunately gullible, Miss Pembroke.
If Lady Anna was correct, and usually she was, someone had taken advantage of Miss Pembroke. Anger coursed through Caroline's whole being at the idea alone.
Who could do such a vile thing?
Chapter 4
Jasper pushed open the door to his office. He still had to go over his current cases before going to meet with the Lord Chief Justice. Mr. Holmes sat at his small desk, his head bowed over a long paper. "Good morning." Jasper greeted the younger man.
"Good morning, Mr. Langley."
"Did you read the Turner file already?" Jasper noted the closed file on Mr. Holmes's desk and a paper which was filled with his handwriting.
"Yes, I did." Mr. Holmes stood up at once, almost knocking over the papers on his desk. "I prepared notes."
"Good work," Jasper said, reading over the notes Mr. Holmes handed him. He had been very diligent, and this gave Jasper an idea. "I am actually going to have to ask you for more."
"More?"
"I need you to go over the remainder of my cases." Jasper walked toward his desk and grabbed the folders he needed. "I have accepted to do work for the Lord Chief Justice, but I will not abandon my clients."
"The Lord Chief Justice!" Mr. Holmes stared at Jasper, his mouth open.
"Yes," Jasper replied, "And this will take a great part of my time, away from the office..."
"I would be honored to help," Mr. Holmes blu
rted out excitedly.
"I was hoping you would say that." Jasper handed his junior assistant the folders, who took them over, looking determined. "Now, I must get going, I cannot have Lord Brighney wait for me.”
Caroline was quiet on the way back to Brighney Manor, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Miss Pembroke. Thankfully, the Dowager Duchess was reading a letter and did not pay much attention to her. Once they arrived, Caroline sat in the drawing room with her Aunt, feeling glum.
It was only the beginning of the Season, and she was already exhausted. Preparation for the grand ball was in full swing, but she dreaded the next gown fitting her aunt had planned.
Is there perhaps something wrong with me?
All the other young ladies spoke with such excitement about the ball and their latest outfit, but Caroline could not seem to share their thrill. It all felt disingenuous and tiresome.
"Caroline, I have arranged for the dressmaker to arrive again in the afternoon." The Duchess' commanding voice startled her.
"Oh, good," Caroline said, her false bravado not fooling anyone. "Thank you, your Grace," she added.
"You ought to rest, child, you look dead on your feet." At that, the Duchess left the drawing room. Lady Caroline sighed with relief and slowly meandered up the grand staircase. Her whole body ached from the tight corset, and she was starving.
During those breakfast gatherings, hardly anyone ate as no one wanted the attention it brought. Madeleine walked behind Caroline, her head bowed. She thought about how Lady Anna had spoken about her lady's maid. They were close, and Lady Anna always knew the latest gossip through her. Caroline missed having a close ally in the house—she missed Emma.
Jasper was brought into the Chief Justice's library as soon as he entered Brighney Manor. The butler that accompanied him gave two sharp knocks on the door, opening once Lord Brighney called to do so. The butler walked inside the room erectly, and spoke with a formal and distant voice, "My Lord, Mr. Langley." As soon as he let go of Jasper's name, the butler left the room. Jasper looked around for the Earl, finding him sitting at his desk preoccupied with work.
"Sit, Mr. Langley!" Lord Brighney commanded. "We have much work to do."
"I agree, My Lord." At once, Jasper hurried toward the vacant chair by a smaller desk that was in the middle of the room.
The two men had sat in silence for a long while, reading and writing down notes. Jasper sat straighter, stretching his back when he glanced at the great big grandfather clock. They had worked for over two hours.
"Mr. Langley." Lord Brighney spoke, still looking at the papers in front of him.
"Yes, My Lord."
"Hand me your notes," Lord Brighney said, now looking at Jasper.
Jasper stood up and handed over his notes to the Earl. At the same time, a soft knock from a side door sounded. After Lord Brighney called for them to enter, a young maid walked in carrying a tray with tea, crumpets, and cakes. Jasper's mouth watered at the sight. Usually he only had a small piece of bread while working, but sometimes he would walk over to the bakery and have a pastry...
Lady Caroline!
He had been doing so well not thinking about her, although he kept imagining he could smell her scent, even here inside her father's library. This was not the time nor place.
"Ah, interesting, Mr. Langley," exclaimed Lord Brighney, "How very clever. Come here, I want to hear you argue this point." He was holding out Jasper's notes, with a look of appreciation. Jasper walked toward the Earl, trying with all his might to rid his mind of the image of Lady Caroline.
Caroline sat in her chaise lounge, enjoying the freedom to breathe unrestricted. The dressmaker would be there soon, and it was still only early afternoon. The Dowager Duchess had been planning Caroline's days very closely, making sure she would receive the proper amount of exposure—or that is what Caroline thought. Still, there was something about the way her aunt had been behaving earlier today.
When they were about to leave Wessex Manor, a footman approached the Dowager Duchess with a letter. That in itself had been unusual, but now that Caroline thought more about it, the Dowager Duchess had a look of triumph after she read the letter.
I have the horrible feeling that she has been planning something for me; something that I will not like at all.
There was a knock on the door, and Madeleine rushed forward to open it. A maid had brought a tray with tea. Madeleine spoke in hushed tones with the maid, who nodded with a small smile before leaving. "What was that about?" Caroline asked her lady's maid.
"I asked Sarah to bring you tea, My Lady," Madeleine replied. She walked toward Caroline and laid the tray on a small side table in front of her.
"I will make sure to remove the tray once your fitting begins," she added. Curious, Caroline sat up and looked at the tray. There was a pot of tea, but underneath the cover, Caroline discovered a warm bun, egg, and small pastries. Caroline gasped, and at once took a bite of the bun. She had been starving and was certain her aunt would not allow her to eat before a fitting.
"Thank you, Madeleine." Lady Caroline closed her eyes, savoring the food.
"You are welcome, My Lady," Madeleine said dismissively. She walked toward the window that faced the road, and Caroline suspected she was on guard for the carriage with the dressmaker.
Caroline hurried to eat the food, feeling grateful.
Madeleine realized how hungry I was. This was something that I would have expected of Mrs. Wilson, not Madeleine.
Is she perhaps making sure I will not make a detour to the bakery again?
In no time at all, Madeleine told Caroline that she saw a carriage approaching the manor. She grabbed the covered plate and removed it from the tray, just in time. The door swung open, and the Dowager Duchess entered the room. The Duchess looked at the tea tray, her eyebrow slightly raised. Caroline was sure her Aunt did not approve of this, even if it was only tea.
"Come now, child." The Dowager Duchess looked around the room, "Get ready, Caroline."
"Yes, Your Grace." Caroline stood up and felt more prepared for this, with a belly full of food.
Perhaps I ought to try and enjoy this. Well, if not, I should at least keep my aunt happy. I dread to think what she will have in store for me if she suspects I am not having a good time.
The fitting was a long and tedious process. Caroline felt sure that, had she not eaten previously, she would have fainted from the continuous standing and being measured from top to bottom. Apparently, the Dowager Duchess wished to change out Caroline's entire wardrobe, the two gowns that had been stitched yesterday, not sufficing.
This was, no doubt, from seeing the other young ladies this morning. The dressmaker showed her and the Duchess the latest fashion sketches, all the way from Paris. Caroline tried her very best to show interest in the various trimmings, lace, braiding, ribbons, buttons, and beads. At long last, the Dowager Duchess dismissed the dressmaker, who quickly gathered the samples and measurements, and left in a flurry.
"You should change for dinner," the Duchess said. "Madeleine," she added fiercely.
"Yes, Madam." Madeleine had hurried forward and, as usual, had her head bowed.
"Fix her hair, it is an utter mess." The Duchess commanded and left the room.
"Of course, Madam." Madeleine curtsied gracefully.
Caroline sat down in front of her dressing table, and Madeleine began to adjust her mistress's hair.
"If we are quick, you might be able to bid farewell to Mr. Langley," Madeleine said quietly.
"He's here?" Caroline looked at Madeleine's reflection in the ornate mirror.
"Yes, he is currently working with Lord Brighney in the library." Madeleine pinned a lock of Caroline's hair in place. Caroline's heart beat rapidly, and she felt giddy with excitement.
"Let's hurry up then." She grinned, noticing her cheeks were flushed with pink.
Chapter 5
Caroline hurried out of her room toward her father's office. She slowed down and held her brea
th as she neared the room. But to her disappointment, she did not see Mr. Langley anywhere. She stepped close to the door to the library and listened for any sounds inside. She heard nothing. Caroline walked down the grand staircase when she heard the front door shut close.
Has he left already?
Fighting the urge to run back to her room to peer out the window, she walked gracefully down the remaining steps toward the dining room. Her father stood inside the room, speaking with the Dowager Duchess. Caroline's heart sank when she noticed there was no extra plate on the table.
For the Lust of a Rogue: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 3
