Mr. Langley would not be joining them for dinner again. Caroline felt embarrassed at her emotions. She had been so sure that once she would see him again, everything would be better.
What hold has this man got over me?
"Good evening, poppet." Lord Brighney turned toward his daughter, looking pleased.
"Good evening, Father," she replied politely. All excitement had left her, and she wished to be back in her room. Dinner arrived, but Caroline only played with her food.
"Not hungry?" Lord Brighney asked.
"Oh, I think I'm just a little tired." She took a sip of her wine.
"She has had a long day, Brighney," the Dowager Duchess said, "Perhaps you should retire to bed early tonight?"
"I think you are right, Your Grace," Caroline said politely.
"Once Mrs. Wilson returns, we will have her ask the cook about the special tea you always liked," Lord Brighney said kindly.
"Has she gone somewhere?" Lady Caroline asked, surprised.
"She requested the day off to go and see her sister." The Dowager Duchess did not seem to be pleased with their housekeeper's actions. Mrs. Wilson hardly ever had days off, and Caroline became worried at once.
"I see," she said, not wanting to make any trouble for her beloved housekeeper by discussing her absence any further. After dinner, she bade everyone good night and returned to her bedroom. As she walked past the library, she looked around to see if anyone was near. Her father and aunt were still in the dining room, and the corridor was deserted. Carefully, she pushed open the door. She hesitated for a moment before she entered the room.
Caroline approached the smaller desk, seeing the neat pile of papers. On the top was a recently written note. She picked it up and gazed at the neat handwriting. His handwriting. She sat down in the chair and closed her eyes, imagining Mr. Langley sitting here. Warmth spread over her, thinking of his broad back pushed against the chair, his strong arms relaxed over the desk. Her mind filled up with his image, and her breath quickened.
A sound outside startled her, and she stood up quickly, but not before grabbing one of the papers from the desk. She folded it and hid it in the reticule attached to her evening dress. She left the library, making sure to close the door securely. She looked around her again before she walked into her room, locking the door behind her.
Jasper entered his home, feeling dead on his feet. This had been a long day, and he still had to prepare for tomorrow. He walked toward the small stove and revived the fire. Although it was spring, London was still cold in the evening. He changed into his banyan robe and plumped down in his favorite cushioned chair.
The Lord Chief Justice had kept him working for hours. They had discussed the case in detail, but once dinner was about to be served, Jasper had excused himself once Lord Brighney seemed likely to invite him to dinner again.
As much as Jasper wanted to see Lady Caroline, he did not wish to outwear his welcome with the Lord Chief Justice. He was also acutely aware that the Dowager Duchess had not seemed very impressed by him. He knew he was not worthy of their company—he was only a common solicitor.
He reluctantly stood up to fetch his paperwork. His work was not nearly finished for the day. All the reasons for accepting this extra work seemed foolish at this moment. This enchanting lady had made him forget about his place, and for a moment, he had felt a genuine connection between the two of them.
Foolish man.
But Jasper was a man of his word. He would not let down his clients nor the Lord Chief Justice.
The following morning Jasper woke up, groggy from his short rest. He had been working until very late in the night when his oil lamp no longer gave him adequate lighting. He sat up in the small bed and rubbed his eyes. Another long day awaited him.
Jasper decided to hurry over to his office. He would leave instructions for Mr. Holmes, and take the necessary books and documents with him over to the Brighney Manor.
Perhaps if I’m lucky, I will catch a glance of Lady Caroline again.
Caroline woke early. Outside, it was still dark, but she could hear the servants and maids preparing for the morning chores. She desperately wanted a moment completely to herself. Tonight she would be going to the premiere of Rossini's latest opera.
She was rather looking forward to it, having always loved the opera. She sat at her round worktable and opened the top drawer. There was Mr. Langley's note. She stroked her finger over the letters, and a strange recklessness took over her.
She grabbed a paper from a drawer that contained her stationery. She began writing, and in no time at all, she had filled the entire page. After making sure the ink was dry, she carefully folded the letter and sealed it with her ocean-blue wax.
This was most likely a terrible idea, but a delicious one as well. Feeling mischievous, she hid the letter in the top drawer of her worktable. Once Madeleine knocked, Caroline felt giddy with excitement, and called with a tinkling voice, "Enter."
During breakfast, the Dowager Duchess observed Caroline curiously. "You certainly seem to be in a better mood today."
"It is a beautiful day, Your Grace," Caroline replied. "I am also looking forward to tonight's performance."
"I quite agree." The Dowager Duchess seemed pleased with Caroline's reactions.
"Father," she asked, keeping her voice light and conversational, "I forgot to ask. Did Mr. Langley accept your proposal?"
"He did agree," Lord Brighney said triumphantly. "He is a diligent worker, that one. I am expecting him soon."
"I'm glad to hear, Father." Caroline took a small sip of her tea. Although she was sure that no one found her question suspicious, Caroline did not take any chances and began chatting about the gowns the dressmaker would bring soon. As she hoped and predicted, the Dowager Duchess was more than happy to talk about gowns for the remainder of breakfast.
Later that morning, Jasper walked into the grandiose foyer of the Brighney Manor, for the third time that week. The butler walked with him to the library and informed him that he should start working and that Lord Brighney would join him soon. Jasper was about to walk into the library when he heard movement behind him.
He turned around and saw Lady Caroline walking, with her lady's maid, toward him. She was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. How that was possible, he did not know. At once, he bowed his head low.
"Good morning, Mr. Langley," Lady Caroline spoke with a refined voice, which sounded foreign in Jasper's ears.
"Good morning, My Lady." Jasper looked at her, his eyes narrowed as if he was trying to look at the sun. Their eyes met, and suddenly time seemed to stop.
Much too soon, Lady Caroline broke their eye contact and spoke to him with the same cold, refined voice. "I do hope Lord Brighney will not keep you working too long. It’s a beautiful day."
"Thank you, My Lady," he replied. Just as he was about to turn around, he noticed Lady Caroline looking at him again. She had a mysterious smile, and she looked at him and then looked purposefully inside the room.
"Have a good day, Mr. Langley," she said, and with her head held high, she walked away from him.
What was that about? Why was she looking inside the library?
A moment later, the Dowager Duchess of Winfair walked down the corridor, and before she could see him, Jasper hurried inside the library. And that's when he noticed it. On the desk he had been working on was a cream-colored letter, one which had most definitely not been there the day before. He picked it up, and at once, Lady Caroline's scent filled his senses. He pocketed it, not wishing to read it here.
He had a hard time focusing on his work that day. Lady Caroline's scent engulfed him, and her mysterious smile was all he could think about. Thankfully, Lord Brighney had other engagements that day, and their work finished much earlier than the previous day.
As the Lord Chief Justice had to travel that weekend, Jasper would take his work with him. He left Brighney Manor, with his hands full, but he could hardly wait to get back to
his rooms.
At long last, he arrived home. Hastily, he rid himself of the papers and folders and pulled out the letter. He opened it and read it.
Dearest Mr. Langley.
I do hope you are well. I must confess that my mind has been preoccupied ever since the first time we met. A senseless recklessness has taken over me, in writing you this message. I can no longer remain silent, for I fear a simple letter is all I will be allowed to give you.
The image of you, ever so close and yet so far removed. You have touched my heart; pierced my soul. Surely I am foolish, a mere girl who does not know much. I have found myself drawn to my father's library, hoping to get close to you through my greatest and most hidden joy.
How I envy you, to sit among the great texts and study our most sacred laws. Heavenly fate brought us together that day. I can hardly write, for you, and you alone, I wish for more. I think and aspire. You have awoken me, and I was not even aware I had been asleep. I pray you will not resent me after this.
I send you this, uncertain of my fate, hopeful despite all odds. My fate is in your hands.
Yours truly, C.B.
Chapter 6
Jasper stared at the note in his hand, his mind racing. He had not imagined this—in Lady Caroline’s words,
You have touched my heart; pierced my soul.
He read and re-read the letter, absorbing her words and inhaling the sweet scent that the letter was engulfed with. Her scent.
He leaped to his feet and rummaged in his desk for a piece of paper. His ink jug was almost empty, but he managed to write his response. His writing was somewhat erratic, such was his excitement to respond to her. Once he had finished, he folded the letter in threefold and went to bed, his mind conjuring up Lady Caroline’s sweet face.
The following morning, however, Jasper began to feel a nagging doubt.
Should I really give Lady Caroline the letter?
It would not be proper, and he would be going behind the Lord Chief Justice, who had given him a great opportunity. If someone found out, his legal career would be over, Lord Brighney would surely see to that.
But if he did not respond, then what would Lady Caroline think? Would she think him rude or cold? She took a risk sending him this letter, and leaving her in the dark seemed both cruel and dishonest.
These two conflicting thoughts battled in Jasper’s mind. He knew what he should do, what a man of his status was expected to do. The two of them could never be together. The idea alone was ludicrous. Still, something was telling him to follow his heart, to let in his deepest desire.
Deep in thought, Jasper left his rooms, grabbing the letter he had written. Just in case.
Later that day, Jasper sat at the desk in Lord Brighney’s library. They had been discussing the case in detail. Lord Brighney seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their repartee. He roared with laughter when Jasper concluded his reasoning with his usual quiet confidence.
“You really are as silver-tongued as they say you are.” Lord Brighney shook his head slowly, with amusement. “I do say, your path is bright, Mr. Langley.”
“You are too kind, My Lord.” Jasper had begun to collect his papers and books, as he had to be at court later that afternoon.
“You should join us for dinner later this week.” Lord Brighney stood up, ringing a small bell on his desk.
“Thank you, My Lord,” Jasper replied, thinking of being in Lady Caroline’s presence once more. “I would be honored.”
The door opened, and a wiry-haired servant appeared, “Yes, My Lord.” The servant bowed low before the Lord Chief Justice.
“Inform the coachman that Mr. Langley is leaving and that the carriage will need to be prepared at once.” Lord Brighney commanded.
“Certainly, My Lord.” The servant bowed again and left the room hastily. Jasper said his goodbyes and left the library. He stood in the hallway, thinking about the letter in his jacket pocket.
Dare I give this to a servant? How can I make sure only Lady Caroline will see my note?
He looked around the corridor. He was alone, but he was convinced that it would not be for long. He had seen Lady Caroline appear from the third door to the right the last time he saw her. It was possible it wasn’t her room. He was running out of time and was about to give up when a familiar face appeared. It was Lady Caroline’s maid. She looked at him, her eyes wide. Jasper made up his mind at once and hurried toward her—it was now or never.
“Will you be so kind and give this to Lady Caroline?” Jasper looked imploringly at the young maid.
She was hesitant for much too long, Jasper worried.
“I will,” she finally whispered.
“Thank you,” Jasper sighed with relief and handed her the letter.
“Thank you,” he repeated before he turned away from her and walked down the corridor.
Caroline stood with her arms outstretched as Madeleine fastened the pearl buttons on her ivory white silk dress. She gazed out the window, a small smile on her lips. The tune from last night’s premiere was still playing in her mind, the vivid expression and dynamic of the music, making the opera an instant sensation. Or at least that was what Caroline thought.
Truthfully, she could not really remember what other guests had said about the piece. As for the entire performance, her mind thought of little else than Mr. Langley. Especially with the quandary the heroes of the opera went through. She could identify herself with the young Rosina, who even wrote surreptitious letters—just like Caroline.
She could think of little else than what Mr. Langley would think of her letter. Suddenly, a terrible thought entered her mind. What if he was appalled at her actions? What if he would, instead of behaving like the charming and slightly conniving Count Almaviva from the opera and do everything in his power to get closer to her, he would burn her letter and avoid being in her presence?
Perhaps this unwelcome thought had arrived due to the memory of her conversation with her dear Lady Anna last night. They stood close together before the performance had begun, chatting and observing the crowd.
Lady Anna had turned close to Caroline, speaking softly.
“My maid received news this morning,” Lady Anna had said. “About Miss Pembroke’s dismissed lady’s maid.”
“What is it?” Caroline had moved even closer to her friend, desperate for more news about their acquaintance’s true fate.
“Apparently her lady’s maid is living in a small lodging, right here in London.”
Lady Anna had looked seriously at Caroline, who had responded, “Surely, that is not unusual.”
“It seems that the woman moved in there recently, and it is not clear how she came to afford such a place,” Lady Anna had said with a raised eyebrow.
“You believe someone paid for this lodging for the maid?” Caroline had asked.
“It is curious, is it not…” Lady Anna stopped speaking and smiled at a passing noble couple before she continued, “That the woman did not return to her family, do you not agree?”
“I suppose.” Caroline thought about what Lady Anna had told her. The movement of the crowd around indicated that the performance was about to begin shortly and that they had better get going to their seats. Lady Anna had started to walk toward the concert hall when Caroline had grabbed her arm.
“Do you think your lady’s maid will be able to procure the woman’s new address for me?” Caroline had spoken rapidly.
“Sweet friend, what are you up to?” Lady Anna had seemed uncertain.
“Please, I beg you to do this for me,” Caroline had pleaded.
“All right, but you must promise me you will be careful,” Lady Anna had insisted.
“I promise.”
“You are ready, My Lady,” Madeleine said, pulling Caroline from her reverie.
“Thank you, Madeleine.” Caroline looked at her appearance in the mirror in front of her. She needed to get answers, but she had a lurking suspicion that something was missing. A piece of information that
she wasn’t sure she was prepared to know.
This had been a quiet afternoon for Caroline, which she had spent in the drawing room with her needlework. The embroidery was for a pillowcase, with a stylish pattern that was very fashionable amongst young ladies. The Duchess had retired to her room to change for dinner, and Caroline was about to do the same.
She meandered to her room, feeling rather bored. Madeleine was inside, arranging lovely flowers in the vase by the window. Caroline was about to lay down on the chaise lounge when Madeleine walked purposefully toward her, handing her a letter.
For the Lust of a Rogue: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 4
