He set the mirror on the desk and she saw him wipe his hands on his trousers. “I will keep that in mind.”
Tom stood and reached out his hand to Crimson. “If you will excuse me, I must go help Charlotte. But I will return in the morning to make arrangements for the wedding.”
Crimson rose and shook hands. Caroline stood as well. Tom leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Join us for dinner again tomorrow night.”
She nodded and then watched as he left. Now came the difficult part for her. Crimson would want details and hers needed to meld with Tom’s. She sat back down, preparing herself for this discussion.
Crimson asked little as he too sat again, assessing the object on his desk. Minutes passed and the silence grew deafening for Caroline. “I’m getting married.” She finally filled the space.
“Yes,” Crimson answered absently.
Irritation prickled along her skin. This was the most important moment of her life and Crimson barely noticed her. Finally, she stood. It had been a long evening and it was pointless to watch him look at a piece of wood.
Crimson raised his head. “Sorry, my dear. I was distracted. I always knew you would marry a man of your station, despite our humble life.”
“Really,” she answered, surprised. “I never thought I would. I didn’t want to feel less than but Tom, he…” She trailed off looking for the right words.
“Worships you.” Crimson finished. “He gave up this object just to secure your match.” Crimson’s fingers brushed it again.
“Are you sure it isn’t coincidence?” Caroline sat back down. It would be so much better to convince Crimson this was folly before they had to take drastic measures.
“You heard Tom.” Crimson’s eyes met hers then. They were lit with an intensity that made Caroline squirm in her seat. “He believes too.”
She couldn’t deny it and she doubted she could dissuade Crimson at this point. He was lost to her. She could only pray that Tom’s plan brought him back. “He does.”
“Do you?” His eyes held an unnatural glow.
“I…I…I don’t know.” She replied. She was sure she didn’t but something in Tom’s gaze. It wasn’t desperate or wanting, he just believed.
“It doesn’t matter.” He brushed his fingers down the handle again. “All will be well now.”
No, it wouldn’t.
Chapter Nine
Tom woke early despite the late night. He needed to visit another theater to hire two more actors. They would be needed tonight. When everything happened, he and Caroline would be far away from the scene.
Charlotte met him at the by the door as he made to leave. “I’ve invited all the women you asked me to.”
“Thank you, Charlotte. Your job should be easy. Be careful to only suggest, though. We’ll have to undo it at some point.”
“I understand.” She hugged him. “Good luck.”
He headed out the door, his thoughts filled with Caroline. The feel of her body against his, the sight of her full lips and large eyes. He had to take care of her, she needed help. He would spend his life protecting her.
An hour later he left the Wellington Theater, a twinge of regret making him cringe. They had been more than happy to participate in sabotage against a competing theater. It was too late to turn back now. He left to see Father Byron so he could get an update on the theater’s renovation and ask the priest about performing the ceremony.
While he was productive, he found himself staring at the door wondering if Caroline was passing by. Grinning, he forced himself to focus on the pulpit he was building. In its center was a cradle for the mirror to rest. It would stay under God’s watchful eye once Crimson was done with it. And he would be done with it very shortly.
Not two months prior, his brother Will had fallen in love. Tom had scoffed at him, believing Will a fool. He grinned to himself now. When he returned home, he would write Will a letter, apologizing. He hadn’t understood the power a woman’s gaze could have.
As the workmen began to pack up, Tom did the same.
Father Byron approached. “Do you think you will have the renovations done in time for the wedding?”
“I doubt it.” Tom looked at all the scaffolding. “And we haven’t even begun on the orphanage.”
The priest nodded. “Much as I’d like the orphanage to be next door, it’s God’s work you’re doing helping Crimson. They’re good people and Caroline will make a most excellent wife. I’ve said more than one prayer for her future.”
Tom grinned. “Thank you. I feel the same. It’s good to know you value Crimson as well. My thoughts on him are less—” Tom stopped, searching for the word that would express his feeling without giving too much away.
“He is a good man.” The priest hesitated as well. “Though of late, he seems to have lost his way. He loves the theater but his feelings about it perhaps cloud his judgment as to what is really important. I have spent many a night wondering if it is a blessing for him.”
Tom grimaced. It was just as Caroline feared. His need to save the theater caused him to discount all his other beliefs. “I’ll try to help him if I can.”
“You’re a good man. I see why Charlotte sent you to us.” Father Byron patted him on the back. “It will all work out, I’m sure of it.”
Nodding, Tom packed up his tools. He sincerely hoped so.
Caroline paced, waiting for the allotted time to go to Tom’s for dinner. They would return in time for the show. She had to be here to help Crimson through what was going to be a difficult experience for him. But it would be nice to have a few hours reprieve from the theater, especially knowing that impending doom was descending.
The carriage arrived at the back entrance at exactly six o’clock and Caroline hopped in without a moment’s delay.
It was a short drive in the crisp autumn air. Normally the cold would have bit at her skin but not today. She barely noticed. When the carriage came to a stop and the footman opened the door, Caroline immediately spied Tom waiting for her. Without hesitation, she launched herself out of the door and into his arms. He caught her up easily and pulled her against his body, wrapping his large arms around her.
They stood like that for some moments. Caroline refused to cry, but tears pricked at her eyes. She loved Crimson despite his recent actions and more than anything, she wanted him to emerge from this made better not worse. “Tell me it will be all right.”
“We’ll make sure of it,” Tom murmured, setting her down but keeping his strong arm wrapped her around her waist as he led her inside.
They entered a small parlor where food had been casually laid out. A thought she was most grateful for. To sit for several courses might have driven her mad. Tom took a seat and pulled her into his lap. “Remember why you are doing this. We can’t allow Crimson to turn Samantha and Melody into thieves. I know you love him but—”
She nodded, tucking her head into his neck. He snuggled her close and she was so glad he was with her, next to her, helping her. It had to be done but she wasn’t sure she could have faced this on her own.
They sat like that, drawing comfort and strength from one another. Finally, Tom stood, still holding her. “You should eat.”
“I couldn’t possibly.” She wrinkled her nose.
“It will give you strength.” He began to set her down but she resisted.
“Are you going to eat?” She raised her eyebrows.
He gave a chuckle. “I suppose I should, though I don’t feel much like eating either.” He took her hand. “Let’s do it together.”
They picked at food and then, holding hands, climbed back into the carriage to return to the theater. The lobby was packed full of lords and ladies in their silk gowns and jeweled necks.
It looked like any other night, though several passersby gave her long stares to see her again on Tom’s arm, a glittering ring on her finger.
She heard one whisper to her companion, “See she finally got one of them to make her a real lady.”
/>
The friend wrinkled her nose. “You just knew she’d use her looks to raise her station.”
Caroline’s face flamed. This is what she hadn’t wanted. To be thought of as a social climber only wanting Tom for his station. She looked at him. “I would never…”
His smile was soft. “It is a reflection on them, not on you.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Trust me, all the men here think I am the luckiest man they know.”
Her blush deepened further for an entirely different reason. She turned to tell him she felt the same when a cry emitted from across the room.
Wailing followed, descending into a piercing howl that silenced the crowd.
“A man’s collapsed!” someone gasped.
“I’m a doctor, let me pass,” another voice bellowed.
Caroline clasped her hands over her mouth. Even knowing this would happen, the scene was frightening and people began to hold hands, huddling together.
A tall man pushed through the crowd, toward the wailing and suddenly Caroline saw Crimson. Their eyes met, his looking desperate and frightened. Her heart jumped in her throat.
One of the actors who’d been hired to play the doctor ducked down to view the wailing man and the noise quieted. The room was near silent, only a few whispers could be heard.
The doctor popped back up, his head appearing over the crowd of onlookers. “This man needs to have his blood let, he has a severe case of Auge.” His voice carried over the crowd in a most dramatic way and Caroline held her breath. It was so obvious to her that he was an actor. But everyone else began to furiously whisper.
“Were you sick, sir, before coming into the theater?” The doctor still stared over the crowd.
“Not a wit,” the patient announced, sounding equally dramatic.
Gasps sounded about the room.
“We must consider that the theater is the—” The doctor didn’t have time to finish because those closest to the door began hustling out. It was as though she and Tom had perfectly scripted their response.
Crimson waved his hands. “It isn’t the theater. Please, we have a show—” But his words were lost as everyone crushed together to exit.
The doctor grabbed up the patient and half dragged the man out. To his credit, he didn’t glance at Tom but Caroline held her breath as they watched them leave.
“What just happened?” Crimson’s anguished voice cut through the silence that followed the banging of the doors.
Tom looked over at her cousin, his face set in ominous lines. Gads, he really could have been an actor. “It’s the mirror.”
Crimson paled visibly. “It can’t be.” His hand shook as he wiped his brow. “It must be a coincidence.”
Tom shrugged. “It is a possibility, but you take a great risk if you continue to keep it.”
Caroline stepped away from Tom then, going to Crimson’s side. Her heart ached to see him hurt. “Let’s take you to your room. I’m sure it’s nothing,” she soothed.
Crimson nodded. “Someone needs to tell the company. What will I do without the profits? How can I—”
“It will all work out.” She patted his back. “Tom will tell them.”
Chapter Ten
Two hours later, Caroline found Tom sitting backstage in one of the prop chairs.
“Is Crimson all right?” he asked grimacing.
She gave a terse nod. “It will be worse tomorrow, I think.”
He reached for her hand and she was glad for the comfort. She didn’t dare say anymore, they could be overheard. But in her heart, she knew, it was only going to get worse.
Tom took his leave and she returned to her room. But sleep took a long time to come and when she finally did manage to drift off, she was plagued by nightmares. If only Tom could be there with her. She sighed.
She had to remind herself why they were both doing this. It wasn’t to hurt Crimson but to help him. Theft and magic were no way to solve his problems. He must realize it.
She rose with the sun, despite the little sleep, and dressed in her finest morning gown. The second part of their deception was close at hand. Charlotte had invited the most elite ladies in London’s society to tea. It would be up to Caroline to convince them not to attend the theater, tonight or any other this week. From there, it would spread down the social ladder of the ton, until no one came to tonight’s performance.
It was risky. Crimson needed to believe the mirror brought him bad luck because of his actions. In this way he would repent. It was one thing for him to throw his life away on petty thievery but quite another to drag young women into his scheme.
She sighed to herself. Perhaps she was overly justifying her actions, exactly as Crimson was doing. But she did it out of love for him. Not a need for a possession.
After she choked down tea and a few biscuits, she checked on Crimson. He was still asleep in his room, curtains drawn tight. She let him be and sat to wait for the late morning tea, set at a fashionable time.
When the hour finally arrived for Caroline to go, Crimson still hadn’t emerged from his room. That was a relief. She didn’t have to explain where she was going or pretend she would aid him when she was doing the opposite.
The carriage arrived in a timely fashion but it took several minutes for Caroline to exit as several carriages were ahead of her, also letting out passengers. This was for women only, and she found herself wishing that Tom could be there.
The butler took her to an upstairs sitting room where Charlotte sat with several other ladies. Caroline nearly retched when she saw the two women she had overheard the night before.
Straightening her back, she pasted a smile on her face. Charlotte stepped forward to make the introductions. “Lady Elianna, Lady Marianne, this is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lady Caroline.”
They feigned the niceties, Caroline could say that.
“Charmed,” Lady Elianna murmured in her perfect purr.
“Likewise,” Caroline responded. But inside she wanted to groan. This would have been so much easier without them. As she turned another figure caught her gaze. Lady Clara’s blonde curls bobbed artfully as she greeted Charlotte.
A throbbing began in Caroline’s head. Why did she ever agree to this part?
Lady Clara was by far the most ruthless of the guests and wasted no time niggling Caroline. It was just the opportunity Caroline needed.
“Did I hear that a man fell ill at your theater last night?” Lady Clara sidled up next to her.
“I am afraid so,” Caroline responded noticing the room had gone quiet.
“Pity.” The other woman simpered but a smile hovered just underneath it. “Is it true that the theater caused the illness?”
Not a soul moved. “I do not know about that but we’ll likely keep the doors closed, just to be safe.”
The other women nodded their agreement and so it began. “How long?” Lady Elianna asked.
“Oh, just a few days. A week at most.” She nodded in what she hoped was an encouraging way. They should think she expected them to return to the theater. None of them must suspect she was pushing them away.
“Of course,” Lady Marianne nodded and then snapped her fan open to speak furiously behind it.
By sheer will, Caroline kept her fists from clenching. Foolish, simpering women.
Conversation resumed and Caroline excused herself for a moment. She had done what she set out to do but she despised those women.
“Are you all right?” She hadn’t even seen him, but suddenly Tom was next to her.
She turned her head. “Where will we live after we are married?” Her voice sounded as desperate as she felt.
“Cumbria, of course,” his soothing whisper in her ear. “Away from all of this.”
“Thank goodness.” She sighed.
“I’ll have to build us a home. I’ve commissioned an architect to draft plans. You’ll have to see if you like them or if you want—”
“I’ll love them.” Her hand came up to stroke his cheek,
her heart swelling.
“How is it in there?” Concern colored his gaze.
“I accomplished what I set out to do.” She bit her lip, not mentioning that she didn’t feel at all comfortable.
“Good.” He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I don’t like being with them either.”
She grinned, amazed he already knew her so well.
Days passed. Tom worried about Crimson, he was withdrawing more and more. He worried for Caroline too. Unlike him, she was there, witnessing Crimson, knowing they had done this.
She said he walked around clutching the mirror, muttering to it. The crowds still hadn’t returned.
Tom went to work on the church. Charlotte hadn’t found another property for the orphanage and so they had no choice but to begin construction. Instead of beginning work, however, he went to the theater. It was time to force Crimson’s hand.
He easily found Caroline backstage helping with props. He leaned down to assess her work and while there, slipped her a bag of coins. “Make sure the mortgage and the people are paid.”
She gave him a nod, relief washing over her features. “I’ve been so worried.”
“Don’t tell Crimson.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Not yet anyway.”
“He’s coming unhinged,” she whispered. “I’m worried he’ll hurt himself.”
“You’ve kept Samantha and Melody away from him?”
“Yes, but it’s getting harder. He wanders around muttering to himself.”
“Send them to Charlotte and Graham’s. Tell him that Charlotte is going to give them some lessons on deportment.”
“That would be wonderful.” Her shoulders sagged.
“Listen, if this hasn’t resolved itself by the wedding, we’ll take the girls on our honeymoon with us. Would Crimson object?”
“I don’t even think he’d notice.”
“I’ll speak to him.”
It only took a few minutes to find Crimson, though the picture wasn’t pretty. He was gaunt and pale, his clothing carelessly thrown about his body. “Crimson.”
Entrapping a Lord's Love: A Regency Fairy Tale (Fairfield Fairy Tales Book 3) Page 6
