“You have already done so much. We will never be able to repay all of your kindness.”
An awkward silence fell over the room. He is not very good at small talk she realized. He probably wasn’t used to entertaining stranded young woman.
Oh, she was positive there were quite a few woman in his life. Just not many damsels in distress. A man like this never lacked for female company.
The silence continued. She glanced at James and was preparing to ask him a question. Anything to break the silence.
The Viscount took a few bites then looked at her quizzically.
“If I might impose, Miss Jennings,” he said. “I understand you situation is rather dire.”
She swallowed hard then looked him in the eye, remaining silent. Waiting. Don’t let them see your fear she reminded herself.
“Why haven’t you married?” he continued. “A beautiful woman like yourself. Surely there were quite a few rather remarkable suitors?”
Caroline was taken aback by his question. It was rather personal. Even if the man had saved her life. Why was he asking? What did he want to know? That there had been no suitors. Not seriously. The few men she met had never expressed the slightest interest. Or if they had they didn’t get past her father.
She wondered if they knew she wasn’t looking for marriage. That the idea frightened her. Surrendering control to another person terrified her to the depths of her soul. Did they sense it, some kind of hidden talent that knew which women were interested in matrimony and those that were not?
“I am not married My Lord,” she said. “Because I chose not to be.” There, at least she didn’t sound like a hopeless female, a whimpering wallflower.
His brow creased for a moment. “A shame? A husband’s income might be helpful at a time like this.”
She huffed. “I don’t know My Lord, A husband can lose a fortune as easily as a father. In reality, if I had chosen to be married. It could very well mean one more mouth to feed. One more person in need of my care.”
He laughed. “Very true Miss Jennings, very true.”
She continued eating, feeling as if she had won that round. The thought made her think of his boxing the other night. The way he looked without his shirt. It brought a warm tingle to her cheeks which made her blush even more.
“James,” she said, hoping to change the subject and her train of thought. “You mentioned pudding for dessert. Is Nanny a good cook?”
The young boy’s eyes lit with excitement as she brought up one of his favorite subjects. The Viscount paused to watch how his brother would answer.
“Yes, Nanny is the best cook,” James said.
“She was my nurse,” the Viscount said. “She became our cook when I outgrew the need for her constant care.” He laughed gently. “Although, I believe she would say that I have not fully achieved the necessary maturity to forego her oversight.”
Ah, that explained the easy familiarity between them, Caroline thought. A boy and his nurse created a special bond. She wondered what he had been like as a small child. Had he been as interested in tin soldiers as James?
A silent thought passed through her mind. She would have no sons. No towheads to ruffle. No scraped knees, nor torn knuckles to kiss and make better. A sad feeling of loss settled over her for a moment before she was able to shake it off. She had chosen this way of life. No need to second guess it now.
The dining room door opened as the butler, Evers, stepped in and bowed slightly.
“Excuse me My Lord. Johnson has returned,” he said.
Caroline’s heart jumped into her throat. “My sisters? Are they with him,” she asked breathlessly.
A faint smile danced behind the butler’s eyes. “Yes, Miss.”
Caroline jumped from her chair and flew from the room, weaving around the butler to get to her sisters. At the last moment, remembering her manners, she halted, turned, and curtsied.
“Thank you, My Lord,” she said then hurried from the room before he could even acknowledge her.
“You didn’t have your pudding,” James yelled after her.
Alice and Beatrice stood just inside the front door. Looking at their new surroundings like lost kittens. Both of them dressed in long traveling cloaks. Their hands encased in white gloves. They looked so grown up. They are children no more, she realized.
They’re all right, she thought. They are here and all right. The grip of fear that had squeezed her heart for days finally relaxed.
The three of them had a long hard life in front of them. But at least they were together. Everything would be all right as long as they could face the world together.
Chapter Eight
A fresh floral scent hung in the air, surrounding Caroline as she sat alone on the garden bench. The subtle aroma and warm afternoon sun however, failed to calm her soul. She wondered if anything could ever achieve such a difficult task.
An open book from the Viscount’s library rested on her lap. Forgotten, as her eyes were drawn to the distance. Lost in thought, deep in plans.
She had hoped to escape for a few minutes. To put the shame and worry away, even if only for a moment, but the book had refused to hold her interest. Unable to deflect her worries.
A sharp giggle from the bushes made her smile. James had left his tin soldiers at her feet to chase a butterfly. She could hear him laughing at some new amazing aspect of the garden.
Oh for such innocence. For a world without cares or fears.
He would return in a few minutes she knew. The pattern had become the only constant in her life. Whether it was in the garden or the library. He would play with his toys then run off to explore something new before rejoining her to play, usually at her feet.
Returning to her book she began to read the page for the third time. Determined to at least finish the scene. Within seconds though her mind drifted to her sisters.
They had stayed up late talking in her room the night before. All three of them dressed in nightgowns sitting on her bed discussing their future. It had reminded her of their youth. Crawling into her bed during storms. Laughing and telling stories.
Caroline had explained their future to the girls. How they would have to sell their dresses if they hoped to have enough to survive the winter. About their father’s house. The harsh realities of their new life.
Alice’s eyes had narrowed in disbelief when she’d explained about having to retrieve their own water from a well out back.
“Do you mean, like with a bucket and rope. Like in the fairytales,” she had asked in disbelief.
All Caroline could do was nod her head.
Ever the practical one, Beatrice had asked about affording food wondered who would cook it.
“We will be doing the cooking ourselves,” Caroline said. “We will have to learn how to make jam, to pickle. In fact, next spring we will have to start a garden. We may even start one for this fall. Maybe we could grow some peas and beans.” She tried to make it sound fun, an adventure. Unfortunately, she felt like she had failed miserably.
The look of shock on their faces had torn at her heart. It was at that moment that the seriousness had finally become reality. It was the thought of selling their dresses that made it real.
The knot in her stomach refused to let go. Would it be there forever? Would she ever be free of the sickening worry and fear? Sighing to herself she returned to the book.
Once again her mind wandered. It was to be soon. The carriage would be repaired and they would depart for their new home. The thought of leaving the Viscount sent a small spear of sadness through her.
She would have thought that with all that lay before them, missing the Viscount wouldn’t register. On the list of her problems, it should have been in the low hundreds. But for some reason it had risen to rest among the top of her many regrets.
.o0o.
Alexander gritted his teeth as he tried to control his anger. It boiled just below the surface. How dare she? Lady Elizabeth Sinclair had arrived without wa
rning. As if she were a dear friend.
The Widow Sinclair was still a very beautiful woman. Luxurious chestnut brown hair. A curvaceous figure that could entice any man. He had enjoyed her company immensely. But she had become controlling. Demanding.
Why couldn’t he be left alone to enjoy his life?
“Really Alex,” She said as she removed her gloves. “A house full of young women.”
He winced internally.
“Careful Elizabeth. Your claws are showing.”
She glanced at him raising an eyebrow. Obviously surprised at his answer.
“Miss Jennings and her sisters are guests,” he continued wondering if she even registered the fact that he hadn’t included her in the category.
“Yes,” she said. “Well, here I was, feeling sorry for you. All alone here at Armherst. I thought you might like some company.” Her suggestive look let him know exactly what she meant. “Imagine my surprise to find you well entertained.”
He was rescued from having to answer by the arrival of Thomas.
“Well, Hello Lady Elizabeth. Isn’t this a surprise,” Thomas said as he brushed a kiss to her cheek in greeting.
She smiled weakly at Thomas. Obviously upset.
“Doctor, how nice to see you again.” The upturned nose and disdain in her eyes told the Viscount how upset she was to be interrupted in her goal.
He couldn’t really blame her. Lady Sinclair was a creature of her class. She had been brought up to believe that her happiness could only be achieved by the status she held. And that status could only be obtained by who she was married to.
It was all so silly. These women didn’t want to marry him for him but for his title, his wealth.
What made it worse was the pretending otherwise. The lies and manipulations to make it appear that they wanted him. As if they thought he was the center of the universe. At least for now. Once married, though. They would become harranguing fishwives. Critical of everything he might do that might impact their status in the ton.
If he had been a poor bricklayer, Elizabeth wouldn’t have deemed to talk to him. She might have taken him to her bed, but she would have been embarrassed to admit as much to her friends.
To women like Elizabeth there was but one goal in life. Move up the ladder of social standing.
Alexander, Viscount Beachmont, folded his hands behind his back as he stared out the study’s window.
Thomas and Elizabeth were chatting. Their voices became lost in the background as he observed Miss Jennings sitting alone on the bench, reading. He could see the top of James’s head as he ambled about. Probably chasing butterflies.
It had become a recurring event of late. Afternoons in the garden with James. The boy was going to miss her when she left.
His heart hitched when he thought of the young woman and what lay before her and her sisters. It was not his problem he reminded himself. He had been gracious. Provided shelter and substance. No one could say he should do more.
Yet, inside himself things weren’t right. Ever since he had lifted her from the river, he had felt protective. As if it was his responsibility to make sure she was taken care of.
At least she had made no demands on him. No hidden meanings or silent rebukes when he failed to meet her expectations.
Unlike most women. She didn’t expect him to solve her problems. And if any woman needed help, it was Miss Jennings.
“What is so interesting?” Thomas asked with a knowing smirk. His best friend sat by the fire with a drink watching him.
In the reflection of the window, he could see Elizabeth glance back and forth between them as if trying to understand the secret messages being passed between the two of them.
Alexander ignored them and continued to look out of the window while his mind ran through scenarios. He might very well have stood there until Miss Jennings returned to the house, but a soft knock at the door broke his concentration.
“Yes,” he said.
The footman Johnson stepped into the study and said, “Excuse me, My Lord. But Miss Jennings’s carriage is ready. They just delivered it. Should I inform her?”
A heavy frown marred the servant’s face. Probably upset about the departure of Miss Jennings’s maid. Although, in truth. Everyone liked Miss Jennings.
Her story of misfortune had spread through the servant’s quarters like a spring flood. If he knew Nanny, the young woman would be sent on her way with several baskets of food and a few tears.
“Oh, what a shame,” Elizabeth said with a pretend frown. “Does that mean we will no longer be enjoying their company?
“That is all right Johnson,” Alexander said to the servant. “I will inform her.”
“Yes, My Lord,” the servant said before turning and leaving.
“I don’t envy you,” Thomas said.
“Yes, well. I think I’d rather face Napoleon again.
“Really Alex,” Elizabeth said. “You need to think of yourself. You don’t have time to waste entertaining young ladies.”
.o0o.
Caroline tucked a strand of hair back into place and looked up to check on James. The boy was studying a caterpillar at the end of the path.
She smiled to herself and returned to her book. She should be inside with Nanny. Learning how to cook. How to care for a house.
A brief memory of baking bread with her mother brought a pleasant smile to her face. Before they were rich, her mother had cooked every meal. Spending a good portion of the day, it seemed working in the kitchen.
Sighing to herself, she returned to her book. She would just have to do whatever it took and learn as she went.
James laughed in the distance, bringing her back to the present. A few more minutes wouldn’t make a difference.
A sharp crunch on the gravel path tore her attention from her book.
His Lordship, Viscount Beachmont, was approaching. Her heart jumped and throat tightened. He looked so large, so strong. His dark eyes narrowed in concern. He didn’t look happy. As if a great burden rested on his soul.
Had the girls done something to upset their host? Had she? Her mind raced with possible problems.
“Good afternoon, Miss Jennings,” he said with a slight nod of his head.
Caroline quickly rose to give a short curtsy. He had told her that there was no need to be so formal, but she couldn’t seem to break the habit.
“Good afternoon, My Lord,” she answered. Fighting herself to not bite her lip in worry.
He indicated that she should sit then placed his hands behind his back as he looked off into the distance.
What could be bothering him so? Then she realized what it must be and her heart fell.
“The carriage? It has been fixed?” she asked with a hitch in her voice.
He grimaced then nodded yes. “I just received word.” His look of sorrow said it all.
Her heart fell. So that was it then. Her new world was to begin. Her new reality.
Squaring her shoulders she held herself steady. Do not let them see your fear, she reminded herself.
“Thank you, My Lord. I will go and pay for its repairs and gather my sisters. We should be on our way soon. I do so thank you for all of your assistance. Once again. I cannot ever repay you for all you have done.”
Her insides felt like they were crumbling. The last of their funds would barely cover the expense of fixing the carriage. Her knees felt wobbly as she started to stand.
“Please Miss Jennings, remain seated for a moment,” the Viscount said.
Caroline sat without thinking, then looked up at the man. He continued to pace, his hands behind his back. What? That wasn’t the bad news? There was more? What would she do if the girls had broken something? How would she pay?
“Miss Jennings,” he said without looking at her.
She held her breath. This was going to be bad. Very bad.
“I have thought a lot about your situation,” he continued. “You are in a rather dire predicament. You do realize that d
on’t you?”
Of course, she did. What? Did he think she was an idiot? After four days together did he think so little of her?
“Poverty is a terrible fate,” he continued. “Especially for women such as yourself and your sisters. Raised to be ladies. You have no real awareness of what lays before you.”
Caroline gasped. Of course, she was aware what lay before them. Hunger, sickness, and a long cold winter. Probably disdain from her neighbors and a long, bleak future filled with shame and a loss of hope. She was very aware what awaited them. Why did he have to bring it up? To make her feel even worse.
“Believe me, My Lord. I am perfectly aware what awaits us. But we will do our best.”
He smiled weakly at her for a moment as if trying to decide something.
“I believe I may have found a solution to your problems Miss Jennings.”
Her heart jumped. What? Did he know someone in need of a ladies companion? Governess? Someone who would allow her to continue to care for Alice and Beatrice. Was it possible?
“My Lord?” she asked after a pause.
He stopped pacing and turned to look into her eyes. “Yes … Well, Normally I would discuss this with your father or an older brother.” He paused for a moment then continued. “I believe the best way to solve your problems is for us to marry.”
The world stopped. Sounds disappeared.
“What!” Caroline said unaware she had spoken aloud. Her heart stopped beating. How? What? He couldn’t have said what it sounded like he said.
“Will you marry me, Miss Jennings?” The Viscount continued. “Of course, it will be a marriage in name only. No need for either of us to change our lifestyle. No real expectations. No demands of each other.”
“What!” she said again. - She really should learn how to talk. - He couldn’t be serious. A quick glance at his eyes, however, told her he was very serious.
The thought of being married to this man scared her to her very core. For some reason, it terrified her. Not for her person. She didn’t think he would beat her or anything so dramatic. No, it was something else. Some fear that frightened her soul.
He could hurt her heart so much more, she realized.
The Viscount's Bride (Love's Pride Book 2) Page 6
