“You did not have to say anything.” James turned in his seat. “It was Matthew and Henrietta. When they returned from Stratford. Henrietta told Mother to prepare for your upcoming nuptials.”
“I do not understand.”
“Henrietta spent quite a lot of time at Stratford Manor. It was clear, at least to our dear sister, that Lady Caroline cared deeply for you and that she possessed a brightness in spirit that you needed.” James went on to explain, “And according to Matthew that even in the delirium of sickness you spoke of almost nothing but Lady Caroline. It was as if you thought of nothing else.”
“I would be lying if I said that fact had changed.” Philip led out a long sigh before dropping into the chair next to James. “My wretched behaviour may have cost me dearly. I am uncertain as to whether I will ever be able to prove myself worthy.”
“I wish I could give you some sound advice.” James reached over to put a hand on his shoulder. “All I know is that if Lady Caroline is as important as you say, you will find a way to change her mind.”
Philip stood up to shake his brother's hand. “Thank you, James. I aim to do so.”
Chapter Seventeen
Caroline turned the page of her book and stared at the words. A moment later turning the same page back to read once more as she could not remember what she had just read.
Her eyes skimmed over a few sentences before she gave up and stared out the window. She was restless and there seem to be nothing that could distract her.
“Are you well?” Caroline's mother asked.
Caroline had nearly forgotten that she was even in the room. It would be impossible for her to explain how she was feeling since she barely understood it herself. She merely said, “Yes, Mother.”
“Are you certain? You do not have the fever do you?”
“No, Mother. I promise I am quite fine.” Caroline had answered that question twice daily since Philip had left. She felt fine, except for how completely horrible she felt.
Philip had been gone for over a month and while she did not regret her decision, she did regret hurting him. She had not thought he would leave so swiftly. Then, after he had left she had thought perhaps he would write to her but she had not received anything from him.
It had taken her nearly two weeks for her to realize the truth of it. Philip had come to rely on her while he was ill. He had been weak and away from home, his proposal has simply been born of his gratitude and nothing more. It had broken her heart but she knew that she must face the truth.
“I am glad to hear that you are feeling well.” Mother thought for a moment and then said, “I have to wonder though if your melancholy mood has anything to do with Lord Holgrave's departure from Stratford.”
“I suppose I grew accustomed to his presence.” Caroline shrugged as if she had not thought about it. “I am sure it will pass soon enough.”
“Missing someone you care about is not something that will merely pass.” Caroline thought to protest but mother raised her chin and went on. “I have dealt with missing your father often when he has been called to appear at Parliament. Keeping busy was the only way to get through the day. It is something that I understand well.”
Caroline appreciated that her mother wanted to help. “I have tried occupying my time doing things that I enjoy. But I have found that reading and working on my embroidery has not helped.”
“Perhaps you should try something different. Perhaps a new activity that will force you to concentrate.”
“Yes, something new would truly occupy my mind.” Caroline wondered what activities she could pursue.
“Caroline!” Simon called running into the drawing room. “We just came from the stables. Birks is teaching us to jump horses.”
“Goodness, how much have you learned?”
Miles walked in behind him. “We have a lot to learn still but we learned how to exercise the horses today.”
Caroline and mother exchanged a look before Caroline said, “Oh, that is very important. Birks must trust you very much.”
Simon nodded with a large grin. “He does. Birks even wants us to come back tomorrow.”
“That is wonderful news,” Caroline told him with her own smile.
“I do believe that Anna might want to see you if only I could remember why.” Mother tapped a finger to her chin. “I think it was something about extra cakes.”
The boys nearly fell over themselves on their way to the kitchen.
Spending time with her brothers always managed to make Caroline smile and had been the best part of her days since Philip had left. She was grateful for them once more as they had reminded her that she had not gone riding in weeks.
The next morning Caroline arrived at the stables before breakfast. Birks was not in the stable yet but one of the younger grooms saddled her horse for her.
She started out at a slow pace as she left the stables and passed the lanes. It was not long before her horse was galloping along, following the winding path of the creek. The cool air was blowing against her face and for the first time since Philip left that she felt unfettered by worry and despair.
Rushing along on her beautiful horse she let everything else fall away. For so long she had been worrying about everything and everyone else. She worried about her mother and her brothers when Father was away in London.
She had dealt with the loss of Nathaniel and then seeing Philip again and his illness. The absence of Philip had been the hardest, she missed him immensely. Caroline often reminded herself to be thankful for the time they spent together.
If nothing else Caroline hoped that she had helped him make amends with his family. He was the first born and he was honour bound to tend to his duties. As much as he tried, he could not run from that.
It suddenly occurred to her that she was no better. The depth of her ignorance was sobering. She had refused him, sent him away, accused him of running instead of facing his responsibilities. All the while she had been doing the same. She had been avoiding London and the events of the Season. She had been running as much as Philip had, if not more. If she ever saw him again, Caroline promised herself that she would beg his forgiveness.
She had been so deep in thought that when her horse moved around the stand of trees she was barely able to duck her head in time to avoid a low hanging branch. A moment later her horse came to a sudden halt. Before Caroline could readjust her weight in the saddle, she felt herself tipping back. Caroline scrambled to hang on to the saddle but she was already falling. The next thing she knew she was on the ground with her arm pinned beneath her.
At first, she did not think she could move. She tried to calm her breathing, knowing that panicking would do nothing to help her. Quietly she said to herself, “Stay calm, Caroline. You can figure this out.”
As carefully as she could, she rolled over onto her back and stared at the sky. After several deep breathes Caroline pushed herself into a sitting position. Not too far from her she could see that a tree had fallen across the creek. It was clearly what had spooked the horse. Caroline looked over her shoulder and saw that her horse had run farther into the meadow.
She took a quick inventory and found that both of her legs were uninjured. Next, she bent and twisted one arm and then the other crying out as pain radiated up her arm from her wrist.
“Oh, Caroline, now you have done it.” It was evident that she would need to begin walking back to the house. She was deciding how to maneuver herself to stand when she heard a horse in the distance.
Chapter Eighteen
Philip spurred his horse across the meadow. He could not believe that the groom had let Caroline ride by herself. He was sure she was a competent rider but there was no telling where she had gone. He wanted to see her now.
It had been thirty-six days since he had seen her. In his opinion that was far too many days. He only hoped that she felt the same way.
Birks had taken two other grooms out to help look for Caroline and Philip wondered if they had found her y
et. He was contemplating going back to the stables to check when he spotted a riderless horse near the creek. Trying not to panic he turned toward the creek. A figure in dark blue could be seen on the ground not far away. Philip pushed the horse faster as he crossed the meadow. Not waiting for the horse to stop completely Philip jumped down to rush to her side.
“Caroline!”
“Philip?”
“Caroline, are you injured? I was so worried.” He crouched down next to her.
Caroline seemed to be in shock. “You came back.”
Philip brushed a wayward hair from her cheek. “I could not stay away.”
“I am so glad to see you,” Caroline told him.
He looked around where she was sitting on the ground. “Caroline what happened? Are you hurt?”
She seemed to suddenly remember where she was. “My horse stopped suddenly I slipped from the saddle.”
“Infernal side saddles,” Philip grumbled and swore under his breath. Then he noticed that Caroline was holding her left arm with her right hand. “Did you hurt your arm, sweetheart?”
“Yes, I landed on my side. I think it is my wrist.”
“It is no wonder that you did not hit your head,” Philip said pointing to the rocks at the creek's edge. “I will take you back up to the house and have someone send for Mr Notley.”
“I do not want to be a bother.”
“Caroline, dear, you are not a bother.” Philip set back on his haunches. “Do you think you can stand?”
“Yes, if you will help me. This riding habit is a bit cumbersome.”
“Of course,” Philip stood up and pulled Caroline to her feet taking special care with her left arm.
“I will put you on my horse and walk you back to the house.” Her only response was to shake her head no.
“Is something amiss?”
“I am sorry, Philip. I just cannot believe that you are here.”
“Hope your disbelief is born of surprise and not displeasure upon seeing me.”
“No!” She replied quickly and loudly. “Please do not say that, Philip. I am so very happy to see you.”
“I cannot tell you how relieved I am to hear you say that. I have missed you in a way that I cannot explain.”
“It is like trying to breathe underwater,” she said quietly.
“Yes, it is very much like that.” Philip hoped that meant that she was willing to hear him out. “I had to come back to Stratford to see you. To prove to you that I am worthy.”
“Oh, Philip you have always been worthy. I am so very sorry that I made you feel that you were not.”
“No. You only showed me that I can be better.” There was so much he wanted to say to her. So many things he needed to say. It would have to wait though, her injuries needed to be attended to first. “I am sorry. I need to get you back to the house.”
They had taken a few steps and Caroline stopped and turned to him. “Oh, I am so sorry that I sent you away. I accused you of running from your responsibilities fully unaware that I was no different. Avoiding the events of the Season did not aid me in my sadness after Nathaniel died. It was simply easier for me to avoid all of it. It only proved to prolong my sadness and upset my family. I hope you can forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. You were right. I returned to Castborough and assumed my duties as heir to Castborough.” He touched her cheek. “I am so glad that you believed in me. It feels right being there.”
“That is wonderful, Philip.”
“I am glad to be at Castborough but I am miserable without you. Please say that you will reconsider my proposal.” He put a hand to his chest. “You make me want to be better, to do better.”
“It's because I care so deeply for you. I want all the best for you.”
“I want that for you as well.” He dropped to one knee right there in the meadow, afraid of her answer but knowing that he had to ask. “Lady Caroline, will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
“Yes? You said yes?” He asked, not sure if he had her correctly.
Caroline pointed across the meadow. “Shall I call Birks to tell you the truth?”
“No.” Philip shook his head, unable to stop smiling. “He would surely lie for you.”
Caroline laughed as he stood up. “Thank you for being the bright spot in all of my days.” He tipped her chin up and brushed his lips against hers. There was a loud whoop from behind them. Philip stepped back startled and Birks rode up with the two grooms.
“I hope this means you are going to marry this jug bitten young blood,” Birks said to Caroline, a broad smile across the man’s worn face.
“Yes!” She turned to Philip, “Did you hear me that time, Lord Holgrave.”
“Yes, I did.” He said and then bent to pick her up. “This time I get to take care of you.”
Preview of A Hero Returns
Book Three in the Repington Chronicles - Charles’ Story
The coach rambled over a rough spot in the road pulling Charles Repington from his thoughts. He had hoped to rest during his journey back home but that was not meant to be. It had been a long time since he had been back, more months than the young man wanted to count.
Charles shook his head to try to dispel the thoughts that were coming to mind. He had many adventures and had learned many things and met many people. Most did not get that sort of opportunity. However, there was much about his time on the Peninsula that he did not care to remember.
When it had come time for him to return to England, he had first thought to visit London for a time before heading to Castborough to see his family. A few weeks of gambling and drinking were sure to make his return easier. It was not to be though, as his mother had discovered that he was to return from the Peninsula. Days before he left he had received a strongly worded letter from his father suggesting that his presence at home would be much appreciated sooner, rather than later
So, here he was almost to Castborough, happy but also quite apprehensive. With a sigh, he looked out to see that the coach had made the final turn on the road, the large stone manor loomed large sitting atop a hill overlooking Surrey. It was good seeing the familiar home, he had not expected that. For the first time, Charles thought coming home may not have been such a poor idea.
It was not too long before the coach was pulling up in front of the house. He had not even alighted from the coach when the front door flew open.
"Charles!" His youngest sibling and only sister dashed down the steps.
"Henrietta!" He called back laughing and then grunted as she flung herself at him hugging him tight.
"I did not believe Mother and Father when they told me you were coming home."
"Why not?" He tilted his head to the side and grinned.
"I have been so worried over you that I would not have believed anyone until I look upon you with my very own eyes."
Charles stood back spreading out his arms. "Here I am. Safe and well… mostly sound," he quipped with another grin.
"Hear, hear! The hero has returned."
Charles turned to see Matthew, the youngest of his brothers, walking slowly down the steps. His words struck a nerve with Charles, he was no hero. He thought to say something but soon saw that it his brother was smiling and had intended no ill will.
Charles turned to look behind him. "Hero? Me? No. I am just a soldier like everyone else."
"That is not what we heard from Major Stewart," Matthew said clapping Charles on the shoulder.
"Ah, I see." Charles shook his head. "Major Stewart is known for his over exaggeration. It is the best to ignore his nonsense."
Matthew looked to protest but Charles cut him off. "I have traveled all the way from Spain. Is it possible that I may actually go inside? Or am I to stay in this coach for the entirety of my visit?"
"No, sir," Thomas answered, picking up Charles' valise. "Your rooms have been cleaned and are waiting for you."
"Thank you, Thomas." Charles walked to the bottom of the steps.
It was an odd feeling looking up at the house, so much that had stayed the same but it felt quite different for him. It made him wonder how much his time away had changed him. He was not the only one who had changed though, he thought, looking at Henrietta. She had moved to stand next to him and he linked his arm through hers.
"Sister, dear. What has happened in my absence? Other than you growing up to become a lovely young woman?"
Henrietta's eyes widened then she smiled. "Oh, so much! I do not know where to start."
"He does not care about your Season?” Matthew scoffed. “Charles, tell us about what it was like on the Peninsula."
Charles frowned. He was happy to see Matthew but he did not want to talk about the Peninsula and certainly not in front of Henrietta. Instead of saying so he turned to Henrietta and whispered loudly, "I take it Matthew’s Season has not gone as well."
Henrietta let out a whoop of laughter and then covered her mouth. Charles laughed as she tried to compose herself.
First, she glanced over to Matthew and then leaned conspiratorially against Charles’ shoulder. "Truth be told, it has not. Abigail Underwood has caused him great distress."
"She has not," Matthew retorted.
Charles nodded with a serious look on his face. "I cannot say for sure, but you seem rather distressed. What do you think, Henrietta?"
"Oh yes, quite right," Henrietta agreed. “Distressed indeed.”
"No, I am not distressed. She... Well, I really am not distressed," Matthew stammered and quickly went up the steps to the house.
After a moment, Henrietta chuckled before resting her head against Charles the shoulder. "I'm so glad you are home."
Charles smiled down at her. "As am I."
Beatrice looked up from her book, she thought she had heard voices in the hall. The door to the drawing room remained closed and after a moment she shrugged and turned her gaze back to the pages.
She had still not gotten used to the activity at Castborough. The noise still disturbed her concentration when she was reading.Her family home was much quieter as it was only she and her mother much of the time.
The Wayward Heir Page 7
