“Thank you both for sharing my excitement. I told Mother earlier. Her enthusiasm wasn’t at quite the same level as yours.”
“But you know she’s proud of you,” Caroline insisted. She had no doubt of it.
“Yes, but she didn’t seem inclined to jump up and down with me like you both are.”
Margaret giggled. “What else are sisters for?”
Caroline resumed her seat as Annabelle shared more details. Though the advance she’d been offered was small, it would ease the next month or two. At this point, every shilling mattered.
“Will you review the contract with me,” Annabelle asked.
“Of course. I’d be honored.” Caroline couldn’t help the twinge of regret for having sold the sheep painting a few days ago that had graced her father’s library. He’d been fond of it, but they were running out of things to sell. She’d had Barkley replace it with another, hoping her father wouldn’t notice.
“I have news as well,” Margaret said, her gaze riveted to the tablecloth where her finger traced a pattern only she could see.
“Do share.”
“I’ve been requested to design three gowns for Lady Cavendish.”
“Truly?” Caroline waited, uncertain whether to be pleased. As a marchioness, the lady was quite influential and well known for her fashion sense.
Caroline hoped her sister had managed to keep her identity a secret despite this opportunity. While she was proud of Margaret’s abilities, most would frown upon the idea of a lady serving as a seamstress.
“All because she is impressed with our gowns and wanted to know who designed them. Her maid spoke to another servant who knows our maid, Lizzie. So truly, the thanks go to her. She managed to arrange it all without revealing my identity. Can you imagine?”
“How clever of her.” Lizzie, like Barkley, had been helpful in more ways than she’d ever expected. Caroline wished she could repay their kindness with something more than gratitude.
“I’m to sketch several designs and once Lady Cavendish approves them, payment will be provided. I won’t be sewing the gowns so I have no need to meet the lady. Again, it’s not much, but—”
“Everything helps.” Caroline didn’t want to belittle her efforts.
Once the money was received, she’d be able to pay a little toward their account with the doctor. While it would be a good gesture, she held doubt the doctor would pay a visit until she paid more. He had a family to feed and clothe as well.
“You’re both so talented, and I couldn’t be more proud. Well done, dears,” Caroline said.
As her sisters continued speaking, her emotions slowly sank. While thrilled for their success, she felt even worse for her lack of a contribution. In fact, rather than helping, her efforts might’ve caused more damage.
Creating problems had been the furthest thing from her mind last evening when she’d slid onto Richard’s lap. She’d been trying to help but look where it had gotten her.
From this moment forward, she had to put her family first and stop this attraction she felt for Richard.
But how?
~*~
Richard returned from his surveillance outside the Cock and Bull Tavern near Old Bailey, a foul mood threatening. He wore an old jacket, trousers, and a top hat pulled low over his brow in an attempt to keep his identity a secret.
The fog had yet to lift though midday had passed. The depressing weather matched his mood.
Waiting was part of his duties, but it wasn’t easy. Impatience often burned inside him on days like this, when he felt his time wasted. Taking action was easier than waiting and watching.
He waited and watched anyway. The only thing that saved the day was recounting the events of the previous evening. While frustrated at not being able to examine the contents of that locked drawer in Stafford’s library, the rest of the evening had been...interesting.
While initially annoyed at Caroline’s arrival, he couldn’t believe how she’d shoved him into the chair then climbed onto his lap. He hadn’t been able to think and had no desire to move. Then had come that heated kiss.
His worry over Stafford’s arrival had fallen away when her lips pressed against his. Perhaps it had been her fear in the moment, but the power in her kiss had sent him reeling. She’d tipped him sideways in that moment, and he didn’t think he’d be the same again.
When he’d woke this morning, her kiss had been the first thing he’d thought of, leaving his body throbbing.
Her behavior confused him, one moment fearful, the next bold. But with each day that passed, he became less convinced she was a spy.
Though he needed proof before he could determine the truth, he was no longer certain he could view that proof with objectivity. Caroline intrigued him on so many levels he couldn’t explain.
Involved in his thoughts, he gave a distracted nod to his butler who opened the door as Richard reached the top step.
“Your brother is waiting to see you, my lord.”
“Oh?” Richard frowned. Daniel rarely visited him, certainly not twice in one week unless something was amiss.
Richard pulled off his gloves and tossed them along with his hat on the table in the foyer before heading directly to the library.
“Actually, my lord, he’s awaiting you in the drawing room.”
That aroused Richard’s suspicions all the more. He entered the room to find Daniel enjoying a cup of coffee.
“Ah, there you are.” Daniel set aside his cup and stood, his smile reassuring Richard nothing serious had occurred.
“Daniel. What’s happened?”
“I came to ask that of you.”
“Oh?”
“Why are you dressed like that?” Daniel’s head tilted to the side as he studied Richard’s appearance from head to toe. “I’d be happy to lend you some money if you’re in such dire need.”
“Why are you here?” Richard asked, deliberately ignoring Daniel’s offer. Some days the ruse of being poor was annoying.
“I heard the oddest rumor last night as I was leaving the Staffords’ ball.”
Richard nearly groaned. Damn and blast Stafford for not keeping his mouth shut.
“Something about you and Miss Gold being in Staffords’ library in a compromising situation?” His brother’s grin told of his amusement.
Richard didn’t find it entertaining in the least. “I don’t know to what you’re referring.”
“I’m sure. I didn’t want you to hear it from someone else. Plus it gave me an excuse to enjoy more of your coffee. Perhaps if you and Miss Gold set a date for the wedding, it will calm the gossip floating about.”
Richard smothered a groan. He’d assumed Stafford would honor his word. Now he and Caroline had been “caught” in a compromising situation not once but twice. No wonder people were talking.
Society was annoying. With everything happening in the world, surely people could find another topic of conversation rather than he and his fiancée sharing a kiss. Why couldn’t they worry about the war or Bonaparte or the weather?
“Doesn’t she have sisters? I’d love to meet them.”
Richard only shook his head when his brother grinned.
“I like her, by the way.” Daniel’s comment pleased him more than it should’ve.
“I’m glad.” He turned to study his brother more closely, interested in hearing more of his impression of her. “Any specific reason?”
Daniel appeared surprised at his question. “The list of her attributes would be a long one. She’s beautiful, intelligent, possesses a fine sense of humor. But more importantly, she has eyes only for you, despite the circumstances that forced your betrothal.”
Richard could only stare at his brother. Of the qualities he’d expected his brother to mention, that last observation had not been among them. “What do you mean?”
“Even after I took my leave of you, I watched the two of you together. There’s an attraction between you that cannot be denied.”
Richard gl
anced out the window as that very attraction filled him once again, but it wasn’t merely physical.
“And after you stepped away, she visited with the other ladies around her but continued to watch you, as though she couldn’t help herself.”
Ha. It was that very curiosity that had gotten them both in trouble last night.
“What especially drew my notice was her expression as her gaze followed you,” Daniel continued. “Not as if she were watching jealously in case you spoke with someone of whom she wouldn’t approve. But more of a longing.” Daniel lifted a shoulder. “No doubt I’m wrong, as she couldn’t possibly be longing for you when she already has you, so to speak.”
Was it true? Did she long for something more than he’d given her thus far? Then again, he’d given her nothing. A few kisses along with his word. But with the knowledge that if there were any way to call off the engagement he would. The plan had been for her benefit. Or so he’d told himself.
Odd how little the idea appealed to him now compared to a few days ago. Where did that leave him?
Chapter Nine
Richard delayed the visit until late afternoon, giving himself time to consider every angle. He wanted to make certain emotions weren’t ruling his actions. The last time he’d allowed that to occur, Maria had betrayed him, Dumont had been killed, and Richard injured. He couldn’t permit such a thing to happen again.
Yet even thoughts of that terrible night hadn’t changed his mind about his current intention.
After Daniel’s visit yesterday, he’d realized the time had come to make wedding plans. The gossip might be quieted if they set a date at the very least.
The idea of Caroline being harmed in any way because she’d attempted to protect him was inconceivable. He’d already hurt her by practically accosting her on the terrace at the Southbys’ ball. Another blow to her reputation was unacceptable.
The situation might not be completely his fault, but he intended to make it right. Merely proposing hadn’t been enough. The new gossip required additional action.
This was definitely the right thing to do. He just hadn’t expected to be this anxious about it. Setting a date and making a few plans seemed a monumental step, taking the idea of a wedding to reality.
Surely his visit wouldn’t come as a surprise to Caroline. Not only was he looking forward to seeing her again, he welcomed the chance to see her family as well, especially her father. Richard had requested additional details about Gold from an associate at Whitehall who had excellent connections in the shipyards. Hopefully a report would be forthcoming to give him further insight into the family’s situation.
He couldn’t help but smile as he climbed the steps of their home. Some of Daniel’s comments regarding Caroline might have been questionable—especially her longing for him—but her beauty and intelligence couldn’t be denied. That much Daniel had gotten right.
Richard waited in the drawing room while Barkley checked to see if Caroline was receiving. This room matched the foyer and the library with its slightly faded décor, only two paintings displayed on the walls, and just a few knick-knacks.
Several minutes passed before the butler returned. “Sir Gold would like a few minutes of your time in the library, my lord.”
Richard entered the room to find Caroline’s father behind his desk. The older man started to rise, but Richard waved him back. “Good afternoon, Sir Gold. Please do not rise on my account.”
“Aberland. Good to see you again.” The man smiled. “I was wondering when you were going to make things right with my Caroline.”
Richard hesitated, uncertain to what he referred. “Sir, I’ve come today to speak with Caroline about setting a date for the wedding. You might remember I proposed on my last visit.”
He frowned. “Oh? It must’ve slipped my mind.” He shook his head. “So many things do these days.”
“The busier we are, the more things slide through our grasp.” Richard could tell the man searched his memory. What a terrible feeling to both forget things and be aware of it happening. “We have yet to decide when to hold the ceremony. I would appreciate hearing your opinion on a date.”
“A date? Yes, that would be good.” He tapped a finger on the desk as though considering the question carefully. “A date. Yes.”
Richard had to wonder if he knew what the date was, but Richard couldn’t think of a way to mention it without insulting him. “Perhaps in four weeks? Would that be acceptable?”
Sir Gold’s gaze shifted to the wall just over Richard’s shoulder. Richard couldn’t help but turn to see what he looked at. A seascape painting hung there.
It looked out of place, but he couldn’t think why. At last, he remembered that a fine painting of sheep grazing in a meadow had been there on his last visit.
“I believe I prefer the sheep,” Richard offered since Gold continued to stare at it.
“As do I. Why did someone change it?” He stood to ring the bell, his upset obvious—a mix of anger and concern.
When the butler arrived, Gold was still standing, his gaze riveted on the painting.
“Barkley, where is the sheep painting? That was painted on my country estate. Those were my sheep. They provided wool for our soldiers’ uniforms, you know.”
“I believe Miss Caroline might have that information. Allow me to fetch her, sir.”
“Now then,” Gold said as he took his seat. “Are you going to make things right with my Caroline?”
Richard realized just how difficult the family’s situation was. Sir Gold was obviously declining mentally.
~*~
Caroline hadn’t been expecting Richard. When Barclay advised her of his arrival, she’d taken a few minutes to change her gown.
“Oh, dear.” But now she realized she shouldn’t have delayed. The knowledge that her father visited with him was alarming enough. Knowing her father was distraught about the painting made things so much worse. When upset, his behavior became especially volatile.
“I’m terribly sorry.” Barclay might appear calm, but she could see the concern in his eyes. “I thought perhaps he’d take the explanation of the painting better from you than me.”
“It’s not your fault, Barclay,” Caroline reassured him as they hurried down the stairs toward the library. “Mother spoke to him about it already. Obviously, he’s forgotten.”
Richard probably knew the truth by now—that her father’s mental fortitude had failed significantly. Somehow, she knew she could count on Richard to hold his silence. He was a man of honor—so different than Stafford. She would never forgive the viscount for revealing their secret.
Though she’d vowed to put her family first, that didn’t mean she could set aside her commitment to Richard. They were tied together even more tightly than before after her reckless behavior.
Drawing a deep breath to prepare herself, she opened the door of the library.
Richard rose as she entered, acknowledging her curtsy with a bow. Then he reached out to take her hand and tuck it in the crook of his arm. The gesture surprised her as there was no crowd here to fool. What was he about? Did he offer her comfort? Sympathy? Support? She didn’t know but appreciated it all the same.
“Caroline, what happened to my painting?” Her father’s booming voice interrupted her thoughts. “That was my favorite. Those were my sheep on my country estate.”
Caroline glanced at Richard, not wanting to state its whereabouts in front of him. She didn’t want to embarrass her father or do anything to upset him. Nor did she care for Richard to know the direness of their situation by admitting they’d sold it.
“Perhaps we can discuss that after Aberland’s visit,” she suggested.
“I would know now.”
A closer look at him revealed the confused look in his eyes, never a good sign. When he sensed a loss of control over his world, his first reaction was anger. Unfortunately, he often directed that anger at the nearest target.
“I’ll check the other rooms for it
.” Though her offer was akin to lying, she was willing to do nearly anything to diffuse the situation. She’d try to tell him the truth again when he’d calmed.
“That’s one of my favorite paintings. You shouldn’t have removed it without my permission.” He was like a dog with a bone, refusing to let go.
“We discussed it several days ago, but we’ll talk about it again after the earl’s visit.” She glanced at Richard, wondering what he must be thinking of this awkward conversation. Had he realized the depth of her father’s confusion?
As though sensing her distress, he smiled. “I was just telling your father that I think the seascape is impressive as well. Nothing like the fresh air of the sea. Very invigorating.”
Her father frowned, staring at the painting with eyes narrowed.
“The roll of the surf, the spray of the water, the horizon stretching as far as the eye can see are not to be missed. It clears one’s mind.”
Her father slowly nodded, his frown easing as a faraway look crossed his face as though he remembered the sensation.
Caroline sighed with relief, grateful for Richard’s thoughtful words that calmed her father.
“I wasn’t expecting you to call,” she said quietly, hoping to see him to the door as quickly as possible, in case her father had one of the rapid shifts in behavior that seemed to occur more frequently.
“I came to see if we could select a date for the wedding.”
“Oh?” A well of panic filled her, threatening her ability to breathe.
Despite what her mother had said, Caroline still couldn’t believe this was happening. She’d been so certain she was meant to wed the Duke of Wayfair, that his wealth and connections would secure her family’s future.
Yet as she looked into Richard’s eyes, she could no longer remember the duke’s face, nor the color of his eyes. All she could see was Richard.
“Four weeks?” His whispered words startled her. Or was it setting a wedding day that did so?
She swallowed hard. “Four?”
But of course. He wouldn’t be able to afford a special license to allow them to marry sooner. A common one would have to do. She was surprised he hadn’t wanted to simply have the Banns read in each of their parishes. That would’ve saved him the cost of any license and taken the same length of time as he’d just suggested.
Romancing the Rogue (Regency Rendezvous Book 9) Page 9
