Page 48 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
The walls were made of white plaster with intricate designs of flowers and seashells along the moulding. The manor reminded her of an airy fairy-tale home from a child’s storybook. It was so fashionably done that Caroline wondered why the Murphys hadn’t come to this manor as soon as the Season had let out.
Once in a lighter gown of white cotton, wearing nothing more than a slip underneath, Caroline finished her look by tying a bright blue ribbon around her middle. She observed herself in the looking glass as her lady’s maid braided her hair, tucking the end into a spiral around her head. Already, Caroline felt relaxed and refreshed. She knew coming to the coast had been the best decision for her. She felt as though she had no cares in the world.
When Caroline returned to the drawing room, Gwendolen was already there, sitting with her mother and going over the seashells they had found. Lord Murphy stood by the window, reading what appeared to be a letter. Caroline joined the other women in admiring the seashells, curious what Lord Murphy was reading.
“It seems we are not the only ones who have come to the seaside,” Lord Murphy declared as he turned from the window and approached the women. Caroline’s heart beat in her chest as she wondered what Lord Murphy could be implying.
“I hope it’s no one dreadful. I like the idea of leaving town to avoid so many social gatherings,” Lady Murphy said.
“It seems that Sir Roberts and Lord Sergio have come to the coast to discuss matters of business and the shipments of goods during these times of war and piracy. They have invited me to join them for these discussions upon discovering that we just took to our home today,” Lord Murphy explained.
“That’s rather odd. We told hardly anyone but the staff that we were coming to the coast. How could they have possibly known?” Lady Murphy wondered. Gwendolen and Caroline looked at one another, both of them fighting smiles that threatened to appear. They kept their eyes downcast as they played with the seashells.
“Unless someone told them of our travel plans?” Lord Murphy suggested, his voice rising in pitch as he neared his daughter. Slowly, Gwendolen looked up at her father as she did her best to keep her composure. But the more Lord Murphy stared down at his daughter, the more Gwendolen began to giggle.
“Shall we take tea out on the veranda?” Lady Murphy asked to break the silence.
“I think that is a grand idea,” Gwendolen manged to say amongst her mirth. The women then rose and quickly made their way outside, giving Lord Murphy a moment to compose himself.
“Gwendolen, my dear. Did you really write to these gentlemen?” Lady Murphy asked in a hushed tone once they had stepped outside.
“It was not just Gwendolen, Lady Murphy,” Caroline quickly put in, not wanting her friend to be in any trouble. “I did share our travel plans with Sir Roberts in my letter, thanking him for the new novel.”
“Well, I do hope you two know what you are doing when it comes to saying the decision of men. It’s not all fun and games, you know,” she warned.
“Of course, Mama,” Gwendolen said with downcast eyes.
“Either way, it would be better for the gentlemen to dine with us. You never know who might be in a tavern,” Lady Murphy said.
“Is that so, dear?” came Lord Murphy’s voice. They all turned, having not heard the Earl step out of the back door and join them on the veranda overlooking the ocean.
“Yes, I do so say,” Lady Murphy replied. “It would be far more convenient for two men to journey instead of three ladies.”
“Very well. I shall have a message sent to the gentlemen to join us for dinner.”
They settled down at the iron table and chairs next to the railing of the veranda. Caroline looked at Gwendolen, who winked at her as they sat down.
Caroline’s heart was full of joy at the idea of seeing William so soon. She had been hopeful to perhaps visit with him during their stay by the sea. But she hadn’t thought he would already be in the area upon their arrival. Furthermore, she was certain that Gwendolen was feeling the same way, by the light blush that had settled on her friend’s cheeks.
For the first time in many days, Caroline ate a proper meal. They dined on cucumber sandwiches and cold meats, as well as lavender tea that had been cooled and sweetened with honey. The only thing that was missing was the company of her own parents. She wished dearly to be sharing this moment with them.
But instead of focusing on such sorrowful things, Caroline reminded herself that had her parents still been alive, they would not only all be together, but Caroline would still be engaged to Lord Canton. Perhaps, in some strange way, everything was happening for a reason.
Regardless, she wished this perfect day could be spent with her loved ones.
Chapter 25
“Ah, there is nothing more delicious than the smell of the sea,” Lord Sergio declared as he rode with William towards Lord Murphy’s coastal estate. They’d received the Earl’s invitation to join them for dinner, and William was greatly looking forward to seeing Caroline again.
“For a man who sails so frequently, I would have assumed you would grow tired of the smell,” William commented as their horses cantered down the lane.
“Alas, I shall never grow tired of the open waters nor the smell of the salt on the wind,” Lord Sergio declared. “What about you, my friend? Do you ever long to sail again?”
“The open waters do not bring to me fond memories as they do you. I do not mind the freshness of the sea. Though I neither long for it, either,” William explained.
“Then perhaps your memory may be changed after our dinner with Lord Murphy. He has two young ladies underneath his wing that I do say we shall be in very good company this evening.”
“There I cannot fault you,” William replied with a chuckle, urging his horse into a faster pace.
