Page 30 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
“I thought I heard Lord Canton’s voice,” Caroline replied as she sat down at the table next to Gwendolen and allowed the footman to serve her breakfast.
“I sent him to the drawing room so that you could have a proper meal,” Lady Murphy said with a smile. “How are you feeling today?”
“I am exhausted, to be honest. I appreciate your hospitality and hope that I did not cause any harm last night,” Caroline said as she began to cut her breakfast sausage and mix it with the runny eggs.
“‘Twas no trouble at all,” Lord Murphy said then between bites of food. “I wouldn’t be surprised if half of the Ton is exhausted today because of last night’s ball. It was rather warm and sure to have taken a toll on many people.” Caroline simply smiled as she ate, not wanting to explain the actual cause of her fainting. Even now, remembering the sight of William’s true face behind the mask caused her to feel tingly in the arms. It was such a surreal experience that only seeing William again would confirm what she had seen the night before.
“Mother. Father. I wanted to discuss with you a letter that was received this morning. It is from Sir Roberts, inviting us to dine with him tomorrow evening for a dinner party he is hosting,” Gwendolen spoke up, and Caroline began to pay closer attention to the conversation at hand.
“Really? I did not realize we were acquainted with the man,” Lady Murphy said, setting her fork aside and appearing quite surprised at the news.
“I made his acquaintance last night and received his invitation this morning. He is wanting to broaden his knowledge of elite society since he is now ranked amongst them. I gave him good remarks concerning the Murphy family,” Caroline explained.
“How kind of you, Miss Caroline. We’d be delighted to attend this dinner party,” Lord Murphy agreed. “And I’m sure Lord Canton will enjoy dining with the man that all of the town is talking about.”
“I’ll be pleased to tell him after breakfast,” Caroline said. They talked more about Sir Roberts for a time being and it only made Caroline wonder how William had found himself in such a position. A part of her was proud of him for accomplishing so much, for having been a footman. And she wondered how society would treat him if they knew his real identity.
After a while, Caroline knew she couldn’t delay any longer. The breakfast had been cleared and the family had all announced their plans for the morning. Caroline knew she needed to greet her fiancé and rose from the dining table to do so. Afterwards, she would no doubt retire to her bedchamber to catch up on all the sleep she’d seemed to miss out on the night before.
“Do you want my company?” Gwendolen asked as they stepped out of the dining room together.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I shall greet him and send him on his way so I can get some rest. I want to be at my best for the dinner party tomorrow,” Caroline said softly, unsure of who might be able to overhear them.
“Then we shall have tea in the garden after you have rested. There, we shall discuss our thoughts about tomorrow.” Gwendolen dipped her head and made her way upstairs. Caroline stood and watched her go for a moment before making her way to the drawing room. She took a deep breath before opening the sliding doors and leaving them open as she stepped inside and faced her fiancé.
“Caroline, my dear. You are looking well this morning,” Lord Canton said as he stood and came to embrace her.
“Please, sir. I am not well and do not wish to be touched,” Caroline quickly said before the man could gather her in his arms.
“I promise to be gentle,” he said in a soft voice. But Caroline stood her ground, refusing to be touched by the man. Instead, she sat down in a winged-backed chair and gestured to the chair across from her for Lord Canton to occupy. His face turned sour at her disapproval of his affections, but he nonetheless took to the chair.
“I’m quite exhausted from a ball I attended with the Murphys last night. I shall be retiring to my bedchamber for the rest of the morning once our little visit is over with,” Caroline explained.
“Surely you would like to enjoy the day with me instead. I could take you to the shops district and you could pick out anything you desire. And a walk around Hyde Park would be lovely after we’ve dined at one of the taverns or bakeries,” Lord Canton offered.
“Perhaps another day. My health is not well, and I don’t want to faint again from being overheated and exhausted,” Caroline said firmly. She might be stuck marrying the man, but she wouldn’t allow him to boss her around, either.
“Then you shouldn’t have gone to the ball last night without me,” Lord Canton said as he stood and began to pace the room. “You are my intended now and shouldn’t be seen in public without me. I don’t want people get the wrong impression about you.”
“I’ve been invited to dine with Sir Roberts tomorrow evening with the Murphys. You could join us, if you wish,” Caroline said. She hated the idea of attending the dinner party with the Earl. He would surely recognize William, just as she had. And she didn’t want any trouble to spark between the two. After all, William had left her years ago and Lord Canton had already staked his claim. The gentlemen should act civil, after all.
“Sir Roberts? The man everyone is talking about? How on earth did you receive such an invitation from the famous sailor?” Lord Canton questioned, coming to stand over Caroline in a gesture that made her rather uncomfortable.
“I made his acquaintance last night and referred the Murphys as good company. Therefore, I received the invitation this morning,” Caroline explained.
“Then it’s a good thing that I came to town when I did. It will do good for my reputation to make friends with Sir Roberts. It will boost my credit if I can say I’m friendly with a man like him,” Lord Canton mused as he began to pace once more.
Caroline didn’t know much about Lord Canton, besides the fact that he was a scheming man with the ability to have eyes everywhere. She was certain he paid servants to spy for him, and therefore never really felt safe and secure around anyone. Even Gwendolen she doubted from time to time as sincere.
“Then I shall see you tomorrow evening for dinner,” Caroline said as she stood and went to leave the drawing room. But Lord Canton grabbed her arm and halted her progress.
“A kiss before you go,” Lord Canton suggested as he tried to pull her towards him. Caroline ripped her arm out of his grasp and took several steps back towards the open door.
“I don’t love you and will never love you, Lord Canton. This marriage is a sham and brought on only by blackmail, since you’ve done something to discourage any other gentlemen from proposing to me. Do not expect me to give you affection, ever.”
Lord Canton smirked at her as he placed his hands on his hips and looked down at her as though she was speaking humorously. “When we are officially married, Caroline, you’ll have no choice. You’ll open your body to me, and if you try to fight me, then I will have no choice but to force myself upon you. So, make your decision now. Either give in to me or expect harmful consequences,” he said, his voice low and dark.
“You’re a monster,” Caroline said before she quickly turned away and hurried from the drawing room. She didn’t slow her pace till she was on the second floor, and even peeked over her shoulder to ensure Lord Canton hadn’t followed her. She heard the shutting of the front door shortly afterwards and sighed heavily with the knowledge that Lord Canton had left the townhouse.
