Page 43 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
“I am quite serious and have made up my mind. I don’t care what people will say or think about me. I will not allow myself to marry such an overbearing man,” Caroline spat, her body suddenly filling with a kind of anger she had never known before. Having known sadness for the last few days, it was a welcomed new feeling.
Lord Canton shook his head, this time pointing a finger at her. “You’ll regret saying such words to me, Caroline. I’m a very powerful man and I always get what I want,” he seethed.
“Your threats are of no use, Lord Canton. You’ve already taken away the love of my life, and now my parents are dead. What more could you possibly do?” Caroline told him, her anger clear on her lips.
“Just wait and see, my dear. My control over this place is more frightening than you could ever imagine,” he growled before turning on his heel and marching off. People quickly darted out of his way as he stormed out of the cemetery. And the moment he was gone, the whispers started once more.
“Come, Miss Caroline. Let me escort you back to Lord and Lady Murphy,” William suggested as he gestured towards the church.
“That would probably be a wise choice. I promised Lord Murphy that I wouldn’t make any rash decisions.”
“You handled yourself well, Miss Caroline. After all, this was not a day to pressure you. This will be one of Lord Canton’s many mistakes,” William said as he walked beside her. Caroline didn’t dare look at the multitude that had gathered near to witness Lord Canton’s outburst. She was not pleased with the way the man had handled himself, making her wonder about his ulterior motives. The man always seemed to be scheming one thing or another.
By the time Caroline reached the Murphys near the front of the church, she was thoroughly ready to return to their townhouse and get some rest. It had been a terrible and awful day, having to watch her parents be buried. All she wanted at that moment was the chance to be alone and rest.
“Are you all right, my dear? Lord Canton left in an awful hurry and looked rather ousted,” Lord Murphy said.
“I could no longer handle his overbearing nature. He refused to give me space on this day and insisted on showing me signs of affection that were very unwanted. I broke off our engagement and plan to publish my decision in the paper at my soonest convenience,” Caroline explained. Lady Murphy gasped as she placed her hand over her mouth, and Caroline watched as Lord Murphy looked at William long and hard.
“I think you made a very wise decision,” Gwendolen said as she looked between Caroline and William with a smile on her lips.
“Well, let us be off now. There is no reason to remain. Good day, Sir Roberts,” Lord Murphy said with a dip of his head. Caroline looked at William for a moment, wanting to be held by him once more. But all she could muster was a small smile as they departed. William left the church and started walking along the sidewalk as Lord Murphy helped the ladies all into the carriage. Caroline wondered when she would see him again.
Chapter 23
“Well, it seems it’s official,” William’s father said, setting down the morning paper and pushing it towards William. They were enjoying breakfast, and as usual, his father had been studying the newspaper to learn of all sorts of things that were happening in the great country of England.
William took the newspaper and looked down at the announcement that his father had pointed out. It seemed like only a week ago that he had read Caroline’s wedding announcement. Now he was reading the official announcement declaring that the engagement had been broken.
There would be much gossip about the situation, he speculated. Some may claim that Caroline was simply grieving and didn’t know what she was doing. Others might say that something distasteful must have happened to cause her to do such a thing right after the death of her parents.
Either way, William couldn’t be more pleased. This meant Caroline would be available to be courted and he could finally be the man she’d always deserved. It seemed like the time had finally come to ensure their future.
“It’s been three days since the funeral. I feel it is still too soon to approach her,” William said as he set the newspaper aside.
“Then why don’t you send her a gift?” Grendel spoke up, a cheery look on her face. William was always uncertain how Grendel would handle her days. Sometimes she’d be awfully tired, while other days she’d be cheerful and lively.
“And what sort of gift would you suggest?” William asked.
“Something that would mean something special to her,” Grendel suggested. “You must know what she enjoys doing.”
“She’s always enjoyed horseback riding. I remember her telling me it was the most thrilling thing her father would let her do. I also know she enjoys books, as I would often find her reading back when I was employed by Lord Goldman,” William said.
“Then it sounds like you have a bit of shopping to do this morning,” Grendel said with a bright smile. “Myself, I shall retire to the sitting room by the back door. I can sit there and enjoy the garden without having to go outside.” Her lady’s maid came forth then and helped Grendel from the chair and out of the dining room.
“You shouldn’t wait long to pursue Caroline,” his father advised once they were alone. “The details of her father’s will have been published, as well. She has a lot to offer a husband. And now that all of town knows that she is eligible once more, there will be many suitors eager to make her acquaintance.”
“I understand, Father. However, I don’t want to pressure Caroline in her time of grief. There’s no saying how long she’ll wear of the garments of mourning.”
“You are a very considerate man, William. But time seems of the essence. You don’t know what others will do, or even if Lord Canton is thinking of some plan to pressure Caroline into marrying once more.”
“You are right, as always. But for now, I’m going to side with Grendel and see if I can go purchase a gift to be sent to Caroline. It will be a subtle enough gesture that I think she’ll appreciate.”
“Very well. I’m going to enjoy my exercise out in the gardens this morning. I look forward to seeing what item you can acquire for the young lady.”
William gave his father a small smile as he rose from the table. He then made his way towards the foyer where he donned his top hat and cane.
“Shall you be needing the carriage, sir?” asked his butler, who happened to see him preparing to leave the house.
