Page 64 of A Duchess Mistaken
“No, Agnes, it is not obvious at all because it is simply not true!”
Caroline shot to her feet and began pacing back and forth, a clear sign that she was agitated. Agnes stared at her in shock.
“What do you mean it is not true?” Agnes repeated. “How couldn’t it be true? I was so certain…”
“Believe it or not, Agnes, you are not always right. I cannot imagine what could have possessed you to think that I was in love with Lord Christopher.”
“Well, it could not be the duke,” Agnes protested, her mind running at a rapid pace. “If it were, you would have no reason to sneak all the way to the woods. I could not imagine that it could be Paul because…” Agnes’ eyes widened in horror. “Isit Paul?”
“Heavens, no!”
“Then the only other option had to be Christopher!”
Caroline shook her head, letting out a small, delirious laugh. “Goodness, Agnes, you must have put a great deal of thought into this?—”
“I have.”
“—but Paul is a brother to me and far too young for me to see him romantically. And while I do enjoy Lord Christopher’s company, I reserve no affection for him.”
“Then who could it be, Caroline?” Agnes asked desperately. “Tell me before I am forced to make more assumptions.”
She laughed again, this time sounding a little more like herself. “He does not reside in the castle, but in the village, which is why we must meet in the woods.”
Agnes could tell that Caroline was stalling. Perhaps had this been a different matter, she would have entertained her, but she had no patience for it now.
“Caroline, who is he?”
Caroline began wringing her fingers together, pacing back and forth. “His name is George. I met him at my uncle’s estate.”
“How?” Agnes probed, fearing that she already knew the answer.
“He works there,” Caroline answered. “He is a stable boy and I have known him since I was ten-and-three and he ten-and-four. It began as a friendship but as time went on, it developed into more.” Caroline finally stopped her pacing to look at Agnes, eyes swimming with love. “He treats me like a princess, Agnes. Despite the fact that he is a commoner, he provides me with all the love and care I require. I cannot imagine my life without him.”
For the first time in her life, Agnes didn’t know what to say. That was the last thing she’d expected to hear.
But why was she? Caroline was the most kind-hearted, loving person she knew. She was not the kind of lady to pay mind to silly things like titles and status. And this was the kind of love that had followed her to the countryside, that stayed by her side despite the fact that she was here to marry someone else. Agnes could see the adoration in Caroline’s eyes. There was no hiding such affection.
“Are you terribly disappointed?” Caroline asked as she resumed her anxious pacing. “I know this is not what you expected. But though he is not a titled man, Agnes, I promise you that he treats me very kindly.”
“Caroline, I…” She was still at a loss for words.
That was clearly sending Caroline’s anxiety through the ceiling. “I know that it was a risk having him follow me here but he insisted and well…I could not fathom going through this entire ordeal without his presence. It is killing us both that I must do this but to be able to see him at nights is the only thing that brings me peace during the day. I hope you can understand.”
Agnes opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. At last, Caroline stopped her pacing to face her fully.
“Agnes, please say something!”
She shot to her feet, clasping both of Caroline’s hands and pulling her into a sudden embrace. “I have never felt prouder of you,” she murmured.
“Proud?” Caroline repeated. Her arms hesitantly wrapped around Agnes. “You are proud and not disappointed?”
“I would never feel disappointed in you, Caroline. I do not even think that is an emotion you are capable of making me feel.” Agnes pulled away, smiling. “To know that you are so devoted to the one you love, right to what you believe may be the end, is nothing short of inspirational. I am proud of you, Caroline. And I am so, so ecstatic that you have found someone to love you the way you deserve to be loved.”
With a sudden quickness, Caroline’s eyes were filled with tears and on the verge of overflowing. “Oh, Agnes, you don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that.”
“Well…I might have lied. I am a tad disappointed in you.”
Caroline’s face fell. “Why?” she whispered.
