Page 15 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
They sat again, and she glanced up at her stepmother, who was looking at her with slight suspicion. But then her expression smoothed as she turned to her nephew.
“Max was just telling us about his wild adventure in travelling to us. It seems the countryside is becoming even more dangerous than it ever has been. You see, Caroline? I am right that you shouldn’t traipse about as you like to do on your own. Who knows what ruffians you might come across? If only your father would agree with me. I did hope that Max’s story, however, would convince him.”
“Now, now, Penelope,” her father said, waving a hand at his wife. “Women are allowed such few pleasures, and I think if Caroline enjoys her wandering about traipsing, as you call it, then she must be allowed to do so.”
Caroline smiled with relief, glad that her father had not yet been convinced to listen to Penelope on this matter. He gave way to so many other things, not wishing to deal with Penelope’s stubbornness or ire, and so Caroline feared that one day, her nature walks would be restricted, and she would have to remain at home.
Max seemed thoroughly entertained by the conversation. “Am I to understand that you are roaming about the countryside, Caroline? Like a gypsy?” He chuckled at his own attempt at a joke whereas Caroline’s brow only furrowed.
“Do not let me stop your story, Max. Please continue. What harrowing experiences did you come across as you made your way to Kent?”
Max was hardly able to start before Penelope began pestering him with more questions and reminders. “Oh, you must start the story again, Max. And you must not forget this detail. You forgot to answer this question, of course.” She was like a bird fluttering about a baby chick.
With amusement, Caroline turned to her father. He caught her eye and they smiled at one another. At least she and her father agreed on this one thing to do with her stepmother. But then she turned back to face Max with resignation, knowing that she was about to hear likely one of the most boring stories in the world. She had no doubt that it was not harrowing, nor was it to be an adventure.
Chapter 15
After Charles left Caroline to walk home, he rode his horse home a little bit more safely. He took the long way around, still desperate for that fresh air, but he knew Oliver would be curious as to his whereabouts. Eventually, he returned home, and he entered the breakfast room with a resigned air. A servant told him that Oliver was in the conservatory, painting as usual, and Charles was grateful. He at least had breakfast to himself to get his mind straight.
This is not what I wanted at all. I wanted a peaceful country oasis, a time away from the Season and thoughts of marriage. Instead, I am sitting here feeling jealous over a strange young man whom I do not know. Who might be interested in Miss Turner?
With his elbows on the table, he put his head in his hands. He bemoaned his current fate. This was not like him. He had had his head turned before, a few times, but it was never like this—so all-consuming, so completely distracting that he couldn’t think of anything else. He had been so looking forward to this time in the country for so long to find peace. He had been desperate for the respite, and now it felt like things were all turned upside down.
After he ate, he made his way down to the conservatory, eager for a bit of company. He was not being very good as his own company. He found Oliver sitting in a chair, painting among the plants, focusing keenly, his tongue moved to one side of his mouth. He was in his shirt sleeves, and his hair was ruffled, as if he’d pushed a hand through too many times in his concentration.
He didn’t notice Charles as he walked softly up behind him. Charles was glad for it. Oliver never enjoyed having his friends look upon his work, and this was the only way Charles was able to catch a glimpse of it.
The brush strokes were extraordinary, as were the colours. The conservatory had the best light, and so that was why Oliver often chose to paint there. His friend was talented, no matter how much he doubted his own abilities.
Charles cleared his throat softly, making Oliver jump and curse when he dropped his paintbrush.
“It is just as much as you deserve,” Charles said with a chuckle, “after all your teasing over the years.” He walked up to his friend and picked the paintbrush off the floor. “But forgive me for that.”
Oliver scowled at him. “You know you’re not supposed to look at my work before it is finished.”
“Yes, I know.” Charles sat in a chair not far away. “But I sometimes cannot resist the temptation, for you are very skilled, and I know your work will be accepted at the Royal Academy.”
With a sigh, Oliver continued painting. “Do not even mention the place, for it disturbs my work and makes me far too nervous to continue. Why don’t we discuss you and where you were this morning? That seems like a far more interesting topic, I think.”
Oliver was no longer scowling, and Charles rolled his eyes, looking around the room. It was a lovely glass-roofed section of the house, filled with plants as well as chairs and tables. He remembered when he was a child how his mother would take tea here. And he was glad Oliver was using it, since his family did not come often, and he would rather be out of doors.
“You know I like to ride before breakfast.”
“That I do, but you slept so late this morning I didn’t think you would ride.”
“Yes, well, I had a few things to clear my mind of, and so I thought the fresh air and exercise would be of assistance.”
Oliver’s focus turned back to his painting; Charles could tell by the furrow in his brow. But as he lay another stroke across the canvas, he asked, “Did it?”
“Did it what?” Charles asked.
“Did the fresh air and exercise assist you? To clear your mind?”
“Not exactly,” Charles said. “I came across Miss Turner in the woods once again.” He wasn’t sure why he’d told his friend, for it would only mean more teasing and more questions, but it had slipped off his tongue with ease.
“Oh, I see. And that certainly added to your confusion, I’m sure. Although I don’t know why. You are an eligible young man; she is a baron’s daughter not being courted by anyone. I see no reason why you should feel there is any hindrance to your suit.”
“How do you know I wish to pay court to her? You know I’ve just come off a busy Season trying to avoid that very thing.”
