Page 17 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
But once she and Matilda were left alone in the private sitting room, a tray of tea before them, she smiled. “Thank goodness you are here, my friend,” she said, pouring her a cup of tea and handing her the china cup.
Matilda’s eyes flashed with amusement as she took it. “You must tell me what is going on, but I do believe that I’ve heard titters that a certain Maximilian Thornhill has come to visit yet again. Where is he? I did not meet him yet.”
“Out riding, I believe. And thank goodness. I couldn’t bear to hear another story about how he was the most entertaining person during the whole of the Season. Or how there were so many young women who were interested in him paying court to them, and all other such nonsense.”
Miranda laughed, putting a hand to her chest. She set down her cup of tea and smoothed her hands over her pink gown.
“I hope you said exactly that to him. No one cares about his tales. I’ve heard you speak of him many times. I’ve only seen him from afar, though. He’s a rather good-looking fellow, I think.”
“Matilda!” Caroline cried, putting her finger to her lips, and her eyes widened. “Do not let a soul hear you say such a thing. I’m certain that Penelope or Max are residing within the walls, waiting to hear someone compliment him, and then they will both jump out, eager to add to the compliments and to agree wholeheartedly with you.”
Matilda laughed. “Again, if only you would share your humour with your family, my dear friend. It seems you’re always quite polite around them. Your tongue is vicious around the rest of us. Though it seems rather more vicious today.” She picked up her tea as well as biscuit that she popped into her mouth.
“Yes, well,” Caroline drawled, leaning back in her chair and staring off into the distance as she took a sip of her tea. “Visits from Max always put me out of sorts. But there is also the matter of Penelope. She’s always irritating, to be sure,” Caroline whispered. “But it seems worse of late. My father is so fatigued, I can see the circles darkening under his eyes each time I see him. I worry about his welfare.”
She said nothing of the incident in the woods the day before, for she was still not certain what it had been, and the more the minutes ticked past, she grew less and less certain that a kiss had been imminent.
Matilda put down her cup. “I’m so sorry, Caroline, I did not realise. You never said. You have often spoken of your irritation with Penelope, but I didn’t know there was so much difficulty with your father.”
She smiled briefly. “I did not wish to speak of it aloud, I think, afraid that something really is wrong. For I could not bear it, Matilda, if he died now and left me like this with the woman he chose for a wife. She is not a real mother.” Caroline blinked back the tears that came to her eyes. “If she had acted differently, then perhaps we might have loved one another.
But she is so close to my age, and you know her. She did nothing in the Season to help me. She was always very proper, always reminding me of the rules but never making introductions. And all the rules were only for her own benefit, so that she was not scandalised by me. Not for the fact that I needed to find a match as well. For when my father is gone, I do not wish to stay another moment in this house.”
A line formed between Matilda’s dark brows, and she reached across the table and touched Caroline’s arm. “Forgive me, my friend, I did not know how you have suffered. Well, I’m glad I can be here now for tea, and at the dinner we shall stick together, you and I. Alexander and I can put off our silly debates for one evening at least.”
Caroline grinned at her friend, happy that her mood was lightened a little. “I thank you for that. But perhaps we should speak of more pleasant topics. You and Alexander might finally come to realize that a match between you would do you well.”
“Ha!” Matilda said. “You do make me laugh, you know. Lord Fitzroy and I are merely friends, childhood friends. It would be like marrying a brother. I’ve seen the man with his front tooth missing, digging in the dirt beside us!”
Caroline smiled at such a fond memory. “Yes, I know, but he has now grown into a handsome man. He is still just as fun as he always was. I think you ought to consider him.”
Matilda picked up another biscuit, but she did not eat it right away. Instead, she said, “You act as though there is a chance Alexander thinks of me in that way.”
“Well, I believe that he does.”
A nervous look came over Matilda’s face, but Caroline was certain it was not displeasure.
She smiled again. “Do not let me distress you. It is only something I wish for. For my friends to be happy.”
“Thank you. Well, I suppose we can all agree, though, that Alexander is much better looking than some of the other gentlemen of our country set. I dread speaking to Lord Martin tomorrow. I know he will talk to me about his sheep and I’m not sure I can bear it.”
Caroline laughed. At least for the moment, they could enjoy one another’s company. The dinner was tomorrow, and she could think of all her problems then. And a new problem had presented itself to her. She had not told her best friend about her secret.
Chapter 18
Charles felt a bit better the next evening when the time for the dinner came. He and Oliver had had a good time the day before, playing games, reading. He’d also gotten a good night’s sleep. He could now approach the dinner with a clear mind. He still thought of Miss Caroline, and often, but now, he was happy to go. He was excited to speak with her again, and he was eager to meet this Max, hoping he could take the measure of him with a mere look.
“Are you ready?” Oliver asked as they approached the open doorway, the sound of muted conversation floating through the air towards them.
“Certainly. I’m sure you are happy too, for I know you’re far more social than I am, and these times in the countryside can often be boring for you.”
The butler greeted them at the door, and they handed off their gloves and hats to the waiting footman.
“Hardly. I am enjoying the inspiration for my painting, and it is giving me more time than I have in London when there are far too many distractions. Besides, there are a few pretty young ladies here, not just your Miss Turner,” Oliver whispered, and Charles nudged against him as they were led to the main sitting room.
“Lord Spencer,” Baron Wentworth said. His smile was genuine, and Charles could see the resemblance between him and his bright-faced daughter. “We met only briefly at the Fenton ball, but I’m very glad you accepted our invitation today.” The older man bowed his head.
“Thank you so much for inviting us,” Charles replied. He turned to see a dark-haired young woman looking up at him.
