Page 25 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
There was another dinner party in a couple of days’ time, to be held at the Chatsworth country residence, and she assumed Lord Charles would be invited and would attend.
Or perhaps not, after what has happened between us.
She worried at her bottom lip, afraid that something had now changed between them, something irrevocable. She had a feeling that he too had felt what had passed between them. It was akin to a spark, from her heart to his, and she believed they would be thrown together again. If only he would not run away this time.
Breakfast, when she finally returned downstairs, was a solitary affair. Her father had left her a note, wishing for her good health, and she thought she was on her own. But then Max came into the room with a large smile.
“Dear cousin, for that is what we are like, I believe—if not in blood, then in spirit.” He collected his food and then sat down across from her to Caroline’s chagrin.
She sipped her tea before she greeted him. “Max, you are up late this morning.”
“It is my usual time. I always enjoy sleeping late after a gathering. Certainly, you already know that it is what everyone does during the Season in London.”
“Yes, well, I enjoy waking up in the morning to begin the day a little earlier than is perhaps the usual rule.” She buttered her toast and did not look at him any longer.
He chuckled, and it annoyed her. She was already in a sour mood after the evening’s and the morning’s events, and she did not need Max to make her mood any worse.
“Ah, that’s right. For your gypsy traipsing. Did you go this morning, then?”
Caroline paused in her act of buttering her toast, but then she quickly continued, not wishing Max to suspect anything unusual.
“No. I was feeling unwell, and so I remained in bed for a little longer.” She did not wish for anyone to know about her time in the lake.
“And bathed,” he added, and she looked up to see him noticing her damp hair.
“Yes.”
“Well, I am glad you are feeling well now. Perhaps you overindulged last evening.”
“Perhaps.” She bit into her toast and wished him away, but she knew she would have to get used to him. He was going to be a constant presence in her home for the time being, and she had to find a way to live with it as best she could.
“So, have you recovered from your ridiculous notions of last evening?” he asked boldly, and her eyes snapped up to meet his.
Her heart fluttered in her throat, and she wondered if she had seen the looks that had passed between her and Lord Charles. If he believed that she believed she was worthy of an earl’s wife. Or that she even had a chance to earn his affection.
“Whatever do you mean, Max?” she asked, attempting a bored tone as she poured herself another cup of tea.
“I mean your idea that marriage should endeavour to be for love and affection first and foremost.”
He smiled at her and lifted his brows, and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from screaming at him.
“No, I have not given it up, Max.” She put her elbows on the table and folded her hands as she stared back at him. “Have you given up your notion that marriage should only be for monetary gain?”
To her surprise, Max laughed at her yet again. “Oh, gypsy cousin, you will never understand the ways of the world. You might think you do, but I can assure you, you will not. For you continue to think with your heart and not your head.”
“That is better, I think, than the alternative. To look at only the logical sides of things.”
“I think not, my dear. As a woman, you ought to be careful. To make sure you are planning well for your future. But I suppose I am not your father or brother. I cannot encourage you to do so in the same way. But as your makeshift cousin, I can advise that marriage should first and foremost be seen as a transaction. Life is business, after all, and the life of the wealthy and titled is certainly business more so than anyone else’s.”
“Thank you, Max,” she said. “I shall think on that.”
He seemed satisfied enough with her response, but all she could think about was what Lord Charles thought of the matter. Was marriage a business to him? Had that kiss been nothing but a mere transaction?
Chapter 26
A few days later, Charles found himself in the stables, brushing his horse for far too long. It was the stable hand who alerted him to just how long he’d been doing so by asking him about his saddle. He jumped up, turning to look at the young boy, and he nodded.
“Yes, please. Bring the saddle.”
