Page 29 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
Charles watched as she smiled prettily at her father. “You do not need to worry about me. I’ve had my fill of dancing in the Season, Father, but I have brought Lord Charles to speak to you about the horse racing.”
“Oh, excellent. Yes, I had a few questions. I was interested in doing a bit more betting, and I thought you might be of assistance. Please, come and sit.” Charles went to a chair, grateful to be speaking to someone kind and interesting and related to Caroline and not Lord Martin or Mr Merryweather.
Caroline began to back away. “Will you not join us, my dear?” her father asked, and she shook her head.
“I will be back later. I do not want to interrupt your discussion.”
Disappointed, Charles smiled at her as she walked away, but then he turned to the baron.
Even if the baroness was less than savory, this was the type of father-in-law that Charles was interested in having. This was the type of family he could see himself marrying into. But out of the corner of his eye, he spied Caroline speaking to Lord Fitzroy again. And that hope inside him was nearly doused.
Chapter 29
Caroline walked up to Alexander again, hoping that all had gone well between him and Matilda during the dance. Matilda was then speaking with her mother, and she and Alexander had parted. He had refreshed his glass of wine, and he was about to turn away to mix with a few acquaintances when he saw Caroline.
“Ah, are you here to tell me I did something wrong? Perhaps I did not ask properly. Or not enough times?”
Caroline gave him a look, but then she smiled. “No, I believe you did very well, my friend. You know, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone rush across a sitting room as quickly as you did to ask Matilda to dance with you.”
Alexander’s cheeks flushed ever so slightly, and Caroline knew for certain that her assessment of his affection had been accurate.
He cleared his throat and said, “Yes, well, I do not wish that Mr. Thornhill to get at her. Matilda told me what he is like, what you have told her. She has a wealthy family, and I don’t like the idea of a money-grubbing charmer trying to woo her to get at it.”
Caroline nodded. “Very good, Alexander. I am glad you agree with me.”
The next dance had already begun, and as Max was dancing with Lady Keenan, Matilda was free.
Caroline said slyly, “What if you asked her to dance a second time?”
“A second time?” Alexander asked. “You know it would be unseemly for me to do so.”
“Hardly. We are not in the busy ballrooms of London where a second or third dance means that you have specially chosen this person among the others, or that an engagement is imminent. Here we have few partners, and you are old friends.”
She grinned at his look of uncertainty. He stole a glance towards Matilda and her mother, and briefly, Matilda looked up at him before she turned away.
“I think it a very good idea. Besides, Alexander, I know you’re trying to hide it, but you care for our dear friend, Matilda. You always have. Now is your chance to fight for her, to show her that you care and wish to spend time with her. Not as a friend but as a suitor.”
Alexander shifted on his feet, and he looked back at Caroline with the most uncertainty she had ever seen in his eyes. “Is it that obvious, then?” he asked, all bravado gone from his voice.
She laughed. “Yes, but only to me, I think, because I have known the both of you for so long. But I think you have a very good chance, and I fear that because you have known her for so long, you think that there is time. But with Max amongst us now, I am afraid that he will snatch up his chance if he is given it. We are not children anymore, Alexander. That is behind us, and now, Matilda is at a marriageable age. If she refuses Max, then there will likely be another.”
Alexander nodded and breathed out slowly. “Yes, yes, I know. But I feared that she would be disgusted at the idea of a match between us. Such tried friends turning their friendship into more.”
“I think you would make a fine pair, truly.” Caroline touched his arm. “It would make me the happiest woman in the world if my two best friends were to find happiness together.”
Alexander gave her a handsome smile. “Thank you, Caroline. I had no idea I was being so obvious, but I should have known that the two of you know my expressions better than anyone else. It is likely she already knows as well.” He stole another glance at Matilda.
Caroline shrugged. “Perhaps. But that I do not know.” The music began to fade, and Caroline could practically see Max’s thoughts as he finished the dance with Lady Keenan.
He is going to ask Matilda.
She pressed lightly against Alexander’s elbow. “Go,” she said, but he no longer needed any prompting.
He left, leaving his glass on a table as he walked up to her boldly just before Max got there. Caroline smiled and bit her lip to keep from smiling too wide. Her eyes moved to her stepmother who was watching Max’s disappointed face with chagrin. Caroline was happy that she had gotten in the way of that, but then her stepmother turned to look at her, and she glared.
So, she knows that I dislike her plan for Max. She can find another plan as easily. I will not waver in my assistance to my friend.
Turning away, Caroline was resolved to enjoy herself. She would not let Penelope dictate everything in her life. Leaving the sitting room, she walked out the garden doors, which were already flung open for guests. Mr Merryweather had one of the pleasantest gardens in their little neighbourhood, and she walked out onto the balcony and gripped the balustrade, taking a deep breath.
