Page 33 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
“Well,” she said, putting a nervous hand to her hair, “I suppose we ought to return to the party. They will surely be serving dinner soon, and then we will be found out.”
“Of course.” He would not have wanted to give up that spot for the world, but it was true that they needed to be circumspect.
He helped her push in a few loose pins, and then she left the alcove first. He left a minute later, and they returned to the party. Dinner was served as soon as they entered, but no one seemed to notice that they had been gone and in the same place alone together for several minutes. He found Oliver as they walked into dinner to find their seats.
“And where have you been?” Oliver whispered with amusement.
“Getting air. And you? Did you enjoy the dancing?” he asked, eager to change the subject.
He pushed a hand through his hair, hoping it did not look too untamed, and he could still feel the tingle of awareness at the base of his neck, where Caroline’s fingers had been only recently as her lovely mouth had opened up to his. In those precious few moments, she had relaxed entirely, pressing her body against his, and she’d admitted that she too would like it if he came to call upon her. The smile on his face widened as he sat at dinner, and Oliver frowned.
“You look very happy for me, even though I have not yet given an answer, but the dancing went very well. I enjoy Lady Keenan’s company. But I think Mr Thornhill is out for blood.”
He nodded towards Max, who had sat himself at the far end of the table where most of the young ladies were sitting, including Lady Chatsworth. Knowing what he knew then, Charles turned towards the other end where Lord Fitzroy sat, forced into conversation with Mr Merryweather. Charles could see that Lord Fitzroy’s eyes were on Lady Chatsworth in conversation with Max. He could now see so clearly just how jealous Fitzroy was.
I do not know how I ever thought him to be courting Caroline.
“Lord Spencer, I was hoping to get to sit next to you.”
Charles turned to see the widow, Mrs Thornton, at his side, and her ear trumpet was already in place. She leaned closer to him, and he realised he was expected to answer.
“Oh, why is that, madam?” he asked in a loud voice, and she nodded.
“It is always a pleasure to sit next to a handsome young man.”
It was said loud enough for everyone to hear, and when Charles looked up, he locked eyes with Caroline. She sat next to her father and Lord Martin, but even though Lord Martin was speaking to her, she was looking at him instead.
A faint colour filled her cheeks, and he lowered his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement. It felt very wicked to think about what they had done, knowing that no one else knew. He might have done such wicked things before, but this time, it also felt pure in a strange way.
“Tell me, are you to be married?” Mrs Thornton asked, yet again loudly. “I have not heard anything in town about it.”
“No, not as of yet,” Charles replied, still looking at Caroline.
But soon, I think that shall change.
Chapter 33
A few days later, Caroline was singing to herself as she walked along the wooded path. She was swinging the basket in her hands and humming a song that she had not thought of for many years—a song from when she was a child, when her mother was alive and when she was happier.
Those days had felt so far behind her for such a long time, but now, she had come to find new, fresh happiness. Hearing footsteps crunching on the gravel behind her, she smiled to herself before she turned around.
Charles.
She spun around and saw him there, walking up to her with a single flower in his hand and a big smile on his face. He held it out to her when he approached, and she took it, breathing in its scent deeply and closing her eyes.
“Thank you,” she whispered, putting it into her basket and then looking up at him with a bright smile.
“I have missed you,” he said. “It has been an age since we saw each other last.” He wore no hat, only his waistcoat and shirtsleeves, and he also looked as if he’d been doing some outdoor work.
“It has only been one day!” she cried, but her heart was warmed by his words.
Since the kiss at Mr Merryweather’s dinner party, she and Charles had met in secret. It was easier this way, she’d decided, since she feared what Penelope would do if she found out.
She didn’t think her stepmother would be displeased, but that she might be jealous and try to get in the way of the match. Especially if Caroline was to find her happiness before Max could find his security. And so, they’d met every day on the path, and then they would find a quiet place to be.
Her lips were constantly swollen from his expert kisses, and so much more than simple kissing had occurred. She had never known that such pleasure existed, and yet Charles had shown her nearly all of it. It was like a new world every time they met, but she also learned more about him, and everything she found out, she liked.
“Well, can I not still miss you?” He reached for her hand and kissed it, his hazel eyes not leaving hers.
