Page 34 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
“Yes, I suppose that would be acceptable.”
He laughed at her sudden change in tone, going whispery and soft as soon as he touched her. But that was the way of it. Every time he touched her in any way, Caroline felt as if all rational thought would flee her mind, and her body would become limp and soft like butter that had been left too close to the cooking fire.
“Good. So, shall we walk by the pond again today?”
“Yes, please.” She took his offered arm, and then together, they walked on the path towards the bright blue circle of the pond.
“I only hope that we do not fall into it today.”
“As do I,” she teased. “Although I must say that you looked very well all wet as you were.”
“Ha! It seems that fine tailoring is rather useless when dampened, but I thank you for your fine compliment. You too looked rather lovely when bedraggled in such a way. Although, you did not know it, but because your gown was white, I could see the beautiful outline of your—”
“Charles!” she cried, laughing. “You cannot say such things. Even if we are out in the woods alone.”
He leaned closer and kissed her temple. “I think that is the only place I may say such things, but never mind it. Tell me, how have things been going at home of late?”
She rolled her eyes at him, but deep down she was truly grateful for him. He spoke to her of her time at home, her family, and he did the same. When she spoke, he truly listened, and she found herself telling him more than she had ever told anyone. It felt so right to do so, and with each moment in one another’s presence, the sharing had only become easier and easier.
“Penelope, last evening, declared that we should have another gathering so that Max can have as much time as possible with each young lady in the area. In fact, she suggested inviting only one or two of them over at a time for tea! My father and I put a stop to that, but it really is becoming too much. I do not know why Max needs my aunt’s help.
He has his own charms, and he should employ them to find the wife he wants. There are plenty of young women in London who would be happy to marry a handsome husband and not care about his lack of wealth. And yet he is here, with us, driving me to distraction and taking assistance from my aunt as though he is helpless.”
Charles whistled low. “You are vicious with your tongue, my dear,” he said, shaking his head and smiling. “I could listen to you all day when you speak of others. I do hope that he will be gone soon and your home can return to what it once was.”
“But if he is gone, then that means he will be wed, and it will likely to be to one of these poor young ladies who have no idea just what sort of person he is.”
“What sort of person is he, then?” Charles asked. “You should know since you are spending so much time with him at home.”
Caroline made a little face, and she looked out across the water as she thought. “He is exactly what I told you. Mercenary. He will do whatever it takes to find a marriage that suits him. He thinks I am naïve in the way I think about the world, but I do not wish for marriage to be simply something one does in order to achieve money or status. It feels so cold in that way.”
“Yes, it certainly does.” They stopped by a large boulder, and he helped her to sit down. He sat next to her, and for a few moments, they stared across the pond.
“Do you think of marriage that way, Charles?” she asked, keeping her gaze forward, wondering if she had any sense.
They had only begun to see one another in that sense, and yet she couldn’t help but think of the future. Escaping her home was always on her mind, but also, she wanted a partnership with someone she loved and who loved her. After what Max continued to tell her about the ways of the world, she worried Charles was just the same.
He rolled up his shirtsleeves and sighed, and she feared the worst.
“I might have thought that way once, Caroline.” His eyes turned to her, soft and affectionate. A small smile curled the corners of his lips. “But I do not feel that way anymore.”
Chapter 34
“I am glad.” Caroline was blushing, and Charles tried to keep from smiling.
He turned his eyes back to the pond, but his hand moved across her lap to grasp hers. It was soft and warm underneath his fingertips, and as they sat in silence, he knew that he could hold this hand forever.
And yet his heart feared what would happen if he gave everything to this moment, to this woman. Would he be made a fool? Would something get in the way of their love, and he would have to live with unhappiness for the rest of his days?
Oliver was no help in discussing such things, for he had never been in love, even if he’d enjoyed Lady Keenan’s company the other evening.
Perhaps I should speak to Lord Fitzroy. He certainly knows what it is like to be in such torment.
“Tell me, Caroline, how goes it with Lord Fitzroy and Lady Chatsworth? Has he made her an offer?”
Caroline visibly relaxed, and Charles watched as a golden curl blew next to her ear in the breeze. “No, but I do believe they have spoken of their mutual affection at long last. But we can speak to them this evening. The Chatsworth ball is tonight. Please say you will go.”
“Of course.” He laughed and kissed her hand. “If you are there, so shall I be. Although I cannot think of a prettier spot than here, sitting next to the pond and staring out over the water.”
