Page 16 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
Oliver leaned closer to his painting, brushing at a few tiny strokes. “Yes, well, after the way you acted with one another last night, I think that it is safe to say the two of you enjoy each other’s company. Now all that’s left is for you to introduce me and I can form my own opinions.”
“As if any of us are in need of those.” Charles stood up again, feeling restless. He went to tap at a shiny leaf.
“The butler told me this morning that another invitation came today. From the baron himself.”
“Oh?” Charles spun around, looking at his friend.
“Yes, there is to be a dinner party in two days’ time, and he knew you had earlier requested to not receive invitations, or rather that you would not be interested in accepting any of them. But he noticed how we went last night, and he thought he should alert us about this one.”
“Very well,” Charles said, feigning disinterest. “I will go and send an acceptance for it. I assume you should also like to go.”
“But of course,” Oliver said with a laugh. “For who else is going to entertain Mr Merryweather?”
Charles, laughing and shaking his head, left the conservatory to find the butler and send a note back, accepting the dinner invitation. Oliver was right. There should be no hindrance to him paying court to Caroline, except for the fact that he had no interest at this time to marry. And there might be a hindrance in the newly-arrived form of someone named Max.
Chapter 16
It was an hour into her cousin’s arrival, and Caroline was already bored. Penelope was not helping by continuing to pester Max with endless questions, which only made him talk more about himself and about his success in the Season, and how he had been a rather sought-after young gentleman. But she was certain that was not exactly true. For why was he not yet married then?
That was the question that had been on the tip of her tongue for most of her time in the sitting room. She’d tried to busy herself by eating more biscuits than was healthy. But the tea was drunk, the biscuit plate was empty, and Max was still talking.
Finally, her father interrupted. “Penelope, did you tell Max that we are to host a dinner party in two days?”
“Oh no, I have not,” she tittered. Turning back to her nephew, she said, “I do hope you will join us. It will be the perfect way to introduce you to the other people in the country. There are some lovely families. And to our great delight, Lord Charles Spencer is here. I’m sure you have met him in the past, or perhaps his father, the Marquess of Queensberry. And he will one day be the heir, of course. Very fashionable family.”
Caroline’s attention was now drawn back to the conversation entirely. She was grateful that Penelope did not look back at her at the mention of Lord Charles’ name, but she did not turn towards her father in case he gave her his usual teasing smile. She could not bear the thought of being teased in front of Max. She did not want Max to know anything about her and certainly not anything to do with Lord Charles.
“Yes,” Max said, frowning a little, pretending to think. “I do believe I’ve met the Marquess of Queensberry before. “You’re right, he is quite the fashionable man. And on all the best-left invitation lists in London.”
“So, I have sent him an invitation and he is here with his friend, a Mr Oliver Blackwell. I believe they are good company, of course. And there is the usual set. Lord Fitzroy, Lady Chatsworth, and their families.”
“Right,” Max said, smiling, pretending he knew what she was talking about. Caroline rolled her eyes, glad they were at least off the topic of Lord Charles for the time being.
“So, you will you stay for the dinner, Max?” her father asked.
“But of course. I should not wish to miss it. I should not wish for my dear aunt to be upset at my absence.”
“Oh, wonderful,” she cried, leaning forward to pat his cheek lovingly. “I told you I would take care of you, my boy, and we are certain to find you something. Even if it is only the countryside. There are still plenty of people about, plenty of interesting people.”
Caroline was about to expire from boredom when Max finally stood. “I believe I shall take my leave and rest before dinner. Like I told you all, it was a harrowing journey, and I believe I shall never undertake to ride it alone. But I am very glad to be with you all.” He looked at each of them, and when his eyes met Caroline’s, he smiled.
Caroline held her breath, afraid that he would mention yet again her country ramblings, or tell her that a hair was out of place, or perhaps that her gown was not exactly appropriate for the occasion. He was always teasing her in some such way, and Penelope encouraged him to do so. But he said nothing.
The one thing she was grateful for was the fact that Penelope did not push their match. If she liked Caroline at all, she might perhaps have tried to force it, encouraging her husband to put them together. And she was also glad that Max did not seem interested in her in the slightest, not in that way.
“Until this evening,” he said. “I shall enjoy our dinner together. Again, such a pleasure to see you all.”
He left the room with Penelope on his arm. Caroline finally breathed out. “Goodness, I wonder how long he is staying?” she asked.
“Forever, I think,” her father replied plainly, “if Penelope is to have her way.”
Caroline’s heart sank.
Chapter 17
The next day, Matilda came to visit for afternoon tea, and Caroline was grateful for the company. The dinner with her stepmother’s nephew had been just as boring as she’d expected, full of conversation about him.
He had hardly asked any questions about anyone else, but she supposed that was both to be expected and welcomed. And he’d hardly been given a chance, either, since Penelope had turned her full focus upon him and had not allowed him to say much else except to answer her questions.
