Page 5 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
I could see if was just conjured from my imagination, or if, upon second meeting, I feel the same lure.
He sat down and was lost in thought for a few seconds, remembering the curve of her lip, the brightness of her eyes. He eventually removed a slip of paper from a draw. Quickly, he dipped his quill in ink to write a response.
Forgive the delay, Lady Fenton. I would be most happy to attend, with my friend Mr. Blackwell in tow.
Lord Charles Spencer
He delivered it to the butler and shut the door to his study with a smile. Yes, this would certainly prove to be interesting.
Chapter 5
Now that she was dressed for the day—properly even in Penelope’s opinion—Caroline walked into the breakfast room dreading another lecture from her stepmother. But instead, she saw her father eating at the head of the table, spectacles on his nose, reading a letter.
“Father!” she cried with a smile, rushing to lean over and kiss his cheek. “You are looking very robust this morning.”
“Ah, you are too kind,” he replied, his blue eyes sparkling.
She smiled down at him, sad that he had aged so many years in the last few months. A strange fatigue had settled in him, and Caroline feared he would only grow older in the months to come. White threaded through his hair, and new lines creased his forehead and the corners of his eyes.
“I’m so glad we get to breakfast together this morning.”
I am also glad that Penelope is not here with us.
She went to get herself some food before she settled in the chair next to him. A footman came to place a fresh pot of tea at her elbow.
“Thank you, Samuel,” she said kindly.
“So,” her father said, removing his spectacles and putting aside his letter, “what will you do with yourself this afternoon?”
“I think I shall spend the afternoon reading outside, I think. With a parasol, of course.”
“Of course.” He winked at her. “We wouldn’t want your nose to brown the day before a country ball.”
“A ball?” she asked, her heart picking up pace.
“Yes, certainly you remember. Penelope agreed for us to go to Lady Fenton’s ball tomorrow evening. All the neighbours will be invited. It will be good for you to have a more relaxed affair after the Season.”
All the neighbours. Including the handsome one, Lord Spencer. She licked her bottom lip and bit it, trying to hold back a smile.
“Why, you look flushed, dear. Are you all right?” He reached out to touch her hand, and she quickly smiled and nodded, hastening to pour herself a cup of tea.
“Of course. I was only thinking about how very much I do not always enjoy balls. Especially when…” She didn’t finish, knowing her father would not approve of what she really wanted to say.
“Ah, I see. You fear that Penelope will disapprove of something you wish to do, wear, or say.”
“Yes,” she replied softly, keeping her eyes glued to the toast she was buttering. “We come to the countryside to relax, do we not? I do not wish to experience again what I’ve just experienced for months, Father.”
“I understand you completely, my love. But Caroline…”
He paused, and she looked up.
He was tilting his head to the side and looking at her in his usual concerned way, and she knew exactly what he was going to say. The same thing he has said about his young wife ever since he married her.
“I love Penelope dearly, and she loves you, too. She only wants what is best for you, and she is trying so hard to be the mother figure you are missing.”
But I do not need her! She is not my mother. Only fifteen years older than me.
“I understand, Father. I would never wish you to be displeased.” She gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand.
