Page 42 of Awakening a Lord's Desires
“Good Lord, man, you are forever trying to frighten me when I am in the midst of inspiration.”
“Is that what’s happening?” Charles leaned against one of the columns that stood nearby and toyed with a broken leaf. “Did you call upon Lady Keenan?”
“I did.” Oliver didn’t look at him, but Charles could see the smile on his face. “It was lovely.”
“Your first call as a suitor. I’m glad it went well.”
“And you? Did you call upon Caroline?”
“Yes. Her father is not doing well, but she hopes that with some rest, he will improve in a few days. I know that she is very worried to be left alone with the baroness and Mr Thornhill.”
Oliver grimaced. “I can understand that fear. The baroness seems a formidable woman with mysterious intent. I was curious why she asked you to dance with her.”
Charles laughed. “Yes, as was I. But I do believe she wishes for me to befriend her dear Max. I got the impression that she fears I will get in the way of Max’s chances of finding a wealthy bride.”
“Dear God. I cannot imagine how Caroline puts up with it every day. Such scheming.” Oliver shook his head, and he brushed a few strokes on the canvas. “She is a good woman, Charles. You have done well for yourself. Now explain to me again why you cannot share your courtship with the world? Why must it be such a secret?”
“We are not yet ready,” Charles said, parroting the same words he’d been telling himself. “She also does not want the baroness to know, for she’s certain there will be trouble. Especially with the woman’s focus being so solely on her nephew getting married.”
“I see; I see.” Oliver nodded. “But I only wish you to be happy, Charles. And I don’t want you to miss out on the chance to be with the person who makes your heart happy.”
“Thank you, Oliver. I wish that for you as well, and I envy you your boldness.”
“Ha!” Oliver put down his brush. “It took all the courage in the world to go and see her today. I felt like I was tossing aside everything I ever believed in about marriage and courtship. I was putting aside an old self and trying anew. And it was the best thing I’ve done in a while. I think when it is the right person, there is no reason to be afraid.”
Charles straightened and tossed the broken leaf aside. “Yes, I quite agree. Now, I shall leave you to your painting. I have a letter to write to my parents.”
He left, and Oliver called out to him, “Be sure to tell them about Caroline!”
Charles smiled as he made his way to his study. Perhaps he would. There was no harm in that.
Chapter 41
Tea with Penelope’s invited guests was more awkward than even Caroline had anticipated. Apparently, the young ladies had been told that it would be Penelope and Caroline hosting them for tea. But as soon as they’d arrived, Max was sitting there as well, smiling, and greeting them all, doing his best to be his usual charming self.
But Caroline could feel the tension of the mothers, watching their daughters with wariness as they each interacted with Max, listening to one story or another. Matilda caught her eye a few times and rolled them and Caroline had to bite her lip more than once to keep from laughing.
But Penelope seemed blissfully unaware of the ways the mothers looked eager to leave, to save their daughters from the clutches of the penniless man.
It seems word has spread of his difficulties and his search for a wealthy wife.
Caroline did her best to be kind to the guests who were not speaking with Max, hoping that they did not think she too was trying to help her “cousin” find an advantageous marriage, but she prayed that was not the case. When they said goodbye to their final guest, Penelope turned swiftly to glare at her. Max had already left to go for a long ride, and they were regretfully on their own.
“You did not help Max in any way, you know.”
“Why should I help Max, Penelope? He is not my blood relative, nor is he my friend. I do not wish him to take advantage of these women and their wealth.”
“Ha!” Penelope sneered. “Max told me of your ridiculous beliefs in the ways of the world, believing in hope and love. You will wake up soon enough, I’m sure. For the world is money and industry and status. That is all, and it is perfectly normal that Max seek a wife with a healthy dowry in order to keep himself safe in this world.”
Penelope stomped away, and Caroline was relieved that she could spend the rest of the day on her own since there was nothing planned that evening. The country life had its amusements, but there were many quiet hours as well. She was about to find her way to her father’s library when a servant came up to her.
“Miss, your father is asking for you,” the young woman said, a look of concern in her eyes.
Caroline didn’t hesitate but rushed up the stairs as quickly as she could.
Let this not be the end. Let this not be the end.
When she arrived in his room, he looked pale, and there was a sheen of sweat on his face. She rushed to his side, poured water into a small cup, and lifted it to his lips. He drank greedily, then motioned with his hand for her to sit. She did so quickly, her heart beating so fast with fear that she would not get to speak to him in full before he slipped away from her to a place she could not follow.
