Page 35 of Papa's Captive
Chapter 16
Rosie flitted from package to package, admiring all the new gowns Papa had ordered from London. This was the second shipment of such packages that had been delivered since their arrival at the castle. He’d confided in her that he’d ordered the items before whisking her away from Talcott House as he made quick, last minute preparations for her month-long sojourn in Scotland. She picked up a light teal muslin morning gown and traced an intricate flower embroidery on the skirt. Papa had spared no expense and warmth filled her that despite his haste to get her to Gretna Green and then Craigmul Castle, he’d still taken the time to prepare for her arrival.
In addition to over a dozen dresses, he’d ordered shoes, stockings, chemises, and undergarments of the finest quality. There were also several nightdresses and a soft, warm dressing robe. Not to mention the various hats. She had never thought she would own items of such fine quality in all her life.
“Shall I start putting your new clothing away, Lady Caldwell?” Harriet asked as she pulled yet another beautiful gown out of its package.
Rosie gazed around the bedchamber at all the packages spread out. In her excitement to open them, she had rather made a mess. “Yes, please.” She eyed the dressing room where all her clothing would be stored and then ventured inside, still holding the gorgeous teal gown. “I’ll help you!” she called from inside the spacious room.
She swallowed hard and looked around at the ornate dressers, the vanity, and the plush chairs spaced throughout. Papa had instructed her to go through the packages and supervise Harriet putting the items away while he took care of a minor matter involving a tenant. He had promised to return to the castle shortly to help her try on her new items. She looked upon a padded stool in the center of the dressing room that sat before a tall mirror and wondered if he would have her stand there while he dressed—and undressed—her. A shiver of delight wound through her.
“Milady, now don’t you be puttin’ away a single thing,” Harriet said as she entered the dressing room carrying several packages. “I willna have you liftin’ a finger. I promise to have your closet well-organized soon.” The maid spoke in a friendlier tone than usual and even gave Rosie a broad smile over the boxes stacked in her arms.
Not wishing to offend the young woman, Rosie decided perhaps it was best she allow Harriet to do her job. Besides, it was a beautiful morning and she could go for a walk in the gardens before Papa returned. Brightened at the thought of fresh air, she placed the teal gown over a chair and turned to face Harriet.
“Thank you, Harriet, I appreciate your help. I believe I will get some fresh air.”
Harriet set the boxes down and pulled out a broad light blue hat that matched the dress Rosie was wearing. “You’ll be needin’ this, milady. Wouldn’t want to burn in the sun.”
Rosie accepted the hat with a smile. “Thank you.” She glanced into the tall mirror just long enough to affix the hat to her head, then she strolled out of her rooms and made her way downstairs.
Once she was outside in the gardens, she noticed a carriage traveling down the road and tensed until it passed Craigmul Castle. She breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn’t Lady Wartwhistle coming for another unannounced visit. At the thought of Papa’s brash and intrusive cousin, Rosie’s stomach abruptly twisted into countless knots.
Surely Lady Wartwhistle would visit again. Perhaps soon. Would the awful woman inform Papa about the comments Rosie had made before her hasty departure?
Rosie’s bottom cheeks clenched at the prospect of disappointing her papa. Her heart sank, as well. As she strolled through the well-maintained gardens, her worries increased with every step despite the gorgeous scenery and the beautiful weather.
What had she been thinking when she’d boldly informed Lady Wartwhistle she’d come from an orphanage? Shame and uncertainty fell upon her. What did Papa plan to tell members of his peerage when they curiously asked how the two of them had met? They had not yet discussed it and she now feared she had erred greatly by revealing such sensitive information to Papa’s cousin.
The most she’d told Papa about her past was that she’d grown up in London and then went to live at Talcott House at the age of nineteen after the death of her parents. She had been as vague as possible, so vague, in fact, that her papa likely believed she had come from a poor background, like the rest of the girls from Talcott House.
But the truth was she’d grown up in a privileged household, a fine house, was educated, had had servants, and while she hadn’t moved in circles quite as distinguished as Papa’s, she had once known a world similar to his.
Her stomach twisted. She was keeping so many secrets from her loving husband that she feared she would have a difficult time keeping track of them all. What a tangled web of lies her life was becoming of late, and she still had the added worry of bringing shame to her papa’s good name should the truth come out.
What had she been thinking in marrying Lord Caldwell? While he hadn’t given her much choice in the matter, she hadn’t protested nearly as much as she could have. If she’d blurted out the truth about her past to Papa as they were riding away from Talcott House, would he have abruptly turned around and delivered her back to the place she’d called home for the last two years?
Her mind whirled with the possibilities. She thought the world of Papa and only wanted to think the best of him, but he was a titled gentleman and likely valued his good reputation as much as any member of theton.
The box. Her heart raced. The newspaper articles. She ought to get rid of the box, or perhaps hide it better. What if Papa discovered the locked box that contained the most damning of her secrets and demanded to know the contents? She couldn’t bear the thought of it.
She glanced at the rolling hills and a thick patch of forest that rested in the distance. Just as an idea started to form in her mind, a sudden noise startled a gasp from her.
She spun around with her hands lifted in a defensive manner, as if to ward off whoever was pursuing her.
Relief filled her when familiar, expressive dark eyes met hers.
“Rosie?” Concern reverberated in Papa’s deep voice. “Rosie, my dear, are you all right? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.” He approached her slowly, as if fearing any quick movements might frighten her.
Not wishing him to ask questions she didn’t want to answer, she forced her brightest smile and rose onto her tiptoes to give Papa an exuberant kiss. “Papa!” she said with genuine pleasure, for his mere presence truly was a balm to her darkest thoughts. “I’ve missed you. I’m so happy you’re home.”
* * *
William embracedhis sweet little bride, glad the look of fear had vanished from her eyes not long after she’d turned around. He regretted having to leave the castle this afternoon, but he’d only been gone for about an hour. What could have happened during that short time to cause his Rosie to appear so troubled?
He tugged the brim of her hat playfully. “You look adorable in this, my dear.”
Her eyes suddenly went wide. “Oh, Papa. I just realized I dressed myself—or at least, put this hat on, anyway—without your assistance. I know you said you want to be the one to always dress me, but I did not wish to burn in the sun. I-I hope you are not cross.” Despite the smile she maintained, she trembled in his arms and a flash of anxiety entered her gaze.
