Page 62 of An Icy Christmas Engagement
Cedric finally felt the pull of a smile and allowed Grace to pour him his tea. There was much to be done, of course. And while her response had provided some clarity, he was still unsure of what decision to make. But he was clear on one thing: he had to make sure he was happy.
Chapter Eighteen
The next few days felt like slow torture. Days of not knowing how to progress in her novel, the conclusion within reach and yet a distant figure all the same. Days of thinking about Cedric, wondering why he hadn’t called on her, why he hadn’t sent her any flowers. Why she hadn’t heard from him at all.
Caroline couldn’t deny to herself that she was hurt by it, but she didn’t dare to show it. If Louisa asked, she simply acted nonchalant, saying that she knew Cedric was a busy man. She knew Louisa could see right through her and was happy when she didn’t press the issue.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, would not leave Caroline be.
Every day, she pestered Caroline to accept Lord Sotheby’s attempts to call on her, to accept the gifts he sent her. They were currently making a small heap in the drawing room, which Caroline refused to acknowledge. She would much rather pretend Lord Sotheby did not exist, especially when her mind and heart was so preoccupied with someone else. Elizabeth would not let up, however, and Caroline knew it was a matter of time before she took matters into her own hands.
That time came far quicker than Caroline expected when she walked into the dining room one evening to see Lord Sotheby sitting next to her mother. He shot to his feet when she entered, giving her a small smile.
“Caroline,” he greeted. “Good evening.”
Caroline schooled her expression quickly, glancing at her mother who wore a look of satisfaction. “Lord Sotheby,” she said slowly. “What a surprise.”
“Yes, well, Lady York did tell me that this was a last minute invite,” he said sheepishly. He hurried around the table to pull Caroline’s chair out. “Allow me.”
Caroline could barely manage a smile at the nice gesture. She avoided looking at her mother, knowing that her irritation at this situation was bound to show. “Mother, you did not tell me youwould be inviting Lord Sotheby. It would have been nice to know beforehand.”
“Well, Louisa was unable to dine with us this evening so I thought it would be nice to have different company,” Elizabeth explained in a sickly sweet voice.
“I was not aware Louisa had other plans.”
“She does have other friends apart from you, Caroline,” Elizabeth said with a laugh. “Thankfully, Lord Sotheby had no plans and was able to accommodate us.”
“How lovely,” Caroline pushed through gritted teeth. She held in her sigh. The next few hours were going to be quite long, she knew.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the table as the first course was shared. Caroline refused to look up from her plate, not caring if it made anyone uncomfortable.
At last, Elizabeth said, “Lord Sotheby, how was your day?”
“It was rather eventful, my lady,” he responded amicably. “I attended quite a few meetings and was having a relaxing late afternoon enjoying a glass of port when I received your invitation. Of course, I was eager to drop everything to attend. I had been hoping to see Caroline again.”
“As she has been longing to see you,” Elizabeth gushed.
“That is nice to hear.” He gave an awkward laugh. “I was beginning to think that she was not very fond of my company.”
You would be right, Caroline nearly said, but she held her tongue. She didn’t want to be unnecessarily cruel, especially since she surely would have enjoyed his company if he wasn’t trying to court her in the midst of it.
“Oh, she has been quite under the weather, you see,” Elizabeth tried to explain. “So she has not gotten the chance to entertain many people. Strictly bed rest, of course.”
“Goodness, Caroline, if I had known I would have come to visit you. I know quite well how lonely bedrest can be.”
Forced to be polite, Caroline said, “Your concern is honourable, my lord.”Even though it is misplaced.
But his frown did not lift. “Perhaps I should have my cook brew her special remedy. Whenever I drink it, I notice that I rarely feel under the weather anymore.”
“How kind of you, my lord,” Elizabeth cut in. “Caroline would certainly appreciate it.”
“I would appreciate being able to speak for myself more,” Caroline snapped.
Elizabeth looked at her with wide eyes. Caroline waited for the inevitable surge of regret but it never came. She meant it and it was high time she said it.
Lord Sotheby cleared his throat, stopping Elizabeth from responding. “Caroline, there is something I must say.”
“My lord, perhaps this is not the best time,” Elizabeth said, not taking her eyes off Caroline. Caroline frowned, sensing that she was oblivious to something they both knew.
