Page 73 of The Ice Queen
Caroline rose from the couch and went to greet her mother. Adelaide took one look at Caroline’s bandaged hand and sighed. “Oh, my poor girl, you have been in the wars.”
“I am fine. The wound is healing well. Julian has a good hand with a needle and thread,” replied Caroline.
Adelaide raised her eyebrows. Caroline knew her mother would not have failed to notice the familiar use of the Earl of Newhall’s name rather than his title. Caroline simply smiled.
“Well now you are home. And, just as importantly, not engaged,” said Adelaide.
Caroline looked down, unable to meet her mother’s gaze. If luck would have it, her status would be changing very soon. She yawned, tired from the long days of travel in the cramped confines of the coach. “Yes, and I would like to take to my bed for a few hours if that is alright? I did not sleep well the night before we left and have been trying to catch up ever since.”
Her parents did not press her for further news of her stay at Newhall Castle, but she knew that in time, the questions would come.
Adelaide accompanied her upstairs and to Caroline’s bedroom. “Get some rest today; we can talk later at supper. I will have your things unpacked and hung in the wardrobe. You will need your formal gowns for the day after tomorrow.”
Caroline stopped unbuttoning her coat. “What do you mean I will need my gowns so soon?”
Adelaide took hold of Caroline’s right hand and met her gaze. “The whole mistaken betrothal issue is far from over. WhileThe Timesprinted an apology, I can assure you that there are plenty of people within thetonwho think that there is more to it than a simple error made by a newspaper clerk. There is a charity ball at Collins House, at which you need to make an appearance. The sooner you are back out in society, the sooner we can take the heat out of the rumors.”
Caroline sat on her bed after Adelaide had left. Her mother was the pragmatic one in her parents’ marriage. As the daughter of a duke, Adelaide Saunders had intricate knowledge of the workings of London high society. If Adelaide said Caroline had to be back in circulation, she said it with good reason.
Caroline lay down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She wished she was in Derbyshire. Newhall Castle was a simpler place. There were snow-covered grounds to ramble over, with Midas following behind. The little cottage by the frozen lake was a haven of tranquility.
Rolling onto her side, she dragged part of the bedclothes over her. As she drifted off to sleep, a soft smile sat on her lips. An image of Julian looking back at her from outside the cottage formed in her mind. He held out a hand and beckoned for her to join him.
“Soon. Come soon,” she whispered.
