Page 56 of The Ice Queen
Chapter Thirty-Five
For the first time since their arrival at Newhall, James was up bright and early. Julian was surprised to discover his house guest had beaten him to the breakfast room and was full of cheery humor. He even had what looked like the beginning of a smile on his face.
The change in his mood helped to lift the spirits of those in the carriage as they made their way to the Thursday market at Burton-on-Trent.
“So, these friends of yours, do they live in Burton?” asked Julian. He was seated in the carriage across from Caroline and Lady Margaret, next to James.
“No. They are undertaking a commission to create a series of paintings of the local area. They have a patron who is moving overseas and who wishes to take some memories of their home county with them. Knowing their habits from our university days, and also their correspondence over the summer, I am confident that I shall find both of my friends in the Union Inn on market day,” he replied.
An oddly somber Caroline nodded toward her cousin. “James is a skilled painter in his own right. I am certain that if he was not destined to follow my uncle into the senior ranks of the Church of England, he too would have trodden the path of the artist.”
Her words surprised Julian. James Radley did not seem, to be the sort of man who would suit a life in the church. He could, however, imagine him as an artist. He had a free spirit about him. But, as with many others of their social standing, James’s life had been set out for him since birth.
“My friends are far more skilled with a paintbrush than I will ever be; they have a small but dedicated number of patrons. I was hoping to convince Francis to buy a couple of their works and get them in front of the Prince of Wales, but he was oddly not keen on the idea,” James said.
“I expect Francis has his reasons. He may not appreciate all your friends the same way you do. Just because they are your chums does not mean that they are naturally his, or mine, for that matter,” replied Caroline.
After her cryptic response, Caroline opened her reticule and began to rummage about. She and Lady Margaret shared a few quiet words, after which she fell silent. Julian knew enough of her by now to know when to leave her alone with her thoughts.
“I promise I shall find my friends and give them my regards, then come back and join the rest of you as soon as I can. Does that suit you, Caroline?” said James.
With Francis now on his way back to London, it fell to James to act as Caroline’s official chaperone. Julian was pleased to see that he did not appear to be taking the role too seriously.
With a little more wriggle room than he’d had under Francis’s watchful gaze, Julian intended to press home the advantage and spend more time in private with Caroline. He wanted to get a deeper understanding of the real Caroline Saunders, to convince his heart that it was not mistaken in having settled on her.
“Yes, go and spend time with your friends. I am sure I will be perfectly safe with Lord Newhall and Lady Margaret as my chaperones. You can meet with us when you are done,” replied Caroline. She chanced a look in Julian’s direction. Their gazes met for a split-second before she looked away.
“Splendid,” replied James.
As soon as they turned into the main street of Burton, their carriage came to a halt. Julian leaned across and opened the door. Ahead of them was a jumble of wagons, carts, and people.
“We may have to walk from here. I cannot see a way through the crowd,” he said.
He instructed the driver to pull the carriage over to the side of the road. Within a few minutes, the four of them were making their way into the main town square.
The square was filled with rows of various market stalls, all selling local produce. Market day was a big enough event that some stalls were selling finished goods from larger towns such as Derby.
“I didn’t realize it would be this big.” James glanced in the direction of Caroline, but she barely noted his words.
The farther that they walked on, the more distracted she appeared to become. Julian and Lady Margaret shared a concerned look. Neither of them had encountered this kind of behavior from their guest until now.
“There is the Union Inn, are you still alright for me to go and see my friends?” said Julian, pointing toward the small double-story public house which stood on the corner of the square.
For the first time since their arrival at the town, Caroline looked up and paid attention to the goings-on around her. She focused her gaze on the whitewashed building and straightened her shoulders. She muttered something under her breath which Julian failed to catch.
“Thank you. I shan’t be long,” said James. He gave a hasty bow to the women and darted off in search of his friends.
“And there is the tea shop, right next door,” added Lady Margaret. She touched Caroline on the arm. “Would you like to come with me?”
“No, thank you. I am happy to wander the stalls. I might see if I can find a pair of mittens that will fit my hands. That is, if Julian will accompany me?”
Lady Margaret nodded her agreement. “As we are in Derbyshire, I expect we can relax the rules on a gentleman escorting a young lady without a chaperone.”
Caroline looked at her sadly. “I doubt that wandering the market stalls will do anything to change what people already think of me.”
Julian’s heart sank at her words. He had foolishly allowed himself to think she was dealing well with the Harry situation, but her words now told him otherwise. Caroline was suffering. “I shall be glad to accompany you.”
He wished desperately to put his arms around Caroline and offer her comfort. To tell her that everything would be alright, and if it wasn’t, he would personally take care of Harry Menzies. It was heartbreaking to see such a spirited young woman now caught up in the darkness of self-doubt.
