Page 23 of Caroline Saves the Blacksmith
Dr. Hadley nodded. “That he is. He runs an honest business and has created work for our men and boys.”
William turned away. Why was Caroline doing this? He had finally rediscovered his living essence, but now he was to be confronted with the consequences of his self-imposed isolation. He tried to pull his hand from her clasp, but she would not let him. She broke off from her low humming. “Close your eyes, William.”
He did so emphatically, not wanting to hear the rest of the conversation, nor to ponder his inadequacies. Inadequacies such as, he was all alone today while Dr. Hadley enjoyed a feast with loved ones. The man was building a veritable legacy with the sheer number of family and the seasonal elation to be found in this home.
William thought they would return to the smithy, but the sound of festive merriment was replaced by a crackling fire blended with the distant sound of waves crashing on rocks. His eyes flew open to discover Uncle Albert and Aunt Gertrude sitting at their dining room table with a small feast on it. A third place had been set, but there was no evidence of a guest.
Just as before, Aunt Gertrude appeared sad. She had appeared sad since learning of the death of Charles, her only child. William had not seen her cheery in some years. “I had hoped that this year he would come. He is all we have left.”
Uncle Albert exhaled deeply. “Perhaps it was a mistake to leave Chatternwell.”
Aunt Gertrude nodded. “It was. William has not been the same since …” She struggled to a halt. “We should have stayed for his sake. Do you think … he knows we love him?”
“I do not know, dear. You told him he was invited, I presume?”
“Every holiday. I told him there is always a place laid for him, if he ever changes his mind and finds the time to join us. I … I just want him to be happy again.”
William was stricken. He did not mean to cause his only family more pain than he already had.
Once again, he felt his eyes moisten, admitting to himself that his conduct had been selfish. He had not stopped to think that his beloved aunt might need him, that he had a responsibility. His life had been spared, while Charles had sacrificed his. It was William’s duty to be there for his relations, to bring them some peace and not to be a cause of concern.
It was hard to stomach that his uncle and aunt had retired to Cornwall three years earlier, and William had yet to visit them.
Turning to Caroline, he pulled her firmly around by the hand so she stood in front of him. “Why are you doing this?” he demanded.
“No man can live alone, William. You must cherish the support of your friends. You must cherish the family you have left. You must accept that they are there for you, and you are there for them. You deserve to be loved.”
William shook his head. He had not meant to cause any pain. This dream had left him with more questions than answers.
* * *
His ankle was throbbingwhen William woke up. To his surprise, the clock on the mantelpiece proclaimed it was only eleven o’clock. This was turning out to be a very strange evening.
Near him, Caroline gave a little snort in her sleep and then, slowly, her eyes opened. Noticing he was awake, she sat up, throwing her blanket aside to swing her feet down to the floor. “Are you in need of something? Tea? Privacy for …” Caroline gestured to where the chamber pot rested under the settee.
“No, just your company.”
Caroline used both hands to smooth her hair and then straighten her wrap. “Oh.”
“I was thinking about what you said. How Chatternwell is a good town, filled with good people.”
She nodded, reaching over to take up her neglected cup and sip on its cold contents. “It is.”
“It made me realize I have not appreciated what I have the way I should.”
The corner of Caroline’s mouth quirked up in a crooked smile. “You failed to count your blessings?”
“I did. It must be hard for you.”
She frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“You said you have no family. I am afraid I have not appreciated that I do. I can’t imagine being entirely alone, with not one relation left.”
Caroline’s eyes flittered away. “It … is difficult,” she finally admitted in a thick voice.
“You have no one?”
William felt a pang when he noticed that her eyes now glittered and suspected that he had drawn tears to her eyes. What a bleak holiday they were sharing.
