Page 47 of Caroline Saves the Blacksmith
“Anything is possible if you work hard and practice.”
“The dress was very beautiful, Mrs. Brown.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you sad it is not to be yours like you intended?”
“Not at all. I did not realize it at the time, but it was always destined to belong to Her Grace. Everything is as it should be.”
Caroline accepted the truth of it.
Two years ago, she had not the means to repair what she had done. In the interim, she had worked hard to further her skills, even when there had been no hope of owning her own shop. When the opportunity had presented itself to pursue her dream, in the form of Lord Saunton’s apology and offer of amends, she had seized it to make her dream come to fruition. Then, as a final step, she had expressed her gratitude to Miss Annabel and completed the dress. The garment had been a method of proving herself, but sacrificing it to regain her self-respect felt right. Its value had grown by gifting it to the person who deserved to have it.
Of course, her happy ending had been facilitated by a certain blacksmith who had seen fit to meddle.
What was she to do about William?
* * *
William was standingon the road outside the smithy, taking a break from the heat of the forges to enjoy the wintry chill, when he spotted the ducal carriage driving along Market Street.
The duchess had returned for a second visit? He supposed that must be a promising sign that the past had been laid to rest.
He still had trouble remembering that he had had the audacity to demand an audience with the wife of a duke. Not just any duke, but the Duke of Halmesbury, one of the most revered peers in the realm.
Should he attempt to visit Caroline to see where he stood with the modiste?
Peering down at his disheveled attire, which was soaked in sweat from toiling since before dawn, and his soiled hands covered in soot, he thought not. Considering the lateness of the hour, perhaps he should not attempt to visit her today.
In the morning.
He would visit her in the morning so he could look his best. Perhaps, if things with the duchess had gone well, they could court. He wanted that outcome so much he could taste it.
* * *
Caroline paced backand forth in her rooms as she considered and reconsidered showing up unannounced. The landlady had retired to her rooms three hours earlier and was sure to be asleep by now. Changing her mind a hundred times, she was too agitated to rest while trying to decide.
In the distance, she could hear the clock chiming midnight in the sitting room. Biting on her fingernail, she once again debated visiting William. The streets should be deserted, and William was only a few blocks away. If she visited him, she could find out where matters stood between them.
Making up her mind, Caroline donned her cloak and raised the hood in case she encountered anyone in the street.
Quietly, she exited the cottage, hurrying down the street to turn in to the alleyway which would lead to the end of Market Street. To William. She could have waited until morning, but then she would have to see him at the smithy, where they could not speak freely.
It was still Christmastide. The holiday magic was not over. Perhaps they could reach an understanding.
Approaching Mrs. Heeley’s cottage, she was reassured to see it enshrouded in darkness. Passing by, she reached the blacksmith’s back door and prayed the lock would still be broken. If William was in bed, and the door had been repaired, she would have no method to gain his attention and would have to return home, unsuccessful.
Which would mean that all she would have achieved this evening was making herself very bloody cold for no reason.
Extending a hand, trembling with icy stiffness, she reached for the door handle.
* * *
William lay awake,staring at the ceiling. Considering his plan to visit Caroline in the morning, a bit of sleep would not go amiss. Nevertheless, he had lain awake for the past hour, wishing he could see her tonight. Some instinct kept urging him to resolve this matter with her. It seemed imperative that they hold on to the magic of the festive season or risk losing each other forever.
It was all very melodramatic; he had told himself many times. Yet, still, he could not shake the notion that their destinies were entwined and he should not waste this reprieve from loneliness.
His gloom was interrupted when he heard the creak of his stairs. Sitting up in alarm, he listened closely. It sounded like someone was climbing them!
