Page 32 of The Runner
Harriet was a conscientious girl who performed her duties with dedication and efficiency. Not for the first time since being in the countess’s employ, Caroline muttered a prayer of deep gratitude. That morning, although she ached for George in body and soul, she reminded herself of her blessings.
As she dressed hurriedly in a freshly laundered shift and another recently altered cast-off gown of Olivia’s, George’s face loomed in her thoughts. Not the beardless George from another time, but the earl who was away at court.
She missed him more each day; more than she had thought it possible to miss anyone. When he had been at Willow Manor, just knowing he was there, and that there was the ever-present possibility of bumping into him at any moment, even though he was out of reach in every way, had been sufficient for her budding love. She had not expected more.
But now they were together in her dreams, their union had become real in her consciousness. It had living, breathing form to it. He was hers in the visions, and she was his. And now she felt his absence in a desperate, heart wrenching way that made her want to run from Willow Manor, to escape the pain where she felt his absence in every room.
The days were endless without him, but she did her utmost to engage and entertain Olivia. She was a delightful girl with an optimistic spirit and despite their class divide; they had developed an uncommon bond. Caroline felt at home when they were together, not like a governess or a servant. She chastised herself that she should be content with her good fortune. But her heart ached more each day as his absence continued, and the only George available to her was the phantom of her dreams who, like a delirious pleasure, was ripped from her each morning when she awoke to the reality of another day without him.
She frequently remembered her father’s sentiments:Our kind don’t marry their kind.
Thoughts of George at court, eagerly being matched with a suitable wife to continue the noble Cavendish bloodline, plagued her.
She considered leaving Willow Manor, not able to contemplate being there when he returned with a wife. But she could not bring herself to leave Olivia. It would be cowardly to run away, and she felt a responsibility to the girl, at least while he was away. Besides, where would she go? She couldn’t go back to the village where she would be at the mercy of Ralph’s marital intentions. And deep in her heart, she knew she could not bring herself to resign her position and leave Willow Manor without seeing George. If he returned with a wife, she promised herself she would leave. She wouldn’t be able to bear witness to his life with another woman.
If he returned alone, she resolved to accept their situation as it was and be content knowing he was in the same house, and it must be solace enough to be aware there was another life, and another time when they were together in mind, body, and soul.
And then the most unexpected thing happened. That morning at breakfast, Cook raised her head from the steaming pot to inform Caroline a letter had arrived. ‘It is for you and bears the earl’s seal.’
CHAPTER14
Willow Manor, York - Georgiana
Caroline could barely summonthe patience to stay and eat breakfast in the kitchen as though something momentous hadn’t occurred. As soon as she reasonably could, without attracting undue attention, she rose from the table and wished the others a good day.
Once on the other side of the kitchen door, she flew up the stairs in a most unladylike manner, racing along the corridors towards the library. As she reached the door, she brought herself to an abrupt halt, steadied her breathing and then entered sedately. Olivia was already seated at the table, and Caroline’s eyes strayed immediately to the silver tray upon which lay a tightly folded letter.
‘Good morning,’ said Olivia, glancing up from her book. ‘There’s correspondence for you,’ she said, as if it was the most normal occurrence for her to receive a letter from the earl.
‘Thank you, yes, Cook told me.’ Caroline did her best not to show how flustered she was at the sight of the neatly folded paper.
‘I expect my brother writes to enquire about my studies,’ Olivia said, with all the natural confidence of a young woman used to being the centre of attention.
Caroline’s heart lurched. Of course, he would not correspond with her for any reason other than his sister’s wellbeing. Her mood plummeted as she realised the folly of her naïve romantic hopes.
The dreams had given her false expectations—she saw that now. She reached out and picked up the artfully folded paper and studied the bright red seal. Fortunately, Olivia had sunk her head back into her book and didn’t notice how affected Caroline was by the sight of the paper with George’s wax seal.
He touched this paper and addressed it to me personally.
She broke the seal and held the heavy parchment between her trembling fingers, imagining George writing to her in his elegant fashion from his rooms at Kensington Palace.
‘What does my dear brother write?’ asked Olivia, turning a page and briefly scanning Caroline, who still hovered near the table, the unread letter in her hand.
‘I don’t know yet,’ she said, as she tried to conceal her agitation. She walked to the window and began reading, hoping to avoid Olivia’s prying eyes. The pale early morning light washed over the ink, illuminating the letters on the paper as she read George’s words.
Dearest Caroline,
Her heart thumped in her chest as she read the term of endearment, even though she knew it was simply a polite form of address.
I trust my letter finds you in good health and spirits, and that youare happily settled at Willow Manor. You and my beloved sister, Olivia, are ever present in my thoughts and I am sorry to have had to take my leave so early in your appointment. I fear I was remiss in not speaking to you before my leaving, to enquire whether there was anything you may need, but alas, they called me away to court without notice and I could not bid you farewell in person.
I would ask a particular favour with both yours and my sister’s safety in mind. Please do not venture into the village alone, for there are untold dangers for young gentlewomen such as yourselves. If you must go, pray, do not tarry, and take one of the grooms with you as your escort. Bid them I give my blessing to accompany you whenever you should so desire to ride out or walk to Willow Wick.
I confess I fear for my sister and your good self after the rather alarming meeting with the Knight fellow. I do not wish to offend you with my request, as I understood him to be an acquaintance of yours, but my brotherly instincts warn me something is not quite as it should be regarding his intentions.
Meanwhile, I trust Olivia is engaged in her lessons and is keeping out of mischief. If it is not too much trouble, I ask you to write me by return with news of Olivia’s studies and how you ladies are keeping entertained in my absence. I confess the days are becoming rather long and wearisome here in London, as I am a country gentleman at heart, and I miss the peace and harmony of Willow Manor. I am hopeful to return in the not-too-distant future, but news from home keeps me cheerful.
If I may impose on you as such, please write to me, and my mother will arrange for the letter to be delivered to Kensington Palace with the next forwarding of my correspondence.
