Page 44 of The Runner
‘George,’ Olivia interjected. ‘Pray do not be so harsh. I have made significant progress. Is that not so, Caroline?’
Caroline looked at him once more and their eyes clashed as though privately duelling. ‘Indeed, you may rest assured, Mistress Olivia has been most attentive to her lessons in your absence,’ she said.
‘I am pleased to hear it,’ he said, turning his attention to the rich selection of food on the serving plates, before he sought to entertain them with anecdotes of court life and the antics of the German born King George and Queen Caroline.
‘How curious that you should both be named after the king and queen,’ remarked Olivia, looking from George to Caroline.
‘It is merely a fashionable coincidence—George isn’t named for the German king. He’s named after your ancestors and continues a prodigious family tradition, going back hundreds of years. My memory fails me as to when the first boy in the family was named George. Your dear father would have known, of course.’
‘Would it be in the family history books, Mother?’ asked George. ‘If father would have known, then I too should acquaint myself with the finer details of our lineage.’
The countess nodded and smiled; the pride etched on her face. She looked from Olivia to Caroline. ‘I think it would be a worthy use of your time to study the family history with George.’
Caroline reached for her wine and took a large glug to fortify her nerves. If the countess knew of the tension between her and George, she imagined she wouldn’t be so keen to throw them together in the name of their precious Cavendish lineage.
They ate and Caroline gradually calmed down and forced herself to appreciate the many lavish dishes which appeared before them like a display of England’s finest foods. No sooner had they finished one serving, more were presented and piled onto the table by the immaculately dressed footmen.
Caroline felt queasy and had to draw on every reserve of composure to act as though it were normal for her to dine with the family. As much as by some strange twist of fate, her dreams taunted her with a different and most wonderful life where she was George’s wife, she knew that could never be the reality in this one. The conversation washed over her as she reflected on George’s earlier comment. She smiled and nodded her head at appropriate times, as though she were attentive, following Olivia’s example.
Although she had thought George chivalrous when rescuing her from Ralph, he now seemed displeased, even angry. She didn’t think it would be obvious to the others, but she sensed his moods keenly, almost as though an invisible cord connected them. She didn’t understand it but thought it must be because of her dreams.
Caroline finished eating and prepared to take the first opportunity to excuse herself. She had longed for George’s return, but now he was here, being in his presence was uncomfortable. She feared that his mother or sister, who were both quick witted, would observe her confused emotions and put two and two together to reach the dreadful conclusion that they must never reach, or she would be disgraced. Her father would never forgive her, and for all she wasn’t of noble birth and heritage, her father had instilled in her a certain pride and care for their reputation.
She thought ruefully that he had often remarked she must take extra caution because she was poor at concealing her feelings and they were written all over her face for any fool to read.
Her mind had drifted off as she wondered what she could do to make future dinners easier to endure, without revealing her complicated feelings for George, when she noticed all eyes suddenly upon her.
‘What say you, Mistress Caroline?’ George said.
Caroline gulped. ‘I beg your pardon, my lord—would you be so kind as to repeat the question? I confess my mind had wandered elsewhere…’ she stuttered.
‘I trust your mind was not pre-occupied with unpleasant acquaintances?’
‘Whatever do you mean, George? Why would Caroline think of such a thing?’ said the countess.
Caroline shook her head. ‘No, my lord. It’s simply that I have a headache and was thinking I might withdraw to my chamber.’
‘In that case, my question is of no consequence. By all means—let us all retire. I am still weary from my journey, and with the house party descending upon us shortly, there is much for you ladies to do, and you must be fully rested. I know how you adore preparing for grand festivities such as these.’
House party?
She regretted not paying attention, for now she was caught off-guard and did not know to what he alluded.
Olivia chattered away, almost bouncing out of her chair, her cheeks pink and her dark eyes shining. ‘I simply cannot wait. Thank you, dear brother, for arranging this. At last, we will have some company and entertainment from London, and it shall be almost as though I am at court.’
‘Your court days shall come faster than you imagine,’ said her mother, patting her hand. ‘It is not wise to wish your life away, for I assure you the years pass soon enough.’
Caroline’s stomach flipped, and nauseous waves rolled through her gut. The details of the pending house party were what she missed when she had been daydreaming.
‘Mistress Caroline looks perplexed, so I shall repeat my news,’ he said, turning his full attention to her. ‘We are to have a house party from London to stay with us here at Willow Manor. As you see, Olivia is thrilled at the prospect, as I trust are you. I imagine it will delight you to meet my London companions and be introduced to court society.’
Caroline tensed beneath his enigmatic gaze, sensing he was mocking her once again, and wishing she could flee the room without appearing rude. She composed herself as best she could, not wishing for him to see he had affected her to such a degree.
‘I am certain it will be quite lovely for you all. Olivia has longed for such a lavish social occasion. I, my lord, am but a humble governess and am not prepared or destined for court circles, as I’m sure you appreciate. I shall be only too pleased to eat dinner in the kitchen with the servants.’
She was relieved that her words had somehow assembled themselves coherently and been delivered in a sensible manner, despite her thudding heart.
‘Oh no, may Caroline not join us? She is my lady’s companion, after all, not only my governess. It would be most unfair for her to miss out on all the fun when it is usually so dull here,’ said Olivia.
