He recalled how they had caught each other’s eyes twice from across the tent and each time, his heart did a double flip. He still regretted not having asked her to dance at the bonfire.
Even shortly after they had left, he had thought of following them, at least to make sure they got home safely and possibly ask to start a correspondence between them, but Rebecca had only laughed at him.
He sighed. For once, he was glad that Benjamin had not shown up at that time. He was certain that if he had shown up, his sister would not have given him that much support, thinking he would exhibit rakish behavior towards Ophelia and her friend. Tomorrow, he thought, I will recount everything to Benjamin.
Chapter 5
Barrington’s Estates, Westborough, England.
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington.
The next couple of days that followed the Christmas fair had Christopher busy. During Christmas time, his father would always host his business associates in his home.
Due to his father’s illness, Christopher had to take charge of his father’s duties. Rebecca had also gone home since her husband had returned. However, there was hardly a day she wouldn’t come to visit her brother and her parents.
Christopher was busy writing the last correspondence letter when the door opened and Benjamin came in. They hadn’t seen each other since the last time at the gambling hell. Christopher had been too busy to visit him as well.
“Thank God you are here,” he said as soon as he saw Benjamin. “Why didn’t you come for the fair a few days ago?”
Benjamin frowned. “I did come. I didn’t see you,” he replied, walking to a chair next to Christopher. “I thought we were supposed to meet.”
“Yes,” replied Christopher. “I have to apologize for that as I got carried away by the most beautiful thing.” he said, pausing in his work and leaning back.
Benjamin laughed, looking at him. “What happened? Maybe I could also share my own experience with you.”
Christopher laughed. “I am certain that your experience would not have been as interesting as mine.”
“Try me,” Ben replied, sitting down.
“I think I met an angel, or maybe she was a fairy. It is difficult to say. Elfish. Exotic. All in one lady. She was like something out of the most beautiful dreams, Ben.” Christopher said. “Together with her friend and her mother,” he continued as he recounted what happened that night at the fair.
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
Benjamin frowned as his friend finished recounting all that had happened at the fair. As far as he was concerned, Christopher had failed to find him because he found a lady whom he was attracted to. And this lady and her company sounded similar to the ones he had taken home.
“I think we have a similar story,” replied Benjamin. “Because I met a lady too.”
Christopher was more surprised and laughed out loud. “Really? Do you know her name? Mine is Ophelia. I have never heard of a name more beautiful.”
When Benjamin heard this he paused.
“What did you call her again?” he asked.
“Ophelia,” Christopher replied.
“And she was with her mother and her friend?” Benjamin asked further just to be certain that they were talking about the same woman.
“Yes,” replied Christopher. “You should have seen her, Ben. She is indeed a ravishing lady. I think she has stolen my heart.”
Benjamin sighed. He could see that they were talking about the same woman. As a matter of fact, he had purposely decided to take them home instead of getting them their own carriage because he was attracted to the dark-haired lady. He was also on the verge of telling his friend about her. The other night, he had decided to visit their home again.
“So, tell me about this lady of yours,” Christopher said. “I cannot wait to hear everything about her.”
Benjamin smiled. “You can forget about her. She is not so important,” he gave a nonchalant reply.
Christopher frowned but then shrugged. “Well, I cannot stop thinking about her ever since I met her, Ben. I think this is the woman I would love to spend the rest of my life with.”
Benjamin raised his brows. “How can you decide such a thing so quickly? You only just met her,” he asked.
“Because I am in love with her, Ben. I cannot explain it. Do you believe in love at first sight?”
Benjamin smiled. That was exactly what had happened to him.
“No, I don’t,” he lied.
“Then you cannot understand what I’m talking about,” he replied and went back to the letter he was writing.
“So when is the ball taking place?” Benjamin asked changing the subject.
“In the next two days,” Christopher replied. “Are you going to be around?”
Benjamin thought for a while. “I might but I am not so certain.” He stood up giving Christopher a smile. “I have to go.”
“So soon?”
Benjamin nodded. His plan earlier was to invite Christopher with him to visit Ophelia’s house but now, everything had changed.
“I have some things to take care of. I shall see you in the night,” Ben said. He bid his friend farewell as he took his leave.
When he got out and closed the door behind him, he shut his eyes. He and his friend were in love with the same woman.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
About an hour after Benjamin had left, the door opened again and Rebecca stepped in.
“You are still here,” she said on seeing her brother. “Are you not done dispatching the letters?” she asked, coming to meet him.
“There remains just one more letter. To the Campbell’s cottage,” Christopher replied.
“Campbell?” asked Rebecca. “Is that father’s trusted merchant?”
Christopher nodded. “Indeed, he is. It has been a while since he visited from Havenwood.”
“Havenwood?” Rebecca asked. “Isn’t that where Ophelia came from?”
Christopher looked at his sister with eagerness. “Are you quite certain?”
“Yes, I am. She mentioned it during our comversation.”
“Perhaps, he might be acquainted with the fair Ophelia,” said Christopher excitedly.
“Perhaps. You can ask him about her once he comes to the dinner.”
“Yes. Father did say to invite him and his family to the party.”
“Of course, the more the merrier,” said Rebecca before grabbing a seat.
Christopher continued with his writing but stopped as he realized his sister was looking at him suspiciously.
“What is the look for?” he asked.
“I do hope that what happened at the previous party will not repeat itself, brother.”
Christopher frowned. He couldn’t understand what his sister was talking about.
“What happened?” he finally asked.
“Those ladies that got into a quarrel because of you could have caused a scandal.I want you to be serious if you are truly interested in Ophelia.”
Christopher laughed as he recalled what happened during last year’s event. He had mistakenly invited two ladies to the party. He was having an affair with both of them at the same time. He didn’t mean to invite them both, but the first one had said she might not be able to make it so he had invited the other. However, both of them showed up and caused a tug of war of him. In the end, he had to run away from the party and never heard from either lady again.
“I am really serious about Ophelia,” he said to his sister.
“I do not trust you, Chris! You are such a scoundrel when it comes to women! Ophelia is a decent lady and I would hate you if you end up breaking her heart.”
Christopher smiled. “I promise you, sister. I love her and I will prove it to you.”
“Good. I want you to prove it.”
The Campbell’s Cottage, Havenwood.
***
Miss Ophelia Campbell
Ophelia hastened her pace. Her ears twitching at the northern direction. It was the first time hunting alone, with Charles, her cousin. He had spent the morning teaching her how to hunt a rabbit. Now, he sat waiting for her by the stream which she had left behind minutes ago. She desperately wanted to impress him by catching a rabbit on her own.
Even while growing up, Charles had once confessed his love for her, but she saw him more as a brother than as a lover.
He was the son of her father’s brother and was only three years older than her. He had been her confidante and companion since she was three years old. He knew of her obsession for a special kind of love. He was also responsible for all her unladylike behavior like hunting. Her mother was not around which gave her the chance to go hunting with Charles.
She pulled the string of her bow while holding the arrow in the other hand. She could feel the familiar tightening at the base of her arm. It was a cold yet sunny day, causing her to squint to try and reduce the light from her eyes. The sun was very high and the back of her dress was dampened with sweat as a result of this.
She felt a quick movement by her left and she held her breath, just before turning quietly. She could spot the little animal hiding behind a dry log of wood lying on the ground a few inches from her.
She inhaled deeply and quietly just as Charles had taught her, and then, she released the taut pull of her arrow. It shot out through the air with a whooshing sound. Her eyes followed the arc until she heard the tiny squeal that made her realize that her deed was done.
She screamed excitedly. She just had her first kill. However, the triumphant feeling was short-lived for a cold feeling of guilt washed over her immediately. Quietly, she murmured a silent prayer.
Even though all the meat she had been eating had suffered the same fate, though not by her hands, she still felt sorry for the little fellow.
“What is it? Don’t tell me you are feeling guilty,” Charles said coming up behind her.
“Well, I am,.Does that make me a bad hunter?” she asked.
“Not quite so,.It only shows how little, your gut is,” Charles joked and Ophelia scowled at him. She watched as he walked forward to pick up the dead rabbit.
“First kill! Great,” Charles said. “Well, I think we’ve had enough fun for today. You need to quickly go back home before your mother comes back.
Ophelia looked disappointed. “Do not tell me you are leaving so soon. Why? It is rather too early to do that?”
Charles frowned. “I wouldn’t want your mother to be angry with me. She would think I am responsible for all your unladylike behavior.”
Ophelia shrugged. “Well, who else will get blamed for if not you?”
He laughed. “So, now you are saying I am responsible for it?”
“Maybe,” she replied and then decided to change the question. “Why were you not at the fair yesterday?”
“I wanted to come but father and I had to do some things. What happened? Did you finally meet the love of your life?” he joked, sitting on a large stone.
Ophelia smiled. She knew he was teasing her, but he had no idea how close he was to the truth.
“I met two men actually,” she explained to Charles and narrated all that happened at the fair to him.
“But do you think there is a chance for you to see either of these men again?” asked Charles.
“I do not know, Charles,” she replied. “Mr. Gibbs knows where I live but his lordship does not. I have a feeling that Mr. Gibbs might show up again to our home.”
“But you do not really want him to be the one who shows up, do you?” asked Charles.
Ophelia shook her head. “No, I do not, but at the same time, there is no chance for us to meet again,”she said, referring to Christopher.
“You know what I always say,” Charles said as he stood up and walked to her. “If you both are meant to be, then you shall meet again.”
Ophelia smiled at the thought of that but somehow, she knew it might not happen.
When Ophelia got back to the cottage later that night, she went to see her father. He had come back a day after the Christmas fair, but he had been spending most of his time in his room, sleeping.
“Is he going to be alright?” she asked her mother who was tending to him.
“Of course, daughter. He will be. He just needs rest,” replied her mother. “Has Charles gone home?”
Ophelia was surprised and nodded. She waited for the next thing her mother would say. She really hoped her mother had no knowledge of what she and Charles had done the whole day.
“Good. A letter came for your father while you were out,” said Mrs. Campbell, turning to look her. Ophelia could see excitement written all over her face, but she couldn’t understand why.
“Why are you so happy about the letter, mother?” she asked.
“Because it came from his lordship, Christopher Crampton. He just invited your father and us to his dinner party. I knew there was something familiar about him…”
Ophelia was surprised. She couldn’t believe she would be having another chance to meet with Christopher again.
“But, mother,” she started. “He doesn’t know I am his daughter, does he?”
Her mother shook her head. “No, I don’t think so darling. You two can discuss that when you get there.”
Ophelia’s excitement dimmed and her heart sank. She had wanted to let him know about their social status the first time they met and now, she was afraid of what would happen now that he knew. Would he want nothing to do with her, or was he a gentleman who wouldn’t care about such norms? She could only hope for the former to be true.
Chapter 6
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Thank God you came promptly, Emily. Do sit,” Ophelia said to her friend as she came in.
“What happened? Is everything alright?” asked Emily.
Ophelia had sent for her friend that morning as the ball was in the night. She needed to tell her everything that was going on.
“The kind gentleman that we met at the fair. Do you remember him?” Ophelia asked as they sat down on the couch.
“Indeed. The Viscount? Is it not?” asked Emily.
“Yes, he certainly is.”
“So, what about him?”
“I just discovered that his father is an employer of my father and he has invited him to a ball party this very night, of which he needs me to accompany him.”
Emily stared at her in disbelief. “You are going to the party that will be hosted by the Viscount?”
Ophelia nodded. “Yes Emily. That is the problemm.”
“That is great news,” cried Emily. “I do not see any problemm at all. As a matter of fact, I think fate is bringing you both together.”
Ophelia frowned. “I cannot believe you are saying this, Emily. Do you not remember that he does not know who I am? How would he react when he realizes that I am just a merchant’s daughter?”
“If that is the case, then I do not think he loves you,” Emily bluntly stated.
“I do not understand.”
“I mean, the best way to know if a man loves you to know if he is contented with whoever you are, without trying to change you. If he does not approve of you due to your father’s work, then he does not deserve your love.”
Ophelia inhaled. “Would you be a dear and accompany me?”
“Accompany you? I am sorry, Ophelia but I cannot,” replied Emily.
“But why not?”
“Francis will be coming to dinner and I have to be there.”
Ophelia sighed and leaned back. “You must be at home for Francis. I understand. I just wish that I did not have to go alone.”
“Why don’t you call your cousin to go with you?” Emily suggested.
“Charles?”
“Yes,” replied Emily.
Reluctantly, Ophelia nodded. “I shall find a way to pass the message across to him.”
“Very well,” Emily replied. “Whatever you do, always rema
in calm and do not make things difficult for yourself.”
Ophelia nodded. “ I understand that things will be difficult on its own. There is no use in contributing to it.”
“Must you speak so confidently without faith?”
“Pardon me, dear Emily but I am afraid of what the meeting might turn out to be.”
“I understand that you know not of his intentions towards you. I would advise you not to dwell upon it so much lest you begin to react based on it whenever he approaches you.”
A Lady to Redeem a Rakish Lord: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 4