Ophelia frowned. What did he mean by that?
“Shall we?” he asked before she could ask him what he meant by that remark. Together, they walked out of the room.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher was on his way to greet Ophelia when he was stopped by Lady Tonathy, daughter of Lord Middleton, his father’s business associate. She was also among the women his mother had listed for him for marriage consideration.
She was a beautiful, red-haired girl who was shorter than average. No doubt, she would make a great wife for someone. But that someone was not him.
“So, when next are we going on a picnic, Christopher?” she asked. They had once gone on a picnic before, but it was planned by the Countess.
“Oh! I am not certain for now,” replied Christopher who was a little bit impatient when he saw Benjamin with Ophelia.
“What do you mean you are not certain?” she asked. “You do know that our parents think we will make the perfect couple?” she added, smiling proudly.
Christopher stared at her in disbelief but only laughed. “I didn’t know about that,” she replied. His mother had encouraged him to go for Dianna but, she had stopped all possible ways.
If his father had not fallen ill, he was certain that the Countess would have still pushed him into going on another picnic with her. He had planned that if he would go on another picnic with her, he would end up corrupting her and that would be the end of everything. Thanks to his father’s ill health.
“Well, my Lady, you shall receive a letter from me when I have the time for that but definitely not now,” he replied. The lady was about to protest but he cut in. “Kindly excuse me,” he said. He took his leave and was heading towards the direction of Ophelia and Benjamin but he stopped when he saw them both leaving at the same time.
Chapter 13
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“So, have you been to London before?” he asked as they got out of the house.
“Yes, I have. To see an acquaintance. But I’m afraid, the visit was not as fruitful as I had hoped,” she replied with a tone of regret.
“Will you be kind as to tell me what happened?” he asked. They were standing close to some flower shrubs that decorated the surrounding of the mansion.
“She was a lady of the ton whom I helped during a ball. She simply was not impressed with me upon knowing I was a merchant’s daughter.”
The man smiled. “Not so many people are like the Cramptons who make friends with people of both the upper and middle class.”
“So, might I ask how long you have been close to the family?”
“Going to some years now,” he replied. “Christopher and I seem to have an unbreakable bond.”
She smiled. “He is a good gentleman, isn’t he?” she asked.
“Oh, of course he is. But just like every man, he has his flaws.”
She frowned. “What do you mean by that?”
He shrugged. “Well most ladies often …”
“Here you are!” said Christopher behind them. “I have been looking everywhere for you, “he said. “I thought perhaps, you had vanished. Little did I know it was my dear friend that whisked you away.”
Ophelia smiled. “Lord Gibbs was only trying to keep me company.”
“Indeed,” added Benjamin. “A beautiful lady like Miss Ophelia should not be kept standing alone…”
“She is not beautiful,” replied Christopher with a smile. “She is simply breath-taking.”
Ophelia found herself blushing before Christopher extended a hand to her. She took it and together they walked back inside.
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
All he could do was smile as Christopher took her back into the house, leaving him standing outside. When they were both gone, his expression changed.
Damn him for making him feel so jealous with everything he tried to do in impressing the lady. Why did he not think of a word like ‘breathtaking’?
He shook his head in annoyance and dipped a hand into his pocket. He just wanted some time to get to know her and he wouldn’t even stay away.
He took out his hand along with one more letter he had written, hoping to put it into her reticule but now, he doubted if he would have the chance again. Angrily, he squeezed the paper back into his pocket.
Seconds later, he went back into the house, everyone was already seated as the meal was being served. He was not surprised to see Christopher was sitting next to Ophelia, while she sat next to Rebecca. Christopher nodded at him in acknowledgement and he did the same. Finally, he found a seat by the fire but the only thing on his mind was how to get the lady for himself.
He had heard the Countess saying something about making any friend of her children feel welcomed. At the same time, he knew the Countess only said that because she was not aware of the truth.
That her son was actually taken by Miss Campbell. He smiled as he realized, he might have just found a way to solve his problemm.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
Minutes later after they had all had their fill of dinner, Ophelia took a walk with Christopher who had volunteered to show her around the mansion with one of the maids following from behind. Ophelia was fascinated by the beauty of the building.
From the exquisite marble in the entrance to the carved wooden walls in the corridor, the house was made to over impress.
Christopher led her up the gentle spiral of the stairs and gave her a commentary on its architectural history. It was created by the popular architect, John Nash. John Nash served as the court architect for Prince Regent and later King George IV. For the Regent, Nash created a beautiful, indian-inspired structure but also designed many classically influenced structures such as the Crampton’s mansion. He had been hired last year to redesign the rear of the building while another architect had been hired to do the interior. Unfortunately, he died before he could accomplish the project. An architect that closely studied under him was tasked with completing his masterpiece.
“I am in awe,” she said as they got to the end of the tour. “Thank you, for showing me.” She was elated by his knowledge and appreciation of the fine arts. Men who focused on art, had a magnificent inner world and she would love to explore his.
Christopher smiled. “You do not have to thank me, Miss Campbell. I was happy doing it,” then he paused. “You seem to have something in your hair,” he said.
“Oh,” said Ophelia as she tried to touch her hair.
“Allow me,” he said. “Your hair is too beautifully arranged to be tampered with. I assure you that I shall take it off with the utmost care.”
Ophelia chuckled. His choice of words were flattering enough. She wondered if that was his usual way of talking to other ladies or was he simply doing that to impress her.
She held her breath as he leaned in closer. When his hand grazed the side of her ear, she could have sworn, she shuddered and she hoped he didn’t notice.
“Here,” he said, showing her something green like part of a leaf. “Oh, thank you, my Lord. It must have gotten there while I was with your friend,” she replied. She stepped away shyly, remembering that they were being watched by the maid.
“Indeed,” he replied. They both stood, not saying anything for a while. It seemed a bit awkward for Ophelia but she was relieved when Rebecca appeared.
“Oh, here you are,” she said excitedly, spotting them both.
“Hello, sister. I trust you had a wonderful evening?” asked Christopher, walking to her and kissing her on the cheeks.
“Yes, I did. I hope my brother was not giving you any trouble?” she asked Ophelia jokingly.
“Oh, no! He has made my evening eventful by telling me the history of the house.”
Rebecca looked impressed. “Well, I’m afraid your carriage just arrived, Ophelia.”
Ophelia smiled in disappointment. She hated that she had to leave but she w
as glad to be going home nonetheless. She was exhausted.
“It is sad that you have to go,” said Christopher to her. “I do hope I get invited to dinner sometimes?”
Ophelia smiled. “Well, you can come anytime you wish, my lord, so long as arrangements are made with my mother,” she said, excited that Christopher would think of paying her a visit.
“Oh, good! How about in two days time?” he asked.
Both Ophelia and Rebecca stared at each other in surprise.
“Well, you are always welcome. We will be happy to host you in our home.”
“Then I believe I shall be seeing your lovely face again,” he said, walking closer to her and lifted her hands to his lips, kissing it lightly. “Extend my warm regards to your family.”
Ophelia could not stop herself from blushing all over again. She curtsied and went with Rebecca.
“I think my brother has his eyes on you,” Rebecca whispered softly to her ears as she climbed into the carriage.
“You think so?” asked Ophelia.
“Oh! I know so. You have nothing to be worried about. He has truly changed since meeting you,” said Rebecca to her as they exchanged kisses. Ophelia waved at her and she waved back.
While she left in the courage, she caught a glimpse of Lord Gibbs looking outside. She frowned, knowing full well that he was looking at her. She waved at him and he hesitated before waving at her. She could not help but feel there was something more to that strange man.
When Ophelia got home later that night, she was exhausted but she recounted all that happened at the dinner to her mother. Mrs. Campbell thought this could be the beginning of something good for her daughter.
“You should get some sleep,” said her mother before leaving the room. “Tomorrow, you and I will be going to visit the Angleton’s?”
Ophelia frowned. “But mother, why do we need to visit the Angletons?” she asked. A couple of months ago, her mother devised a plan of taking her daughter with her to any card game, tea gathering or any occasion that would warrant getting her introduced to the sons of her friends. So, she believed this was another attempt to get her introduced.
“Well, we cannot put all our eggs in one basket, Ophelia,” said her mother. “Lord Crampton might like you, but what about his parents? Do you think they will want someone like us to marry their son?”
Ophelia was surprised. “But, mother. You said that the Viscount was a good suitor. And Lady Crampton said…”
“I know what she said. But you two are just friends in her eyes. If he is indeed interested in you, let him make that clear. Until he makes it clear, we do not rest. Goodnight.”
Saying this, her mother kissed her on the forehead before leaving.
Ophelia inhaled sharply and shut her eyes. She needed her friend and she couldn’t wait for the day to break so she could tell Emily everything.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
It had been about two hours since Miss Campbell had gone, but Christopher could not take her off his mind. Most of the guests had left and it only remained a few of his father’s closest friends who were allowed to see him in his chamber where he rested.
Rebecca was with her mother in a different room while a few of the other guests were in the parlor, including Benjamin. Benjamin was talking with some of the men.
While he sat, reminiscing on the times he had spent with Ophelia, he heard a movement behind him.
“My Lord, I thought you had been avoiding me all night.”
He looked around to see Lady Katrina, a lady he once bedded. She was a tall girl but slender with all of the height that went well with him. He had always tried to avoid her. He never wanted to bed her but he was drunk and she was persistent.
It had happened in the house about two months ago during a dinner that was held for his mother’s birthday. Benjamin knew about everything and he had always been trying to avoid her.
He was surprised that she came to the dinner as he had made sure that her family was not invited.
“Katrina,” he said, standing and looking surprised. “I never knew you were here.”
The lady shrugged. “I didn’t get my invitation and I was worried.”
He inhaled. “I apologized about that,” he said. “There must have been some sort of mistake.”
“Well, I thought so for I know you would not have uninvited me. We did have a good time two months ago.”
Christopher knew what she was doing, quickly, he glanced towards Benjamin for help but he seemed to be busy with the men he was talking with.
“About two months ago, I am deeply sorry,” said Christopher. “I was drunk.”
“You need not apologize,” said Katrina. “You embarrass me if you do, my Lord.”
While they talked, Rebecca approached him and she looked angry.
“Can you please excuse me and my brother,” said Rebecca to Katrina.
Katrina looked at Rebecca and nodded but then gave him a knowing look before leaving.
“What are you doing, Christopher?” Rebecca demanded angrily. “To think you had turned a new leaf?”
“I was not doing anything, sister,” he tried to explain but Rebecca would hear nothing of such.
“To think I have been so stupid to have trusted you with Ophelia. How could you?”
Saying this, she walked away angrily. As she left, Benjamin came to meet him.
“What happened?” asked Benjamin.
Christopher sighed and sat in a chair. “My sister is angry with me. She thinks the worst of me.”
Benjamin frowned. “What did you do?”
“Did you not see me talking with Katrina just now?”
Benjamin shrugged. “No, I did not. I must have been so immersed in my conversation. What did she want?”
“What do you think she wants?” said Christopher. “She reminded me of what happened between us and now, I am afraid that my past will somehow tarnish whatever chance Miss Campbell and I may have.”
Benjamin sighed. “Well, perhaps, you should get a better option.”
Christopher stared at his friend. “How can you say that? Knowing how much I truly care for her?”
“Well, you seem to be confronted by many difficulties,” replied Benjamin.
Christopher shook his head, picked up his cup and left for his room.
Chapter 14
Miss Ophelia Campbell
They got to the Angleton manor before noon. The servant who opened the door was an old man whose hair was completely white and who seemed very thin even to the bones.
“You are most welcome Mrs. Campbell and Miss Campbell,” said the man, unsmiling.
“Thank you, Jonas,” replied Ophelia’s mother as they stepped in together. The house was not expensively furnished but it was clean all the same.
It was exactly the way Ophelia had remembered it while growing up. She and her mother had once come there many years ago.
“Oh, Helen!” shouted Mrs. Angtleton. She was a tall woman who spent her time gossiping about other people. Ophelia had heard so much about her from her mother and this made her realize that her mother wasn’t quite taken by the madam.
“Oh, sweet child! Look at you!” said Mrs. Angleton to Ophelia. “You have grown into the most beautiful woman I have ever seen! Now that I can see for myself, I realize everything about the rumors are not entirely untrue. Just quite unfortunate that you do not have any suitors coming for you!”
Ophelia was aghast when she heard this. She threw her mother a shocking look but before she could reply, the other woman was hugging her.
“Come, I have made some tea,” said Mrs. Angleton as they followed her to the parlor.
Later, they were all seated as Mrs. Angleton went on and on, telling her mother things she had heard and seen in previous encounter with other visitors. Of course. Her mother said nothing. Mrs. Angleton simply did the talking.
Ophelia was bored to death where she sat comfortably on the couch. Whi
le her eyes wandered over everything, the thought of Christopher came to mind and she found herself smiling, knowing she was going to see him again.
However, she could not place another feeling that was trying to surface. She could recall what Charles had told her, to be careful with him. She could also remember what Lord Gibbs had said.
She couldn’t shake the thought of these two correlating and she wished Lord Gibbs had gone ahead to tell her what Christopher’s flaws were before they were interrupted.
A Lady to Redeem a Rakish Lord: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 10