Her mother went on lamenting about how poor they would become if the father was to die and Ophelia had nobody to marry her.
While all this was going on, her mind went towards the men she had met recently; mr. Angleton was the last person she would think of marrying, the secret admirer no longer sent her a message, strangely at the same time Christopher’s letter has stopped.
“But the Angleton’s are indeed very comfortable, if you marry them, you are going to be rich….”
Ophelia sighed. She wasn’t happy. She has never been happy, ever since what happened, it was like her only hope was dashed to the ground.
Meanwhile, a carriage drove in and halted close to the garden. On seeing the carriage, something leapt in her as the only thing in her mind was that Christopher was around. However, she was surprised when Lord Gibbs came out.
“Isn’t that the Baron?” asked her mother, looking at Benjamin intently.
“Yes, he is,” replied Ophelia as she stood up with her mother while Benjamin approached them.
“Lord Gibbs,” said Ophelia’s mother as he got to them while Ophelia curtsied. “To what do we owe this honor?”
Lord Gibbs smiled. “Goodmorning, Mrs. Campbell, and you too Miss Ophelia, how do you fare?”
“Very well, my Lord,” replied Ophelia. She was curious to know why Benjamin has come.
“I shall send the servant to come up with a cup of tea, please excuse me,” Ophelia’s mother said before excusing them.
“Please sit,” said Ophelia to Benjamin who sat next to her.
“I hope there is no problemm?” she asked.
“Well, I am here on behalf of my friend,” he replied.
Ophelia inhaled a quick breath. “Well, Lord Gibbs, there is no reason for you to have come at all. I have told your friend the truth and that is how it is going to be. I am sorry to have wasted your time in coming here.”
“But you haven’t waste my time at all,” he replied, standing up as Ophelia’s mother came in with a servant who had a cup of tea.
“Mrs. Campbell, I hope it would not be much of a trouble if I ask you to kindly chaperone your daughter to the Hyde Park?”
Ophelia and her mother exchanged a look of surprise. She was surprised because he hasn’t bothered to ask her first if she would like to go before asking her mother to chaperone.
“But of course,” said her mother excitedly. “I shall be happy to do so. Come, Ophelia. We need to go change.”
Before Ophelia could hesitate, her mother was already dragging her off.
“Mother, I do not like this,” she said as her mother brushed her hair.
“What are you talking about?” asked her mother excitedly.
“What does he want? Why has he come? Do you not think this a bit strange?” she went on.
“No. The only thing that will be strange is if you do not allow Lord Gibbs to be a potential suitor before turning him down. Your chances to get a husband just increased, darling. Do not ruin it!”
Ophelia was quiet. She knew that the only thing in her mother’s mind was just for her to get married regardless of how she felt about the man. Finally, they were dressed and were out to meet Lord Gibbs who was now waiting by his carriage.
“You look dashing, my Lady,” he said to Ophelia as he assisted her into climbing the carriage.
“Thank you,” she managed to say.
“And you look quite lovely yourself,” he then said to her mother who only laughed.
“You are most kind, Lord Gibbs.”
The three got into the carriage and were soon at the park.
Several minutes later, they were taking a walk along the beautiful lawns of the park while the mother followed.
“So, you did not come here to talk to me about your friend?” Ophelia asked as they walked.
“Not really,” replied Benjamin. “Someone like you do not deserve a man like Christopher.”
This surprised Ophelia. “He’s your friend! Why would you say such?”
“Because he is my friend and I know him better than anyone. Also, because I have met you and I think you deserve someone better than him.”
“So, he is a terrible person, then,” Ophelia asked, determined to hear everything Benjamin had to say.
“He is not a terrible person,” he replied. “For we all have our own flaws…”
“There you go again,” retorted Ophelia. “You once mentioned that at the party when we were talking outside.”
Ben nodded. “Of course. I am surprised that you remembered. I understand my friend better than anyone and I know all the things he has done to several ladies. Most of which I was never acquainted with. I was making an attempt to warn you about him, but he came in just as I was about to start. That was why I could not say anything further. Perhaps, if I had warned you before hand, he would not have treated you so badly. You would have be prepared ahead.”
Ophelia inhaled. Everyone seemed to be painting Christopher rather terribly. Now, if his best friend could say something like this, then it would be best to simply let him go.
“Why don’t we talk about other important things instead of Christopher. I would like to know all there is to know about you, if you do not mind.”
Ophelia inhaled but started telling the man somethings about her until it was time for her to go home. He took them back to the house before finally leaving.
“He is such an agreeable man,” Ophelia’s mother said to her that night. “And quite a handsome man as well.”
Now, Ophelia had not taken a very good look at Benjamin, she promised to do that the next time.
“I think he will make a better husband. You two are more in the same class with little differences. Please, give him more chances and try not to be too hard on him the next time he comes.”
Ophelia sighed but said nothing. She knew that arguing with her mother was only a waste of time.
Before she slept that night, she pondered on everything Benjamin had said to her.
“ Of course. I am surprised that you remembered. I understand my friend better than anyone and I know all the things he has done to several ladies. Most of which I was never acquainted with. I was making an attempt to warn you about him, but he came in just as I was about to start. That was why I could not say anything further. Perhaps, if I had warned you before hand, he would not have treated you so badly. You would have prepared ahead.”
Was Christopher as terrible as this and why has he not made an attempt to come and explain himself? Why was she still hoping that he could have changed and that all these were just somethings that happened in his past? Was she indeed, another victim?
If he loved her like he had stated in his letter, he should have done something. He should have found a means to find her and explain his part but a week has gone and she heard nothing from him, not even a single letter.
Part of her was glad for a long silence from him but the other part was clearly disturbed. Perhaps, she was still hoping that they could have a chance together.
She could see that she still loved him despite all that has been said about him. Perhaps, her mother was right, she needed to give Ben a chance in her life.
Out of all the men that have been coming her way, aside Christopher, Benjamin was still someone she could tolerate. She took in a deep breath, it might be difficult to love another, so soon but she would try.
Chapter 25
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
“Christopher!”
At first, he did not open his sleepy eyes but the sudden and consistent knock on the door was disturbing his sleep .
He wondered what the problemm was that could not wait till the following day. If Ryan cheated on his sister again after the family had spoken to him, he was determined to throw him into jail himself.
“Christopher!”
“I’m awake!” He shouted back and then stood up to open the door. Rebecca rushed in, she seemed out of breath.
“What happened? Where are yo
u coming from and why can you not wait till tomorrow morning?” he asked looking at the time. It was just some minutes past ten in the night.
“It could not wait,” she said, wide-eyed and trying to catch her breath. “I saw your friend, Ben and Ophelia, together in the field-The Hyde Park, with her mother.”
Christopher frowned. None of what his sister said made any sense at all.
“Are you alright, sister?”
“Do you not hear me! I saw Ophelia and Ben, taking a walk together!”
Now, everything was beginning to sink in. He stared at her. “Where?”
“The Hyde Park. I waited until she left, he took them back in his carriage.”
Christopher sat on a chair. “What does this mean?”
“You remember Ophelia said they have met before but he said he could not remember her face?”
Christopher nodded. “So, you think Ben is trying to take Ophelia from me?”
“Yes. I think he wants to have her for himself.”
“If that is the case, then I need to go find him right away and there is only one place he can be.”
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
The two men laughed and gulped down the drink at the same time.
“I gibe you double congratulations!” said Luke. “I am so happy the way things are turning out. Now, all you need to do is to keep seeing her and then, sooner or later, you just propose to her.”
Ben laughed with a nod. He has recounted all that happened to his friend.
“Uh-oh! I thought your friend does not know that you are back.”
Benjamin looked behind him and was surprised to see Christopher coming, in. He was yet to spot him at the bar but Ben was certain that he was looking for him.
“He does not know that I am back, excuse me,” he said and stood up, just in time as when Christopher spotted him.
“He does not look too good. He is still heartbroken…” Luke quickly said before facing the other man beside him.
Benjamin walked towards Christopher who was no longer looking at him but was looking at Luke.
“Who is he?” he asked.
“Who?” asked Ben.
‘The man you were talking to,” he replied.
“Oh, he is a nobody,” replied Ben. “Just someone I met at the bar. I am surprised to see you, I hope there is no problemm?”
Christopher found an empty space and they sat.
“I thought you traveled?” he started.
“Yes, I did, I got back today,” Benjamin replied. He could sense a confrontation coming.
“And, you said nothing, neither did you come to see me.”
“I was preoccupied,” came the reply.
“Yes, I was told, at Hyde Park, with Ophelia and her mother.”
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher waited for a reaction from Benjamin but got none. Instead, his friend only smiled.
“Do you think I am trying to steal Miss Campbell from you?” he asked.
“I do not know but you might try to make use of the opportunity,” Christopher replied.
Benjamin stared at him. “What do you take me for? Christopher? What kind of a man do you take me for? I went to see Ophelia as a surprise, to see her, to talk to her on your behalf. How could you think so badly of me?”
Now, Christopher was surprised and he was calm. “I did not know, I am so sorry. I allowed my imagination to lead me.”
Benjamin shook his head. “But how did you know about this? I planned to make it a surprise, hoping she would heed to my plea but when she did not, I realized there was no need in telling you of a fruitless effort.”
Christopher smiled. “It was not a fruitless effort dear friend. You did something which means a lot to me and I accused you wrongfully. Would you forgive me?”
“Of course. But at the same time, how did you know?”
Christopher sighed. “Rebecca saw you and she came to tell me.”
“Your sister never liked me so I understand how she must have pictured the whole scene.”
“You are right, she couldn’t wait till tomorrow morning to tell me, she really does not trust you.”
They both joked and laughed before the bar man tended to Christopher.
“So, tell me, how was she when you saw her?” Christopher later asked.
“She was hurt. She is still in pain and I do not know if she will ever get over it, Christopher. Whatever she must have heard from those women must have been really terrible. She does not want to be with you anymore.”
Christopher inhaled. “Rebecca thinks I have lost her, do you also think the same?”
Benjamin nodded. “Yes, You have indeed lost her. Do not make any attempt to send her any letter or try to get her back, it is of no use. She is already moving on and is on the verge of accepting another man’s proposal.”
Christopher’s heart sank as he heard this. He realized he has really lost her and decided it was best to also move in. He left the gambling hell some minutes later.
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
Benjamin watched him leave before Luke came to take Christopher’s seat.
“Trouble in Paradise?” asked Luke, lighting his Cigar.
“He got to know about my visit to Ophelia,” Benjamin replied.
“What? He did? And what did you say?”
Benjamin shrugged, leaning back. “I told him what he wanted to hear. That I went there on his behalf. I may have just sealed his fate forever.”
Luke laughed. “To the future Baron and Baroness Gibbs!” He said, lifting up his cup as they cheered.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
“And you believed him!” Rebecca demanded as he got back and told her all that Benjamin has said.
“Why will I not believe him, Rebecca?” he asked. He was actually surprised that she was still awake. He expected she would have slept but she waited for him at the parlor.
“Are you so blind to the fact that your friend is interested in Ophelia?”
Christopher shook his head. “My heart is broken by what he told me, Rebecca, I do not have time or the strength to argue with you. I need to go drown in my sorrow.”
“So, he told you that Ophelia is about to be engaged and you believe him?”
“Why will I not believe him? Sister, I know you never trusted him nor liked him but I trust him. Goodnight.”
After this, Christopher walked to his room and shut the door after him. Then he jumped on his bed and took in a deep breath. It was over, he thought. Whatever chances he had with Ophelia was simply over.
He kept on going through how everything had started. How they had crossed paths, how she had encouraged him with every gesture he had made towards her.
Could she just discard everything just because of what she heard? Would it be so terrible to even listen to what he had to say?
He realized he deserved a chance to say something, therefore, he stood up and walked to the table. Even if it would be the last letter to her, he was going to write it.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Ophelia, please wake up, there is a letter for you.”
Ophelia opened her eyes immediately and when she saw the signature on the letter, her heart began to beat faster. Emily had come in to give her the letter that morning. She had stayed over at her place.
She wasn’t really sleeping, as every of her night has been filled with the memory of the kiss she shared with Christopher. It was her first kiss and it was unforgettable.
“What does he want this time?” asked her friend, sitting beside her on the bed.
Ophelia didn’t know and was about to find out. She tore opened the letter and while she read, her heart beat softly.
“Dearest Ophelia,
I understand you do not wish to see me, nor do you wish to talk to me. However, I believe I
deserve a response to you to know my fate. I understand you think that I am a terrible person and that my past can never be erased.
I also know that I have lost every chance I might have had with you. But would you not give me a response, sweet Ophelia? Do you hate me so much that the memory we shared has soon been forgotten
A Lady to Redeem a Rakish Lord: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 18