The Second Season (Regency Romance)

by Heather Chapman

  Caroline thought she noticed the clerk giving Mr. Clark a taunting look, but Mr. Clark did not seem to see it. Instead, he knelt carefully in front of Caroline, examining the small slipper in his hand.

  “You are without a chaperone today, Miss Hopkins?”

  Caroline blushed at this, but found she replied impulsively. “My sister is across the street. Did not your last customer come unaccompanied?” She looked down at him as she said it.

  “Yes, she did come unaccompanied.”

  Mr. Clark continued to feel the slipper. He gently checked the back of Caroline’s left foot, locating the waning blister.

  “Was I mistaken, or did you call her Miss Lenore? Was that the enchanting Miss Georgiana Lenore that I have heard so much about?”

  Mr. Clark grinned and nodded. “So, you have heard the tales. Yes, that was Miss Georgiana.”

  Caroline frowned. Miss Lenore was indeed handsome. For all the gossip she had endured from the Jaspers about their precious Georgiana, Caroline had not considered that there might be any truth behind their praise. She swallowed. “Miss Georgiana Lenore is a cousin to my nearest neighbor in Chelmsford. I have heard tales of her beauty and accomplishments for the past four years.”

  The clerk was talking loudly to a customer at the front.

  Mr. Clark’s lip twitched. “And now you have seen her in the flesh.”

  He was marking the slipper with a few pins. “Now,” he said, “I shall endeavor to transform this slipper from an instrument of torture.” A broad smile now covered his face, but Caroline only sat seriously. He silently replaced her boot. “Your slippers will not take long. It is an easy mend.”

  She nodded but did not move. When she raised her head, Mr. Clark was staring down at her. They locked eyes for some time, both assessing one another.

  At last, Caroline swung her head to the side and asked, “Mr. Clark, are you as friendly to all of your customers, or is it just Miss Georgiana Lenore who has caught your eye?”

  Mr. Clark’s deep vibrato laughter returned, along with a slightly amused expression. He cleared his throat, his lip quivering as he offered, “Yes, I find I am comfortable with Georgiana.”

  Caroline felt her cheeks color. He had called Georgiana by her first name. Caroline was humiliated to find herself continuing. “You are well acquainted then?”

  “Yes, very.”

  Caroline stood in embarrassment and attempted to leave the booth, but Mr. Clark gently stopped her, a wry smile spread across his face.

  “Georgiana is my cousin.”

  Caroline reddened instantly, astonished at the truth of such a possibility. She nervously inquired, “Your cousin? Why you—you are not related to the Jaspers, are you?”

  Mr. Clark’s laughter returned. “Do you think I resemble Charles much?”

  Caroline shook her head in confusion. No, Mr. Clark did not look at all like Charles Jasper. Charles’s thin frame, thinning hair, and protruding belly did not compare to Mr. Clark’s dark curls and broad shoulders.

  “You cannot be serious then,” Caroline said, though it was much more of a question.

  Mr. Clark’s laughter faded, but his smile remained. “No, I am not related to Charles Jasper in the general sense. Georgiana Lenore is the daughter of Miss Charlotte Lenore, sister to your neighbor Mrs. Jasper. I am related to Georgiana through her father, my own mother’s brother.”

  “I see,” was all Caroline could muster. She stood awkwardly at the opening of the booth, tempted to flee.

  “And further, do you suggest that I am not pleasant to my customers?” Mr. Clark’s voice cracked. Caroline almost thought he was teasing.

  “I meant to say, you seem … ,” Caroline’s embarrassment threatened to overwhelm her. She shook her head and smiled, pretending she had meant nothing by her earlier inquiries. “I only meant that you seem to keep your distance. You are, after all, most professional.”

  But Mr. Clark had seen the look on her face. “I am a serious tradesman.”

  “Yes, but I see now you are not always so serious. Is it my station? You find my conversation frivolous?” Caroline’s green eyes flashed with interest.

  Mr. Clark held her gaze, tilting his head as if defensive. “I was not born into title or station. I am neither afforded the time nor the desire to run with the London ton. I hope I do not offend you, Miss Hopkins.”

  “Perhaps you think me selfish and spoiled?” Caroline asked in haste.

  “I did not say that. I was merely pointing out—”

  “But you confess you do not socialize with women of my standing?” Caroline dared to look directly at him as she spoke.

  “Perhaps you are more fortunate than I have been. I was working at an age when most gentleman you are acquainted with are sent off to school.” Mr. Clark turned away from Caroline and leaned against a spare stool.

  Caroline shuffled toward him, aware of the tension she had caused. She did not know why she always brought up such questions, for she did not like the answers to most of them. She bit her bottom lip and apologetically lowered her head. She attempted at reconciliation. “I am sorry. That was quite impertinent of me.” She paused, exhaling slowly. “How have you come to own such a shop? I know the difficulty that lies in procuring your services. You have made quite the name for yourself and your skill.”

  Mr. Clark shrugged his shoulders but did not shy away. He looked directly back at her. “It is true I have worked very hard to build my reputation. I left home at the age of fifteen and begged an apprenticeship from a friend of my father’s. I assisted him for four years until I had learned all I could from him. I then traveled to Paris and found work at a specialty cordwainer shop. I worked under one of the greatest cordwainers in all of Europe for nearly seven years. It has taken me a long time to become what I am. I do not mean to appear cold. I am only dedicated to my craft. And of course, I refuse to forget where I came from.”

  “Forgive me,” Caroline replied. “I would not presume to question your diligence and discipline. I admit I am spoiled. I have parents that have indulged me ever since I can remember. I have grown up with the many comforts you speak of, but does that make me so far beneath your notice and manners?”

  Mr. Clark fumbled with his apron. “I would not rank you beneath anyone, Miss Hopkins. I would venture to say it is your observant nature that makes you so noticed by the likes of Lord Searly.”

  “But not by a man incapable of frivolities?”

  Mr. Clark inched closer. “I did not think you cared for the attention of such men.”

  His face was a mere foot away from her. Caroline felt her heart quicken. His dark eyes seemed to pierce her. She fell back a step, wiping her gloved fingers across the small beads of perspiration that had accumulated on her brow as the result of her nerves. “It is not that I seek attention, but rather that I be considered an equal to those with real substance. Can you not see the offense that blatant disregard might cause?”

  “Blatant disregard?” Mr. Clark scratched his chin in disbelief. “I have attended to you as a customer in a satisfactory manner, have I not?”

  She was doing it again. Caroline reeled her head backward in frustration, commanding herself to act more pleasant. “Most satisfactory, I suppose, except for the large blister on the back of my foot,” she said lightheartedly.

  Mr. Clark’s shoulders relaxed.

  “Mr. Clark, I suppose I must endeavor to be less frivolous, while you must endeavor to be a little more. You cannot be so serious at all times. Do you not enjoy dancing and concerts?”

  “Of course I enjoy a good dance and good conversation. You think me primitive?” Mr. Clark inquired as Caroline unintentionally began to laugh again. “I spent many evenings in Paris dancing.”

  The front bell rang loudly. Two customers were waiting. The sound caused Mr. Clark to search for his watch. “I must attend to my work,” he said, turning toward Caroline.

  “Of course. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Good day.”

  A


  Thomas continued to clear the drafting table that had become cluttered with notions throughout the day. He bristled past Joseph dismissively, setting the crate down beside the table.

  “Your cousin seemed in a good mood today. Have you asked her about me?” Joseph was leaning against the table.

  Thomas sympathetically glanced at Joseph. The poor clerk was nearly twenty-three, and vastly inexperienced when it came to love. Joseph had sworn he had fallen in love with Georgiana at first meeting, two weeks ago. Joseph attempted at fashion, but with fiery red hair, a prominent nose, and small spectacles that balanced across the brim, he was not what most considered handsome. His attire made him appear much older than his twenty-two years. Further, Joseph had maintained his bookish ways from being away at school. His manner was rather odd.

  “I would not become so enamored with a girl like Georgiana. She is young, ambitious, and infinitely silly.” Thomas swallowed. “It is no use, Joseph. She will only be satisfied with a fortune and title.”

  Joseph shrugged, his gaze falling to the floor as he clapped his hands together softly. “Oh, I had never really believed she was the girl for me, at least not in the realistic sense.”

  Thomas was sure his clerk was disappointed. “You must go out dancing, Joseph. There are other pretty ladies that are not quite so silly.”

  Joseph let out an uncomfortable laugh, straightening as he said, “I think I shall try my luck with another girl. What about you, Tom? Miss Hopkins looked very pretty today.”

  Thomas felt his composure slightly weaken at the mention of her name. “I think many consider her handsome.”

  Joseph let out a high-pitched chuckle. “But you do not?”

  Thomas looked at the clerk seriously, and with only a hint of humor replied, “I do find her pretty, yes, but it is not her figure or face that catches my eye.”

  Joseph lifted a hand in confusion. “Then what impresses you about the lady?”

  Thomas smiled. “I’ve yet to figure it out.”

  A

  CHAPTER 11

  Caroline, you have truly outdone yourself!” Lady Hopkins exclaimed as she strode into the room, her arms outstretched.

  “Mama, I’m not sure I catch your meaning,” said Caroline, clenching her jaw.

  “Darling, you must not tease me so. The whole of London is talking about you and Lord Searly. You have captured his eye, but have you captured his heart?”

  Caroline’s turned away, unsure of how to respond. “I suppose he has paid me great attention, but I cannot presume to have captured his heart. He is quite a flirt, Mama, and I would be foolish to suppose he meant anything by his attentions to me.” Caroline stood and walked to the piano.

  “Caroline, you must see that love always has a beginning. Lord Searly may not be serious yet, but I feel he is in great danger of falling in love with you. You are just the sort of girl that he needs.”

  Caroline sighed exasperatedly. She pulled her hands to her temples, shaking her head. “Why ever would you say such a thing, Mama? We hardly know the man! To presume I am compatible with the duke on such little acquaintance—”

  “Do you really feel we know so little of him?” Lady Hopkins interjected. “I feel his attentions to you at the ball spoke measures of your potential match. And, when you were gone a few days ago, he waited nearly forty minutes for your return. Lord Searly is a man of great regard, but he has shown you the greatest consideration. His eyes follow you, and while he is courteous to me and our family, it is you he desires to be acquainted with.” Lady Hopkins was waving her arms in a rhythmic pattern to emphasize her point, but stopped when Caroline shook her head in frustration. Lady Hopkins fell to the seat of the piano beside Caroline, softening her tone. “You cannot be indifferent to him, can you?”

  Caroline’s fingers grazed the top of the keys, producing a scattered melody. “I am not indifferent to him, Mama. I am flattered by his attentions. He is handsome and wealthy, and agreeable. Yet I feel there is a side to him we do not know. Perhaps I only need more time.”

  “That is perfectly understandable, my dear. I would not wish you unhappy simply for the connection. Though, I do hope you will understand the significance of such a union. It would be such a comfort to me to see you happily situated. You have a fortune in your own right, and I think it fitting you found someone similar in that regard. You cannot know what it is like to be pursued solely for your fortune.”

  Caroline caught the sadness in her mother’s voice and placed her hand lovingly on Lady Hopkins’s shoulder.

  Lady Hopkins, suddenly aware of her daughter’s scrutiny, smiled broadly and clapped her hands together. “But to be young again! I shall never forget the romance. Your father was so charming. He knew just how to compliment a lady, a trait he still exhibits often.” She paused, shaking her head in reverie. “I remember how my heart raced each time I saw him.” A smile crept across her face.

  “I hope I shall be as lucky, Mama,” Caroline whispered.

  Lady Hopkins stood abruptly, leaving Caroline alone at the piano to practice.

  A

  CHAPTER 12

  Twenty-One Years Earlier

  Lady Hopkins stared solemnly at Lord Hopkins. He had not answered her question. She repeated it, her voice shaking less the second time.

  “Did your mother have you court me because of my fortune?”

  Lady Hopkins had overheard her mother-in-law conceitedly discussing the matter with one of her pompous friends.

  Lord Hopkins’s eyes were misty, and his voice trembled as he recalled, “Eleanor, you must believe me. Perhaps in the beginning, it was so, but after I came to know you, it was all so different—”

  Lady Hopkins shook her head in disbelief and left his side before he could finish. Her small hands flew to her growing belly, and the cries she had suppressed while in her husband’s presence began to echo down the hall.

  A

  CHAPTER 13

  Twenty-One Years Later

  Caroline was surprised one morning when she left the breakfast room in search of her mother, only to find Lady Hopkins standing in the parlor with Lord Searly. The two were speaking on familiar terms and in hushed voices. Caroline watched her mother touch the duke’s arm more than once, laughing politely at his teasing.

  Her appearance disturbed their comfortable conversation at once. Lord Searly straightened immediately, taking a step toward Caroline. He gave a low bow, awaiting Caroline’s hand, which she reluctantly offered.

  Lady Hopkins smiled warmly at the display, her hand against her cheek in reverie.

  Lord Searly was the first to speak. “Caroline, you are looking well this morning.”

  Lady Hopkins sighed, unaware of her volume.

  Caroline pulled away feebly as she entered the room. “I did not expect you, Your Grace. What can your purpose be in calling at this early hour?” she asked directly, staring at her mother instead of the duke.

  Lord Searly softly chuckled and shook a finger at Caroline. “I see I cannot put a thing past you, my dear. I should hope you would be happy to see me, whatever the hour or reason.” He paused, now pacing around the room dismissively. “However, if you must know, my footman was delivering invitations to a small dinner party I am hosting, and I was already set to pass by your home. I determined to deliver it myself.”

  Lady Hopkins was enthusiastically smiling as she nudged Caroline’s side. “Can you believe the duke, delivering the card himself? Have you ever heard of such a thing?” She giggled in satisfaction.

  Lord Searly returned the smile and playfully responded, “I would never dream of such degradation, were it not for the fine ladies I find here.”

  Lady Hopkins teasingly swatted her hand at him.

  Caroline absentmindedly tapped her fingers across the table beside her.

  “Oh!” Lady Hopkins exclaimed with wide eyes. “I have just forgotten to instruct Betsy on my new dresses!” She left the room without another word.

  Caroline eyed Lord Searly su
spiciously. “I had not thought you on such familiar terms with my mother.”

  The duke strode toward Caroline. He lifted his arm to touch a stray strand of her hair, just as he had the night of his ball. “One does what one must.”

  Caroline retreated to the sofa, realizing Lord Searly had planned an extended morning call.

  He sat beside her. “I only wanted to be sure of your attendance at my dinner party.”

  Caroline nearly choked. “You did not think my mother would refuse a chance to socialize with a duke and duchess, did you?”

  Lord Searly laughed openly. “Certainly not, but I want her to like me.”

  Perhaps it was the awkward silence that ensued, the uncomfortable look on his face, or the surprise of the morning, but all at once, Caroline broke out in laughter. She found it was futile to resist his teasing, and he, seemingly aware of her displeasure of finding him so, laughed in relief that she had finally given way to his attempts to smooth things over once again.

  It was evident that Lady Hopkins was anticipating the event. In the days that followed, Caroline overheard her mother gossiping of the possibilities such an invitation suggested to any and all that would listen. Her friends, upon hearing such news, had each validated her suspicions and begged Lady Hopkins not to forget them when the family was connected to such nobility.

  Caroline felt overwhelmed by her mother’s expectations and had looked to her father for comfort, but found he provided even less consolation. Lord Hopkins, in contrast, could not be induced to see anything positive about the invitation. Whenever Lady Hopkins or Caroline visited the topic, he turned sluggish, only willing to offer a slight “hmmm” or groan. Caroline only wished she knew what she felt about the ordeal.

  A

  When the day and time had finally arrived, the Hopkins family arrived punctually and in style. By eight o’clock the family was seated at the large table. The company included Lord Searly, Lady Searly, Mr. Frandsen, the Hopkins family, three additional gentlemen, and two ladies whom Caroline had never met before.