The Second Season (Regency Romance)

by Heather Chapman

  There was no use arguing with such an ill woman, and so Betsy only nodded, picking up her soft lullaby once more. Surely the mistress would come to see the child must be called after his father. Lord Hopkins had wanted a son for so long, and the doctor had made it painfully clear that Lady Hopkins was not to have another. Yet, Betsy could not help her recollections. Lady Hopkins and Lord Hopkins had not seemed happy for the past three years that Betsy had worked for them. Betsy thumbed through the folded linens on the dresser. She forbade herself to think the unthinkable, but still it came. Perhaps Lady Hopkins did not want to call the babe after his father because she did not wish the son to become as Lord Hopkins.

  A

  CHAPTER 24

  Sixteen Years Later

  Caroline and Lucy spent the morning strolling the cobblestone street, stopping every so often to glance at the smallest of trifles. Lady Hopkins had sent the girls off for a day of shopping, in what Caroline could only guess was an attempt at restoring Lucy’s spirits before the spring ball. The sisters had spent the last hour looking at ribbons, gloves, and bonnets. At the moment, Caroline found herself on a street merchant corner. Lucy was enthralled with a small brooch. It was a curious, outlandish thing, carved from ebony into the shape of a rose blossom, the tips of the petals frosted with a delicate ivory paint.

  “All the way from Africa?” Lucy asked the merchant.

  It was clear to Caroline that Lucy had no desire for the brooch, but rather was interested in its origin only. Caroline distracted herself by glancing at a crate of imported silks. She found a soft pink shade that she found to her liking. It was absurdly priced, but still she held the fabric toward the sun, examining it as the light sparkled through the fibers.

  “Mr. Clark! How wonderful to see you again,” Caroline heard Lucy say.

  Caroline’s eyes shot upward as she lowered the fabric sheepishly.

  Mr. Clark stood several feet off, chatting openly with Lucy. Caroline felt her face color as the man turned toward her and smiled. She took a step toward Lucy, absentmindedly dropping the pink silk to the ground. Mr. Clark bent down, and the two almost collided as he retrieved the small pink pile.

  Caroline sighed as she straightened her stooped back. “Mr. Clark, I seem to have had another stumble. I am beginning to grow accustomed to your rescue.” She smiled at him genuinely.

  His dark eyes searched her expression with a hint of sadness. “I am happy to oblige you, Miss Hopkins.” He stood, folding the silk into a presentable bundle.

  Caroline looked to Lucy. Her sister was busy purchasing a handful of trinkets now. “My sister and I have been on an errand to retrieve a few additions for our attire this evening. We are to attend the spring ball. Will you be there? It is supposed to be quite the party.”

  Mr. Clark shrugged his broad shoulders, leaning from his left to right foot. “Not if I can help it. Georgiana is always so insistent. She has put my name on the list, though I doubt I shall make it.”

  Caroline’s countenance fell. She forced her mouth into a charming smile as she prodded the man. “I have heard a great deal about your dancing, Mr. Clark. I would consider it a shame if I did not have the chance to see you at your finest.”

  Mr. Clark unexpectedly laughed. “Are you encouraging me to attend for your sake?”

  Caroline only smiled, tilting her head. “Perhaps, but it might do you some good as well.”

  Mr. Clark stared back at her with a small grin.

  “Until tonight then, Mr. Clark?” Caroline boldly asked.

  Lucy was making her way to the pair of them, a small package clutched to her side.

  Mr. Clark peered around the street corner. “Perhaps I shall attend, if nothing more than to show you the proper way to dance.”

  Caroline’s eyes sparkled at this, a mischievous grin stretching across her feminine features. “Of course. I shall save you the third dance.”

  “Good day, Miss Hopkins,” Mr. Clark said with a bow.

  “Good day,” Caroline called back.

  After a few strides, Caroline turned back to see Mr. Clark standing at the merchant’s square alone, the pink silk still tucked in his ungloved hand.

  A

  CHAPTER 25

  Lucy and Caroline stood to the side of the great room, awaiting the start of the ball. Lucy had dressed in a pale pink gown with exquisite lacing near the bodice and short sleeves. Her brown hair hung elegantly around her face, twisted into an elaborate maze of curls on her head. The pink blossoms, sent to her earlier from Mr. Frandsen, were situated between the curls beautifully.

  Caroline stood in stark contrast to her sister’s feminine choice of color. The bold emerald green of Caroline’s dress caught the eye of almost all who passed. The elegant way in which Louisa had managed Caroline’s hair was a drastic change from the usual twists and pins.

  “How do I look, Caroline?” Lucy whispered in Caroline’s ear.

  “Oh, Lucy. You look stunning. I think Mr. Frandsen will have difficulty conversing with such an angel.”

  Lucy blushed at Caroline’s words, bringing her gloved hand to her chest. “You must not tease me so.” Then, in what Caroline could only guess was the result of an amusing thought, Lucy smiled. She leaned toward Caroline and said, “But to be fair, I think Mr. Clark will have to reconsider dancing only once with you!”

  Caroline pursed her small lips together furiously, attempting to conceal her surprise. “I hear he is a fine dancer,” she said flatly.

  “So you said, earlier,” Lucy mused.

  Caroline found herself blushing. Thankfully, the ball began, and Caroline was whisked away by Mr. Low, whom she had met in town the previous week. He had begged for the first two dances, of which Caroline had agreed to happily. Mr. Low kept good conversation, though Caroline admitted to herself she was distracted. She had continually scanned the room for Mr. Clark for almost the entirety of the first dance. At long last, she spotted him dancing with Georgiana.

  The second dance ended, and Mr. Low escorted her to the side. He thanked her. “Miss Hopkins, you must allow me to tell you what a fine dancer you are. I hope I shall have the opportunity to dance with you again,” he said with a bow and turned in search of his next partner.

  Caroline peered above the crowd for Mr. Clark when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned in surprise. “Mr. Clark, there you—” she started, until her eyes met the solemn face of Lord Searly.

  His face, normally lit up with amusement, was cast down in a small pout. His eyes were searching, and his normally confident stance appeared stooped and shaky. The two had not spoken since their quarrel. After several seconds of uncomfortable silence, Lord Searly stepped forward. “Caroline, you look well this evening. Please say you’ll dance with me.”

  Caroline smiled hesitantly. She felt bad about the offense she had caused him, but she did not want to miss her dance with Mr. Clark. “I have already engaged myself for this dance. Perhaps later?” She cocked her head to the side as she looked up at him.

  His face fell, and he fidgeted with his hands. “I should have assumed as much. Your dance card must be full.”

  She saw the embarrassment written across his face. “You are mistaken,” she said softly. “I have hardly spoken but two words to any gentleman tonight other than my last partner.”

  “Then you will dance with me?”

  “Certainly.”

  A

  Thomas watched the two conversing. The duke looked at Caroline with such hope and affection. It did not come as a surprise to Thomas, for he had heard the London gossip as every man did. Lord Searly had his heart set on Caroline. The thought of that arrogant man pining for Caroline brought an undeniable irritation once more. Thomas moved slowly toward the pair, unsure of what he should do.

  “Ah, Mr. Clark!” Caroline spewed awkwardly when she saw him, “I was just looking for you.”

  Lord Searly looked annoyed at the interruption, clasping his hands behind his back as he lifted his head backward. “Ah, Mr. Cl
ark, good to see you again.”

  Thomas nodded. “Always a pleasure, Your Grace. I am afraid I have disturbed your conversation.”

  Caroline waved a hand at him while shaking her head. “You did nothing of the sort. The duke has just promised me a dance later this evening. Isn’t that right, Lord Searly?”

  The duke bowed slightly. “Of course.”

  Thomas extended his arm toward Caroline, refusing to acknowledge to himself how beautiful she looked. He led her to the line of ladies in the center of the ballroom.

  “I am glad to see you have come,” Caroline said. “I worried I would be without a partner.”

  Thomas did not reply. He was certain she would have found a partner in Lord Searly.

  “That is—I would not wish to be dancing with another partner. You cannot doubt my meaning.”

  Thomas wrinkled his nose and answered playfully. “Naturally, I believe you when you say you prefer my company to that of the duke.”

  They drifted apart as the dance progressed, exchanging with other couples and only stealing glances of one another at crossings. When at last they met near the center of the floor, Thomas was startled to hear Caroline laughing. He pulled her back to his side with a possessive curiosity.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  His question seemed to only spurn further laughter. The two were stepping toward a line in perfect harmony. Thomas’s brows were furrowed as he waited for her response.

  Caroline composed herself and finally offered, “I am pleasantly surprised, Mr. Clark. You dance beautifully.”

  Thomas shook his head. “No, there is something more. Out with it.”

  She bit her lip. “You suppose there is more meaning to my laughter? Perhaps I laughed because you never cease to surprise me. Whether it is saving me in the Jasper’s parlor or dancing like a dandy—”

  Mr. Clark held a finger up in protest and shook his head emphatically. “I do not dance like a dandy. I’ll have you know that I learned in Paris.”

  Caroline’s eyes threatened laughter once more. He had halted their promenade. He found his steps at last as he twirled her toward another partner. The two maintained eye contact as they weaved through one another. Thomas softened his gaze, and Caroline was smiling at him when the music ended. Their hands lingered in one another’s as the crowd erupted in chatter.

  Thomas’s eyes darted across the dance floor to Lucy. He still had not decided what to do about Charles, but he knew that Georgiana had decided the task should fall to him.

  With a startled movement, Thomas realized Caroline’s hands were still in his own. He dropped them, offering his arm instead. “I apologize, Miss Hopkins. I am not quite myself tonight. I suppose you will call my cousin’s bluff. You see now I am a distracted dancer.”

  “Are you quite all right?”

  Thomas exhaled loudly. He did not want to distress her, and so he only shook his head dismissingly.

  “I find you are a fine dancer, but perhaps you are in need of fresh air?”

  The bright eyes that stared up at him weakened his resolve to forget his feelings. Caroline’s hand now rested tenderly on his arm, and he found his defenses were useless. “You are right. Fresh air is just the thing to restore me.”

  As they walked toward the gardens, Thomas slowed his pace, though he felt his heart had done just the opposite. The evening air was crisp, and the moon shone brightly. The slight fog allowed the lanterns on the terrace to glow warmly.

  The pair had grown quiet, though all around was filled with gaiety and clamor. Thomas did not want to leave Caroline’s side, but his conscience filled with images of Lucy. He knew he must reveal the scheme soon. Lord Hopkins had not come to the ball, and Thomas struggled in deciding his course of action. He needed the help of someone with more influence than himself, though he could only think of one person, and the thought of asking his assistance aggravated Thomas. He would need to talk to Lord Searly.

  A

  Lord Searly watched in trepidation as Caroline hung on the arm of Mr. Clark. He was feeling increasingly nervous. He did not like to be at odds with Caroline. He was, of course, in love with her. But even more so, Lord Searly did not like seeing Caroline so at ease with another gentleman. She had not given him any promise; only the promise of contemplating his offer, yet Lord Searly felt responsible for her nonetheless. He would not stand to see her put him off so, and for a cordwainer no less. He did not detect a serious attachment on Mr. Clark’s side, but Caroline’s admiration for the man did not escape Lord Searly’s notice. She had been flirting with Mr. Clark for the whole of the last dance. He had had enough, when he witnessed Mr. Clark’s serious expression and penetrating gaze at Caroline. The duke started forward, only to be stopped by a strong arm that gripped his own.

  “Jonathon!” Mr. Frandsen said. “It is good to see you, even if you were impervious to my attempts to get your attention.” Lucy had Mr. Frandsen’s other arm.

  “David, it is good to see you!” Lord Searly said as he attempted to swallow his jealousy. “Miss Hopkins, will you allow me to tell you how pretty you look tonight?”

  Lucy smiled, offering her hand to the duke, and before Lord Searly was aware, he was involved in a lengthy discussion with the two. His cousin had a way of drawing people in without their conscious consent.

  A

  “Are you always in town, Mr. Clark?” Caroline asked candidly.

  “Why, yes, of course. That is—I have my work to attend to. I rarely find the time for travel—” He paused, shaking his head. “I suppose I could find the time to travel, but to be frank, I do not have a great many places to visit. I visit my parents, and my mother comes to London to stay with me every now and again. My brothers are in the navy, and I do see them when they do come to town on leave.”

  A slight breeze ran across Caroline’s face, blowing a few stray curls across her cheek. She welcomed the cool relief as she sat in admiration of Mr. Clark. He was so sure of his place in the world, so at ease with his life. “I suppose you have lived a very different life than mine, but I hope it is not so different that we cannot be friends?” Caroline asked sincerely.

  “Of course,” he replied, but he was looking in the dark night distractedly.

  “Will you call me Caroline then?”

  Mr. Clark startled, placing both hands to his lapel in surprise. He turned to face her, only managing a coarse whisper. “If it would please you, of course. You must call me Thomas then.”

  Caroline smiled playfully. “I suppose I must.”

  Caroline thought she noticed Mr. Clark’s dimple rise.

  “Caroline, there you are!” Lord Searly exclaimed, grabbing her hand. He then turned toward Mr. Clark. “Mr. Clark, good evening! It must be a special treat for you to be in company with such beauty.”

  Caroline’s blush rose, and she felt a sort of anger rising within her as well. She knew it was a compliment, but she felt the slight to Mr. Clark.

  Mr. Clark, however, seemed to take no notice. Instead, he looked rather impatiently toward Lord Searly, “Your Grace, I must speak with you. It is of an urgent matter.”

  Lord Searly cocked his head backward as he laughed. Caroline cringed as the duke took Mr. Clark by a shoulder and pulled him aside. “Mr. Clark,” Lord Searly said, leading him toward the ballroom, “You amuse me so. I cannot begin to imagine your urgency. I must tell you, though, I have an urgent matter to attend to myself. I owe that lovely lady a dance.” He gestured toward Caroline and began striding back to her, unaware of Mr. Clark’s hold on his arm.

  It was then that Caroline could only see Mr. Clark whisper something to Lord Searly, which caused the duke to unexpectedly turn and follow Mr. Clark to the ballroom, leaving Caroline alone to ponder what was amiss.

  A

  CHAPTER 26

  You are sure of it, Clark? Your cousin is positive of the scheme?” Lord Searly was pacing anxiously.

  Thomas was still, allowing himself a small reply. “I am certain.”

&nbs
p; “And where is she now—your cousin, Miss Georgiana? Did she not have the character to inform Lucy herself?” He stopped, the blood rising to his face. “Or did she wish to wait until it was too late, until Lucy was in fact trapped by that Jasper scoundrel?”

  As if by magic, Georgiana appeared, gripping Thomas’s side and staggering as she tried to catch her breath. “Tom, it’s so much worse than I ever thought.” Her eyes were filled with tears, her face pale.

  “Georgiana, what is it?” Thomas asked, grasping her by her shoulders. “You must sit. Please excuse my cousin, Lord Searly.”

  Georgiana’s eyes widened at seeing Lord Searly while in such a distressed state.

  “Go on, Georgiana. The duke is here to help,” Thomas explained.

  Georgiana swallowed. “Tom, I had not thought Charles capable of such a plan. I only just heard him rehearsing the scheme with my aunt. They—” She turned to point, jumping slightly. “Oh, Tom. We must hurry. They are already about it!”

  Lord Searly began nodding emphatically, if not somewhat haughtily. “Right you are, Miss Georgiana. Come, let us make a scheme of our own. We will not let this Jasper fellow dirty Lucy’s reputation.”

  Mr. Clark nodded in agreement, but he sensed it was not Lucy’s reputation Lord Searly was so concerned about.

  A

  Lucy had just finished the reel, when her leg suddenly cramped, sending a shooting pain down her foot. She let out a small moan, clinging tighter to Mr. Frandsen’s arm.

  “Miss Hopkins, are you hurt?” Mr. Frandsen asked, his eyes meeting her own.

  Lucy smiled. “I am sure it is just a cramp. I suppose I could use a rest.” She pointed to a soft chair not far from the ballroom entrance.

  “Of course. You must sit. Allow me to fetch you some refreshment.”

  Lucy nodded, thankful. “That sounds like just the thing, Mr. Frandsen.”

  He left quickly, making his way through the crowd across the room, leaving Lucy alone to recover. Her leg felt stronger already, and she determined the cramp had been nothing more than the result of the dancing exertion. Lucy allowed herself to lean back in the soft chair and enjoy the cool mist from the nearby open door. She closed her eyes, pondering the pleasant night, specifically her time with Mr. Frandsen.