The Second Season (Regency Romance)

by Heather Chapman

  Lord Hopkins offered a low grunt. His wife had never forgiven him. Though infinitely more aggravating to him was the fact that she had never forgiven him for something he had not been guilty of. Perhaps it had been so in the beginning, but in the end, he had married Eleanor because he loved her. And what was worse, despite his best efforts, she maintained the chip on her shoulder. Lady Hopkins refused to see her husband as a man desperately in love with her. She dismissed his compliments, shook away his advances, and seemed oblivious to his admiring glances. Lady Hopkins seemed to see only what she believed.

  A

  CHAPTER 28

  Ten Years Later

  Lucy, you do not know your own mind, dear. I am sure you will regret it. Please trust your mother. I have seen so much more of life. I do not think Mr. Frandsen the match for you.”

  Lady Hopkins had been frantic all morning since she had heard of Mr. Frandsen’s offer. He had spoken to Lord Hopkins who had happily given his consent, but Lady Hopkins demanded some time before hastily agreeing to such a match. Lucy had sat, seemingly unmoved by her mother’s words of warning.

  “You were not always this stubborn, my darling. Why, I remember just last season, you allowed me to talk reason to you about Mr. Jenkins’s offer.”

  Lucy stood abruptly and moved near the window. “But I did not care for Mr. Jenkins.”

  Lady Hopkins trembled. “You have wounded me, Lucy.”

  The words made their mark upon Lucy, and her chest began to heave spastically as tears rushed down her pale face. “Mama, it is not that I am trying to be difficult. I would not dream of acting against your words if it was merely a matter of pride.” She slowly turned, and as the tears continued to cascade down her cheeks, she fell into the arms of Lady Hopkins. “Mama, I love him. I do not wish to hurt you, only to secure my own happiness. Can you not trust my judgment?”

  Lady Hopkins softened at this, but however touching Lucy’s words were, Lady Hopkins still felt the need to shield her daughter from the repercussions of such a hasty decision.

  “Are you quite sure Mr. Frandsen loves you?” Lady Hopkins cupped Lucy’s face with her hands. “I do not wish to cause you pain, but are you quite certain it is you he loves and not your fortune?”

  Lucy smiled at this. “Oh, Mama. I have never been treated with so much kindness and attention. Mr. Frandsen is incapable of trickery. He is the most honest man I have ever known.”

  Lady Hopkins sighed softly.

  “I do not think a man could love me more,” Lucy said, staring at her mother. Lucy’s eyes seemed to sparkle as she described Mr. Frandsen to her mother. “He is so thoughtful, always looking after my comfort. I am sure he will make the most respectable and kind husband.”

  Lady Hopkins was silent for some time. At last, she cleared her throat resolutely. “I suppose his connection to Lord Searly is fortunate indeed. He does come from a good family, and I trust he treats you as you say. If these are your true feelings on the matter, I do not think I can dissuade you from your decision to accept his offer.”

  Lucy jumped in her seat at this, hugging her mother tightly as she cried with joy. She held her until Lady Hopkins could scarcely breathe. “Oh, thank you, Mama, for understanding. It would have broken my heart if you did not. You will see that David is superior to any other man I might have chosen.

  Lady Hopkins smiled in relief. She had always had greater ambition for Lucy, but Lady Hopkins would not have her daughter be unhappy simply to please her. At least one thought eased her mind on the matter: Caroline would have an advantageous match.

  A

  The dinner party celebrating Lucy and Mr. Frandsen’s engagement was quite the event. Caroline had never seen such a celebration. Lord Searly had insisted on hosting the party at his town home, and as was his style, the duke had made every detail imaginable something spectacular. The dinner itself had been excellent, prepared by the finest cooks in London. The meal had begun with a white soup, and had continued to include at least twenty different dishes, including fish, mutton, beef, pickles, an assortment of vegetables, puddings, jellies, cheeses, fruit, and nuts. Everything had been prepared to perfection, which came as no surprise to Caroline.

  After dinner was served, the party retreated into the large music room. This room extended the length of the grand house and was filled with intricate tapestries, multiple seating areas, two fireplaces, a large piano, and portraits that stretched the entirety of the wall. On one side of the room were two separate doorways, each leading to a balcony that was lined with intricate sculptures and railings.

  Caroline was seated by Lucy and Mr. Frandsen when Lord Searly came to her side. His shoulders were relaxed, and for once, the duke seemed to be without pretense. Caroline caught him staring at her.

  “Lord Searly, please sit with us,” Caroline insisted. “I was just telling Lucy and Mr. Frandsen how happy I am for them. Have you ever met two people better suited?”

  Lord Searly sat by Caroline, glancing at Lucy and his cousin. “I must admit neither one of them could have found a more amiable companion. Once again, David, you must accept my sincere congratulations.”

  Mr. Frandsen smiled, grasping Lucy’s hand. “I thank you, and I admit that for once, you are right.”

  Lord Searly grinned, leaning back against the elegant sofa. “I suppose I am right, though I never said you were the most suited. I know of one lady and gentleman that are of even superior compatibility.”

  Mr. Frandsen shook his head, leaning toward the duke daringly. His brows were furrowed, but Caroline sensed the corner of Mr. Frandsen’s mouth threaten laughter. “And whom, may I ask, are you referring to?”

  Lord Searly scratched his head, turning toward Caroline. “I suppose it would do me no good to tell you the answer to that question for I do not wish to upset the lady, though in time I hope you will see the answer yourself.”

  Caroline felt her face color, as she shook her head reproachfully. Lucy giggled.

  Lord Searly smiled, seemingly pleased. He held his arm out to Caroline. “Will you take a turn with me?”

  She wanted to refuse him after such a display. She crossed her arms and pulled her jaw forward, but when she saw the way Lord Searly’s eyes rested on her own, she felt her heart quicken, and without another thought, she took his outstretched arm.

  After only a few steps, Lord Searly began to laugh. “I thought you were about to refuse me.”

  “Perhaps I should have after your shameless talk.”

  Lord Searly nodded, raising one brow. “Caroline, you must know, you are proving my point quite conclusively.”

  “And what point is that?” she asked seriously, locking eyes with him once more.

  “That we are best suited, of course! I cannot imagine a more fitting response to my outrageous ramblings. Only you are equipped to put me in my place. Other ladies would be too easily persuaded, but you—you would never dream of being controlled, not even in the slightest.” The duke was talking softly, and Caroline recognized the affection in his tone.

  “I suppose you mean it as a compliment, then?” Caroline asked, smiling.

  “Can you doubt it?” Lord Searly asked, frowning down on her.

  Caroline’s shoulders began to shake as she laughed. “No, but most would not consider my stubbornness and independence as something to be admired.”

  Lord Searly tilted his head, shrugging slightly. They continued walking around the room, until they reached the piano. Caroline sat in a soft chair, watching as Lord Searly leaned against the wall. He was glancing at Lucy and Mr. Frandsen.

  “They look so happy,” Caroline remarked. “If it were not for you, we would not be celebrating this happy occasion.”

  Lord Searly pressed his lips together tightly, brushing his hair to the side. “Indeed. Not only would the happiness of my cousin and your sister have been prevented, but I suppose the pair of us would have had to suffer the connection to the Jaspers as well. Caroline, can you imagine what people would have said? Lucy
and Charles, Lord and Lady Searly?” He stopped to shake his head, crossing his arms. “The thought of us being so connected! No, it would not do. Thank goodness the Jaspers’ scheme was prevented.” He looked at Caroline seriously, a small gleam dancing across his eyes.

  Caroline smiled back, but quietly gasped at the realization of Lord Searly’s much too obvious self-interest and presumption of their marriage.

  A

  CHAPTER 29

  Aride in the park was just what Caroline needed to clear her head. The last two weeks had been nothing short of shocking and confusing. The Jaspers’ wretched plan to force Lucy into choosing between ruin and marriage to Charles had indeed been upsetting. But Lucy had been spared. Lord Searly and Mr. Clark had come to Lucy’s aid in what Caroline could only classify as providential. She was indebted to the gentlemen. From what Lucy had told Caroline, Lord Searly had played the largest role in the rescue and subsequent banishment of the Jaspers. This fact should have endeared the duke to Caroline more, and it had, but now Caroline struggled to know if her serious consideration of Lord Searly had more to do with his character or if it was more the gratitude she felt toward him.

  Lord Searly had turned out to be much more complex than Caroline had ever thought possible. He was at times charismatic and entertaining, and at other times impertinent and arrogant. He was selfish and senseless, yet romantic and even brave. Caroline had at first considered Lord Searly’s involvement in Lucy’s rescue as purely noble. And it had been noble. He had done what was needed at a critical moment. The duke had claimed his involvement was solely out of consideration for Caroline, but the engagement dinner had taught Caroline otherwise, and she saw that Lord Searly would never do anything completely selflessly.

  Caroline had been careful not to give too much encouragement to Lord Searly. Yet, he had spoken as if it was inevitable. So that was it. He considered the marriage between him and Caroline final. He had not even asked her properly. Further, was he really so certain she would accept his offer? She cringed at the thought of such arrogance. Perhaps it was expected, and perhaps it would be absurd to reject such an opportunity of wealth and prestige. The Duchess of Rembridge. Caroline mulled the title over in her head; she found it difficult to imagine herself in such a position. She was not ignorant of the many privileges that accompanied such a title and fortune. She was certain Lord Searly had decided on the marriage, and yet she did not feel so decidedly about the subject herself.

  The season had brought so many surprises for Caroline. Nothing of immense proportions had occurred, but Caroline found herself with new ideas and expectations for her own life that were so very different than what she had considered before. She had not thought it possible to attain the good opinion of a duke, but it had been forced upon her almost upon the first moment of their meeting in Mr. Clark’s shop.

  Mr. Clark.

  Caroline had tried not to think of him too often, but her feelings for him had transformed at an alarming rate. What once was mere intrigue had turned to attraction and pleasure, and now … Caroline hesitated to admit that she admired the man. She found herself reflecting upon him often. First, there was the matter of his looks. She found his dark features and strong jaw unmatched, the way his dimple appeared when he spoke or smiled simply charming. Then there was the way he spoke to her, the way he treated her.

  Caroline envied Mr. Clark’s determination and persistence. He had not been born into much, but he had traveled his own road to respectability. Caroline had frequently considered their respective stations. Lady Hopkins would never approve of such a match. She would tell Caroline repeatedly that she was meant for something greater, something more ambitious. Caroline herself acknowledged the inequality of such a match. Though, she felt she was sure it was quite the opposite. She would never measure up to such a man.

  Caroline knew her own feelings, but Mr. Clark was guarded. She could not detect the degree of his affections. At times she was sure he considered her only a friend. Then there were moments when she felt his guard was down, when she saw him truly smile at her. When she had been recovering from her concussion, for instance, he had come to check on her. She felt sure he had been concerned, that he cared at least a little. She had shamelessly flirted with him at times, and she recollected how he had teased her back.

  “Miss Caroline?”

  Caroline turned to her groom, to see his face white in worry.

  “We must turn back. The clouds threaten a spring storm and we are quite ill equipped for such a turn of events. Your mother would never forgive me if you were to catch a cold.”

  Caroline sighed. Such precautions. Caroline wished there were not so many limitations on women. A woman must never ride alone. A woman must never ride in rain, or wind, or anything exciting. A woman must always submit to every regulation of propriety. Caroline felt an impulse building inside. She watched as her groom trotted back to the path, heading for home. She spied a dark patch of trees in the distance. She turned slowly.

  “George, will you allow me just a small pleasure?”

  He nodded.

  “Will you return home and reassure Mama I will be there soon? I simply wish to take a ride as if I was home, at Whitefield Hall.”

  George shook his head vigorously. He held his finger up as if in command. “Miss Caroline, I will not do anything of the like. You, a lady, riding alone! I would be shirking my duties if I ever saw it.”

  Caroline pulled her horse to a halt, pleading with all her might, “Oh, please, George. It is not so very unforgiveable as one is told. I am a lady after all—greater allowances are always given to those with the right reputation. Besides, I do not think I shall see above two people I may know today, the weather as it is.”

  George swallowed hard. Caroline knew she had always been his favorite. As a child, she had preferred to run along his side in the garden and stables than to sit with the women indoors.

  “I cannot permit it.” He grunted as he said it.

  Caroline’s countenance fell as she remained in step with him. With a sudden stir in the horse, she found her courage once more. “Then, by all means, do nothing of the sort!” she chimed teasingly as she broke to a sprint, leaving poor George neatly saddled as he shook his head disapprovingly. She did not worry at him following her. She knew he did not have the heart to reproach her, and she felt certain that though he may worry, she would not be deprived of her freedom.

  Caroline’s throat burned as she hurdled different obstacles, keeping her mare at a fair sprint. After what felt like an eternity, she slowed her horse to a stop near a stream. She dismounted, leaning against the horse’s neck to rest.

  “There, girl, drink,” she commanded. The horse impatiently lapped the water, feeding on a few blades of grass. Caroline held to the reins as she walked along the stream in contentment. She found herself quite lost in the beauty and in the privacy she had found. She tied the horse and found the perfect spot to relax under a large oak tree.

  She had only meant to lie for a moment, when her eyes closed, and she fell asleep.

  She was awoken by the shakes of thunder. Caroline sat up, confused as to her surroundings. It was impossible to tell the time of day with the dark clouds. It was raining now, and Caroline furrowed her brows in dismay. How she had slept through rain escaped her. Although reluctant to leave her small freedom, she recognized it would be ill judgment indeed to stay longer. The storm was only just beginning. She attempted to mount the mare, but the horse startled at the clap of thunder. Caroline came down hard on her right foot, the heel of her riding boot breaking clean off the sole. She did not suppress the smile that came to her lips, as she at last mounted and broke into a gallop toward town.

  A

  “Caroline!” Lady Hopkins said reproachfully, rushing to Caroline’s side. “How could you abandon your groom?”

  Caroline was dripping from head to toe. She moved bashfully to the staircase.

  Lady Hopkins did not fail to see her limp. “And have you injured yoursel
f? Serves you right, you wretched girl.”

  Caroline smiled brightly, noting the concern in her mother’s voice. “Oh, nothing of the sort, Mama. I was mounting that brown mare and came down hard on my boot. The heel has snapped clean off!”

  Lady Hopkins shook her head disapprovingly once more. “You are lucky it was not your ankle.”

  “I will consider myself fortunate. It could have been worse. I suppose it will be of great comfort to you that I will not be able to ride again until this boot is repaired!”

  Lady Hopkins smiled exasperatedly. “I shall count the blessing before me. Now, up to Louisa. She has a warm bath awaiting you.”

  A

  CHAPTER 30

  The next morning, Caroline set out to Mr. Clark’s shop with her broken boot, along with Lucy and Louisa for company. The ladies found Mr. Clark detained for another twenty minutes, and Lucy begged Louisa to accompany her to Mrs. Privett’s shop. Caroline promised she would join them directly. The two left hesitantly, with Lucy promising to search the dress shop for anything of interest to Caroline.

  Mr. Clark’s eyes widened when he saw Caroline. Caroline bit her lip, trying not to smile at his disheveled hair and the small flakes of wood that sprinkled it.

  “Miss Hopkins, what can I do for you?” he asked, running his fingers through his hair.

  “I hoped you could help me with a small repair on my riding boot.”

  He led her to a workstation in the back of his shop, and Caroline showed him the boot.

  “A small repair? How ever did you manage this?” he asked, shaking his head.

  Caroline looked down at her gloves as she started to explain. “Well, you see, Mr. Clark, I had a beautiful ride in the park yesterday. I took a small rest when it began to storm. I tried to mount the mare, but she was jittery. I came down hard on the heel. It snapped clean off.”

  Mr. Clark nodded, still inspecting the boot. “And where was your groom to help you?”