“I do think I need to sit down soon,” Caroline whispered.
“And you need to eat. Your skin and bones, your father hasn’t been taking proper care of you. Why, he should be given a good thrashing!”
“I’ve been taking good care of Caroline, Georgia. Don’t you dare insult me! I put everything I had into being a good father!”
“Then I shall blame Gertrude. She sounds a terrible beast. I shall make very short work of her if she attempts to cross me.”
Caroline believed her. Georgia seemed very well equipped to handle Gertrude, more so than she was, at any rate.
“What is this?” Gertrude cried out in her high pitched voice, as she dashed up the lane, dust billowing up behind her. “Who the blazes are you?” she asked haughtily, sternly setting her gaze on Georgia.
Georgia eyed her warily and sighed. “You are exactly as Caroline described you. I am Caroline’s aunt through her mother. I am Lady Georgia. And I suspect you are the new Mrs. Griffiths. I so preferred the old one.”
“Well, I never!” Gertrude blustered, her eyes gorging out of her head, while her mouth continued to tremble.
Caroline could see she wanted to give her aunt a clever rebuttal. Unfortunately, Gertrude couldn’t think that fast on her feet. It was a pity really, Caroline wanted to see how far this war of the words could go.
“Truly? I should think more would put you in your place, but then, maybe none have the nerve. I suspect you were the one who lost my letter. I rescind my invitation for you and your wife until that woman can be civil. I shall take Caroline with me, Benjamin. She needs someone who will pamper her. I don’t know what is wrong with her, but mark my words, I will soon find out and I will make it better, just like Margaret would have done. Caroline, dear, let’s go. Your Uncle will be delighted to see you. He says the family needs another lady. I think you’ll do.” She winked at her, and reached for her hand.
“I shan’t leave Sally behind, and I need some clothes.”
“No, you don’t need anything, I have plenty of clothing for you. I will send for Sally who can pack any of your sentimental items and bring them with her. We shall pay Sally’s yearly income now. You needn’t worry, you won’t lose such a good lifelong servant.”
“Friend, she’s my friend,” Caroline corrected. “Papa, tell her not to forget the green cloak that Mama embroidered for me.”
“I won’t, Caroline. You go and get some rest.”
Georgia’s smartly liveried footmen assisted them into the carriage. Her barouche was finer than the carriage they owned. Everything about Georgia said that she was a woman with breeding and something that was in short supply now amongst those with title and breeding, she had money and wasn’t afraid to show that fact off. Georgia fawned over Caroline helping to get her settled back against the satin squabs and she put a blanket over her legs.
“My goodness, I welcome the warmth of Cleeve Hall. We shall be there in one shake of a lamb’s tail.” She smiled reassuringly at her. As the footmen closed the carriage door, Caroline heard Gertrude’s high pitched voice once again.
“I finally rid myself of that wretched girl. Huzzah to me! Banbury House is now mine!”
“Be quiet, Gertrude. If I ever hear you speak that way about my daughter again, I swear to God I will leave you. As for Banbury House being yours, it never was your house, and now, it never will be. We shall be leaving it, posthaste.”
Gertrude let out a high pitched shriek.
Caroline sank back against the cushions and closed her eyes. She felt quite certain she’d never have to lay eyes on Gertrude again if she never wanted to, and right now, she doubted she ever would want to see her again. She let out a thankful sigh. She finally felt free.
* * * * *
“What are you on about, Benjamin? You are the Master of Banbury and now I am the Mistress with that dreadful girl gone,” Gertrude said
“You daft cow. Caroline will never be gone. She’s my only living child, woman. I’ll do without you, before I do without her, let’s be very clear on that issue. You will keep your mouth shut when you are around her, and be as sweet as honey when you have to speak, or I will do what I threatened to do. I will leave you and never set eyes on you again. I will tell everyone you cheated on me. I will make you a fallen woman. I might be kind to a fault but you do not want to cross me this time around, Gertrude, for I mean what I say this time.”
* * * * *
Edward looked up as his mother flounced dramatically into the Salon. She looked rattled. Her face was coloured and her eyes were almost wild.
“I failed, Teddy. She wasn’t there. I couldn’t bear to speak very long to her father, he’s such an odious fellow. I, did, however get one thing out of him. He told me where to find your Caroline. I do believe he has lost all of his piss and vinegar. He seemed quite contrite, but nevertheless I did not wish to tarry long, it would seem he intends to follow through on his plan to decamp and leave Banbury House forever. He muttered something about having a Baronet for a brother that he shall trespass on during this worrisome time. It would seem that Caroline’s aunt is visiting from America and she’s bought herself an Estate here in the Cotswolds. Cleeve Hall it was called. Isn’t that that the lovely Baroque Mansion that used to belong to your father’s old friend Lord Poole? Poor Lord Poole, his penchant for the gaming hells ruined him completely. If he hadn’t married his daughter off to a man of little fortune, he’d have nowhere to go now, but I do not envy the man, he had to go and live with his daughter on her husband’s sugar plantation in the West Indies. Gambling is a wicked vice. I am so thankful that you do not possess that failing, darling Teddy.
We shall pay Cleeve Hall a visit tomorrow afternoon, and pray that they are home. I confess, I do hope Caroline’s aunt has the manners of a well-bred lady. That thing she has for a step-mother. Why, she makes my own mother look like a saint and as you know my own Mama, God rest her soul was a trollop of the worst sort.”
“Do you really think Caroline will have me as her husband?”
“If she won’t, she’s out of her mind. You are the best catch in all of England. You have title, land, and wealth beyond her greatest expectations, not to mention a kindly nature. She could not ask for a better man.”
“Thank you, Mama.”
She smiled indulgently at him. “I do believe I shall go up to my rooms and retire until dinner. I am quite worn out.”
He watched as his mother left the room, she paused at the door.
“Are you ready to ride like hell fury once she does accept your proposal? I do not think she requires the blessing of her father anymore, and the way he acted during our last meeting, I do not believe he will fight it. I told him we could not stand in the way of our children’s love. He nodded rather brusquely at me. Nonetheless, I do not think he will be any trouble. As I said he’s lost all of his fight. He only seems willing to fight that shrew of a wife now.”
“Then I welcome the glad tidings tomorrow will bring.”
“Are you sure of your love for her?” she asked softly.
“She is my Christmas Nymph.”
“That makes it all worth it, then.” Silently she left the room, and he was alone with the quiet solitude of his thoughts.
* * * * *
Caroline woke up the next morning feeling completely refreshed. She hadn’t slept so peacefully since her mother was alive.
Her bedroom at Cleeve Hall was massive and decorated for a Queen. The gigantic four poster bed was so large she thought she’d get lost in it.
The fact that the large wardrobe was filled with clothing amazed her. It looked like her aunt had exhausted her coffers with the way she’d spent money on her!
When she’d exclaimed over it, her aunt had laughed, pulled her for a side hug and told her that she married into money, so she was full of juice. She’d never seen so many gorgeous dresses!
Sally had arrived shortly after they had yesterday and was now settled in the servants’ quarters. She looked just
as happy as Caroline to be away from Gertrude.
Her Aunt Georgia had asked her about her troubles. Surprisingly enough, she’d summoned the energy and the courage to tell her everything.
After which her aunt had told her to eat, drink and be merry. She told her she didn’t have to hold the weight of the world on her shoulders anymore that she had to do whatever she wanted to do—she had to enjoy life.
Following her aunt’s advice, she had sat down for a family meal with her aunt, uncle and two oldest cousins. The others having eaten earlier with their nannies and retiring to their nursery.
Her aunt’s husband seemed nice enough, in fact, he gave Georgia whatever she wanted and seemed utterly besotted with her. After all of their years of marriage their love was still in full bloom, as she watched them, she felt herself wanting what they had—and the shocking reality of her life as it was now, hit her—hard.
She’d quickly excused herself and ran back to the sanctuary of her bedroom. Her aunt had followed her, told her to dry her tears and get ready for tomorrow. Her final words had lingered with her in her dreams.
“If you want him, then your father be damned, you can have him. You are over the age of twenty-one, you can do as you please. Legally your father has no sway over you, and I will support you every step of the way.”
And with those words, her aunt had left her. She’d quickly fallen into dreamland and dreamt about Edward walking in a wood filled with bluebells.
The familiar knock at the door told her that Sally had finally decided to test the waters to see if she was awake.
“Miss Caroline?”
“Come on in, Sally. I’m awake and ready to get dressed.”
Sally came in looking perky and overjoyed. “Your aunt must really love you,” she said, staring around at the opulent surroundings. “This bedroom is twice the size of the one you had at Banbury House.”
She smiled sadly and nodded her head in agreement. “I’ll always miss that house, Sally. It holds so many fond memories for me.”
“Your memories will travel with you wherever you go. That’s the great thing about them, they never leave us and only grow richer with time.”
“You are very right, Sally. Come, let’s try on some of the new morning dresses, and see how they fit. She already had my measurements from last year, but I’ve grown thinner since the last time I sent her those numbers.”
“Thinner but not frailer. You will regain your strength, Miss Caroline. Now that you can thrive here amongst those that love you. You will return to your old self in no time.”
“Thank you for the kind sentiments, Sally.”
“Miss, I know I shouldn’t even be asking you this—but there is talk amongst the servants about you and a certain duke.”
“It’s all true,” she admitted. “My almost engagement did happen. My father put a stop to it and revealed the truth of why we had Banbury House to me.”
“And why was that, Miss?”
“My mother was given it as a gift after the Old Duke broke his engagement to her and married the Duchess.”
Sally inhaled sharply. “I never dreamt in a million years that would be the revelation. I…I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. My mother’s life was ruined by the Rochester’s and I am following in her footsteps.”
“Then, don’t follow. Don’t allow yourself to fall down the same hole. If you love him—if he loves you, don’t let your father stand in your way. Mr. Griffiths married that thing even though you told him you didn’t like her. You warned him she would turn into a beast of a woman, and he never took your advice. So, you are not beholden to him in any way. I say you should finally show your father that you are both your mother’s child and your father’s child.”
“My aunt gave me similar advice. I think I should follow it.”
“You should follow your heart, Miss. It will never lead you astray, don’t let anyone or anything change your mind. Now, which frock do you want to wear this morning? Your aunt has been unfailingly kind and generous to you. She’s treating you like you are her own daughter.”
“There is a reason why my mother adored her so. She said she had a generous heart. As always, Mama was right. Aunt Georgia even bought me jewels to wear! I haven’t had anything but my simple garnet cross for such a long time, and I do confess it still serves me well for everyday use.”
“Ah, but with those jewels you’ll stun everyone at the balls your aunt says she wants to hold here and in Town.”
“I admit, I fancy the gold and amethyst cannetille pendant earrings. I just hope I have the opportunity to wear them.”
They were all quite correct in their advice. She would go after what her heart wanted.
Edward.
That was what her heart wanted. The only question was—did he still want her?
*****
Caroline was out on the grounds playing with her cousins when she heard the carriage draw up.
The crest on the carriage and the colour of livery the footmen wore told her exactly who was paying her aunt a call. Quickly, she left her cousins to their nannies watchful eyes and retreated back to into the house. Coming into contact with Edward wasn’t something she was prepared for in her current state of disarray but then he hadn’t seen her at her best when they’d first met, so he wouldn’t think anything of the way she looked now.
She found her aunt in her Salon. Her aunt was studying a calling card. “The Duchess of Whitney wants to meet with me. I’m just about to tell her man she is most welcome. Do you want to be around for the meeting?”
“I shall sit by your side while you receive her.”
“Good. That’s as it should be. You may invite the Duchess in, Clarkson.”
The butler nodded solemnly and left them.
The duchess and her son, walked into the Salon. The duchess cast an appraising eye across the room. Her aunt and she stood up and curtsied formerly while the duchess and the duke nodded solemnly in return.
“You have a very pretty home, Lady Georgia,” the Duchess said cordially.
Her aunt smiled politely. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Good afternoon, Miss Griffiths. You are looking much better today than when last I saw you. The colour is back in your cheeks. You are a most pretty girl. I am glad to see that your aunt has taken you under her wing. That step-mother of yours is most undesirable. Alas, I shall not bandy words any longer. Let me get straight to the point of why I am here. I am here to clear my son of all the charges your Mr. Griffiths laid at his door.”
Her aunt nodded her head. “He is not my Mr. Griffiths, Madam. That dubious honour belonged to my sister, God rest her soul. I must confess, I always wondered what you looked like. I wanted to know the face of the woman who stole my sister’s true love and broke her heart most cruelly.”
Caroline drew her breath in sharply, the tightness of her corset seemed a little too constricting at this pivotal moment in time. She exchanged a worried look with Edward who, for his part, looked shaken. And Caroline felt rattled as well by her Aunt’s boldness. Her aunt feared no one—she didn’t know if she should admire that character trait or loathe it.
“And I always wanted to know what my rival looked like. My curiosity was finally sated four years ago when she came to Whitney Park asking my husband to arrange the marriage of our children. She made it quite clear she wished Caroline to marry my son—on one condition, they had to be in love. I believe they share a good deal of affection for each other. They like each other more than my husband liked me, so I am content in the knowledge that their union will be a happy and fruitful one.”
“I think the two of them should have the opportunity to speak to each other while we have civil whiskers. Their courtship has been rather rushed. I would, for my part, hope for it to continue a while longer before they rush into the bonds of matrimony, but I shall allow my niece the opportunity to decide what is best for her,” Georgia proclaimed.
Edward s
tood up, and so did Caroline.
They moved to the back of the Salon. He was the first one to speak. “You look very refreshed, and I like seeing some colour in your cheeks.”
“I am very happy here—it has made me most content. My aunt is unfailingly kind and reminds me so much of my own darling Mama. Her husband and children have welcomed me into the bosom of their family.”
Edward stared lovingly at her. He reached for her hands and clasped them between his much larger ones. His strength flowed into her, no matter how much she wanted to accept his admiration for her, she couldn’t get rid of the niggling doubt in the back of her mind that made her think he was only infatuated with her. Not truly in love with her the way she wanted him to be. Slowly, she drew her hands out of his warm grasp.
“Your Grace, I do believe that whatever you have to say to me can wait. I agree with my aunt. I shan’t rush headlong into something that I find precarious at best. You do not love me the way that two people should love one another, and while I was desperate to take anything offered to me before—I would like us to part now as friends, and nothing else.”
The heartbreak in his eyes dismayed her but she couldn’t take him no matter how much her heart desired him. She had to do what her inner voice wanted her to do—she had to make certain that he wanted her the way that her Uncle Robbie wanted her Aunt Georgia. Now that she had seen true love she wanted it—no, she craved it!
He looked dumbfounded and quite speechless. It took him a few minutes to compose himself. “I will leave you in peace, then. Good day to you, Caroline,” he said, glancing furtively over at his mother.
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