“You purchased your office building before your house?”
“Yes indeed, I did. To be honest with you, to economise, as a young man with a newer business venture, I lived above the first floor office space when I first bought the building. I had no social façade to maintain. I lived a very simple life and ran my business. As my clientele become more upscale and my business grew, I had to begin entertaining clients and with that came the responsibility of maintaining an elegant home in a fashionable area. I first rented my home in Upper Wimpole six years ago because I did not want to divert funds from my business to purchase a home. Once I moved into my house, I was able to expand my office onto the second floor. My business has continued to flourish and so I bought the house from the owner two years ago. But I would consider living in Mayfair for the right reason.” He smiled at her.
Caroline was quite pleased. He was an impressive man and he was seemingly self-made. It was certainly not considered fashionable to think so, but Caroline could not find it in herself to fault his success for it being in trade. John gently brushed her arm with his as he took her hand off her lap and held it delicately within his own. He moved their hands to in-between where they sat, so no one could see what he had done. Caroline slowly looked up at him and he was staring intently into her eyes. She blushed and looked away but did not withdraw her hand. Eventually he laced his fingers between hers and they remained thus for quite some time.
“Caroline, would you like to see my home?”
Caroline felt her face heat, and she looked down. “I would enjoy that. When would you like to go?”
“I was thinking of right now.”
“Now?” Caroline was torn between anticipation and hesitation. She did not know what to say. It was highly unconventional, bordering on improper. Would he ask for a courtship? Would he kiss her? Would he do more?
“Fear not, Caroline, I suggest that we meet with Mrs. Stockton, my housekeeper, and she can give you the tour. I shall continue on to my office. I want to deliver your drawing to my architect. I can be back at my house in less than half-an-hour to finish our tour of Mayfair and take you home.”
“So we shall not be alone together in your house?”
“Caroline, I do not trust myself enough to be alone with you in my house.”
Caroline’s heartbeat thudded in her ears as she gazed at him for some time before she consented to go. Caroline was surprised at herself but not sorry about her decision. If Mrs. Stockton was surprised by their arrival at the front door, her manners were too polished to show it. Mr. Buckworth performed the introductions and explained their purpose. Mrs. Stockton claimed to be delighted to give Miss Bingley a tour and Mr. Buckworth departed.
The house was well-appointed and very handsome. The generously sized drawing-room, dining-parlour, and sitting-room were viewed first. The interior décor was understated, but elegant in its simplicity. Mr. Buckworth had clearly had help from a decorator and Caroline thought the furniture and fabric selections were very fine. Then Mrs. Stockton led her to the charming breakfast-room and masculine looking library which doubled as Mr. Buckworth’s study. Finally Mrs. Stockton showed her upstairs and Caroline paused when she realized they were heading to the mistress’s bedchamber.
“Is it appropriate that I go in there?”
“Miss Bingley, Mr. Buckworth has spoken very highly of you and already instructed me that if he were to escort you here for a tour, I should include the mistress’s bedchamber and any other room you requested to see on the tour.”
“He said that?”
“Yes, miss,” replied Mrs. Stockton as her eyes sparkled mischievously.
“Mrs. Stockton, you don’t have to answer this question. Have you ever given this tour to another woman before?”
“No, miss, never.”
Caroline, feeling very pleased, walked into the mistress’s bedchamber and looked around. It was a pretty room with floral wallpaper and elegant furnishings. Unlike the rest of house, it was clearly not being used. There was a large canopied bed with curtains, a dressing room, and bathing room featuring a large cast iron bathing tub. Upon finishing the tour, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Stockton repaired to the foyer where they were met by Mr. Buckworth.
“Thank you for inviting me to tour your home, Mr. Buckworth. It is most elegant and Mrs. Stockton has been very gracious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”
Miss Bingley and Mr. Buckworth said their farewells to Mrs. Stockton and departed.
Upon their return to Darcy House, Caroline invited John in for tea and he accepted. They did not see Elizabeth or Georgiana about, but they encountered a footman in the hall. Caroline escorted John into the drawing-room and rang for tea. After serving their tea, Caroline brazenly found her seat on the settee upon which John was already sitting. Shortly thereafter they were holding hands again and quietly speaking about their day together. They remained sitting in this attitude whilst their tea grew cold. Upon hearing the approaching voices of the others, they separated and Caroline quickly retrieved her tea cup. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth greeted the couple and joined them in the drawing-room, requesting more tea from the housekeeper. After a half-an-hour of conversation, Caroline escorted John to the front door where they said their farewells. As he turned to depart, Caroline touched his arm to draw him back.
“I do not trust myself enough to be alone with you in your house.”
He pulled her close and caressed her cheek. Caroline felt weak in her knees as he bent his face towards hers. His lips were so soft and gentle upon hers and she felt his arms pull her closer. Slowly his kiss grew deeper and more ardent. He finally pulled back and brushed her curls off of her face.
“Thank you, Caroline. I should depart before, well, before I am accused of taking liberties. Will I see you to-morrow?”
“I would love to see you, John. Are you available for dinner?”
“I confess, I am entertaining clients for dinner to-morrow evening. Would dinner the following evening be acceptable to you?”
“Yes, that sounds lovely; I shall look forward to seeing you then.”
Chapter 48
Once he arrived at Lexington, Richard delivered the signed contract papers to the estate owner’s solicitor. The solicitor was soon able to have them signed by the owner. Richard then met with the estate’s steward, a Mr. Knightley, whom he immediately hired. He reviewed the wages of the household staff and informed them that they could all stay on and keep their present wages. He similarly reviewed the leases with the tenant farmers and informed them that their leases would be honoured. Richard and Mr. Knightley then proceeded to inspect the main house together and each cottage to compile a list of repairs and improvements so that workmen could be hired immediately. Half of the cottages were occupied by tenant farmers and half were empty. Richard directed Mr. Knightley that he wanted to make the improvements to all of the cottages. The list of repairs was lengthy, but not exorbitantly expensive. He also wrote a letter to the three lieutenant colonels of his regiment as well as the captain of each company in his regiment who could be reached by letter. He wanted his officers to know about his new position with the War Office to serve Pensioners so they could share the information with their men. He also let them know about his purchase of Lexington and the direction so they may write to him. He wasn’t ready yet to share his plans of starting a charity and inviting the neediest of his regiment’s men to come to Lexington to live. He had seven empty cottages and he wanted to use them wisely. He also needed to time to establish connections with others willing to help.
Whilst he was in Stanton in Peak, Richard waited upon the local surgeon, Mr. Ferguson, whom he had long known as he consulted at Matlock. He wished to tell him about his plans for Lexington. Richard also shared with Mr. Ferguson about his own injuries and dependence upon his pain medication. He showed the surgeon the eight week schedule that was recommended by Mr. Talbot and used in his own treatment. Mr. Ferguson congratulated Richard on his recovery. The surgeon was very excited abou
t his news for the estate and promised he would make some preparations for possibly receiving half-a-dozen new patients with wounds or illnesses consistent with combat.
Richard’s inquiries about military men in need quickly bore fruit and he departed Lexington and made for London. Three men who had been non-commissioned officers in Richard’s regiment were located who were each very nearly paupers. He met with all three to check on their condition and offered his assistance in transporting them to his estate. They were very grateful and each accepted his offer. Arrangements were made for their transportation and Richard gave them a letter of introduction to be delivered to Mr. Knightly upon their arrival. He told the men that he would be a week or so behind them in returning to Lexington. He assured them that food, shelter, and clothing would be provided and he had included instructions for the local surgeon to see them. Richard was elated that he able to assist them in this way. He knew that in addition to finding needy Pensioners, he needed to find patriotic gentlemen with means and willingness to offer similar assistance. He conferred with his father, brother, and cousin for suggestions on to whom to write. All three were able to offer ideas on who would look on the cause with a friendly eye. He began a letter writing campaign to various members of the aristocracy and gentry, other field officers who had returned home and rejoined society, and many poor houses and parishes.
Chapter 49
Dinner at Darcy House was lovely. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth had been engaged to join the Crenshaws for after-dinner drinks and so had not removed to the drawing-room with the others. Prior to dinner, Elizabeth had explained her plans to Georgiana and that she would have to be the chaperone for Caroline and John that evening.
“It will be more relaxed than it was with Mary and Pastor Atkins. It is important that you give them some privacy. This means I expect you to be in the room, but I don’t want you near enough to hear everything they are talking about. Remember, this is a proper London call, BUT, Caroline is five-and-twenty years old and John is over thirty. She is talking about buying a home in Mayfair this year! So if they are holding hands, I don’t want you to say anything about it. Lastly, they should be allowed to say their farewells in the foyer in private. Your calls next year will be chaperoned much more closely than this one tonight because of your age. Do you understand what I am endeavoring to say?”
“I think I do. I am protecting her reputation without invading her privacy. And thank you for trusting me with this Elizabeth. Your trust means a great deal to me and I know that you and Fitzwilliam can trust me next season when I come out. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t.”
Georgiana was soon in a quandary. Elizabeth had given her specific instructions, but John was asking for a private audience with Caroline! What was she supposed to do? Finally, she asked Caroline if she could speak to HER privately. She explained the instructions Elizabeth had given her and her dilemma. Caroline smiled and thanked her. She explained that Elizabeth’s instructions were exactly right until the day that the gentleman asks for a private audience with the lady, which Elizabeth could not have foreseen to be today. A gentleman will do this to ask for a courtship or to make a formal marriage proposal and apparently that day had arrived.
“Oh! Yes, well, I should excuse myself then, shouldn’t I? I’m sorry Caroline. I shall invite John back in.”
She found him in the hall and had no trouble directing him back into the drawing-room. Caroline asked him if he would like to be seated. He readily agreed and sat down beside her. Caroline thought he might appear nervous, but he appeared quite calm.
“Caroline, I don’t wish to hasten you in any way. But I feel I must make my intentions known to you. I have come to feel a most tender regard for you. You are a beautiful and vibrant woman. I think we have much in common and I think we get along splendidly. I find you intelligent, witty, and independent. And I cannot tell you how much it means to me that you have taken an interest in my work. I hope to be able to spend part of everyday with you. I want you to be to be my wife and the mother of my children. I do not need an answer right now, so please take all the time you need. I want you to be comfortable with the man that I am. I have no title. I have no aristocratic family members. I have no country estate. I have my business, my reputation, my ethics, a good income, and my properties in Upper Wimpole that you have seen as well as my investment properties. I can tell you the particulars about my financial situation, if you like. I have nothing to hide. Whilst you consider my offer of marriage, will you permit me to court you?” he took her hand and held it tenderly within his.
“I do not feel hurried. I find that everything that has happened between us has occurred at the appropriate time and has been wonderful. I am very gratified to hear you share your thoughts and feelings and I accept your offer for a courtship. Thank you for your proposal and your patience whilst I think on it. May I see you again the day after to-morrow?”
John gently lifted her hand to his lips and delicately kissed it twice. Caroline’s stomach fluttered. Upon reopening the door to the drawing-room they saw that a footman had been stationed nearby and were told that Georgiana had removed to the breakfast-room. They spoke for some time in the drawing-room until it was quite late and Caroline escorted him to the foyer. His kiss was slow and teasing making Caroline yearn for more.
Upon their return from the Crenshaws, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth both noticed Caroline sitting up with a solitary candle in the drawing-room. Fitzwilliam stayed long enough to make sure nothing was amiss and then excused himself to check on Catherine and to retire. Elizabeth, sensing there was news to be shared, asked Caroline if they could speak over tea in Caroline’s bedchamber after preparing to retire. Caroline agreed. After changing into her shift and dressing gown and letting her hair down, Elizabeth joined Caroline in her bedchamber, just as the tea was arriving. Caroline, already similarly attired, began pouring the tea.
“Do you recollect the first time we did this at Pemberley?”
Caroline laughed easily, “I do. And how so much has changed since then, I cannot comprehend!”
Elizabeth smiled and drank her tea, allowing Caroline to direct the conversation.
“John has asked for a courtship and offered me a proposal of marriage.”
Elizabeth started. “Is this another version of the non-existent courtship?”
“Perhaps it is. He wanted to be honest about his intentions whilst allowing me to set a pace I was comfortable with. I’ve agreed to the courtship already. I’ve been hoping he would ask.”
“Well that is promising news if you’ve been hoping he would ask. But you would like to think on the marriage proposal?”
“I would. I just want to hear another woman’s perspective, a married woman’s perspective. It’s not fair to ask Georgiana what she thinks. I’m not sure she would be able to add anything insightful.”
“Well, I’m not sure I have any insights that will amaze you either. I like John. I like him very much. And I think it is very gallant that he is trying to allow you to set the pace. It’s very thoughtful and probably indicative of what kind of husband he will be. He is amiable, handsome, articulate, successful, and he plans to reside in London. Not to mention that he seems to have a great deal of admiration for you. Do you need more information about his financial situation? If Fitzwilliam does not have the answers, he can procure them.”
“I’m not sure what to ask, since it’s a business and not an estate. Fitzwilliam said he has around six thousand a year and it fluctuates depending upon the economy. I think I’d ask him what else I should know.”
“How do you feel about John?”
“I like him very much. Our friendship is deepening. He has a lively sense of humor. We can converse easily. In that regard, he is very much like Richard. He is someone that I would have had pre-conceived notions about before meeting, but who instead has very pleasantly surprised me in how well we get along.”
“That is in his favor,” said Elizabeth, side ste
pping the mention of Richard.
“He very much requires a hostess for his professional entertaining. And I have a true interest in his work. I know the fact a man is actively engaged in trade is not normally considered an advantage in a match, but his line of business has drawn my notice and holds my attention. This is remarkably different from the infamous discussion about the improvements made to Pemberley’s shearing shed!”
Both women laughed at the memory.
“And I feel very treasured. I know he cares for me. He has told me so. I just want to know if passion can become romantic love.”
“Passion? Caroline, have you –have you two—”
“No, but I want to.”
“So is it too late to ask if he has kissed you yet?”
“Yes, it is too late for that question! He has kissed me and it just makes me want more.”
“Caroline, this is completely natural; you are not a sixteen year old girl. I do not want you to feel guilty. I DO expect you to show some restraint! I am most interested in helping you sort out your feelings. Going to bed with your husband will deepen whatever feelings you already have for him. Sincere regard will become more tender and more complete. I cannot imagine marrying a man I disdained. And because you are eager to share this experience with him, it will not feel like a duty, but rather a gift that you give to one another. You admit that you want more, but ask yourself more of what? Bedding your husband is a pleasurable release, but it is also the way to most intimately know him and be known by him.”
By Charm or by Choice Page 32