“You look dashing, My Lady,” he said to Ophelia as he assisted her into carriage followed by her mother.
“Thank you,” she managed to say.
“And you look quite lovely yourself,” he then said to her mother who only laughed.
“You are most kind, Lord Gibbs.”
The three of them entered the carriage and were soon at the park.
Several minutes later, they were taking a walk along the beautiful snowy lawns of the park while Mrs. Campbell followed behind at a short distance. They could see several people attempting to skate on the icy ponds.
“So, you did not come here to talk to me about your friend?” Ophelia asked as they walked.
“Not really,” replied Benjamin. “Someone like you does not deserve a man like Christopher.”
This surprised Ophelia. “He’s your friend! Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because he is my friend and I know him better than anyone. Also, because I have met you and I think you deserve someone better than him.”
“So, he is a terrible person, then,” Ophelia asked, determined to hear everything Benjamin had to say.
“He is not a terrible person,” he replied. “For we all have our own flaws…”
“There you go again,” retorted Ophelia. “You once mentioned that at the party when we were talking outside.”
Benjamin nodded. “Of course. I am surprised that you remembered. I understand my friend better than anyone and I know all the things he has done to several ladies. Most of which I was never acquainted with. I was making an attempt to warn you about him, but he came in just as I was about to start. That was why I could not say anything further. Perhaps, if I had warned you before hand, he would not have treated you so badly. I thought he had changed as well, but it was all just becoming more devious to get what wanted.”
Ophelia inhaled. Everyone seemed to be painting Christopher in a terrible light. Now, that his best friend was saying similar things, she knew she was making the right decision in cutting ties with Christopher.
“Let us talk about other important things instead of Christopher. I would like to know all there is to know about you, if you do not mind.”
They spoke of various things as they walked through the park before returning to the Campbell cottage. He bid her farewell and took his leave.
“He is such an agreeable man,” Ophelia’s mother said to her that night. “And quite a handsome man as well.”
Now, Ophelia had not taken a very good look at Benjamin. She promised to do that the next time.
“I think he will make a better husband. He is a Baron you which is just as good as a Viscount. Please, give him a chance and try not to be too hard on him the next time he comes.”
Ophelia sighed but said nothing. She knew that arguing with her mother was only a waste of time.
Before she slept that night, she pondered on everything Benjamin had said to her.
“Of course. I am surprised that you remembered. I understand my friend better than anyone and I know all the things he has done to several ladies. Most of which I was never acquainted with. I was making an attempt to warn you about him, but he came in just as I was about to start. That was why I could not say anything further. Perhaps, if I had warned you before hand, he would not have treated you so badly. I thought he had changed as well, but it was all just becoming more devious to get what wanted.”
Was Christopher as terrible as they said.? Why had he not made another attempt to come and explain himself? Why was she still hoping that he could have changed and that all these things were just something that happened in his past? Was she indeed, almost another victim?
If he loved her like he had stated in his letter, he would have done something to rectify the situation. He should have found a means to find her and explain himself but days had gone by and she heard nothing from him, not even a single letter.
Part of her was glad for a long silence from him, but the other part was clearly disturbed. Perhaps, she was still hoping that they could have a chance together.
She could see that she still loved him despite all that had been said about him. Perhaps, her mother was right. She needed to move on and Benjamin a chance for her hand.
Out of all the men that have been coming her way, aside Christopher, Benjamin was still someone she could tolerate. She took in a deep breath. It might be difficult to love another so soon but she would try. She finally understood that true love was folly dream that she best discard.
Chapter 25
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
“Christopher!”
At first, he did not open his sleepy eyes but the sudden and consistent knocking on the door was disturbing his sleep.
He wondered what the problem was that could not wait till the following day. If Lord Egerton had cheated on his sister again after the family had spoken to him, he was determined to throw him into jail himself.
“Christopher!”
“I’m awake!” He shouted back and then stood up to open the door. Lady Rebecca rushed in. She seemed out of breath.
“What happened? Where are you coming from and why can you not wait till tomorrow morning?” he asked. He was sure it was just some minutes past ten at night.
“It could not wait,” she said, wide-eyed and trying to catch her breath. “I saw your friend, Ben and Ophelia, together at The Hyde Park, with her mother.”
Christopher frowned. What she said did not made any sense.
“Are you alright, sister?”
“Do you not hear me! I saw Ophelia and Ben, taking a walk together!”
Now, everything was beginning to sink in. He stared at her. “Where did you say again?”
“Hyde Park. I waited until she left. He took them back in his carriage.”
Christopher sat on a chair. “What does this mean?”
“You remember when Ophelia said that they had met before but he could not remember her face?”
Christopher nodded. “So, you think Ben is trying to take Ophelia from me?”
“Yes. I think he wants to have her for himself.”
“If that is the case, then I need to go find him right away and there is only one place he can be.”
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
The two men laughed and gulped down their drinks at the same time.
“I give you double congratulations!” said Luke. “I am so happy for the way things are turning out. Now, all you need to do is to keep seeing her until she falls for you. Then sooner or later, you can propose to her.”
Benjamin laughed with a nod. He recounted all that happened to his friend.
“Uh-oh! I thought your friend did not know that you are back in town.”
Benjamin looked behind him and was surprised to see Christopher coming, in. He had yet to spot him at the bar but Benjamin was certain that he was looking for him.
“He does not know that I am back. Excuse me,” he said and stood up just as Christopher spotted him.
“He does not look too good. He is still heartbroken…” Luke quickly said before facing the other man beside him.
Benjamin walked towards Christopher who was no longer looking at him but was looking at Luke.
“Who is he?” he asked.
“Who?” asked Ben.
‘The man you were talking to. As of late, when I come to this place, I see you two talking as if you were old acquaintances,” he replied.
“Oh, he is nobody,” replied Ben. “Just someone I met at the bar who is a regular. I am surprised to see you. I hope there is no problem?”
Christopher found an empty space and they sat.
“I thought you had traveled to meet your parents?” he started.
“Yes, I did. I got back today,” Benjamin replied. He could sense a confrontation coming.
“And, you said nothing, neither did you come to see me.”
“I was preoccupied,” came the reply.
> “Yes, I was told that you were at Hyde Park, with Ophelia and her mother today.”
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher waited for a reaction from Benjamin but got none. Instead, his friend only smiled.
“Do you think I am trying to steal Miss Campbell from you?” he asked.
“I do not know but you might try to make use of the opportunity,” Christopher replied.
Benjamin stared at him. “What do you take me for? Christopher? What kind of a man do you take me for? I went to see Ophelia as a surprise. To see her and to talk to her on your behalf. How could you think so poorly of me?”
Now, Christopher was surprised and he was calm. “I did not know, I am so sorry. I allowed my imagination to lead me.”
Benjamin shook his head. “But how did you know about this? I planned to make it a surprise, hoping she would heed to my plea and give you another chance. But when she did not, I realized there was no need in telling you of a fruitless effort.”
Christopher smiled. “It was not a fruitless effort dear friend. You did something which means a lot to me and I accused you wrongfully. Would you forgive me?”
“Of course. But at the same time, how did you know?”
Christopher sighed. “Rebecca claimed to have seen you and she came to tell me.”
“Your sister never liked me so I understand how she must have pictured the whole scene.”
“You are right. She could not wait till tomorrow morning to tell me. She really thinks the worst of you.”
They both laughed before the bar man tended to Christopher.
“So, tell me, how was she when you saw her?” Christopher later asked.
“She was hurt. She is still in pain and I do not know if she will ever get over it, Christopher. Whatever she must have heard from those women and seen that night must have been terrible. She does not want to be with you anymore.”
Christopher inhaled. “Rebecca thinks I have lost her. Do you also think the same?”
Benjamin nodded. “Yes, you have indeed lost her. Do not make any attempts to send her any more letters or try to get her back. It is of no use. She has already moving on and is on the verge of accepting another man’s proposal.”
Christopher’s heart sank as he heard this. He realized he had lost her and decided it was best to also move on. He left the gambling hell some minutes later in a depressed mood.
* * *
Lord Benjamin Gibbs, the Baron of Salsbury
Benjamin watched him leave before Luke came to take Christopher’s seat.
“Trouble in Paradise?” asked Luke, lighting his cigar.
“He found out about my visit to Ophelia,” Benjamin replied.
“What? He did? And what did you say?”
Benjamin shrugged, leaning back. “I told him what he wanted to hear. That I went there on his behalf. I may have just sealed his fate forever.”
Luke laughed. “To the future Baron and Baroness Gibbs!” He said, lifting up his cup as they cheered.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
“And you believed him!” Rebecca demanded as he got back and told her all that Benjamin has said.
“Why would I not believe him, Rebecca?” he asked. He was actually surprised that she was still awake at this time of night. He had expected her to be asleep in her bed chamber upon his return, but she waited for him at the parlor.
“Are you so blind to the fact that your friend is interested in Ophelia?”
Christopher shook his head. “My heart is broken by what he told me, Rebecca, I do not have time or the strength to argue with you. I need to go drown in my sorrow.”
“So, he told you that Ophelia is about to be engaged and you believe him?”
“Why would I not believe him? Sister, I know you never trusted him nor liked him but I trust him. Goodnight.”
After this, Christopher walked to his room and shut the door after him. Then he sat on his bed and took in a deep breath. It was over, he thought. Whatever chances he had with Ophelia was simply over.
He kept on going through how everything had started. How they had crossed paths, and how she had encouraged him with every gesture he had made towards her.
Could she just discard everything just because of what she heard? Would it be so terrible to even listen to what he had to say?
He realized he deserved a chance to say something. Therefore, he stood up and walked to the table. Even if it would be the last letter to her, he was going to write it.
* * *
Miss Ophelia Campbell
“Ophelia, please wake up, there is a letter for you.”
Ophelia opened her eyes immediately and when she saw the signature on the letter, her heart began to beat faster. Emily had come in to give her the letter that morning, having stayed the night before.
She wasn’t really sleeping, as every of her night has been filled with the memory of the kiss she shared with Christopher. It was her first kiss and it was unforgettable.
“What does he want this time?” asked her friend, sitting beside her on the bed.
Ophelia didn’t know and was about to find out. She tore opened the letter and while she read, her heart beat softly.
Dearest Ophelia,
I understand you do not wish to see me, nor do you wish to talk to me. However, I believe I deserve a response to you to know my fate. I understand you think that I am a terrible person and that my past can never be erased.
I also know that I have lost every chance I might have had with you. But would you not give me a response, sweet Ophelia? Do you hate me so much that the memory we shared has soon been forgotten? I thought you felt the same as I did. I remember how you trembled beneath my touch on your cheeks. Do you not remember this? If you ever had a slightest care for me, could you at least be so kind to reply this letter?
Let me hear it from you that we do not have a chance again. I am on my knees, sweet Ophelia, hoping to hear from you.
Yours Affectionately,
Christopher Crampton
After reading this, Ophelia suddenly felt a mountain of emotion built up within her and she burst into tears, sobbing as her friend pulled her closer, pacifying her.
She remembered it all, how could he think she forgot everything that mattered to her? But he was right, he did deserve a response and she was going to give it. Perhaps, after giving him a reply, she could be finally free from last tie she had with him.
“Are you alright?” asked Emily.
She nodded, sniffing and wiping her face. “I want to give him a reply, even if it is going to be the last letter.”
Emily stared at her. “You cannot be serious.”
“I believe it is appropriate for me to give him a response and then tell him not to send any more letter.”
Emily sighed and then stood up. “I hope after this, we shall hear no more from him?”
She nodded weakly before her Emily left.
Then she stood up, walked to the tub to have a warm bath that the servants had drawn for her earlier. While she did this, her mind went through the letter all over again. Her heartache would not subside and it felt as if she would never heal.
She changed into a clean cloth and then walked to the table to start writing.
After she was done, she folded the letter and then unfolded it. She went through it one more time and sighed. Perhaps she should throw it away and write another.
She stood up and made an attempt to tear the letter but then, she stopped and took a deep breath. Whatever she had written was straight to the point and it was the right thing to do.
* * *
Christopher Crampton, Viscount Barrington
Christopher got the letter just as he was about to leave the room the second night. His father had summoned him but that would have to wait.
“I will be right there,” he said to the servant. “First, I need to read what is in this letter.”
/> The servant bowed and then left.
Christopher hurriedly walked to the table and sat down before opening the letter.
Dear Christopher,
I received your letter and I think you are right. You did deserve a reply from me. Whatever I must have heard about your past has made me realize that there can never be a future for both of us. I also saw you that nigh in the garden with another woman in your arms. I do not want to be a victim in your game of lies and deceits. You are wrong. I never forgot the moment we shared. I shall always treasure it but I am afraid, that this is the end. I wish to extract myself from our relationship. Have a good life.
A Lady To Redeem A Rakish Lord (Historical Regency Romance) Page 19