The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (32 page)

“Milady.” Mary’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “I have your gown and shoes ready. Do you wish to dress now?”

“Of course. There is much work yet to be done around here.”

Caroline swallowed the lump in her throat and wiped the tears from her face. She must get her husband to realize he cared for her before she told him of their child.

She started to walk over to Mary to dress and stopped.
What if I’m wrong and he doesn’t love me? How can I live all my life without love?
But she had to be right. Her and her child’s happiness depended on it.

When she got downstairs, she saw Damon walking across the front lawn toward the house. She was thankful her queasiness had passed. She pinched her cheeks to add color.

“Caroline, I was hoping to catch you at home.” Damon stepped inside the foyer and shut the door.

“Would you care for tea, Damon?”

“Yes, let’s go in the small parlor.” He guided her with his strong, warm hand at her back.

Caroline sat in a chair by the window. “It’s a lovely day. I was going to ride over and check on the preparation of the grounds for our new school.”

“That is why I have come. I was sure you’d be on your way soon to check on your project.” Damon spoke dryly, but Caroline thought she saw a small twinkle in his eye.

One of the maids brought in the tea tray and some scones, and then she moved quickly out of the room. Damon took the teacup Caroline handed him and took a sip.

“I have to go to London for a few days on business,” he said before Caroline finished pouring her tea.

She glanced across at him. “You have to leave again so soon?”

“I thought we would all go to London. Nanny and Mary will accompany us. You can shop and see your friends. I’d also like to introduce you to several of my friends while we’re in town.”

Hope filled Caroline and warmed her heart. Surely it was a good sign if he wanted to introduce her to his friends.

“I would like to go to London with you. It sounds like a very enjoyable trip. When did you plan on leaving?”

Damon picked up one of the scones and bit into it. He licked the sweet filling from his lips.

Caroline smiled at him. “I always did love scones. My mother warned me I’d make myself sick eating too many of them. I see you like them as well. I’ll remember to always have scones ready for you.” Caroline’s voice sounded husky and low. She saw Damon’s eyes darkened.

He leaned back and took another sip of tea. “We should leave day after tomorrow. Can you be ready?”

“Oh yes.” Caroline smiled. “I promise I will not hold you up.”

“Good. If you would like, I’ll take you to check on the progress of your school. I brought the carriage instead of riding over.”

“I would like to have your input, Damon. I’ll get my shawl. It looks warm out, but even in the summer it can turn cool.” Caroline hurried out of the room and sent Mary upstairs to get her wrap.

* * * *

Damon walked around the clearing and talked with several of the men. Caroline tried to visualize the schoolhouse filled with happy children. This was something that could be of real value to the children on the estate. Several mothers had walked over to the site and waved at her shyly. Caroline stepped carefully around the work area to speak with them.

“I’ve hired a teacher. She will be arriving soon and will help me order the books. When the schoolroom is finished, classes can begin right away.” Caroline reached out and touched an infant’s hand as he slept in his mother’s arms.

“Your baby is very beautiful,” Caroline said. The pleased mother blushed.

“Thank you, milady. We are thankful for all you are doing for our little ones,” the mother said, and the other two nodded their heads.

Caroline’s cheeks warmed at their praises. “I’m as excited as you to see the children learning to read and do numbers. Everyone should have opportunities.”

Damon had stepped behind her as she finished speaking. “I can see my wife is going to keep me busy with her projects. But I agree with her. This school is a good idea.” He smiled at the women and guided Caroline to the carriage.

“You must be careful, my dear. Some people do not think laborers and their families should be educated and may not react as positively as these families.”

“I know that already, Damon. How do you think I got my name, ‘do-gooder?’ Most of your friends will think you should keep me under better control.” Caroline’s eyes flashed at him.

“Hmm, is that a challenge, my dear? I fear I may not be able to do that without having my whole staff rebel and refuse to work for me. You have certainly won a place in their hearts.”

She stared at him.
If only I could win a place in your heart. I think I would not want anything more.
Caroline glanced down for fear Damon could read her thoughts, as he sometimes seemed able to do.
How can we be so close at times and yet we each still have many unknown qualities?

“Caroline,” Damon spoke as he helped her up into the carriage. “Are you all right? You are very quiet.”

“I’m fine. I was thinking about all I have to do to get ready for our trip,” Caroline fibbed. She settled onto the comfortable carriage seat and they headed home.

* * * *

It was raining the day they arrived in London. Damon held the umbrella over Caroline’s head as they hurried into the townhouse. It was even lovelier than she remembered. Hannah came in behind them.

“Let me show you around, Caroline. I know Damon is anxious to go about his business.” Hannah took off her cape and handed it to Buckley. She took Caroline’s arm and led her into the drawing room.

Damon chuckled. “I can see I am not needed. I’ll go see my banker and be home in time for dinner.”

Caroline admired the Chippendale furniture, the beautiful pictures, and the soft colors of the rooms. The dining room was done in reds and blacks, most striking of all the rooms in the townhouse.

“Come upstairs and see your bedroom, Caroline. I’m sure my brother won’t mind if you want to make any changes. I like the colors myself.” Hannah stopped talking as she caught sight of Caroline’s face.

The large bedroom with adjoining sitting room was done in a pale violet. The dainty furniture and soft curtains at the windows presented a delightful retreat. She loved the serenity of the room.

“When did your brother decorate this room?” Caroline asked.

Hannah tipped her head to the side. “Let me see. It was not too long after we came to London. I remember I asked if he had someone in mind, but he only smiled and walked away.”

“It is delightful. I won’t be changing a single thing.” Caroline walked into the sitting room and ran her hand over the polished wood of the writing desk.

“I am so glad you and Damon are together. I’ve been worried since you moved to Atelstone Hall. Does this mean Damon will move into the Hall with you when we return home?”

Caroline’s eyes clouded. She turned and looked at her sister-in-law. “I don’t know.” Caroline walked over and hugged Hannah. “But I do know I have a wonderful sister-in-law, and you are not to worry about your brother and me. We will work things out. I really believe we will,” she said emphatically. “Now I am going to sit at my new desk and write a note to my friends, Sara and Joan, to inform them we are in town.”

“I want to let some of my friends know also.” Hannah waved and left to go to her room.

Caroline got up once she was alone and wandered around the room, touching the furniture, and the satin covers of her bed. She leaned down to smell the fragrance of the pink roses in a china vase. She was sure Damon had the room decorated with her in mind. It was thoughtful and tastefully done. She would thank him tonight.

Suddenly, a glow of happiness shot through her. If she were careful, maybe she’d find a way to her husband’s heart. She knew the questions about Charles had to be resolved, and about her parents. If she were going to have children, she wanted them to know their grandparents.

Impulsively kneeling beside her bed, she said a short prayer. She had not gone to church or prayed in a long time. A feeling of peace filled her as she stood and went back to her desk in the sitting room. She would succeed. She had to.

Damon left his banker and headed to the docks. He would stop in and invite Mr. Higgins and his wife to dinner tomorrow night. He had a strong desire to see what impression Caroline made on the Higginses. Arriving at the dock, he saw Captain Carver’s ship was in. Damon waved to the captain and boarded his vessel.

“’Tis pleased I am to see you, Lord Royston.” Capt. Carver shook Damon’s hand. “What brings you to these parts? I heard you married a pretty lady and settled on your estate.”

“That I did, but I was coming to town for business, so my wife and sister accompanied me. You know ladies like to shop and see their friends.” Damon smiled and turned toward the sea, taking in a deep breath of the salt air. “It does bring back good memories.” He stood feet apart with the wind blowing his dark-brown hair.

“I still have a berth for you, anytime,” Capt. Carver teased.

“I’m afraid my sailing days are over, but I would like to have you come to my home tomorrow night for dinner. I’ll be inviting the Higginses and would like you all to meet my wife.”

Capt. Carver hesitated, a worried look on his face. “You are certain Lady Royston will be agreeable to all of your old friends arriving at once?”

Damon nodded. “Don’t worry, I’m sure Caroline will be very happy to meet you.”

Damon thought about his statement as he left the boat and headed over to invite the Higginses. Caroline would be happy to know his friends. He hadn’t realized until now how good it felt to know his wife was comfortable with all the people around her. She genuinely cared and liked the staff and farmers’ families she had met at the estate and they openly adored her.

Damon felt carefree and hopeful for the first time in years. He stopped in mid-stride and tried to remind himself of his anger against Caroline’s family and his plans for revenge. But the knot in his stomach didn’t grab him in pain as it had in the past.

Shaking his head, he started walking again. He must be careful and not place himself in a vulnerable situation. It was all right to desire his wife, but he must be wary. There were too many unanswered questions. He had learned to wait before deciding to trust. Now was not the time to let down his guard.

Mr. and Mrs. Higgins accepted his invitation. Damon headed home to let Caroline and Mrs. Parker know about what he had planned for dinner tomorrow night.

Taking the steps two at a time, Damon went up to his bedroom. The house was quiet. He had talked with Mrs. Parker. He was glad he had insisted on bringing her and Buckley with them on this trip. The household ran more smoothly with them in charge. Mrs. Parker assured him everything would be in order for their guests.

Albert helped Damon out of his coat and boots. He took the coat to brush it off. Damon pulled his lawn shirt over his head and stretched out on his bed. He was almost asleep when he thought he heard a noise in the adjoining room.

Damon walked through Caroline’s adjoining bedroom and stopped at the doorway into her sitting room. She was bent writing at her desk. Her hair was loose and fell in waves down her back.

“Good afternoon, madam.”

Caroline jumped and looked over to see Damon standing just inside the door. “You frightened me.” She laughed. “I was in deep thought.”

“So you were. Who are you writing?”

“My mother and father, to ask about father’s health and let them know we are in town for a few days. Did you have a good afternoon?”

Damon tensed when Caroline mentioned Lord Halsford, but he shrugged it off. “Very. I saw Captain Carver. I used to sail on his ship. I’ve invited him and Mr. and Mrs. Higgins to dinner tomorrow night. I’ve already notified Mrs. Parker.”

“I do wish we would have one party or dinner when I really had time to plan for it. Still, I shall be very happy to meet your friends.”

“These friends are different,” Damon warned. “They are not members of the
ton
, but finer people you will never meet.”

“Surely you know by now, Damon, I am not snobbish. I am sure I will find them very interesting.”

“Someday, I’ll tell you how they came to be so important in my life.” Damon started to say more, and then stopped himself. “What are the plans for tonight?”

“I sent a note to Joan and Sara, and they sent a note right back. Sara suggested we all meet at her house tonight. Her parents are having a dinner party and would be glad to include us.” Caroline watched Damon’s face for his response, but as usual he gave away nothing by his expressions.

“And I suppose you would like to attend the dinner party?”

“Not only me. Hannah is most eager. Mr. Arthur Thomlin is one of the guests,” Caroline explained.

Damon groaned. “Why does she have to be so set on him? She could do much better.”

“You mean someone with a better title? I believe Mr. Thomlin is a fine young man and will cherish your sister.”