Chapter One #2
Felix had been good on his word. He’d come to call the very next day, but they had written letters throughout the summer so they weren’t complete strangers to each other, and when they’d finally had a few moments alone, they’d shared their first kiss since May Day.
Though it hadn’t been nearly enough for her.
To be fair, the major had courted her since then—when his schedule allowed—but they hadn’t been allowed to spend significant time together, for her father blamed the major for what happened to her at the folly in May, and oh how she wanted Felix’s body against hers again.
Perhaps now that her family was away, she and the major could turn a corner in their relationship.
Aunt Georgiana nodded. “You’re an intelligent young woman. I’m sure you’ll think of some way to nudge the major along.”
Before Caroline could respond, her brother entered the room, and she frowned. “Andrew? Didn’t you go to Kent with the others?”
“At the start, yes,” he said as he came close and then bussed her cheek. He did the same to Aunt Georgiana, who narrowed her gaze on him. “After a week, I knew I couldn’t survive months of such family time, so I came back to London.”
“But we haven’t seen you, and that was weeks ago.”
He shrugged. “I’m comfortable at my rooms at the Albany, but I do have other interests in Town beyond the two of you.” With a wink, he settled into a chair. “I have made a list of plans with some of my friends.”
“As well as courtesans, I’ll wager,” her aunt said with dry humor.
Andrew snickered. “There is that. After all, one shouldn’t need to spend the holiday season alone, hmm?”
“How interesting.” Caroline wasn’t best pleased. This would put a damper on her potential plans if her brother was underfoot. “Yet you are here.”
“Indeed.” Aunt Georgiana rested her sharp gaze on him. “Which begs the question of why? From your own admission, you have rooms. There is no need to visit us.”
“Perish the thought, Auntie. Can I not see how my family fares?”
She snorted. “You can, but that isn’t characteristic of you.”
“True, and it all depends on how bored I am.” Then he frowned. “In any event, Papa wants me to keep an eye on Caro. He believes that gimpy major will ruin her.”
Hot annoyance rose in Caroline’s chest. “You don’t even know him. Neither you nor Papa do, so please refrain from referring to him in such a derogatory way.”
“Ah, has my little sister caught feelings for the man?” When she didn’t answer, Andrew drugged. “It doesn’t matter. Mama and Papa want you to marry well. A title, preferably, like they want for Debra. They don’t want you to hang about a man who has no future and no savings.”
“Not this again. Marrying well isn’t the only thing that matters in a relationship,” she argued with a look at her aunt.
Andrew waved off her comment. “It is for a woman. You need to be taken care of, Caro. You’ll keep someone’s house, be someone’s wife, have someone’s children. I imagine your days of galivanting after the grouchy major to solve crimes is over.”
Shock slammed into her chest. “Why?”
He stood and made his way to the door. “I’m to escort you to a couple of society events during the Christmastide season and make certain you’re introduced to the men Papa has already approved.”
“But I—”
Aunt Georgiana snapped her fingers at Andrew.
“Be off with you, wretched man. Your sister still has the freedom to marry whomever she pleases, my nephew be damned. However,” she said with a hand raised when he would have interrupted, “it won’t hurt her to go about society for the next two weeks.
If something happens, it does, but she has the power to guide where her life goes.
I won’t hear arguments from either of you. ”
“That’s fair,” Andrew said with a nod. “Caro?”
She nodded, for what else could she do? “Agreed.”
Aunt Georgiana glared at him. “Go away, my boy. I’m not through having tea with your sister, and what I have to say isn’t fit for weak male ears.”
“Ah, Auntie, it’s good to have you with us this Christmastide,” Andrew said with a grin, then he left the room, whistling a merry tune as he went.
No matter, Caroline’s confidence wavered. She rested her teacup in its saucer then struggled to her feet. “I think I’m going to go lie down for a bit.”
“Not until we are done with our conversation, my girl.” Aunt Georgiana glared her back onto the sofa. “If you truly wish to have the major in your life and you want to encourage him to propose, I’ll help you land your man.”
“How? You heard Andrew. Papa is going to fight me every step of the way.”
“Quite frankly, my girl, your father can go hang. Love and romance are important parts of everyone’s life.
There is more to marriage than status and position.
If he and your mother can’t understand that, then I feel sorry for them both.
” Calmly, as if the past quarter of an hour hadn’t occurred, Aunt Georgiana continued to finish her tea.
“You deserve happiness, Caroline. Don’t discount that in favor of following society’s rules. ”
Caroline frowned, but she nodded. “Then you think I should pursue the major?”
“I do.” Finally, her aunt rested her teacup in her saucer. “What it is that you wish to do beyond marriage in your life? Do you have causes or charities you wish to champion or work with?”
“Well, I spoke with Felix about just this. He has encouraged me to do what I wish in regard to perhaps setting up a salon for women—servants or not—who wish to learn to read.” She shrugged. “Is that not good enough?”
“It’s good enough for me, but you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone.
You are allowed to exist and be worthy merely because you are alive.
” For long moments, her aunt eyed her with speculation in her expression.
“If that is truly what is in your heart to do, I won’t stop you.
However, you should make very certain that the major will agree to everything you want.
I have seen far too many women give up dreams or interests merely to have a husband. It’s so disappointing.”
“As if our lives are supposed to disappear because we become a wife.” Caroline shook her head. “I’ve never understood why a woman is supposed to only become an extension of a man instead of being seen as his wife with her own unique skill set.”
“Exactly.” Amusement danced in her aunt’s eyes. “I knew you weren’t as far gone as your brother and sister.” A dry laugh escaped her throat. “What of solving mysteries or figuring out cases? Do you still intend to do that alongside the major?”
Slowly, Caroline nodded. “If he will let me.” When her aunt cleared her throat, she added, “Or rather, I will. He has no right to what I do, so therefore, there is no need for permission given.” In many ways, such thinking was… freeing.
“Good girl.” Then she sighed. “You young people have worn me out. Perhaps I, too, shall have a lie down myself.” When she offered a hand, Caroline launched off the sofa to assist the older woman to her feet.
“There is a rout I’m attending in a couple of days.
I’ll take you with me to fulfil your father’s dictates, but it is up to you to have the major come ‘round to the idea of attending as well.”
“I will.” For the first time since she began tea, Caroline smiled. “Thank you for the support, Auntie. You have no idea how much I appreciate that.”
“Oh, I think I do, and perhaps my own life would have been different had I enjoyed the same.” Then she led Caroline from the room. “No matter. I have had an interesting and fulfilling life thus far, and I’m not done yet.”
“I hope I’m as courageous and unfettered as you as I follow my own path.” Would that include the major at her side?
Only time would tell.