Chapter Nine
“Of course not, Mother,” he answered tightly.
“Good!” She gave a nod. “As it appears that you will have time in which to enjoy a holiday until Mr. Hallaway is free from the vineyards, I suggest that you explore not only the estate but the surrounding area include the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Colony has changed since you were a child and there are sites that you had not been old enough to enjoy.”
Did she want him gone even though she hoped that he stayed? Or did she simply want him out of the way?
“What would you suggest?” he asked. It was only to humor her because he had no intention of leaving Wyndview Farm.
“The first that comes to mind is a visit to Table Mountain. Cook can pack a picnic and Mrs. Sutcliffe could accompany you and point out anything else of interest.”
At her suggestion, Caroline choked on her tea. At least the companion had not been aware of his mother’s intentions, which made Sterling wonder if his mother wasn’t also playing matchmaker. But certainly, she understood that the daughter of an estate manager was not suited for an earl.
Except, no gentleman in his family had ever married the daughter of a peer because they found love.
As Sterling did not expect the same to ever happen to him, or it would have by now, he would settle for marrying a woman of equal rank to his own.
A woman who understood the sacrifices a wife must make when her husband was an earl and managed an import and export business.
Something his own mother had not grasped.
“As much as climbing Table Mountain is a pleasure, I fear that it is impossible for me to be gone from morning until evening,” Caroline answered with a smile. “I am certain Lord Wyndham could find a guide or maybe another servant can show him the way.”
His mother arched her brow. “You need to take a holiday as well, Mrs. Sutcliffe, as I was just saying.”
What was she about?
“Therefore, you will accompany my son.”
“Yes, of course,” Caroline murmured before sipping her tea.
“Which day would be convenient, Caroline?” his mother inquired pleasantly.
Why did his mother consult her instead of him?
“I will need to check with my father and brother. Then I will let you know.”
“I will expect your answer soon.”
“Yes, of course,” Caroline answered without enthusiasm.
Did she not want to go to Table Mountain or did she object to his presence?
It was a rather intriguing question that he might ponder later.
“Now, as for tomorrow night, I expect you both to accompany me.”
Caroline’s eyes grew wide as some color faded from her sun-kissed cheeks.
“I do not think that is proper, which I have explained on previous occasions,” Caroline insisted.
What could his mother have planned now?
“Nonsense,” his mother dismissed. “You are the granddaughter of a baron and you were welcomed into Society in London, therefore you will accompany me. Besides, I already responded to expect us both and sent a missive this morning that my son will be joining us.”
“Where?” Sterling asked warily.
“To a ball, dear.”
Of all the entertainments he could imagine his mother might enjoy, a ball was not on that list. He wasn’t even aware that there was a Society here to participate in such an activity.
“Yes. Governor Lord Charles Somerset is hosting a ball and we will be in attendance.”
*
This was not the first ball that had been held since Somerset arrived, nor was it the first time that Lady Wyndham had wanted Caroline to accompany her.
In the past, Lady Wyndham had always accepted when she declined the invitation because it was not her place, the daughter of an estate manager, to attend a ball at the Governor’s residence.
That is, until today.
The ballgowns she had packed away from years earlier were certainly now out of fashion and had been designed for an innocent debutante. Caroline was seven years older, a mother, and no doubt the gowns no longer fit.
She also had no choice which was why as soon as she returned to her home, she pulled out the trunk that had been hidden away after her arrival.
Inside was the clothing of her past. From a time when she had been hopeful of a happy life and marriage.
She’d had a happy marriage; it had just ended too soon.
As she shook out each carefully folded gown then stood in front of the mirror and held them to her body, Caroline’s mind drifted back to her one and only London Season.
That spring had been magical and she remembered the first time that she had glimpsed the Earl of Wyndham across the ballroom.
She hadn’t known who he was, but she had noticed that he was one of the most handsome gentlemen in the room.
It was only after she asked a friend that she realized he was her father’s employer.
Any interest in Wyndham disappeared because even if her father hadn’t worked for him, she was still beneath an earl, though she still could not help but notice him whenever they were at the same entertainment.
It wasn’t long after that she had met Peter. He was handsome, gallant, kind, and wonderful. She fell deeply in love, or so it seemed at the time, and married him at the end of the Season and looked forward to a promising future.
A future she was denied when her husband was killed in war.
Now she was a widow and living on Wyndham’s estate. And tomorrow, she would be attending a ball with him and not simply watching him from across the room.
Whatever was his mother thinking?
She did not belong, regardless of who her grandfather happened to be. Surely Wyndham would agree but would remain polite because that was how those in Society behaved—most of the time.