Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

Author:Mindy Burbidge Strunk [Strunk, Mindy Burbidge]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-07T16:00:00+00:00

12

Gah. Why had she made so many promises to him? Caroline remembered the closeness in which they had worked on Christmas Eve. It had been a moment of weakness. A moment of delusion where she thought he might have developed some feelings for her beyond old friends. But she had been wrong and now she would have to suffer the consequences.

“I will ask my mother first. If she has no objections…” Who was Caroline deceiving? She knew, just as Peter likely did, that her mother had no need for her.

“Of course. I should not think to deprive your mother of your help.” Peter was at least kind enough to pretend that he thought there may be a likelihood of her presence being in demand here at Whitley Wood.

She entered the Yellow Sitting room, where her mother and Lydia were making plans. “My lady, Lord Rockwell is in need of my help at Wirksworth. If—”

Her mother waved her away. “Then go, Caroline. You are not needed here.” No, of course not. I have not been for many years.

She stepped back into the corridor. Peter looked at her, a question in his eyes. “Well?”

She was certain he had heard the whole of the conversation. “It appears the fates are smiling down on you today, sir. I am free for the entirety of the day.”

Peter’s smile covered his face, reaching all the way to his eyes. He must be in very desperate need.

“I shall gather my things and meet you in the entry way.”

Peter executed a very proper bow. “I shall be awaiting you, my lady.” He turned and headed back the way he had come.

When she arrived at the entry, he led her out and to the driver’s seat without hesitation. She felt a small thrill at the thought. Perhaps he did not think of her as simply an old friend. But would not old friends share a seat on a cold day? She slumped down and pulled the rug up to her chin.

They arrived at Wirksworth Hall and Peter handed her out while a stable hand held on to the horses. He led her around the house to the servant’s entrance, guiding her into the large kitchen below stairs.

Caroline took in a deep breath as she stepped over the threshold. The room smelled of yeasty breads and sugary treats. The heat from the ovens and large fireplace seeped through her pelisse and warmed her to the bone.

Peter touched her arm. “If you would like, I can take your outer clothes and put them out of the way.”

Caroline nodded and quickly worked the buttons loose. She handed him her pelisse and pulled off her gloves, tucking them inside her bonnet as she handed them over as well.

“Do you know what we shall be cooking?”

Peter held up his hand, just before he passed through a doorway. He returned a moment later. “Mrs. Pratt was good enough to leave some of her recipes here for us to use.” He pointed to the top one. “I ordered the beef roast; it should already have been delivered.

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