“Well I shall go and have a quick word with Francis, and let him know you are up and about, Caroline. He went off earlier to check on the coach driver and Master Cook. I had better call in and give them my best regards as well,” said James.
Caroline and Julian were left alone. The uneasy air settled between them once more.
Caroline cleared her throat. “I feel I owe you an apology.”
For the second time in a matter of minutes, Julian found himself wrong footed by Caroline. First, she had thanked him, now she was offering an apology.
“Lord Newhall, I was rude to you the night we first met. I was angry, but you were trying to be a gentleman and resolve an argument. I was then rude to you a second time at the ball. You were right to treat me the way you did. I apologize for my behavior toward you,” she said.
He knew he should have felt a sense of satisfaction over having managed to secure an apology from Caroline, but instead he felt regret. There was a spark about her which disappeared the instant she became formal with him. That spark had intrigued him.
“And I owe you two apologies. One for your foot, which I deliberately stepped on. And two, for my disgraceful behavior at the Serpentine. I could have and should have saved you from falling. To my utter disgust, I did not. I am deeply ashamed of myself and offer you my unreserved apology,” he replied.
They stood in silence for a time, neither looking at the other. Finally, Julian mustered up the courage to offer a way forward. “If you are agreeable, then let us put our past behind us. I hope you and the others enjoy your stay here at Newhall Castle. We have many activities and entertainments planned; I am sure you will find something that appeals to you.”
He was genuine in his wishes for Caroline to enjoy herself. She would not be someone he would ever consider as a candidate for his future bride, but still there was something about her he found appealing.
She was truly a beauty. Her blond hair verily shone in the morning light. His gaze settled briefly on the bodice of her deep-blue gown. She wore her clothes a little tighter than other women, which he secretly liked. His gaze was afforded an easy and appreciative show of the outline of her ample breasts and slender waist.
He swallowed as he fought the unexpected attraction to the woman he was supposed to thoroughly dislike.
“So, Lord Newhall, we shall attempt to be friends?” she replied.
He smiled. “Yes, but only if you call me, Julian.”
The smile she gave him in return lit up her whole face. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with warmth and humor. Julian was certain that in that instant his heart missed a beat.
“Very well. In the spirit of friendship, I would also ask that you call me Caroline. Friends are permitted those small indulgences,” she replied.
Julian stood in the front entrance of the castle after Caroline left to follow James and enquire as to the health of the injured servant. That simple act, coupled with her apology, had him wondering what other surprises she would spring on him over the next week.
The Caroline who had arrived on his doorstep in the middle of a storm was not the same woman who had berated him at a ball a matter of days ago. And her family certainly did not treat her with anything other than familial warmth and concern. Francis and James had both dashed upstairs upon hearing that Caroline had been injured.
He shook his head, refusing the tempting thought that he had figured her all wrong. “Don’t be a fool, Newhall. This is how these women get you to do their bidding. A soft batting of the eyelids, a simple smile, and then they have you,” he muttered.
He would choose his countess from the other ladies present at the house party. Caroline Saunders would not figure in the decision of his future life partner. He would not make the same mistake his father had.
