Chapter Forty-One
Julian woke later that morning and reached for Caroline. His fingers touched empty sheets. With a start, he sat up in the bed. Caroline was nowhere to be seen. Wiping the early morning condensation from the window, he peered out.
He quickly dressed and stuffed his sockless feet into his boots. Opening the door of the cottage, he stepped out into the cold morning air. Julian was still doing up the last of his coat buttons when he came to her side.
She was standing not far from the cottage, looking out over the ice-covered lawn and beyond to the lake. She turned to him and smiled.
Julian pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I can see we are going to have to establish some rules about you leaving the bed while your master is still in it.”
She returned his kiss. “Good morning, my lord and master. You were snoring like James’s dog, so I thought it best to leave you be.”
He huffed. He didn’t snore. Did he?
As Caroline turned back to look at the lake, he held her. They stood silently watching the water birds skimming over the frozen water.
“Wait until spring. The lake is full of all manner of birdlife returning from the warmth of the southern climes. We shall have to have your parents up here so that I can take your father fishing for mirror carp,” he said.
“Speaking of my parents, are we still in agreement about arrangements for London? I mean, that you will ask permission to court me before an official betrothal announcement is made?” she replied.
After the proceedings of the previous night, it seemed a little silly to still go ahead with a formal courtship, but Julian wanted to show the rest of London society that he and Caroline had conducted themselves in a manner above reproach. Their marriage would not be stained in the way that his parents’ union had been. “Yes.”
They returned to the cottage and picked up the remainder of their belongings. Julian stuffed his socks into his pocket. He would change once they got back to the castle. Closing the door of the cottage behind them, he and Caroline walked hand in hand back up the hill.
As they reached the top, a carriage appeared over the rise in the drive.
“I love you,” she said, slipping her hand from his grasp.
The carriage slowed and came to a halt close to the front entrance of the castle. The carriage door opened and James jumped down. Catching sight of them, he gave a friendly wave.
“Fantastic morning, is it not? Hope I am not too late to catch a spot of breakfast,” he said.
“Welcome back, Radley. We were just coming in for breakfast ourselves,” replied Julian. He pretended not to see the sly smile which appeared on James’s face when Caroline passed him by. Julian resisted the urge to run his fingers through her tussled hair. She looked as if she had just tumbled out of bed.His bed.
Inside the breakfast room, James grabbed a plate and piled it high with food. Julian followed suit.
The night of love-making with Julian had left Caroline famished. She set aside all pretense of ladylike dining and filled her own plate with hearty serves of roast potatoes, bacon and baked salmon.
“So, tell me, what could be so pressing as to have you travel from Burton at the crack of dawn?” she said.
James finished his mouthful of food, then set down his knife and fork. “While I was in the wilds of Devonshire, I had an epiphany. As soon as we returned to town, I had the chaps arrange a carriage to bring me back here this morning. Pack your things, Caro. We are leaving for London today.”
Caroline kept her emotions in check, not daring to look at Julian. The journey home to London, while inevitable, was not something she had been expecting for at least a few more days. She silently cursed James and his sudden impetuous decision. She ached to be back at the cottage with Julian, lying naked and sated in his arms.
“Are you sure you have to leave in such a hurry?” replied Julian.
“Yes, well you did a sterling job of helping Caroline during this most unfortunate situation, but we should not impose on your good self any longer. Besides, I need to get home and speak to my father,” said James.
Caroline knew that tone from James only too well. When his mind was made up, there was little point in arguing with him. James would surely have a well-presented case for the urgency of their departure. Nothing she, nor Julian, could say would make any difference.
“I shall make enquiries with the stable master and your coachman after breakfast. They will want to have plenty of time to make ready for your departure,” said Julian.
Once he had finished, Julian excused himself.
As soon as he was gone, Caroline rounded on James. “That was more than a little rude on your part. Julian has been nothing but the most gracious of hosts and you simply arrive on his doorstep this morning and tell him you have had enough and we are leaving. You could have at least consulted with me before you made your grand announcement.” she said.
James looked at her and huffed. “Having seen that which I did through the window of the carriage, I would say we have overstayed our welcome. That is, unless you and Newhall plan to make an announcement this morning,” he replied.
He’d caught her on the spot. She glared at him.
