After the service, Caroline conversed with a few people, then thanked Mr. Curnow for his sermon. To her light annoyance, she noted her own continuing awareness of Mr. Yorke’s location throughout her conversations, despite never once intentionally looking at him.
Oswald appeared at her side and shook hands with the vicar. “May we expect to see you at Trevenna this Saturday, sir?”
“I fully expect to be present,” Mr. Curnow responded with a smile. “It is kind of you to invite me.”
“It would hardly be a proper gathering for Trelowen without you,” Caroline said.
Mr. Yorke drew near.
“I trust you shall be there, as well, Mr. Yorke?” Mr. Curnow said.
Caroline’s stomach clenched.
“Where shall I be?” Mr. Yorke asked, looking quite ready to oblige, though he hadn’t any idea of the topic of conversation.
“I was only wondering if you would be at the gathering her ladyship is hosting this week.”
“Ah,” Mr. Yorke said with an amused smile at Caroline. “I fear not. I am not included amongst the honored invitees. But you may rely upon my presence here Sunday next.”
The vicar seemed to realize he had introduced awkwardness into the conversation, and he looked at Lady Radcliffe with apology in his eyes.
“If I had known you were still in Trelowen, Mr. Yorke,” Caroline said, trying to will away the bit of warmth creeping into her cheeks, “I would have seen to it that you had an invitation.”
Oswald shifted beside her.
“Would you?” Mr. Yorke asked with a quizzical brow and a quirk to his smile.
“Of course.” She had never wanted to box someone’s ears so much.
“That is very kind of you, your ladyship,” Mr. Yorke said. “I am sure I could never decline an invitation from you. If there is to be dancing, I trust you will save me a set.”
Oswald shifted again.
That was the point of asking, she didn’t doubt—to provoke Oswald. It had nothing to do with wanting to dance with her.
“The details of the entertainment are still being arranged,” Caroline said, “so I am reluctant to make promises I cannot keep.” In any case, how would it look if she were to dance with the man challenging her candidate?
If Mr. Yorkedidmean to challenge him, that was. Caroline was not at all certain of that. It was entirely possible he had remained in Trelowen purely to cause mischief.
“I shall only hold you to it if thereisdancing, of course,” Mr. Yorke said graciously.
“Very good of you.” Caroline was unable to entirely mask the irony in her voice. It would have been impolite to persist in her refusal, but she determined right then to rethink the plans for dancing, no matter how much it disappointed the other guests.
Preparations for the gathering at Trevenna consumed Caroline for the next three days. Despite her wish to do away with any dancing, Oswald—ever-practical—argued that it would be a mistake.
“I think it will look strange to our guests if I am dancing with the candidate challenging you,” Caroline argued as they sat over tea in the parlor.
“That does not concern me,” Oswald replied.
Caroline tried to conceal her surprise.
Oswald glanced at her and apparently felt the need to expound. “He hasn’t a leg to stand on here, whether he dances with you or not. Unless, that is, you fear dancing with him may shift your own allegiance.” His eyes fixed on her, gently questioning.
Caroline let out an incredulous laugh. “Do not be ridiculous.”
He gave a little smile. “I am glad to find you think the idea ridiculous.”
“What elseshouldI think it?”
