Page 10 of Once Bitten, Twice Mine

“All right, I’ll get a maid to bring you something. Is there anything you would like?”

“You’re on the other side of the room; do I make you nervous?”

Caroline blushed. “I’m not nervous, just embarrassed that you’ve barely been in my care and I’ve already nearly hurt you.”

“Since I’m unscathed, I promise not to hold it against you. Does that make you feel better?”

Caroline nodded, slowly walking to the bed. “I promise I’m a good hostess.”

“I don’t doubt it. You’ve always excelled at anything you set your mind to.”

Caroline’s cheeks blazed with heat. Valeria’s eyes narrowed on her for a brief moment before her wry look returned.

“How are you so sure? It’s been a long time since we knew each other.”

“I don’t think age has dulled you. In fact, I’m sure you’re three times as tenacious as you were.”

“I’m sure if you asked my parents, they would tell you I’ve become rather obstinate.”

Valeria chuckled, a throaty sound that reverberated through Caroline. She was proud to have caused her to produce such a sound. “It’s only obstinate when you’re doing something they don’t agree with, but I’m sure you’re the one in the right.”

“I would greatly appreciate it if you told them that.”

Valeria laughed again. “While I do have some leeway as your invalid guest, I’m afraid that not even I could get away with speaking to them so plainly.”

“Probably.” She shuffled in place, unsure of what to say next, but not ready to leave her. Valeria had consumed her thoughts all day, but now that she was before her, Caroline was tongue-tied. “Is there anything else you need? Besides food, of course.”

“Only your company.”

Valeria’s fingers brushed against her skirt. Even though there were many layers of fabric between them, she wanted to shiver. Even the vaguest thought of contact made her heart pound. It was both too much and not nearly enough.

She jumped back, balling her fists at her side. “I’m afraid I’m busy for the rest of the evening, but I’ll have a tray brought up for you. There’s a bell pull on the left side of the headboard if you need anything else. I’ll have someone assigned to your service.”

She spoke far too quickly and turned on her heel to leave before her speech was even finished, so Valeria didn’t have time to object. It would be far too easy to stay there all night, and she did have things to do. Wedding planning required her full attention.

Caroline gently closed the door behind her, turning to see a housemaid dusting the sconces in the hallway.

“Ah, Nelly, can you please get a bowl of broth for Lady Valeria? Give her a few slices of the bread Cook made today as well.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“I want you assigned to Lady Valeria’s service. She’s quite ill, so I don’t think it will take much of your time.”

Mainly, it was for Caroline’s peace of mind to make sure someone would be regularly checking on her. However, Nelly looked hesitant about her new assignment.

“Of course, I will arrange it with Mrs. Thomas that your new assignment replaces your other duties.”

Nelly relaxed. “Of course, miss. I’ll see to her now.”

“Thank you. She has a very dangerous sun sickness, so be sure to keep the drapes closed at all times.”

Nelly nodded before turning to go down to the kitchen. Caroline relaxed because Valeria would be in good hands. While Nelly wasn’t a lady’s maid, she was quite competent. A quick worker, but she never complained and understood discretion. It would be nice to have one fewer thing to worry about.

* * *

The bobbins flew between Caroline’s fingers as she settled into the rhythm of her lacemaking. Typically she preferred to crochet lace, but bobbin lace made for a prettier veil. The modiste making her wedding dress had many veils, but none of them spoke to her soul, so instead she did what she did best: create an unnecessary amount of work for herself.

What she liked most about bobbin lace was how easy it was to lose herself in the repetitive motions. When she came up with the idea, she rationalized it by saying she only needed a few yards, but if she was already going to make a veil, she was going to make the veil of her dreams. So, instead of a practical piece with a small bit of lace, she was making a cathedral-length veil with a full lace border.