Page 62 of Romancing the Artist

“I am not certain I believe it.” His father shook his head and went to the door. The disappointment in his voice, in his expression, made Edward’s gut clench most uncomfortably.

Edward had one question yet burning within. One that could not hurt to ask. “Will you send Claude home now?”

Mr. Everly hesitated, then looked over his shoulder. “Send Claude home?”

After a swallow, Edward said with confidence, “You invited him here in hopes it would persuade me to do as you wished. Did you not?”

Mr. Everly’s eyebrows went upward, but he gave no other emotion away. “Is that what you think?”

It was exactly what Edward had thought. Up until that very moment. “I can see no other reason for him to be here. And I know you asked him to come. He didn’t invite himself.”

“Indeed. I invited him.” Mr. Everly didn’t appear at all guilty in his admittance. He stared at Edward a moment longer before he opened the door and took a step through it. Then he said, “I think Claude will remain for some time yet. I will see you at breakfast, Edward.” He closed the door before Edward said another word.

Edward leaned against the wall, staring at the door. Perhaps he shouldn’t have mentioned Claude. He tilted his head against the wall and looked up at the ceiling, a feeling of unease creeping into Edward’s already bewildered heart. The dark hints Claude had dropped in casual conversation, his father’s evasiveness, didn’t sit right with him. There was an undercurrent of something between the two men that Edward sensed. He wished he understood it. Because he had the feeling that whatever it was, it was going to add yet another complication to his life.

Chapter 19

What would a courtship with Edward look like?

Caroline turned that question over and over again in her mind ever since the day in the attic. She didn’t typically mind questions she didn’t have the answers to, because finding the answers meant learning and experiencing the world. But this question made her uncomfortable. And she’d yet to come up with an answer.

That afternoon, she had outlined Edward’s form on her canvas, using the faintest lines of charcoal before daring to touch her brush to it. With each movement, each touch of the canvas, she remembered the feel of his hand cupping her face. His fingers twined with hers. The press of his lips. His scent. His taste.

When she’d finished for the day, she looked at the form emerging on her canvas with surprise. She hardly remembered what she’d done to put it there. Though her hands had moved, her mind had been far from her brush. Yet everything looked as she wished.

How very strange.

She’d left the canvas behind but kept thinking on Edward.

In the community where she had grown up, a man and woman may walk home together after church. That was when they were poor farmers, millers, innkeepers, or other tradesmen. Perhaps they would dance together at the assemblies, enough times for people to whisper about it behind their hands or fans.

Caroline sat in front of the mirror in her room, watching as Emily carefully braided her hair into a coronet around her head. She had decided to dress simply for the evening bonfire on the beach, hosted by the earl and countess for their friends. She wore a white cotton dress with minimal flounces and a lace-up, dark blue bodice. The maid helped her slip on a pair of half boots that the sand wouldn’t harm, and Caroline stood up to survey herself in the mirror.

The curls peeking out about her face made her look elegant yet relaxed, and the dress was both comfortable and flattering. She twirled around a few times to make sure the skirt flowed just right, and Emily laughed at her playful display.

“You look beautiful, miss,” the maid said with a smile.

Caroline grinned back, feeling less self-conscious than she had when Lady Inglewood had hosted that first dinner for her. Bonfires she understood. Evenings spent laughing and singing, telling stories, those were far less intimidating than a formal dinner. She had started making friends, too.

Edward would be there.

Caroline felt a flutter in her chest as she looked at the clock on the mantel. Minutes instead of hours separated them now. She couldn’t deny that she enjoyed spending time with him, that his quick wit and bold spirit drew her to him. But what did all of that mean? Did he feel the same way about her? And even if he did, what would that mean for her future? Would she be content to be a wife, to set aside her artistic dreams for the sake of a husband and children?

Was that her future, exchanging one love for another?

Without romantic ambitions of her own, Caroline hadn’t paid attention to who had a fondness for whom until bans were read in their village church. Even when Jill Martin’s brother had started to visit more often, bringing her flowers or jam, talking to her of things he thought she liked, she hadn’t felt he was courting her. He was being a nuisance. A sweet nuisance. But still. A nuisance.

Things with Edward were not like that at all.

Those questions plagued her and she sensed that she would have to make a decision about her future quite soon. But for now, she would enjoy Edward’s company, and try not to think too much about what it might mean.

Focusing on Sir Thomas’s impending visit would distract her from Edward, even though she had worried that Edward would distract her from the visit. Caroline no longer knew which man would hold her future in his hands.

She selected a light shawl to drape over her shoulders, knowing that the night air would cool quickly. As she left her room, she took a deep breath. Enjoying the evening was her only concern tonight and she would not overthink things. No matter what. All her worries would keep another day.

Caroline arrived at the beachfront while the sun remained hovering over the horizon. Walking through the gardens, she admired the colorful decorations that were strung up for the occasion. The bonfire had yet to be lit, but people were already gathering in small groups, chatting and laughing as they waited for the festivities to begin. The air was filled with the scent of roasted meats and spices, and Caroline’s mouth watered at the sight of the delicious food protected by servants with fans. The earl and countess stood at the center of the main garden walk, in the place before the steps dipped downward to the sand.

As Caroline approached Lady Inglewood’s side, the countess smiled and greeted her warmly. “Caroline, darling, you look lovely this evening.”