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Chapter 33
Crispin sat in his study, staring up at the ceiling. He had been eagerly awaiting news from the blacksmith, hopeful that the man, Joseph Caldwell, would do the right thing. Although he had been hopeful that the blacksmith would go directly from his shop to Lord Comstead, Crispin knew that it was likely not that simple.
After all, Mr. Caldwell would need to finish his work for the day and by the time he had finished, he might be too tired or unable to get to the estate.
Of course, there were a number of other possibilities that could all end with the man not going to chase after the woman he loved. Still, Crispin was hopeful that it would happen soon enough, thinking any man would have to be a fool to have a chance with his beloved and lose out on it.
He hoped that he would soon have his chance with Mary as well. If Lord Comstead was made aware of how much his wife had lied, there was a chance that he would be willing to open his eyes to the fact that Crispin was a decent man—a man who would do everything within his power to take care of Mary.
There was a sudden knock at the door of the study and Crispin sat up straight. “Come in.”
Beatrice entered, smiling sweetly at him in the same way she had been so often lately. It had seemed as though she felt so terrible for him that she would do just about anything to try and lift his spirits. He was grateful for her attempts to encourage him, although he knew in his heart that she was struggling with how difficult a task that truly was.
“Crispin, I have heard that you were spotted in town, making your way to a blacksmith shop?” she asked, sitting down across from him.
Crispin smiled and gave a single nod of confirmation. He knew that his sister was going to unleash all of her questions and he would be helpless to avoid them.
“I went to the man’s shop, just as I knew I had to. I spoke with him, Beatrice. I begged him to do something, and I do earnestly believe that I got through to him. I could be wrong and maybe I am a fool for thinking it, but I trust that he is going to ask Lady Charlotte to marry him and he will tell her mother and Lord Comstead about the affair,” Crispin said.
“You really believe that he will? When I asked him, he was very hesitant, saying he feared that she would get into trouble,” Beatrice said.
“Yes, but I reminded him how much he loves her and that loving a woman to such an extent means having to make sacrifices. I believe that I was able to reason with him enough that he sees the importance of pursuing Lady Charlotte.
It was clear from the look in his eye that she means the world to him. I do not think he will easily let her go. My hope is that, soon enough, he will find himself ready to say something. I would not be surprised if he does so within these very next days,” Crispin said.
“And you believe that she will reciprocate? Will they be a match soon enough, do you think? Or is it possible that she will reject him to maintain her image in public?” Beatrice asked.
“I believe that she cares for him in return, although I do understand your fear. There is a chance that she will not be willing to let go of her current status in life in favour of his love. And although I believe that she will give in to her desire for his love, I must also accept that she is not like my dear Mary,” he replied.
For a long moment, Crispin thought about it, realising that his sister was right. He had hope that Lady Charlotte would run to the man she loved, but he did not know that for certain. There was still every possibility that she would choose the convenience of her life over the man she claimed to care for. And if she did so, if she really did prefer to continue her life as it was, what did that mean for him?
Would Lady Charlotte continue to deny the blacksmith? Or would she be willing to declare her love for him and walk away from her mother’s demands?
He couldn’t be sure, but Crispin had to cling to whatever hope was in his heart. If there was even the smallest chance that Lady Charlotte would let go of her mother’s wishes, it would be the greatest thing that could possibly happen.
“And what did you say to Lady Mary?” Beatrice asked.
Crispin was confused at first and then realised she must be asking about his plans to help the woman he loved. “Oh, yes. Well, I promised her that I would do whatever I was able in order to get her free of the life under which she is held captive.
I told her I would try to find a solution. Of course, my solution is not the most ideal, but I think it will help and I simply had to try. She is not aware that I approached the blacksmith, but I hope that she finds out soon enough,” Crispin said.
“What are you speaking about, Crispin? I am not asking about how much information you have given her in regard to your efforts,” Beatrice said, shaking her head at his ignorance.
Crispin was taken aback and his pride slightly wounded at his sister’s apparent irritation. He didn’t know what she was going on about. What more could he do? What else was he supposed to say?
“Then I fear you must clarify, Beatrice. I have had only the briefest moment to interact with Mary and you ought to know that I spend that entire time simply trying to calm her worries.”
“Oh, good heavens. How is it that men are meant to lead this country? You do not even understand what I am asking you. Have you given any thought as to Lady Mary’s feelings? And is she aware of yours?” Beatrice asked.
“What feelings? You mean the feelings that I have for her? Of course she knows that I care for her, if that is your meaning,” he said.
“Does she?” Beatrice challenged him.
Crispin opened his mouth to insist, but he realised that he could not defend himself. Although he had made it clear that he cared for her when speaking to others, he had not come right out and told Mary that he loved her.
“I am sure that she knows,” he said. “I have made it abundantly clear through our interactions and when we speak with one another. She must certainly know by now that I care for her. After all, I have gone to all this effort to ensure that she is taken care of, even through the difficult circumstances which she has faced.”
“But have you told her that you love her?” Beatrice asked.
