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“They have taken to calling Susan’s old bedroom the Reeve Fashion Emporium,” Caroline told Grace. “It is the utmost folly. Do you ever wish to throw up your hands and walk away from your position? If my sisters were not family, I would be tempted to do exactly that.”
Grace laughed and settled herself next to Caroline on the sofa in the parlor. “I would be in a very sorry state if I were to leave my employment at a moment’s notice, I’m afraid. But Lady Edith is a good girl. Not so many trials and tribulations as some girls give their companions.”
“I fret over my sisters when I am not there to watch them in person. I worry about what they might get up to.”
“Have you thought about hosting more events, where you could control who is invited and what happens in your own home?”
Caroline blinked. “Jacob did tell me that he wished to have dinner and dancing here as soon as we settled into the house, but I have been so busy that I forgot every word about it. That is a fine idea. I can prove to anyone who still looks down on us that we are surely ready for high society. I will issue invitations straightaway.”
It would be a pleasure to entertain friends at home and to serve them with the niceties that she hadn’t been able to afford before.
“I have been thinking a great deal about our conversation in the tea shop,” Caroline confessed after she poured the tea.
Grace smiled. “I have thought of it too. I am so pleased to find myself among friends. I have lived in many places as a companion or a chaperone, and I have not often found myself among like-minded women.”
Caroline stared down at the array of cakes on the tea platter. “If I may ask, have you ever had a—well, a proper relationship before?” She lowered her voice. “I mean, with another woman?”
“I have. Twice, in fact.”
“How have you managed such a thing? I’ve never had a relationship before. I have had friendships, and I have my family, but I’ve never really had a lover. Not long term.”
Did she even want such a thing? How long would she be in Inverley, with her siblings pestering her every other day about moving to London as fast as could be arranged?
It would be lovely to enjoy Arabella’s company for however long she could keep it, though.
“Is it so different from friendship?” Grace sipped her tea.
Caroline hesitated. “I worry about hurting Arabella. What if she wants more than I can give?”
“Do you want to give it to her?”
Did she? She loved being with Arabella. She loved their intimate encounters, she loved talking with her, she loved being with her. But she wanted to prove that she was worthy of their relationship, that she was as put together as Arabella expected.
Even though she felt like she was falling apart at the seams, like her old chemises.
“I don’t know what I want. I have leaned on her far too often. She deserves better than always having to help me with my family troubles. I want to protect her.”
“A relationship means that you help each other. You support each other.”
“I want to begoodto her. And goodforher.” Arabella deserved everything. She was the one who deserved to be an heiress.
“My advice is to encourage her. Support her. Find what she loves, and do more of that.”
Arabella certainly loved to be touched. Caroline’s body tightened as she thought of lovemaking with Arabella. It could easily become her favorite pastime, and she thought Arabella would like more of it too. She resolved to take the very next opportunity to show her how much she meant to her. She might not be able to put how she felt into words, but she could put it in her touch.
Chapter Fifteen
Arabella’s heart was full as she sat on the swing across from Caroline. If she ignored Caroline’s new hairstyle and fine muslin dress, she could pretend that nothing had changed, and that this was lifebefore.
Caroline slid her arm along the back of the swing, her fingertips resting on Arabella’s shoulder, and she was reminded that lifeafterhad its charms.
“This is tempting fate,” Arabella murmured, looking up at her. But she couldn’t move away. Not when it felt so nice.
“There is no one out here, and we are well established to be old friends,” Caroline said, smiling. “Who would take any notice?”
She moved her hand lower so that her gloved fingers dipped between the edge of Arabella’s bodice and her fichu.
“I am certainly noticing.” Her nipples felt tight beneath her chemise, and the deep pulse of desire started to throb inside. “We really shouldn’t.”
