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CHAPTERTWENTY
Caroline stepped out of her carriage as she reached her parent’s estate. In the past week, Alexander had been even more doting and attentive, as though trying to make up for the rumors. They went to see a play and went horseback riding. Soon enough, the rumors of Alexander meeting a lady while she was away died down. Everything was going well, and the issue did not make that much of a splash in their lives. There was only one problem: Colin and Ann’s relationship was ruined.
Of course, the moment Caroline had found out nothing happened, she wrote to Ann telling her that Alexander had not been unfaithful, and Colin had probably only responded that way because he was aware there was nothing to worry about. Her sister’s responding letter had been obviously vulnerable as she asked if Caroline was sure. Caroline had assured her and told her she needed to apologize.
Ann had remained silentsince then. Caroline planned to go shopping with her mother and sisters in the afternoon.She found Ann needling in the morning room.
“If there is one thing I am happy for, it is that I do not have to hold a needle ever again,” Caroline said, staring at the needle in disgust.
Ann looked up in surprise and laughed when she saw Caroline. “You only say that because you’re horrible at it. There’s nothing wrong with needling.” She walked toward her sister and hugged her tightly. “I have missed you, Carol, but why are you here so early?”
“I came early because I wanted to talk to you,” Caroline said, taking the chair beside her sister. “You never replied to my letter. Did you talk to Colin?”
Ann stood up and walked to a vase housing a couple of flowers. Caroline was curious to know the thoughts that raced in her sister’s mind, but she waited patiently, choosing to not try to prod the information out of her.
“I am glad that the rumors turned out to be false, but it does not excuse how he brushed away my concerns. If I am to be his wife, should he not be open to confiding in me? Eager even? Is that not what it means to be husband and wife?” Ann asked. “In fact, to me, it is baffling that you would forgive your husband so easily for choosing not to mention something so important. You had to hear it from me!”
Caroline balked at her sister’s words. She knew they were true, but they felt harsh.
“I decided it was better this way. Think about it. What use would my anger be? It would simply put a strain on our relationship. He made a mistake, and he apologized,” Caroline said.
Ann crossed her arms over her chest, seeming unimpressed. “Well, that’s a difference between me and you, sister. I cannot imagine myself forgiving Colin.”
Caroline was crestfallen. “I am sorry about all of this.”
Ann put her hands down, a surprised expression on her face. “None of this is your fault!” she said, going to sit beside Caroline.
“I know you do not think it is my fault, but you are my little sister, and I am allowed to worry about you. I think you and Colin were good together, but that was ruined because of me,” Caroline said. Her sister looked like she was gearing up to argue, but she did not get the chance.
“Ann?” their mother’s voice interrupted, putting an end to their conversation. Caroline took a deep breath. It was the first time she was meeting her mother since she married Alexander. Ann tensed slightly as well, their previous conversation forgotten as their mother peeked into the room and balked at the sight of Caroline. She quickly pulled herself together however and stood dignified at the door.
“Oh, Caroline. You are here quite early,” her mother said.
“Hello, mother,” Caroline greeted her. Most of her anger had already dissipated if she was being honest. It had been over three months, and she was now enjoying married life. She was no longer angry, but the hiatus had brought a certain awkwardness. She could tell from her mother’s struggle to maintain a dignified aura that she had missed her, too.
“It has been a while… how have you been?” she asked.
“I have been well,” Caroline responded.
“Are you still upset with me?”
“No.”
“Oh. Good.”
An awkward silence settled between them, and she and her mother stood there, staring at each other, not sure what to say next.
Ann saved the day. “Mother has missed you dreadfully Caroline. She pretends like she does not, but she talks about you every day.”
Ann’s playful tone lightened the mood and her mother blushed, turning on her heel. “Well, since you’re already here, let us hurry then. Might as well get an early start!” she said, trying to change the subject quickly.
Caroline smiled. “I missed you too, mother.” Her mother froze in her tracks for a moment, before continuing to walk away as though she did not hear anything.
Still smiling, Caroline leaned over to hug Ann. “Thank you for helping us,” she said. Ann just nodded and grinned at her.
The ladies headed off as the younger ones chatted eagerly about what they wanted to get for themselves. Caroline stayed with Ann until they arrived at the shop they often frequented, before they all headed off in different directions, looking for what appealed to each of them.
Caroline noticed some beautiful fabrics, hoping to find something that would suit her. She picked up one that matched the color of her hair and wondered how Alexander would react if he saw her in a gown made from it. His hands always found their way into her hair when they were alone, and he constantly told her how much he loved the color.
