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“I intend on speaking with father and convincing him that this plan to marry Alexander Mannfield is not in my favor.” Caroline got out of bed, feeling excited as she pictured her plan in her head. She believed it would work. She just had to be careful and use her words properly.
She also had to be prepared to deal with the inevitable consequences. There would be talk if she did not marry Alexander after all the rumors, but she could handle it. People had broken off engagements and were still surviving the gossip mills. They simply had to do it in such a way that it appeared as if they had encountered difficulties during their courtship.
“Do you think that would work?” Ann asked, drawing her out of her thoughts. “I would not wish for your expectations to be squandered if father refuses to listen to you.”
Caroline hugged her sister, touched by her concern. “Let us not dwell on that for now, shall we? I have a good feeling about this, Ann.”
“In that case, you can count on me. I shall do my part to ensure the success of your plans.” Ann walked out, heading to her younger sisters’ rooms to get them ready for their day out.
Caroline wrapped herself up and lay in bed after Ann left her room, waitingfor them to leave the house, herfoot shakingwith excitement.
When she heard a knock on her door, Caroline burrowed deeper into her bed and refused to acknowledge her mother when she called her name.
“The girls and I are off to purchase new hats. Do you wish to join us? Some fresh air would do you some good,” her mother said.
Caroline turned away, playing the part of a despondent daughter who did not get her way. The room was quiet as Lady Campbell hesitated. Caroline hoped her mother did not choose this time to cave and try to make peace with her as that would waste her time. She was relieved when she heard her let out an exasperated sigh and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
Throwing off her covers, she ran to her window and waited for what must have been a few minutes but felt like an eternity before she saw her mother and sisters leave for town. Rushing to get ready, she made her way over to her father’s study. She knocked and poked her head into the room to ensure he was alone before walking in.
“Caroline, my dear, what is the matter?” her father smiled warmly at her, and Caroline could not help but return it. Her father always had an infectious smile. She thought she was most like him. It would explain why she related more to him while constantly clashing with her mother. “You rarely seek me out so.”
Caroline nodded. Her mother made sure they did not disturb their father needlessly and she sustained the habit. “Father, there is a matter I shall like us to discuss,” she said, sitting by him.
“What is it you wish to discuss my dear?” Caroline could tell from his expression that he already knew.
“It is about the letter. Father, I do hope you trust that I would never encourage or allow men to send me such letters,” she said. For her plan to work, she would need to make him believe.
“Of course, my dear. Even when your mother brought the letter to me, I had my doubts that it was addressed to you. When she said you denied ever having anything to do with the Mannfield boy, I believed that to be true because I know you. You need not worry what I think, my Caroline. Your father has always been proud of you, and I don’t think that will ever change,” he chuckled lightly, patting her hand.
Caroline felt her heart soar at her father’s words, but he seemed to think she had only come to make sure he did not have a bad impression of her. She swallowed. “Thank you for trusting me, father. And since you do, you should understand. I came here because I do not want to marry Alexander Mannfield.” She stopped when she saw her father vehemently shake his head.
“I amsorry, but the rumors have spread, and calling it off will be disastrous to your reputation — I shall not allow you to be ruined.” Her father was serious about this. She needed to soften her words and try to appeal to him.
"I understand that you want to proceed withthe marriage because you wishto protect me, and I am grateful for your love and concern, father, but I have always wanted to marry for love.I aspire to be like you andmother. You know this. Every time you spoke to us ofyour love story, it solidified in my heart how much I wanted to marry someone I care about," she said, pausing to observe his reaction to her words. Her father was strict, but he was also extremely loving and always looked out for his children's best interests.
"I know you worryabout what will happen as a result, but father, this is notthe Middle Ages, and that exchange does not signifythe end of the world.People will only discuss it for a few days before moving on to the next rumor. My reputation will not be harmed in the way you believe. People who have broken off engagements in the past have not been ostracized by society. We just have to present it as if we realized a relationship would not work during our courtship," she explained.
"Are you certain, my dear?" her father questioned, concerned. She could tell he was torn between wanting her to be happy and doing what he thought was best for her as a father protecting his child.
"Yes, father, I am. By the end of this, my reputation will still be spotless," she said with certainty she did not feel. If she wanted to persuade him, she had to act as if she knew exactly how things would turn out. Her father sighed. He seemed to have been having his own reservations about forcing them to marry.
"All right, my dear, I shall grant you the freedom of choice, and if it doesnot involvethis man, then I shall accept it." Caroline let out a very uncouth squeal of delight as she hugged her father.
“Thank you, father.” She kissed his cheek and left his study with a broad and genuine smile on her face, his hearty laugh following her.
Caroline almost went down to the door to wait for Ann's return, but she restrained herself and waited until they allwere on their way to theirchambers before opening her door and snatching Ann from the hallway.
Marjorie and Alice, who were with one of the maids, were startled when she appeared. "Girls, come with me; I want to see all you purchased," she said loudly enough for the maid to hear before waving them into her room.
"Did you accomplish what you set out to do?" Marjorie askedas soon as the door closed behind them.
Caroline beamed. “Yes. I spoke withfather as planned, and he has decided to let me choose who I want as my husband." Her words came out as a squeal, and she jumped up and down in delight. The three girls shared her joy at the turn of events.
“Thank you, girls, I could not have done it without you.”
“We are happy it is all settled!” Marjorie said, sitting on her bed.
"Nothing is settledyet," Caroline said, turning her gaze to follow Marjorie. "When Mother realizes Alexander Mannfield has changed his mind, she will try to persuade father once more. SoI need you to watch her for a few days, keep her busy and away from father."
