Page 24

The sound of steady and insistent rain drumming against her window woke Caroline the next morning.

When she stretched, delicious aches went through her body and muscles she didn’t even know she had.

Not wishing to arise just yet, she burrowed into her pillows and beneath the counterpane, for her first thoughts were of what she’d done with Felix yesterday.

Even though it had seemed like years had passed, it truly had only been a day.

And she wasn’t the same woman she’d been when the house party started.

What would happen once it ended and everyone went back to their previous lives?

She had no idea, but her chest tightened, for she didn’t wish to think that she had been used by the major simply because she’d been convenient as an investigative companion.

Regardless, it was a glum thought and stole some of the pleasure from the memories .

I just don’t think he’s that type of man.

Then there was no more time to ponder, for Beth, her maid, bustled into the room with a few gowns and dresses hung over her arm.

“Finally, you are awake. You must have needed that sleep, my lady.” There was no judgment in the other woman’s voice, only curiosity.

“Perhaps I did.” Sitting up in the bed, she frowned as Beth set about putting garments into the wardrobe. “What activities has my mother set out for everyone today?”

“You already missed breakfast contretemps. It seems that a few of the male guests weren’t best pleased with Major Kourier’s probing into their whereabouts during the start of the house party.

” A chuckle sounded from within the wardrobe.

“There were two walking parties organized. One was a tour through the hedge maze while the other was a search for wildflowers to press and dry for a different craft, but with the rain, they were both cancelled.”

“It’s all so dreadfully dull.” But she did feel bad for Felix.

All he was trying to do was get through an investigation since her father refused to do it.

However, once the case was solved, there was no doubt in Caroline’s mind that her father would take the credit. “What does Mama have planned instead?”

“Watercolors in the morning room.”

Caroline blew out a breath. “I believe I’ll pass on that.” Painting wasn’t her forte.

“I thought you would say that.” Beth flashed a smile. “Since you stayed abed so late, luncheon is soon, served in the dining room over the next couple of hours.”

Heat filled Caroline’s cheeks. “Is it insensitive of me to request a bath? After the day I had yesterday, I want to wash off some of the grime.” Yes, she went swimming, but that didn’t count. “I still have cobwebs in my hair.”

“I will go downstairs and ask that water be heated.” Finally, Beth came out from the wardrobe with a day dress of yellow cotton lined with embroidered white daises.

She met Caroline’s eyes. “When you changed clothes after the incident in the library, I was obliged to carry your garments to the laundry. There was a bit of blood on your petticoat.”

Oh, dear heavens.

“How interesting.” She slipped from the bed to pad to the window. Due to the rain, everyone would be trapped inside with each other. No doubt parlor games and cards would be the order of the day.

“You have been spending copious amounts of time with the major.”

“Of course I have. He’s asked me to partner with him in finding out who murdered Mr. Blythe.” Finally, she turned to face her maid. “ Don’t dance about an issue, Beth. What do you wish to say?”

“Did you let the Major Kourier bed you yesterday? That is the only reason for the blood, especially since your menses aren’t a week past yet.” The same curiosity reflected in her eyes as before.

“What if I did? Will you run to tattle to my mother?”

“Of course not.” A sly look came over the maid’s face. “How was his performance? Was he quite satisfying?”

Heat poured over Caroline’s being. “He was… amazing.” There was no other word to describe the intimacy she’d shared with him.

“I had no idea relations could feel like that, but now I know why men and women are kept apart and watched during social events. If such things as transformative experiences are pursued, I can imagine society would crumble into chaos.”

“And there would be a glut of ruined reputations and unwanted babies.” Beth laid the dress on the foot of the bed as she returned to the wardrobe for undergarments.

“Will you demand that he marry you? A major is nothing to sneeze at, and he’s a former inspector from Bow Street to boot. You could do worse.”

“I don’t need the lecture, thank you.” With a frown, Caroline crossed her arms at her chest. “What happened can’t be undone. Neither do I want it to be. It just… was. Besides, the major isn’t the marrying kind. He’s violently opposed to that state.”

When Beth brought the underclothes to the bed, she shook her head. “Then your mother will more or less push some other man onto you, and you’ll find yourself engaged by hook or by crook.”

“Why do you say that?”

The maid shrugged. “Your mother’s maid overheard your parents talking.

They want both you and the younger Miss Ives married or engaged by year’s end because Seasons are costing far too much coin.

As is what your father called your ‘hobbies’.

” She met Caroline’s gaze. “And now you have the power to force a union to a man you at least get along with.”

“I promised him I wouldn’t demand anything from him; I’m not an obligation and I refuse to marry just because we came together by mutual agreement.” If she did that, he would forever resent her.

“Do you have feelings for him?”

“I do not.” At least not in this moment, that was a true statement. “Other than respect for his profession and admiration for how he conducts himself during an investigation. He is also quite gentlemanly when he’s not grousing.”

“Mmm, well that does make things more complicated.” Beth moved to the door.

“As for the other thing, this is just what household gossip holds, but don’t turn up your nose.

You have a bird in hand, as the saying goes.

It’s better than continuing and then tumbling into scandal or worse.

At that point, no man will have you, and it’s possible your family will disown you. ”

“I know.” Society’s dictates were unforgiving and exact.

She didn’t know what would happen, but she also knew she didn’t want a husband out of guilt merely from one indiscretion or so.

That wasn’t fair to either of them, and she didn’t know enough about the major after only two days.

Bedding notwithstanding. “Please order that bath.” Confusion and sadness cycled through her person. “I’m not feeling myself at the moment.”

By the time Caroline drifted into the dining room, her mind still hadn’t been cleared.

There was much to think about, impulsive decisions or not.

The first person her gaze fell upon was the major, who sat by himself at the end of a long table, quietly eating his meal as if there weren’t countless annoyed looks sent in his direction.

It must be hell to have the bad luck of being the investigator of a murder, when no one wanted to get involved or be bothered.

Pasting a smile on her lips, Caroline joined him, slipping into a chair next to him.

He glanced at her and gave her a half-grin. “It’s about time you decided to join us, Sleeping Beauty.”

Heat went through her cheeks at the fairy tale reference. “I was exhausted after yesterday’s contretemps.”

A hint of a flush rose up his neck. “Understandable. At least you didn’t get shot.”

“You told me to do it!” she argued in a low voice.

“I know.” He chuckled. “Still stings, though.” As he wiped the corners of his mouth with a linen napkin, he glanced at her. “Do you wish to accompany me? I’m headed to the stables to interview the groom. When I looked back through my notes, one of the early witnesses said his name was Tobert.”

“Of course.” She nodded while her stomach rumbled. “Allow me to eat. I wasn’t all that hungry at dinner last night.”

“Enjoy your meal. The groom can wait.”

“Will you sit with me?” As she spoke, one of the footmen came over and brought her a cup of tea along with a tray full of cold cuts, cheese, bread, pickled vegetables, and some various jams.

Disappointment reflected on his face. “I’ve promised my sister that I would spend a few minutes with Helena. I’ll meet you at the stables in say an hour? ”

“All right.” As he left the table, she frowned. Did he already regret what they’d shared yesterday? There was no way to tell, but if she gathered enough courage, she would be sure to ask him, for she didn’t believe in letting things stew.

As she ate, she watched a bevy of ladies gossip and giggle at the other table along with a few young gentlemen, her sister among them.

One of the guests was Lockhart’s sister and another was Lady Lillian Oberon, whose name had been spoken of during interviews.

Mr. Lockhart was there, but though he laughed and joked with the company, his smiles didn’t reach his eyes.

Was he still grieving the loss of his friend, even if said friend had tried to destroy his reputation?

It was a conundrum indeed.

An hour later, Caroline gained the stables, and since the rain hadn’t cleared, making the air chilly for the middle of April, she’d donned a spencer and carried an umbrella.

Felix was immediately visible in a greatcoat, top hat, and holding an umbrella in his free hand, standing in the muddy stable yard.

When he spotted her, his eyes lit, and he intercepted her.

“Dismal weather, eh?”

She snorted. “Rather typical, really.” And frankly, it suited her mood. Why did the arrival of one man affect every aspect of her life? Surely that didn’t mean she was developing any sort of romantic feelings for him. That would complicate everything.