Page 60 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman (The Marlow Family Secrets #3)

Rob’s mother had helped him into a dressing gown, and his father helped him move from the bed to a chair. He was to spend his afternoon here. They had positioned the chair by the window, with a high stool to put his splinted leg up on. This was the first time he had risen.

The surgeon had said the splints could be removed from his arm in a week, but his leg should remain in the splints a little longer.

‘Your father said you asked Caroline to marry you…’ his mother said in a conversational voice, as though she were talking about what he fancied for his dinner.

‘ Lord! ’ Rob laughed on a choke, and coughed as his good hand pressed against his painful ribs. ‘He said he would not tell you. How many weeks did he manage to hold that secret for?’

‘He said if he told me I must swear not to mention it to anyone, including you. But I knew there was something between you anyway because you said her name more than a dozen times in your sleep when you were taking laudanum. ’

‘So, Papa must have also told you she refused me. He said I should try again. What do you think?’

Her smile parted her lips. ‘If you feel so much for her, why would you not? But I would counsel, as your father did, you should give yourself time; you are young.’

He sighed. He did not feel so young any more. He did not feel young at all. He was too world-wise these days, having experienced life through Caro’s eyes.

‘It will take Caroline courage to trust you,’ she said when she placed the blanket over his legs. ‘She has experienced pain in her marriage.’

‘I know, Mama.’

‘You are wise for your age, and sensible. I am proud that you helped Caroline; you have made such a difference for her. I wanted you to know I hope you do find happiness with her. I will be glad for both of you if you do.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Shall I fetch you a cup of tea? Would you like me to sit with you?’

Rob nodded.

She leaned and hugged him, tears glittering in her eyes.

‘I wish this had not happened to you, but then again it has given your father and I some time with you. Both John and Mary told us they felt a lack of love because there were too many of you for us to spend enough time with you all. We try hard now to spend more time with each of the young ones, but that is too late for you.’

‘I have not felt a lack, Mama. I know you and Papa are there if I need you.’

‘And yet until now you have cut your path independently so you will not need us. ’

He smiled. ‘But I need you now, and you are here. So, yes, please, I would like a cup of tea.’

She laughed as she turned away. ‘Very well, I shall order one.’

Hope and longing stirred in his chest as he pictured Caro beside him.

They were spurs to act. Now the pain was less, he itched to be up.

His Uncle Robert was having the lease for the property written up for Rob to sign.

Then as soon as he could drive his curricle, Rob would visit Caro and speak to her. He wanted to go to Yorkshire with her.