Page 66 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman (The Marlow Family Secrets #3)

Two weeks after Christmas, Rob drove away from Pembroke House in his curricle, wrapped up in his greatcoat and wearing a new scarlet scarf Helen had given to him on Christmas Eve. His heart beat steadily, hopeful. He was determined to win Caro over. He wanted to return an engaged man.

Every day, for the last fortnight, he had driven his curricle about the London streets, building up the strength in his left arm.

Each day he had also gone for a walk, building up the strength in his weakened leg.

But today would be the first real test of his stamina, he had not travelled for any length of time before.

His father had urged him to wait another week, but he had waited too long already.

The weather was kind at least, the muddy roads had been frozen dry so the roads were more easily navigated, and the sky contained clouds, but they did not threaten rain.

The only people who knew he was undertaking this journey were his parents. He had not even written and warned Mary of his arrival, because he feared Caro would avoid him .

The journey took over two hours because he needed to stop and stretch his left leg on two occasions.

When he turned the curricle on to Drew’s drive, his heart skipped a beat. The familiarity felt good. He remembered the day he arrived in the summer, with no knowledge of what would happen. He would not have guessed he would leave here in love.

He prayed as he neared the house that Caro would listen to him; that she still loved him.

When he pulled on the straps and slowed the curricle, two of Drew’s grooms appeared.

He thanked the men as one held the horses’ heads, and the other took the straps from Rob.

Getting down from the curricle was a learned skill as his left knee would not yet bend fully. The jolt as his foot hit the ground sent a sharp pain up his thigh.

He lifted the stick out from behind the seat, took a breath and walked steadily, trying not to limp.

The door opened before he reached it, and Mary flew out. ‘Oh, you rogue!’ Her arms wrapped about his neck and she pressed her lips to his cheek.

One hand remained on the stick, but the other held her in return.

When she released him, she stepped back, using the ends of her shawl to wipe tears from her cheeks.

‘I have written and written and you do not reply. I thought you were angry with us for disappearing from London. Then I thought you ill. Oh. You have a stick. Why? Were you ill? Papa kept telling us he knew you were well. Were you hurt?’

‘I fell from my horse, but I am nearly healed. George will have to be a little gentle with me, that is all.’

‘Why did Papa and Mama not say? ’

‘I asked them not to, I did not want fuss. You know how I hate it.’

‘But you should have told me.’

He walked into the house by her side.

‘Andrew!’ Mary called through the house. ‘I saw you from the nursery,’ she said to Rob. ‘Andrew does not know you are here. Andrew!’

Was Caro in the nursery? If she was then why had she not come down?

‘Andrew!’ Mary called again.

A footman came to the hall.

‘Where is Lord Framlington, Pip?’

‘In the hot house in the garden, ma’am.’

‘Then would you fetch him? Tell him my brother is here.’

The footman disappeared.

‘Go into the drawing room and sit down, Robbie. I will fetch George and Iris.’

Questions about Caro hovered on his tongue, but he held on to them. Surely, she would come downstairs to see him.

The maid appeared, to help him remove his coat, and take his hat and gloves, then she went off to bring some water and cups for tea, while he settled himself in a chair near the fire. He stretched out his left leg. The cold had made it hurt more than usual.

When Mary returned, Caro was not with her.

‘Uncle Bobbie!’ George charged across the room.

‘Where is Caro?’ Rob asked, as he caught George and lifted him onto his lap, wincing with the pain from his mending arm and thigh.

‘Oh, no, you do not know. Of course you do not. Have you even noticed I stopped writing because you never replied? Caro left us. ’

‘Is something wrong?’ Fear lanced into his chest.

‘No. She moved to the cottage in Maidstone. She is happy there.’

Happy… Not missing him, then. Nor regretting her choice.

‘Shall I ring for tea and biscuits?’

‘I want biscuits, please,’ George said.

‘I have already spoken to the maid because I knew you would.’ Rob smiled at George then looked back at Mary. ‘You must tell me where Caro’s cottage is before I leave. I will visit her on the way back.’