“I hope you’re right,” she replied.
Charles smiled and looked out the carriage window at the darkening sky. “Of course, I am. I believe it’ll stay for the afternoon and evening, but everything will be back to normal tomorrow morning.”
“Where did you learn to be such an expert on weather?”
“Wight. The weather was always changing, and changing at the spur of the moment. I began to see a pattern.”
“Of course, you did. I imagine Wight is no different than any other coastal area.”
He nodded. “You’re right. The coast is where the storms come in and start out with a vengeance.”
“You see,” she said, looking at him, “living on Wight taught you a lot of things most men would overlook.”
“It did, but you must remember the season is beginning to slowly change. Autumn is coming, and that’s why we see more bad weather than usual.”
She settled into her corner of the carriage, pulling a blanket around her. “I think I’m going to rest my eyes. The carriage ride isn’t agreeing with me today, and I don’t know why.”
“Of course,” he said. This was quite unusual for Cathryn. Usually, she was the rock when it came to things that made some women swoon. The roads were in good order. No unusual holes to cause the carriage to sway unnecessarily.
The swaying of the carriage was lulling his eyes heavy. With the inside now quiet from conversation, he couldn’t help but give into sleep. Besides, he figured he was probably still tired from his adventure a few days ago and the lovemaking he and Cathryn shared last night. He always figured her for a passionate woman, but last night brought it out two-fold. She was becoming quite the seductress.
Charles shut his eyes and tried to void his mind of everything. If he didn’t, he would find himself wide awake, unable to sleep. His mind would grab on to something he hadn’t solved earlier and wouldn’t let go. It didn’t matter what it was. Today was no different. He focused on a curtain in the carriage. Its movement and how much the movement of the carriage made it sway.
That didn’t last. His mind had moved on. Moved on to the Prince of Wales. Would he remember him? Maybe he wouldn’t. That would be just fine with Charles. To put it mildly, the prince was loud and boisterous. A narcissist. Everything revolved around the prince, as he had to be the center of attention. The man disliked being around people who wanted to discuss something meaningful. He would turn the conversation around to him in a matter of minutes, and those involved would findthemselves listening to the prince once again manipulate what he thought was important.
Subject matter could also go to matters best suited to an audience of only men. Bedroom talk was one of the prince’s favorites, and he didn’t mind the ladies being near. He had a very unusual sexual appetite and was quick to point out he liked to watch or try new things. Things that he could do with his large girth. After all, after sex, food was the Prince of Wales’s favorite topic. He liked only the best. It didn’t matter what it was: caviar, steak tartar. As long as the prince wanted something, he kept his staff hopping to find what he wanted. Charles tried to keep this sort of thing tucked away in the back of his mind.
He would be going to the prince and princess’s musicale where his wife would be the top billing. All he could hope was that they would be enthralled with Cathryn’s playing and that would be that. But the prince being who he was wouldn’t be so tolerant. He’d want to show her off to anyone who would give him time. He would probably brag to his wife about what a superior piano player he was but that he hadn’t pursued it because of being who he was. He had so many other duties, practice eluded him, but he was known to have house parties that went on for days and at which he sometimes played. Another way to keep himself as the center of attention.
This was what happened when Charles had too much time on his hands. His mind wrapped around something and wouldn’t let go. His thoughts never truly left him. Something always was waiting to grab on to his attention.
He glanced over at Cathryn who was sound asleep and envied her for being able to peacefully sleep through anything. She looked like an angel lying there. His life certainly had taken a sharp turn when he met her. She was the only person in a long time who understood him and his oddness. Not to say she didn’t have her limits. Despite differences, they complemented eachother, and he was thankful for that. Before Cathryn, he never considered that he would ever find a woman who would become his wife. A solitary life is what he imagined was in store for him. Being alone never bothered him, but as soon as he met her, that all changed.
Closing his eyes for a matter of minutes, he tried to guess where the carriage was as they neared London. He could tell when they were getting near because the carriage would slow and then the horses would liven up again before slowing because of the traffic. People like them headed into London. Some on business, some for pleasure, and others both.
The change of pace woke Cathryn. He heard her move around next to him. Her hand gently touched his shoulder.
“Charles, are you awake? I think we’re getting close to town. The traffic has everyone slowed down.”
“I’m awake,” he replied. “I was wondering when the slowing down and speeding up was going to wake you.”
“You’re beginning to know my habits, Charles.”
“Your likes and dislikes too.”
She giggled and edged closer to him. “Really? Do tell.”
He danced around her question. “Your nap must have agreed with you.”
“How’s that?”
“You weren’t feeling well and appear to be much better now.”
She nodded. “I feel much better. I’m not sure what brought that on.”
“You’ve had a lot going on lately. Some days you go from the moment you wake up until you get into bed. It would wear the best man or woman down.”
Leaning her head on to his shoulder, Cathryn sighed. “I don’t like to make excuses for my actions, but I do like this.”
