His concern for Kitty’s relationship was particularly sweet—though unnecessary. Kitty had said herself Lord Bengard had spoken with her father at length. If there was something to discover, Mr. Fielding would have done so.
All these thoughts swarmed her mind as she stood with her maid outside Hookham’s Circulating Library. The air had a chill that caused her to be grateful she’d worn her thickest pelisse, the long arms and drape of fabric keeping her warm. Lottie’s blonde hair peeked out from her worn bonnet, making Caroline take note. She would purchase a new onefor Lottie for her birthday, so long as she had a husband and funds by that time.
“How is Sarah’s arm?” Caroline asked
Lottie cringed. “Slow to heal. She is determined not to accept charity, so she’s been doing anything she can with her good hand. Dusting and polishing, mostly. Mr. Pomfrey has been creative in finding ways to occupy her.”
“I noticed she had organized Mama’s sewing basket,” Caroline said.
Lottie laughed. “She can organize yours as well, if you’d like.”
“If you need to occupy her further, by all means.”
“Thank you, Miss Caroline, for letting her come.”
Caroline smiled. “It was nothing.Youare the one who must now share a bed.”
Lottie shook her head. “Not to me or Sarah. To us, it was everything.”
A carriage rolled down Bond Street, stopping just in front of the library. The groom hopped from the back and circled the conveyance to open the door, offering his hand to the woman inside. Caroline watched expectantly, surprised when a gray-haired matron exited the carriage.
She frowned. Kitty was now nearly a quarter-hour late, which was unlike her.
“Have you waited long?” a familiar voice asked from behind her.
Caroline turned, finding her friend standing on the paving stones, her maid behind her with her attention on her shoes. Kitty’s cheeks were ruddy, as though she’d spent a good deal of time in the cold already.
“Not terribly,” Caroline said. “But I will welcome the warmth inside. Shall we go in?”
“I will accompany you, but I don’t think I shall borrow a book today.”
Caroline knew a moment of confusion. “Why did you select this as our meeting place in your note, then?”
“The location.” She smiled, her hazel eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “I know how dearlyyoulike to read, you know.”
“I shall be quick in my selection.”
“Oh, please do. Then we can look at bonnets.” Kitty pressed her gloved hands together as though in prayer. “I’ve grown dreadfully tired of mine.”
Caroline led the way into the library. Dark paneling covered the walls in the same shade as the high bookcases. Ladders were situated against two of the walls with brass hooks. It smelled of leather and paper, igniting a sense of anticipation in Caroline’s chest. She loved the prospect of a new book.
“Have you forgotten about Mr. Dennison already?” Kitty asked. “I’ve only seen you twice this week, and both those times you were in the company of Mr. Shepherd.”
“He is an old friend.” Caroline focused on the books lining the shelf in front of her. She was grateful she had never told Kitty about her girlish feelings for him. Mama was the only person aware, and she would never break confidence. “Our houses in Surrey are quite close, so our mothers are dear friends. But I have not seen Mr. Shepherd in many years. He has been traveling, I believe, and we don’t tend to run in the same circles in Town.”
“I would have thought your circles overlapped significantly.”
“Not if he avoids polite society in favor of gentlemen’s pursuits.”
Kitty took her by the wrist lightly. “That ispreciselywhat I hoped to speak to you about. Lord Bengard has the grandestnotion.” She lowered her voice and spoke excitedly. “He would like to take me to a masquerade.”
Uneasiness crept through Caroline’s stomach. Had she dismissed Tristan’s observation too quickly? “What has your father to say on the matter?”
She reared back slightly. “He would never permit it. But Lord Bengard’s sister would happily attend as chaperone, and he told me I ought to invite you as well, for he would like to know my friends. I felt it was the most famous idea. What do you think? Please say you will come.”
“My mother wouldn’t like it.”
“I thought you were beyond the need to ask your mother for permission.” There was a hint of challenge to Kitty’s tone, for she knew Caroline felt old enough to dictate her own life.
