Was that all? Before Tristan had arrived and ruined her proposal, she had been glad to find herself marrying someone she deemed a friend. They were not in love, but that had not bothered her. Now there was a tugging in her chest, a desire for something more.
Her gaze tripped along the crowd in search of Tristan, but she forced her attention back on Mr. Dennison.
“That makes me very happy. At this time, I am unsure what the future holds for me, as I’m sure you understand.” He lowered his glass and watched her face for a reaction as he spoke, his tone careful. “While I am sorting out what I feel, it would be helpful if I could continue to call upon you.”
Caroline raised her glass to her lips to buy a few moments of thought. It would appear her future was not as settled as she had believed. It sounded as though Mr. Dennison was still in the process of deciding whether he could share a life with her. It was simultaneously frustrating and a relief. Though she did not wish to dive into either of those feelings at present and determine why she was having a mixed reaction.
Once she had swallowed, she smiled. “Do I correctly understand that you have yet to make up your mind, Mr. Dennison?”
He inhaled. “Yes, that is the right of it. I cannot…you must understand that the future had been painted for me in a much different light than the reality of your sentiments. If I am to marry a woman who dislikes the thing which I love most, I will do so intentionally.”
“That is understandable.”
“I am glad you agree.” He took another sip of lemonade, a satisfied expression on his face. “It took some time to overcome the bitterness of deceit, as well.”
Caroline had nothing to say to this.
“Shall I escort you to your mother?” he asked.
“She is just there.” Caroline pointed to where Mama still spoke to a group of women not far from where they were.
Mr. Dennison took her empty glass and bowed to her. “I shall call on you soon, then.”
“I look forward to it.” Caroline turned away from him, uncertain. She had a hint of hope, of course, but it was not the sole feeling beating in her chest. Once she reached her mother’s side, she wanted to be home. Chief above all else, she was uneasy, which wasn’t a pleasant way to pass an afternoon garden party.
Mama gave her a searching look.
“You are aware of Miss Fielding’s ball, I’m sure,” Lady Tilbury said, beside Mama. “She has only just sent round the cards, but it will be in a fortnight, and I am convinced she intends to make an announcement that evening.”
“Will they not put an advertisement in the paper first?” Mrs. Plum asked. “Mr. Fielding will do everything proper, I’m sure.”
Caroline fought the impulse to roll her eyes. Could these women not speak about anything else?
“What other reason could she have for hosting a ball when it is not her debut Season and she is publicly courting a man already?” Lady Tilbury lifted her gray brows. “Depend upon it, she is confident in her match.”
If that was a barb against Caroline’s previous confidence in Mr. Dennison, she had learned her lesson. Besides, the women were being ridiculous. Kitty could throw a ball for any number of reasons. Their logic was excessively flawed.
Mama slipped her hand around Caroline’s elbow and pressed lightly. “We must go in search of Miss Fielding, Caro. I know how dearly you wanted to speak to her.”
The excuse was as good as any. Caroline dipped a curtsy and allowed her mother to gently lead her away from the group. “Mr. Dennison has decided to give me a chance.”
Mama inhaled. “That is good news.”
“Possibly. He has not discounted?—”
“Shh,” Mama said, her hand tightening on Caroline’s arm as she pulled her to a stop. “That gentleman mentioned your father’s name.”
Caroline closed her mouth, listening to the group of men speaking behind her. It felt unseemly, but if they were discussing her father, then she was relevant to the conversation.
“It’s Johnson’s scheme. He’s found half a dozen men fool enough to throw their lot in with him,” a man said.
“Whitby and Kelling, you mentioned. Who are the other four?” another voice asked.
The reply was unintelligible. Mama looked to Caroline, worrying her lip.
“They shall either make a fortune or lose everything,” a gruff voice said. “It’s a risky time to be on the water.”
The first man laughed. “Lose everything? Kelling has more than enough blunt.”
