Caroline shook her head. It was painful to discuss the tragic events that had forever changed her and her siblings’ lives, but Reed deserved her defense. “I cannot say.” She recalled the sounds she’d heard outside her window the night the fire had broken out. And the unaccounted-for shadows. “But my brother is not a murderer.”
She shivered.
“My apologies. I’ve upset you. Here.” He walked the two of them off the path onto the lawn where a picturesque bench had been artfully placed.
Once seated, Caroline tipped her head back. She could only make out the half-moon. Not a single star twinkled back at her.
“I miss Breaker’s Cottage,” she admitted without thinking. “If we were in the country, we’d see more stars than we could count.”
He’d taken the spot beside her, leaving just a few inches between them. He surprised her by studying the sky as well.
“You have the moon.”
“And the flowers,” Caroline added, not wanting to complain. But she couldn’t help herself. “The Gazette predicted rain,” she pointed out.
“It rains more often than not.” He was still looking up and she watched his throat move.
She replied without thinking. “Even a broken clock is correct twice a day.”
Had he really only brought her outside so they could discuss the newspaper? Or was he simply being kind? She’d declined to take supper with him.
More than likely, he had a heightened sense of duty that required he not abandon his partner until the meal was over. A charity dance, just as Lord Dankworth had suggested.
But if this earl wanted to talk about the Gazette, she was fine with that.
“Perhaps the storm took a turn.”
Caroline tilted her head. “Perhaps.”
They sat in an oddly comfortable silence, watching the sky, enjoying the fresh air.
“Were you injured?”
“Walking Pip?”
It was his turn to look confused.
“When you fell,” he said.
But of course, like everyone else, he’d heard the story of her failed debut. She frowned.
“A few bruises.” Caroline edged her skirts up and held out her right foot. “I twisted my ankle but it’s fine now.” She made little rotations in the air and since they were being candid with one another, asked, “Do you feel sorry for me? Is that it?”
He turned to face her. “Should I?” With the wind lifting his hair, seated like this, he more closely resembled the man she’d met in the park.
He seemed to be studying her, and for a few seconds, the intensity behind his beautiful eyes rendered her mute.
“I’d rather you not,” she finally said.
“Why are you hiding behind trees, then?”
Caroline turned so she could see him better, but didn’t expect the jolt of heat she experienced when her knees touched his. She chalked it up to the setting. Romantic gardens, she’d heard, led to that sort of thing.
For people who were not her.
“I have tried to fit in,” she said. “But as soon as I learn what not to say, I say it. When I learn what not to do, I do it.” Caroline shrugged. She’d been like this as long as she could remember. “I can’t help myself.”
“Why not return to your father’s estate in the country, then?” It almost sounded like a challenge.
