Her mother escorted their long-time family doctor to the door and Caroline glanced toward the tall window that faced the street. Where was he?
She had not imagined their exchange in the carriage earlier that morning. He had professed his love but then urged her not to concern herself with his secrets. Dratted man. Didn’t he realize she didn’t care about his title?
Before leaving Caroline alone with her mother and the doctor, Goldie had confirmed that Pip had indeed died. She said he’d been sending codes to criminals, but aside from that, and aside from promising Caroline that Reed was not going to challenge Mr. Black, she had been annoyingly stingy with information. They certainly hadn’t addressed her ‘napping’ in one of the Gazette’s old closets—or the real reason Caroline had come out looking disheveled.
“He needed to clean up.” Her mother’s voice broke through Caroline’s reverie as she returned to her chair beside Caroline’s bed. “But he’ll be back. Perhaps tomorrow morning…”
Anticipation fluttered in her chest, along with impatience.
It was peculiar, feeling this almost excruciating need for another person… She longed for his presence, for his touch, for the soothing reassurance only Max could provide.
“You needn’t worry, Caroline.”
“Now that I’m a grown woman, you can stop doing that,” Caroline grumbled, pondering how she'd bear the endless wait ahead.
“What am I doing?” Her mother’s eyes widened in faux innocence.
“Reading my mind.”
“You’ll do the same with your children, I’m sure. They grow up but you never stop worrying…”
With good reason. Caroline nodded.
“Max does that sometimes,” she said. Max had a unique gift, one that allowed him to delve deeper than just reading her thoughts—he could sense her emotions, her desires, her very soul.
“Of course he does,” her mother said, patting her hand affectionately. “Now. You get some sleep. You’ve had a very long day and I have a feeling you’ll want to be wide awake tomorrow come morning.”
Caroline couldn't help but be curious. “Why will I want to be wide awake? What do you know?”
“He spoke with Reed.” Her mother could not look more satisfied. “Your Max, that is. And if I’m correct, you best be prepared for a very special visit come morning.”
Caroline met her mother's gaze, and their unspoken thoughts collided. A visit from Max could only mean one of two things—a proposal of marriage or an apology for the earlier turmoil. She absently touched the bandage on her neck, a reminder of the dangers they’d experienced together.
“I want to look nice,” Caroline admitted, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Plenty of time for that," Eloisa interjected, entering the room with a tray of tea.
“Perfect timing,” Caroline’s mother said. “Thank you, Eloisa. Tea is always the best tonic. Drink up, my daughter, and then sleep.”
“I’ll never be able to sleep,” Caroline moaned. It seemed like an impossible task as her mind raced with thoughts of Max and what he might say when he returned. Would he offer his heart? Or… was her mother being overly optimistic? He’d said he wasn’t going to be her boss anymore. He couldn’t be coming to fire her!
Or did his pending visit have something to do with his secret?
A secret she didn’t give two hoots about.
No. It had to be a proposal. Didn’t it?
By the time she finished drinking her tea, she wished her mother had never even mentioned the expected visit. The range of possibilities was all just so very… vexing! And contrary to her claim that she’d never sleep, Caroline was suddenly exhausted.
She drifted in and out of slumber, her dreams filled with Max's presence. Between each fitful nap, she was vaguely aware of her mother and Eloisa sitting beside her, one reading, the other sewing, providing a comforting presence in the dimly lit room.
By morning, when sunlight streamed through the curtains, Caroline opened her eyes, nervous but excited for Max’s visit.
She all but burst out of bed and in no time was bathed, had her hair arranged in a fashionable style, and stood wearing an emerald day dress that matched the hue of Max's eyes.
Eloisa had even fashioned a silk scarf to hide the bandage.
Just as Caroline tied off the ribbons on her slippers, a knock sounded at the door and her mother peered inside.
