She frowned and looked away, saying nothing. Nick wasn’t sure what her game was, but he wasn’t about to play it. He knewher husband had a mistress and that this had hurt her tremendously, and why shouldn’t it? He felt sorry for her.
Leaving the door wide open, he crossed to where she stood in her lacy white gown and open robe.
“Caroline, I know you were hurt by your husband, and perhaps that’s why you think it all right to hurt your sister. But not all men are like Nelson Worthington. I’m faithful and true to one woman, and that’s Elise. Come breakfast, I intend to tell her about this encounter. Now, however, I’d just like for you to go.”
For a moment she did nothing, but then he heard her sniff. Was she crying?
“You don’t have to say anything. I plan to tell her about this myself,” Caroline said. “I was only testing you. Papa said you were going to ask my sister to marry you, and I know she will say yes so long as you promise to remain on theMary Elise. I just wanted to know for sure that you wouldn’t take a mistress. Nelson said all men do.”
“And you believed him?”
She shrugged. “I also believed he loved me.”
“Yes, but you surely don’t think your father took a mistress.”
“Mama always said he wasn’t just married to her, but also to theMary Elise. Perhaps there was a woman as well. Can a man truly love just one woman and devote himself to her?” She used the back of her sleeve to wipe away tears. “I don’t want Elise hurt. She deserves good things, because she’s a good woman. Better than any other I know.”
“I agree, and I love her. Only her.” He paused for a moment, wishing he could ease the young woman’s pain. “Caroline, I’m sorry that your husband has a mistress and that he hurt you, but you needn’t test me. I belong to Elise and only Elise.”
Caroline nodded. “I’ll go, then. And I do plan to tell her what I’ve done. I don’t want there to be any servant rumors about me visiting your room in the wee hours.” She went to the open door and paused. “Please, please be faithful to her.”
The pleading in her voice was heartbreaking. Nick might have gone to comfort her except for the situation. “I promise. I will be.”
“You what?” Elise asked, raising her voice in shock.
“I tested him,” Caroline said. “I wanted to make sure he wouldn’t take advantage of you.”
“How could you act in such a wanton way?” Elise lowered her voice. “And in your condition?”
Caroline sat on the window seat in Elise’s bedroom. “It seems foolish now, but all I could think about was making sure he was worthy of your trust. I figured if I snuck into his room and offered myself, we would know for sure what kind of man he is.”
“But I already know what kind of man he is.” Elise didn’t know whether to slap her sister or kiss her. The heart behind her escapade was a good one, but it was unthinkable that she would do such a thing.
“I thought I knew what kind of man Nelson was.” Caroline turned away from Elise and gazed out the window. “I didn’t want this kind of pain for you. I’m so humiliated and heartbroken. I haven’t been a good sister to you always, but I wanted to be one in this. I don’t want you sorely used as I have been.”
Elise went to the window seat and sank down beside Caroline. “I know you’re concerned. I appreciate that you care for me in such a deep manner. But please, no more testing of anyone.”
Caroline turned to face her. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
Elise wrapped her arms around her sister and pulled her close. “I do, and I promise I’m going to see you through this ... no matter what.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much. Sometimes I just don’t know what will become of me.”
“You’ll be fine ... the baby too. We’ll take care of you.”
Caroline pulled back. “I don’t think I can keep this child. I certainly don’t want Nelson to have it, but this baby was created in a violent act, Elise. There was no love or even tenderness. How could I ever love it?”
Elise looked at her sister. “But the child had no part of that violence. He or she is just as innocent of that as you are. You mustn’t punish the baby for the sins of the father.”
“I know. I’m just afraid that every time I look at it, I’ll only remember the pain.”
“Then we’ll pray about it and what you’re to do. I won’t force you to raise a child that brings you constant sorrow, and neither will Papa. But remember, this baby is as much a part of you as it is Nelson Worthington.”
“Nick said I needed to draw closer to God.” Caroline began to pace. “His words really made me think. I know I’ve pulled away from God over the years while living with Uncle James and Aunt Martha. Not because they don’t believe in Him, but the focus is different. We go to church on Sunday, and that’s pretty much it. We don’t even pray over meals unless you and Papa are here. God always had such a presence on the ship that I don’t have here.”
“We are reliant on God out there in the middle of the lake. He is our only hope on so many occasions.”
“I remember.” Caroline stopped and turned. “I lost that. I don’t spend time in my Bible or prayer anymore. Maybe that would help me.”
