“Nonsense! I invited you and you will stay,” Lady Wyndham ordered.
“Yes, please stay, Mrs. Sutcliffe,” Wyndham insisted as he took a seat between Caroline and his mother.
Though his invitation should be comforting, it only made her stomach tighten, which was probably from the guilt of keeping secrets.
“Do you often join my mother in the afternoon?” he asked after Lady Wyndham gave him a cup of tea.
“On occasion, when she extends an invitation,” Caroline answered quietly. In reality, they had become nearly friends and confidants despite their separation in stations and ages.
“Caroline is a companion,” Lady Wyndham announced. “And Livia brings me joy. I like having a child about. Do you have an objection, Sterling?”
Chapter Nine
“Of course not,Mother,” he answered tightly.
“Good!” She gave a nod. “As it appears that you will have time in which to enjoy a holiday until Mr. Hallaway is free from the vineyards, I suggest that you explore not only the estate but the surrounding area include the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Colony has changed since you were a child and there are sites that you had not been old enough to enjoy.”
Did she want him gone even though she hoped that he stayed? Or did she simply want him out of the way?
“What would you suggest?” he asked. It was only to humor her because he had no intention of leaving Wyndview Farm.
“The first that comes to mind is a visit to Table Mountain. Cook can pack a picnic and Mrs. Sutcliffe could accompany you and point out anything else of interest.”
At her suggestion, Caroline choked on her tea. At least the companion had not been aware of his mother’s intentions, which made Sterling wonder if his mother wasn’t also playing matchmaker. But certainly, she understood that the daughter of an estate manager was not suited for an earl.
Except, no gentleman in his family had ever married the daughter of a peer because they found love. As Sterling did not expect the same to ever happen to him, or it would have by now, he would settle for marrying a woman of equal rank to his own. A woman whounderstood the sacrifices a wife must make when her husband was an earl and managed an import and export business. Something his own mother had not grasped.
“As much as climbing Table Mountain is a pleasure, I fear that it is impossible for me to be gone from morning until evening,” Caroline answered with a smile. “I am certain Lord Wyndham could find a guide or maybe another servant can show him the way.”
His mother arched her brow. “You need to take a holiday as well, Mrs. Sutcliffe, as I was just saying.”
What was she about?
“Therefore, you will accompany my son.”
“Yes, of course,” Caroline murmured before sipping her tea.
“Which day would be convenient, Caroline?” his mother inquired pleasantly.
Why did his mother consult her instead of him?
“I will need to check with my father and brother. Then I will let you know.”
“I will expect your answer soon.”
“Yes, of course,” Caroline answered without enthusiasm.
Did she not want to go to Table Mountain or did she object to his presence?
It was a rather intriguing question that he might ponder later.
“Now, as for tomorrow night, I expect you both to accompany me.”
Caroline’s eyes grew wide as some color faded from her sun-kissed cheeks.
“I do not think that is proper, which I have explained on previous occasions,” Caroline insisted.
What could his mother have planned now?
