Blast!
She was going to faint if she did not rest. Therefore, he crossed the expanse of the room, retrieved a glass of lemonade and was waiting for the set to end when he approached and pressed it into her hand before leading her to an open window.
“Thank you,” she murmured before taking a sip.
“You could decline the invitations to dance,” he reminded her.
Caroline glanced over at his mother. “I do not want to disappoint Lady Wyndham.”
“I believe that it is time that we leave.” He did not ask. Instead, Sterling waited until Caroline finished her lemonade then escorted her to his mother.
“We are returning home!”
“The ball is not over,” she objected.
“Then I will send the carriage back for you but Mrs. Sutcliffe and I are leaving.”
“You cannot be alone with her. What of Caroline’s reputation?”
She was a widow so there was little concern, except he did notwant those at the Governor’s ball to think she was the same kind of widow who attended functions in London and often left with a bachelor to share time in a more intimate manner. And while it may be acceptable in London, even if remarked upon, he was not so certain how such would be viewed here. Therefore, if his mother refused to leave, Sterling had two choices: Remain until she was ready or leave Caroline behind, except he was doing this for Caroline as well as himself, but more for her.
As he glanced around the ballroom, Sterling decided that he must remain because not only were there bachelors who watched Caroline with too much interest, it would not be safe for her and his mother to return to the estate alone. Though, he supposed his mother did so often.
“I am not certain my reputation matters,” Caroline said quietly. “I am not an innocent miss new to the marriage mart, but a mature widow.”
His mother snorted and Sterling nearly did as well. Mature indicated someone of his mother’s age. While Caroline lacked the silliness of a debutante, she was still young enough to be desired as a lover or a wife.
“I would not mind returning to Wyndview Farm,” she said after a moment.
“You do not wish to remain and dance more?” his mother asked in surprise.
“I am not used to such a late night or dancing or…” She glanced around the room. “And being around so many people for so long.”
“It has been some years since you enjoyed a Season in London,” his mother agreed with sympathy. “I supposed it might be overwhelming; therefore, we will take our leave, but only because I do not want you miserable.” She then glanced at Sterling and raised an eyebrow. “Not because my son wishes to be gone.”
He did not care what her reasons were. Sterling was simply gladthey were leaving.
“This was a lovely evening and more successful than I anticipated,” his mother said once they were settled in the carriage and on their way back to Wyndview Farm.
“Successful, how?” he asked, not certain he was prepared for the answer.
“Several gentlemen and military men asked after Caroline,” she answered. “They asked if they might call on her.”
Sterling forced himself to remain calm, though he was extremely irritated at his mother’s interference and her attempt to take on a guardianship role. “It is not your place to grant permission,” he reminded his mother.
“Of course not, dear.” She dismissed with a wave of her hand. “That is why I told them that as soon as the harvest was complete that I would invite them to tea, which would give Caroline a better opportunity to know them and then decide for herself if she would welcome them calling on her.”
Sterling glanced at his mother’s companion just in time to see her brown eyes widen in horror, yet she did not voice an objection.
“Please inform me who you invite and when so that I can determine if I want to join you or not,” she finally said and turned to look out the window.
Were there gentlemen that she would not mind meeting again? Were there some she did not want to encourage?
“We will have time to decide whom to invite after the harvest,” his mother promised. “And you shall determine whom it will be.”
Who did she want to call on her?
Sterling crossed his arms over his chest and sank into the corner of the bench.
