She turned and frowned. “It is. All is well. In fact, it is perfect!”
Then why was she upset?
“I suppose I should return to the house and see what other matters need my attention.”
She then turned and walked away from him.
“Nothing,” he said as he caught up to her.
“How would you know?”
“Because my mother said so. In fact, she suggested that the two of us visit Table Mountain and have a picnic.”
Caroline stopped and faced him, hands on her hips. “That will be yet another day away from Wyndview Farm. Do you know how long it takes to climb to the top?”
He did not know. It had been years since he had done so.
“Hours!”
It had seemed to take a while when he was a child, but all things seemed to take too long when there was anticipation.
“Then we will climb, picnic, and come back down.”
“And likely not return until after dinnertime,” she argued.
“Why does that matter?” Did she not want to be with him or was she afraid of being away from the estate? There was nothing thatneeded her attention. She wasn’t even a true servant. She lived here with her daughter, father, and brother because she had needed a home. She was only a companion to his mother and acted the housekeeper because there was a need, not that she applied for the position.
“I have been gone too often and for too long.”
“What would you do today if you remained?”
Caroline blinked and looked up at him. A frown on her lips and eyebrows drawn together. “I suppose nothing,” she answered after the longest time, her tone quiet and defeated.
He did not understand why she was bothered, but there was often much he did not understand about women and chose not to press for answers. “Then you are free to accompany me.”
Caroline sighed. “I suppose I am.”
If she had any less enthusiasm, she would be asleep, but Sterling did not let her lack of desire to affect his mood.
*
When Sterling hadasked what she would to today if she remained, several areas that needed her attention came to mind. Except, she could mention none of them because if she did, he would then ask questions that Caroline was not prepared to answer. So, instead, she would be hiking to the top of Table Mountain.
Caroline stared at her appearance in the mirror and reconsidered for the tenth time if she should dress in this manner. Except, she really had no choice because climbing the mountain in a skirt was perilous. One wrong step on the hem of her dress could not only cause her to trip but send her falling. It was better that she wore a pair of her brother’s cast-off trousers, which had to be belted at her middle with a rope. Her light woven cotton shirt that she had purchased in town had been made by one of the local women. Lastly, she slipped on the bootsshe usually wore when working in the gardens. Finally, she had tied her hair back and away from her face. Caroline also added a hat to shield her from the sun, not that it would do any good to save her from the heat.
Though few would remark upon her appearance at Wyndview Farm, or even in town, Sterling may have quite a different opinion. He was used to the ladies in England. Ladies who wore pretty dresses, not trousers. However, she would not know until she faced him and with those thoughts, she kissed Livia goodbye then made her way to the main house.
At her appearance, his left eyebrow rose, as his blue eyes widened, no doubt in shock and disapproval.
“I feared you would find an excuse not to go at all.” Lady Wyndham chuckled.
“I may not yet,” Caroline answered.
“Why would that be?”
“I fear that your son might be scandalized by my appearance.” Caroline offered in grave seriousness.
“Surprised, yes. Hardly scandalized,” he answered as the corner of his mouth tipped.
