“Because your parents despise hers?” Miss Caswell’s tone conveyed the low opinion she had of that course of action.
“You are marrying to please your parents; why is it any different for me?”
Miss Caswell’s brows rose. “Because though fear may drive them to cast aspersions against Miss Banfield, your parents are good people, and that animosity won’t last. I do not believe your mother is capable of holding onto a grudge, let alone against someone undeserving of it. With time, they will come to know her and accept her despite her family.”
Taking in a deep breath, the young lady wove her arm through Oliver’s, holding his gaze with such intensity that he dared not look away.
“If you can honestly say your heart is not engaged elsewhere, Mr. Kingsley, then I will gladly accept your offer, but do not speak unless it is the whole, unvarnished truth.”
Oliver’s mouth opened to give her all the assurances she needed, but the determination burning in her eyes forced him to pause and listen to the thrumming in his heart. In the abstract, it seemed easy to say whether or not he loved Miss Sophie. But was it only infatuation? The desire for something beyond his reach? Surely one should simply know if one’s heart was engaged. But Oliver felt stuck between denying and accepting the existence of such a sentiment.
Miss Caswell’s eyes lightened with sympathy. “Tell me this—if there were no other impediments, would you court her?”
“Yes.” The answer was quick and firm, and Oliver’s heart lightened at the admission.
At that, Miss Caswell’s hold on him slackened, though she did not distance herself. Grief dimmed her smile, though acceptance and support shone in her eyes.
“Mr. Kingsley, we may not be suited for man and wife, but I do count you as a dear friend—”
“As do I.”
She nodded in acceptance and continued, “Then as your friend, I feel the need to kick you for nearly ensnaring yourself in a wholly unsuitable position. You have the chance to find true happiness with another. Do not allow Miss Banfield’s awful family or your parents’ unfounded opinion of her to chase you away.”
Sitting beside the lady whom he was courting, Oliver allowed himself a moment to contemplate the possibility—not in the vague future but the practical now. In rapid succession, he imagined approaching Miss Sophie. Courting her. Of moments spent seated on the grass together. Watching her work. Reading side-by-side. A life full of little nothings that gathered together into years of happiness. His heart swelled at each vision, pushing him to greater lengths. Engagement. Marriage. Children. His future unfolded before him in vivid detail.
His breaths came quicker as though that might ease the glorious pressure as his heart grew until his chest felt liable to burst. When given the opportunity to grow, the sentiment wove its way through him, whispering the truth he hadn’t allowed himself to acknowledge. This was more than an infatuation.
“Do you think it possible to fall in love in such a short time, Miss Caswell?”
The young lady’s expression softened, her smile broadening. “I do not believe in love at first sight, for that is attraction and nothing more. But at times, you can find a soul with whom you fit together like a matching pair, and that connection—whether platonic or romantic—can develop quickly. It may be only a fledgling version, but it is love nonetheless.”
With each word, her tone deepened, infusing it with a warmth that spoke of her own romantic heart, and Oliver did not miss it or the accompanying shine in her eyes.
“You speak as though you are well familiar with love, Miss Caswell.”
The young lady shifted in her seat, turning away from him with a vague shrug of a shoulder. “Show me a person who hasn’t loved.”
There was something to her tone and expression that had Oliver wishing to prod further, but there was a stiffness to her shoulders and a tightness in her neck that warned him it was a subject best abandoned. Friends they may be, but that did not give him free rein to muck about in her life. Even if Miss Caswell felt free to do so in his.
“Do not throw this opportunity away, Mr. Kingsley,” she whispered. “You have the position and fortune to marry as you wish, and that is a gift you mustn’t take for granted. Many do not have that freedom or never find true love.”
Oliver thought through a few responses, but not one felt right. He wished for words that might ease the strain bearing down on Miss Caswell, and when nothing helpful occurred to him, he wrapped his arm around her, taking her hand in his. She leaned into him and rested her head against his shoulder.
“This is your future, so make it what you will,” she murmured. Then, with a touch of frustration, Miss Caswell added, “And stop being a fool.”
*
With her future in disarray, Victoria expected to be overtaken by a fit of despair. Such emotions had haunted her actions and thoughts since she’d first understood her family’s situation, but they were strangely absent at present. No doubt they were hiding in the shadows, awaiting the proper moment to strike.
Yet, despite knowing pain was forthcoming, Victoria couldn’t regret her actions today. If anything, they gave her the first hint of peace she’d felt in many months. Or years. Her difficulties were far from resolved, but knowing she’d set Mr. Kingsley free to pursue his Miss Sophie eased some of the pain.
At least one of them would gain all they desired.
To her thinking, there was no mystery as to what a future with Mr. Kingsley would have entailed. His proposal made in haste and born from obligation would sour with the coming years, and even if they fought to maintain the equanimity, Victoria doubted they’d deem their marriage a success a decade or two into it. Even a foundation of respect and friendship would struggle to survive under such circumstances.
The pair sat in silence for several long moments, and where Victoria usually found such stretches unbearable, there was a peace to be found in the feel of the afternoon breeze tickling her cheeks and the sounds of insects and birdsong filling the air. Mr. Kingsley’s arm tightened around her shoulders, and Victoria realized she’d forgotten it was there.
“I do care for you,” said Mr. Kingsley.
