“Birthday.” Edmund grimaced. “I forgot. Happy birthday, Caro.”
“Th-thank you, Edmund.”
Phineas came forward, full of anticipation of some kind, holding the rectangular package in both hands. “Will you unwrap it in front of me?”
She nodded and took it from him. She could tell it was a painting in a frame. She tore the paper off.
It was the shipwreck from the Pall Mall exhibition.
Phineas shifted back and forth on his feet and clasped his hands together.
“Not the most romantic gift or picture. But, I don’t know, I thought you might like it.”
Her brother must have told him how long she had gazed at it.
“Thank you, my l-l-lord.”
“Do you like it?”
“I do.”
Phineas grinned again.
Her brother cleared his throat. “I think we should discuss the details of the nuptials.”
“Yes, yes,” Phineas said. “Lady Caroline, I know you asked yesterday that I get a special license. But you’re in mourning until the end of March. And I’d like to have banns read and a real wedding with all the fuss. It’s what you deserve.” He chuckled. “I know ladies attach importance to things like that.”
Suddenly, his grin faded. “And . . . and I’d like to give you a chance to reconsider and change your mind. Of course, I hope you won’t, but I want you to have a bit of time.” He swallowed. “I pressured you, and I’ve decided I don’t want you to marry me under duress.”
She looked at her brother.
Edmund answered her unspoken question. “It’s fine, Caro. No one will think much about a kiss once the engagement is announced. The wedding doesn’t need to be rushed.”
“F-fine.” She still held the picture, the bottom of the frame pressing into her waist, her two hands at the top, and she looked down at it. She felt like the flotsam and jetsam being tossed on those dark waves. She clutched the picture as if it could rescue her, keep her from being sucked under.
“And I’d like us to become friends, Lady Caroline,” Phineas said. “Real ones. Before we marry. Do you think that’s possible?”
She raised her head and stared at him. Friends?
Edmund spoke. “So, April, maybe? We’ll be done with Lent? Perhaps a few days after Lady Huxley’s ball?”
She nodded, still staring at Phineas.
“Good,” her brother said. “I’m off to the club. You coming, Phin?”
Phineas blushed. “Since we are engaged now, I wondered if Lady Caroline might like to come out for a drive in my phaeton.”
Edmund scowled. “Just don’t drive that thing too fast.”
“Lady Caroline? Would you like to go for a drive?”
Would she like to go for a drive? She had no idea. But if she said no, she would feel obliged to explain herself and she didn’t think she could. She nodded.
“I would love to take you to Gunter’s for a treat,” Phineas said.
“Only the d-d-drive, please.” She might have to talk to someone other than Phineas if they visited a shop.
“Lovely.” Phineas beamed. “Whatever you like. Shall we go now?”
