She had made the decision after Viscount Mowbury’s gathering, to throw herself into the role that Max had written for her. To a degree, she had already begun playing the part at that ball, though the lines had blurred somewhat. She would not make that mistake again.
Instead, she would enjoy herself, she would be the talk of the town for the best possible reasons, she would be fashionable and exciting, she would continue to impress gentlemen of business with her intellect and continue to make friends with wives and wallflowers alike; and she would pretend to be in love to stave off any residual desire for the real thing. She would not be a pale echo of the Countess of Grayling; she would be her own kind of modern woman, loud and bright and unapologetic.
“We are in the news this morning, darling,” she said slyly, as the breakfast room door opened and Max lumbered inside, rubbing tired eyes.
He frowned, pausing mid-rub. “Pardon?”
“It seems we are to be a favorite subject for the scandal sheets.” She waved the pamphlet at him. “A most flattering review of our return to society, if I may say so myself.”
He padded over to the serving table and poured himself a cup of weak coffee, sipping as he made his way back. She noticed he chose the chair farthest from her, but reminded herself not to feel any sort of disappointment. It was not personal; it was a matter of two thespians preparing in their own way, alone, before their next performance.
“That is good,” was all he said, yawning between longer sips of his coffee.
Undeterred, Caroline opened out the scandal sheets and began to read. “A phoenix in scarlet, no one could have ignored the recent appearance of Caroline, the Duchess of Harewood. All aglow after the month of her honeymoon, no one could deny that love becomes her well. If anything, she was more beautiful than at her debut, where she was hailed as the diamond of the Season. So, who would not be envious, witnessing how her husband, the Duke of Harewood, doted upon her? It seems we have an apology to offer the fine pair, for there can be no doubt that they are besotted, and though it is perhaps premature,thiswriter would dare to declare them the couple of the London Season.But who could be surprised, considering their relation to our much-cherished Matchmaker?”
She waited for her husband’s enthusiasm, or some sign that he had at least heard her, but he was staring off into the middle-distance, his eyes glazed over.
Apparently sharing in Caroline’s growing frustration, Powder Puff strutted into the breakfast room at that moment and leaped up on to Max’s lap, startling him out of his stupor.
“Well, good morning to you too,” he murmured, bending his head to place a kiss between the cat’s tufty ears.
He scooped the feline up and held her to his chest, making soothing sounds as he smothered her with more kisses and she lapped it up, purring loudly. Caroline watched, open-mouthed, wondering what on earth was wrong with her: How could she be jealous of a cat?
“What is on the agenda today?” Caroline asked more curtly. Her husband had not offeredhera “good morning,” but offered it freely to Powder Puff.
Max concentrated on the cat as he replied, “I thought we might wander in Hyde Park until luncheon, and then there is a meeting I must attend at two o’clock with Albert. You can take tea with his wife while we talk. After that, I thought we could return here to be at our leisure for a time before venturing to Lord Wetherby’s dinner party at seven o’clock.”
“What manner of meeting?” she asked, mentally selecting her attire for the rest of the day’s events. She hadjustthe gown for the dinner party and had a notion for a new hair style for the walk in Hyde Park, if Lila would oblige her.
Max went to pour himself another cup of coffee, taking Powder Puff with him, the cat slung over his shoulder like an odd scarf. “He has a property that is of interest.”
“For me?” Caroline gaped at him, uncertain of whether to be dismayed or outraged.
He nodded. “I have yet to hear the full details, but it is supposed to be a very pleasant country house, close to Westyork.” He seemed to notice her expression at last. “Of course, I have no intention of making purchase of it without your consent, but as Albert is still hopeless when it comes to women who are not his wife, and you are “more beautiful than at your debut, where you were hailed as the diamond of the Season.” He will not be able to speak a word, which rather defeats the purpose of a meeting.”
Hewaslistening…
Torn between satisfaction and the heavy feeling of knowing that their day of separation was not going to be forgotten, she took a sip from her cup of lukewarm tea to balance her thoughts. A moment’s pause to remember she had a part to play.
“If it sounds favorable, we should visit,” she said.
“You would want me to accompany you?” He sounded surprised.
She shrugged. “Living apart does not mean we should not be somewhat involved in one another’s lives. I expect you will want to know that it is a nice house where I can be comfortable, and as the one who might be purchasing it, you should know if it is worth your hard-earned money. Nor would it hurt for you to know how to reach it, should you ever have a need to visit.”
“A very… sensible suggestion,” he said stiffly. “Actually, that reminds me—before we venture out to Hyde Park, do you think you might join me in my study for an hour or so? I would like your opinion about something.”
She perked up. “You would?”
“I took great interest in what you were saying to Lord Pocklington and his acquaintances last night. You made some valuable recommendations, and it would be remiss of me not to implement some of them, when others would pay a handsome sum for such advice and I have it for no cost whatsoever,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye.
It had taken her a fair while to understand the nature of sarcasm, for it was not a mode of humor that she was at all accustomed to. But as Max favored it above all others, she had studied the subtle changes and movements in his face so she would always know when he was trying to be amusing.
“If you are going to tease me, I shall feed you terrible advice instead,” she chided lightly, getting up from the table.
He chuckled. “I was teasing about the latter part, but not the former.” His face turned serious for a moment. “You have a talent for business, Caro. Yet, I suspect it has gone unnoticed by those who do not know you well. They see beauty and grace and the charm of a debutante, but neglect to discover what is beneath the surface.”
She had never felt so seen before, and she did not know what to do with the bubbling sensation it conjured in her chest. For years she had behaved as if the only thing she cared about was her debut and entering into society, but the moment she had met the Spinsters’ Club for the first time, she had come to realize that she did not have to hide her other interests.
