The Second Season (Regency Romance) Read online

  Louisa returned to her attempts at the trunk, eventually pushing it out of the door for a male servant to attend to. Caroline listened as Louisa marched down the hall, calling for Bentley. Bentley, the butler, always kept tabs on all of the staff, and Louisa was sure to be asking for Henry’s assistance. Henry was not only the strongest of the Hopkins’ employees, but also the most handsome.

  The melancholy mood of the morning lingered with Caroline throughout breakfast and afterward into her morning walk. She had always loved going to town. It was exciting to see the busy city with its many people. Caroline had been presented last season and had enjoyed a few social events before her illness had caused the family great concern. Lucy had remained in town with Lord and Lady Hopkins, but Caroline had spent the rest of the season at home with her Aunt Fanny as a companion. The two had spent the winter and spring in utter contentment. In fact, it seemed as though the rest of the family had returned only too quickly. Caroline had been sad to see Aunt Fanny go, and perhaps even more sad to see Lady Hopkins return. Caroline’s mother had returned far too enthusiastically, marked by her strong resolve to condition Caroline for the following year.

  Nothing was decided. Perhaps there would not be a match suitable. Lady Hopkins often had more ambitions than reality allowed. Perhaps Caroline would not be able to convince a grown man he was in love with her well enough to offer for her hand. At only eighteen, Caroline did not feel in control of her own future. She had always found happiness in Whitefield Hall, her parents, and Lucy. Even her younger brother, John, was worth missing. Who else would she ever tease so? She smiled as she remembered teaching John to say mon petit chou in place of “father.” Lord Hopkins had almost choked on his dinner that night when his eight-year-old son had referred to him as “his little cabbage.” Consequently, John had not wished to ever study French.

  Caroline spied her sister walking briskly toward her, draped in a winter cloak and a distraught countenance. Caroline walked slowly toward her, her boots crunching on the frosted path.

  “Oh, Caroline!” Lucy puffed. “How could I have forgotten? I forgot to call on Miss Ellison before our journey tomorrow. She will be offended at the slight. She so wishes to come to town with us.”

  Caroline smiled. “I’m sure she will understand. With all the preparations, one cannot be required to remember absolutely everything. Even the upturned Miss Ellison must afford you that. After all, you have always shown her much more kindness than she has offered either of us.”

  Lucy was still catching her breath, and she now rested her hand against Caroline’s shoulder, swallowing carefully. The sun was bright for a winter’s day, and Lucy had to squint while looking at Caroline. “Perhaps you will help me craft an apology to her for Bentley to post later this afternoon?”

  “Perhaps,” Caroline replied, but she had answered absentmindedly. Her mind was otherwise engaged. Caroline had not forgotten her mother’s excited manner the previous night as she told the girls of the eligible prospects. Lady Hopkins had even made a list of some of the London crowd she wished her daughters to associate with. Lucy had shared her mother’s excitement, pinching Caroline’s cheek when she had sat back in her chair blankly. Caroline was not surprised by her mother’s scheming. Lady Hopkins had always been the type to concoct dramatic plans for attaining what she wanted. Caroline knew it would be no different with her or Lucy, but Caroline had hoped she would have at least one full season before being married off.

  “Just think! In but a matter of days we will be back in town. I could die of anticipation. I do miss the symphony and all the concerts. And we must visit Mrs. Privett’s dress shop again. The materials were absolutely stunning! I felt as if I were floating in her petticoats. You remember Miss Granger from the social at Barton’s? She has promised the fashions are truly magnificent this year.”

  The sound of Lucy’s excitement only brought more seriousness to the whole situation. How could Lucy anticipate the season so? With her mother’s grand expectations, it was sure to bring the greatest displeasure to Caroline. “Oh yes, the social events shall take over,” Caroline said sadly. “You seem rather excited with all this talk of dresses and social gatherings. Are you not dreading Mama’s matrimonial schemes?”

  Lucy’s smile faded as she nodded, stroking Caroline’s back. Lucy cleared her throat, putting her arm around her sister. “Oh, Caroline. I should have guessed you would feel so. London is so engaging. If it were up to me, I would live in the city the whole year. I do not think marriage will be so very different. I am prepared to make a match, for I am twenty; though I suppose it would be dull if the gentleman in mind were so very boring or homely. I would not like to be married to an old man either.” Lucy stifled a small giggle.

  Caroline laughed at this, imagining Lucy as a stepmother to four grown children. Perhaps it would be advantageous to remember the humor in all of this. “I am sure you will find the oldest of bachelors.” Caroline teased.

  To this, Lucy shook her head vengefully and threatened, “And you shall not even have half an offer!”

  Caroline’s laughter turned into a calm smile. “At least you will be there with me. My last season was so very short due to my illness, and I am quite anxious about Mama’s expectations. Mama seems consumed with knowing all the London gossip. I feel certain she is up to something already. I would not be surprised if she has already selected matches for the both of us.” Caroline paused, resting her hands at her side. She glanced up at Lucy seriously. “I cannot stomach the idea of marrying yet.”

  Lucy shook her head solemnly. “Caroline, you must not worry. Isn’t it you that has always said you only listen to Mama when it suits you?”

  Caroline felt her shoulders relax. She smiled. She did like upsetting her mother, but only in small matters. Lady Hopkins gave such good reactions. But this felt different, somehow. Caroline felt certain her mother was much more serious this time. “You are quite right, Lucy. I will make it my duty to follow my own advice. I may marry, but she won’t have all the say. I will make it my concern to rally in support of my own happiness.”

  Lucy gripped Caroline’s hand tightly. “Indeed! You must make it your concern to support my happiness as well, as I lack the strength to stand against Mama.” Lucy’s voice turned softer with a hint of sarcasm. “Please do not let me marry a grandpapa.”

  The girls laughed as they made their way back into the house. Lucy passed the trunks in the great hall and pulled Caroline’s arm. “Tell me what dresses Louisa has packed for you. Did you bring your new pink linen gown? It would be lovely for the concerts.”

  Lucy appeared determined to make Caroline enjoy herself, and Lucy began detailing the outfits her sister would wear, including dresses of her own.

  “We must purchase some new gowns. For in your gain, I also gain since we are nearly the same size. Until then, you may borrow any dress I bring,” Lucy offered.

  It was a kind gesture, and Caroline affectionately rested her head on Lucy’s shoulder, but before Caroline could thank Lucy vocally, Louisa marched into the room with an unmistakably irritated expression spread across her face.

  “Miss Lucy, Miss Caroline, you have visitors. Mr. Jasper and his mother have called upon you both. They are in the drawing room as we speak.” Louisa held the door open in a gesture of command.

  With mutual disgust, Caroline and Lucy made a collective sigh. They found their way to the drawing room all too quickly and found the son and mother standing impatiently. The Jaspers, the nearest neighbors to Whitefield Hall, felt it their duty to demoralize all they came in contact with, and, even worse, they felt it their duty as neighbors to call upon the young sisters almost weekly. The son, Charles, had always shown a liking for Lucy, a fact that Lucy seemed completely oblivious to. As always, Lucy was the perfect picture of hospitality and grace. Caroline found herself mechanically following Lucy’s lead as she curtsied kindly to the pair of them and offered felicitous greetings.

  “Mrs. Jasper, Mr. Jasper, how kind of you to c
all! How do you do?” Lucy said, offering her hand to Charles who took it only too eagerly. Caroline met Mrs. Jasper’s smile with the same outward courtesy, albeit with inward contempt.

  Mrs. Jasper, as per usual, seated herself on the finest chair, and was scanning the room in an arrogant manner. “We couldn’t very well not call now could we, seeing how you are at present preparing to journey to London, and without a word or letter to me? I’d have thought your mother aware of such details. Your absence is, without exception, the most horrid news. Why, flying off to London in search of a husband? I know what you are thinking, and I will have none of it. It will not do to contradict me. I cannot understand the meaning of it all. There are so many young gentlemen here, in Chelmsford, that might satisfy the both of you and your mother.”

  The room became silent, both girls unsure of how to respond to the blunt woman. Caroline giggled uncomfortably, covering her mouth when Lucy nudged her.

  “You have always been everything thoughtful, Ma’am,” Caroline offered curtly, glancing sideways at Lucy.

  Yes, Mrs. Jasper had always been everything thoughtful. Indeed, she had been thinking of nothing other than marrying her son Charles off to one of the Hopkins sisters for years. It would have been a compliment had Charles Jasper been anything other than the unpleasant man he was. His fixed smile seemed rigid, and he often drooled and spit as he spoke. His hair was already thinning, and the remaining wisps rested greasily against his elongated forehead. It was only to his detriment that his choice of attire and expression seemed to compliment his personality perfectly.

  “Yes, Miss Lucy, we shall miss your company sorely. I myself might take the chance to go to London this season,” Charles admitted, his gaze fixed on Lucy.

  “Are you quite sure, Mr. Jasper?” Lucy asked. “You have not gone to London these past two seasons.”

  “I have some business in town I must attend to and have sent word for our townhome to be prepared for an extended stay. I feel much inclined to crumble to the temptations of town this year,” Charles said, chuckling while saliva drooped around his mouth as he rallied his arm in the air enthusiastically.

  Mrs. Jasper rolled her eyes dramatically and gave an annoyed sigh. “Oh, Charles. Do not talk so. Town holds little temptation for one such as you,” she replied. She turned toward Lucy. “I cannot seem to understand why he must leave me. I am beginning to feel determined to accompany him.”

  Charles stood up straight and pushed his shoulders back even farther than usual. “Mother, you needn’t accompany me. I am nearly thirty. I am quite capable of completing my business on my own.”

  “Perhaps you are, and perhaps you are not. I only say that I shall not have my only son leave me for months at a time. I am not quite the young woman I used to be. Without your father, I feel the loss of your presence keenly.” Mrs. Jasper turned from her son abruptly, dropping her head into her hands.

  Caroline cleared her throat. “Mrs. Jasper, how does your niece Miss Lenore do? I’ve heard she has become quite the accomplished painter.”

  Attempts at comforting Mrs. Jasper almost always went unnoticed, as Mrs. Jasper saw everyone and nearly everything below her. And yet, the mention of her niece was always sure to raise her spirit.

  “I’d say! She could paint the king. It’s quite a shame, but she has ruined my taste in art. I cannot stand the mediocre paintings I see that so often cover every wall of every home. I must have Georgiana stay, and then you will see my meaning. But, you might meet her in London. I shall write to her and have her stay in town with Charles and me.”

  “Certainly, Mrs. Jasper. It would be our pleasure,” Lucy answered charmingly.

  Caroline’s eyes widened. She was sure nothing could convince her to visit the Jaspers while in town. Lucy glared at Caroline in warning, and Caroline’s eyes lowered as she bit the side of her cheek to keep from grinning.

  “And not only does she paint magnificently, but she is quite the beauty! She will be the talk of London this year, I tell you!” Mrs. Jasper sat up straighter as she spoke, forgetting her previous offended state. Her niece was her pride. Mrs. Jasper had wanted a daughter to dress up and parade around London more than anything, but all she had had was Charles. The poor niece suffered the shattered dreams of the aunt.

  “And shall you enjoy London, Miss Lucy?” Charles turned toward Lucy as he spoke.

  “Oh, yes! I have always enjoyed the entertainment and fashions. The company is always so agreeable as well.”

  “Hmphff. I had not thought you the London type,” Charles said, pacing the whole of the room, sweat permeating his enormous forehead.

  Caroline absentmindedly began tapping her foot in impatience. Lucy nudged her sister subtly once more in response and turned the conversation to the immediate demands that needed attending to before embarking on their travels. The Jaspers protested, Mrs. Jasper criticizing the efficiency of the estate if the daughters were to attend to such trivial matters.

  However much duty they thought was owed to them as the nearest neighbor, Caroline was tempted to put them in their place. She could not stand such forced conversation or such impolite ramblings. Perhaps London would not be so dreadfully bad as Caroline had imagined. By the time Mrs. Jasper left with Charles, Caroline was positively glowing at the thought of departing Whitefield Hall. For though the city offered no escape to Whitefield Hall, Whitefield Hall offered no escape from the Jaspers.

  A

  CHAPTER 4

  The journey to London was nothing short of fatiguing for Caroline, though not in the physical sense. Between the three women, all conversation of town and the excitement for the season had been completely exhausted. Lady Hopkins had spouted off her usual lectures on gentility and manners at least two times to each of the girls. The journey had also allowed for short naps, all of which reminded Caroline just how loudly her mother snored.

  After arriving in London, the three women spent the majority of the next day recovering. Caroline had felt fully recovered almost upon arrival, being hardly the type of lady to require much more than a walk or ride to restore her well-being. However, her mother and Lucy required time for improvement. Between warm baths, sleeping all day, and eating much more than was necessary, the two women’s spirits were finally starting to be restored.

  It was on the third morning since arriving to London that Caroline became especially restless. The house in London was so much smaller than Whitefield Hall, and its proximity to the neighbors left Caroline feeling trapped. She craved a moment away from the confining walls.

  Caroline sat at the breakfast table, her plate undisturbed, as she eyed Lucy impatiently. Lucy, seemingly unaware of Caroline, only nibbled at her food, every so often glancing to Lord Hopkins as he read the newspaper, grunting or puffing sporadically. Caroline laid her fingers across the table, hoping to gently coax Lucy’s attention away from her father.

  “How are you feeling?” she asked. Lucy’s face brightened. Caroline continued. “Shall we go out for the day? I long to leave this house.”

  The hint of a smile flashed across Lucy’s face. She pressed her lips together as she eyed Caroline curiously. “I fear I am not wholly recovered from the journey.”

  Caroline shrugged, irritated by Lucy’s words.

  Lucy let out an amused giggle. “Oh, Caroline! I should have known better than to tease you. I think a walk by the shops is just the exercise I need. Shall we ask Mama if George may drive us to town? You are in such need of new gowns.”

  Caroline nodded. She was beginning to think that dress shopping would be preferable to sitting in the house all day.

  Lucy tilted her head knowingly as she explained, “Why, just last week, I overheard Mama discussing our allowances with Papa. It is quite the sum this year. We are to attend the concert tomorrow evening. Perhaps we will find some ribbons to compliment your pink gown?”

  Caroline nodded in support of the idea, while Lucy gave an excited squeal.

  Lord Hopkins’s eyes rose above the paper su
spiciously, only offering muted chuckles and a mumbled, “What excitement a girl finds in the latest fashions, I shall never attempt to discover.”

  A

  Caroline watched as Lucy eagerly stepped into Mrs. Privett’s dress shop. A young woman with dark hair and a bright smile stood at the entrance to greet them. She curtsied gracefully and offered her services. Caroline stood cautiously at the door, watching curiously as Lucy began telling the young saleswoman of their pressing needs.

  Caroline roamed the dressing counters, pausing every so often to inspect a fabric or notion more closely. She did not detest shopping by any means, but Caroline found herself at a loss in choosing one item from another. Lucy, however timid in other areas, did not have the least hesitation when it came to such decisions, and she took no thought but to take responsibility for Caroline’s needs.

  Before Caroline knew it, Lucy had ordered at least four gowns for Caroline, insisting Caroline could not do without even one of them. Caroline had nodded in amusement to the dressmaker, only daring to offer a fabric suggestion for the ball gown. Lucy had then spent another hour purchasing coordinating ribbons, bonnets, and gloves for each new dress ordered. Caroline admired the emerald silk Lucy had agreed upon for the ball gown. It was to be trimmed in ivory lace and would have the most delicate ruffles in the back. Lucy had also found a pretty, yet simple, white muslin frock, a gold and white afternoon dress, and a terracotta evening gown with beautiful embroidered white flowers in the sleeves and hem.

  The girls left the dress shop arm in arm. The Hopkins sisters received more than a few admiring glances as they walked along the cobblestones, stopping to look at a shop window every so often along the way. At last they found themselves staring up at a sign hanging from an awning. It read, “Clark’s Custom Cordwainer.”