A Little Bit Scandalous Page 0,45
a beautiful ball gown and mill about the cream of London’s crop. Odd that she’d feel more comfortable as Mr. Grey than she did now as Caroline the Repeat Debutante.
Had she stayed a bit longer in London she might have been more skilled in discerning men’s intentions, because it would seem she had misunderstood those of poor Mr. Bishop. Certainly he did not mean to court her. Certainly he had not meant to imply that meeting her had given meaning to his visit. But what if he had meant that? What if he were to court her? She could not imagine loving a man as unremarkable as Mr. Bishop, not when she’d loved Roe so fiercely and for so long. But Roe was not meant for the likes of her. Only her youthful ignorance had made her imagine he might one day love her in return. She would be happier if her heart would be satisfied with anyone but Roe. But hearts were not known for their logic and hers could not be swayed to consider Mr. Bishop.
The opera house positively buzzed with people. Men and women milled about in the entryway, and all Caroline could think of was finding their seats. Thankfully, Mr. Bishop felt the same as he quickly led them through the bustling crowd and into the theatre.
Finally in their seats, Caroline held the theatre glasses up to her face and looked about the room. It was not her first venture to the opera, but it had been many years since she’d been here, and she found she had new eyes to appreciate her surroundings. The red velvet seats matched the curtains flanking the stage.
The opera began, and the longer they sat there, the more uncomfortable Caroline became. The singing was spectacular, but Mr. Bishop leaned closer and closer to her with every song. It was enough for her to cry off for the evening during the intermission.
Once they returned to the carriage, Caroline rubbed her temples and frowned. If her horrid acting did not give her a headache, her nerves would.
“I am so sorry you are not feeling well.” Mr. Bishop’s features were etched with concern. “Do you get headaches often?
“It is I who should be sorry, Mr. Bishop.” She had already overused the headache excuse. “No, I’m not generally one to get headaches, so perhaps I’m coming down with something. I have ruined your evening, and I do apologize.”
He shook his head. “Nonsense. It serves me right, ignoring you the way I did. I should never have let my old friend monopolize my time that way. It was rude and unmannerly of me. You deserve much better behavior and attention.”
Had she been a woman to be wooed by sweet words, that last earful would have sent her into swoons. Truth was, though, she’d been relieved when he discovered someone he knew sitting near them. She smiled. “I suppose we could spend the ride home apologizing for the poor turn of events this evening took.”
He chuckled. “You are a remarkable woman, Miss Jellico, and I must admit, I am quite taken with you.”
Icy fingers trailed up Caroline’s spine. A suitor? Who would have thought? She tried to calm her nerves. Perhaps she should consider the scenario. If she did not marry, she would restore her family’s home and live in it. Alone. Forever alone. Still, the thought of saddling herself in a relationship she did not want left a sour taste in her mouth.
“I am quite flattered, but I must confess that I am not so worthy of your praise.”
He opened his mouth to disagree, but she silenced him with a raise of her hand.
“Hear me out. I find you a most charming and delightful man and enjoy your company. It is always a pleasure to find one with whom you can have such enlightened conversations, but I must warn you that I am not looking for a husband. I am too busy to take on the duties of a wife.”
She considered him a minute, taking in his long face and kind eyes. There were few people in London with kind eyes. She would hate to lose the opportunity to befriend him.
“I realize you were not proposing. You could simply find my intellectual mind stimulating and would like to start a reading organization with me. And if that is the case, then please ignore all that I have said.” She took a breath and sat back into the carriage seat.
He smiled and reached across to pat