The Best Man's Bridesmaid by Raven McAllan Read Free Book Online

the official period of mourning was over. You must only open it at Chattels.”
    So here she was almost there and eager to see what had been written.
    But first she had a lot to do and very little time in which to do it. Her delayed start from the capital meant she was several hours later in her arrival than she had hoped. Crisply, she greeted her household staff, requested dinner for two at 8:00 p.m., and spoke with Primmy about certain things she wanted to be arranged. It was only then she talked in private at length to Jenkins.
    “It will be as you wish, my lady,” he promised when she finished.
    Once her arrangements were as far advanced as they could be, Caroline realized she was hungry. Tonight she was sure would be the most important evening of her life. It was vital she missed nothing.
    After she had devoured a bowl of soup and some cold meats, she retired to her bedchamber to read her letter in private. Primmy had unpacked and replaced all her clothing in the cupboards and was drawing a bath as Caroline entered her bedroom.
    “Your bath is ready.” Primmy indicated the bathing chamber, where Caroline could see steam rising. “Relax and prepare yourself. I will put out the clothes you’ve requested and be back later to assist. What time is his lordship due to arrive?”
    “At six, so I have little time.” Her pulse quickened at the thought.
    “Time enough for a soak,” Primmy said, her voice firm. “You can do no more; everything is set, except you. Now sit in the water, let it relax you. You’re tighter than any spring imaginable. Take some deep breaths, and slow down. All this rushing will neither make time go faster or help you achieve all you wish. Hold one moment.” Caroline had begun to move toward her bathing chamber where the sweet smell of roses wafted from her bath. “Wait while I pile your hair up. No use in getting it all wet. There’s not enough time to dry it. I’ll just brush it well for you later. Aye, and read your letter if you wish. Just don’t drop it in the water.”
    That made Caroline laugh, the result she knew Primmy had wanted.
    “I won’t,” she promised. “And I am so looking forward to the next ten minutes.”
    “Twenty,” Primmy replied, implacable and in charge. “I’ll be back to help you out then. Not one minute sooner.”
    Twenty minutes was not enough to read and absorb what her great-aunt had written.
    She read it through three times. Lay back, laughed until she cried and the water sloshed over the edge of the bath.
    “Aunt Maud. I do so love you. Thank you,” she said out loud. Aunt Maud had explained all her reasons, including her opinion that Charlie was very much a man, and well able to provide everything a woman needed, but that Caroline was more than enough woman to contain him. In every way, her great-aunt had underscored. She would enjoy sharing the contents of the letter with Charlie later, if… Enough. Later is later, and I’d better prepare.
    It was several hours before she was sure she had done all she could do, and began to execute her plan.
    Just before six, she heard the clip-clop of hooves. Jenkins turned and leaned down toward the door of the coach, which had been parked, ready for what was to come, for almost the half hour. “I reckon that’s him coming now, my lady. Are you all set?”
    Am I? I have to be, this is my future at stake. “As I will ever be. Wish me luck.”
    “You don’t need it, my lady, but I will do so.” She was sure once more she heard him mutter under his breath. This time the words, “It’s him that needs it.” Caroline stifled a grin; her old and trusted retainers were more family to her than any others; she would not under any circumstances chastise them for any supposed familiarity, especially as they supported her so valiantly. With regards to Charlie, she could but hope so.
    ***
    Charlie, mounted on his favorite chestnut, had made good time on the road. Aided by a full moon and a reasonable road, he had