Chapter 16

Carina was most definitely in love, otherwise she would have never allowed Felix to kiss her, let alone any of the other liberties that she'd granted.

There was only one concern, Felix had not claimed to love her. She certainly could not voice her feelings without him first saying the words, as that would be improper.

It also wouldn't have been appropriate since she was supposed to have been courted by Bolton, but now that had come to an end.

"You should know that my husband believes Knight is lingering and should have returned to his position," Gaia stated as she entered Carina's chamber and shut the door.

"Which dress shall I wear today?" They were going to Milsom Street and not just to stroll but because Carina was in need of a new pair of gloves.

"Is he recovered?" Gaia asked.

"How would I know?" she feigned ignorance.

"It does not matter." Gaia laughed as she pulled the lavender gown from the wardrobe. "This color is the best on you."

"Why doesn't it matter?" Carina asked as she allowed the maid to assist her.

"He knows that Knight wants to court you and now that my brother is out of the way, he can. Zachariah will not force him back to his duties until things have been settled."

"Things? What things?"

"We are assuming a betrothal, otherwise there is no reason to court."

"Yes, of course." Carina suddenly became nervous. "I was not thinking beyond courtship."

"Is that because you do not want anything beyond that? If so, you should tell Knight."

Carina sank to the bed. They had talked about so many dreams and possibilities and of traveling to Florence but how much of it could truly be real? The truth was, they would remain servants in the Lydell household. Yet, whether she eventually married Knight or not, that would not change, so why shouldn't she find a bit of happiness for herself.

"I believe I do," she finally answered. "It is not the home of my own that I had always hoped to have, but I won't be alone either." And really, that is all anyone could really ask for, especially in her circumstances.

Felix had to confess to Lydell that he was completely healed because he wanted to borrow the curricle with matching bays. He could have taken the carriage, but then he and Carina would have had Lady Lydell as a chaperone, which he did not want. As the curricle was an open conveyance, they need not worry of others commenting on Carina's reputation.

Lydell also confessed that he knew Felix was recovered but wanted him to have time to court Carina. There was little that Lady Lydell did not share with her husband. And, since it was likely Felix would soon marry, he offered him a new position, which Felix gladly accepted.

"Though, I understand that eventually, you may want to return to your family."

Felix had frowned. "My family?"

"Yes. Your father, who is a viscount and your mother."

How could he possibly know? Had Bolton told him?

"Your brother," Lydell answered the unasked question. "I had met him previously. His arrival after you had been shot clarified my earlier suspicions that you were not of the servant class."

"Why did you say nothing before?"

"There could be many reasons why a man raised in Society decides to become a servant. It could be that he was a younger son and it was the option he chose as opposed to, say, military or the clergy. Also, a title does not mean that there is also property and wealth." He shrugged. "It was none of my concern why you selected the path that you did."

"Which is why you have given me far more leeway than any other servant would ever be allowed."

"Yes, and you were also my first real friend after I arrived in London. Therefore, I asked no questions that were none of my concern."

"There is no reason why, in the foreseeable future, that I would ever allow my grandfather to know where I am. Also, as a second son, I do have limited options, but truly enjoy the role I serve."

"I also hope that you soon have a wife." Lydell had raised a glass in toast to him.

"As do I." Felix paused for a moment. "Carina does not know who I really am."

"I am aware. She will be angry when she learns the truth because she will believe you lied to her. But, if she were to know now, she would not allow a courtship because she perceives herself not worthy of anyone in Society."

"Which is my dilemma."

"All I can do is wish you well." Lydell raised his glass again.

Once Felix and Carina were settled in the curricle, he exited the drive and onto the road leading into Bath only to take an unexpected turn.

"Where are we going?" Carina asked with concern.

"I want to show you a surprise."

One that Lydell had made possible when he offered Felix his new position.

"Have I shown poor judgment in placing my trust in you?" she asked, eyebrow raised as she studied him. "I have not forgotten that you are a rake, rogue and scoundrel."

"Which I have likely proven in the garden by my inability to keep from kissing you." He grinned. "Or caressing."

Red rushed to her cheeks and Carina quickly turned away. "Yes, well, I will be more careful in the future."

"Oh, please do not."

"Where are you taking me?" she demanded when he turned down another drive.

"I will no longer live above stables and smell horses all night."

"Have you asked Lydell if you can remain in the house?"

"No. That lacks the privacy I prefer."

"Then where will you sleep?"

He pulled the curricle before a two-story cottage. It wasn't overly large but had four bedrooms, a parlor, dining room, kitchen and library. "Here."

Carina's eyes widened as she gasped.

"The back of this land meets the Lydell estate and as there is a well-worn path, there will be no need to take a horse or carriage from one home to the other."

"How is it possible that you could afford such a place? Is a coachman's salary so much?"

Felix had to chuckle. "I have accepted a new position with Lydell. That as estate manager. This is where the previous one lived, and it is mine for as long as I keep the position."

"Do you think you will keep it long?" she asked.

"Lydell is a generous employer, Carina, as you know. I have no wish to work for anyone else, nor could I imagine doing so." He looked at the cottage. "I hope that this is my home for many years to come."

By showing her his new home, Felix hoped that Carina realized that he could give her the one thing she wanted. It also allowed him to keep his secret for just a little longer.

"I am happy for you, Mr. Knight."

"Would you please call me Felix. At one time you did."

"I am not so certain it is proper."

"Carina, please. At least when we are alone."

"Very well, Felix."

"Would you like to see the inside?"

She started to step from the curricle then stopped and settled back on the bench. "Yes, but I will not."

"Why not?"

"It is dangerous enough being in the gardens with you, Felix, that I do not trust myself, or you for that matter, to be alone in a house."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. "Are you certain?" His hand caressed her hips.

"I will not be seduced by the likes of you. I have already allowed too many liberties. I am happy that you now have a home of your own, but I shall not see the inside without a proper chaperone."

He would be lying to himself if he claimed not to be disappointed, but Carina was correct. He had wanted her for so long and she was susceptible to his charms, as he was to hers, and no doubt he'd not be able to stop himself from trying to seduce her. "Very well, we shall go into town."