Page 37

It was the hardest thing he had ever done, other than witness Charles’s death, but he did it regardless. Because Caroline needed him to do it and he could not possibly achieve his future dream of them together without putting her first. No matter how long it took, he would eventually bring them back together. But only if he allowed them to part first.

He lay back, fighting his instincts to do what was right. “I … understand.”

Caroline looked as if she had been struck. She blinked several times, then cleared her throat before standing up. “All right, then. I am … glad you understand.”

William nodded, closing his eyes so he would not leap up to grab hold of her. She paused, hesitating for several seconds, before finally speaking once more. “I shall collect my things and go home.”

She paused again as if expecting him to disagree, but he bit his tongue and remained silent. He had rushed matters between them, and he needed to retreat before he made it worse.

“Goodbye … William.”

He gave a curt nod, bidding himself to remain calm and release her from any obligations to him. It was his only hope, and he did not trust himself to speak.

Chapter 9

The Truth

SAINT STEPHEN’S DAY (THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS)

Caroline was bent over the walking dress when she heard Annie approaching the shop. It lifted her flagging spirits to know she would have company today, so she paused and tilted her head to listen to the carol.

The twelfth day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me,

Twelve lords a leaping,

Eleven ladies dancing,

Ten pipers piping,

Nine drummers drumming,

Eight maids a milking...

The back door opened, and the singing was no longer muffled as Annie drew a deep breath to complete the lengthy verse in her sweet, youthful voice. Her clear tones filled the room, rising and falling with the cadence of the carol, lending a brightness to the room. Caroline paused in her stitching, allowing herself the luxury of simply listening.

Seven swans a swimming,

Six geese a laying,

Five gold rings,

Four colly birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves, and

A partridge in a pear tree.

Annie walked over to the worktable where Caroline was seated and finished her song with a flourish, clearly proud of herself for recalling all the lines correctly.

“Happy Saint Stephen’s Day, Mrs. Brown!”

Caroline forced a cheery smile onto her tired face. She had been miserable since leaving the blacksmith’s home the day before and had not slept a wink all night. Considering how their time together had ended, she did not know what to make of their connection.

Did they even have one, after she had rejected his suit?