Page 60 of Rival to Resist
Caroline’s heart beat more quickly, but she straightened and gave a little laugh. “I did. And quite enjoyed it, I admit.”
Oswald’s brow knit more tightly. “And did you enjoy tending to Mr. Yorke’s injury?”
Caroline blinked in surprise. How had he learned ofthat? “I doubt anyone could find joy in such a necessity.” And yet, shehad. For a time, at least.
“Could someone else not have performed such a task?”
“Undoubtedly they could have. But I was the one who noticed the injury, and everyone else was busy enjoying themselves. Mrs. Tonkin prepared a poultice. I merely cleaned the injury.” Her hackles rose higher with every disapproving expression. She did not like the implication that she had behaved badly.
“And in the midst of such entertainments, did you consider how your actions would reflect upon me? Upon Trelowen?”
Caroline was torn between guilt and indignation.
Shehadconsidered how it would look for her to attend the party, and she had gone despite that.
But if only Oswald too had come, just as Mr. Yorke had come to Trevenna, he might have made it into an opportunity.
“I did not think it wise to allow Mr. Yorke to carry out his plan without either of us present to challenge any…inaccuracies that might be perpetuated.”
“And sack racing accomplished that goal?”
Caroline refused to become defensive, despite the way his comments were tinged with disapproval. She smiled. “Come, Oswald. Do not be angry with me. Would you have had the entire village cheer for Mr. Yorke while I stood to the side? It was an opportunity to challenge him.”
“And did you win?”
Caroline’s smile flickered as she remembered the race—the moment when victory had been within reach and she had forfeited it. Shecouldhave won. She could have rid them of Mr. Yorke altogether.
She fortified her smile. “I fear I underestimated the skill required.”
Oswald nodded, his expression unreadable.
“Whatever you may think of it, Oswald, Mr. Yorke’s campaign party was a successful effort to curry public favor.”
“As was mine.”
“Yes,” she granted. “You have the support of the gentry, but there is something to be said for Mr. Yorke’s approach. How unfortunate it would be to win the election and have the village disappointed by the result.”
“Even if that occurred, their disappointment would quickly be tempered by the good effect in Parliament on their behalf.”
Caroline did not respond. Perhaps he was right.
And yet, she wished he could see the value in appealing to the villagers directly.
“There was a great deal of talk when you danced with Mr. Yorke,” Oswald said. “And now the village has seen you attend his party and stoop to behavior below your station, not to mention tending to his injury. I had hoped to present a more united front.”
Caroline could see he was troubled by it all, and yet, shetoo was troubled. Troubled by the way he was characterizingher behavior as though she was some thoughtless hoyden who had damaged her reputation—and his. It was unclear which concerned him most.
In all her years of acquaintance with Oswald, he had never made her feel this way: as though she was a child who had disappointed him. And all this whenhewas the one who had acted without regard for her reputation by speaking with the vicar.
“You feel demeaned by your association with me,” she said, striving to keep her tone light despite the tightness in her chest. How odd to be made to feel unfit in her own home.
“Of course not,” he replied. “But I wonder you should insist on continuing your association with Mr. Yorke given the situation.”
“I thought you regarded his campaign as a piece of silliness—too ridiculous to be deemed a threat.”
“I am far more concerned for the threat he poses toyou.”
Caroline’s eyes widened. “Me?”
