Free Mr Cavell's Diamond by Kathleen McGurl

vulnerable. And despite her illness and her tears, so beautiful.
    ‘If adopting a child will heal you, my love, then we shall adopt. Though I know of no suitable child, or any process by which we could find an unwanted child. I am afraid this will take a long time. You must be patient.’
    She sighed. ‘Yes, I will be patient. But it will be hard.’
    She took his arm again and they walked on. He looked across at her, pleased to see that her head was a little higher, her tears were ceasing and there was a tiny bit of colour back in her cheeks. Perhaps simply the thought that adoption was possible, and the knowledge that he had agreed in principle, was enough to soothe her. Well, if that was the case, then the job was done. He smiled gently at her. He would promise her anything he could deliver, if it would restore her to the vivacious and charming girl he had married. As her husband, it was up to him to ensure her happiness, whatever it took. Wasn’t that his duty?
     
     

C hapter 6 – October 1829
    Caroline
     
    It was several weeks since Caroline had put her plan into action. Since Henry had agreed to the principle of adopting a child, she had been careful to appear a little more cheerful each day, though not completely healed. She had begun to leave her room more often, spending a few hours each day in the sitting room. Staying in the house had been hard – she’d thought she would go mad with boredom. Now the Worthing papers were full of news of the arrival of the King’s daughter, Princess Augusta, Caroline was desperate to resume attendance at the Assembly Rooms and perhaps get a glimpse of the royal visitor. It was time to move on to the next, and final, stage of her plan.
    She had risen early today, and surprised Henry by joining him at the breakfast table, instead of taking breakfast in her bed as she usually did.
    ‘You look better today, love,’ Henry said, as he rose to help her into her seat.
    ‘ Thank you,’ she said, as she settled herself into the chair and helped herself to a slice of ham and some fried mushrooms. ‘I do feel a little stronger. I think perhaps I would like to go to visit my mother today.’
    ‘ Splendid idea,’ said Henry. ‘The maid can go with you, in case you need any assistance on the way. I would go with you myself, but Dennett wants me to look over some papers relating to my London properties.’
    ‘ Oh no, don’t trouble the maid,’ Caroline protested. ‘She’ll be needed here – I want my room cleaned while I am out. I shall be perfectly all right on my own.’
    ‘ My dear, I insist she goes with you,’ said Henry, as he rang the bell. ‘You have been unwell, you are still not strong, and I should hate anything to happen to you. I make it a condition that you take the maid with you, if I am to allow you to leave the house today.’
    Caroline looked down at her plate. The presence of a servant might upset her plans. Her instinctive reaction was to sulk a little, pout, and cajole Henry into letting her have her own way, and go out alone. But something in the tone of his voice told her he would not give in on this. He had, bless him, her best interests at heart. She would need to play this some other way.
    She raised her head and smiled at him. ‘Very well. The maid shall come with me. I may visit the haberdasher’s along the way, so the maid may make herself useful and carry any purchases I might make.’
    Henry looked pleased with this. Caroline was aware he would interpret a renewed interest in her dress as a further sign of her return to health.
    There was a tap on the door and the maid entered. ‘Did you ring, sir?’ she asked, giving a little curtsey. Caroline smiled at her as Henry spoke.
    ‘ I did. Your mistress wishes to go out today to visit her family. You are to go with her to provide any assistance she might need. Be ready to go whenever she desires it.’
    The maid nodded and curtseyed again. ‘And bring us more coffee.’ Henry waved his hand