You're My Best Friend

Chapter 12

It had grown dark in the time that Geoffrey was preparing to confess his love for Caroline, and he could not deny his dejection as he realized that he would have to wait until the morning to find out if she even felt the same way about him.

He had prepared a speech for Any of the possible outcomes. if she said that she felt the same way about him, he would profess his love for her. How he realized that the genuine care he felt for her as they were both growing up had blossomed like the petals of a rose. And if she did not feel the same way about him, he would profess his apology. He knew that option would hurt more, but nonetheless, he made himself practice the words in his head.

While it was too late to make any calls, be they romantic or not, it was still early enough to call upon his own mother. Doing much better emotionally than before, she had taken to a habit of working on a needlepoint project in her study each night.

"Mother," Geoffrey knocked on the door, "May I come in?"

"Of course my dear," she had replied, with a certain cheerful tone to her voice. Goeffrey could not help but feel comfort from the familiar tones of his childhood. His mother had been such a cheery person, and seeing her slip into feelings of melancholy only made him hurt more. He gladly made his way into her study and sat down on the chair across from her.

He sat in silence for a few moments, watching her fingers dance to create the different sections of her needlepoint. They moved gracefully, just as he and Caroline did not too many nights ago. His heart burned for her, wishing that he could get these feelings of love off of his pent up chest.

"Mother, I do believe I am in love." He said cutting straight to the point.

Almost unphased by his comment she replied, "Is that so?"

Geoffrey was taken aback by his mother's calm nature, "Yes, but I did figure you would seem more surprised than this"

"I may have been in bed mostly for the past few months, but something about you has livened my dear," she started, "and I can remember when your father acted the same way. So you must forgive me for not feeling too shocked. Who may I ask is the lucky lady?"

Geoffrey took a deep breath, "It is Caroline Bassett, the duke of Hasting's daughter."

"Little Caroline?" Victoria answered, a bit more surprise in her voice, "She's much more quiet than her sisters "

Those words hurt Geoffrey, but he couldn't fully place why, "There's no need to compare them, but Caroline is so genuine and truly seems to care for me."

His mother noted her mistake, "Of course, I do not mean to compare her to her elder siblings. Heaven knows you and your brother cannot be compared. But you seem hesitant. Why is that?"

Geoffrey reached for his cravat, but found that he wasn't wearing one. He must have taken it off while he was rehearsing his possible outcomes. "I don't,,, I don't know if she feels the same way about me."

"So you haven't asked her yet?" his mother questioned,

"No. I haven't. We've been spending a lot of time together, trying to find the perfect match for each other, but I can't help but have fallen in love with her." he cleared his throat, "And now I worry that if she does not feel the same way about myself, that I will have ruined our friendship."

"That certainly is a possibility," his mother replied. Geoffrey's heart sunk, "But you have yet to figure that out, have you?'

"I was going to talk to her this evening, but I let time slip away from me." he confessed.

"You'll just have to go see her tomorrow." his mother said confidently.

"But what if she doesn't feel the same way?" he asked in a more pleading tone.

"Then so be it" she replied, "but you will not know until you ask her, aren't I right?"

Geoffrey nodded, "I will go to see her first thing in the morning. Will you come with me?"

"It would be lovely to see Daphne again," Victoria nodded, placing her needlework beside her.

"Thank you so much mother." Geoffrey said, "but I must head to bed. The time sleeping will ease my mind."

Geoffrey's dreams were flooded with the presence of Caroline. From past to future, he saw them together, in acts of friendship and love. He knew she would be the best wife he could ask for, but could he be the best husband for her. If she would even have him?

It was drizzling when he awoke that morning, a possible bad omen, he thought to himself. Wasting no time, Geoffrey dressed himself in his finest clothing. "Please let her feel the same way towards me" he whispered, looking at his reflection in the mirror.

"It is raining, so I believe we should take the covered carriage," his mother said, slipping into his room. She was already dressed, and must have woken up before him

Slightly startled, he replied, "I do believe you are right."

"Shall we go then?" she asked.

Geoffrey nodded.

The rain had only increased in speed by the time he had made it to the Duke and Duchess' London home. Fortunately, his mother had been wise enough to bring an umbrella, so he remained mostly dry. Knocking on the door of the large manor, Geoffrey muttered a silent prayer.

"Is Lady Caroline in?" he asked, as someone opened the door.

"I believe she has stepped out a while ago" the doorman answered, and Geoffrey felt his heart sink, "But do come in from the rain, I will call for the Duke and Duchess, as I am sure they will know."

Inside, Geoffrey glanced at the portraiture that hung in the main hallway. It was an oil history of the family line, with the newest painting being a family portrait. Geoffrey's eyes glanced from family member to family member until he found Caroline, standing rather reserved with her Belinda. Somehow the artist had managed to capture her gentle eyes with the flick of his brush. It made Geoffrey feel comfort.

"Countess Wyatt, Lord Geoffrey, a pleasure to see you" the duchess came to greet them, her youngest son following behind, holding hands with the duke.

"Your grace" he bowed, "I was wondering if I could talk to you two and Caroline. It is dreadfully... no that isn't the best word... truly important."

"She has gone to spend a few days with her sister, the viscountess." the duchess began, "but if it is that important you could always write to her"

"Feelings like mine cannot be only written down," Geoffrey explained, "I must go to see her now."

"If those feelings are of a certain elk," the duke said, finally joining in the conversation, "I believe you should speak with us first, good sir."

Geoffrey obliged.