Page 10 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
"It is beautiful. I did not expect anything so fine as this. A plain gold band would have been sufficient."
James waved her off. "Nonsense. My wife deserves the best!" he exclaimed.
Caroline felt her cheeks flame once more. They looked out over the countryside for the rest of the ride home, enjoying the sights and scents of the greening landscape and sheep being led out to pasture.
When they arrived at the house, they had only a moment to settle in before their guests arrived. Lord Highclere had certainly outdone himself with the decorations and the food. The finest musicians had been hired and played as they entered the foyer.
"Congratulations, my lord!" the butler greeted them as they entered. He bowed low to her. "And to you, my lady," he said with a smile.
"Thank you–" she looked to James, for she had not yet learned the servant's names.
"Sumpter," James replied in answer to her question. "He has been with us since before I could walk."
"Well, thank you, Sumpter. I am sure we will get along well," Caroline said. The man nodded in appreciation. She would be working with him and the housekeeper very closely and would need them on her side as she settled into her duties managing the house.
She tried to calm the nerves that rose inside her. Did she have what it took to run such a large house? And would Lord Highclere even want her to be involved? Only time would tell.
"Shall we?" James asked, motioning toward the great hall. "Our wedding breakfast awaits, m'lady."
A knock sounded at the door. She looked at the great hall, knowing they would soon be overrun with people wishing to congratulate them again and the festivities that would take over the rest of the day. She shook her head slightly and looked down the corridor. "May we step somewhere private for just a few minutes? I feel a little overwhelmed," she admitted.
James' eyes softened. He took her hand and looked over his shoulder as a few guests streamed through the front door. He led her down the corridor and into the parlour, which was blessedly quiet. She walked in further as he closed the door.
"There, is that better?" he asked. He followed her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She again felt her heart skip a beat at his gentle touch. She did not move away this time, relishing the feel of his warm hands on her shoulders.
"Yes, it is, thank you," she replied.
He let go of her, clasping his hands behind his back. "Would you like to step out on the patio? Some fresh air might do you good."
"Yes, please."
She followed him over to a set of double doors, and he pushed them open, revealing the brilliant hues of the garden coming to life with the first touch of spring. "It is like a fairyland," she breathed. She had yet to see the Thorneby estate, but if the rest of the place was kept as pristine as the garden, she knew she would love it.
"I am glad you like it. I helped cultivate many of these florae. And designed the layout of this section here," he pointed to the section closest to the patio.
"Well, it is beautiful. I think I shall spend most of my time here. It seems so peaceful," she stated. She walked over to the patio railing and rested her hands atop the cool, rough limestone. "Thank you. I needed just a moment to catch my breath. I feel as if there has not been a spare moment to relax since the proposal with all the wedding details."
"I know exactly how you feel," he said. He stood beside her, looking out over the garden. "But that is all done now. We can focus on settling into our new life and hopefully slow down a bit."
Caroline nodded. Just then, Sumpter appeared at the parlour doors and cleared his throat. "Forgive me, my lord, but Lord Highclere is looking for you. He says you ought to come and greet your guests."
She and James turned together, and he took her hand. "Are you ready?" he asked.
Raising her eyes to meet his, she nodded. "I am."
Chapter 5
James sat silently at the head of the table with his new wife, watching her carefully. She wore a tight smile, and he sensed that even after their little chat on the patio, she was still feeling quite overwhelmed. And who could blame her? They had only met a few short weeks ago, and now they were man and wife. It was a strange sensation for him as well.
He touched her shoulder, leaning closer so that only she could hear. “Are you alright?” he asked.
Giving him a small smile, she nodded. “I think so,” she replied. She turned her attention to the toast her father was giving, and he sensed her tension grow even more as he tripped over his words. It would seem his father-in-law had imbibed a little too much. He offered her a hand under the table, and after a short pause, she took it. He loved the feel of her delicate, soft fingers encasing in his.
“I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, too. We will get through this together,” he whispered. His breath moved a wisp of hair in front of her ear, and his gaze travelled down her throat to the gentle curve of her shoulder. He tore his eyes away, turning his attention back to his father-in-law.
It surprised him how close he and Caroline had become in just a few short weeks–closer than he could have thought possible. It was a blessing, to be sure. While he had initially agreed to marry her because of her beauty, his attraction had become so much more than physical.
Lady Caroline was an intelligent and strong woman, but she also knew how to let him lead in their relationship. Her submissive spirit only made him want to earn her respect all the more. Despite the rough beginning, he was looking forward to starting their life together and seeing if this attraction would lead to love.
