Page 11 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
“Someone should do something,” she whispered, biting her lower lip.
“He is going to make a fool of himself.”
She cast a worried glance toward James, and he straightened, growling slightly. He searched the crowd and finally saw his father standing at the far end of the room. He caught his eyes and nodded toward Lord Chesterfield. His father seemed to understand and was soon moving to the front of the room, where everyone’s attention had been held captive by the man for long enough.
James let out a sigh of relief as his father thanked Lord Chesterfield, and Caroline’s father took his seat. He did not seem to notice that he had been steered as his father made a short toast of his own.
They raised their glasses of champagne and took a sip, and Caroline seemed to relax a little as the musicians took up their instruments once more. Music filled the hall, and the happy chatter that had been present before the toasts returned.
James leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of exhaustion. In anticipation of the wedding ceremony, he had not slept very well the last few nights. Now that it was done, he felt more able to let his guard down.
“He does not mean to offend,” Caroline said, nodding toward her father.
“I know that he means well, but sometimes I wish–” She hung her head. “Sometimes I wish he would not be so eager to please. He all too often drives people away.”
“There is no need to explain or apologise, Caroline. He is your father and will always have a place here,” James said, trying to comfort her.
“You may regret that later on,” Caroline said, an edge of spitefulness in her tone. “He is a kind and understanding father, but he does not always think about the consequences of his actions.”
James followed her gaze to where his father-in-law sat at the rectangular dining table that had been specially set for the wedding breakfast. He was still drinking steadily, and while he could see that Lady Humphries was growing increasingly unsettled, he did not know what he could do to help the situation. Would it not be an insult if he tried to get his father-in-law to slow down?
“That may be so, but I think you will come to see that none of us are perfect. My father has his flaws, the same as yours. I have many, in fact, and I am sure it will not take you long to see them.”
He flashed her a smile, trying to keep the mood light. He looked out over the crowd that had gathered. “I know that this is probably not how you envisioned your wedding day or the circumstances that would lead you to this moment in your life.”
“It is not how I would have had it. But I am glad I am here with you,” she said softly. This warmed his heart, and a moment later, he stood, offering her his hand. She looked at him in alarm, looking around at the other guests. Everything seemed to still as she took his hand, a little confused.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I think it is time I danced with my wife,” he replied.
He smiled at her and then nodded toward the musicians. They began playing a waltz, and he led her into the ballroom just off the great hall. Their guests followed them into the room, whispering all the while. James led her to the centre of the dancefloor and placed his arm around her waist. He heard her slight intake of breath. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and soon they were swaying to the music.
“Are you well?” he asked. Her breaths came in quick succession, and her face grew flushed.
“Yes,” she replied, her voice shaking. He tightened his hold around her waist, drawing her closer. He wished they could be alone, so she could let her guard down around him. Or perhaps that would make her anxiety worse? He could not be sure. All he knew was that he wanted to do everything in his power to make her happy, to see the smile light her eyes and not just her face.
He leaned in closer to her and placed his cheek against hers. “Do not think about anything else, Caroline. Do not worry about what everyone is thinking or saying. Just be here with me in this moment,” he whispered.
When he leaned back, there were tears in her eyes, and he wondered what he had said to upset her. However, she smiled a second later. “Thank you,” she whispered in return.
As they glided around the room, James suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar face, and his heart nearly stopped. There in the back corner was Lady Beatrice and her ageing husband. She smiled seductively at him, causing him to lose his focus. He tripped and felt Caroline’s toes crunch beneath his feet. Caroline gasped in pain, and they stopped for a split second. He whisked her away from Lady Beatrice, who wore a mischievous grin on her face.
“I am sorry. Caroline, are you alright?” he asked, mortified. How could he have been so stupid? “Did I hurt you?”
Caroline gave a tight-lipped smile.
“Only a little,” she said through clenched teeth. However, he saw she was trying to put on a brave face. He stopped the dance, and the whispers began circulating the room. He glanced at Lady Beatrice, who looked pleased with herself. What was she doing here? James frowned and turned his attention back to his wife.
“Shall we go and sit down?” he asked.
“Ahh, well, I think it is high time we sent the couple off to bed!” his father said as he walked over to them. James could have melted into the floor with embarrassment. His father rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
“Your bride is tired, my son. Take her along upstairs, and I shall handle the rest of the festivities,” he said with a wink.
James glanced at Caroline, who could not have helped hearing what his father said. He had rarely blushed in his life, but he felt the heat rising in his cheeks.
With a nod of agreement, he reached for Caroline’s hand, and they were sent off up the grand staircase with well wishes and more congratulations. Caroline grew tenser with every step they climbed. Knowing there was little he could do to set her mind at ease, he kept his mouth tightly shut.
