Page 38 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
James ran his finger down her jawline, taking in every curve and line of her face. She was perfect for him in every way–everything he could have asked for in a wife. "Will you come back with me to the drawing room? The others should be finishing dinner by now."
Caroline looked down for a moment, and he released her. She wrung her hands. "I do not know, James–" She shook her head. "I made such a fool of myself."
"Nonsense. I know that your father was less than discreet. But no one will say a word to you about the incident. Or if they do, they will have me to deal with," James promised.
He waited for a few moments as she gathered her thoughts. She bit her lower lip and finally met his gaze again. "Very well. However, under one condition."
"Name it," James said, taking her hands.
She squeezed them gently, smiling up at him. "Promise to stay with me?"
James leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Of course. I will be like a shadow at your side. You can count on that."
He released her hands and offered her his arm as they headed out of the library. As they neared the drawing room, James could hear the chatter of his guests and family. He took a deep breath, placing a hand over Caroline's to offer comfort. "Are you sure?" he asked, standing outside the door.
"I will be fine," Caroline promised. "As long as you are with me."
Her quiet confidence in him touched his heart.
"Very well. Head held high," he encouraged. He opened the door, and everyone turned to watch them enter the room. Caroline did indeed hold her head high, and her sister came over to join them as they made their way over to the hearth. No one was standing there as of yet, and he wanted to give Caroline some small semblance of privacy while she worked through her emotions.
Grace joined them, lowering her voice. "Are you well, Caroline?" she asked.
"I am," Caroline said, looking up at James. There was a hidden meaning there that only the two of them shared. He remembered what it had been like to kiss her and longed for the chance to do so again. Smiling, she turned back to her sister. "More than fine."
Grace glanced at him, giving a small smile. "Well, good. I am glad to see you have recovered. Papa did not mean–"
Caroline held up her hand, staying her sister's words. "I know. He never does. But it does not mean that he should not be held accountable. I will speak with him in the morning," Caroline whispered.
Grace nodded.
"Yes, well, I believe Mama will give him a piece of her mind this evening when we all go to bed. Hopefully, he will give you no more trouble during our visit."
Grace placed a hand on Caroline's shoulder and walked away, rejoining Sir Knowles, James's father, and her father at the card table. Lord Chesterfield was engaged in what looked to be a very serious game of chess, playing against Lord Crandle. However, James doubted his father-in-law stood a chance, given his inebriated state.
James turned to Caroline, keeping his voice low so no one would overhear. "Shall I be the one to speak with your father about his actions this evening?" he asked.
"No, but thank you. Papa should hear from me," Caroline replied. She looked up at him. She sighed heavily. "I am not always very good at conflict, but I must be brave and tell him how his actions made me feel this evening."
James nodded. "That is very wise. And very brave." She kept her hand tucked into the crook of his arm for the rest of the evening.
Later that night, he walked her to her room. Before she went inside, they parted with a sweet kiss, with the promise of more to come.
Chapter 22
June 1813
Caroline sighed contentedly, looking up for an instant to catch a glimpse of the sunshine glistening off the waters trickling down the fountain's basin just outside the library window. It was a relief to have her parents gone, having returned to London a few days previous.
Grace, on the other hand, had stayed on at Caroline and James' invitation. Caroline turned her head slightly, spotting her sister at the far end of the patio with her sketchbook and charcoals at the ready. Grace was doing a very pretty sketch of a sparrow who was busy building up her nest. Caroline was glad to have her little sister with her for company.
Caroline returned to the letter she had started writing to a friend from London. Miss Kemple was a sweet girl and had been in a similar situation regarding a lack of money—however, not for the same reasons as ailed Caroline's father. Miss Kemple's family had always been poor but honest folk. She had been very kind to Caroline over the years, sticking by her side when she needed a friend.
Her tranquillity was interrupted when Lord Highclere entered the room. "Ahh, there you are, daughter! We have company," he said. She clenched her teeth, a little annoyed that he had interrupted her. Caroline rose, leaving her quill resting on the paper. "Yes, here I am," she replied. She clasped her hands in front of her, and her face brightened when she saw Sir Knowles trailing behind her father-in-law.
"Hello, Sir Knowles. What a lovely surprise," she greeted him. "Grace is out on the patio with her charcoals and pens. She would be happy to receive you, I am sure," Caroline said.
"Thank you, Lady Caroline." Sir Knowles bowed to her, taking her hand and kissing it. Caroline warmed to him. How wonderful it would be to have Sir Knowles become her brother-in-law. "May I say you are a vision of loveliness this afternoon?"
