Page 40 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
She barely heard the cheerful birdsong or noticed the sunshine gleaming through the branches of the trees. Caroline strode quickly down the path, doing her best to keep Sir Knowles and Grace out of sight. She did not want to interrupt their happy conversation with her dark thoughts.
Turning toward the green, she walked out onto the freshly cut grass. She picked up the hem of her dark purple silk dress, feeling more out of place than ever. She knew she should not put any stock on what her father-in-law had said, but it still stung.
Would she forever be the outcast? Caroline felt she was still just the poor nobleman's daughter, who still did not have a place in her new family. She did not even have a say in how she conducted her own affairs.
How would James react when she told him of the conversation she had just had with her father-in-law? Should she even tell him? Caroline did not want to pit James against his father or make herself out to be a victim. However, she did not want to keep it from him either.
Caroline crossed her arms over her chest, chilled by the breeze blowing over the green. Without the trees in the garden, there was no protection. She should have retrieved her shawl before coming out, but she was loath to return to the house and chance a meeting with her deplorable father-in-law.
Soon, she reached the other side of the green and entered a small copse of trees. Caroline stopped, pacing back and forth just inside the tree line. Her chest heaved with every breath, tears stinging her eyes. Taking several deep breaths, she looked up at the sky. She would not cry.
She would not allow her father-in-law to make her feel like she was not a viable part of the Deveroux family.
Chapter 23
James was in high spirits as he rode up to the stables after his ride. His horse whinnied as he pulled her up and dismounted in one fluid motion. A stable boy was there in an instant to greet him and take the reins. "Be sure she gets a proper rub down and a warm mash. She did well today," James said. He rubbed the horse's nose, and she bobbed her head up and down, returning his show of affection. James walked briskly up to the house, taking off his riding gloves as he went.
The sunshine was warm as it filtered through the trees. James could think of nothing that could dampen his spirits, especially with his deepening relationship with Caroline. For himself, he knew he was quickly falling head over heels for her. He had never thought it possible when his father had first proposed he take Lady Caroline as his wife. And perhaps, given a little more time, she would come to love him in return.
He bounded up the front steps and entered the foyer, whistling a happy tune. He gave his gloves and riding hat to the butler and was about to go upstairs to change for tea when he heard a lilting laugh greet him, echoing down the hall from the parlour. His heart instantly stopped.
"I know that laugh," he muttered. He walked back down the few steps he had taken and rejoined the butler at his post. He leaned close, looking in the direction of the parlour. "Seaton, have we visitors?" James asked.
The butler nodded in affirmation. "Yes, my lord."
James did not stick around to ask who it was. He strode down the hall toward the parlour, his heart thundering in his chest. He suspected who had come to call, but he did not want to believe it. His worst fears were realised as he rounded the corner and pushed the door open, which had been standing slightly ajar.
There was Sir Gerald sitting with his father, talking about how his hounds had done at the track earlier in the week. And beside him, being wholly ignored, sat Lady Beatrice. The gentlemen quieted as soon as James entered the room, and Lady Beatrice's face brightened.
His father rose from his chair. "Ahh, there you are, James. I told you he would not be long in coming. Playing in the flowerbeds again?" his father teased.
"I was out riding," James said, his ire already rising. "I did not realise we were expecting guests," he said flatly.
Sir Gerald stood. "Well, it is a perfect day for a ride. I was telling that to Lady Beatrice as we rode up in the carriage.Perfect day for a ride, I said, didn't I, dear?" He turned and acknowledged Lady Beatrice for what might have been the first time since his father had welcomed them into the parlour.
"Yes, you did," she agreed, but never once took her eyes off James.
James cleared his throat nervously as Lady Beatrice stood and approached him. He started to back out of the room. "I was just on my way up to change when I heard your voices. I will just pop up to my room and be back as soon as possible." In all reality, James had no intention of returning until Sir Gerald and Lady Beatrice were long gone.
Just then, Lady Grace entered from the patio doors, followed by Sir Knowles. He had apparently come to surprise Grace with a visit. He inwardly cringed, knowing the likelihood of his father allowing him to go and change was slim.
"Nonsense, boy. We do not mind that you are still in your riding clothes. Come and join us. See, Lady Grace and Sir Knowles have just arrived."
"Come and sit beside me, Viscount," Lady Beatrice said, lowering her voice. Her tone was what he would imagine of a female cat, with an almost sing-song quality. He was instantly put on the alert. She started across the room and sat down in her previous place.
James, however, did not follow her lead. Instead, he went to stand at the side of the settee where Lady Grace and Sir Knowles had seated themselves. His father and Sir Gerald sat back on the couch, and only then did James realise that Caroline was not present.
"Has anyone seen my wife?" James asked, looking about the room as if she were hiding under one of the chairs.
"I have not seen her since she went into the library this morning to write letters," Lady Grace replied. I assume she is still there."
James nodded, seeing this as an opportunity to flee. "Well, I shall just go and fetch her. She will not want to miss tea," he said.
His father again waylaid him, however. "Nonsense. She will be in shortly, I am sure," his father said. "Come and sit down. I have some news that will please you. I am most certain of it." James sank into a chair as far away from Lady Beatrice as possible.
He eyed his father warily. "Indeed? What news is this?"
His father exchanged a look with Sir Gerald and smiled broadly. "Well, as you know, Sir Gerland and Lady Beatrice were due to travel back to Scotland this week. But it seems Sir Gerald has been called on urgent business to the Continent."
