Page 49 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
"I should like that very much," James assured her.
She stilled, glancing over her shoulder at Lady Beatrice and his father. "I will tell you that my sister was very upset by something she witnessed a few days ago."
James grew serious. "What is this?" he asked.
"Caroline said she saw Lady Beatrice walking out of your study three days ago and that you came to the door shortly afterwards. I do not mean to accuse, but what is my sister to think when she sees a married woman coming out of her husband's study right after what appeared to be a private interlude?"
Lady Grace levelled her gaze with his, and he was disconcerted by the steadiness with which she continued to look at him. The look in her eyes was not quite accusatory but questioning.
James let out a breath and let his hands fall to the tabletop.
"I had my suspicions," he murmured.
"I swear to you nothing happened, Lady Grace. Lady Beatrice barged into the study while I was trying to work, but I was careful to keep the door open and stayed well away from her. She would not leave, even when I tried to dismiss her."
He glanced Lady Beatrice's way, almost growling under his breath. "I had thought of taking Caroline to Pembroke with me in a few days to escape her. But now, it seems we will all be obliged to go to London."
"Is there no way to persuade Lord Highclere that it is better for you and my sister to go to Pembroke to begin the repairs? With the rains coming in a few months, it would be best to start on the roof."
"That is a good idea. However, he will say it is inappropriate for him to travel and live alone with only Lady Beatrice in the house." James felt as if he were stuck between a rock and a hard place. "I suppose we will have to endure a few weeks in town and wait to go to Pembroke after the party we are hosting."
It was not what he wanted, but he supposed it would have to do. "Is there no way you could prevail upon your sister to speak with me? I have tried time and again, but she will not see me. Not in private, at least. I understand now." James shook his head, throwing down his cards. He was unable to focus on the game.
Lady Grace sighed. "I am not sure she will listen to what I have to say. All you can do is keep trying and allow her the space she needs. She is hurt by the thought of you being unfaithful to her with Lady Beatrice."
James leaned forward and gripped Lady Grace's hands before he could think better of it. "I swear on my mother's grave that I would never do such a thing. I am devoted to Caroline, heart and soul. She must know that." He pleaded in desperation.
Lady Grace gently pulled her hands away.
"It is not I you must convince, Viscount. I shall speak with her, but I can make no promises."
She peeked over her shoulder again as Lady Beatrice and his father were starting to come their way. "The best thing you could do is get Lady Beatrice to cut her stay short and find other arrangements for the duration of her stay in England." She finished hurriedly under her breath as Lady Beatrice and his father were nearly upon them.
"What are you two discussing so furtively over here? You must know that I am possessed of all the latest gossip, and if you are sharing something that I would find diverting, I must beg you to share it," Lady Beatrice said with a wide smile.
James rose. "It is nothing that would interest you, I assure you, Lady Beatrice. Now, I think I shall check on Lady Caroline before retiring for the evening. Good night," he said and walked away from the game table. He made his way out of the drawing room and upstairs.
When he arrived at Caroline's bedroom door, he knocked softly, calling her name. "Caroline? Are you awake? Please, allow me just a moment."
No answer came, so he tried again. "Caroline?" he asked softly. "I have spoken to Lady Grace, and she has told me everything. I hope you do not mind, but I–I must say that I would never go back on the vows I spoke during our wedding."
He waited for a few moments, and still, there was no answer. James noticed a flicker of light under the door, and a shadow moved along the floor. His breath caught in his chest, hoping and praying that Caroline would, at last, let him in. However, the door remained firmly closed.
James placed his hand on the door, resting his forehead against the cool wood. "I am yours, Caroline. I will never love another."
A floorboard creaked on the other side of the door, but still, the door remained closed. James took a step back, hurt that she did not trust him. He started down the hall very slowly. He would have to prove himself to her and hope she would see his constancy in time.
Chapter 28
Nearly a week had passed since Caroline had caught Lady Beatrice coming out of the study, and she was in no better frame of mind about the ordeal. Ever since she had heard that they would be travelling to London for some of the festivities of the Season, she had been in a flurry of activity.
Packing for the long journey, as well as leaving instructions for the staff to prepare for the gala they would be hosting in a few weeks, had her working nearly from dawn till dusk.
The least of her worries had been the party details. If not for Lady Beatrice following her about, hanging on her arm like some sort of lost pup, she would have finished with the planning in plenty of time to prepare herself for the journey ahead. As it was, she had been frantically packing her things late into the night the previous evening.
She covered a yawn as she waited in the foyer for the rest of the travelling party to arrive. Grace stood a few paces away, looking out the window for Sir Knowles. He had brought his carriage from London and had been staying with friends a mile down the road.
He and the other gentlemen would ride in his carriage, and she and the ladies would ride together in Lord Highclere's coach. For the life of her, she wished that she could go with James and the men. The awkwardness would be much preferred to Lady Beatrice's incessant chatter and patronising remarks.
