Page 57 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
“I stayed and listened while he told her exactly what he thought of her and ordered her to leave the house soon as possible.” She shrugged slightly. “And to make sure she did not try anything, as far as trying to accuse him of impropriety.”
Caroline clutched her sister’s hand. “Oh, thank you, Grace! I would not put it past her to tell all sorts of lies to secure James for herself.”
“I do not think it would be possible. He is very much in love with you, Caroline. He said that he would never pursue her, even if they were both single again and she was the last woman on earth. Or words to that effect. I cannot remember exactly how he worded it, but it was wonderful to see her face.” Grace clasped her hands together, looking off into the distance to celebrate the memory all over again.
Caroline let out a breath, feeling an immense weight lift off her shoulders. However, it was short-lived. “What will Lord Highclere think? Or does he already know that James ordered Lady Beatrice out of the house?”
“I do not think he knows yet. He soon will. He could not have missed Lady Beatrice screaming at the servants just now.” Grace rolled her eyes.
“Some people are such sore losers. She should never have been after your husband in the first place.”
“We agree on that point. But hopefully, it will be the last we ever have to see of Lady Beatrice,” Caroline said with a firm nod. She sat there for a long while, wondering what she should do.
Grace seemed to choose her next words very carefully. “Will you still come home with me this afternoon?”
Caroline met her gaze. “I think not. Now that Lady Beatrice has gone, I see no reason to.”
Grace let out a relieved sigh. “Good. I told James as much,” she replied.
Caroline frowned in confusion.
“He walked me to my room last night and asked after you. He has been very worried for you ever since your little argument. Would it not be best to go to him now and patch things up?” Grace asked.
Caroline bit her lower lip, suddenly nervous. “I do not know. What if he does not want to see me? I forced his hand and–”
“Nonsense. He was dying to see you last night, from what I could see. He will be overjoyed to see you, I have no doubt.”
Caroline thought for a moment. She was about to say yes when a knock sounded at her door. She went and answered it and saw the housekeeper was out. “I beg your pardon, my lady, but the flowers are here for the gala this evening. Where shall I have the delivery boys take them?” she asked.
“Have them set in the foyer and the ballroom. I shall disperse them later this afternoon,” Caroline replied. She had completely forgotten about the gala Lord Highclere had planned for that evening. In fact, it was a lot of work that he had pawned off on her, but he did not seem to realise or care what an impromptu party took to plan. She sighed as the housekeeper curtsied and headed back down the hall.
“It seems that my conversation with James will have to wait. I forgot what a mountain of work I had to do this afternoon.”
Grace stood. “I can help and take charge for as long as you need, so you and James might have a chance to talk. If you have a list, I will see to as many details as I can,” she offered.
“Thank you, Grace. I appreciate that,” Caroline replied. She would just have to see how the afternoon went. However, she now had a hopeful outlook for the future. With Lady Beatrice gone, perhaps they could finally get back to the place of becoming a united married couple.
Chapter 33
James stood at the foot of the grand staircase, greeting guests along with his father as they streamed through the door. It was not enough that his father had planned an impromptu party but had encouraged their guests to come dressed for a masque. The ladies were dressed in colourful costumes and elaborate masks, while the men were mostly dressed in fine suits with simpler masks.
In a way, James was glad of the mask covering his face. He had been miserable since his fight with Caroline. He had hoped he would have some time alone with Caroline after Lady Beatrice's noisy exit that morning. Still, there had simply been too much to do to prepare for the party that evening.
James vowed that after this evening, he would take Caroline away to Pembroke Manor for some peace and quiet. God knew they deserved it. Perhaps they would be able to get their relationship back on the right footing.
"Ahh, good evening, Viscount Hereford. How good to see you!" Lady Blackhurst said as she and her husband approached. He took her hand and kissed it warmly, but he was not allowed to return her greeting. "We have not seen you since your wedding," she went on. She leaned forward in a conspiratorial air. "How are things going with you and your new bride?" Lady Blackhurst asked.
James let out a nervous laugh. "Very well, thank you," he answered. James did not want to draw attention to his personal woes, especially not at a party. He smiled but saw that Lady Blackhurst did not believe it to be genuine.
Her face filled with sadness. "Give her some time, Viscount. It takes time for a young woman to settle into marriage," she said with a wink. "Patience is key."
"Sound advice," James said and smiled, trying to look more genuine this time.
Lady Blackhurst looked to her husband, who was still chatting with James's father. She turned her attention back to James, giving him a matronly smile. "This reminds me of old times, to see everyone here like this. Your mother was a good friend of mine. She would have been proud to see you married and settled, hosting a masque of your own."
"It was my father's idea, Lady Blackhurst. And my wife is the one who saw to all the details. I can take none of the credit, I am afraid." James shared a laugh with the older woman, and she soon moved off with her husband.
James's thoughts echoed with Lady Blackhurst's words. His mother would indeed have been impressed with Caroline's work that day. He was amazed by how quickly she had gotten all the details together–from the food and wine to the flowers and decorations to the musicians.
