Page 59 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
Chapter 34
Caroline clung to James's arm, looking around the ballroom. She felt as if she were on top of the world.
"May I have this dance?" James leaned over and whispered in her ear, sending thrills up and down her spine. She smiled at him and nodded, allowing him to lead her into the room. Those standing around them quieted, and she grew more nervous. She was thankful that her face was covered to conceal her blush, for she could feel the heat rushing up into her face.
"They are all staring at us," she whispered. She had never been one to take centre stage.
James placed a hand over hers. "No, my love. They are all staring atyou."
Caroline's head snapped up, searching his face. But there was nothing but admiration in his eyes. She laughed nervously. He took her hand off his arm and enveloped his fingers around hers. They walked out from the crowd and onto the dancefloor, giving her a turn around the floor to show her off before bringing her close.
"You should not have done that. People will think I am conceited," Caroline whispered. She rested her hand on his shoulder, and he wrapped his hand around her waist. She could barely breathe, standing so close to him.
"No one who knows you would ever think that my love," James said. Whenever he called herhis love, she felt tingles run up her spine. How could he do that with two simple words?
The music started, and they began to sway gently. Soon, they were twirling around the room to a waltz. Several other couples joined in, but she only had eyes for James. He seemed to be of the same mind. It was as if a weight had lifted off her shoulders, and she was able to relax for the first time in weeks.
"What made you forgive me so quickly? I did not think you would speak to me, let alone dance with me this evening." James leaned in close and pressed his cheek to hers. She caught her breath.
"I had a long talk with Grace, as I said before. I was prepared to leave you for a time and go back to my parents' house. She convinced me to stay and try to work things out. Grace argued that Lady Beatrice would win if I ran back home. It was not you who was pursuing her, but the other way round."
Caroline sighed, somewhat ashamed of how she had reacted.
"When you asked Lady Beatrice to leave, it showed me that I had to stay. You are an honourable man, James."
He beamed in pride, and she was glad she had overcome her nervousness to tell him so. "That means the world to hear you say it. And I am forever grateful to Grace."
"Well, she is quite wise for someone so young," Caroline replied with a smile.
"You are a treasure, Caroline. I do not think you understand how many men would bend over backwards to have a wife so understanding and humble as you are. I am exceedingly blessed to have you in my life." James tightened his hold around her waist and pulled her even closer, if it was possible.
She caught her breath. "As am I," Caroline said. "I am ashamed of how I reacted. I hope that you can forgive me?"
James looked surprised. He took a moment before he responded. "All is forgiven, Caroline. That is if you can forgive me for stalling so long. I should have listened to you from the beginning and put my foot down when my father first asked Lady Beatrice to stay. I assure you, it will not happen again."
Caroline smiled, feeling at peace with the world and herself for the first time in what felt like forever. She took a moment to look through the crowd and other dancers and saw that Grace was dancing with Sir Knowles. Smiling, Caroline teared up at the thought that her sister had found true love. And she was glad of it. "Perhaps we will have another wedding before this year is out," she commented.
James smiled. "I heartily wish it. Your sister has become very dear to me over the last few weeks–so much so that I see her as my own sister. She has found a good man in Sir Knowles."
"She certainly has. And he does not seem to mind that she has next to no dowry. I think he would take her without a penny to her name, so great is his love for her." Caroline met his gaze, and he seemed to be looking into her very soul. She laughed. "What is it?" she asked.
"I was a fool before we got married, that is all," he admitted. "I had so many reservations, but I need not have. Knowing what I know now about your character, I would have taken you without a dowry as well."
"Well, thankfully, you did not. Now we have Pembroke and can hopefully set it up for our children." Caroline replied. She instantly felt the heat race into her cheeks.
The dance came to an end before James had a chance to say anything else. He led her off the dance floor, and they stood at the far end of the room for a moment. "Well, shall I go and get us some punch? I must say I am parched," he offered.
"Champagne is more like it, do not you think? I feel like tonight should be a celebration."
His face brightened. "I could not agree more." He took her hand and kissed it before he moved away. She stood by herself for a moment, watching as the next dance set began. It was as if she was glowing from the inside out, so relieved that she and James were back on sure footing.
She backed up a little to make room for some guests passing by on their way to the refreshment table and bumped into a door that was standing slightly ajar. She realised it was the smoking room and was about to shut the door when she heard her father-in-law's voice floating out to her. She was surprised to hear her father's name, and even though she knew it was wicked to eavesdrop, she leaned in closer.
"It is a good thing that Lord Chesterfield knows little about poker. During the eventful game where I secured his daughter's hand for my son, he could not have been denser. To this day, he has not figured out that I bent the rules slightly." Laughter ensued as her father-in-law finished.
Caroline clasped a hand over her mouth, leaning against the wall for support. However, it did not stop there.
Her father-in-law continued, spurred on by the three or so gentlemen who were with him. "Lord Chesterfield was so drunk that when he ran out of funds to bet and had lost his daughter's hand, he also put up his family's country estate, Pembroke Manor, and lost that as well! I am surprised that he left the game with his shirt!"
