Page 6 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
"Did you like him?" he asked very boldly.
Caroline felt a pinprick of annoyance. "Yes, I did," she replied. "Why?" she asked slowly, wondering what he was after. She exchanged a glance with her sister and then turned back to her father.
"Good, good," her father said, smiling broadly.
"Why is that good, particularly?" Caroline asked again. A warning voice began to whisper in the back of her mind. All was not as it should be.
"Why? Oh, well, I have arranged for you to marry him!" her father went on, stating it as if it were a simple observation of the weather.
Caroline blinked, her mouth falling open slightly. She looked to her mother, who again kept her mouth tightly shut. "Excuse me?" Caroline asked, wondering if she had heard him correctly.
"Yes, that is right. Viscount Hereford is to be your husband. Is that not wonderful?" he asked. He smiled at her mother, who did not return his joviality. He waved her off and turned back to Caroline.
"Well, did you not find him handsome and charming? You said he was very kind to you, and you seemed to get along well. What more could you want out of a marriage? He is wealthy and kind, the best of both worlds!"
"Papa, this is very sudden. We have only just met," Caroline argued. Her mother elbowed her father in the ribs, and he squirmed.
"What is it, dear?" he asked, looking as if he were backed into a corner. "I told her."
Caroline looked between the pair. "Told me what?"
"You did not tellall," her mother corrected. "She deserves the whole truth, my lord." Her mother raised her brows at her father, nodding in Caroline's direction, signalling that he should go on.
He let out a sigh, looking guilty. "Well, you see, it is like this–" he said haltingly. He paused once more before plunging into the tale. "I am in a bit of trouble."
Caroline leaned forward, gripping her sister's hand for strength. Her sister held on tight as if they were the other's only lifeline amid a stormy sea. "What kind of trouble?" she asked.
"Well, I have lost a bit of money–"
"A bit," her mother scoffed. "Twenty thousand pounds is nota bit."She crossed her arms over her chest and turned away from her father, staring out the window into the night.
Caroline's mouth fell open, gripping her sister's hand even tighter. "Twenty thousand pounds? Are you being quite serious, Papa?"
"I am afraid it is all too true, my dear," her mother said, joining in the conversation.
"Why did you not tell us?" Caroline asked, dumbfounded.
Her father bristled, glaring at her mother. "It is not an easy thing for a father to admit to his children."
Caroline sat back against the carriage seat. Memories of them having to close up their country home on account of her father's recklessness with money flashed through her mind. It was happening all over again, only this time, Caroline would have to pay the price.
"And so," Caroline began slowly.
"I am to be the one to save the family from ruin this time?"
"It is not as bad as all that. Viscount Hereford is as good a man as any. He is rich and titled and has promised to care for you. His father has agreed to help us with our debts if you agree to be James's wife–"
Caroline cut him off before he could continue.
"You sold me as a wife to cover your debts? Did Viscount Hereford know about this the whole time?"
The carriage arrived at their front door, and Caroline did not even wait for the coachman to open the door for them. She stood and shoved the door open, needing to escape the confines of the coach before she said something she would regret. Her father hurried after her, calling her name. However, Caroline did not stop until she was halfway across the foyer.
"Caroline, wait!" he commenced. "My dear, I know this is a lot to take in. But I think it is going to work out for the best."
"Please, Papa. I cannot speak of it right now," she said, holding up her hand.
All she felt at that moment was profound betrayal. She hurried up the stairs and found refuge in her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. She covered her face with her hands, walking into the room as if in a daze. She went to her writing desk, sinking into a chair before her knees gave way. How could her father do this to her?
