Page 61 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
“Do not lay the blame at Caroline’s feet, Father. Did you or did you not cheat at that poker game?” James demanded. His father paced at the other side of the room, and James approached him, grabbing his arm to make his father face him. He wanted to see his eyes when he confessed. James could sense the discomfort pouring off the other gentlemen in the room as they witnessed the fight between father and son.
James did not care. He swung around and looked at the gentlemen standing behind them. “I assume some of you were at that poker game. Am I correct?” He stared at each of the men in turn, and three of the four nodded in affirmation.
“Lord Crandel?” he asked, stepping in front of him. “Did my father say he cheated at that game?”
Lord Crandel cast a worried glance in James’ father’s direction. “He did. Lord Chesterfield was quite drunk and was revealing the cards he had in his hand. It would not have been difficult for someone to take advantage—“
James turned and faced his father again. “And so you decided to take that advantage?” he accused.
His father did not answer his question. “I do not have to stand here and allow you to berate me in front of my peers. You are the one who is out of line now,” he said. He turned and started toward a set of doors that led out to the patio. However, James was not about to let him leave without finishing their discussion.
James was right on his heels, fuming. As soon as they were out of ear-reach of the other gentleman, James lit into his father again. “Stand here and face me like a man!” he yelled. “Did you cheat?”
His father’s face flowed red. Even in the light of the moon, James could see it. “So what if I did?” he challenged. “It is Lord Chesterfield’s fault for being so reckless. If a man cannot hold his drink, he should not play poker.”
“You fault the man for your cheating? I cannot believe I am hearing this!” James threw up his arms, starting to pace back and forth on the terrace.
His father scoffed at him, laughing mirthlessly.
“Oh, you are so high and mighty now, are you? The Deveroux have built their wealth and prestige on the backs of others for as long as we have been a family name. It is just the way the world works, James.”
He let out a huff.
“I do not see what you are complaining about. I procured a handsome woman for you as a wife and a soon-to-be profitable estate. I did all of that for you, my boy.” His father stepped toward him, placing a hand on James’ shoulder.
He must have mistaken James’ quietness for agreement. “We Deveroux have always looked for ways to further our prestige and social status. When you are Lord Highclere, you will understand”.
James took a step back, jerking his shoulder away from his father's grasp. “I will never be like you. I have stood by silently for far too long, but no more.” He shook his head, looking at his father with profound disgust. “You should never have taken advantage the way you did. I thought you to be calculating but never to outright cheat a man of his wealth and family.”
His father looked shocked for a moment at his candid words. He then frowned, glaring at him. “What I did, I did foryou,” he reiterated.
James let out a sardonic laugh. “I wish to God that you had not.”
“You cannot mean that you regret taking Caroline to wife?” His father asked, letting out a disbelieving laugh. “I have seen the way you look at her.”
“I do not regret marrying Caroline. Never that. I do regret the lies by which you used to secure the match.” He started toward the doors leading back into the smoking room. When he reached them, he turned. “I am ashamed to be your son.” He then walked into the house, leaving his father alone in the darkness.
Chapter 36
Caroline could barely see straight as she wove through the crowd after entering the ballroom once more. Tears blurred her eyes. She felt like a fool for believing she could become a part of the Deveroux family. She had been naive to think that her marriage would solve all her family’s problems. Lord Highclere had pulled the wool over all of their eyes, and now she was stuck. And her own husband would not lift a finger to defend her or her father.
“Ahh, Lady Caroline, what a lovely party,” one of the older women said as Caroline passed by. She gritted her teeth at the use of the title she had used before her marriage but decided to say nothing.
“Thank you,” Caroline said without inflexion. She hurried onward so as not to be drawn into conversation. She had much too much on her mind to participate in idle chatter.
Grace caught her eye as she headed out the door, leaning on Sir Knowles’ arm as she listened. Caroline saw her sister’s concern at the look she saw on her face no doubt. It was only then she realised she had forgotten to don her mask before entering the ballroom.
It was too late to remedy now. Everyone would see her distress. She watched her sister excuse herself and make her way toward Caroline.
Guilt washed over her. She had not wanted to ruin the party for her sister but was relieved that she followed her out of the ballroom. However, she did not stop when she reached the grand staircase, wishing to get out of the reach of prying eyes and ears as quickly as possible.
Hurrying up the stairs, she heard her sister call her name. She did not stop until she was safely in her room. She wrung her hands, shame and fear filling her anew. Lord Highclere’s words came rushing back to the forefront of her mind, making her feel like a chattel.
He only wanted her to make sure the next heir was solidified for the Deveroux line. It took immense effort not to wonder if James saw her the same way. She felt dirty–like a common street walker. She had sold herself to save her family, and the truth was she would have had no need if Lord Highclere had not cheated.
A panting Grace arrived in the doorway a moment later. “Caroline. Whatever is the matter? I saw you walking through the ballroom, and you looked like you were about to be sick.”
“I am rather,” Caroline admitted. She turned around and faced her sister. “Come in and close the door, would you please?” she asked flatly. Grace looked even more concerned.
