Page 63 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
“Yes, my lady?” he asked.
“Prepare the carriage, if you please,” Caroline instructed. “And tell them to make haste.”
“The carriage, my lady? But—“
“Please, no questions,” Caroline said. “I should like to depart within the hour.”
Caroline turned and hurried back up the stairs. Once back in her room, she rang for Hammond and, after she helped her change, sent the lady’s maid to Grace to help her pack.
Half an hour later, the housekeeper knocked on her bedroom door to let her know that the carriage was ready. Caroline thanked her, expecting her to leave, but she stood rooted in front of the door. “Is there something else, Mrs Denton?”
The housekeeper hesitated. Caroline tried not to let her annoyance show. Mrs Denton took a deep breath, glancing over her shoulder to where the sounds of the party drifted up the stairs. “Is Viscount Hereford aware you are leaving?”
Caroline’s frown deepened. “As I am his wife and not his prisoner, I was under the impression I could leave this house whenever it suits me.”
Mrs Denton took a step back, lowering her gaze to the floor. “Of course, my lady. The carriage waits without, whenever you would like to depart.”
“Thank you, Mrs Denton. We shall be down directly.” Caroline watched the older woman go, feeling guilty for her sharp tone. However, she did not want to run the risk of the servants alerting James to her departure.
She hurried down the hall toward Grace’s room, which was the next door down. She knocked, let herself in, and saw that Hammond and Grace were nearly finished. “The carriage is ready,” Caroline said. “We should be off.”
“Yes, my lady. All I have to do is latch the trunks.” Hammond hurriedly finished smoothing down the clothing and closed the lid.
“Thank you. Come along, Grace. We must make haste.” Caroline waited for her sister at the door, and Grace joined her.
They walked down the hall, Caroline’s heart racing the closer they came to the stairs. She halted, looking down the stairs to ensure James was not in the foyer. Thankfully, all was clear, and she and Grace made their way down to the front door. Soon, they were seated in the carriage, and the footmen were not long in bringing their bags and trunks down. They pulled away from the house before anyone could waylay them.
Caroline breathed a sigh of relief when they were travelling down the cobblestone streets toward the poorer section of town. However, a deep sadness settled over her chest. What would James do when he found her missing tomorrow morning? Would he be angry or repentant?
“Are you sure you want to do this? It is not too late…. “ Grace started.
However, Caroline cut her off. “I am sure.” She then turned and watched the streets pass by on their way to their parents’ modest home.
When Caroline knocked, it was her father who answered the door. “Caroline? What is this?” He asked, poking his head out the door to see Grace getting out of the carriage. “Has Lord Highclere sent you home?” Fear came into his eyes, and she wondered if it was with concern for his eldest daughter or fear of retribution that Lord Highclere would call in his debts.
Caroline sighed. “May we come in, Papa?” she asked.
He stepped out of the way and motioned them both inside. “Of course. Of course. But I still do not understand,” he said, looking frantically about.
Her mother was there the next instant, “Come into the drawing room and tell us all about it.” Her mother shot her father a warning look.
Caroline, Grace and their mother headed into the drawing room, leaving their father in the hall looking dumbfounded. Caroline’s heart wrenched inside her chest. How would he react when she told him everything she had learned that night?
Chapter 37
James headed into the smoking room after his father stormed away from the terrace. His only concern was finding Caroline and letting her know he would continue to deal with his father. He could not imagine how distraught she was at his father's words. James could not think of a time he had felt more ashamed to be a Deveroux.
Thankfully, the smoking room was cleared of guests, and he took a moment to collect himself. Taking several deep breaths, he peeked out into the ballroom. The dancing was still moving along, and the guests seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, he could see neither his father nor Caroline. It would only be a matter of time before the guests started to wonder where all the hosts of the party had gone.
He let out a long breath and smoothed his jacket down. Raking a hand through his hair, he opened the door to the smoking room and entered the ballroom. He smiled at the guests nearest the door, trying to look like nothing untoward had happened. A group of ladies gave him a curious look as he passed, but he was unsure what was amiss with his person to elicit such a reaction.
The next group he passed looked at him oddly as well, and it was only then he realised he had forgotten to put his mask back on. He found it sticking out of his pocket and quickly put it on. It would be better this way so as to conceal his annoyance with his father and everything that had transpired that night.
James lamented the poor timing of all of this. He had thought he and Caroline would have smooth sailing from that moment on. Apparently, he was wrong. Was fate working against them? Would they ever be able to work out the problems looming between them and have some peace?
He could not be sure. However, staying below stairs when he was sure Caroline was up in her bedroom, crying, would help nothing. James was about to head out into the foyer and make his way upstairs when he was waylaid by one of their older guests.
"Ahh, there you are, Viscount Hereford. I have been looking all over for you," Lady Severette said with a smile. She placed a hand on his arm, and James inwardly grimaced. He would not be escaping Lady Severette's clutches anytime soon.
