Page 66 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
"James," she said low, looking down at the floor. "You've come."
Caroline could have kicked herself for saying something so simple, so asinine. Of course, he had come. She should have known he would follow her.
"Yes. Yes, I have," he replied. He poked his head into the room and saw Grace standing in the corner. He nodded to her. "Lady Grace."
"Viscount," her sister greeted. An awkward pause ensued before Grace let out a breath and started toward the door. "I think I shall go and have a glass of warm milk. Do excuse me."
Caroline reached for her sister as she passed, almost pleading.
"There is no need for you to go."
She was frantic now, wishing someone would shield her from the anger that would surely come boiling out of James. James looked at her grimly, his lips pursed in a thin line. And she knew she deserved his anger. She had left him at the party to host it all alone and had run away from their problems.
"Nonsense. I think I have gotten in the middle of your marriage quite enough to last a lifetime. I shall sleep in the governess's room this evening. Good night," she said with a wink and headed out the door.
Caroline was nervous about being left alone with her husband. He stepped into the room, and now that his face was more visible from the faint glow of the fire's dying embers, she could not tell if it was rage or hurt that marred his handsome features.
"Mrs Denton told you?" she asked, backing away from him.
James advanced into the room, closing the door softly behind him. "Seaton," he replied.
"Ahh," Caroline nodded. She glanced up at his face and was surprised that an angry scowl did not mar it. She had expected him to rail at her for running away. "I–"
James closed the distance between them, taking her into his arms. "Forgive me, Caroline," he whispered, touching his forehead to hers. "I am a fool."
Caroline caught her breath. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"I confronted my father after you left. But I should have done so a long time ago," James admitted.
Caroline did not know what to say. "You did?"
"I did," James replied. He reached up and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "I am ashamed of what he has done, that he tricked you into marrying me."
Caroline's heart clenched. At that moment, she knew she would never regret marrying James. He was so kind and sweet, so caring. Guilt washed over her. "I should not have run away," she choked. Tears once again sprang to her eyes. "I was a coward, but I did not know how to face you after everything I learned tonight."
Tears spilt down her cheeks. James leaned in and kissed them away, sending shivers up and down her spine. She did not deserve this. Caroline closed her eyes, spreading her fingers over her chest.
"You were not a coward. I was. I should have spoken up a long time ago about so many things. Can you ever forgive me?" James asked. His breath moved the hair above her ear. Caroline leaned into him, relishing the feel of his arms around her. If only things could have been like this from the beginning.
"I swear, I did not know that it was my father who had caused your father's ruin."
Caroline leaned back, looking up into his eyes. "I know. I believe you," Caroline said softly.
"I promise I will make my father pay everything back to your father." James pulled her close again. "Oh, Caroline. I will do anything if you will only come home."
Caroline's heart lifted. "I am sorry I left. I was just so hurt by what your father had done. I am not sure I can be in the same house as him. At least, not right now."
James stilled. He leaned back and looked into her eyes. "I understand. What must I do to prove myself, Caroline? I vow that I will not rest until I have made everything right."
Caroline hung her head. What could he do? It was not his fault that his father had lied and taken advantage of her family. Why should James have to pay for his father's sins?
"Come home with me, Caroline. We will work this out, I promise," James pleaded.
Caroline hesitated. Biting her lower lip, she moved away from him, heading to the fireplace. She took up the poker and jabbed at the coals. James came over to her and took the poker from her. He stoked the fire for her, placing several logs atop the coals. Soon, the fire roared again, sending a warm glow throughout the room.
"I do not think I am ready to go back with you tonight, James. It is late," Caroline said. She sat down in a chair next to the window.
He knelt beside her, taking her hand. "Very well. I understand. I am not sure we will see much of my father for the next few days, as things lie."
