Page 67 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
"Was he very angry?" Caroline asked. She had known that Lord Highclere had a temper, but she had never been privy to the brunt of it. Thank goodness.
"He was. But for no other reason than he was caught. I hope that he may see the error of his ways and will decide to be cooperative." He traced the back of her hand with his fingertips, sending waves of tingles up her arm and down her spine. "Well, I suppose I should be going. May I come and collect you in the morning?"
Caroline hesitated, studying the carpet for a moment. She battled with her thoughts. She wanted to be with him but did not want to come under Lord Highclere's roof again so soon after her discovery of what she had done.
Caroline knew it was wrong of her to withhold forgiveness for her father-in-law. But he had not seemed to be in the least remorseful for what he had done. If she had interpreted correctly, it was almost as if he had been laughing at her.
When she did not answer, he rose from his knees. James looked down at her, dejected. "Very well. I can see that you still need some time alone. And so, I shall leave you. Goodnight, Caroline," he said softly and turned away.
He started toward the door, but she sprang out of the chair and went to stand in front of the door before he could reach it. The shawl slipped off her shoulders and fell to the floor. "Wait," she said breathlessly. Heart pounding in her ears, she watched his look change from one of confusion to curiosity.
"What is it, Caroline?" he asked softly.
He was so heartachingly handsome. And he had been nothing but kind to her when she did not deserve it. She pressed her back against the door, searching for words to express how she felt. It seemed that eloquence had flown out of her mind, and all she could think to say was one simple word.
Caroline felt for the doorknob behind her back and turned the key in the lock. She went to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. His arm encircled her waist, his lips brushing against her forehead. She looked up at him, their lips almost touching. "Stay," she whispered.
James raised a brow in question. She felt the wild beating of his heart as she slid a hand down his chest. "Are you sure?" he asked.
Caroline faltered. "I love you, James. No matter everything that has happened to bring us together–all the deceit and lies and hurdles we have had to overcome. I love you, and–" she halted, biting her lip. Dare she say it? A smile tugged at her mouth. "I want to be your wife, not just your bride."
His lips curled in a slow smile. "Oh, Caroline–" he said but did not finish, for he touched his lips to hers. "I love you, too," he whispered against her ear. As he kissed her again, Caroline felt the burdens lifted, knowing he would not rest until he had brought everything right.
Chapter 39
A few days later, James waited in the drawing room, hoping that the footsteps he heard coming down the hall belonged to his father. Since the party, he had not seen his father, who had taken his meals at the club and seemed to sleep there. James looked up and saw his father's surprised face. It was too late for him to retreat now.
James came around the couch and motioned for his father to join him at a small table off to the side of the room. "Father, there you are. I have something important I need to discuss with you," he said in a commanding tone.
His father raised a brow. "Oh? What about?" he asked warily. He came into the room, looking around as if someone were about to ambush him. "Where is Lady Caroline?" he asked. "Not returned from her father's house, I presume?"
"She soon will do," James said. "As soon as we make a few things right, here," James waved his father over, and he followed him to the table on which several papers were strewn. His father stilled when his eyes alighted on the long paper in the centre of the table. "What is this?" he asked, although James was sure he already knew what was coming.
"This is the deed to Pembroke Manor," James paused, looking intently at his father to get his full reaction. "I want you to sign it back over to Lord Chesterfield." His words seemed to fall like a judge's gavel, and his father said nothing for several seconds.
His father leaned forward to examine the document and scoffed, giving a mirthless laugh. "Sign it back? Have you gone mad?" he asked. He threw his hands up in the air, looking as if he were about to rail at the heavens. James gripped his arm to deter his escape from the drawing room. He did not want to wait another three days to have this matter settled.
"Unhand me, boy," his father frowned, trying to shake off his hand. However, James held steady.
"I will not. You will come back over here and sign the deed. Now," James said through clenched teeth.
His father only looked at him with surprise. He did not try to shake him off again but allowed James to lead his father back to the table. "You really have gone mad," he said, never once taking his eyes off James.
James was in no mood to argue. "Quite the contrary. I see clearly for the first time, it seems. You procured the place by dishonest means, and it is the least you can do to make amends. Sign it back over to the Humphries family this instant, or I shall go to the King."
His father's face blanched at the mention of the King. "You would not dare–"
"I would dare a lot more to see that you make amends for your trickery. If you will not listen to the crown, then perhaps you will listen to this. If you do not make amends, I will abdicate my title. The Highclere legacy will die with you.” James glared at his father, his face turning an even more sickly shade of white.
“What did you think would happen, Papa? That you would be able to get away with your scheming?" James shook his head. "Rest assured, your sins will always find you out, as the Good Book says."
"Do not quote the Bible to me to justify yourself. You would really let go of Pembroke Manor. Do you not realise that it would have been your inheritance?" his father railed.
"It still may yet pass to any children Caroline and I have. But I would see Lord Chesterfield restored to his family home. After all the damage you have wrought, it is the only right thing to do." James held up a quill for his father and scooted the inkwell closer. "Now, sign," he commanded.
His father huffed and blustered for a moment before taking the quill in hand. "You are a disgrace to this family–"
"No, that would be reserved for the man who cheated and lied his way into obtaining a bride for me–for cheating a man out of his family home. I also must insist that you pay back the money that was stolen from Lord Chesterfield during the card game."
