Page 69 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
James lifted his eyes heavenward and laughed. "Ahh, no. No more parties for a while. I intend to keep you all to myself."
Epilogue
A few days later
A few days later, Caroline and James made their way down the grand staircase at Thorneby Place. They had arrived the day before and were expecting guests in a matter of minutes. Her parents and Grace were due to arrive any moment. James had invited them to spend a few days of relaxation in the country.
What her parents did not know was that James had planned to give the Pembroke deeds back to her father that afternoon. Caroline could not wait to see the look on her father’s face. It would indeed be an afternoon filled with joyful celebration.
“They are nearly here, Viscount Hereford,” Seaton announced with a slight bow. “The gardener’s son has just alerted me that they were turning onto the drive.”
“Excellent,” James said, rubbing his hands together. Caroline thought it was sweet how excited he was to present Pembroke Manor back to her father. She could be certain that her father had no idea.
“Is your father coming down to greet our guests?” Caroline asked as they came down the last few steps and waited before the front door. She was nervous that things might be awkward if he did, but they would have to find a way to get along. They had seen little of Lord Highclere since arriving back at Thorneby.
“I would not count on it, my love,” he whispered sadly. He placed a hand on the small of her back, pushing her gently forward to meet her parents and Grace. She let her disappointment go, knowing that it would likely take a considerable time for Lord Highclere to forgive James for forcing his hand, even though it was the right thing to do. She stepped forward, and a knock sounded at the door. Seaton opened it, and Grace was the first to enter the house.
“Grace!” Caroline said and rushed forward to envelop her sister in a hug. It had not been long since they had separated in London. Even still, she was glad to be reunited with her beloved sister in such a joyous circumstance. “I am so glad you decided to come along with Mama and Papa.”
“Of course,” Grace said and leaned away. “I could not miss this,” she whispered, a twinkle in her eyes. Caroline had told her of their plans and sworn her to secrecy.
“Lord and Lady Chesterfield. Please, come in,” James said as way of greeting. He stepped forward and shook her father’s hand and then kissed her mother on the cheek. They seemed a little surprised by his warmth.
“It was good of you to invite us, Viscount Hereford. We did not want to impose since we knew you and Caroline had only just arrived. However, my daughter was very insistent.” Caroline’s mother said, shooting her a curious glance.
“Nonsense. You are always welcome here. Shall we go into the parlour for tea? We have something of a special afternoon planned,” James said.
“Yes, let us go into the parlour, and you all can enjoy some refreshments before retiring to your rooms to rest. We know that you are only able to be here for a few days, so we want to make the most of it,” Caroline said. She led the way toward the parlour, her sister and mother close behind. James and her father hung back a bit, and they exchanged pleasantries as they followed the ladies into the parlour.
Caroline’s mother touched her arm. “What on earth is going on, Caroline? You and the viscount are acting very strangely,” she whispered.
Caroline could not hide the smile that spread across her face. “I do not know what you mean, Mama. Is it not a daughter’s prerogative to be happy when she sees her parents?” she asked.
Her mother said nothing in response but followed her into the parlour. The gentlemen soon joined them, and she was glad to see that her father was at ease. “Will you join me at the lake this afternoon, Lord Chesterfield? I thought to go fishing and allow the ladies time to visit.”
Her father’s face brightened. “I should like that very much,” her father said. He looked surprised.
“Sit down here, Papa,” Caroline said, motioning to the settee. “And you beside him, Mama.”
Her mother again flashed her a suspicious look but sank down beside her father without a word. Caroline went to stand with James, who cleared his throat. “Lord and Lady Chesterfield. While we wait for tea, I hope we may take a moment of your time to set straight a wrong that has been done?”
Her parents looked at them as if they had sprouted antlers. “What is this?” her mother asked.
James stepped forward, taking the deeds to Pembroke from his inside jacket pocket. “Lady Chesterfield–Mother Chesterfield, if you will allow me?” James asked.
“Of course, Viscount,” her mother said. “But I do not understand. Caroline, your father has not the means to make things right–”
“No, Mama. That is not what we are after at all. Quite the opposite, actually.” Caroline stepped up beside James, and they exchanged a smile before James went on to explain.
“Lord Chesterfield, I would like to present these to you, their rightful owner,” James said and handed him the folded deeds.
Caroline watched her father’s confusion increase, a deep frown furrowing his face. “I do not understand–” he started to say as he unfolded the deeds. When he saw the familiar papers, he folded them back up and stood. “What is this?”
James chuckled softly. “I had my father sign Pembroke Manor back over to you, Lord Chesterfield. It was not rightfully given over to the Deveroux family.”
“But the poker game… Caroline? What is this?” her father asked, looking at her, no doubt thinking it was all too good to be true.
“I told you that Lord Highclere admitted to cheating during the poker game in which you lost Pembroke and a sizable sum of money,” Caroline began. She went over to the sideboard and pulled out a small wooden box. She brought it back and gave it to her father. “Here are the deeds to the estate and the money that Lord Highclere won that night. It is all there.”
