Page 8 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
She gave him a tight smile. "It was very good of you to invite us, Viscount Hereford."
James nodded and looked up at Lady Caroline and Lady Grace following behind their parents. "How do you do, ladies?" he asked since his father and Lord Chesterfield were still engaged in conversation.
He was set on the alert as soon as he saw Lady Caroline's face. She seemed even more upset than her mother. Lady Grace shot her sister a concerned glance before acknowledging him. "Good afternoon, Viscount Hereford. I hope you are well?" she asked.
"I am, thank you," James replied.
Lady Grace went to join the rest of those gathered in the sitting area while Lady Caroline hung back. She looked as if she could stare daggers right through his heart.
He motioned to a somewhat secluded section of the room, lowering his voice. "Is all well, Lady Caroline?" he asked.
Lady Caroline sighed, glancing over her shoulder at her parents and sister, now being entertained by his father. She met his gaze, with fires banked behind her bright blue eyes.
"I am not, I am afraid," she admitted after a short pause.
"It has come to my attention that last night's soiree was only to manipulate me into agreeing to a marriage contract."
James raised a brow. He was somewhat surprised by her candour. "I see."
"Did you have knowledge of this plot last night?" she asked in an accusatory tone.
James held up his hands, trying not to grow defensive. "I was told of my father and your father's intentions only a few days ago. However, I did not know that you had not been told, Lady Caroline. I assure you, no one is trying to trick you into marriage if that is what you are implying?"
This statement seemed to take some of the steam out of her next reply.
"My father announced that he had arranged the marriage between us only last night when we got in the carriage to return home. You can no doubt see why this would have come as a shock and feel like a betrayal in a way, can you not?" she asked.
He glanced over his shoulder at his father and Lord Chesterfield, still chattering away in his animated fashion. He turned back to Lady Caroline.
"I was unaware that your father had not told you of the plan. If there was anything that I said or did last night that caused you to believe we were trying to deceive you, I apologise."
She nodded, looking out the window to her right. The garden was beginning to bloom with all the early-season flowers. "We do not have to go through with this if you do not want to," he offered.
She snapped her head up, looking into his eyes. A deep sadness rested there, and his heart went out to her. "No. I do not have a choice," she replied, her tone softening. "I enjoyed our time last night. I wish that the circumstances were not overshadowed by our financial situation," she said, lowering her voice all the more.
James reached out his hand, and after a slight pause, she took it. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I know. I suppose it is not very flattering to have a marriage proposal come for the reasons your father has laid out. But I will do my very best to be a good husband to you, Lady Caroline."
She blushed slightly and nodded her assent. "I hope to be a good wife to you, as well, Viscount Hereford," she said softly. "I admit that I was furious last night and this morning, but perhaps something good can come of all of this."
"That is the spirit," James replied with a charming smile. He took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. "Now, I suppose we should join the others, shouldn’t we?"
She nodded, and he guided her over to the sitting area. All the while, he could not help but look at her. She was a beautiful woman, to be sure, and how she handled their conversation, even though she was upset, had impressed him. Perhaps she was right–something good might come out of this marriage after all.
Chapter 4
May 1813
Caroline placed her hands over her abdomen, taking a deep breath to try to keep the nausea at bay. It was the day of her wedding, and while she had had a few weeks to get to know Viscount Hereford a little better, she still felt overwhelmed. This is not how she had envisioned her wedding day would be, dreaming as a little girl.
Her mother stepped up behind her in the full-length mirror and placed her arm around Caroline's waist. She gave her a knowing smile, trying to bolster her courage. It would not do for her to get to the altar and change her mind.
"You look beautiful, my darling," her mother said. She kissed her lightly on the cheek and stepped back, admiring her reflection.
Caroline let out a shaky sigh.
"I feel like a fraud in this dress. It is much too fine," she said, fingering the heavy golden embroidery and the tiny seed pearls that had been sewn into the sheer white fabric. The cream-coloured silk underneath floated around her like a cloud, making her feel like a queen.
"Are you sure that Papa can afford this?" she asked.
