Page 19 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
“Are you sure you are alright? What did she say to you?” James asked, his voice tinged with concern. It touched her to see how he was worried for her.
“I am well, I assure you. She said that she knows you very well and that you are very attentive.”
Caroline glanced at Lady Beatrice in her fine violet silk gown, trimmed with the most exquisite black Brussels lace she had ever seen. She looked down at her white cotton day dress, tied with a simple pink satin ribbon to accentuate her thin waist. She felt more than out of place in Lord Highclere’s elegant parlour, shown up by an even more elegant young lady who had a history with James.
James shot Lady Beatrice an annoyed glance. “We did know each other. However, that was a long time ago. And before I had met you,” he whispered. “She is a shallow young woman,” he warned. “Do not let her get under your skin.”
Caroline offered a small smile, trying to set his mind at ease. “I will be fine. Do not worry,” she said. By then, Lady Beatrice was making her way over to Caroline’s side. She motioned to where the gentlemen were talking about their hounds on the far side of the room.
“Viscount, I believe your father and my husband may need an arbiter when it comes to their hounds.” Lady Beatrice sidled over. “Besides, Lady Caroline and I have much to catch up on.”
James gave her a worried look and was about to protest, but Caroline placed a hand on his arm.
“Go,” she encouraged gently. She smiled up at him. It surprised her when he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Her heart leapt, warmth spreading through her middle at his tender gesture. He walked away to join the gentlemen, but her heart still did not slow down.
She knew she was blushing furiously but turned away from Lady Beatrice, trying to cover up her elation. It was none of Lady Beatrice’s business what she was feeling, and she had no intention of sharing them with her new acquaintance.
They sat together on the plush sofa, and Lady Beatrice began gushing once more.
“How do you like Thorneby so far, Lady Caroline?” Lady Beatrice asked. She did not look at her for but a moment, turning her attention to the gentlemen. Caroline sighed, following her gaze. The men were now in a heated conversation over which breed of hound was best for tracking and which was best for speed. Lady Beatrice looked as if she would have rather been with them than talk with her.
“I must admit I was quite overwhelmed during the first few days of being here. However, I think I am starting to find my way around the place. It is very large–like a maze at times.”
“Ahh, yes. The Viscount and I used to play hide and seek when we were children. Has he taken you into the tunnels yet?” she asked. Her eyes were alight with mischief.
Caroline shifted uncomfortably. “When did you meet the Viscouont?” she asked.
“Oh, we have known each other since before I can remember. He was born the year after me, but our parents have always been good friends.” She leaned closer, taking on a conspiratorial air. “There was a time when James and I nearly had an understanding.” She sighed as if remembering a happier time. Was James the one who had gotten away from her? Had he loved her?
Caroline’s heart fell as all sorts of insecurities assailed her.
“Did he–” She was unable to finish, for the butler came in with the tea tray, followed by a maid who helped pour the tea and distribute the cups and refreshments. The gentlemen returned to the sitting area, continuing their lively conversation.
Lady Beatrice chimed in every once in a while, and while James tried not to ignore her completely, Caroline could see that Lord Highclere and her husband could not care to give her the time of day. Her heart went out to the woman. If her husband’s behaviour was any indication of what she got at home, it must have been a very lonely existence indeed.
“Do you and Sir Gerald live nearby?” Caroline asked, first to make conversation but secondly to ascertain whether Lady Beatrice might become a semi-permanent fixture at teatime.
“Oh, no. We live on the other side of the island. We were visiting the area for the wedding and other things,” she said evasively. However, Caroline did not press her. Lady Beatrice sighed heavily. “We will be heading back that way in a few days. More’s the pity.”
“You do not enjoy where you live?” Caroline asked. “I suppose it does rain quite a bit more on that side of England, although I have never been there.”
“My husband is from Scotland, although you might not have ascertained that from his accent. It is very light, but when he is upset about something, it is more pronounced. It is a dismal place,” she replied.
Caroline raised a brow. “Oh, forgive me, I thought you meant on the western side of England, not on the northern side.”
“I wish we were closer to London. Indeed, I would give anything to be on the western side, perhaps by St. Ives. I have been there once, and it was enchanting.” Lady Beatrice folded her hands in her lap. Caroline caught a glimpse of her elaborate wedding band, complete with a large diamond surrounded by rubies. “But alas, no. We are in Thurso.”
Caroline was even more surprised. “My goodness. You are quite far away.” She had heard of Thurso but had never even been across the Scottish border, let alone the northernmost tip of Scotland.
“I suppose it will be some time before you are able to make the trip back down again?” Caroline tried to keep the relief out of her voice, but she was not sure she was successful.
“Yes, at least a year or two, I would imagine,” she said miserably. Lady Beatrice cast a longing look in James’ direction. She quickly looked away again, but Caroline felt she had no real reason to worry. In a few days, Lady Beatrice and her husband would be gone, and then she would have nothing else with which to concern her. James did not seem particularly interested in paying attention to his old flame if, indeed, that is what she had been to him.
Or perhaps it had been a more one-sided love affair. While Caroline could not be certain without asking James about it, she had sensed even before Lady Beatrice had told her of their “almost understanding” that she had feelings for her husband. With any luck, this would be the last time they would see the couple for many years, and James’ affections might be secured for herself by that time.
Chapter 11
James felt as if he had run ten miles by the time Lady Beatrice and her husband left. It was as if he had been trying to keep Beatrice from saying anything that would upset Caroline the entire time. Even now, he was unsure whether he had succeeded.
