Page 20 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
Caroline sighed in relief as well and excused herself shortly after they had seen their guests out. James turned on his father as soon as she was gone. "Why did you invitethemto tea?"
His father frowned. "What on earth are you talking about? Lady Beatrice's family have been friends of ours since before you were born, and Sir Gerald is a particular friend of mine. Why would I not invite them for tea before they headed back to Scotland?" His father sat down in the sunshine streaming through the window, flashing him an innocent stare.
"Well, what about the fact that I was nearly engaged to Lady Beatrice? Having her and my wife in the same room was quite awkward. You know how Lady Beatrice can be." James began to pace, frustrated that his father had not taken the situation into consideration—or even asked his opinion beforehand. It was as if his father enjoyed the conflict. He always had. What was it about seeing people squirm that gave him such delight?
"I would thank you not to do something like that again without speaking with me first.”
At this, his father's face fell. He stood up, placing his hand between his jacket and his vest. He always did this when he felt his authority was being threatened, making him look superior.
"This is still my house, and I am still the lord of the Thorneby estate. When the title passes to you, you may see fit to invite whomever you wish into it. Until then, I shall invite whomever I deem fit. Is that quite clear?"
James expelled an annoyed sigh.
"Father, can you not see how uncomfortable Caroline was at their visit? Lady Beatrice would not stop going on about their relationship. She likes to make others jealous. I do not want Caroline to have any reason to regret the decision she has made."
"Well, there is nothing she can do now. She is your wife, and that is that." His father waved him off. "She will need to get used to the fact that Sir Gerald and his wife will be regular guests in our home—weather permitting. Besides, it is only once every few years that we shall see them. And they are headed home as we speak."
James knew no profit would be gained from arguing with his father. He would do precisely what he wanted when he wanted it, and there was nothing James could do to change his mind. He strode out of the room to go in search of Caroline.
He was about to head upstairs when he heard the tinkling of piano keys coming from the small drawing room. James headed that way and was enchanted to see Caroline sitting at the instrument, seemingly lost in the music she was making.
He listened for a moment before making his presence known. She made a lovely picture indeed with the sunlight filtering through the curtains, her golden hair shining like that of an angel. When he cleared his throat, she turned around, her blue eyes meeting his. She gave a small smile.
"I hope I am not disturbing anyone?" she asked sheepishly. She folded her hands demurely on her lap.
"Not in the slightest. It is good to hear music in the house again. I am told my mother was quite the pianist," he replied. "Please, go on."
She shook her head and rose from the piano bench. "No, that is alright. I should go and change for dinner."
James stepped in her path, placing and hand on her arm. He came a little closer, rubbing his hand over her arm. Her skin was cool to the touch, and protectiveness rose inside him. "Come for a walk with me first. Are you chilly? I can ring for your maid to fetch you a shawl if you like."
Caroline refused. "I am alright. I am sure we will not be too long. I would not want to delay dinner for your father."
James offered her his arm, and they walked together into the hall. Soon they were out in the garden, which was covered in late-afternoon shadows. "I wanted to apologise for Lady Beatrice," he began once they had started ambling down the winding paths. "I know that she can be difficult to contend with."
Caroline sighed, letting go of his arm. She picked at her fingernails, looking nervous at the very mention of Lady Beatrice's name. "I must confess, I was surprised by their presence today," she admitted. She shot him an embarrassed scowl. "I thought that Lady Beatrice was Sir Gerald's daughter at first. It was a shock to hear that she was his wife."
James chuckled softly. "Yes, well, it is to her own detriment, unfortunately. She always was a hopeless flirt."
"Hopeless in what way?" Caroline asked. She halted at the path's edge and gazed lovingly over the flowers in full bloom. James went to her side and plucked one of the dahlias for her, presenting it as if he were a knight gifting a lady with his allegiance. Caroline took hold of the stem and thanked him with a nod. They began walking again, and he sighed, wondering where to start to explain.
"Lady Beatrice has always been the restless sort. I do not know any better way to describe it. She loves the attention that men give her, and why should they not give it to her when she is so beautiful?" he asked. He was immediately sorry he had said it, but the words had simply slipped out. "Not to mean that she is more beautiful than you—" he tried to save himself.
Caroline held up her hand, waving him off. Her smile was genuine. "I know that she is more beautiful than me. You need not lie," she laughed. "I am not too proud nor too vain to admit that."
James warmed to her. That admission alone made her far more attractive to him than Lady Beatrice ever was. A humble countenance was far more valuable than all the jewels and trappings with which a woman could adorn herself.
"You are not proud or vain at all—in the negative sense. I appreciate that about you," James admitted. Caroline blushed, grinning from ear to ear.
Caroline wrapped her arms around her middle as if she was trying to keep in her warmth. She sucked in a breath, looking up at the sky. "It is colder than it looked from the windows."
He stopped, took off his jacket, and wrapped it around her shoulders. "Here. Is that better?" he asked. The air nipped at his skin with a slight chill, but he was glad for the fresh air. He would rather the chill over the heat any day.
"Yes, thank you," she replied. "I will say that I was a bit annoyed when Lady Beatrice told me about your past relationship."
"That is partly what I wanted to explain. I hope she did not imply too much to worry you. She likes to exaggerate things." James offered her his arm again, and to his delight, she leaned closer to soak up some of his warmth. He liked the feeling of her on his arm. "What all did she say?"
"Only that you were quite close when you were children. And there was nearly an understanding between the two of you—which I assume meant that you were at one point considering marriage?"
