Page 27 of For a Lady's Fiery Heart
James let go of her, nodding in return. "I agree." He cleared his throat, feeling a little uneasy. James motioned toward the dining room door, and she walked out ahead of him. The footmen would come in and put out the candles when they were gone, but he grabbed one of the stands so they could see through the darkened house.
He joined Caroline in the hall, stopping to speak with Silas for a moment. "Have you and the rest of the servants found accommodations that will be warm enough for the night?"
"Yes, my lord. We have made up beds in the kitchens where the housekeeper and butler would usually be. We will be warm enough with the fires from the kitchen."
"Good. Well, splendid job getting the dining room and bedroom back in order. Thank you, Silas and good night," James said.
Silas bowed, along with the other footman, and then disappeared into the dining room to clear what remained of the dinner. James placed a steadying hand on Caroline's back, and they walked through the house, their footsteps echoing through the corridors.
When they got to the bedroom door, James opened it for her and allowed her to walk through first. The room was already nice and cosy, with a cheery fire burning in the hearth. The bed was remade, and everything was polished and cleaned. It was hard to believe that it had been thick with dust and rank with musty air only a few hours ago.
A vase of flowers stood on the coffee table in front of the fire, and the settee was situated in front of the hearth. Caroline stiffened as he came in and closed the door. He could feel her nervousness coming off her like heat radiating from a candle.
He was sorry for it, as it seemed they were right back where they had started on their wedding night. Only this was the first night they would actually be spending in the same room.
He walked over to the hearth and took off his dinner jacket. "Would you like a nightcap?" he asked. The maids had set out a bottle of champagne on ice with two glasses. It was very thoughtful of his father to send along the vintage.
Caroline gave a sheepish grin and joined him.
"Yes, thank you," she replied, her voice quivering slightly. He uncorked the bottle with a loud pop and poured them both a glass. He handed it to her, their fingers brushing for a brief moment. She jerked her hand away an instant later. Hanging his head, he wished things could progress faster than they were. However, he knew it would be better in the long run if he gave her time to trust him.
"I have no intention of harming you, Caroline," James said. "I realise that we are still getting to know each other. I still want to take things slowly." He motioned to the settee. "I will sleep here tonight."
She seemed to relax. However, as soon as she did, she frowned. Caroline did not let him in on her private thoughts. He offered her a seat on the settee while they sipped their champagne. He was careful to sit at an appropriate distance from her, even though he longed to be close to her as they had been during their dance moments.
"I enjoyed your story this evening. Did your father often make up such exciting tales?" James asked. He leaned back, taking a deep breath. Thankfully the room had been able to air out adequately. He sank deeper into the cushions, watching the dancing firelight.
Caroline sighed contentedly, relaxing back as he had done.
"He did. He still does sometimes when he is in a good mood, and things are going well for the family. I liked that tale, especially since it was about me. I am sure most children are that way."
She laughed at her show of vanity. "I think I liked that it provided an escape of sorts. I have always wondered what it would be like to travel the world."
"Well, we shall have to do some travelling then. I had no idea you were so keen," James said. He sat up straighter. "What is the one place you would like to go above any other?"
Caroline stayed reclined on the settee and twirled a stray wisp of hair around her little finger. His mouth suddenly went dry, thinking about what it would feel like to do that himself. He shook his head slightly, refilling his champagne glass as she took a moment to think.
"I think I should like to see Italy before I die," she replied. "Perhaps it is silly, but I grew fascinated about Italy after reading Mrs Radcliffe's gothic novels."
"Ahh, I see. Well, it is not quite as mysterious as she paints it. However, it is a beautiful country. I am sure you will love it."
James reclined once more, watching her. She looked utterly breathtaking, even in her simple light blue cotton day dress. They had not changed into more elegant attire that evening as they would have done at Thorneby. However, no matter what she wore, she took his breath away.
Caroline sat up and sipped the rest of her champagne. She gave a satisfied nod and set the empty glass on the coffee table.
"I think I will change now," she said. She rose gracefully and went to retrieve her nightgown from the carpetbag she had brought. She went behind the screen, and he averted his eyes for a moment. However, he soon laughed off his idiosyncrasy. There was no way he would have been able to see her.
James peeked in the direction of the screen and, to his delight, saw her shadow displayed on the wall behind her. It took her several minutes to change, as he supposed it was difficult to climb out of the stays without the help of her maid. However, she did not complain and soon appeared from around the screen's edge again.
"Well, goodnight," she said haltingly, clutching her gown and underclothes to her chest, obscuring his view of her form.
He nodded, looking down at the carpet. "Good night," he said. She padded barefoot over to the bed, and he heard the coverlet and sheets rustle as she climbed between them. He waited until he was sure she was settled and then went to change as well.
"How was it growing up at Thorneby?" she asked, raising her voice slightly as he went behind the screen.
James shrugged, even though he knew she could not see him.
"I do not know. I suppose it would have been very different if my mother had lived," he said, choking on the words a little. He had not raised the depth of emotion still tied to his mother's passing. He cleared his throat, pulled on an old pair of comfortable breeches, and took off his waistcoat.
