Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Caroline's heart raced wildly in her chest as the carriage came to a halt in front of the Boldwood estate. Lord and Lady Boldwood were some of the most illustrious people in the ton, and any ball in their manor was always one to take joy in.

Caroline glanced at her husband proudly as they made their way to the ballroom, the orchestra striking up a lively waltz just as they entered. There was a warm darkness in Sebastian's eyes when he extended his hand to Caroline.

"May I have this dance, Lady Casterbridge?" he asked, his thumb drawing patterns over Caroline's hand and his voice low and intimate.

Caroline felt a thrill run through her at his tone, a blush rising to her cheeks as she placed her hand in his. "I would be honored, Lord Casterbridge," she replied, her own voice slightly breathless.

Sebastian flashed her an intimate smile as he led her onto the dance floor, his hand resting warmly on the small of her back. Their eyes met as they started moving together slowly—their bodies perfectly in sync and their eyes never leaving each other.

She'd never seen her husband quite like this, Caroline realized as she took note of how desire darkened his eyes. His lips were curved in a seductive smile and it made her heart race in a way that was entirely foreign to her. She could not avert her eyes, for his gaze held onto her with a strange magic she could not understand.

If the look in his eyes was anything to go by, Caroline was rather certain that Sebastian too was rather captivated by her. There was something about the way he held her in his arms, something about the way his eyes moved from her eyes to her lips…

As they spun around the ballroom, the air between them fairly crackled with tension, with the unspoken desire that had been building since their wedding day. Caroline felt as if she were drowning in Sebastian's gaze, lost in the depths of his green eyes. When the music came to an end, they were both flushed and slightly out of breath, reluctant to part.

But propriety demanded it, and so Sebastian led Caroline off the dance floor, his hand still resting intimately on her back. They had barely taken a few steps when a familiar voice called out.

"Lord and Lady Casterbridge! What a pleasure to see you both!"

Caroline turned to see Edward Pembroke striding towards them, a too-bright smile on his face. She inadvertently stepped a little closer to Sebastian. Seeing the two men so closely together, of course, set of a comparison that she knew was rather unfair but it could not be helped. Sebastian was much taller, his shoulders were straight and broad, his eyes were warmer and his jaw was stronger.

Against him, Edward paled in comparison.

"Edward," she greeted, forcing a smile. "How kind of you to come and congratulate us."

"But of course," Edward replied, though his eyes were tight with insincerity. "I could hardly miss the opportunity to wish my oldest friend joy in her marriage."

His gaze flicked to Sebastian, something challenging in his expression. "Lord Casterbridge, I wonder if you would be so generous as to allow me a dance with your lovely bride? For old times' sake, of course."

Sebastian hesitated, clearly caught off guard by the request. Caroline could sense his reluctance, his uncertainty about the nature of her relationship with Edward. But not wanting to cause a scene, he inclined his head stiffly.

"Of course," he said, his tone carefully neutral. "I'm sure Caroline would enjoy the chance to catch up with a friend."

As Edward led her back onto the dance floor, Caroline felt a sense of unease wash over her. There was a new intensity in his gaze, a possessiveness to his grip on her waist that made her skin crawl.

They had barely begun to move when Edward leaned in close, his lips nearly grazing her ear. "I must confess, Caroline," he murmured, "I was quite distraught when I heard of your engagement. As you know, I had hoped... well, I had hoped for something quite different for us."

Caroline stiffened at this, and she attempted to pull away from him slightly. "Edward," she admonished firmly. "This is inappropriate. I am married now."

"Married, yes," he agreed, a bitter twist to his mouth. "But happily? I think not. Can you truly say that there is affection between the two of you? That it is not a marriage born out of scandal and duty?"

Her face flushed guiltily at this and she sighed. Her marriage, after all, had had a rocky start and she knew that her sister was still in pain because of it. Perhaps she had not entered into this union with an overabundance of joy, but still… they were married and she was going to make a success of it.

"You are mistaken, Edward," she said firmly, meeting his gaze head-on. "And I will not have you disrespecting my marriage."

Edward's jaw clenched at this and he nodded tightly. "I apologize, Lady Caroline," he said, his voice thin. "I do hope you know that I only want your happiness. That is all I ever wanted."

Caroline softened slightly at this. After all, they had been friends for ages and she could not fault Edward for having feelings for her. In fact, it was not wholly surprising even if it was highly improper for him to admit to it now. If he truly wanted her to be happy, did she not owe him at least some courtesy?

"I know, Edward," she sighed at last. "And I am truly sorry. I have not been the best friend to you. I apologize that I have been quite distant lately, but you must know that a a wedding takes a lot of planning and…"

Edward smiled at that and some of the tension eased from his frame. "Think nothing of it," he said quickly. "I know it has been a difficult time. I only wish I could have saved you from being forced into this union."

They lapsed into silence for a moment, swaying together a bit awkwardly. It was more natural with Sebastian, Caroline mused silently.

"Do not say that," Caroline admonished sternly. "It is not proper. I had a choice and I chose to marry Lord Casterbridge."

As the music began to wind down, Edward's smile faded once again and he let out a sigh. "Caroline," he said, his tone gentle but probing. "Do forgive me for prying, but I simply must ask… Why? Why did you marry him? Truly?"

Caroline hesitated and she bit her lip. Did she not owe Edward the truth? She let out a deep sigh.

"I had to," she admitted at last, her voice barely above a whisper. "After we were caught in that embrace… even though it was completely innocent… I knew my reputation would be ruined if I did not marry him, and Beatrice would have suffered too. For having such a shameful sister. I could not let that happen."

Edward's brow furrowed in concern. "What about you, Caroline?" he insisted. "What about your happiness? Surely there could have been another solution, a way to avoid this forced union?"

Caroline shook her head quickly. "Not one that would have protected Beatrice," she insisted. "Or restored my good name. Marrying Sebastian was the right choice, it was the only choice."

"Are you happy with that choice?" Edward countered. "Does he treat you well?"

A soft smile appeared on her lips when she thought of Sebastian—of how they moved together perfectly, how his touch sent sparks dancing along her skin and how he'd started to make her heart race.

For some reason, however, she was hesitant to share that with Edward. Her growing feelings for Sebastian, she thought, were private.

"Sebastian is a good man," she insisted. "And I am determined to be a good wife to him."

Edward scowled at this and he searched her face for a long, drawn-out moment—as if he were looking for some sign of deception. Then he sighed and his shoulders slumped.

"Well then," he said, managing a small smile as the final notes of the waltz faded away. "If you are happy, I suppose that is it. "But Caroline, you must know… If you ever need to escape, I am happy to help you. If you ever need anything…"

"If there is anything my wife needs, Lord Pembroke, I will be the one to provide it."

Caroline's entire body turned to ice at the sound of the cold voice and she turned slowly. Behind her stood Sebastian, his face a stoic mask. Caroline swallowed nervously as she noticed the tightness in her husband's jaw, the carefully blank expression on his face as he looked at them.

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Casterbridge," Edward mumbled, looking everywhere except at Sebastian. "And for your generosity, Lord Casterbridge, in sharing your wife's company. She is a treasure."

Sebastian inclined his head stiffly. "Indeed, she is,' he agreed, his voice cold.

With a final nod, Edward melted into the crowd, leaving Caroline and Sebastian alone in the midst of the swirling dancers.

"Are you alright?" Sebastian asked quietly, his eyes searching her face. "Pembroke seemed as though he was quite the demanding dance partner."

Caroline hesitated at this, her eyes meeting her husband's. The last thing she wanted was for him to think that she had betrayed his trust.

"Edward and I have a long history," she said carefully. "We were close as children, and he was quite used to being my partner at events. Suffice to say, he hoped for something more, before I married. But I made it very clear to him that my place is with you now, as your wife. He understands that."

Sebastian was silent for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Caroline's heart pounded as she waited for his response, her stomach twisting with sudden nerves.

"Alright then," he said at last, though the ease between them had all but evaporated.

***

He did not like it one bit, Sebastian thought as he stood in the middle of the ballroom. He didn't like Edward's close proximity to his wife. Not one bit.

It wasn't that he was jealous per se, he thought now, but still.

Caroline's hand was suddenly warm on his arm and a shockwave coursed through him at the contact.

"Please don't be mad," she said softly and Sebastian sighed.

"I am not mad," he said softly, then brushed his hand against her cheek in a tender caress. "I just… I suppose I am a bit protective over you."

Caroline looked at him questioningly and he sighed, before quickly shaking his head.

"I mean—your reputation affects me now," he explained quickly. You are part of my family now."

"Oh," Caroline whispered and she swallowed visibly. "Perhaps… perhaps we ought to go home."

"Yes," Sebastian said stiffly, his eyes darting about. "Perhaps we should."