Chapter 21

Chapter 21

It was silly, Caroline decided, to feel so uncertain merely because her husband's friend arrived and changed their plans of spending the day together. She was rather certain that the men had a lot of business to attend to and important matters to discuss.

Still, she could not help but be a little disappointed. Sebastian had seemed quite eager to trade her company for that of his friend.

Shaking her head to clear it of such unproductive thoughts, Caroline straightened her spine and quickened her step, determined to make the best of the situation. Perhaps enough time had passed for Beatrice to have forgiven her, perhaps they could spend some time together—she might even be able to ask some sisterly advice.

But as she approached the familiar front door of her childhood home, a sense of trepidation settled in her stomach like a leaden weight. Taking a deep breath, she knocked, steeling herself for the inevitable icy reception.

A maid answered, eyes widening in surprise as she recognized Caroline. "Lady Caroline! We weren't expecting… The countess did not mention…"

"It's quite alright, Mary," Caroline interjected gently. "I'm afraid my visit is rather impromptu. Is my sister at home?"

The maid hesitated, glancing over her shoulder as if seeking guidance. But after a moment, she stepped back, allowing Caroline to enter. "She's in the morning room, My Lady. Shall I announce you?"

"No need," Caroline murmured. "I'll see myself in, thank you."

Squaring her shoulders, she made her way down the familiar hallway, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting. The door to the morning room was slightly ajar, the muted clink of china and silver drifting out into the corridor.

Caroline paused on the threshold, her heart lodged somewhere in her throat. Then, with a determined set to her jaw, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Beatrice was seated at her writing desk. At the sound of the door opening, she glanced up, her expression transforming from mild curiosity to icy disdain in the span of a heartbeat.

"Caroline." Her voice was flatly unwelcoming, her eyes hard as flint. "To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?"

Caroline swallowed hard, fighting back the instinctive sting of hurt at her sister's coldness. "I was hoping we could talk, Beatrice. It's been so long and I just... I miss you. I miss us."

Beatrice set down her pen with deliberate precision. "There is no us anymore, Caroline. You made your choice when you married Sebastian, when you betrayed me and stole the future that should have been mine."

Caroline flinched at the venom in her sister's voice, tears pricking at the back of her eyes. "I never meant to hurt you, Beatrice," she whispered. "Please, you have to believe that. I was only trying to protect you, protect our family from scandal."

"Protect me?" Beatrice scoffed, a mirthless laugh escaping her lips. "Don't delude yourself, Caroline. You didn't marry Sebastian for me, you did it for yourself. Because you wanted him, even if it meant ripping my heart out in the process."

"That's not true!" Caroline cried, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I didn't want any of this, Beatrice. I did not want to marry him, but I did and now… I wish I could regret it, but he is a good man, and…"

Beatrice surged to her feet, and her face contorted in angry amusement. "You are in love with him," she asserted, then a cold laugh escaped her lips. "Oh, you poor fool. You think that this is some romantic destiny, that you will love him and he could love you? Oh, you poor, naive little fool. Sebastian will never love you, Caroline. Not truly, not deeply. You're nothing more than a convenient solution, a way to rehabilitate his reputation and secure the next generation of Fairchilds. But you will never be more than his second choice–the woman he married to prevent a scandal."

Each word was like a dagger to Caroline's heart, her sister's cruelty stealing the breath from her lungs. "Beatrice, please…"

"No!" Beatrice snapped, her chest heaving with barely suppressed emotion. "I'm done listening to your hollow apologies and self-serving justifications. You made your bed, Caroline. Now lie in it. And pray that your precious husband doesn't stray too far from it in search of real passion and affection."

With that, she turned her back on Caroline, her rigid posture a silent command to leave. Choking back a sob, Caroline fled, Beatrice's venomous words ringing in her ears like a tolling bell of doom.

Blinded by tears and heartache, she stumbled down the path away from the house, heedless of where her feet were taking her. It wasn't until a strong hand caught her elbow, halting her headlong flight, that she realized she had nearly collided with someone.

"Caroline? Good God, what's happened? Are you alright?"

She blinked rapidly, the familiar voice and concerned face swimming into focus through the haze of her misery. "Edward," she croaked, swiping impatiently at the tears coursing down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

He took a step closer, his brow furrowed with worry. "You're clearly upset. What's wrong? Has something happened with Sebastian?"

At the mention of her husband's name, Caroline felt a fresh wave of pain and uncertainty wash over her. Beatrice's cruel predictions about the inevitability of Sebastian's infidelity and emotional distance rang in her ears, insidious whispers of doubt that she couldn't quite shake.

"No, no, it's not Sebastian," she said quickly, averting her gaze. "I just... I went to see Beatrice, hoping to reconcile, but she... she hasn't forgiven me. I fear she never will."

Edward's expression softened, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Caroline. That must be incredibly difficult, to be at odds with your sister like this."

She nodded miserably, fresh tears threatening to spill. "It is. I never meant to hurt her, Edward. I was only trying to do what was best, to protect our family from scandal. But she refuses to see that."

He reached out, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "She's hurting, Caroline. It's understandable that she lashes out, even if it's not entirely fair to you."

Caroline looked up at him, surprised by the sudden warmth and understanding in his tone. Perhaps she had misjudged him, had been too quick to dismiss his affections as mere infatuation and prideful presumption.

"I just don't know what to do," she confessed softly. "I feel so lost, so torn between my duty to my husband and my love for my sister."

Edward's fingers tightened on her shoulder, his gaze intense and searching. "And what of your duty to yourself, Caroline? Your own heart and happiness?"

She frowned, taken aback by the question. "I... I am happy, Edward. Truly. Sebastian is a good man, a kind and generous husband. I could not ask for more."

His lips thinned, a flicker of frustration passing over his face. "But do you love him, Caroline? Does he love you? Because from where I stand, it seems that you've trapped yourself in a marriage of convenience, sacrificing your own chance at real, passionate love for the sake of appearances."

Caroline stiffened, pulling back from his touch as if scalded. "You overstep, Edward," she said coldly, pursing her lips. "My feelings for Sebastian are none of your concern."

"But they are!" he insisted, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. "Caroline, surely you must know how I feel about you, how I've always felt. I love you, deeply and truly. I would move heaven and earth to make you happy, to give you the life you deserve. Can you honestly say the same of Sebastian? Can you tell me that he would put your happiness above all else, that he would cherish you as I would?"

Caroline shook her head, anger and confusion warring in her breast. "Stop it, Edward. Please. I can't hear this, I won't. I am a married woman, and whatever feelings you may have for me, it is not right for you to speak of them. Not now, not ever."

He looked as if she had struck him, pain and frustration etched into every line of his face.

"It would seem that your sister was right after all," he said quietly, an undercurrent of bitterness in his voice. "You are a fool, Caroline. A fool to think that Sebastian Fairchild could ever love you the way I do. He married you out of duty, not affection, and mark my words, it won't be long before he seeks his pleasures elsewhere, leaving you alone and heartbroken."

Caroline recoiled as if slapped, her eyes widening with shock. She wanted to scream at him, to rage and deny and demand he take back his hateful words. But the fight drained out of her, leaving only a bone-deep weariness and sorrow in its wake.

"Goodbye, Edward," she whispered, her voice trembling with barely suppressed emotion. "I am going home. My place is with my husband, and that is where I intend to stay."

She turned away, not waiting for his response. With leaden steps and a heavy heart, she began the long walk back to Casterbridge Manor, back to the man she called husband, praying that the love she felt blossoming in her heart was not the foolish fancy everyone seemed to believe it to be.

***

Sebastian relaxed into the plush armchair, savoring the rich aroma of the fine brandy as he swirled it contemplatively in its glass. Across from him, Nathaniel lounged with a languid grace, a roguish grin playing about his lips.

"I must say, Bas, married life seems to agree with you," he teased, arching a knowing brow. "You've got that particular glow about you, the kind that only comes from regular, enthusiastic bed sport."

Despite the wave of irritation that flared up within him for a split second, Sebastian managed to laugh and he shook his head. "Could you not? That is my wife, not merely some paramour warming my bed for a day or two."

Nathaniel held up his hands in mock surrender, his eyes dancing with mirth. "I meant no offense, truly. I'm merely happy to see you so content, so...settled. It suits you, my friend."

Sebastian felt a smile tug at the corner of his mouth, a warmth that had nothing to do with the brandy spreading through his chest. "Caroline is... remarkable," he admitted softly, his gaze going distant as he thought of his lovely, spirited bride. "She has exceeded my every expectation as a wife.

"Oh?" Nathaniel lifted a brow, a smirk appearing around is lips. "Is your bright not the innocent maiden you'd expected her to be?"

"She is," Sebastian said carefully, hesitant to say too much. "But she is quite… willing to learn."

Nathaniel let out a laugh at this, though his eyes turned serious when he looked at his friend. "You sound happy," he asserted then. "And I'm glad of it. You deserve to be happy, Bas. And it's high time you put your rakish ways behind you and started building a true partnership with a woman worthy of you."

Sebastian inclined his head in acknowledgment, gratitude welling up in him at his friend's unwavering support and loyalty.

"I must say, her sister is quite charming too."

Sebastian lifted a brow. "So you have indeed been spending time with Lady Beatrice?" Nathaniel nodded immediately. "Of course. You asked me, did you not?"

"Thank you," Sebastian said with a sigh. "Caroline and I will both be glad if their sisterly relationship can be restored. I cannot help but feel guilty over my part in it and if you have something to do with it, I am grateful."

Nathaniel waved away his thanks, although there was a flicker of something Sebastian couldn't quite identify in his eyes. "Think nothing of it. Lady Beatrice is a beautiful young woman, and it's been no hardship to pay her a bit of extra attention."

He paused then, a slight frown marring his brow as if debating whether to speak his next thought aloud. "I must admit though, I was surprised to see her in the company of a certain gentleman at the last ball. A Lord Pembroke, I believe? They seemed quite... familiar with one another."

Sebastian stilled, a prickle of unease skittering down his spine. "Edward Pembroke?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral. "I wasn't aware that he and Beatrice were particularly close. I know he's a childhood friend of Caroline's, but beyond that…"

Nathaniel shrugged, taking a sip of his brandy. "As I said, I was surprised. Perhaps it's nothing, just a young lady enjoying the attentions of an eager swain. But I was rather curious about it—seeing as you asked me to make sure she was not alone. I did not know that he was close to your wife."

Sebastian nodded slowly, his mind churning with the implications. He trusted Caroline implicitly, knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would never betray him or their marriage vows. But he also knew how persistent Pembroke could be in his affections, how entitled he seemed to feel to Caroline's time and regard.

The thought of the man using Beatrice as a means to get closer to Caroline made his blood boil, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He would not allow anyone, least of all a lovesick fool like Edward Pembroke, to threaten the happiness and security he had found with his wife.

No, he would handle this himself, quietly and efficiently. And heaven help Edward Pembroke if he overstepped the bounds of propriety or brought even a hint of further scandal down upon Sebastian or his wife.

Chapter 22

When Caroline arrived home, her heart was heavy from the confrontations with Beatrice and Edward. As she stepped into the drawing room, she was surprised to find Sebastian already there, lounging on the sofa with a book in hand.

"You're back early," she remarked, trying to keep her tone light. "I thought you'd be out with Lord Wellington for a while longer."

Sebastian set his book aside, a smile playing on his lips as he rose to greet her. "As pleasant as it is to spend time with my best friend, my place is here. With my wife."

Caroline's heart skipped a beat and she looked at Sebastian earnestly. "You… you want to spend time with me?"

Sebastian nodded almost instantly. "I enjoy spending time with you, Caroline," he said with a soft smile. "You make me feel as though I am exactly where I belong."

Warmth rushed to her chest and she took a step towards him, their eyes meeting. "I feel the same way," she admitted half-clumsily.

He pulled her into his arms, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Caroline melted into his embrace, the warmth of his body and the steady beat of his heart soothing her frayed nerves.

"Is everything alright, my darling?" Sebastian asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied her face. "You seem a bit tense."

Caroline simply shook her head, forcing a smile. "It's nothing, really. Just a long day. But being here at home makes everything better."

Sebastian's eyes softened, and he drew her closer, his lips brushing against her temple. "I feel the same way, Caroline. You have made this house a true home."

With that, he drew her into his embrace, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. Caroline let out a deep sigh as he led her up to her bedchamber, her worries dissipating as they shared more kisses before falling down on the bed, their limbs intertwined.

Beatrice's hurtful words, Edward's thinly veiled cruelty… all of it disappeared as she melted into her husband's arms, losing herself in his kisses.

"Caroline," Sebastian whispered when her gaze drifted from him, and she returned her attention to her husband quickly. "Are you here?"

"I am here," she whispered as they became one again, wrapping her arms around him and holding him close. "And there's nowhere else I'd rather be."

***

Despite the satiating night spent with his wife, Sebastian struggled to sleep—as much as he wanted to think nothing of it, he was bothered by Beatrice's surprising connection to Edward Pembroke. As such, he left early the next morning to visit his old friend—surprised when he stepped into the drawing room to find not only Beatrice at Nathaniel's house, but the countess as well.

"Lord Casterbridge," the countess greeted, her tone rather cool and distant. "What an unexpected pleasure. I wasn't aware you and Lord Wellington were friendly."

Sebastian smiled, taking a seat beside Beatrice. "Nathaniel and I have been friends since our school days. But I must admit, I'm the one surprised to find you and Lady Beatrice here."

Though Sebastian accepted Nathaniel's offer of tea, he knew full well that there was no way he could ask his friend all he wanted to—so instead, he sat back and observed as the countess kept the conversation going whilst Beatrice remained mostly quiet.

When the visit drew to a close, and the ladies made to depart, Sebastian seized his chance. "Lady Beatrice, might I have a quick word in private?"

Beatrice hesitated, glancing at her mother before giving a short nod. Sebastian led her to a quiet corner of the room, his expression earnest.

"I wanted to apologize," he began, "for the pain and heartache my marriage to Caroline has caused you. It was never our intention to hurt you, and if there was any way to go back and handle things differently, I would do so in a heartbeat."

Beatrice studied him for a long moment before sighing. "I appreciate your apology, Lord Casterbridge. And while I can't say I'm entirely at peace with how everything unfolded, I don't blame you or Caroline. Not really."

Relief washed through him at her words. "I know it may be presumptuous of me to ask, but do you think there's any hope for a reconciliation between you and Caroline? She misses you terribly."

Beatrice stiffened, glancing around to ensure they were truly alone before leaning in closer. "Caroline has always been my dearest friend," she said quietly. "But I feel I must warn you. She can be impulsive, fickle even, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."

Sebastian frowned. "Forgive me lady Beatrice, but I am not quite certain I understand what it is you mean."

Beatrice sighed and lifted her chin, facing him head-on.

"My sister has always been drawn to the excitement and passion of new romance," she explained, frustration creeping into her tone. "She's prone to getting swept up in her feelings, in the thrill of being adored and desired. It's not malicious on her part, but it can lead her to be careless with the affections of others, and her own heart."

Sebastian frowned, shaking his head slightly. None of this sounded even a bit like the Caroline he had come to know—she was passionate and caring, she was by no means as fickle as her sister made it sound.

And yet... a seed of doubt took root in his mind, fed by the memory of Edward's ardent declarations and the knowledge that he still held a place in Caroline's life.

"I appreciate your concern," Sebastian said carefully, "but I have complete faith in Caroline and her willingness to make our marriage work. She has given me no reason to doubt her love or fidelity."

Beatrice held his gaze, her expression inscrutable. "I hope you're right. Truly, I do. Caroline deserves happiness, and if you can give her that, then I wish you both well."

With those parting words, she took her leave, following her mother out to their waiting carriage. Sebastian watched them go, an uneasy weight settling in his gut despite his outward confidence.

Though he had told Beatrice that he did not believe her, something still kept Sebastian from going straight home—instead he dawdled through the city aimlessly, a dark frown between his brows. When at last he arrived home, Sebastian found Caroline in the library, a book open on her lap but her gaze distant.

"How was your visit with Nathaniel?" she asked, setting the volume aside.

"It was good," Sebastian replied tersely as he settled beside her on the sofa. "I actually ran into your mother and sister there."

Caroline sat up straighter, her eyes widening. "Beatrice? How did she seem? Did she… did she mention me?"

He hesitated, not wanting to cause her further pain or worry. "She seemed well enough," he said carefully. "A bit reserved, perhaps, but not openly hostile. I do believe there's a chance for reconciliation between you, given time."

Caroline's shoulders sagged with relief, a tentative smile touching her lips. "That's good to hear. I miss her so much, Sebastian. I just want my sister back."

"I know," Sebastian said kindly, and he looked at her earnestly. "And as far as it is possible, I will try to help you make that possible."

Caroline's eyes widened in half-surprise and a soft smile broke out over her face. "You… you want to help me?"

"You are my wife," Sebastian spoke softly. "And I am here to make you as happy as possible."

"Thank you," she whispered softly, and her gentle tone sent a warmth to his chest.

Sebastian drew her into his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He wanted to tell her about Beatrice's warning, about the doubts that now plagued his mind. But he couldn't bring himself to burden her with those fears, not when she was already struggling under the weight of so much heartache.

He would simply have to be more vigilant, more attentive to any potential threats to their still-fragile bond. Starting with Edward Pembroke and his persistent presence in their lives.

***

Caroline, of course, had no idea that Edward Pembroke's presence remained a thorn in her husband's side. How could she, after all, if she had told him in no uncertain terms that she wanted her marriage to work out? Of course, she ought to have known that Edward would not be easy to dissuade. She realized that when he appeared at the gate one afternoon while she was walking through the gardens. Her heart leaped into her throat as she recognized him, his hands tucked into his pockets and his expression uncharacteristically somber.

"Caroline," he greeted, coming to a stop before her. "Forgive me, but I had to see you."

She eyed him warily, crossing her arms over her chest. "What do you want, Edward?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "To apologize, for my behavior the other day. I was out of line, and I'm truly sorry for any distress I caused you."

Caroline blinked, taken aback by his contrite tone. "I... I appreciate that, Edward."

"I've been doing a lot of thinking," he continued, "about our friendship and what it means to me. And I've come to realize that I value your presence in my life far too much to risk losing it over my own selfish desires."

He reached out, taking her hand in his. "Caroline, I know I've been quite overbearing and perhaps a tad inappropriate in the past, and I'm deeply sorry for that. But I'm asking for a chance to make amends, to prove that I can be the kind of friend you deserve. One who respects your choices and supports your happiness, even if it's not with me."

She searched his face, looking for any sign of insincerity or ulterior motive. But all she saw was earnest remorse and hopeful anticipation.

Slowly, Caroline squeezed his hand, a smile touching her lips. "I would like that, Edward. I've missed our friendship, the easy camaraderie we used to share. If you're truly willing to put the past behind us and move forward on more appropriate terms, then I'm open to giving it another chance."

His answering grin was blinding, his relief palpable. "Thank you, Caroline. You won't regret it, I promise."

She smiled impulsively and looked at the man she'd regarded as one of her closest friends. "Stay for tea," she offered impulsively and his face instantly lit up at this.

"I'd love to."

As they made their way back to the house, chatting and laughing like old times, Caroline felt a weight lift from her shoulders. With Edward's apology and vow of respect, she could finally put the painful complications of the past behind her and focus on building a brighter future—one that included all the people she held dear.

No sooner than the tea was served did Caroline remember why Edward had become such a close friend to begin with. He was easy to talk to and had a contagious sense of humor.

"Remember when we tried to build that fort in the garden?" Edward asked, grinning as he reached for a scone. "We spent hours gathering branches and sheets, convinced we could create a grand palace."

Caroline laughed, the sound ringing out in the parlor. "And then that dreadful storm swept through and reduced it to a soggy mess!"

Edward chuckled, spreading clotted cream on his scone. "I thought your father would tan our hides for ruining your mother's best sheets. But he just told us to clean up, a twinkle in his eye."

Caroline's smile faded a bit at this—a painful reminder that her relationship with her father was no longer what it had been. Edward, of course, noticed it instantly and he looked at her worriedly.

"Is everything alright?"

"Of course," she said quickly, then flashed him a smile. "Did you hear about Lady Dunbury's disastrous attempt at a new hair powder?"

Edward nodded with a laugh. "Beatrice told me it was quite something to behold," he said and Caroline frowned, pausing her teacup halfway to her lips.

"I didn't realize you and Beatrice were on such friendly terms," she remarked, curiosity coloring her tone.

Edward waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, we just ran into each other at a social event recently. Exchanged a few pleasantries, you know how it is."

Before Caroline could inquire further, the door to the parlor opened, revealing Sebastian. He stopped short at the sight of their guest, his expression carefully neutral.

"Mr. Pembroke," he greeted, his tone icy. "I wasn't aware you'd be joining us today."

Edward rose from his seat, offering a shallow bow. "Lord Casterbridge, good to see you. I was actually just about to take my leave." He turned to Caroline with a warm smile. "Thank you for the lovely tea and conversation, Lady Caroline. It was a true pleasure, as always."

With a final nod to Sebastian, he showed himself out, leaving a charged silence in his wake. Caroline stood slowly, crossing to her husband's side and slipping her hand into his.

"I know you must be wondering about Edward's presence here," she said softly. "But please, don't be alarmed. He came to offer a sincere apology for his past behavior and to reaffirm his desire to be friends, nothing more."

Sebastian's jaw tightened, his fingers flexing around hers. "And you trust him? Believe in the sincerity of this sudden reformation?"

She nodded, holding his gaze steadily. "I do. He seemed genuinely remorseful and committed to respecting our marriage. Surely you can understand the value of second chances, of mending broken fences."

Sebastian, however, frowned darkly. "It is not appropriate, Caroline," he said simply and she closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing.

"You are right," she admitted at last, opening her eyes to meet his—her expression earnest. "Even if he has changed—and I believe he has—it is not fair to meet with him alone. It will not happen again."

The smile Sebastian flashed her was stiff, though the gratitude was apparent in his gaze. "Thank you," he said simply and she moved impulsively to take his hands in hers. "You are the only man I should be seeing alone," she admitted and he ducked his head down to look at her, their eyes meeting.

"Indeed," he agreed and she smiled up at him, moving to press a hand against his cheek. His skin was warm beneath her hand.

"It will not happen again," she promised before leaning forward and pressing her body against his, the hardness of his chest pressing intimately against her soft curves. Sebastian relented with a sigh and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Perhaps," she whispered as she buried her face into his neck, "you should spend some time with Edward and myself. You will see that he is harmless."

Caroline waited for an answer, but it did not come. Instead, Sebastian lowered his head to kiss her and all thoughts of Edward Pembroke dissipated into thin air.