Chapter 22

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.