Chapter 28

Chapter 28

The days following the confrontations with Beatrice and Edward passed in a blur for Caroline and Sebastian. Edward had held to his threat—and rumors of Caroline's supposed affair followed them whenever they dared leave the manor. Given the scandal, they chose to eschew the usual round of social engagements.

Caroline found herself savoring those stolen moments of tranquility, the hours spent reading together in the library, sharing intimate conversations over leisurely meals, and losing themselves in the tender embrace of their marital bed.

It was as if, by shutting out the clamor and judgment of the outside world, they could finally breathe freely, could revel in the unshakable bond they had forged through adversity.

It was on one such peaceful evening, nearly a week later, as they sat curled together on the sofa, the crackling warmth of the fire casting a golden glow over their entwined forms, that the unexpected sound of the doorbell chimed through the house. Caroline sat up, a puzzled frown appearing between her brows.

"Who could that be at this hour?" she murmured, casting a questioning glance at Sebastian.

He shook his head, looking equally perplexed. "I haven't the faintest idea…" He moved closer to her, as if his presence could protect her. They'd been alone for so long that the thought of company—no matter who it could be—felt like an imposition.

Sebastian took Caroline's hand in his own as the door to the drawing room swung open, revealing the flushed and smiling faces of Beatrice and Nathaniel. Caroline's eyes widened at the sight of her sister's hand resting comfortably on Nathaniel's arm, the easy familiarity of their posture speaking volumes.

"Beatrice? Nathaniel? What on earth are you doing here?" Caroline asked, rising to greet them with a bewildered smile. "Not that I'm not delighted to see you, but... is everything alright?"

Beatrice stepped forward, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and relief. "Oh, Caroline... we have the most wonderful news. News that will finally put an end to all this dreadful gossip and speculation."

Sebastian came to stand beside Caroline, his arm slipping around her waist in a gesture of silent support. "What news?" he asked, his voice laced with cautious hope.

Nathaniel grinned, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "At the Boldwood's ball last night, Beatrice took it upon herself to set the record straight about the incident between Caroline and that scoundrel Pembroke." He looked down at Beatrice, beaming with pride.

Caroline's breath caught in her throat, her hand finding Sebastian's and twining their fingers together. "What did you tell them, Beatrice?"

Her sister smiled, a fierce light of determination in her gaze. "The truth, Caroline. That I was there when Edward supposedly compromised you. That he was merely helping you when you stumbled. That there was nothing untoward or scandalous about it."

Tears of gratitude sprang to Caroline's eyes, her heart swelling with love and admiration for her sister's bravery. "Oh, Beatrice... thank you. Thank you so much."

Beatrice waved away her thanks, her expression turning sly. "But that's not all. Tell them, Nathaniel."

The young lord stepped forward, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "I took it upon myself to have a little chat with our dear friend Mr. Pembroke. In a rather public setting, I might add."

Sebastian's brow furrowed, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes. "What did you do, Nate?"

Nathaniel's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with barely contained glee. "I may have strongly encouraged him to announce, in no uncertain terms, that he has never engaged in any sort of affair with your lovely wife."

Caroline gasped, her free hand flying to her mouth. "He... he admitted it? In front of everyone?"

Beatrice nodded, a note of smug satisfaction in her voice. "He had little choice, really. Not with Nathaniel and I both making it quite clear that if he didn't come clean, we'd make sure his own reputation suffered irreparable damage."

"Indeed," Nathaniel confirmed. "I may have mentioned how detrimental it would be to his marriage prospects if he were to be known as the sort of man who dallies with married women."

His eyes met Beatrice's and the pair smiled. "And Beatrice pointed out that without a advantageous match, given his rather precarious financial situation... well, let's just say he saw the wisdom in cooperation."

Sebastian shook his head, a slow, incredulous smile spreading across his face. "I can't believe it. You actually got that snake to recant his lies, to clear Caroline's name in front of the ton."

Nathaniel clapped him on the shoulder, his expression softening. "I'd do anything for you, Bas. You know that. And for Caroline, the woman who's brought such joy and light into your life."

Caroline felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, her heart too full for words. She turned to her sister, pulling her into a fierce, emotional embrace.

"I don't know how to thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Both of you. For everything you've done, everything you've risked to protect us, to defend our love."

Beatrice held her close, her own eyes suspiciously bright. "You're my sister, Caroline. My dearest friend. I would move heaven and earth to ensure your happiness, to right the wrongs I played a part in."

When at last they parted, Caroline couldn't help but notice the way Beatrice's hand lingered on Nathaniel's arm, the soft, secret smile that curved her lips as she glanced up at him. A spark of curiosity and wonder kindled in her chest, a suspicion that perhaps, in the midst of all this turmoil, an unexpected connection had blossomed.

But that was a revelation for another day. For the moment, she simply basked in the glow of their victory, in the knowledge that the shadow of scandal and lies had finally been lifted from their lives.

As Beatrice and Nathaniel took their leave, promising to call again soon, Caroline turned to Sebastian, her eyes shining with love and relief.

"Can you believe it, my darling? Can you believe it's truly over, that we're finally free from that awful man's poison?"

Sebastian drew her into his arms, his lips finding hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. "I can, my love. And I'm so grateful, so incredibly proud of the strength and grace you've shown through it all."

A wicked gleam entered Sebastian's eyes, his hands skimming down her back to settle on the curve of her hips. "You and me," he echoed, his voice a low, suggestive purr. "In every way imaginable. In our hearts, in our minds... and in our bed."

Heat rushed through Caroline at his words, desire kindling low in her belly. She arched against him, a breathless laugh escaping her lips. "Why, Lord Casterbridge... are you attempting to seduce your wife?"

Sebastian's answering grin was positively sinful, his hands boldly skimming up her ribcage to tease the sides of her breasts. "Attempting? Oh, no, my darling. When I'm through with you, there will be no question of my success."

With that, he swept her into his arms, carrying her towards the stairs with long, purposeful strides. Caroline clung to him, peppering his jaw and throat with heated kisses, her heart singing with joy and anticipation.

As they tumbled onto the bed in a tangle of limbs and laughter, the past fading away in the brilliant light of their love, Caroline knew that she was where she belonged. In the arms of the man who had captured her heart, the man she would cherish and adore until her final breath.

And as Sebastian's hands and lips worshiped her body with skillful reverence, as pleasure crested and broke over her in shimmering waves, Caroline knew that this was only the beginning. The beginning of a lifetime of laughter and passion, of joy and devotion, of two hearts forever entwined.

The beginning of their happily ever after.

THE END