Chapter 2
Beatrice looked at Caroline eagerly as they descended the grand staircase. “Do I look alright?”
Her feverish whisper was just loud enough to be audible, and Caroline nodded at once. “You look perfect, darling sister,” she encouraged her immediately. “Please don’t fret. Remember, as long as you show him your true self…”
Beatrice scoffed at this and shook her head. “Please,” she admonished. “You know I will be on my best behavior.”
Rather than speak, Caroline merely rested a calming hand on Beatrice’s arm as they made their way downstairs.
Though she had seen Sebastian Fairchild before, Caroline was once again surprised by just how handsome he was. He was tall—tall enough for her to have to tilt her head all the way up to see his face. She was not surprised that he caused the ladies of the ton to blush and sigh wherever he went. He truly looked like the type of man who knew how to make a woman weak at the knees with whispers and kisses.
Those clear green eyes seemed to look right through her and Caroline moved quickly, pushing Beatrice forward in the movement.
“Lady Beatrice Wentworth and Lady… Caroline Wentworth,” the butler announced, his clear voice carrying through the room.
“May I present to you… The Earl and Countess of Burlington, and their son, Sebastian Fairchild, Viscount Casterbridge.”
Of course, Beatrice complied with the perfect curtsy as she looked up at the earl and his wife—though her cheeks turned crimson when she looked at Sebastian.
“My Lady,” Sebastian spoke, his deep voice resonating through the drawing room. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Caroline watched as a flicker of joy flashed over Beatrice’s face. As she had expected, her sister was immediately charmed by the man. Though she was not quite certain whether this was because of him, or merely because she was eager to get married.
An awkward silence settled between the group. It was William Wentworth, the Earl of Lincoln, who clapped his hands together, a self-satisfied grin appearing on his lips. It was apparent that he was proud of his daughters and enjoying this opportunity to boast with them.
“Let us make our way to the dining room,” he announced joyfully, and he made his way out of the drawing room without a second thought, the guests following him silently.
Though she was quite used to it, Caroline had to lift her brows, an impressed movement, when she saw the dining table adorned with the finest china, gleaming silver and an array of mouthwatering dishes.
Of course, Beatrice and Sebastian were seated close together and as Caroline knew it would happen, she was seated with them while the elders sat a little further away.
Caroline pretended to cough as the servants placed small plates in front of them and Beatrice looked at hers with a frown. Luckily, Caroline thought, Beatrice seemed to understand what Caroline attempted to say with a look and she glanced at Sebastian uncomfortably.
“What do you think of the fish, My Lord?” she asked sweetly. Sebastian looked back at her, and a stiff smile flashed over his lips.
“It is fine, My Lady,” he answered simply, and Beatrice smiled. “Do you taste the dill? I suggested it.”
He paused and looked at her with a bit more attention. “It is a lovely addition,” he said, and Beatrice nodded before looking down at her hands, the conversation between the two drying up rather swiftly.
Caroline watched as Beatrice’s fingers started fidgeting nervously with the napkin in her lap. Sebastian was focused on his meal, seemingly unsure of how to proceed, his eyes darting between the two sisters as if he were searching for a safe topic of conversation. One, Caroline hoped, that would prove more interesting than the entree.
She looked between the two, then swiftly—and rather firmly—decided to take it upon herself to break the ice.
“I just read a lovely book,” she announced suddenly, and both Beatrice and Sebastian looked up at her with mild interest at this. She grinned brightly. “The Mysteries of Udolpho by Mrs Radcliffe,” she continued as though she had not noticed the odd looks. “It is the talk of the ton, and I must confess, I was utterly captivated by it.”
Sebastian lifted a brow at this, though there was the hint of a smile that appeared on his face. “I have read it indeed, Lady Caroline,” he said now. “It is a true masterpiece in my opinion.”
He turned to Beatrice, that same smile still around his lips. “Have you read it, My Lady?”
Beatrice nodded excitedly, her eyes sparkling with delight at the opportunity to have a conversation with her husband-to-be.
“I was rather skeptical of the novel’s merits at first,” she admitted, and a blush colored her cheeks when Sebastian turned his full attention to her. “Though, once I began reading, I found myself utterly enthralled. It is not often that you read of a heroine with such strength and resilience, is it?”
Sebastian nodded. “Hmm. It makes one wonder if ladies of such strength exist.”
At this, Caroline scoffed audibly, and she shook her head. “You must not have met many a lady, My Lord,” she said firmly. “I promise you that many of us are indeed filled with strength and resilience.”
Beatrice’s eyes widened at her outburst, and she shook her head apologetically. “I apologize for my sister,” she said to Sebastian, her blue eyes wide. “She sometimes needs to learn to guard her tongue. It does not come easily to her.”
