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, ofcourse, 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.”
