A sad smile flashed across Caroline’s face and she lifted her chin. “She will come around,” she insisted softly. “I am certain of it.”
“I am sure she will… and I know that things between us are rather uncomfortable, but I must say… I am happy you still have me to talk to.”
Caroline frowned softly at this, silently searching for words. “It is rather sad, I must say,” Edward continued now, “that you cannot speak to your husband about these things. I would have wished for you a true partnership, a deep love… but now… well, I suppose it is what it is.”
There was nothing Caroline could do but gape at him, her eyes wide. “Perhaps it is better this way,” Edward said softly, his voice strangely cold. “You were forced into this union, so it is better for you to only spend time together when necessary. I have heard of Lord Casterbridge’s reputation, and I know of his father’s too—I am quite certain that he will soon find a mistress or two, and you will not be bothered by him, so…”
“Stop!” Caroline let out at last, her voice hoarse. “Don’t say these things. It… it is not proper.”
Edward tilted his head slightly at this, his brows contorted in an empathic frown. “Caroline, forgive me… but I am merely trying to help you. I want to prepare you for the reality of what your life will be—you cannot approach this union with naivety. You must know what to expect.”
Caroline closed her eyes at this, her heart racing wildly in her chest.
Was this true? Would Sebastian take up a mistress and leave her to her own devices? Were the intimate moments they shared only fleeting?
“Men like him,” Edward said now, his voice gentle as though he were placating a child, “They prefer women who are experienced in the ways of the world. Now I’d have been different, of course, seeing as I love you, but seeing as this marriage only exists to save you from scandal, you surely know that you cannot expect the same.”
Caroline shook her head at this, her lips pursed.
“Stop this,” she insisted softly. “I do not want to hear any more of it. You need… you need to stop this.”
“I know you, Caroline,” Edward insisted. “I know who you are and I know you want out of this marriage.”
Caroline shook her head at this, a shocked laugh escaping her lips. Get out of this marriage?
The truth was that there was no way she could get out of this marriage. Did she want to get out of this marriage? A gentle smile appeared on her lips at this and she shook her head slowly.
No, she realized. She did not want out of the marriage. As unconventional as it was, as strange as it was… she was quite starting to enjoy her time with Sebastian.
Her face flushed at this thought. The way he’d held her this very morning, the soft kisses they shared, the way he’d looked at her…
She wanted this marriage, Caroline realized with a start. She wanted her husband and no one else would suffice.
A shadow filled the drawing room before she could verbalize this and Caroline turned to the door—where her husband stood, his expression dark.
Chapter 19
Sebastian stood frozen in the doorway of the drawing room, his jaw clenched and eyes hard as he took in the scene before him. Caroline sat stiffly on the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, while Edward Pembroke leaned towards her with an earnest, imploring expression. The air was thick with tension, the charged silence broken only by the sharp click of Sebastian's boots against the polished floor as he strode into the room.
“Lord Pembroke,” Sebastian said coolly, his deep voice laced with barely restrained irritation. “I don't recall my wife mentioning a scheduled visit from you today.”
Edward had the good grace to look chastened as he rose to his feet, offering a slight bow. “Forgive me, Lord Casterbridge. I'm afraid I imposed upon Lady Caroline's hospitality without forewarning. A lapse in judgment on my part.”
Sebastian's gaze cut to Caroline, taking in the pale cast of her cheeks and the slight tremble of her hands. Instinctively, he moved to her side, resting a possessive hand on the small of her back. She leaned into his touch, some of the tension easing from her shoulders.
“Well, as you can see, my wife is rather occupied at the moment,” Sebastian said shortly, not bothering to hide hisimpatience. “Perhaps it would be best if you took your leave now, Pembroke.”
Edward hesitated, his eyes darting to Caroline's face as if seeking silent permission. But she kept her gaze averted, her posture stiff and closed off. With a sigh of resignation, Edward sketched another bow.
“Of course. Forgive the intrusion. Good day, Lord Casterbridge. Lady Caroline.” With a last, lingering look in Caroline's direction, he strode from the room, the heavy oak door swinging shut behind him with a dull thud.
In the sudden silence, Sebastian turned to face his wife fully, his brow furrowed with concern and a simmering undercurrent of anger. “Do you mind telling me what in heaven’s name that was about, Caroline? Why was Pembroke here?”
Caroline flinched slightly at his sharp tone, her fingers twisting anxiously in the folds of her skirt. “It was nothing, Sebastian. Truly. He just... he wanted to talk.”
“Talk?” Sebastian scoffed, raking a hand through his hair in frustration. “The man is clearly in love with you, Caroline. And I am quite certain that talking was the very last thing on his mind. What could he possibly have to say to you that was so urgent it couldn't wait for a proper invitation?”
Caroline remained stubbornly silent, her eyes fixed on the intricately woven rug at her feet. Sebastian felt a surge of jealousy claw at his throat, sudden and sharp. The thought of Edward Pembroke putting his hands on Caroline, whispering sweet nothings in her ear, made his blood boil. He knew that before their passionate encounter the previous night, she had been innocent, but in this moment there was no time for logic thought.
