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.”
