She eyed him warily, crossing her arms over her chest. “What do you want, Edward?”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “To apologize, for my behavior the other day. I was out of line, and I'm truly sorry for any distress I caused you.”
Caroline blinked, taken aback by his contrite tone. “I... I appreciate that, Edward.”
“I've been doing a lot of thinking,” he continued, “about our friendship and what it means to me. And I've come to realize thatI value your presence in my life far too much to risk losing it over my own selfish desires.”
He reached out, taking her hand in his. “Caroline, I know I've been quite overbearing and perhaps a tad inappropriate in the past, and I'm deeply sorry for that. But I'm asking for a chance to make amends, to prove that I can be the kind of friend you deserve. One who respects your choices and supports your happiness, even if it's not with me.”
She searched his face, looking for any sign of insincerity or ulterior motive. But all she saw was earnest remorse and hopeful anticipation.
Slowly, Caroline squeezed his hand, a smile touching her lips. “I would like that, Edward. I've missed our friendship, the easy camaraderie we used to share. If you're truly willing to put the past behind us and move forward on more appropriate terms, then I'm open to giving it another chance.”
His answering grin was blinding, his relief palpable. “Thank you, Caroline. You won't regret it, I promise.”
She smiled impulsively and looked at the man she’d regarded as one of her closest friends. “Stay for tea,” she offered impulsively and his face instantly lit up at this.
“I’d love to.”
As they made their way back to the house, chatting and laughing like old times, Caroline felt a weight lift from her shoulders. With Edward's apology and vow of respect, she could finally put the painful complications of the past behind her and focus on building a brighter future—one that included all the people she held dear.
No sooner than the tea was served did Caroline remember why Edward had become such a close friend to begin with. He was easy to talk to and had a contagious sense of humor.
“Remember when we tried to build that fort in the garden?” Edward asked, grinning as he reached for a scone. “We spent hours gathering branches and sheets, convinced we could create a grand palace.”
Caroline laughed, the sound ringing out in the parlor. “And then that dreadful storm swept through and reduced it to a soggy mess!”
Edward chuckled, spreading clotted cream on his scone. “I thought your father would tan our hides for ruining your mother's best sheets. But he just told us to clean up, a twinkle in his eye.”
Caroline’s smile faded a bit at this—a painful reminder that her relationship with her father was no longer what it had been.Edward, of course, noticed it instantly and he looked at her worriedly.
“Is everything alright?”
“Of course,” she said quickly, then flashed him a smile. “Did you hear about Lady Dunbury's disastrous attempt at a new hair powder?”
Edward nodded with a laugh. “Beatrice told me it was quite something to behold,” he said and Caroline frowned, pausing her teacup halfway to her lips.
“I didn't realize you and Beatrice were on such friendly terms,” she remarked, curiosity coloring her tone.
Edward waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, we just ran into each other at a social event recently. Exchanged a few pleasantries, you know how it is.”
Before Caroline could inquire further, the door to the parlor opened, revealing Sebastian. He stopped short at the sight of their guest, his expression carefully neutral.
“Mr. Pembroke,” he greeted, his tone icy. “I wasn't aware you'd be joining us today.”
Edward rose from his seat, offering a shallow bow. “Lord Casterbridge, good to see you. I was actually just about to take my leave.” He turned to Caroline with a warm smile. “Thank you for the lovely tea and conversation, Lady Caroline. It was a true pleasure, as always.”
With a final nod to Sebastian, he showed himself out, leaving a charged silence in his wake. Caroline stood slowly, crossing to her husband's side and slipping her hand into his.
“I know you must be wondering about Edward's presence here,” she said softly. “But please, don't be alarmed. He came to offer a sincere apology for his past behavior and to reaffirm his desire to be friends, nothing more.”
Sebastian's jaw tightened, his fingers flexing around hers. “And you trust him? Believe in the sincerity of this sudden reformation?”
She nodded, holding his gaze steadily. “I do. He seemed genuinely remorseful and committed to respecting our marriage. Surely you can understand the value of second chances, of mending broken fences.”
Sebastian, however, frowned darkly. “It is not appropriate, Caroline,” he said simply and she closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing.
“You are right,” she admitted at last, opening her eyes to meet his—her expression earnest. “Even if he has changed—and I believe he has—it is not fair to meet with him alone. It will not happen again.”
