A blush rose to Caroline’s cheeks and she shook her head with a soft laugh. “You are silly,” she admonished. “Let us go—we do not want to keep our host waiting.”
“No,” Sebastian said softly, offering her his arm. “We do not want to keep him waiting.”
As they made their way to the carriage, however, Caroline was almost certain that Sebastian was almost as reluctant as she wasto attend Nathaniel’s dinner party—something that sent a lovely warmth to the pit of her stomach.
Still, as the carriage rolled to a stop in front of Nathaniel's grand estate, Caroline couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over her. The imposing façade of the mansion loomed before them, its countless windows ablaze with light and the distant strains of music drifting through the night air. She glanced at Sebastian, her hand tightening on his arm as he helped her alight.
“Are you sure about this?” she murmured, her brow furrowed with concern. “I must admit, I am not quite sure your friend is overly fond of me.”
Sebastian frowned at this almost curiously.
“Why do you say that?”
Caroline shrugged. “I do not know,” she admitted softly. “Perhaps because of the way we married—it is rather unconventional, and he possibly wanted more for you. There was just something in the way he spoke…”
Sebastian smiled reassuringly, patting her hand as they ascended the sweeping steps to the entrance. “It will be fine, my darling. Nathaniel may be a bit of a rogue, but he's harmless enough. And besides, I'll be right by your side the whole evening.Besides, he could not want more for me than what I have—you, my darling.”
Caroline nodded, and flashed him a smile as they stepped into the opulent foyer. The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses grew louder as they approached the ballroom, the glittering throng of guests parting like a sea before them. But as Caroline's gaze swept the room, her heart nearly stopped at the sight of two familiar figures.
“Sebastian,” she whispered, her fingers digging into his arm. “Is that... Beatrice? And Edward?”
He followed her gaze, his own eyes widening in surprise. “I may have asked Nathaniel to keep an eye on Beatrice,” he admitted, his tone apologetic. “To make sure she wasn't being shunned or excluded because of all the gossip and drama. I suppose they must have become friends of a sort. Though I must admit, I have no idea what on earth Pembroke is doing here.”
Caroline nodded slowly, her heart racing wildly at the sight of her sister—and a deep discomfort aching in the pit of her stomach. She was grateful for Sebastian's thoughtfulness towards her sister, but the idea of Beatrice and Nathaniel becoming close was not one that she was particularly fond of. She still was not sure what she thought of Nathaniel whose roguish jokes and direct stares made her rather uncomfortable.
“Thank you for looking out for her,” she murmured, squeezing Sebastian's arm gently. “Even if she still hates me, I worry about her.”
Sebastian pressed a reassuring kiss to her temple. “I know, my darling. But eventually, all will be well. She cannot hold our marriage against you forever.”
As they continued to mingle, Caroline couldn't help but notice the curious glances and hushed whispers that seemed to follow them. The ton was still abuzz with the scandal of their marriage, and she knew her every move would be scrutinized.
Suddenly, Beatrice caught her eye from across the room. To Caroline's surprise, her sister inclined her head, beckoning her over. Heart pounding, Caroline excused herself from Sebastian's side and made her way towards Beatrice.
“Can we talk?” Beatrice asked, her voice uncharacteristically conciliatory. “In private?”
Caroline nodded eagerly, hope blooming in her chest. “Of course. Lead the way.”
Beatrice guided her out of the ballroom and down a quiet hallway, stopping before a set of ornate double doors. “LordNathaniel has quite the art collection,” she remarked, pushing the doors open. “Wait for me here. I'll be just a moment.”
Caroline stepped into the dimly lit room, her eyes adjusting to the muted glow of the gas lamps. Paintings and sculptures lined the walls, their shadows casting eerie shapes across the polished floors. As she waited for Beatrice to return, the sound of footsteps made her turn.
“Edward,” she sighed, her heart sinking as he emerged from the shadows. “What are you doing here?”
He smiled, but there was a hard edge to it that made Caroline's skin crawl. “I saw you slip away with Beatrice. I thought perhaps we could have a moment alone.”
Caroline shook her head, backing away. “No, Edward. I told you, there can be no more of this. I'm waiting for my sister.”
He advanced on her, his eyes glittering with a possessive intensity. “Caroline, please. You must know how I feel, how much I still care for you. We belong together, you and I. Do not attempt to fool me into believing that Sebastian cares for you like I do—do not lie to me and pretend that you enjoy his caresses and touches like you’d enjoy mine.”
“Stop it,” she hissed, her voice trembling. “I'm married, Edward. I care for Sebastian. You need to leave, now.”
As she made to brush past him, Edward's hand shot out, grasping her arm in a vice-like grip. He pulled her towards him, crushing her against his chest in a mockery of an embrace. Caroline struggled, trying to break free, but his hold was too strong.
Suddenly, the doors flew open, and a group of partygoers spilled into the room, their laughter dying on their lips as they took in the scene before them. Caroline wrenched herself away from Edward, her face burning with humiliation as she saw the shock and judgment in their eyes.
“It's not what it looks like,” she pleaded, but they were already turning away, whispering furiously amongst themselves.
Caroline rounded on Edward, fury and betrayal coursing through her veins. “Are you happy now?” she spat. “Have you finally managed to get your way?”
