Nathaniel nodded, understanding in his eyes. “Go. And Bas... don't let pride or fear come between you two. You've got something rare and precious. Fight for it. And if you doubt… show her that she is yours.”
He winked mischievously and with a final, grateful nod, Sebastian hurried from the room, his heart pounding with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.
***
Caroline sat in the drawing room, her eyes red-rimmed and her heart heavy. She had changed out of her ruined gown and into a simple dressing robe, but she couldn't bring herself to retire to her bedchamber. Not when things were so unsettled between her and Sebastian.
The sound of the front door opening and closing made her tense, her breath catching in her throat. A moment later, Sebastianappeared in the doorway, his expression a mask of concerned contrition.
“Caroline,” he said softly, crossing the room to kneel before her. “I'm so sorry, my love. I was a fool, a damned jealous fool. Can you ever forgive me?”
Tears sprang to her eyes at his words, at the raw sincerity in his gaze. “Oh, Sebastian,” she whispered, reaching out to cup his cheek. “Of course I forgive you. I know how it must have looked, finding me with Edward like that. But I swear to you, on my life, I have never been unfaithful. Not in deed, not in thought, not for a single moment.”
He turned his head, pressing a fervent kiss to her palm. “I know. I know, and I'm sorry I ever doubted you. It's just... the thought of losing you, of you choosing him over me... it drove me mad.”
Caroline slid from her chair to kneel with him, her arms coming around his neck as she drew him close. “You will never lose me, Sebastian. I am yours, wholly and completely. There is no one else for me, not now, not ever.”
“I love you,” Sebastian muttered as they clung to each other, his entire body heating up at the feel of her closeness. Caroline pressed her body to his desperately, running her hands through his hair and over his neck, attempting to commit every inch of him to her memory.
“I love you too, Sebastian,” she muttered back before offering him her lips in a feverish kiss. When at last they parted, Sebastian helped her to her feet, leading her to the sofa.
“There's something else,” he said, his brow furrowed. “Something Nathaniel told me. He said he saw Pembroke leaving Beatrice's house the other day.”
Caroline's eyes widened, shock and confusion writ large across her features. “Beatrice and Edward? But why? What could they possibly have to discuss? They were never really friends.”
Sebastian's jaw tightened, a hard glint in his eye. “I don't know. But I intend to find out. It's too much of a coincidence, them associating with each other just as all this scandal erupts around us.”
Caroline was quiet for a moment, her mind whirling with the implications. Suddenly, a series of memories clicked into place and she paled, tears forming in her eyes.
“Beatrice's behavior tonight,” she said slowly, realization dawning. “How she kept me away from the party, from you. How she disappeared just before Edward confronted me. What if... what if she planned it all? What if she and Edward are working together to tear us apart?”
Sebastian's expression darkened, his hands clenching into fists. “If that's true, if they've conspired to hurt you, to hurt us... I'll make them regret the day they were born.”
Tears formed in her eyes and she shook her head, unable to believe it. “Could she really hate me that much?”
Her voice was small and vulnerable, and she choked back a sob, shaking her head. Sebastian shook his head and drew her into his arms once more, his lips finding hers in a searing kiss. “I love you, Caroline. And I know that this is not easy, but you are not alone.”
Despite the heartache and betrayal that coursed through Caroline, she smiled against his mouth, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. “I love you too—no matter what.”
She took his hand in her own as she led him up the stairs—intent on showing him just how high the flame of her love burned for him.
Chapter 27
The morning sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Caroline set out to see Beatrice, her heart heavy with trepidation and resolve. The previous night's revelations— about her sister's potential involvement in the scandalous events at the party—had left her reeling, desperate for answers and accountability.
As she was shown into the drawing room, Beatrice looked up from her needlework, surprise flickering across her face. “Caroline. I wasn't expecting you.”
Caroline took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation to come. “We need to talk, Beatrice. About last night, about Edward... about everything.”
Beatrice set her embroidery aside, her expression guarded. “I'm not sure what you mean.”
“Don't lie to me,” Caroline said, her voice trembling. “I know you've been associating with Edward. Nathaniel saw him leaving your house. And your behavior last night... how you kept me away from the party, from Sebastian... it's too much of a coincidence.”
Beatrice's eyes flashed with indignation. “How dare you accuse me of such things? I would never stoop so low!”
But Caroline pressed on, her gaze unwavering. “Wouldn't you? After everything that's happened between us, the hurt and the anger... I can't help but wonder if you'd stoop to this level to get your revenge.”
For a long moment, Beatrice was silent. Then she lifted her chin and faced her sister angrily.
