Just then, a knock sounded at the door, startling them both. A moment later, Beatrice entered, her expression contrite and her eyes red-rimmed from crying.
“Lord Casterbridge,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “I've come to apologize. For my part in this horrible mess, for the pain I've caused you and Caroline.”
Sebastian regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he inclined his head. “I appreciate your apology, Beatrice. And I understand, to a degree, the depth of your pain. But you must know... your actions could have had severe consequences. Pembroke’s claims of an affair with Caroline…”
Beatrice’s eyes widened at this and she shook her head, her face pale. “No,” she whispered, looking from Caroline to Sebastian. “No, that was never… that was not part of the plan, I swear…”
Sebastian glanced at Caroline, who had paled too and shrugged. “I warned him to keep his mouth shut, but…”
Beatrice shook her head, two angry blotches appearing on her cheeks. “I will fix this,” she insisted, gathering her skirts and looking at her sister and Sebastian earnestly. “Just give me time, I will fix this—I swear,” she promised before rushing out again.
Caroline let out a sigh and looked at her husband tiredly. “You know I would never…”
Sebastian shook his head and pulled his wife into an embrace, his lips meeting hers in a searing kiss.
“I know you would never,” he growled against her lips, his hands moving to caress her curves gently.
“You are mine–and I am yours. No one will ever take that from us. No one.”
Chapter 28
The days following the confrontations with Beatrice and Edward passed in a blur for Caroline and Sebastian. Edward had held to his threat—and rumors of Caroline’s supposed affair followed them whenever they dared leave the manor. Given the scandal, they chose to eschew the usual round of social engagements.
Caroline found herself savoring those stolen moments of tranquility, the hours spent reading together in the library, sharing intimate conversations over leisurely meals, and losing themselves in the tender embrace of their marital bed.
It was as if, by shutting out the clamor and judgment of the outside world, they could finally breathe freely, could revel in the unshakable bond they had forged through adversity.
It was on one such peaceful evening, nearly a week later, as they sat curled together on the sofa, the crackling warmth of the fire casting a golden glow over their entwined forms, that the unexpected sound of the doorbell chimed through the house. Caroline sat up, a puzzled frown appearing between her brows.
“Who could that be at this hour?” she murmured, casting a questioning glance at Sebastian.
He shook his head, looking equally perplexed. “I haven't the faintest idea…” He moved closer to her, as if his presence could protect her. They’d been alone for so long that the thought of company—no matter who it could be—felt like an imposition.
Sebastian took Caroline’s hand in his own as the door to the drawing room swung open, revealing the flushed and smiling faces of Beatrice and Nathaniel. Caroline's eyes widened at the sight of her sister's hand resting comfortably on Nathaniel's arm, the easy familiarity of their posture speaking volumes.
“Beatrice? Nathaniel? What on earth are you doing here?” Caroline asked, rising to greet them with a bewildered smile. “Not that I'm not delighted to see you, but... is everything alright?”
Beatrice stepped forward, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and relief. “Oh, Caroline... we have the most wonderful news. News that will finally put an end to all this dreadful gossip and speculation.”
Sebastian came to stand beside Caroline, his arm slipping around her waist in a gesture of silent support. “What news?” he asked, his voice laced with cautious hope.
Nathaniel grinned, a triumphant gleam in his eye. “At the Boldwood's ball last night, Beatrice took it upon herself to set the record straight about the incident between Caroline andthat scoundrel Pembroke.” He looked down at Beatrice, beaming with pride.
Caroline's breath caught in her throat, her hand finding Sebastian's and twining their fingers together. “What did you tell them, Beatrice?”
Her sister smiled, a fierce light of determination in her gaze. “The truth, Caroline. That I was there when Edward supposedly compromised you. That he was merely helping you when you stumbled. That there was nothing untoward or scandalous about it.”
Tears of gratitude sprang to Caroline's eyes, her heart swelling with love and admiration for her sister's bravery. “Oh, Beatrice... thank you. Thank you so much.”
Beatrice waved away her thanks, her expression turning sly. “But that's not all. Tell them, Nathaniel.”
The young lord stepped forward, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “I took it upon myself to have a little chat with our dear friend Mr. Pembroke. In a rather public setting, I might add.”
Sebastian's brow furrowed, a glimmer of understanding dawning in his eyes. “What did you do, Nate?”
Nathaniel's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with barely contained glee. “I may have strongly encouraged him to announce, in no uncertain terms, that he has never engaged in any sort of affair with your lovely wife.”
Caroline gasped, her free hand flying to her mouth. “He... he admitted it? In front of everyone?”
