Awakened By The Lord’s Kiss by Meghan Sloan

Chapter 10

 

 

“Are you comfortable, Caroline?” Sarah asked as she adjusted the pillows under Caroline’s knee. “That’s not too much, is it?”

 

 

 

“Yes, thank you, Sarah.” Caroline could feel herself tilting backwards with her leg going higher, so she adjusted the pillows behind her to stop herself from tipping off the settee. “I don’t think I’ll be doing much today.”

 

 

 

“After what happened, you don’t need to.” Sarah moved to sit at the table nearby, adjusting her hat and picking up her parasol. “Just relax and enjoy the outdoors.”

 

 

 

Caroline planned to. At least it was a nice day. She didn’t really need to do anything except let her leg recover. Pegasus had landed hard on her leg, but thankfully nothing was broken. However, the bruises that had come up on her leg, from her ankle to mid-thigh, made things very interesting. Caroline had never seen anything like it. Trying to bend her leg was difficult, and she had to fight back the tears when she had no choice but to bend her knee.

 

 

 

Getting down the stairs had been fun. And not something Caroline wanted to do again in a hurry. Maybe she could ask for one of the footmen to carry her up and down the stairs in the future until she was able to walk. Not exactly dignified, but it was less painful.

 

 

 

It’s a pity you can’t ask Henry Beaufort to carry you. I’m sure he would jump at the chance to do that.

 

 

 

No! He’d only drop me down the stairs.

 

 

 

Are you sure about that?

 

 

 

Caroline adjusted her skirts, gingerly checking her knee through the fabric. She was very surprised that Henry had offered to treat her, and he had been very professional and brisk about it. He didn’t stare at her; he didn’t touch her unless he had to, and when he did, it was very gentle. Caroline hadn’t expected that, nor did she expect to feel how rough his hands were. It was at that point she noticed that he wasn’t wearing gloves. Surely, that was inappropriate?

 

 

 

Then she remembered that her skirts were above her knees in front of a gentleman and realised she was being ridiculous.

 

 

 

Henry had worked quickly, cleaning her knee before saying she needed to have stitches to close the wound. Caroline had wanted to run away at that point – she remembered the last time she got stitches – but it was either that or the wound could get infected. Henry had talked her through it as he threaded the needle and got to work.

 

 

 

He didn’t stop talking, speaking about practically anything. Even if it was strange and made Caroline wonder if he had taken something that was making him confused. But it did its job. Henry kept her distracted enough that he could put the neat stitches into her knee and was wrapping a bandage around her leg before Caroline realised he had finished.

 

 

 

“How is your knee?” Sarah asked, adjusting the parasol to block out the sun. “Are the stitches tugging? I know you said you’re not comfortable with them.”

 

 

 

“Actually, they’re doing fine.” Caroline found herself smiling and fought it back. “I will say this about Lord Bannock; he could really make a living as a surgeon. Even Dr Preston was impressed when he checked earlier.”

 

 

 

“I see.”

 

 

 

“What?”

 

 

 

Sarah looked away quickly.

 

 

 

“Nothing.”

 

 

 

Caroline frowned.

 

 

 

“Sarah, just because I’m complimenting his skills as a homemade surgeon doesn’t mean I’m going to forgive him for everything.”

 

 

 

“Oh, no. Of course not.” Sarah’s mouth twitched. “You’re too rigid for that.”

 

 

 

“You know, you’re not the first person to call me that.”

 

 

 

“At least I’m not the only one who’s noticed.”

 

 

 

Caroline looked away, checking that her parasol, which was tied to the end of the chaise, was not going to fall over anytime soon. She wasn’t about to tell Sarah that Henry was the one who had called her rigid. She was beginning to wonder if he was right.

 

 

 

Henry had really grown up in the last four years. Caroline had not expected such kindness as he tended to her. He didn’t need to, especially to someone horrible to him. But he had, and Caroline had to admit that she appreciated it. If he had said he would leave her to bleed out and walk away, she would have been angry, but she wouldn’t have blamed him. It would be understandable.

 

 

 

She had lain in bed at night thinking about that half an hour before her leg was fully tended to, and they were joined by Bingham and Sarah. There had been no animosity on either side. Caroline was too much in pain to be angry, and Henry seemed to have that far from his mind. Despite the situation, it was actually ... pleasant. Caroline had not expected that to happen.

 

 

 

Then again, she didn’t expect James Beaufort to be so callous about seeing her legs – and almost more than that – before saying he would get Dr Preston and completely disappear. She had no idea where he was now, but the fact he had left them to go back to Caroline’s home without escorting them and then not checking on her was concerning. Caroline had thought he was the nicer brother, but now her opinions were beginning to shift.

 

 

 

Had she been misled about which brother was the bad one? Because the actions of both brothers yesterday made her question it. But if James was the bad one and Henry was just the scapegoat, why was everyone so staunchly under the belief James couldn’t do anything wrong? The only one who seemed to be on Henry’s side was Sarah.

 

 

 

And her father. Caroline had noticed that Bingham had stood up for Henry the day before. When her mother arrived home, she had been shocked that Caroline had been hurt. Henry was still present, but he was in the process of leaving, and before anyone could stop her, Lady Bingham had turned on him and demanded to know what he had done. It took everyone in the room to make her realise that Henry was the one who had actually helped. She had calmed down, but Caroline knew her mother was still under the impression Henry had done something wrong.

 

 

 

Even Caroline knew that was unfair. She had been present, and she knew who was in the wrong. Henry Beaufort certainly kept himself in the clear.

 

 

 

She dreaded to think what Lady Bingham would have said if she had found out Henry was the one who stitched Caroline up, meaning that he saw her bare legs. She would have had a hit, for sure.

 

 

 

A shiver went down Caroline’s spine as she recalled sitting on the settee with her skirts above her knees while Henry tended to her wound. He was a gentleman, keeping his eyes firmly on what he was doing, and Frances, the footman, had been there, but it still felt very intimate. His touch had made Caroline feel like she was being touched everywhere that he shouldn’t be touching.

 

 

 

She should have objected. Instead, Caroline found herself wanting more.

 

 

 

The fall had made her hit her head. That had to be the reason she was behaving oddly.

 

 

 

“Caroline, dear.”

 

 

 

Caroline looked around. Her mother was crossing the terrace towards her, a huge bouquet of roses in her arms. Caroline stared. She had never seen a bouquet that big.

 

 

 

“Goodness, Mother? Who on earth are they from?”

 

 

 

“Lord Beaufort, the note said.” Lady Bingham held up a letter, passing the flowers to Sarah without looking, causing Sarah almost to drop her parasol. “I’ll read it to you.”

 

 

 

“Mother, I can do it myself.”

 

 

 

“Nonsense! You’re hurt!”

 

 

 

“I hurt my leg, Mother, not my tongue.”

 

 

 

Although Caroline wasn’t sure she wanted to read James’ explanation for disappearing like he did. She tried to reach for the letter, but Lady Bingham walked away from her as she opened it.

 

 

 

“‘Dear Lady Caroline. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you as I did. I thought you were going to be at my estate, and I must have missed you. Unfortunately, I could not find the physician, but I was informed on my return that you had been treated appropriately and were going to be fine after some rest. That is a relief.’” Lady Bingham looked at her daughter. “‘Again, I must apologise for what happened, and please accept these roses as an apology. Also, I’d like to invite you to dinner at my home on Sunday when you’re feeling better. Mother would be delighted to meet you properly. Let me know if that sounds agreeable to you. Lord Beaufort.’ Well, isn’t that sweet?”

 

 

 

Caroline wasn’t sure if she could call it sweet. Especially when she was still upset with James disappearing like he did. He was lying when he thought they were at his estate; he knew exactly where they were going. He had deserted them. Not the sign of a gentleman.

 

 

 

“You know,” Lady Bingham said as she folded the letter and put it on the table by the flowers Sarah had put down, “This might turn into an advantageous move for you.”

 

 

 

Caroline frowned.

 

 

 

“What do you mean?”

 

 

 

“It’s a way to get a husband, isn’t it?”

 

 

 

“You …” Sarah stared. “You think this might end up with a marriage at the end?”

 

 

 

“Why not? Lord Beaufort is clearly interested in my daughter, and he sent over red roses. You know that means he has a deep admiration for you, Caroline.”

 

 

 

“Or he doesn’t know about the language of flowers.” Caroline peered at the huge bouquet. “That’s more than likely with Lord Beaufort.”

 

 

 

Also, the idea of getting married to a man who had ignored her and ran away when she needed help didn’t inspire confidence in having a husband around when she needed him. James Beaufort might be attractive, and he may be charming, but his actions spoke volumes.

 

 

 

“I think he would be a good match for you.” Lady Bingham went on. She wrinkled her nose. “Better than his brother, certainly.”

 

 

 

Caroline felt herself stiffen. Before she could say something, Sarah spoke up sharply.

 

 

 

“I prefer Lord Bannock,” she said coldly. “He’s not as everyone believes, Lady Bingham. My father knows him, and our family likes him.”

 

 

 

Lady Bingham sniffed.

 

 

 

“Your father needs to adjust his judgement of people.”

 

 

 

Caroline could see that Sarah was about to lose her temper and tried to catch her eye.

 

 

 

“Sarah …” she began, but Sarah ignored her, focusing on Lady Bingham.

 

 

 

“I trust Father’s judgement. As an admiral, he takes his time to know people behind a name. He needs to know who he can trust to keep the other man alive and safe. Lord Bannock is a brave man. He’s done a lot for this country, and all people can do is be horrible about him. It’s not fair that he should have that follow him the rest of his life.”

 

 

 

“He’s got a bad temper, Lady Lakeford. He’s also disrespectful to everyone, and he’s known to lie. How does he think he can redeem himself from that?”

 

 

 

Sarah snorted. Caroline couldn’t believe that her friend was actually doing this. Sarah was normally quiet and kept away from any type of argument. She watched as her friend drew up to her feet and fixed Lady Bingham with a cool stare.

 

 

 

“Maybe you and everyone around us were seeing things that others wanted you to see. Maybe Lord Bannock was trying to tell everyone the truth, and nobody believed him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were discarded because of one simple mistake many years ago, and that made him pay the price.”

 

 

 

Lady Bingham looked like she was going to lose her temper. Caroline could see her cheeks becoming very flushed. She tried to signal Sarah to stop, but Lady Bingham turned to her daughter.

 

 

 

“Caroline, dear, I know you wanted a friend here with you, but I want Lady Lakeford to leave. She’s speaking out of turn.”

 

 

 

“Oh, am I? Then I’ll keep doing it.” Sarah pointed at Caroline. “Do you know who it was who treated Caroline’s knee? Who got her to calm down and settle enough to get cleaned up? Who made sure she was comfortable? Lord Bannock.” Caroline winced as her mother gasped. “They were never left alone, and he treated her with the kindness and gentleness that I’ve seen him use many times before. He’s not a bad person. People are willing to believe anything because it means confronting reality. And the reality is Lord Bannock is a better man than anyone thought. He rose above unfair judgement, and he’s still spoken badly about. How is that fair?”

 

 

 

Lady Bingham bared her teeth, her eyes flashing.

 

 

 

“Get out.” She hissed. “Now.”

 

 

 

“I’m going.” Sarah snatched up her parasol. “Now I know where your daughter got her unfair opinion about Lord Bannock.”

 

 

 

And with that, she stormed inside. Lady Bingham scoffed as Sarah disappeared from sight.

 

 

 

“Oh, how rude! I don’t know why you’re friends with her.”

 

 

 

Caroline didn’t respond. After that outburst, she was beginning to wonder why Sarah was still friends with her. She was the one who didn’t deserve the woman who had just walked out.

 

 

 

#

 

 

 

“I’m surprised that you’re coming with me this evening,” Caroline commented as she was helped out of the carriage, flinching as she put a little pressure on her leg.

 

 

 

“Well, Lord Bingham said that I was the most appropriate chaperone.” Sarah alighted after her, adjusting her shawl about her shoulders. “Although I know your mother argued against it.”

 

 

 

“She hasn’t stopped complaining about it, even though it was two days ago Father made the decision.” Caroline reached out and squeezed her friend’s arm. “But I’m glad it’s you here with me instead of her.”

 

 

 

“Are you?”

 

 

 

Sarah looked sceptical. Caroline hated that their friendship was shaky right now, and she didn’t want that.

 

 

 

“I really am. I feel better knowing that you’re here.”

 

 

 

Caroline did mean that. She did feel better having Sarah around, even if they were currently at odds. And Caroline knew she could relax a little more with her friend around instead of her mother. Lady Bingham would be hovering over Caroline like she was an invalid, talking over any conversations and treating Caroline as if she were still a child. Caroline understood that her mother meant well, but it was exhausting.

 

 

 

And she was fed up with Lady Bingham standing at her side expecting her daughter to be unable to do anything for herself. It had been three days since she had taken that fall, and while the bruises were still large and kept her leg swollen, it wasn’t as bad as it had been. Caroline could bend her leg, albeit gingerly, and she could walk with a limp as long as she wasn’t rushed about it.

 

 

 

Having Sarah with her was like a breath of fresh air. Her friend supported her, but she didn’t treat her like she needed to be stuck in bed all day being fed grapes and getting fanned by leaves. Sarah had giggled at that description when Caroline told her.

 

 

 

Also, Sarah’s presence would be useful against James Beaufort. Even though they had agreed to the dinner – or rather, Lady Bingham had agreed to the dinner before Caroline could make up her mind – that didn’t mean Caroline was ready to forgive James for deserting her the way he did. She was going because her mother jumped ahead and gave an affirmative answer.

 

 

 

And, deep down, she wanted to see Henry again. There had been no contact, although Caroline hadn’t really expected any, but she found herself wondering what Henry was up to. Was he all right? Was he just as upset with his brother? Caroline hoped so. He had done a very nice thing when he could have just walked away.

 

 

 

Would he be here tonight? It was his family home, after all. Or would he be making excuses and heading off elsewhere? Part of Caroline was hoping she would see him at the dinner table, even if they didn’t speak.

 

 

 

That bang on the head really had to have either knocked some sense into her or knocked some sense out of her because now all Caroline could think about was Henry Beaufort. About how he touched her and treated her gently. Quite the opposite of what he had been before.

 

 

 

Something was really wrong with her after that.

 

 

 

With Sarah at her side and holding her elbow, Caroline hobbled into the house. Their shawls and hats were taken by the servants, and a footman appeared at Caroline’s side.

 

 

 

“Would you like some help, My Lady?”

 

 

 

“I think …” Caroline began, but then a voice across the foyer made her turn.

 

 

 

“I’ll help her, Oates. You go and see to the other guests.”

 

 

 

Oates nodded and moved away. Caroline turned, her heart picking up the pace as she saw Henry walk across the hall. He looked very handsome tonight in pale blue, his jaw clean-shaven, and his hair still looked damp. He must have had a quick wash before her arrival. Caroline’s mouth went dry as he approached them.

 

 

 

“Lady Caroline.”

 

 

 

Henry didn’t take his eyes off her as he bowed, and Caroline bit her lip.

 

 

 

“Lord Bannock.”

 

 

 

His mouth twitched.

 

 

 

“I won’t be offended if you don’t greet me properly in return. I don’t want you to end up on the floor.”

 

 

 

“Thank you.” Caroline swallowed. She hated that she was almost squeaking when she spoke. “I didn’t think you were going to be here.”

 

 

 

“Well, it is a family affair, and my mother said that I’m family, so I must attend.” His eyes twinkled. “I’ll probably be made to eat in the kitchen, though.”

 

 

 

“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

 

 

 

“It’s happened before.” Henry paused. “How’s your leg? It’s not hurting too much, is it?”

 

 

 

“Hmm? Oh! Oh, no.” How had she forgotten that she was leaning more on one leg? Caroline felt her cheeks getting warm. She needed to focus. “It’s better. I can move my leg a little more, but it still hurts a bit.”

 

 

 

“Considering the bruises that were starting to come up on your leg that day, I’m surprised you can move it at all.” His expression warmed. “But I’m glad things are improving.”

 

 

 

They stared at each other. Caroline couldn’t bring herself to look away from those blue eyes of his. Why was it, every time she looked at him, she kept sinking into that beautiful dark blue?

 

 

 

This was going to be a long evening.

 

 

 

A pointed cough had Henry turning away, which had Caroline suddenly feeling empty. He faced Sarah and gave her a warm smile before bowing.

 

 

 

“Lady Lakeford.”

 

 

 

“Lieutenant Beaufort.” Sarah curtsied. “Or would you want to be addressed as Lord Bannock?”

 

 

 

“I prefer the former, but I have a feeling the latter will be more likely tonight.” Henry shrugged. “Chances are, nobody’s going to notice if you call me Lieutenant.”

 

 

 

“That’s awful.”

 

 

 

That was out before Caroline could stop herself. Henry arched an eyebrow, not immediately responding. Then he glanced towards a door off the foyer when there was a sudden burst of raised voices.

 

 

 

“Oh, great. He’s started again.”

 

 

 

“Who?” Caroline asked.

 

 

 

“James has been drinking. A lot. Father’s trying to get him to stop right now.” Henry shook his head with a frown. “He thinks he’s in control, but he’s starting to sway.”

 

 

 

Caroline and Sarah exchanged glances. That didn’t bode well for a good evening.

 

 

 

“Are you trying to warn us about something?” Sarah asked.

 

 

 

“Maybe. I just want you two to be aware that he gets a little ... hands-on when he’s drunk.” Henry grimaced. “I don’t want either of you to get accosted because you ended up alone with him.”

 

 

 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Caroline lifted her chin. “I can take care of myself. Although you might have to help me hobble away.”

 

 

 

Henry’s mouth twitched.

 

 

 

“I’ll remember that.” He held out an arm. “Do you want me to escort you in? Or are you all right walking on your own?”

 

 

 

Caroline gauged the distance between where they were and where the door was. She could get to it on her own, but she would get exhausted, and then her leg would really hurt. Maybe it was best she took the help where she could. Squaring her shoulders, she nodded.

 

 

 

“Please escort me, Lieutenant.”

 

 

 

Something flickered in Henry’s eyes, and the look became heated. He took her hand and placed it on his arm, never taking his eyes off her. Caroline was surprised she could breathe when he was looking at her like this.

 

 

 

How was she going to cope with the rest of the evening if she was getting into a fluster all the time?

 

 

 

“Bannock!”

 

 

 

Caroline looked around. The tall, silver-haired gentleman she recognised as the Duke of Cornwall had appeared in the hallway and was glaring at his son. It was like he was expecting to see his son causing trouble. Henry fixed a cool stare on his father, not seeming to flinch at his father’s sharp tone.

 

 

 

“I’m simply escorting the guests in, Father. Lady Caroline is still injured, and I didn’t want her to fall over.”

 

 

 

Cornwall looked like he was about to bark out something, and Caroline found herself speaking up.

 

 

 

“He’s just being kind, Your Grace. Lieutenant Beaufort has never been inappropriate with me, and he’s been good to me.” She gave Henry a smile. “I don’t have any objections to him escorting me unless you have a specific reason why he shouldn’t?”

 

 

 

Cornwall blinked, looking bewildered. Henry looked equally surprised. Had no one ever stood up for him against his parents? That made Caroline feel some sympathy towards the man. No one deserved to be on their own like that. After a moment of stunned silence, Cornwall grunted and turned away.

 

 

 

“Just go and join the guests, Bannock. And don’t commandeer Lady Caroline’s attention. Your brother won’t like that.”

 

 

 

Then he was gone, heading down the hall. Caroline felt the tension lessen in Henry as he turned to her.

 

 

 

“Thank you.”

 

 

 

“For what?”

 

 

 

“For standing up for me. Very few people have done that.”

 

 

 

Caroline squeezed his arm, feeling the muscles bunch again.

 

 

 

“Credit goes where credit’s due. That’s what Father always says.”

 

 

 

“And your father is a very wise man.”

 

 

 

They stared at each other. Then Sarah coughed again, causing Caroline to jump. Her friend was staring at them with raised eyebrows, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Henry cleared his throat and turned away.

 

 

 

“Let’s get you sitting down.”

 

 

 

That sounded like a good idea. Caroline’s leg was beginning to hurt.

 

 

 

“Would you like to sit with us?”

 

 

 

The question came out before she could stop it. Henry almost tripped over his own feet and stared at her.

 

 

 

“Me, sit with you?”

 

 

 

“You sound surprised.”

 

 

 

“I …” Henry blinked. “I just wasn’t expecting it from you.”

 

 

 

“I understand.” Caroline glanced at Sarah, who was watching her friend with interest. “But small steps need to be made. I’m still not ready to forgive the past, and I hope you can understand that, but I can be a decent person and have a decent conversation. If you’re agreeable, that is.”

 

 

 

For a moment, she thought Henry was going to turn her down. He was silent for a beat too long, which had her wanting to squirm. Then Henry gave her a smile that made her good leg feel weak, and she had to fight back a whimper as heat pooled in her belly. Oh, dear lord, that smile. It was devastating.

 

 

 

If he had used that smile on her before, she might have been swayed before.

 

 

 

“All right. And thank you for your understanding. Although …”

 

 

 

“Although what?”

 

 

 

Henry winced.

 

 

 

“I feel like this is going to backfire on me.”

 

 

 

Caroline smiled.

 

 

 

“Just as long as you don’t start throwing things at my head, I’ll be fine.”

 

 

 

Henry chuckled.

 

 

 

“I’ll remember that.”