Awakened By The Lord’s Kiss by Meghan Sloan

Chapter 17

 

 

Henry sat across from Caroline, watching her as she frowned over the cards in her hands. She had been looking at them for quite a while now, and there seemed to be some struggling over which ones to choose. But Henry didn’t mind. He was just enjoying watching her.

 

 

 

She did look particularly lovely tonight, wearing a dress in dark red silk and her hair piled up on her head. Henry couldn’t take his eyes off that swanlike neck. He really wanted to trail that neck of hers with his lips.

 

 

 

Thinking like that got him aroused, and Henry had to fight it back down. Not a good idea to let his emotions get the better of him when he was trying to entertain her and Sarah for the evening. And the evening had been going very well, even with his sudden thoughts of wondering if he could get Caroline alone threatening to take over. From the way Sarah kept grinning at him, she suspected what he was thinking about.

 

 

 

He needed to focus; otherwise, he would end up embarrassing himself by saying the wrong thing.

 

 

 

When Caroline had arrived with just Sarah in tow – Henry had been surprised at that as he had expected Lord and Lady Bingham – she had been a little nervous. It was like they were meeting for the first time again, which had felt rather strange.

 

 

 

Henry could tell that Caroline was keeping herself cool and closed off, with Sarah having to carry on the conversation. While Henry was glad to see his friend, he had hoped to talk to Caroline instead. That was what he brought her here for, simply to get to know her better. Even with what was going on between them, he realised he needed to understand her more.

 

 

 

It had taken a while for Caroline to relax and begin to talk without watching what she was saying. Henry had been worried until she started to talk. With gentle prompts from Sarah, they were able to talk and keep the conversation flowing. Henry was very surprised at the knowledge Caroline possessed. She loved the classics, much like him, and she had a love for history. Again, just like Henry. And soon, she was hanging onto his every word as he talked about his time at sea. The stories were not that flamboyant, and Henry didn’t see any of his time exciting unless he was in a battle, but it felt like Caroline was interested in all of it. She never took her eyes off him as he talked about almost getting shipwrecked on an island off the coast of Africa or when they ended up encountering pirates in the Atlantic Ocean. No other woman had found his boring stories fascinating.

 

 

 

She was really relaxed and smiling more by the time dinner was being cleared away. And Henry was feeling better about himself as well. He had taken a gamble at inviting Caroline over for dinner in an attempt to get to know her properly. His mind was made up regarding her, but Henry wanted her to be more at ease with him.

 

 

 

When he finally admitted his feelings and asked for her hand in marriage, Henry wanted her to be ready to run into his arms and not want to leave. At the moment, he wasn’t sure she was quite there yet. Not without a wobble.

 

 

 

“Henry?”

 

 

 

“Hmm?”

 

 

 

Henry looked up. Sarah was sitting next to him with her own cards. She nodded at the table.

 

 

 

“Caroline’s put her cards down already. It’s your turn.”

 

 

 

“What? Oh, right.”

 

 

 

Henry felt his face getting warm as he checked his cards. He had been so wrapped up in watching Caroline that he hadn’t realised she had made a move. His mind was drifting all over the place.

 

 

 

“You know, this game would be much easier with another person.” Caroline reached for her glass and took a sip of water. “Playing with three was harder than I expected.”

 

 

 

“Well, I did invite your parents,” Henry pointed out. “If they were here, then we would have had four people.”

 

 

 

“But then you wouldn’t have me here,” Sarah said sweetly. “And I’m far more interesting than Lord and Lady Bingham.”

 

 

 

Caroline gasped.

 

 

 

“Sarah, you’re talking about my parents!”

 

 

 

“Well, just Lady Bingham, then.”

 

 

 

Henry burst out laughing as Caroline spluttered. He reached out and touched her hand, ignoring the tingling in his hand as he brushed over her gloved fingers.

 

 

 

“Don’t blow up, Caroline. Sarah’s just teasing. As for getting another person to play, Sarah,” Henry sat back and selected his cards, placing them on top of Caroline’s, “you can ask one of the servants to play, or we can see if James will decide to go against his plans and make an appearance.”

 

 

 

Caroline stiffened, and Sarah winced.

 

 

 

“On second thought, I think playing with three works better.”

 

 

 

“Good.”

 

 

 

Henry was just glad that James hadn’t come back to the house. He had had a word with a couple of contacts, and they had planned to get James away until the morning, at the very earliest. James had got word earlier in the day that the army was on the way to find him, and he needed to hide out for a while. James had been distraught and scared, running around like a madman. For a moment, Henry had felt a little sympathy for his brother; having official people coming after you like that had to be terrifying. He would be feeling the same if he were in this situation.

 

 

 

But he wanted James to be distracted and away from the house while he had dinner with Caroline. He could have allowed James to stay, but his drinking wasn’t good, and James would monopolise the conversation. He would make it all about himself, and Henry didn’t want to ruin everything by having his little brother there. Cruel, but necessary. And from the way Caroline had reacted once she knew James wasn’t going to be there, she looked like a huge weight had come off her shoulders.

 

 

 

James’ absence was becoming a good thing for everyone.

 

 

 

A roll of thunder made the women jump, Sarah giving out a little squeak. Henry looked towards the window and realised that it had got much darker than he remembered. At this time of the evening, the light only started to fade away and day turned into night. It had never gone this quickly. Then the thunder roll sounded again, and he began to hear the sound of rain coming down. A moment later, the world outside looked awash with water.

 

 

 

Caroline groaned.

 

 

 

“Oh, no! I was hoping that wouldn’t happen until we were home.”

 

 

 

“Me as well.” Sarah slapped her cards down with a sigh. “I’m not looking forward to going home in that. My brothers are the ones who are supposed to get wet in weather like this, not me.”

 

 

 

Henry chuckled.

 

 

 

“I’m sure they’ll be delighted to hear you say that, Sarah.”

 

 

 

“Well, it’s true. They’re used to the cold and the wet.” Sarah wrinkled her nose. “I’m not.”

 

 

 

Henry surveyed Caroline, who was watching the storm nervously. She had to be wondering if it was safe for them to go out in. He remembered how bad the storms got in this part of the country, and even though Caroline didn’t live too far away, she would have at least three quagmires she could get stuck in. It would get too dangerous, and Henry wasn’t about to send her home in this weather.

 

 

 

“Well, from the look of it, you two are not going home today.”

 

 

 

“What?” Caroline’s eyes went round, her mouth falling open. “Did you just say that we’re going to stay here tonight?”

 

 

 

“What other option do you have? Unless you want to go out in that rain, and from what I can see, it’s getting worse as we speak.”

 

 

 

Henry jumped when there was another loud clap of thunder and lightning flashes lit up the room. Sarah whimpered.

 

 

 

“Oh, God, I hate storms.” She huddled in her chair. “I’m really glad I’m not a sailor.”

 

 

 

“This is nothing compared to sea storms, but I remember how bad they can get here. And I don’t want to send you two home in this.”

 

 

 

“We could wait it out,” Caroline suggested. “As soon as it eases off, we can go home.”

 

 

 

Henry frowned.

 

 

 

“But the roads will still be terrible. And this could go on for hours. Like I said, the best thing to do is for both of you to stay here for the night. We’ve got plenty of guest rooms.”

 

 

 

Caroline’s mouth opened and closed. She looked like she was floundering. Sarah looked just as dubious.

 

 

 

“Are you sure about that, Henry? It’s not really proper …”

 

 

 

“Never mind that right now, Sarah. I’d be a terrible gentleman if I sent you out in that. I can get the housekeeper to set up adjoining guest rooms, and you can stay here out of the cold and the wet.”

 

 

 

“You think this storm is going to be here for a while.”

 

 

 

“From the look of it, yes.”

 

 

 

Henry hadn’t planned for a storm, although he had seen it coming since earlier in the day. He didn’t want to think about Caroline getting stuck on the road and getting pneumonia after being out in the rain. She couldn’t go by carriage, and it was too far to walk without the same outcome. Staying was the best option, and all of them knew it.

 

 

 

“I’m not sure if I like this,” Caroline murmured, staring at her hands on the table. “This ... I feel like we’re trapped.”

 

 

 

“You are, just not in the way you think. And it’s an unfortunate situation.” Henry got to his feet and went to the bell-pull by the fireplace. He tugged on it twice. “Mrs Hadleigh will get two of the rooms set up, and you’ll be able to get some sleep. It’s going to be just the three of us in the morning, so you don’t need to worry about other people joining us.”

 

 

 

“What about James?” Sarah asked with a frown. “What if he comes back?”

 

 

 

“Do you think he’s going to come back in this weather?”

 

 

 

Sarah fell silent. That was a slight advantage of the storm if James was thinking of returning home; if Caroline and Sarah were stuck in the house and couldn’t get out, James couldn’t get in, either. They would be safe from him and his drunken outbursts for now. Henry had no idea how long that would happen, but he would take what he could.

 

 

 

Selfish, yes. But Henry had spent most of his life giving to other people. Now it was time for him to be selfish for himself. Even if he was being a gentleman when he didn’t want to be.

 

 

 

Tonight was going to be very difficult for him, knowing the woman he wanted was a few rooms away, and he couldn’t touch her.

 

 

 

Now Henry was partly beginning to regret saying they could stay the night.

 

 

 

#

 

 

 

Caroline had been fascinated with the house. It was a beautiful building, built with one of the best Georgian architects in charge. Henry had told her that there had been a lot of arguments with his grandfather about what should and shouldn’t be in the house. Apparently, his grandfather had some very unique hobbies, and he was fascinated with anything oriental. The architect had needed to tell him that half of what he wanted couldn’t be possible.

 

 

 

In exchange for not giving the old duke what he wanted, the house had to be the grandest in the area. And it was. Caroline had to admit that it was better than her own home, a place she loved.

 

 

 

What had put her out a little were the portraits. They were of the current family and many generations before, all lining the wall. There were portraits of all the previous dukes on one wall before entering the dining room, spanning back to the thirteenth century. Caroline had noticed that while the portrait for the next duke wasn’t up yet, the inscription was already placed on the wall.

 

 

 

Lieutenant James Beaufort.

 

 

 

It looked like Henry had been disinherited already. Did Henry know? He had to, seeing as he walked past it all the time. But he didn’t say anything about it. Either he was ignoring it, or he was used to the fact he was being cast aside.

 

 

 

Caroline’s heart went out to him. There was nothing to say that Henry even lived there. Even the family portrait in the library while they had taken the tour didn’t include him. Henry had said he was at sea when it had been commissioned, hence his lack of presence, but Caroline had a feeling there was more behind it.

 

 

 

It made her feel bad that she had felt the same way as everyone else. That Henry Beaufort was a cruel, horrible person who always caused havoc. That was far from the truth. He was one of the kindest people she had ever met. There was no arrogance about his efforts at sea, although he did talk about his time when he was on his ship. Caroline had heard the love in his voice when he told them stories of what he got up to. Something that was meant to punish him had actually made him thrive.

 

 

 

It was a shame that the only love and recognition he got were from those he had been passed onto like he was nothing. His parents had no idea what a good man their eldest son was.

 

 

 

Henry led them upstairs, Caroline behind him with Sarah bringing up the rear. She tried not to stare at the way Henry’s legs flexed as he climbed, the way his rear moved. Her cheeks burning, Caroline looked away. She should watch where she was looking. Not a good idea to be staring at an intimate part of his body.

 

 

 

But, she had to admit, he did have a nice rear.

 

 

 

There was a loud clap of thunder, and there was a flash. Caroline squealed and tripped on the stairs, only to be caught by Henry before she smashed her nose into the carpet.

 

 

 

“Careful there, My Lady.” He gave her a slight grin. “You’re not scared of a little thunder, are you?”

 

 

 

“I wouldn’t say scared.” Caroline managed to find her feet. “But they do make me a little nervous. Especially when it’s that loud.”

 

 

 

“Don’t worry. You’re safe in here.” Henry brushed her hair out of her eyes, his touch featherlight. “Nothing’s going to hurt you while you’re here with me. I promise.”

 

 

 

That sounded a little too much to say, maybe a little overboard, but Caroline believed him. She tried not to lean into his hand, aware that she was swaying on the stairs. Something flickered behind Henry’s eyes, and then he dropped his hand and turned away.

 

 

 

“Come on. I think the maids have already set up the rooms for you.”

 

 

 

“I ... all right.”

 

 

 

Caroline watched Henry walk away. Her legs felt weak, and she couldn’t bring herself to move. There was a pointed cough behind her, and Caroline turned to see Sarah giving her a pointed look, a sly smile curving at her mouth.

 

 

 

“What?”

 

 

 

“Oh, nothing.” Sarah raised her eyebrows. “Are you going to head up to the next floor, or are you going to stay on the stairs all night?”

 

 

 

Caroline scowled and managed to get her feet to move, heading up onto the next floor and catching up with Henry. As they entered the guest quarters, she began to feel nervous again, but it was nothing to do with the storm.

 

 

 

She was going to be spending the night in the same house as Henry. Granted, they were more than likely at the opposite ends of the house, but she was still only a few rooms away. The thought of being so close to Henry was making her palms sweaty.

 

 

 

What was going on with her? It was like her mind was going to a space that was almost forbidden. But who else wouldn’t be thinking such thoughts when they would be in the same building as someone they desired.

 

 

 

You desire him? You’re admitting that now?

 

 

 

I am. And I do desire him.

 

 

 

And it was leaving her with heart palpitations.

 

 

 

Henry reached the end of a corridor just as a maid was coming out of a room. She stopped and curtsied at him.

 

 

 

“Lord Bannock.”

 

 

 

“Are the rooms ready for our guests, Mabel?”

 

 

 

“Yes, My Lord. Just finishing in the other room.”

 

 

 

Henry nodded.

 

 

 

“Thank you. I know it was short notice. Five minutes is not usually enough time.”

 

 

 

Mabel’s mouth twitched.

 

 

 

“We like to think we’re efficient, My Lord. Is that all for tonight?”

 

 

 

“Yes, it will be. Thank you.”

 

 

 

Mabel bobbed a curtsy at Caroline and Sarah before bowing her head and hurrying away. Henry opened the door and gestured inside.

 

 

 

“This will be your room, Caroline. If you want to wait here for a moment, Sarah, and the maids will let you know when your room is ready.”

 

 

 

“All right.” Sarah didn’t bother to hide her yawn. “I would like to get some sleep. I really don’t fancy going home in this weather.”

 

 

 

“I don’t think anyone can travel in this. Hopefully, it won’t last too long.” Henry didn’t take his eyes off Caroline. “With any luck, you’ll be away in the morning and home safely.”

 

 

 

Caroline believed that. But she felt far from safe right now. Biting her lip, she tried to think of something that she should say.

 

 

 

“Don’t worry about nightclothes,” Henry said quietly. “I’m sure my housekeeper has found some old nightdresses that were in the laundry room. You won’t have to sleep in what you’re wearing.”

 

 

 

“What? Oh, right.” Caroline glanced at Sarah, who was watching her with that sly smile again. “I just feel a little ... well, what are our parents going to say?”

 

 

 

“Your father will appreciate that I looked after your welfare.”

 

 

 

“And your parents?”

 

 

 

“You let me worry about them.” Henry pushed away from the doorframe. “I’ll leave you to it. You two must be exhausted.”

 

 

 

He took Caroline’s hand, and Caroline had to swallow back a gasp as the heat travelled up her arm. She couldn’t look away as Henry bowed, pressing a kiss to her gloved hand. She really wished that he could kiss her bare skin.

 

 

 

She needed to stop her straying thoughts, or she was going to find herself embarrassed.

 

 

 

“Goodnight, Lady Caroline. Lady Sarah.”

 

 

 

“Henry.” Sarah kissed Henry’s cheek. “Thank you again for this. We do appreciate it.”

 

 

 

Henry seemed to acknowledge her words, but he didn’t stop looking at Caroline. Then he let go of her hand and walked away. Caroline watched him as he disappeared down the hall, and Sarah yawned again.

 

 

 

“I think I’m going to fall asleep as soon as my head touches the pillow. It’s a pity that my room isn’t ready yet.”

 

 

 

“Why don’t you take mine? I can take your room.”

 

 

 

The words were out before Caroline could stop them. Sarah frowned.

 

 

 

“Are you sure about that? What are you going to do in the meantime?”

 

 

 

Caroline didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure what she would do, but she found that she didn’t want to go to her room yet. Sarah’s eyebrows practically rose to her hairline.

 

 

 

“Are you really sure about this, Caroline?”

 

 

 

“What do you think I’m planning?”

 

 

 

“It involves a certain Lord Bannock, that much I’m sure about.” Sarah folded her arms. “I’m not going to stop you from anything, but please be aware that even servants talk. Don’t let yourself get caught. That you really won’t be able to explain to your parents.”

 

 

 

Caroline squeezed her friend’s hand.

 

 

 

“You’re a really good friend, Sarah. And I hope you can forgive me in time for the things I said about Lord Bannock. He’s really not what I thought at all.”

 

 

 

“I could tell that from the way you were during dinner. It was like you hung on to his every word.” Sarah peered at her. “Whatever you’re going to do, don’t take too long. And don’t mess Henry around. He doesn’t deserve that.”

 

 

 

Caroline managed a smile.

 

 

 

“I don’t do that to him. I’ll be back shortly.”

 

 

 

She didn’t know what she was doing as she hurried away, but all Caroline knew was that she didn’t want to part from Henry just yet. She wanted to be in his company for just a little longer.

 

 

 

At this point, if something happened, she wouldn’t really care.

 

 

 

She headed back to the stairs, surprised that she found them in such a maze of a house. Henry was at the far end of the hallway, just reaching the top of the stairs. Caroline swallowed and took off her gloves, tucking them into the belt around her waist. Then she hurried after him.

 

 

 

“Henry?”