Awakened By The Lord’s Kiss by Meghan Sloan
Chapter 5
Caroline had gone into the dance expecting to have her toes trodden on and that she would have a bad time. But she was pleasantly surprised when James showed he was very light on his feet. He followed the dance beautifully, and he didn’t bump into her at all. It was, overall, a very nice dance.
That she hadn’t expected. Caroline had thought James would be as awful as his brother. He certainly had an attitude that rubbed her the wrong way. It was uncomfortable being around him, but he was a good dance partner. That was something in his favour.
“There, My Lady,” James said as the music stopped moments after bowing to each other. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
“It was ... enjoyable.” Caroline smoothed her skirts down. “You’re better on your feet than you realise, Lord Beaufort.”
James grinned. His eyes glinted.
“I’m glad you think so. We don’t do much dancing in the army.”
“Not many opportunities to go and dance, I take it?”
“Well, for the officers, yes. They go to several balls, but the masses have to stay at the camp and make sure there aren’t any surprise attacks.” James gestured at himself. “That is my job.”
Caroline frowned.
“But you’re the second son of a duke. Surely, you’d be allowed to go there as well.”
“Second son, Lady Caroline. Not the first son and heir. If I were the heir, that would be another matter.” James held out an arm. “I think the only dancing I do when I’m in France is trying to get away from enemy gunfire. I like to think I’m quick and light on my feet.”
Caroline rolled her eyes and smiled as she took his arm.
“You certainly know how to make a girl smile, My Lord.”
“I haven’t started yet. You’ll see the best of me later.”
Caroline blinked. There was something behind his words that made a shiver go down her spine. She swallowed.
“Was ... what do you mean by that?”
“You like to dance, don’t you? I’m sure I can find time for a second dance later on this evening.” James nodded at the young ladies congregating nearby, two giggling as he gave them a smile. “The ladies wish me to partake in the activity with them as well.”
Caroline could see why. James Beaufort was a very handsome man, and he had been getting a lot of people looking at him while they were dancing. Caroline had noticed it, and she wasn’t surprised. If she had taken James at face value, she might have done the same. But she couldn’t. There was something behind James that made him ... she wasn’t sure how to describe it, but she didn’t like it. Her gut was saying there was something wrong with James, and he was someone she needed to keep her distance from.
But she knew it would be considered rude if she turned him down for a dance without good reason, and Caroline couldn’t think of a reason to refuse. Swallowing, she managed to fix a smile on her face.
“I think if you came to me and asked for another dance, Lord Beaufort, I would accept.”
“I’m honoured.” James looked up, and he smirked. “Oh, I see my brother. You remember Henry, don’t you?”
Caroline froze. Henry was here as well? Her chest tightened, and she began to panic. This was just what she wanted to avoid. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? He knew how people felt about him, including Caroline? Why couldn’t he just stay at sea?
“Lady Caroline?” James peered at her. “Are you all right? You’ve gone quite pale.”
“I ... I don’t wish to speak to your brother.”
“Why not?”
Caroline glared at him.
“You know the reason why. I don’t want to be around him.”
James scoffed, his hand tightening over hers as she tried to pull away.
“Oh, stop this. Henry’s changed. He’s a decent man now, from what I’ve seen. It’ll just be polite if I introduce you again. Besides, I don’t think you’re going to get your friend away from him right now.”
“My friend?”
Caroline’s heart sank when she saw Sarah in the doorway to the dining room. She was talking to a tall, broad-shouldered man with black hair and a brown face that said he had spent a lot of time in the sun. Was that Henry Beaufort? It couldn’t be. Caroline remembered a tall, scrawny boy. This couldn’t be the same person.
Then he turned, and Caroline saw his eyes. Those brilliant blue eyes that had snared her the first time they met. She hadn’t been able to forget them. This was Henry Beaufort, without a doubt. And that piercing gaze of his ... that had been on her mind for years.
Her legs felt weak, and Caroline had to grip onto James’ arm so she didn’t fall. Her heart felt like it was racing far too fast. Swallowing, she drew up and squared her shoulders.
“A greeting,” she said stiffly. “Just a greeting, and then I’m walking away. I don’t want anything to do with him.”
“Fair enough.” James tugged on her arm. “Come along, My Lady.”
Caroline was surprised she could walk as she was tugged across the room towards Henry and Sarah. The two of them seemed to be talking like they were good friends. Caroline felt the rage building again, but this time it was directed at Sarah. She knew what Henry had done to Caroline and how much her friend hated the man. And she was talking to him with a broad smile that made her eyes sparkle. Was she enamoured of him? How could she even consider it?
Caroline planned to drag Sarah away and scold her friend for her conduct. It felt like a betrayal.
Sarah and Henry watched as James almost dragged Caroline towards them. Henry’s eyes never strayed from Caroline, and Caroline found that she couldn’t look away, either. It was like he was looking right inside her head.
Could he see the anger she had towards him? The hatred? If he could, he would walk away right now. Caroline silently wished that he would.
But he just watched her approach, his expression blank, but the fire in his eyes burning brightly. Caroline realised that she wanted to run away, but James didn’t seem to notice her discomfort now, tugging her to stand beside him as he reached his brother.
“Henry, there you are. I see you’ve found Lady Caroline’s friend.”
“Lady Lakeford and I were just catching up.” Henry glanced at Sarah, and his expression softened. “It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”
Caroline stared at Sarah.
“You two know each other? You never said.”
“My brother Michael is on Henry’s ship as a midshipman.” Sarah shrugged. “I didn’t mention it as I knew such news would cause you distress.”
That didn’t sound right. Sarah didn’t seem to be too bothered that she had been caught out, but her explanation didn’t sit well with Caroline. She really needed a long talk with her friend.
“Lady Caroline.” Henry’s deep timbre broke through Caroline’s thoughts. She looked up to see him bowing to her. “It’s a pleasure. You’ve really grown up.”
“With no help from you,” Caroline snapped.
Something flickered in his expression, but then it was gone. Sarah looked uncomfortable and started to shuffle from foot to foot, but James looked amused. It was like he was enjoying the discomfort.
Henry tore his eyes away from Caroline’s and looked over her shoulder.
“I see that people are preparing for another dance. Would you care to join me, My Lady?”
“Join you …”
Caroline couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He was actually asking her for a dance? Her first instinct was to say absolutely not, but then she realised that her reasoning would be dismissed. Henry had a temper, from what she had been told, and if she turned him down, he would cause a scene to know why. Caroline didn’t want that to happen. Taking a deep breath, she rolled her shoulders and nodded.
“All right. But just one dance. And don’t expect another one.”
Henry grunted.
“I’m fine with that. Although you should consider yourself flattered. I don’t ask people to dance.”
That didn’t flatter her at all. Caroline didn’t want to dance with him at all, but she didn’t want to cause a scene. Fighting back a scowl, she turned to Sarah.
“I would like to leave after this dance, Sarah. Would you notify Father and ask for the carriage to be ready?”
“What?” Sarah blinked. “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure.”
There was no point in being here now that she knew Henry was present. It was just going to make things even more uncomfortable. Caroline considered the evening ruined now.
She just had to get through this one dance, and then she would leave. It was better that way. Her father would understand.
“Surely you’ve only been here a short while?” Henry said as they went onto the dancefloor. “You arrived with your father shortly before I did.”
“I’ve been here long enough,” Caroline said coldly. “I’m finding the company a little bit ... unwanted right now.”
“If I were a lesser man, I’d be insulted by that.”
“You should be.” Caroline fixed him with a glare. “You can’t expect me to greet you with a smile and a lot of warmth after what you’ve done, can you?”
Henry’s eyes flashed. He drew her to the middle of the room just as the other dancers started.
“I think we should concentrate on the dance and not talk. Don’t you think that’s preferable?”
“I …” Then Caroline realised what the dance was. “But this is the waltz. We shouldn’t be dancing to this!”
“Why not?”
“Because …”
Because you and I will never be romantically involved. It’s never going to happen.
“Do you want to walk off now?” Henry said sardonically, pulling her into his arms and urging her to move. “I’m sure that would draw attention, seeing as we’re in the middle of the room. Everyone can see us.”
He was right. If she walked off now, everyone would be staring. Caroline lifted her chin and stared at his chest.
“I do this under protest.”
Henry snorted.
“So beautiful, but so immature. Nice to see you haven’t changed.”
“Immature?” Caroline’s eyes snapped up. “You call what I’m doing immature? I’m not the one who attacked someone and left them permanently disfigured!”
“I’m looking at you now, and I can’t see any disfigurement.”
That left Caroline speechless for a moment. She had a scar that was very clear to see, and Henry had to be staring right at it. How could he say he couldn’t see it?
“You know where my scars are, Lord Bannock. You put them there.”
“I prefer Lieutenant Beaufort. I’m sure once my parents have sorted things out, I won’t have the Lord Bannock title.”
“That doesn’t change anything.”
Henry sighed, twirling her around.
“Lady Caroline, it’s not what you think …”
“It’s exactly what I think,” Caroline said tightly. “And don’t think that four years away from England is going to make me like you. It hasn’t made me like you at all. Quite the opposite. You forfeited that chance when you hurt me nine years ago. I want nothing to do with you.”
Henry’s expression tightened. His eyes glittered. There was the dangerous man she had been trying to avoid. The temper was starting to come through. For a moment, Caroline wondered if she should have pulled back. She had told herself to get through this without a scene, but just a few words from Henry Beaufort, and she came back fighting. That was bad of her. And Caroline couldn’t help it. Henry just brought out the worst in her.
He looked like he was going to lose his temper. But then Henry took a deep breath, and his hand tightened around hers, the hand on the small of her back flexing.
“Very well. Once the dance is done, I’ll leave you alone.”
“Good. Just keep away from me in the future, and we’ll both be happy.”
Henry’s jaw tightened.
“I can do that. This will be the last time I bother you.”
Caroline should have felt relieved. So why did this leave a bad taste in her mouth?
#
Caroline was shaking as she and Sarah went out to the carriage. That had been a horrible dance. She had been forced to endure a waltz with Henry Beaufort, a romantic dance meant solely for those courting or married couples. Not for two people who actively hated each other. That shouldn’t have been the dance Henry chose for her.
She really should have braced herself for the loss of temper and said no. Surely, a grown man would be able to keep himself controlled in a public setting? But that temper she had heard about and the impolite refusal to dance had made Caroline accept, albeit reluctantly. Henry could dance, and he was light on his feet, but his company just made Caroline feel very hot and bothered.
Even now, she could feel his hands on her. They seemed to have left an impression on her body. Her stomach felt like it was turning over, her heart was racing, and Caroline was sure she was sweating. She opened the window as the carriage set off and let the cool air wash over her.
What was going on with her? Why was her body reacting in such a way? Was it because she was around someone she disliked? But Caroline had been in the presence of people she didn’t care for, and none of them had made her feel like this. What was happening to her?
“Caroline?” Sarah sat across from her, swaying to the bumping of the carriage. She leaned over and touched Caroline’s knee. “Are you all right? You’re looking rather flushed.”
“What? Oh, I’m fine now.” Caroline brought out her handkerchief and dabbed her forehead. “I’m just glad to be away from there.”
“I see.” Sarah still looked concerned. “I thought we were going to be there for the rest of the evening. Your father said …”
“Father says a lot of things. He’ll understand why I had to leave.” Caroline leaned back with a huff. “He knows my feelings on the Beaufort brothers.”
Sarah’s expression flickered a little. She withdrew her hand from Caroline’s knee and sat back with a sigh.
“Look, Caroline, I think you’re putting too much on the past.”
“Wouldn’t you if someone tried to kill you and you had to interact with them?” Caroline snapped. She glared at her friend. “You know my feelings on Henry Beaufort. I told you about him plenty of times. And there you are, talking to him like you’re old friends and not interjecting when I have to dance with him! What is wrong with you?”
“You know that it’s rude to turn someone down, and I think it was the right choice to agree to a dance.”
“Not to him! And not to a waltz!”
“That’s coincidental, nothing more.” Sarah spread her hands. “The Henry Beaufort I know is a decent man. He’s a dedicated person, and he’s loyal to those who deserve it. You can’t get any better than that.”
“Loyal? Decent? Dedicated? You’re playing with me, aren’t you?” Caroline held up her hand, gesturing at her head. “He gave me these! And he shot at me!”
“How do you know he was the one who shot at you? You didn’t see it happen.”
Caroline couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Sarah had been sympathetic to her situation when they first talked, and now she was starting to be on the side of the man who disfigured her? What poison had Henry put in her ear?
“He had a pistol on him, Sarah, and he’s the one who causes trouble. Who else would it be?” She sat forward. “Why are you so focused on him, anyway? Why are you on his side?”
“Because I know Henry’s not like that.” Sarah didn’t even blink as Caroline glowered at her. “I said nothing before as I could see you were hurting, and it was not for me to say anything against the man you’ve already made up your mind about, but I know he’s not the type to go around shooting people.”
“How?” Caroline sneered. “Because he made sure your brother didn’t get into trouble at sea?”
“Michael was eight years old when he went into the navy. They got into their first skirmish with pirates just days later. Henry protected my brother, even saved him from drowning when the pirates threw Michael overboard.” Sarah’s voice caught. “He wouldn’t be alive now if it wasn’t for Henry Beaufort.”
“And I should have a bleeding heart for him? Is that what you’re saying?”
Sarah sighed and lowered her head, rubbing her hands over her eyes. She looked exhausted.
“I’m just saying that you’re taking your hatred for Henry a little too far. It’s becoming ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous?”
“Maybe the two interactions you’ve had with him don’t tell the whole story. They were traumatic, yes, but they were brief. You saw what you wanted to see because of everyone’s opinion of him, and it’s affecting your judgement now.”
Caroline felt like Sarah had slapped her across the face. She had been so supportive in the past. And she was calling this ridiculous?
“My judgement has never been affected, Sarah. Never.”
“Has it not?” Sarah shot back. Even in the shadows, Caroline could see her friend’s face reddening as she looked up. “Because I see an honourable man who’s in pain because nobody believes him when he tells a simple, honest truth.”
Caroline snorted.
“Nobody believes him because he’s a liar.”
“Like his brother, you mean?”
“What?”
“James is known to lie. I’ve heard stories about him in the army, and the lies he told weren’t harmless.”
“I don’t believe that.” Caroline leaned towards the window, feeling the cool air hit her face again. Her anger was making her feel hot again. “James was actually decent to me tonight. A little arrogant, yes, but with his heritage, that is no surprise. I think he was quite taken with me, though.”
“How can you be sure?”
“From the way he was behaving.”
Sarah rolled her eyes.
“He’s like that with all the women. Miss Lynette Bergman entered the room, and James gravitated towards her so fast it was like she had tied a string around his waist and pulled. He has no real interest in you.” She smirked. “Out of the two of them, Henry was more taken with you.”
Henry more taken with her? Caroline shuddered even as she felt a shiver down her back. However, unlike the one when James smiled at her, this one was far more pleasant.
She had to be coming down with an illness if she was finding a detestable shiver pleasant.
“That’s not possible, Sarah.”
“You think it isn’t? I saw the way he looked at you before you joined us. It was like you had hit him over the head. And he asked you to dance.”
“What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Henry doesn’t dance. He’s told me so before. Absolutely refuses to do it with anyone, no matter what they do to force him.” Sarah gave her a meaningful look. “The fact he asked you for a dance means something, Caroline.”
“I don’t think so.” Caroline shook her head. “He probably wanted to torment me again.”
Sarah groaned and hit the side of the carriage with her fist, causing Caroline to jump.
“For heaven’s sake, Caroline! Why do you have to be on the attack all the time? You met him twice before tonight. That’s not enough to form a proper opinion of someone. After a few minutes, you can’t think anything of him that could be considered a fair judgement.” Sarah sat forward. “You really believe that Henry Beaufort, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy with several commendations for his duty at sea, is actually capable of being a cold, heartless man?”
When she put it like that, it did sound rather stupid. But Caroline knew in her heart that Henry was not a good man. She was certain of it. Everyone who knew Henry said he was a bad sort and would get himself into trouble. The commendations meant nothing; it just covered up what was really underneath.
A bad, dangerous person with a temper. And he was not someone Caroline wanted around her. If given half a chance, she would end up getting hurt again by him.
“You’re my friend, Sarah. You’re supposed to be on my side!”
“And I would be if you weren’t being so unfair!”
“Unfair?” Caroline sat up. “How am I being unfair?”
“Because you’re choosing to believe the worst of him when you don’t even know the whole story,” Sarah shot back sharply, breathing heavily. “I understand you had two bad experiences, and I understand your reluctance to be around him, but that doesn’t mean you should outright hate him. You’re letting other people influence your judgement of him before he’s been given a chance, just like everyone else in his life.”
“I don’t let anyone influence me.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course!”
“Then you should hear him out.”
Caroline barked out a laugh.
“Why should I hear him out? He’s not going to tell me the truth.”
Sarah’s face changed. She looked furious, which surprised Caroline. Sarah was normally a placid person. She couldn’t remember ever seeing Sarah lose her temper. Caroline jumped as her friend rapped sharply on the roof of the carriage.
“Travers! Could you stop here, please?”
“What are you doing, Sarah?”
“I’m going to walk the rest of the way.” Sarah adjusted the clasp of her cloak. “We shouldn’t be too far from my house.”
Caroline scoffed.
“Don’t be silly. It’s dark now. You shouldn’t be on your own.”
“I think I’d prefer to walk home alone instead of listening to you slander a good man’s name.”
“What do you mean, slander? It was true!”
“Caroline, you never saw who fired the shot at you four years ago. And you never saw who tackled you and cut your head open nine years ago. It could easily have been James. You just went with the person everyone else believed it was. They had a bad opinion of him, so you followed what they thought.” Sarah opened the carriage door. “And now you won’t change your mind because your stubbornness and pride are getting in the way. I’m not going to be a part of it.”
Caroline was left startled. She was speechless as Sarah jumped out onto the pavement.
“Once you’re prepared to apologise for such childish opinions, let me know. I’ll wait.” She glared at Caroline. “And I hope you can swallow your pride and not be such a brat when you apologise to Henry. That’s the least you should do.”
“Sarah …”
But Sarah had already shut the door and disappeared from sight. Caroline looked out the window and saw her friend storming away with her cloak flowing out behind her. It wasn’t quite dark, but it was quiet out in the streets. Not a good time to be on her own, but Caroline knew Sarah would not be tempted back into the carriage.
“Lady Caroline?”
She looked up. Travers was leaning over the side, giving her a worried look. Caroline sighed.
“Just follow her at a distance. Make sure she gets home safely. And then take me home.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
There was nothing more Caroline could do. She couldn’t entice her friend back inside, but she could watch out for her. She settled back on her seat and pressed a hand to her belly. Her stomach was churning even more. Thoughts of Henry Beaufort were filling her head, and it was just making her feel angrier.
Angry because she couldn’t stop thinking about his hands on her.