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“I think it’s safe to assume you’re both having thoughts about each other,” Juliet said. “And while I never imagined I’d say this, as I have never cared for the man, I’ve also never seen you quite like you arewithhim.”
“I didn’tsaywho—”
“You didn’t have to. There’s an undeniable sparkbetweenyou.”
Heavens, was it that obvious to everyone? Or just to Juliet who knew hersowell?
”Youarea widow, Caroline. There are certain freedoms that come with the station. What harm could there truly be in a littleindulgence?”
“Juliet!” Caroline breathed out and snapped open the fan on her wrist to cool hercheeks.
“I’m being practical,” her sister-in-law replied. “Perhaps there’s something more between the two of you or perhaps there isn’t. But don’t you owe it to yourself tofindout?”
“But David…” Caroline said weakly. She hadalwaysbeen faithfultohim.
“Is gone,” Juliet added, not unkindly. “And he loved you, and he would want you to be happy. You know hewould.”
“David hated Marc.” In fact, it was that very hate that had inspired her mild-mannered husband to take that fateful journey from London to Derbyshire in order to keep Marc from doing so instead. It was like he was trying to prove something to himself or perhaps Caroline or maybe even to Marc that he was worthy of her by making that trip. David might want her to be happy, but he’d never want her to bewithMarc.
“Well, he didn’t want to hand you over to the blackguard while he was living,” Juliet conceded with a nod. “But he’s not here anymore. And knowing David as I did, I am certain that his main concern would be that you’re happy and wellcaredfor.”
Well, Juliet knew David; but she didn’t know him as well as Caroline did. He wouldneverapprove of Marc. Never in a million years. “I can’t even believe you’re trying to talk meintothis.”
“Not talking you into it.” Juliet shook her head. “Just giving you permission to do what you’re thinking about doing anyway. Youareallowed a bit of happiness. I daresay you deserve every bit of it in the world.” Then she shrugged. “Besides, with his reputed prowess in the bedchamber, it might be quite the experience. You shouldn’t miss such athing.”
Caroline could hardly believe heronceinnocent sister-in-law was even suggesting she engage in a torrid affair. “Is this what comes when one marriesarake?”
“Oh, I don’t think you have tomarryhim.” And the wicked little smile on Juliet’s lips made Caroline’s cheeks sting once more. “But one word ofcaution…”
“I can’t even imagine what you’re going to say next.” And she was almost afraid tofindout.
“Just don’t lose your heart to him. The last thing in the world I’d ever want to see is you heartbroken.” She smiled softy before squeezing Caroline’s hand once more. Then she kissed her cheek and whispered, “I do adore you like you’re one of my own sisters, you know? And I’d hate to have to kill the man and then face the gallows. So be careful, if for no other reason than to keep me off the executioner’sblock.”
* * *
As soon asMarc strode into the Clayworth ballroom, his gaze fell immediately upon Caroline. A breath escaped him at the sight of her wearing a scarlet dress with little roses to match laced through her golden tresses that were piled high on her head. Breathtaking. She was alwaysbreathtaking.
He started in her direction but was stopped when Luke Beckford appeared out of nowhere to block him from taking another stepforward.
“Good God. Don’t make adirectpath for her.” Luke shook his head as an easygoing smile spread across his face. “Walk the perimeter of the room at least once and try to look somewhat bored while you’redoingit.”
His old friend probably had a point. Theywerealready in the gossip rags. But whenever Caroline was nearby, he couldn’t help but be drawn to her. “I look too eager,doI?”
Luke shrugged his answer. “Juliet said I needed to make new friends this evening.” His grin grew even wider as he reached his hand out for Marc’s. “But you’re the only fellow whose company I might actuallyenjoy.”
Marc glanced down at his old friend’s outstretched hand. “Hiding any daggers up your sleeve? I understand it’s possible various pieces of me might be littered across the countryside if I’m not careful, or somethinglikethat.”
“Isthatwhat she said to you?” A warm laugh escaped Luke as he grasped Marc’s hand for a firm shake. “I’m certain she was more terrifying than I would have been if I’d seen you first.” And then he added, “I’ll walk the perimeter with you. It’s better if everyone sees us getting along well, don’t youagree?”
“Is there any reason we wouldn’t?” Marc returned. After all, he and Beckford had been friends over a dozen years, even if they had seen very little of each other in the last few. But that was what seemed to happen with most of his friends after they finally settled down and mellowed morethansome.
“No reason at all,” Luke assured him. “Especially as I have all the confidence in the world that my sister will be safewithyou.”
Carolinewassafe with him, but Marc wasn’t so certain he was safe with her. She had the power to level him unlike anyone else. In fact, that waswhyhe should keep his distance from the lady. If an association with him ever put her in harm’s way… Marc blew out a breath, refusing to finish that thought. After all, Caroline might very well be in harm’s way now, but he wasn’t the one who’d placed her there, and he didn’t trust anyone else to protect her like he would. “I’m certain your lovely wife told you Caroline has nothing to fearfromme.”
“Something like that,” Luke replied enigmatically as he started in the opposite direction of Caroline and Lady Juliet. “Now do tell me, how did you ruin the Bramley earldom? I’ve heard quite a few whisperings since I arrived yesterday. And I’m quite sure none of them are thetruth.”
Marc bit back a smile as he shook his head. “You don’t think I’m the black-hearted villain everyone else thinksIam?”
