Chapter 20: Chapter 20
aroline tapped her toe to the music at the Feinwork ball, waiting with as much patience as
she could muster for Richard’s arrival. Three days had passed since Wayfair, wounded and defeated, had been hauled away from Richard’s home. She hadn’t seen Richard since as he’d been busy seeing to the details of the situation.
The crowd this evening was abuzz with Wayfair’s fall
from grace. The Prince Regent himself had been shocked and horrified at Wayfair’s support of Bonaparte. Thus far, Richard’s name had not been linked to Wayfair’s capture.
Though Richard had yet to explain how he’d come to the realization that Wayfair was the famous French spy, Le Sournois, Caroline had a guess. When she’d added up all the details since she and Richard had become betrothed, she determined he worked for the Crown.
She couldn’t be more proud of him. She knew she
couldn’t tell anyone, including her family, of his work, but it was enough that she knew. Rather, her knowing would have to be enough, despite the fact that she was bursting at the seams to tell someone of how brilliant and incredible her soon-to-be husband was.
“Good evening.”
Caroline turned at the male voice to find Daniel, Richard’s brother, approach. “How good to see you.”
“And you. I hope the evening finds you well.”
“It finds me very well.” She couldn’t stop the smile that spread over her face.
“Planning a wedding must agree with you.”
“Yes. I’m very happy. Your brother is a very special man.”
Daniel chuckled at her enthusiasm. “He is indeed. There he is now.”
“My ears were burning,” Richard said as he greeted them both. “I assume the two of you were the cause.” Before either of them had a chance to answer, Richard brought Caroline’s gloved hand to his lips, holding it there for a long moment
while he gazed into her eyes.
“I’ve missed you,” she whispered. “And I you.”
The heat in his eyes made her breathless, as did the gentle pressure of his fingers on her hand. The sensation made her
feel as if he never intended to let her go.
“Need I remind you that you’re standing before a large
crowd whose attention seems to be riveted on the pair of you? Especially Lady Mintford. Her glare is positively glacial.”
Daniel waited a moment but when neither of them responded, he clasped his hands before him, as though resigned to waiting for them to finish.
“Forgive me, Daniel, but it’s been several days since I’ve seen Caroline.”
“I hope matters are…resolved to your satisfaction,” Caroline said, watching closely for his reaction. She didn’t know if Daniel knew of Richard’s work, but she dearly wanted to know what had happened.
“Indeed. Tightly locked away in the Tower. Now I intend to focus my attention on my betrothed and our upcoming marriage. Are you certain you don’t want a special license?”
“Giving my father a little more time to come to know you and become accustomed to the idea of me leaving home will make things easier for my family.”
“As you wish. But I cannot promise to wait patiently.”
Tingles swirled through Caroline and heat filled her
cheeks at the thought of all his intensity directed at her. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted Daniel stepping away. What a
thoughtful man. She was going to enjoy having a brother like him.
“Have I told you how much I love you?” Richard whispered.
“Yes, but you can tell me again.” Her heart spun in her chest when he drew her closer, her hand still in his, their bodies only a breath apart.
“I love you.” The depths of his eyes were clear from shadows for the first time since she’d met him, leaving the light of love to shine through.
“Excellent, because I love you as well. We’re going to have a very good life together.”
“Yes, we are. I promise with all my heart.”
“I’m sorry I can’t promise the same,” she said with a mock frown.
“Why?” He sounded rather astounded at her refusal. “Because a very special rogue already has my heart.” He drew a deep breath. “I will cherish it always.”
“As I will cherish yours. Forever and always.”
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