chapter seventeen

Since learning that Alexandra and her father will be arriving and dining with them during dinner later,
Caroline has been a bundle of nerves.

If Caroline was not sure Vincent truly loved her, she’d be nervous having Alexandra around Vincent. But since she is, well, there’s really no reason to be jittery, right?

Right?

“Caroline?” a female voice interrupted her thoughts, and from the tone of it, she’s thinking her name has been called several times already.

A shy smile touched her lips. “Sorry. My mind got away.”

“A penny for your thoughts, dear,” her majesty said, while pouring a cup of tea for both of them.

They were in a rose pink colored drawing room, with almost all the furniture in much the same color. There are almost 10 informal drawing rooms in just the west part of the palace, she’s been told while touring the place. She was sitting in a damask sofa, cater-corner to where the Queen was sitting. Caroline was holding a piece of honey-glazed biscuit which was, she had to agree, quite delicious.

Ever since she arrived here, her majesty has been ever so gracious. She even offered to review her on Britain’s history. Caroline never got around to figuring out why they needed to do that but her majesty insisted upon it. She told the young lady that she very much enjoyed reading about it and, well, Caroline just couldn’t say no.

“I’m just worried about Alexandra,” she answered, flipping over pages about the World War. “I know her and Vincent’s relationship. I am just afraid she could pose as a threat to what we have. I’m sorry if I’m being prejudice; she’s probably not at all like that, but...” her voice trailed off, already choking with emotion.

“I know this is difficult, sweetheart, but you’ll get through it. Vincent is quite determined to find that loophole that could allow you to push through with the wedding,” the Queen said. “Now, I think we better get off the books. We’ve been at them for quite some time already.”

“Thank you for spending time with me, your majesty. Without Vincent, I’d probably feel a bit lonely in this large palace,” she offered a smile.

“That’s no problem, dear. And if ever you have nothing to do, you’re welcome to borrow books from the library. We have an extensive collection of novels and textbooks on history. Upon my request.” Then she continued, “You can also come to the gardens. Or get your maid to tour you around more. But I must leave you, I have something to attend to, I’m afraid. I’ll see you at dinner.” The queen smiled and strode out the door.

“I might do just that,” she said to nobody in particular and found Alice, her maid, and toured around the east side of the castle this time.

---

Dinnertime, and the food is served.

“Good evening, your highnesses,” Caroline murmured as she bowed a curtsy as she was being introduced to Alexandra and her father, King of Scandinavia.

“And a pleasant evening to you, too, Miss Basset,” his highness replied, nodding his head in acknowledgement.

“I see you’ve met my fiancé, King Rupert. Princess,” Vincent’s head bowing in greeting before circling his arm around Caroline’s small waist.

“Your fiancé, Vincent?” Alexandra echoed, stunned.

“Why yes, we got engaged a few months ago. She’s really quite different; I’m so glad I found her,” the prince said, squeezing Caroline to him. Caroline was already smiling brightly.

“Oh really. Congratulations, then.”

“Thank you,” Vincent and Caroline said at the same time.

“Let’s eat.”

There is little more to chronicle about the night’s following events, aside from the dinner going perfectly fine. Then again, it’s just the first night.

chapter sixteen

After three days, they have finally arrived in London. It is a most welcoming sight, but beware, a problem is about to present itself.

“Oh, my gosh,” Caroline breathed. “This is beautiful.”

“It’s okay,” Vincent shrugged, the playfulness obvious in his eyes.

“What do you mean ‘it’s okay’? The palace is beautiful. Besides, this is my first time, give me something,” she replied, following Vincent into the palace.

“Fine, fine. This way to the gallery,” he said, pointing to the hallway to the left. “And here, to the ballroom.”

“You mentioned there will be a party tomorrow night?” she quipped.

“Yes, there will be. It is to present you as my fiancée,” he said with a winning smile.

She blanched. “Does your parents know we got engaged already? They will be totally shocked. Can’t we do it some other time?” she asked hotly.

“You ask too many questions, darling. It’ll be fine. I’m going to talk to them later, once we get settled in,” he answered calmly.

“I want to be there when you talk to them,” she said, clutching Vincent’s arm as they walk through a seemingly endless hallway.

“Why?” he asked, stopping short in his tracks.

“If they disagree, I want to defend myself,” she replied, keeping her shoulders straight and slightly jutting her chin outward.

And Vincent had to smile at that. She had such little confidence a minute ago and now, she has so much determination to the extent that she would defend herself to the monarchs of England. So, he rewarded her with a sweet little kiss on the lips.

Once they parted, they heard a stern clearing of the throat and both twirled around to the direction of the sound. Caroline gasped.

“Your majesty,” she whispered, bowing to a graceful curtsy.

“Hello, mother,” Vincent said, walking towards her majesty for a kiss on the cheek. “This is Caroline Basset, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings, and – “ he said that with much emphasis – “my fiancée.”

And as her majesty looked intently at Caroline, she suddenly choked on air.

“Oh my god. Are you alright, your majesty?” Caroline said and stepped forward.

“No. I’m fine, I’m fine,” she said, sucking in her breath as she held her finger up in front of Caroline. Then her highness turned abruptly towards Vincent and asked, “Fiancée?”

“Yes. Isn’t it wonderful?” he replied, taking Caroline’s side. Caroline just managed a weak smile.

“Uhh..Vincent, can I talk to you in private? You can let Miss Basset settle down in the guest’s bedchamber and – “ her majesty tried to say but was interrupted.

“Your majesty, if I may, I’d like to be there when you talk with Vincent,” she interrupted slowly. She knew she was taking a big risk interrupting her majesty but she knew that once she finished that sentence, there was no disobeying. It was a request but everyone knew that her word was law.

“Very well, then,” the Queen replied sweetly despite he circumstances and stalked towards the end of the hallway.

Vincent followed his mother with great alacrity with his fiancée in tow. Once they entered a small office, Vincent closed the door and guided Caroline to have a seat.

“Now, then. What is this you are saying about you being her fiancé?” the Queen demanded.

He cleared his throat slowly, trying to buy time but decided to just make it up as he goes along. “We are engaged,” was all he could stay. And frankly, that was all there was to it. But when no one spoke, he was forced to continue. “To be wed, mother. We love each other. Isn’t that explanation enough?”

“Darling, know that I am very happy for both of you. She seems well-educated and very kind and sweet – “

“That, she is,” Vincent muttered under his breath.

“But what about Alexandra?” her majesty finished with a dramatic sigh.

And Vincent matched it with his own dramatic sigh. “The papers were not signed.”

“Well, that’s true. But…” the Queen’s words trailed off and there was a wistful, almost melancholy look in her eyes as she rested her gaze on Caroline.

“She’s not royalty,” he finished. And all her majesty could do was nod.

“I’ll find a way. There must be a loophole somewhere,” he insisted. Then he asked, “Where is the Prime Minister?”

“There is a council meeting. He won’t be here until later,” his mother answered quietly. And as Caroline watched the exchange with earnest, she couldn’t help but feel helpless and out of place.

Then the Queen spoke again, “Your birthday is two weeks away. We have to act fast.”

And Vincent smiled teasingly. “We?”

“If we are to get you married in two weeks, you need all the help you could get, sweetheart. And I’m sure your father would be willing to help, too,” her highness replied sweetly.

And Caroline could not hide her glee any longer. She jumped up from her chair and clapped her hands as her face broke into a wide, very happy smile.

Her highness had to smile, too. Then she said, “Welcome to the family, Caroline,” and gave her a hug with that.

Moments later, after they narrated their love story to the Queen, they headed to their rooms with smiles on their faces but Caroline could not remove from her mind the big problem at hand.

chapter fifteen

Two weeks later and the besotted couple is getting ready to leave for London.

“So is everything packed and ready, love?” asked Vincent.

Since last week, he has been calling Caroline such sweet names, even with everyone around to witness her blushing like mad. It was quite silly, actually. She really couldn’t stop blushing even though she has gotten quite used to it already.

“More or less,” Caroline replied, shrugging her shoulders.

“You’re sure you haven’t forgotten anything?” he asked again, then added, “Even though you’ve at least packed all the contents of your closet.”

“Oh stop. I didn’t pack everything, but I’ve got all I need,” she answered, trying to stuff the last suitcase.

“Well, you certainly can’t miss anything. Are you done?” Vincent said.

“Yes. All done.”

“Then, let’s go,” he urged, pushing her out of the room.

“What’s the rush, anyway?” she muttered, skidding down her heels on the carpet.

“I want you all to myself,” he whispered to her ear.

She gulped. Oh God, but she still gets caught off balance by his words. And she can’t quite get over the fact that she has found everything she has been looking for in a man like Vincent. Of course, she’d always fancied having a love match but she didn’t really count on that. After two seasons on the Marriage Mart, she soon realized that it was near impossible to have even some affection for someone. But ever since Vincent entered her life, she has been being proved wrong because for the past few weeks, her days have been so filled with love and laughter that she ever thought possible.

“All tongue-tied, darling?” Vincent asked innocently but with a sly smile on his face as they climbed down the stairs.

She swallowed compulsively. Then she saw everyone at the landing, all waiting to say their goodbyes and farewells.

“Oh, goodbye, sweetheart,” the duke said first, hugging her fiercely. Followed by, “We’ll miss you. You take care of yourself,” from her mother.

“Yes, of course. I’ll miss you, too,” came Caroline’s strained reply as she fought to prevent the tears from falling.

They headed out the door, her family, shouting out goodbyes and climbed in the carriage and went on their way to London.

“I’m sorry we had to do it this way,” Vincent said quietly, squeezing Caroline’s hand.

She sniffled. “No, no. I just feel sad. I’ve never been so far away from my family,” she replied, offering a deprecating smile.

“I know.” He sighed, feeling a bit guilty for pulling her away from everything she grew up with.

“But I’m glad I’m with you,” she whispered, then rested her cheek on his chest.

He sighed again; trust Caroline to always say the right thing. That’s one of the reasons why he so loved her.

“I’m glad, too.” Then he kissed her on the forehead and kept silent for the rest of –

“Where are we going to stop over?” she asked suddenly, causing Vincent to jump with surprise.

He looked at her, and blinked. He didn’t expect she would ask. “Erh…there’s an inn almost a third from here. I already reserved two rooms for us, and one for the driver.”

“Oh.” He seemed to have everything planned out. Which is most odd, she thought with a wry smile on her face.

In the couple of months she’d known and been with Vincent, she never known him as a man that planned out everything. Of course, he’d always been spontaneous and had a devil-may-care attitude. That’s what gotten him to Mayfair. But, then again, he’d changed.

The change was slow, almost unrecognizable. But it was there, little by little transforming him into a new person. He grew up.

And she realized, in the back of that carriage, with her fingers entwined with his, that she was the reason of this change. And this realization humbled her.

“Woolgathering, my love?” he asked sweetly, draping his arm around her waist.

She blinked, then she dipped her chin for just an inch and said, “Yes, just thinking.”

“Well, by the looks of it, you could’ve knitted a whole sweater with that one thought,” he replied nonchalantly.

“It’s nothing,” she shrugged, waving her hand in the air.

And that was that. Vincent didn’t bother to pry any further. He’d long since learned that if Caroline was willing to share any of her thoughts with him, she would. If she’d hesitate then it would mean she didn’t want to, despite how much he wanted to know what she’s been thinking about. There really was no getting around with his fiancée.

Again, one of the many, many things he fell so deeply in love with his future wife.

He looked over at her. The mere thought of being wed and in love with her was overwhelming. It nearly consumed him and ate him all up inside. It was a scenario that never even once crossed his mind and here he was, living it.

And at that moment, he knew that he wouldn’t and couldn’t have it any other way.

He loved the woman beside him, with all he is. Being away from her would so nearly kill him. He knew it sounded cliché and he thought it was just an expression to feed the minds of poets, but he did feel like half of him was missing whenever they would be apart.

He never imagined himself a romantic but things could so get out of control when you’re in love.

chapter fourteen

After a full day of not seeing each other, Vincent decides to place a call upon his fiancée.

He had knocked on her bedchamber door thrice. Still, no answer. Then again, he isn’t even sure of Caroline was in her room.

He had entered the home with only Charles knowing of his arrival and the elderly butler hadn’t mentioned where she was either. Well, he didn’t ask, really.

One last knock, then he would go in. The door was ajar, anyway.

Come to think of it, Vincent actually had no purpose in coming here. He just wanted to see her.

So what was the rush?

He frowned. Frankly, he didn’t know.

He almost laughed. He’d been so used to having Caroline around that he couldn’t even last more than a day without being with her.

Fancy that. Before, he hadn’t needed anyone. Now, she was all he needed.

Ah, the irony.

“Excuse me, your highness,” Charles said with a slightly loud voice, “I’m afraid Caroline is not around. She had gone with her mother and brother to town. Perhaps to buy some things for the wedding. But I’m sure they’ll be here soon.”

“Yes, thank you,” Vincent replied. “Oh, can I just wait for her in here?” he asked, pointing to the door to her bedroom.

“Of course, sire,” he said, nodding his head once. Then Charles opened the door for him as he entered. “Shall I bring refreshments?”

“No, that won’t be necessary,” he mumbled, giving him a half-smile.

Then Charles left.

Vincent looked around and stepped further into the room.

Caroline’s bedroom was colored in turquoise blue with almost everything in pretty much the same shade. It was lightly furnished, with just the four-poster bed, a vanity table and chair and a small sofa near the window.

As his eyes roamed around the room, he thought that the room reflected very much Caroline’s taste: simple, elegant and beautiful. And in her favorite color.

He walked towards the window, realizing that it had a terrace overlooking the gardens. There was a small tea table and three chairs around it.

“Probably to look at the stars,” he whispered to himself, remembering how fascinated Caroline was with the sky the other night.

Then there, on the table, was a small book, much like a journal. He grew curious and picked it up and opened it.

There were beautiful drawings of people, flowers, the garden, and as he flipped through the pages, he stumbled upon one that stood out the most.

It was a drawing of the entire Bridgerton family, from the late Viscount Bridgerton to the last little child of the family. And he stood in amazement and awe as he scrutinized every line and detail of the faces on that one sheet of paper.

Then he realized, at that moment, what family was about.

It was so obviously about love.

Unconditional, enduring love.

Just then, Vincent heard a gasp. He turned around.

It was Caroline. No surprise there.

“Hi.”

“Hello.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked, an almost untraceable touch of relief found in her voice.

“Waiting for you,” he answered. “Charles said you were in town.”

“Yes. Mother wanted to buy ribbons for Belinda,” she said, walking towards the dressing room, presumably to change in her normal, more comfortable clothes.

“Ah. But she didn’t come,” he drawled.

“No,” she said softly, entering the dressing room. “But how did you know that?”

“Charles told me,” he answered blithely.

A moment of silence then, “They are very beautiful.”

“What are?” Caroline asked, poking her head out.

“These,” he replied, waving the journal in the air.

Then she came out, now donning a sage green muslin dress as her hair draped around her face and neck without the coiffure holding it up. She looked amazing.

Well, she always did, he thought with a smile.

After a second in a trance, he saw Caroline shrugging.

“No, really. These are very beautiful. Where did you learn?”

“Uncle Benedict. He already has three paintings in the National Gallery,” she replied, walking towards Vincent and got the pages from his hand.

“Oh, yes. I saw those,” he muttered, his finger tracing the line of his jaw as if in deep thought. “You should frame your drawings and put them up on the wall,” he suggested, pointing a finger.

“Oh, heavens, no. They’re not very good,” she replied quickly.

“Yes. Yes, you should. I could put up a whole hallway just for your works,” he urged.

It did seem like a good idea but Caroline was much too modest so she just kept silent.

“I can tell you want to,” he teased in a childish voice.

“Oh, stop.” She giggled, propping herself on the bed.

“Well, you do. I know. But I can also tell you want something else too,” he whispered, his voice suddenly low and predatory. And in a moment, he closed the distance between them.

She slowly stood up, let go of the sketches and her eyes lit up as she dared, “Oh, really?”

He shuddered as tension and restraint rocked his body to the peak. And his voice was hot and heavy as he raised a brow and said, “Mm-hmm.”

Then he tugged at her bodice as she fell free and his whole body stiffed as it fought for release. The dress pooled around her waist, teasing him to pull it down.

This time, she wanted to take part in their lovemaking. Before, she’d been so utterly ignorant and innocent but, fortunately, she had learned quite a few things last time. So she stepped forward, reveling in Vincent’s hungry gaze and undid the buttons of his shirt, her eyes never once leaving his face.

And as she eased it down and bared his broad chest and strong arms, she felt his skin jump at her touch and tingle with need.

With a grunt, he brought her down on the bed and whipped the dress from her body as it fell on the carpet. She tried to be brazen, to be bold, but as it was, she was still far too much of an innocent to try to unhook the buttons of his breeches.

He understood with a smile and had undone them himself. Really, there was no reason to embarrass her.

“Kiss me,” she said, rubbing her legs to his thighs as he loomed over her. Then their lips melded into a searing, passionate kiss.

And there were no more words, just hands and lips and skin against skin.

chapter thirteen

Early morning at Number Five and the first glistening of the sun illuminate the sky in a spectrum of colors.

Vincent woke up, squinting his eyes. Strange, there was grass all around. And then realization dawned on him. They had slept out in the gardens.

He looked over at Caroline. She looked beautiful, the sunlight creating shadows on her face. Then he just couldn’t resist; he touched her cheeks, his fingers trailing down her cheekbones to the line of her jaw.

She smiled, a little twitch on the lips that changed her face entirely. Then, slowly, her lashes fluttered and she opened her eyes. She looked at Vincent who was gazing down at her and squirmed under the intensity of his stare.

“Good morning,” he whispered and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“Good morning to you, too,” she replied as she sat up. “What are you thinking about?”

“What?” he asked surprised that she knew.

“You’re thinking about something. What is it?” she repeated.

“How did you know I was thinking about something?” he asked again.

“I know you. And you’re avoiding the question,” she said quietly, her voice sounding impatient.

She was right about both those things.

Damn it.

“Okay. You really want to know?” he inquired.

“I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t, would I?” she ground out, the sarcasm cutting into her words.

“Okay,” he said gently, “I’m worrying about our future.”

“Well…what about it?” she queried, trying to be offhand.

“If my parents are going to approve of you, how about Alexandra, if – “ he enumerated but was cut off.

“Wait. Who’s Alexandra? The princess?” she asked, obviously shaken. She had forgotten about her, and his family and the crown. Oh, my God.

“Yes,” he answered, nodding, “It was an arranged marriage.”

At that, all emotion left Caroline’s face but she still managed to say, “Oh.”

“No,” he said determinedly, “No, we will get married. We can get through this.” He grabbed her arm and squeezed it encouragingly.

She nodded but doubt was obvious in her eyes.

“I love you. So much, and nothing, nothing could ever change that. Even if being with you means giving up the throne, I’ll do – “

“No. No, you couldn’t give up the kingdom just because of me. I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t bear my conscience,” she insisted, shaking the insanity out of him. And they both knew his parents wouldn’t allow him to do so, anyway. Even though how much they say it and reassure themselves of it, they both knew it was almost impossible. But Vincent had such conviction in his voice that she nearly believed what he had just said.

And she loved him more and more for it.

It was quite hopeless trying to stop.

“Come on,” he said, stood up and offered his hand. “We’ll talk about it some other time. I don’t want to dwell on that.”

“Breakfast?” she quipped, smiling sweetly. She didn’t want to dwell on it either; all she wanted to do was enjoy being with the one she loves. Pessimistic as it may sound, but who knows, it might be the only time they get together anymore. Might as well enjoy it.

She took his hand as he helped her get up and walked towards the house to have some breakfast.

“I’m starving,” he commented, looking up at the sky.

“You always are,” she teased, poking his chest.

“Hey!” he yelled, grabbing her finger as he tickled her on the waist.

“Wait! Stop it!” she said in between giggles and laughs. Then she started a run for the steps leading to the veranda.

“Come back here! You can’t get away that easily!” he warned as he took off after her.

“Try me!” she countered, looking over her shoulder.

Then he tackled her and picked her up from the ground over his shoulder. “You’re not going anywhere.”

She shrieked, then shouted, “Put me down!” She pounded her fists down his back with chuckles and guffaws.

When Vincent had stepped on the veranda, he put Caroline down and then took her in with a gentle but passionate kiss. “I did mean what I said, you know. And nothing could ever change my mind, anymore.” Then he touched her cheek and she lingered at the feel of him.

“Breakfast is served, miss, your highness,” the butler interrupted.

He let his hand fall from her face and entwined his fingers with hers.

Once they had settled for breakfast, Caroline took on a more serious note and said, “I don’t want you to give up the kingdom for me, you know. I can’t let you. If you’d have to ascend without me, so be it.”

“I won’t let that happen. I’d do anything just for us to be together, and nothing will stop me from doing that,” he replied. And he had to admit it; the subject did start to grow tiring and irritating to the ears.

“But it’s not impossible that your parents would try to break us apart,” she insisted. She was just trying to be realistic, she reassured herself, as she noticed the irritation on his face.

“Well, it’s either they accept you as my wife and queen or I would refuse the throne myself. In front of everybody,” he warned.

“Oh, my. You really wouldn’t do that, would you?” she asked, desperation straining her voice.

He just kept quiet, realizing that silence was the best reply.

“Oh, I hope you wouldn’t,” she pleaded, not caring one way or the other.

“You know I would.” Then he stood up and left Hastings House for the duration of the day.

chapter twelve

There is only slight ground to record the events of the rest of the afternoon other than to take note of the excitement in the household. But tonight is quite special in itself for an announcement shall be made.

“Hello, my love,” Vincent muttered, fumbling with his coat as he planted a kiss on his fiancée’s cheek.

He just arrived from Number Five to Caroline’s doorstep, at Hastings House.

“Hello,” she chimed, her voice resonating in his ears.

“Your coat, your highness?” the butler interjected, offering his hand out.

“Oh, yes. Thank you, Charles,” he said, placing the coat on his hand and plastered a cheeky smile on his face.

“You’re welcome, sire,” the elderly man replied with a small nod.

He just returned the gesture and turned to Caroline and said to her, “So is everyone here already?”

“Yes. Everyone’s waiting,” she answered, her hand cutting through air in an emotional wave.

“Wait,” he demanded, pulling on her hand, “I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and since my parents still don’t know about our being affianced, I wondered if we could travel to London. We could get married there, too. Of course, your family would have to travel, but – “

He paused, looking into her eyes with question. “You don’t like the idea,” he grunted to himself under his breath.

“No, no,” she murmured gently, trying to console him. Then more decidedly, she ground out, “No. It’s just that…I’ve never been so far away from my family before, and – “

“You could take someone with you,” he suggested, his voice soft as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“Yeah? And everyone else could come to our wedding?” she asked, her smile sweet and innocent.

“Of course. And then we could just take a few months of vacation and come back here so you could be near your family. Well, we couldn’t stay in Mayfair, unfortunately. I’d have to rule as king in London,” he further explained, trying not to surprise her with all this weight.

“Oh, I’ve forgotten all about that,” she whispered, partly to herself. And, truly, she had. She’d forgotten about Vincent being a prince, as the next in line to the throne and the ruler over England. She’d forgotten about all that rot, what with the whirlwind of gifts and congratulations that she had received from almost everyone in a one-mile radius. But despite all that, despite all the consequences and sacrifices that she would have to make, there were no regrets. Absolutely none.

All that really mattered to her was Vincent and their love for each other and the family that they would make together.

Then he said, interfering with her thoughts, “Yes, well, I’m planning to leave next week. You could stay here if you want, but – “

“No, I’ll come. I want to be with you,” she insisted, tightly putting her hand in the crook of his arm.

“Are you certain?” he queried, giving her a chance to change her mind. He didn’t want to risk it, but he was afraid that Caroline wouldn’t be quite ready for this. He thought it much better to ease her to it rather than force her to adjust.

“Yes. Yes, I’m sure,” she muttered, flashing a reassuring smile.

“It’s decided, then. Oh, is it alright if we announce it tonight?” Vincent quipped.

“Sure,” she replied, clearly excited.

Then he held her hand and squeezed it tight. “Thank you.”

“What ever for?” she asked, her brows furrowing in the middle.

“For loving me,” he answered rather affectionately.

“It has become my weakness,” she shrugged, waving her free hand in the air.

“Oh, really? Is that it?” he said accusingly. Then he grabbed her waist and carried her in his arms. She shrieked, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and held on.

“Whoa! Let’s save the playing for you’re wedding night, shall we?” Colin almost shouted, patting Vincent on the shoulder. “Hi.”

He hesitantly put her down and Caroline raised a brow in an arrogant arc. Then she turned to face her uncle, and she yelped, “Uncle Colin, I missed you so much!”

“Well, you’ve got to turn down your voice if you ever want to see me again. Your mother will not allow it,” he warned, waving his finger this way and that.

“Oh, stop it,” she cried out, swatting him on the shoulder.

“Dinner is served!” Charles bellowed from the dining room.

“Dinner, anyone?” Colin asked, gesturing towards the room.

With a smile from the couple, they entered the room as everyone was just settling in their seats.

“When will you make the announcement?” Caroline whispered to his ear.

“During dessert. Is that fine?” he said, not quite sure.

“Yeah. I was hoping you would do it towards the end. Dessert is perfect,” she murmured, smiling.

He returned the smile, sweet and loving.

Then after half an hour, while the dessert was being served, Vincent stood up from his seat and cleared his throat. “I would like to make an announcement.” Everyone put down their forks, and turned their attention to him.

“Uhh…” He cleared his throat again, and Caroline held his hand for assurance. “Caroline and I have already talked about this and we decided to hold the wedding in London. Everyone would be brought there for the occasion, of course, by carriage. And you may well have presumed that we would be living in London – “ he paused for air “ – but I promised Caroline that we would be visiting as often as she liked for a vacation. We could stay in my ancestral home in the country.”

There was a moment of silence.

Then Daphne smiled wildly and said, lifting up her glass, “Cheers!” And much to Vincent’s and Caroline’s relief, everyone followed suit. Their plan seemed to work well with the rest of the family.

They toasted their glasses and over their final course for the evening, they talked about marriage, children, titles and family.

By the end of the night, the couple was exhausted.

“One last question,” she said, as they walked through the streets of Mayfair, hand in hand.

They had wanted to be together for tonight, but had promised everyone – and that means everyone – that there should be nothing going on for the night. The funny thing is they still let the two lovebirds go together.

Alone.

Vincent let himself a secret smile. “What is it?”

“When are we leaving for London?” she asked, her brows lifting up with curiosity.

They turned on a curb as he answered, “You could take all the time you need.”

“So a fortnight from now?” she queried, looking up into his eyes.

“It’s up to you,” he shrugged.

“Fine, then. Six months from now,” she said in an irritated tone despite the smile threatening to break the seriousness on her face.

But Vincent didn’t see the smile, so he nearly shouted, “Six months? It couldn’t take that long.”

“You said it was up to me!” she cried out, unable to hide the playfulness in her voice.

“Okay,” he said in exasperation, “a fortnight from now.”

“Okay,” she countered, clearly satisfied as she indulged herself a smug expression.

And for the rest of the way home, they walked in silence as they reveled in each other’s arms.

It should be taken into account, though, that no lovemaking happened tonight. They did, however, lie in the grass, watch the stars and sleep next to each other.

chapter eleven

Would our newly betrothed couple be caught in a compromising position?

And there it was again, a small but urgent knock.

Slowly, Caroline craned her neck to face him, only to see him shocked and worried. “Now what?” she whispered hotly.

Immediately, and almost on instinct, Vincent jumped off the bed and hastily pulled on his breeches, his shirt and his cravat. She stood up as well, whipping the sheets around her to cover her still naked body. He suddenly turned to her, with anxious, troubled eyes.

He absolutely cannot get caught in her bedroom with her, alone. Sure, they were getting married but it held no defense that could possibly explain his being there. And both of them knew it. That and the repercussions they would have to face.

Caroline saw the question in his eyes and darted towards the dressing room connected to her bedroom. Which somehow surprised him a little. Weren’t virgins supposed to be sore and stiff after their first time?

A knock again, this time louder and more insistent. It was a very good thing, he was coming to realize, that he locked the door when they occupied it.

She turned the knob that opened the door leading to the dressing room and grabbed her sage green robe, just now realizing that she was still bare, only having the bed linens to hide her slender body. Vincent followed her inside, still bothering with his boots.

Then, even though it seemed like a very inappropriate time to say it, she said, “I love you.”

His face sobered as he turned to her, his eyes planted on hers, and replied,” I love you, too.”

“Okay. Stay here,” she muttered. She quietly closed the door and walked to the other door leading to the hallway. She opened it slightly, by just a few inches and said, “Yes?

It was just a maid, thank God. “I’m sorry to disturb you, miss, but everyone is looking for you and his highness.”

“Oh,” was the only thing she could think of to reply. She feared that saying anything else would make her confess the events of the last hour. Which was definitely not good.

“Should I tell them you are not coming, miss?” the maid inquired, her face all innocence.

“No,” Caroline said decidedly. “No. I would be coming down in a moment.”

“And his highness?”

She didn’t even get to think about what excuse they could come up on where he was. And she had to think of something.

“He has to attend to something or the other and had to leave,” she answered, desperately trying to hide the shaking in her voice.

“Oh, very well, miss. Excuse me,” the middle-aged woman answered. And with a curtsy, she left.

She breathed a big sigh of relief as she leaned against the door, utterly tired and spent. Partly because she had been holding her breath since she opened the door, but mostly, it was their making love. Quite unforgettable, to be just remotely aware of her surroundings and the consequences of her actions. And she loved every minute of it.

It was funny how she came to love him, being so desperately, perfectly and absurdly in love with this man. She sighed. She never really thought she could marry for love; well, of course, until Vincent came.

“Oh!” she shrieked, forgetting that he was still hiding in her dressing room.

She ran back and opened the door briskly. Then Vincent fell face-first on the floor and with a pained grunt, he asked, “Did you have to open it so fast?”

“Oh, goodness, I’m sorry. Are you alright?” she gasped as she helped him right himself up.

“I’m fine, I think,” he said, massaging his nose to relieve the pain.

“You have to go. I told the maid that you already left. I couldn’t think of anything else to say,” she said, her words gaining in speed.

“That’s probably a good idea. But could I come for dinner?” he muttered, squeezing her hand in earnest.

“Of course. I’ll tell – wait. Where? Here, or in Number Five?” she asked.

“Wherever,” he bit off, still wincing in pain.

“I’m so sorry,” she spoke, her voice coming down to an emotional whisper. But the corners of her mouth seemed to twitch a little and he realized she was trying to stifle a laugh.

The fiend.

“So you’re enjoying this?” he asked accusingly but his lips still lifting into a smile. At that, she really couldn’t manage to stop bursting into laughter.

He laughed as well, a heartfelt laugh that only one could share with someone one loves. And he was thinking there would be much more moments like this; moments that, he was sure, would stay with him forever.

Oh, he was going to love being married to Caroline, have a family with her and watch their children grow up. He sighed. That would be nice, having some purpose in his life. He’d been so empty all this time, and she had brought light into his life. It sounded very melodramatic, but that was how he felt. It was strange how she had managed to reduce him to this histrionic, desperately in love version of a man. It was almost embarrassing.

“You have to go,” she insisted, once the giggles and chuckles had died down.

He looked here and there, looking as if he was looking for something and said, “You’re right. I should.” He sounded as if he was trying to convince Caroline, if not himself but for what, neither of them had a clue.

“Follow me,” she ordered, grabbing his hand and leading him out the door. “I am leading you to the back door, it leads to the garden. Just go around.”

A curt nod was his only response. He was far too busy thinking of where he should pass through.

After a couple of minutes, they arrived just across the servants’ entrance. It was fortunate that nobody was around. It was almost dinnertime and everyone was in the kitchen.

“Goodbye,” he whispered his voice, a bit shattered. He held her hand close to his lips and planted a feather-light touch to her knuckles. And her skin tingled where his mouth had just been. It was unmistakable; she wanted him.

Badly. And very much.

It was even a wonder she’d been able to resist his touch.

And Vincent knew it. He felt it in his veins, flowing through him to her. And he was almost undone.

So before he could leave, he indulged himself and kissed Caroline on the lips. It was soft, it was brief but it rekindled the fire that had been burning in both of them all along.

He tore off, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw the same desire he felt lurching in his gut.

Then he had to say it – there was positively no way he could keep it to himself, anyway – he murmured, “I love you.”

With that, he left. And as she stood breathless, she thought he saw the passion in his eyes too.