Chapter Fourteen
Sterling had not planned on dancing with anyone other than Caroline, but his mother’s interference, which forced him away, had found him greeting the governor and then being introduced to Miss Harriet Smythe, who looked hopeful when couples began gathering for the next dance.
He had intended to pretend like he was unaware of her silent plea, but then he saw Caroline with Captain Rowling and found himself asking Miss Harriet to partner him then navigated her through the crowd until they were in the same group as his mother’s companion and the captain.
He told himself that he needed to protect Caroline because neither her brother nor father was here, but he was more concerned that she may be attracted to Rowling and wondered if she were interested in marrying again.
The thought gave him pause, but then Sterling reasoned that if Caroline was courted, then her father might become distracted from his duties at Wyndview Farm, which Sterling certainly wanted to avoid. Therefore, it was his duty to see that all was well with his estate manager’s daughter.
He also knew that his excuses were just that—weak excuses when he really just wanted to be near her.
As the partners changed and he came face to face with Caroline, they clasped hands, danced in a circle, broke apart then went to opposite ends of facing lines.
By the time the dance had come to an end, he was once again parched and after returning Miss Harriet back to her parents turned to approach Caroline to ask if she would care for another beverage.
Before he even got close, his mother raised a blonde eyebrow and with the tilt of her chin, sent him away.
However, the gentleman who approached next was welcomed.
Blast!
What was his mother up to?
Did she want Caroline to wed, or did she just not want Sterling to spend any time with Caroline?
But why would his mother want to keep them apart? Especially after she had insisted that he act as her escort earlier.
Sterling watched Caroline dance with one gentleman, soldier, or mister after another. She was flushed, laughing, smiling, and happy.
He did not dance. It was much too hot. Instead, he spoke to others, and walked the ballroom, not staying in one place too long or a miss would become hopeful.
However, when he learned that there was to be a waltz, he made his way to Caroline and no subtle warning from his mother would keep him away.
In fact, he was the one who lifted a brow to warn her to cease interfering before he asked if Caroline would share the waltz with him.
Given how his mother pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes, he was convinced that she did not want him to pursue Caroline, which he had no intention of doing, but still wondered if there was another reason why he should not even speak to her. What did his mother hope to gain by keeping them apart?
*
Caroline was tired and overheated from dancing and would love to rest, but Lady Wyndham was so encouraging that Caroline did not feel as if she could reject anyone who asked.
However, when Lady Wyndham suggested that she sit out the waltz, Caroline had almost agreed until she noted that it was Lord Wyndham who approached.
Apparently, Caroline was good enough to be her companion but not worthy enough to waltz with her son, the earl, not that it mattered. It was simply a waltz.
She took his offered arm and allowed Wyndham to lead her to the dance floor then went through the motions of a curtsey and bow before she placed her hand in his and the other on his arm.
He was powerful in his steps and Caroline was left to simply follow. It was the first time she had waltzed since London, and it was so easy to get swept away by the music and enjoy the warmth of his hand on her back and the other in her gloved hand.
Never had she experienced a partner so perfectly matched to her. Not even her deceased husband.
“Are you enjoying your evening?” he asked as they turned at the end of the room.
“I am. Are you?”
“I have enjoyed a few conversations.”
“Perhaps you should dance more,” she suggested.
“It only offers encouragement when there is none,” he ground out. “Miss Millicent has now watched me the entire night and it is rather disconcerting.”
Whereas he had no fears that Caroline would be encouraged, and she was not.
“How often has my mother dragged you off to one of these entertainments?”
“This is the first that she has forced me to,” Caroline answered.
“Why is this one so important?”
She shrugged. “I do not know.”
“But she does ask?” he questioned.
“Yes, often, and I remind her that it is not my place and that I am far too busy to spend an evening in frivolity and she leaves me be.”
“Until today.”
“Until today,” she returned and still wondered why this ball was so important. More important than the others.
Caroline could think of no reason.
She had forgotten how much she enjoyed dancing, but she especially enjoyed dancing with Wyndham.
It was easy and there was no need for uncomfortable conversations, which so often occurred when the partner was a near stranger.
With him, it was relaxed and she didn’t feel the need to fill the silence.
It was more than simply comfortable. Wyndham was strong, powerful, in control and she couldn’t help but remember how he looked that night when he came to the office, his banyan open and revealing his naked chest.
Goodness, it was warm.
So much dancing in a crowded room would make anyone lightheaded and she wished that was the true reason for the fluttering in her chest and the increased pulse, but Caroline couldn’t even lie to herself.
Ever since Wyndham had arrived at Wyndview Farm, she had been experiencing desire for the first time since her husband marched off to war.
She suffered from an ache that only a man could relieve, but that wasn’t all. How long had it been since she’d simply been held and comforted? She could barely recall the dark nights of quiet conversation, a gentle touch, a kiss on the cheek, friendship.
An ache of loneliness grew within, smothering the desire that had stirred.
Her life may be full with her duties at Wyndview Farm, and with taking care of her daughter, who was the light of her world, but there was nobody just for her with which she could share her thoughts or even comfortable silence.
Goodness, her emotions had changed in the space of a dance and Caroline would like to push everything away and return to being content with her life but wondered if that would ever be possible again and if she would be haunted by what would never be.
“Is all well, Mrs. Sutcliffe,” Wyndham asked quietly. “You seem suddenly disturbed. I did not tread upon a toe, did I?”
Caroline chuckled, thankful for his humor. Wyndham was an excellent dancer, as he likely knew. “It is warm in here,” she answered, not willing to discuss what was on her mind.
“Aye, it is,” he agreed. “When we are finished, I will retrieve some wine and we can step out into the gardens, though I wonder if they will be any cooler.”
It was an excellent idea, but Caroline was not certain that it would be wise to be alone with him. Not because of her earlier desire, but because of a longing for so much more that would never come from him or anyone.