He gave a nod then disappeared into the crowd.
Oh, it had been so long since she had been in a ballroom and did not like the insecurity of being inadequately prepared or dressed.
What had once been exciting now brought nerves as others glanced at her out of curiosity.
And, while many of the guests had met Caroline previously or at least recognized her, no doubt they were wondering about the handsome man who had escorted her into the ball. Once they learned, no doubt mothers and fathers with daughters ready to wed would soon be begging for an introduction.
The very idea was suddenly depressing, which was ridiculous, of course. He was an earl and she was a companion, among other things. She did not even know him, at least not well. They had only met three days ago! Though she had lusted after him, which should also never happen again.
Chapter Twelve
Much to hissurprise, Sterling had managed to make it to the refreshment table without being stopped, unlike a ball in London. But, then again, he was a stranger here. Unfortunately, such was not the case when he attempted to return as word had spread that he was the Earl of Wyndham, owner of Wyndview Farm, and an eligible bachelor of eight and twenty. At least, that is what he assumed given the number of misses and unmarried ladies he was introduced to as he tried to make his way back to Caroline while carrying two glasses of wine.
However, when he finally drew near, his stomach tightened with jealousy upon seeing her speak with a handsome major in the army.
Was the major special to her?
Why did he have such an unpleasant reaction?
Bloody hell! Was the summer heat affecting his mind and making him irrational? Or had he been away from Society and formal gatherings for so long that he forgot how to behave? Just because he had escorted Caroline into the ball did not mean she must speak to only him. Besides, he’d barely been here three days, and certainly had no claim to her, yet every instinct insisted that he remain by her side so that nobody else could enjoy her attention.
What the blazes was wrong with him? This was certainly out of character because he had never reacted in such a manner with regard to any woman of his acquaintance, not even those he had brieflyconsidered courting.
And, as he did not want to leave her too long alone in a conversation with major, Sterling marched forward with every intention of introducing himself, possibly in a manner that might warn the major away. Yet he was halted when his mother stepped in his path to introduce him to an acquaintance. Sterling was polite but made his escape quickly and once again started for Caroline.
“Mrs. Sutcliffe, your wine.” he pressed it into her hand.
“Thank you,” she murmured, taking in from him before she sipped.
“Lord Sterling Wynd, Earl of Wyndham,” he introduced himself.
The man drew himself up and frowned. “Major David Cooper.”
“Were you and Mrs. Sutcliffe previously acquainted?” He needed to know if the man was courting her, even though it was none of his concern.
“Her husband was a close friend,” the major answered.
Ah, so they did know one another, which he did not like.
“I have recently been posted here and I hope to renew our acquaintance,” the major finished looking into Caroline’s eyes. “If she would allow me to call on her.”
Caroline’s jaw tightened even though she smiled. “That is not possible, Major Cooper. I am needed by my father and daughter and have duties at Wyndview Farm.”
Her duties were not such that she did not have time to be courted, but Sterling rather liked that she was rejecting the man.
Major Cooper glanced at Sterling, a question in his eyes, and since she had rejected the major, Sterling stepped closer to Caroline.
Bloody hell! Why was he suddenly possessive and protective of a woman he barely knew?
“Perhaps after the harvest.” Cooper nodded and walked away.
“You do not care for Major Cooper?” Sterling asked.
“I have no time for gentlemen callers,” she answered simply,except it did not truly answer his question.
“Several people stopped for introductions as you made your way back,” Caroline noted.
Sterling groaned just before he sipped his wine.
