How to Steal a Thief's Heart - Bree Wolf Page 0,85

lost.

Instead of Pierce, it had been Lord Coleridge who’d offered for her hand and now Caroline found herself in a most unfortunate position. Of course, she didn’t want to marry him. In fact, she’d rather chew off her own leg than be tied to that monster for the rest of her life.

Unfortunately, her parents knew nothing of Lord Coleridge’s true character and were insisting she accept him.

“We never thought anyone would ever offer for you,” her father had pointed out matter-of-factly when she’d shared her reservations to Lord Coleridge’s unexpected proposal. “You should consider yourself lucky to have drawn the attention of such a distinguished gentleman.” He’d chuckled then. “To think that we’d thought him interested in Rebecca when it was you who’s held his heart all along!”

Caroline had nearly gagged at the notion that Lord Coleridge possessed a heart, much less that it could feel anything remotely resembling affection or even love. Still, what was she to say to her parents?

“I understand that you might be reluctant,” her mother had said, gently grasping her hands and leading her over to the settee. “It must be overwhelming to have such an opportunity presented to you so unexpectedly after resigning yourself to a different life. Still, do not allow your fears to keep you from finding happiness. You could have a family, a home of your own. Do you not want to be a wife and a mother?”

Caroline had swallowed hard. Truth be told, she’d dared think of marriage and children lately. But she’d always seen another man by her side.

“Think this through,” her mother had urged her, “but remember that this is your one chance.” She’d sighed sadly.

Pacing nervously, her father had cast an exhausted look at his wife, his face darkening every so often as the promise of his daughter married to a titled gentleman threatened to slip away. “I do not understand your objection,” he’d thundered. “The man possesses every attribute one could hope for, and he wants you.” Incredulity rang in his voice, and it pierced Caroline’s heart to know how lowly her own father thought of her. As though to confirm her thoughts, he went on. “No gentleman has ever looked at you, ever taken note of you. You should consider yourself fortunate and not argue with your parents for seeking to ensure your happiness.” He’d stopped his pacing and stared down at her. “If you do not accept him, no one will have you, do you understand?” Then he’d resumed his pacing.

No one. The notion echoed in her mind. There had been someone, hadn’t there? It was not true that no one had noticed her, that no one had seen her.

Someone had.

Pierce had.

And yet, it had not been enough, had it? It seemed his interest had only been a fleeting infatuation and she was quickly replaced by a woman of stunning beauty. If only she’d never allowed her foolish heart to hope!

Standing on the terrace with Rebecca and her husband as well as his twin brother, Nathanial Caswell, who’d arrived from Boston only a few days before, Caroline could barely follow their conversation. Her thoughts lingered elsewhere and she wished she could speak with Rebecca about all that had happened. However, her cousin did not know, and Caroline did not wish to spoil this beautiful day with her own sorrow.

“How do you like England?” Lord Pembroke asked his brother with a wink.

The man made a noncommittal noise in the back of his throat, not offering more of an answer before his gaze drifted off.

Caroline watched as Rebecca and her husband exchanged a concerned look. It was one Caroline understood only too well.

Only a few days ago, Rebecca had told her that poor Mr. Caswell had been on the verge of matrimony himself when his fiancée had broken the engagement in a most scandalous way and shattered his heart in the process. The loss still haunted him, his blue eyes unlike his brother’s shrouded in darkness and his lips ever taut as though he knew not the meaning of a smile.

Was this to be her own future as well? Haunted by what could have been? Forever doomed to witness others find happiness, but never to discover any for herself?

As though the universe had a rather sick sense of humor, Pierce walked through the French doors and onto the terrace in that very moment…and Caroline’s heart skipped a beat, only to stumble to a complete halt when she took note of the same exotic-looking beauty on his