Page 45 of The Bastard Heir
He caught her omission and prompted, “And your mother?”
“She likes you, too, but she’s a traditionalist. And you’re a Jameson and not Boston Society.”
He nodded. “I have money for tuition. Tanner bought a silver mine in my name. I used some of the profits to pay for Miguel’s tuition, and I would gladly use it for you.”
She nodded and looked down, but he gently tipped her face back up with his fingers on her chin. “Carolina?”
“So it would be a marriage of convenience…as they say?” She tried to smile but was certain whatever she’d mustered fell far short.
“If that’s what they name it.” He nodded. “I just want you to know that you’re taken care of.”
She didn’t know why she was hesitating. It was the perfect solution to her problems and she was already half in love with him. Pain twisted her heart and she had to admit the truth. No. She was in love with him all the way. That was why she hesitated. Could she stand to have him—but not have all of him?
Chapter Eighteen
She was marrying Castillo. She would be his wife.
Though two days had passed since the arrangement had been made, Caroline was no closer to processing that fact. She felt anxious and excited in equal measure. Both emotions were wrapped up in a tangled mess that made her feel elated one minute and nauseated the next.
“You make a beautiful bride, Caro,” Aunt Prudie said from the doorway of Caroline’s bedroom.
“Thank you.” Caroline had to admit she agreed. She never was one to look at herself and see beauty, but she was having trouble tearing herself away from her reflection in the looking glass. All she could think was that Castillo would approve. She couldn’t wait to see his face when he saw her.
Emmy surprised her with the cream-colored dress first thing that morning. She’d had it pressed and waiting. Caroline hadn’t even bothered to argue against accepting it. She had wanted the elegant confection of silk and lace the moment Emmy had brought it in. Having resigned herself to a serviceable travelingcostume as a wedding gown, she was beside herself to have something of actual beauty to wear when she became Castillo’s bride.
“Do you think he’ll like it?” she asked.
Aunt Prudie laughed. “Of course he will, but that man would have you if you were wearing a burlap sack.”
The imagery was enough to snap the spell of the looking glass. “Aunt Prudie.” She turned and smiled at the woman.
“He is in love with you,” she said unequivocally.
“He’s not—”
“He is. Castillo Jameson is not one to give his heart easily, but he has given it to you.” Aunt Prudie fussed over Caroline’s curls that Mary had painstakingly pinned up so they would stay in place during the carriage ride to town where the justice of the peace would marry them. Finished adjusting, her aunt touched Caroline’s chin. “Now, I presume you know all about what to expect tonight, but I’m here if you have any questions.”
Caroline’s face flamed. “Oh, I don’t think…I mean, I do know what happens on wedding nights, but I don’t think Castillo plans…it is a marriage of convenience.” He hadn’t made any attempt to talk with her privately since the other night. He most certainly had not come to her room, no matter how late she had waited up for him. It felt as if he’d put a boundary between them. She didn’t think he had any intention of consummating their marriage.
Her aunt raised a doubtful brow. “I have seen the way he looks at you.”
If it was possible, her cheeks burned hotter. “What do you mean?”
“At the wedding yesterday, he could barely keep his eyes off you, dear.”
Caroline didn’t think that was true, but it pleased her that it might be. Her stomach tumbled pleasantly at the idea of spending the night with him tonight.
“I assume with medical school in a couple of months that you do not intend to carry a child now?” Aunt Prudie asked.
“No, we haven’t decided things, but now is not the time for a child.” Her entire future seemed to be up in the air. There was medical school, but she had no idea what followed. Divorce? The idea pained her. Castillo injured by his nemesis, or worse?
Her aunt nodded. “Then you must take precautions.”
“I don’t think precautions are necessary, but in the event that…” That Castillo wanted to. “I do have a tin…in my medical bag.” She couldn’t say the word to her aunt.
“Good. Good. Then we should head downstairs. I believe everyone is gathered on the veranda.”
A soft knock sounded at the door. Aunt Prudie raised her brow again and gave Caroline a kiss on the cheek before going to answer it. Anticipation shimmered down her spine when she heard Castillo’s voice.
