Free His Shadowed Heart ((Books We Love Regency Romance)) by Hazel Statham Page A

and again, it’s in their nature. You must not allow my brother too much leeway, he will come to expect it, and then where will you be?”
    From his seat at the rear of the box, the earl gave a chuckle, saying, “Don’t be giving my wife instructions on how to manage he r husband. We rub along quite nicely.”
    “I believe that you do,” replied Lady Victoria, considering the point. “Far better than I would have suspected, though I would be pleased with anyone who was able to handle you.”
    Becoming anxious at the turn of conversation, Caroline turned toward them. “It’s not my intention to handle anyone,” she said. “Richard is free to do whatever he wishes—I will not play the complaining wife.”
    “You mustn’t tell him so,” reproved Lady Victoria. “To put such notions into a man’s head can lead to him taking all manner of liberties.”
    “This conversation is leading nowhere,” stated the earl, repressing a smile. “Come Henry, we will seek refreshment whilst the ladies continue their tête-à-tête. We will not remain here to be the object of their amusement.”
    Leaving the box both men retired to an ant echamber grateful to be released from the farce and, ordering a bottle of burgundy, prepared to remain thus ensconced for the remainder of the play.
    “Let them go, my dear,” said Lady Victoria seeing the anxious look that crossed her companion’s face. “We will fare far better without them —they shall not mar our enjoyment.”
    Obediently Caroline returned to watching the stage , although her thoughts were with her husband. Since their return to London, there had existed a degree of ease between them and she had no desire to jeopardize this; their relationship was too new.
    As the second act concluded and light refreshments were offered by the attending servants, Lady Victoria felt it necessary to tender more advice to her new sister-in-law. “You mustn’t allow Richard full sway on all matters, my dear,” she said quietly. “You must show some spirit or he will become bored. I know my brother and it would not do to be too compliant.” Then , looking at her closely: “You love him don’t you?”
    “Yes,” whispered Caroline dropping her eyes.
    “Then bring him more to heel. Give him something to think about and take him out of himself….”
    “You don’t understan d—” began Caroline, but her sentence was interrupted as the curtain to the box was flung open admitting Gerald Dent and Lord Massey, both bowing low upon their entrance.
    “I see you are unattended , dear cousins,” smiled Dent ingratiatingly. “Whatever can your husbands be thinking to leave you without escorts.” Turning to Caroline, his smile widened. “Allow me to introduce Lord Massey to you, Lady Waverly. He espied you from an adjoining box and has begged an introduction. I swear you break hearts, my dear.”
    Courtesy forbade Caroline from giving the reply she desired and instead she was obliged to greet Massey with something like cordiality, allowing him to capture her hand and take it to his lips in salute.
    “Your ladyship,” smiled Massey as if overcome. “You must know you are hailed as the season’s latest beauty. I would be most remiss if I failed to pay you homage.”
    “ Fustation,” was Caroline’s reply as she snatched her hand from his clasp. “There is absolutely no need to flatter me, my lord. I am in no need of your approval.”
    “So, you have claws, my dear,” mocked Massey. “You are not quite the kitten you appear. I was lead to believe you are a milksop. Obviously I was misinformed.”
    Flushing with indignation, Caroline was about to give her reply when her husband chose that moment to enter the box, the smile freezing on his countenance as he saw her companions. An unpleasant look of aversion took its place as he held out his hand to his wife.
    “Come, Caroline. The air becomes unpleasant and this is no fit company for you.”
    Obediently she rose and placing her