Charlotte glanced over her shoulder to check how far the maid was from them. As she did so, subtle scents of pine and juniper washed over her. She breathed in deeply before realising that she was smelling the Duke. He caught her eye, a smile on his face that was all too knowing.I know that look.Charlotte shook her head as if to clear it, trying to see if the maid was close enough to hear them.
She was standing apart from them. Not so far that it would breach propriety but far enough to afford them some modicum of privacy.
Turning back to the Duke in a way she hoped conveyed shy earnestness to the maid, she said, “You know exactly what I mean. Why on Earth would you accept my father’s invitation?”
“Why would I not? Your father is an interesting man, and who am I to turn down such hospitality.” The Duke canted his head towards her, his eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow at him. “You are a duke. You could easily make up a very real and believable excuse so as not to see my father for any longer than necessary.”
“If you are worried that I will give the game away, do not worry. I have far too much invested in this venture. Besides, I am rather partial to whiskey and a bit of Byron.” The Duke glanced over his shoulder as he said it, waving politely at their chaperone before turning his gaze back to Charlotte.
“I expect Lord Byron is something of a hero to you.” She was unable to keep the disapproval from her words.
“You do not care for his work?” Duke Verimore asked curiously. “I thought women loved it. After all, he is the quintessential romantic.”
“His poetry may be beautiful, but at the end of the day, pretty words do nothing to mask his character.” Charlotte gestured around them and used the motion to move a little further from the Duke. “Besides, whether or not you enjoy Byron is neither here nor there. You need to stop this at once.”
“Stop what exactly?” Duke Verimore asked.
“The way you have been behaving all night. Being charming and funny with my family.” Charlotte scowled at him.I do not recall a time that we all laughed so much. Not since… Well…
She felt an odd pang in her chest as she realised that she did not think she had had a family dinner that had felt so enjoyable and full of camaraderie since her mother had died. The realisation did nothing to temper the annoyance she felt, instead only adding to it.
“And you expected me to be what? Surly? Broody?” the Duke teased.
“No. Of course not.” Charlotte shook her head.
“Then I do not see a problem.” The Duke shrugged, the corner of his mouth quirking into a small smile.
Charlotte struggled not to throw her hands up in frustration, only managing it because she did not want the maid to think they were fighting.Even though that is exactly what we are doing.“And that is the issue! You do not see a problem, but it is still there. And you need to stop!”
“We are not even married and already you think you can just order me around?” the Duke teased, and Charlotte was tempted to stumble and ‘accidentally’ tread on his foot.
“I do not think anything, but I refuse to simply stand by and let you trap us into something neither of us want because of your foolishness.” Charlotte gave him a hard look.
“And what exactly do you think I will trap us into?” The Duke moved closer towards her, arching a brow.
“Marriage,” Charlotte said simply.
“Marriage? I hardly think that likely. Besides, is it not rational to get them to like me? After all, they are much more likely to let you come to the estate with someone they trust.” Charlotte recognised his tone as the same one the grooms used to calm anxious horses — it made her want to kick and stamp her own feet.
“Being trusted and liked is different. Besides, you have practically made them fall in love with you.” Charlotte shook her head.Who would have thought it would be so easy to win their allegiance?
“Are you jealous because I have not managed to win your heart? Do not worry, just give me time.” The Duke laughed softly, winking at her.
Charlotte rolled her eyes, glad the dim light hid the light flush of her cheeks. “There is no amount of time in the world that would let you win my heart. And behaviour like this just proves it.”
“And what do you mean by that?” Duke Verimore asked.
“Well, it is obvious you do not think before you act. After all, can you not see the dangerous situation your actions are creating?” Charlotte took a steadying breath, trying not to let her voice get too loud.
“Dangerous situation? What on Earth are you talking about?” Duke Verimore asked.
“My family. If they love you, they are unlikely to let our engagement end. Not without a fight. And especially not when it is a match of such status.” Charlotte thought of her stepmother’s earlier glee and had to supress a shudder.
“I am sure we can manage them. After all, they are already rather charmed with me.” The Duke smiled at her.
“And that is exactly the problem! You are the uncatchable bachelor, and now, you appear to have been caught. Lady Bellmore is practically beside herself with the joy of it.” Charlotte scowled.
