“You look wonderful.” Her stepmother beamed at her. “You are sure to make a good impression on the Dowager Duchess.”
“Thank you. I certainly hope so,” Charlotte responded. “Do you think the Duke will be waiting for us when we arrive?”
“I am not sure. He may be busy, but I am sure he will not be too hard to find. I will remind you, daughter, that you are not married yet! Do not think to do anything improper.” Lady Bellmore gave her a stern look.
Charlotte managed not to roll her eyes at her mother.If only she knew the truth.“You need not worry on that account, Mother; Dominic and I will be perfectly behaved.”
The carriage stopped, and she climbed out. She glanced around herself. There were several other carriages around them, and the stately castle before them was imposing.
She heard Dominic’s voice and turned with a smile to see if she could see him, wanting a quick word while her stepmother was distracted unloading the carriage.
Charlotte followed the sound of his voice but stopped dead when he came into view.
“Oh Dominic, you are too funny.” A woman with strawberry blonde hair laughed and touched Dominic’s arm.
He beamed back. “Only because I love to see you smile.”
“You charmer!” Another woman chimed in, this one with deep brown hair in an elaborate arrangement. “I cannot remember when I last saw you, how long has it been?”
“Not since the Viscount of Bellmonte’s ball, I think,” Dominic replied and bowed over her hand with a flourish.
A third woman joined the group, eyes fixed on Dominic like a baby bird hoping for food. Charlotte felt as though someone had kicked her in the stomach.
She had been a fool.Just because he bought you lovely gifts that seemed thoughtful does not mean they are. You should have learned the first time. A rake will always be a rake.
She turned and strode away, spotting her stepmother looking for her close to the entrance of the castle.
“Have you seen the Duke?” her stepmother asked.
“No, but I think it best if we go inside and unpack. Do you not agree?” Charlotte smiled at her mother, heading into the castle without waiting for an answer.
She had no desire to see Dominic. She would be pleasant enough to him, but she would not be made a fool of. If he was determined to flirt where anyone could see him while he was supposedly engaged to her, then he would learn that she would not be toyed with.
She was here to win these “Dabbles”, and she would not let some impertinent rake ruin this opportunity for her. All she had to do was get through this, and then they could go their separate ways.
“That time cannot come quickly enough,” Charlotte murmured as she went to find her room.
Chapter Nine
ASSUMPTIONS AND IMPRESSIONS
“Gad, I am so tired; I have no idea how I am going to get through the next few hours.” Dominic stifled a yawn as he walked down the great staircase towards the dining hall for dinner.
Dominic was shattered. He loved his family deeply, but he had forgotten just how insistent they could be. He felt like he must be in perfect form at all times.It was exhausting.
From the moment he had arrived, people had seemed to want something of him. Practically as soon as he stepped out of the carriage, three of his female cousins had found him and waylaid him with questions and banter.
“At least we will be able to sit down. My feet ache from so much walking.” His cousin Cecily gestured to her feet and shook her head. “Do not forget, you promised to sit beside me at dinner.”
“How could I forget? Besides, we are walking to the hall together if you had not noticed,” Dominic teased her.
Cecily looped an arm through his as they made their way down the stairs towards the dining hall. “I know that you will need a break, dear Cousin, and I promise I will only look as though I am talking your ear off.”
“I know you Cecily, and I am sure you will talk my ear off at some point as I will no doubt return the favour.”
“Yes, but I will also keep the others from being too demanding of your time and energy. I think all of us will need a rest.”
“Thank you.” Dominic smiled at her. “I appreciated you keeping Georgiana and Emmeline in check earlier.”
