“Yes, you should have.” The Dowager Duchess surveyed the group for a moment. “It strikes me that such letters would be treated as precious keepsakes between you both. I assume you have them with you?”
“Of course,” Dominic admitted.
It took all of Charlotte’s sense of self-preservation not to flash Dominic a surprised look… or whack him. She had the sense that his grandmother would sense even the smallest thing and forced her face into what she hoped was a pleasantly warm smile.
“Perhaps you would permit me to read a few of them, nothing too intimate of course, but we all know that one must take care of what one puts in letters.” Though she phrased it as a question, Charlotte had no doubt that neither she nor Dominic would be able to refuse the old woman’s request. “It would be so very lovely to see this… romantic side of my grandson. Maybe it would even be worth a few points in my Willful Wonders.”
Dominic inclined her head towards her. “I am sure we can arrange something.”
Remember why you are doing this and what stakes are on the line.Charlotte took a steadying breath.
“Wonderful.” The Dowager Duchess clapped her hands together and then made a shooing motion with her fingers. “As you were. I have mingling to do and far too little time to do it.”
“How does she always do that?” Cecily whispered, glancing around her as she did.
“Do what?” Benjamin asked, also whispering.
“Sneak up on people. I swear, she must be some benevolent spirit!” Cecily explained.
“Do not say that too loudly or she will hear you, and Lord knows we will all suffer then.” Georgiana winced.
As everyone descended into quiet discussion of the Dowager Duchess, Charlotte looked at Dominic. His eyes seemed to reflect the same panic that Charlotte felt.What are we supposed to do now?
Chapter Eleven
LETTERS BACK ANDF
“Come in.” Dominic called in answer to the knock on the door.
He was sitting in one of his favourite places in the castle, one of the libraries in the Eastern Wing. Most of his family would either be retiring or in one of the parlours playing games. He, however, had other things to do.
Of course, my grandmother would want to see evidence of love letters that simply do not exist. The woman is altogether too suspicious for her own good.Dominic sighed and turned as the door opened, and a familiar face peered round.
Beatrice, the maid he had instructed to serve as Charlotte’s lady’s maid for her stay, looked up at him. “I have Lady Nettle with me, Your Grace. As you instructed.”
“Excellent, thank you Beatrice.” Dominic beckoned both women inside and hastily shut the door.
“And why have you summoned me here at such an hour?” Charlotte asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
“We need to do something about these letters, and we need to do it sooner rather than later,” Dominic explained, running a hand through his hair.
Charlotte’s eyes widened in alarm as she glanced from Dominic to Beatrice. “What do you mean?”
“Do not worry about Beatrice; we can trust her.”
Charlotte gave him a look that said she was not convinced, and Dominic sighed.
“Beatrice has been in my family’s service for generations. She practically raised me, and I would trust her with my life.”
“I would not betray His Grace.” Beatrice gave Charlotte an appraising look. “I hold his confidence and esteem far too dear for that.”
“Very well.” Charlotte nodded though she seemed somehow more unsettled.
“Besides she will act as our chaperone, so no one can imply anything untoward has happened between us.” Dominic tried to puzzle at what seemed to be causing the other woman’s discomfort.
“I thank you for your consideration.” Charlotte still looked unconvinced.
Understanding hit him. “She is not going to spy on you for me.”
