“I did not say that I thought she would.” Charlotte’s cheeks flushed, and Dominic knew he had been right.
“No, but you were thinking it.” He grinned.
“Are you some kind of mystic now, able to read one’s own thoughts?” Charlotte rolled her eyes.
“I would rather be a mystic than ‘sweetkins’.” Dominic made a face.
“And I would rather be ‘sweetkins’ than your ‘Precious Plum.’” Charlotte grimaced. “Precious Plum.”
“It is not as bad as sweetkins,” he insisted.
“No, it is not. It is worse,” she retorted.
“Well, it serves you right.” He shook his head. “You were the one who insisted on portraying me as some lovesick puppy.”
“You started it.”
“How exactly did I start this?” He held up a hand as he saw her ready her own response.We do not have time for this.“Never mind, I can see we will get nowhere with this argument.”
“Probably not,” Charlotte admitted.
“I am surprised that your mother permitted you to join me at such a late hour, even with Beatrice in attendance. Or did you not tell her where you were going?” Dominic canted his head towards her.
“That and the fact that she had rather a lot of wine with dinner, and it has made her exceptionally cheery.” A sly look crossed her face. “And no, I did not tell her. I doubt she will look for me, and if she does… well, I know how to manage her.”
“Excellent.” Dominic clapped his hands together.
“Do you have paper, quill, and ink?” Charlotte peered around the room.
“Of course. You may use the desk, and I will write at the coffee table.” Dominic gestured to the desk upon which he had laid several sheets of paper, a fresh quill, and ink.
“How chivalrous of you,” Charlotte murmured as she walked towards the desk.
He pulled the chair out for her and gave a mocking bow. “I try.”
She rolled her eyes again, but nonetheless took a seat at the desk. After a moment, she looked back at him and asked, “How many do you think we will need?”
“I am not sure. I suspect it will be less about the volume and more the quality.” He ran a hand through his hair.And they will have to be tediously treacly.
“Do you think you will be able to create works of such quality?” Charlotte teased.
“I have been known to have something of a way with words. Do you thinkyouwill be up to the task?” he shot back.
“If the bar is that I must write at least as well as you, then I feel confident I can achieve such dizzying heights.” Charlotte laughed softly.
“Your wit really is something to behold.” Dominic brought over a small tray and set it beside Charlotte. “I have also had some tea brought in for us and light refreshments. I noticed you did not eat much at dinner.”
Charlotte seemed taken aback by this statement, and Dominic half expected her to deny it. Instead, she said, “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. Besides, I find I write best when I have snacks.” He shrugged and poured them both a cup of tea.
She hastily snatched papers away as several drops spilled from the tea pot onto the table. “Mind you, do not spill tea on the letters.”
“It might add to their authenticity,” Dominic replied, handing her a handkerchief to wipe up the small spill.
Charlotte let out a sniff of disapproval. “I, for one, would not dream of sending someone I was courting a tea-stained letter. It is sloppy.”
“Very well, I shall do my best to avoid this.” Dominic took one of the finger sandwiches from the plate and bit into it. “What about sandwich crumbs?”
