“Indeed.” Charlotte moved away and woke the maid. As she left the room, she glanced over her shoulder.
Dominic was watching her.
“Good night, Dominic.”
“Good night, Charlotte.”
As she climbed into bed, she ran the tips of her fingers across the palm of her hand, remembering the warmth of Dominic’s skin beneath her own. She realised what she was doing and stopped, giving herself a firm shake. She needed to be careful.
She had enjoyed herself, and that was not what she had come here to do. She was here to win a fortune, not a husband.
Chapter Thirteen
JUST HIS LUCK
Dominic headed back to his rooms, replaying the evening in his mind.. He was so distracted that he was barely paying attention to where he was going and walked headlong into Thomas.
“You are up rather late, Cousin,” Thomas said.
“As are you,” Dominic pointed out with a yawn.
“Emmeline decided to play the pianoforte, and then one of the other cousins decided to get out his violin, and well, the dancing has only just stopped.” Thomas stretched and yawned, giving Dominic a sidelong look. “I thought you had retired hours ago.”
Dominic explained. “I had some business to attend to with Lady Charlotte.”
“Business? At this hour?” Thomas grinned. “Has your little arrangement turned into something more? You sly fox.”
Dominic felt a stab of anger that surprised him. “I do not think I care for what you are implying, Cousin.”
“All I am saying is that Lady Charlotte is a pretty woman, and I can understand if you were tempted.”
“Whether or not I was tempted is beside the point. Charlotte is not that kind of woman and would not behave like that.” Dominic flushed slightly. “She cares about propriety and honour and would not be caught dead in that sort of situation. Besides, I am not even interested in her in that way, and we had a chaperone.”
“Goodness, you are rather testy. I was only teasing; there is no need to jump down my throat.” Thomas held up his hand in a placating gesture.
“I care for her, and I would not see her subject to scandal and ruin,” Dominic said.I know how easily rumours spread.“After all, she is doing me a huge service by being here and should not be punished for her good nature.”
“Of course, I understand. Consider my lesson learned.”
“What are you doing in this section of the castle anyway? Your rooms are in the west wing are they not?”
“Well, I was going to the kitchen for a snack; would you care to join me?”
“Are you sure that is the wisest decision?” Dominic raised an eyebrow at him.
As their family had grown, their grandmother had become increasingly less forgiving of late-night snacking. She felt it unfair to disturb the servants, and on more than one occasion had been furious that such adventures had thrown the remaining meals off track.
Do not get between grandmother and food, not if you value your life.
“I am sure it will be fine. Besides I am famished.” Thomas began to make his way towards the kitchens.
Dominic fell into step beside him. “Very well, but on your own head be it.”
“Do not act like you are above such things. You and cousin Frederick have both joined me on many a night time kitchen adventure.”
“I suppose you have a point. Perhaps if Grandmother is dying, she may have softened somewhat.” Dominic gave Thomas a look and they both laughed.
The kitchen was empty as they walked into it. Thomas immediately began ferreting around in the cupboards while Dominic surveyed him. After a moment, Thomas appeared with a triumphant yell.
