“New dresses? Perhaps a good horse?”
“I would like to make sure my sisters are both looked after. That is my biggest priority.”
“Is that not the job of your parents?”
“I promised my mother that I would always keep Philippa and Evelyn safe. It was her dying wish, and I mean to honour that. The money will give them enough of a dowry that they could have any man they desire.”
“One of your sisters already has such a man, does she not?”
Charlotte hesitated. She glanced over her shoulder, wanting to make sure that Lady Bellmore was definitely out of earshot before she told the Duke about Evelyn’s love.
“Evelyn and Lord Michael Belton have been courting for quite some time now,” Charlotte explained.
Dominic considered this for a moment. “Belton. He is the son of the Marquess of Fife?”
“Yes, that is him. From what Evelyn has told me, his father has threatened to disinherit him if he does not marry a wealthy woman.” Charlotte shook her head.To choose money over love, ridiculous.“And while we are by no means destitute, Evelyn would not bring the kind of money that would give him the life he leads.”
“And this… Lord Belton, he loves your sister, I take it?” Dominic asked.
“Yes. And she loves him.” Charlotte smiled fondly. “Honestly, if you think our love letters were soppy, you should have seen some of the letters that Evelyn has received.”
“Love does make fools of us all.” Dominic smiled at her.
“So I am told.” Charlotte laughed.
“And what about you?”
“What about me?”
“Well, after you have provided for your sisters, you will still have a sizeable sum. What will you do for yourself?” Dominic’s gaze held hers, an earnest curiosity on his face.
Charlotte shrugged and absentmindedly twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “I had not really given it much thought. I have spent most of my life looking after them, I had not really considered what I would want or need.”
“You do not plan on buying a cottage and living in the country surrounded by ten cats?” Dominic teased. “I have heard that is the life all spinsters crave.”
“I am actually more fond of dogs. Though I would not be opposed to a cat. I think two would be more than enough.” Charlotte laughed. “I think a tabby and a black cat. And perhaps a retriever or a corgi.”
“So, you will live in a house with your two cats and your dog. Alone?” Dominic canted his head towards her.
“I suppose.”
“Do you not worry you will get lonely?” he asked.
“If that is the price I must pay for freedom. I would rather be lonely and free.” Charlotte gestured vaguely around her, feeling something twist inside of her.
“I understand that.” An odd look crossed Dominic’s face, and a moment later, it gave way as he said, “Wonderful, we have arrived.”
They had emerged into the high street of Banbury. It was full of people walking to and fro with a smattering of horses and carriages dotted around.
“Are you ready for your surprise?” Dominic asked.
Charlotte nodded, her chest feeling impossibly tight.
“There it is.” He pointed to a shop down the street, and Charlotte’s heart sank.
It was a jewellery shop.This is the worst surprise.
Chapter Seventeen
