“You would do that for me?” Charlotte felt a rush of warmth towards the woman that took her by surprise.
“I just offered, did I not? I know we have not always seen eye to eye, and that I have been rather hard on you girls, but I am not a heartless dragon. Or at least, I am trying to mend my ways.” Lady Bellmore smiled at her.
Charlotte returned the smile. “Thank you.”
“I shall speak to the Dowager Duchess at once.” Her stepmother made to stand, but Charlotte grabbed her hand and shook her head.
“No,” Charlotte said.
“No?”
Charlotte stood up and straightened her skirts, squaring her shoulders and taking a steadying breath. “I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but I feel this is something I must do for myself.”
“Are you sure?” her stepmother asked.
“Yes.” Charlotte caught sight of herself in the mirror. “Though I would appreciate if you would help me tidy myself before I see her.”
“Of course. I could hardly bear you to be seen in such a state!” Lady Bellmore replied though Charlotte could hear a note of teasing in her words.
All in all, it took less than half an hour to make Charlotte reasonably presentable. When they were done, her stepmother surveyed her handywork and fussed at a few stray locks of Charlotte’s hair.
“Well, I suppose that will have to do,” Lady Bellmore sighed. “I shall finish your packing and see if I can ask the kitchens for some provisions for the journey.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Charlotte said, the word feeling right for the first time since she had known the other woman.
Her Stepmother’s eyes widened in surprise, clearly noting the lack of sarcasm in Charlotte’s use of ‘Mother’. “It is my pleasure, Charlotte.”
At least one good thing has come of this mess.Charlotte would not have guessed that the trip would have allowed her to heal the relationship between her stepmother and herself, but she found she was grateful it had.Or at the very least that it has started.
Only time would tell if the change in her stepmother would remain. She reached the door to the Dowager Duchess’s study, and a servant knocked and announced her.
“Lady Charlotte — how unexpected. To what do I owe this pleasure?” The Dowager Duchess was sitting in a plush armchair with a familiar dog sitting beside her. “I trust my grandson has not done something to upset you? I have little inclination to interfere in couple’s affairs, but I would be happy to knock some sense into the boy.”
Charlotte felt a mix of warmth and sadness as Venus spotted her and wagged her tail in greeting. She forced herself to smile, even as she felt a knife stab into her chest. “No, Your Grace, he has not upset me.”
“Good. You two are a most pleasing fit. It is good to see him return to himself after so long.”
Charlotte was not sure what to say to this, but she was spared from having to think of anything when the Dowager Duchess asked, “And are you enjoying your time here?”
“Yes, it has been truly lovely. I honestly cannot thank you enough for your kindness and I have really enjoyed all these games.” Charlotte found that she meant it but forced herself not to think of how much of that had been due to Dominic.I will not cry.“It is why it pains me to have to leave.”
“You are leaving?” The Dowager Duchess raised an eyebrow, and Charlotte balked, expecting a sharp reprimand.
She tried to keep her voice steady as she replied, “Yes. I must return to London this afternoon. My sisters are struggling without me, and I fear my father is not the support they need.”
“Men seldom are.” The Dowager Duchess nodded in agreement, her sharp eyes surveying Charlotte. “Could your stepmother not return without you?”
Charlotte smiled. “She could, but it would be rather improper for me to remain without her as chaperone. And in truth, I miss my sisters. We have not been apart for so long, and I worry about them.”
“You care for them a great deal,” the Dowager Duchess remarked, continuing to stroke the dog in her lap.
“I do,” Charlotte admitted, trying not to think of how disappointed her sisters would be when she returned home with nothing to show.I will think of some other way to help them.“Their happiness is one of the most important things in the world to me.”
“A noble sentiment though I am sure they would not wish their happiness to stand in the way of your own.” The Dowager Duchess gave Charlotte a frank but kind look.
“I — what makes you think it does?” Charlotte was taken aback.
“I did not say it does. Think of it more as a word of caution from a wise old woman.” The Dowager Duchess indicated the sofa opposite her and Charlotte sat, smiling as she did so.
