Belle watched them like a tennis match at Hampton Court Palace, a permanent grin on her face, breakfast forgotten.
Charlotte busied herself pouring him tea and offering him some of the cake on the table. He took an extra-large slice as it was a ginger cake she’d brought home from a shop she’d invested in. It was owned by, of all people, an earl’s wife who had been his courtesan before they made waves in the Ton by marrying.
He cocked his head, asking, “How did you two meet?”
Feeling awkward, Charlotte would not meet his eyes, suddenly very occupied with her cup and saucer. She should have given him more information about Belle. Regardless of her habit of dropping by unannounced, the woman was her best friend and she had nothing to hide. Knowing William, he’d be grateful for Belle’s tutelage.
Belle arched a brow. “She hasn’t told you? Not much time for talking in this house, eh? Or are there not Latin words for it, Char?” She snickered. “By the way, you still owe me my winnings from our wager. We met through Charlotte’s husband about a year into their marriage, and have been close friends ever since. Closer than Charles and I ever were.”
Charlotte’s eyes flashed up at her in surprise, then softened. What a lovely thing to say.
“Rossi. I don’t know that name. Did you grow up here in London?”
“Yes, but you wouldn’t have heard the name. I suspect you’re trying to understand how your Mistress and a person dressed like a delivery person know each other. I shall tell you. I grew up working class. However, I dress like this as a disguise and use Char’s back door to protect her reputation. I am a courtesan, and quite a good one, shall we say. Besides which, she’s helped me invest. I likely have nigh as much money as she does.”
Huh. Apparently, she needn’t have said anything. Belle had summed it all up quite well.
“Ah.” William was wide-eyed trying to assimilate it all.
“So, you ask,” Belle continued. “Is that how Charlotte came by her delicious directorial skills? Why yes, yes it is. I take full credit.”
Charlotte sniffed, frowning at her friend. She’d gone too far.
Belle ignored her, off again laughing so hard she almost fell out of her seat.
“Oh! Well in that case…” William grabbed one of Belle’s hands, bringing her to an abrupt stillness.
Both women stared at him, wondering where he was going with this.
“Madame, you have my most heartfelt thanks. That thing she did with the chair? Magnificent.”
Belle gawked at him.
He winked.
“Oh, good boy!” She snorted and slapped his hand gently, laughing her head off again.
Charlotte rolled her eyes at both of them. Perhaps it was better that they had not met until now. They encouraged each other’s bad behavior, and she could only punish one.
There was a clatter in the hall, and a man’s voice grumbling.
Belle’s eyes went wide. “I taught you well, my friend.”
Charlotte hissed at her. “William’s friend had overindulged and he brought him here to sleep it off. In a guest room.”
South rounded the corner, and drew up short. “Ah, William. I wondered where I ended up and as there was no wench—”
William cleared his throat loudly.
South blinked and looked around, saying, “This is not your house.” His gaze kept sliding to Belle.
“No.” William’s voice was grim. “’Tis the Countess of Peterborough’s. Charlotte, allow me to introduce my clodpate of a friend, Luke Lynwood.”
“Lord Lynwood.” She raised her chin, declining to rise after his lead-in.
“I beg your pardon.” He bowed, then glanced at Belle out of the corner of his eye again.
“And Isabella Rossi,” William added, gesturing between her and South. “Luke Lynwood.”
