She loved him.
Thank heavens. All the rest they could work out together. His emotions finally under control, William lifted his head. Knowing his eyes were wet, he checked her hair and smoothed it, commenting, “No snot, just tears, I promise, Mistress.”
A small giggle escaped her, as he’d intended. While his joke signaled that he’d forgiven her, he needed to clarify with words.
Charlotte led him over to the seating area and took her favorite chair. He poured them each a much-needed sherry and plopped onto the footstool in front of her. His intent was to show her he did not need their entire dynamic to shift.
“Mistress, there can be no more secrets between us.”
“Agreed.” Her eyes were uncharacteristically lowered to her lap.
“Look at me, please.”
She shot her focus to his face.
“We are equals, partners, yes?” He raised his brows and waved a hand between them. “All this is mutually agreed upon. Always, we’ve exchanged and shared ideas.”
“Yes, William.” Her hand rose and hovered.
He took it and placed it in his hair, where they both wanted it.
“Whilst we will both make mistakes, forgiveness is part of a relationship. Thank you for explaining. I understand the circumstances were unique.And shall not recur.” He narrowed his eyes and firmed his tone.
“Yes, William.” Her fingernails scratched with just the right amount of bite.
He nearly hummed in pleasure but forced himself to remain on the subject at hand. “I forgive you.”
She dropped her hand to his shoulder and leaned forward to kiss him. “Thank you, William.”
Knowing she was not quite ready for a betrothal, he tempered his next statement. “And I can court you. Publicly.”
“Yes, William.”
Damnation, she was compliant. What else should he ask for? No, this was all he needed to win this battle. The war would be his in no time.
“Then we can talk about heirs tomorrow. For tonight, how may I serve you, Mistress?”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Charlotte and William fell back into their routine of attending salons together, then discussing their learnings in the garden in good weather, or the seating area in her bedroom on more inclement nights.
As she’d met South, albeit briefly, he wanted her to meet Folly.
“Would you like to have them both to supper here?”
“Thank you. I would like that but not for your first meeting. Folly is unused to the Ton’s conventions and whilst I know you are very accommodating, I think he might be nervous in such a formal setting. Would you be willing to come to a pub in Soho with me?”
They sat in the men’s usual corner She was quite entertained by the prospect of a new experience, as well as meeting William’s closest friends. She was also curious about the man who crafted the metal parts of the leather cuffs and other items she bought from the Orfords.
Folly slid onto the bench across from them, and William performed the introductions.
“Please call me Charlotte.” She gave his friend a warm smile.
“And I am Nate. Or Folly, I suppose.”
“Beth Orford has told me about you.” She winked as William whipped around to stare at her. “But I shall call you Nate.”
“How do you know the Orfords?” Nate asked.
