William’s eyebrows were near his hairline as he jumped in with his own question. “Charlotte, do you mean you know Beth and Robert Orford?”
“Yes.” She patted his leg under the table.
“Oh, so those…” His face went red as he trailed off, shooting an embarrassed glance at his friend.
Folly guffawed, holding the table to avoid falling off his seat. “Well, Charlotte, you certainly know how to break the ice.”
Charlotte grinned at him, ignoring William’s pinch to her leg. “To answer your question, I know Beth through mutual friends. Sophia, the current Countess of Peterborough, is close to her.”
Still red-faced, William asked Folly, “Where is South?”
“I haven’t seen him since the last time the three of us were here after the funeral. Have you?” Folly asked.
“No. Blazes. I’m worried. I shall try to catch him at home tomorrow morning.”
“Let me know if I can do anything,” Folly offered before turning to Charlotte. “Now, milady, tell me about how you two met. William has been stingy with the details.”
William stared at his tankard, spinning it by the handle.
Charlotte withheld a snicker. Of all William’s friends, Nate would appreciate the cravat in the garden meeting. But all she said aloud was, “We met at a few balls, after which young William was bold enough to call on me.”
“Was it perchance via trellis or tree?” Folly asked with a grin.
“Why, yes, it was. Do I have you to thank for that?” Charlotte was snickering.
William groaned into his drink as Folly nodded.
They lingered over drinks, the men shooting frequent glances toward the door, but South did not appear.
William appeared distracted as they navigated the stairs at her house.
“I am sorry you are still worried about your friend.”
“Thank you. ’Tis yet another weight on my shoulders. There do not seem to be enough hours in the day. As it is, I see less of you than I’d like.”
“I thought you were adjusting to the rest, despite your father’s last poor investment.”
“I am. You saw my mother, though. Some days it is easier than others to move forward without feeling like I must report back to her. Some days I need to check in because I’m still learning. And Emily is getting wilder by the day, disappearing from the house who knows how many times. Twice I’ve caught her sneaking back in as I’ve come from here. She’s not quite as wild as South…yet.”
They gained her bedroom, and Charlotte turned to him. She could not help him by day, but she could assist in quieting his worries at least for a time. “Strip, Puppy. You are going to get a massage. Perhaps it will relax you. I shall also be naked, though, so perhaps not.”
His smile blinded her and warmed her heart.
* * * *
Charlotte strolled into the tea shop through the door William held for her. Someone on the street called his name as she swept inside. Glancing back, she nodded to him, granting him leave to return the greeting and linger outside.
Perusing the treats, she reflected on the past two months. They had attended salons, lectures, and even the theatre together. They had browsed bookstores and even visited with her brother-in-law and Sophia when the couple was in Town from Peterborough. She had not been sure she was ready to interact with people outside her intellectual salon circle as a couple, but the dinner had been enjoyable and, once she relaxed, even fun. Edward and William discussed all things Parliament and horses. Sophia, always warm and welcoming, disarmed her and quizzed her on William’s courtship.
Nights were largely spent at her house, despite his daytime commitments as earl. But their lessons had lagged due to his new responsibilities.
Sophia had mentioned the possibility of finding a lady—who could have imagined?—who knew Latin and even Greek to help Charlotte pursue her studies. Apparently, there was more to Roslynn’s salon group, including Sophia and Ruth, than Charlotte had realized from her first few meetings with them.
During that period, William had grown from a puppy to…well, a more demanding, assertive puppy. He remained eager to serve at her slightest command, however. She could not imagine life without him. Somewhere in those two months, with him coaxing her out to one event at a time, simultaneously protecting her and proudly parading her at each, she had fallen even deeper in love. She had been swept off her feet by Charles at nineteen. This love, due to its complexity, her life experience, and their roles, was far more complex and layered, although nothing would negate her feelings for her first husband.
William had explained that his mother was comfortable with Percy inheriting the earldom, if need be, but that no one had given up hope that Charlotte might still become pregnant. After all, he’d preened, he was young and potent. She’d punished him for that, making him waste his seed on the sheets that night.
He’d been taking things slowly so as not to frighten her, but she also suspected he did not like money between them. Then a few days ago, he had entered with a triumphant whoop and announced, without even a hello, that he had the payment for her loan.
