“Still, I let you down. You’re my sister. I should have made sure he didn’t bother you.” He hesitated, then added, “I promise I won’t dismiss your concerns again.”
The tightness in her chest loosened. “Thank you. I really don’t want to marry him. Ever.”
“You’ll never have to,” William said, placing a comforting hand on her arm. “I’m telling Leonard tomorrow that any suit from him will be refused, and that his behavior was unacceptable.”
She let out a shaky breath, feeling relief flood through her. “He’ll be angry.”
“He can take it up with me,” William snapped, then he seemed to remember something and gave her a measured look. “Although I suspect Henry might confront him even before I get the chance.”
Her breath caught. “Why would he do that?”
William’s grim expression returned. “I’ve known Henry for a long time. That man doesn’t always show his temper, but when he’s angry, it runs deep. Tonight, he looked furious. I’ve rarely seen him like that.”
Charlotte’s pulse kicked up again; she was worried for Henry now on top of her own distress. “You think he’ll seek Sir Roger out? Confront him physically?” She dreaded imagining Henry in a duel or brawl over this.
William sighed. “He might. I can’t say for sure. But if Leonard’s still lurking at Lord Bryant’s ball, Henry isn’t likely to let this pass. You saw how he was.”
She recalled the set of Henry’s jaw, the ice in his stare. “But what if it ends in a scandal or a fight?”
“Let’s hope Leonard has enough sense to back down. If not, Henry will protect your honor; maybe more forcefully than we’d like.” He gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. “Get some rest. I’ll handle Leonard if Henry hasn’t already. You won’t have to face that man again.”
She swallowed hard, tears pricking her eyes once more. The reminder of Henry’s possible confrontation made her stomach clench with fresh anxiety, but William’s earnest promise soothed her a little. “Thank you.”
He nodded, then left her to her thoughts. She sank onto her bed, exhausted.What if Henry truly does confront Leonard?The notion of him risking a violent encounter on her behalf made her heart twist. She didn’t want anything to happen to him.
CHAPTER 12
Essex
July 1813
Charlotte cranedher neck to peer through the carriage window, watching as the countryside gave way to a sprawling estate. She hadn’t been to the Duke of Arundel’s estate since childhood, and its grandeur impressed her and intimidated her in equal measure.
Trees lined a winding drive, and in the distance stood the grand stone manor of Arundel Park. It looked imposing even through the small glass pane, its windows catching the late-afternoon sun. She clutched her reticule a little tighter, her nerves fluttering.
William, seated opposite her, noticed her discomfort. “Almost there,” he said gently. “You’ll be fine. Remember, you said you were excited to see the place again as an adult.”
She attempted a rueful smile. “Yes, but now I’m wondering if I should have kept it a childhood memory. Henry’s ancestral home always felt like a magical place, like something out of a novel. Now it seems rather imposing.”
William chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll find it perfectly welcoming.”
As they drew closer, a few glimpses of a manicured garden emerged, with bright flower beds, trimmed hedges, and a fountain that sparkled in the sun. The carriage rumbled to a halt, and footmen dressed in crisp livery bustled to open the doors and take their luggage.
Charlotte was used to being attended to, but not to this level, and she smiled sympathetically at the stoic-looking footmen who must be run off their feet welcoming guests this morning.
A flush-faced butler led them inside, ushering them through the wide marble foyer with its impressive and fashionable classical columns. Charlotte felt dwarfed by the high ceilings and rich drapes. There were so many details all at once: portraits, floral arrangements, an ornate staircase curling upward. It was much grander than she was used to. However would she get Henry to notice her here, of all places?
Yet he wants me here,she reminded herself.He asked for my help.
A plainly clad housekeeper, her graying hair scraped back severely, greeted them politely, although she didn’t look at all pleased. Charlotte suspected this impromptu house party of the dowager duchess’s had come as much of a shock to the servants as it had to Henry, but she doubted the duchess would have spared a thought for them.
“Lord Fitzgerald, Lady Fitzgerald, Lady Charlotte, your rooms are prepared.” She gave a low curtsey. She must be assisting the butler since so many guests were arriving at once. “If you come with me, I’ll show you to them. Dinner will be served in two hours for all guests.”
The mention of the other guests made Charlotte’s stomach flip. She imagined a large, chattering crowd of eager ladies and gentlemen, all of them probably hoping to catch Henry’s noticeand vying with each other to do so. She would be lost in the crowd.
“Come on, Charlotte, dear,” her mother hissed. “Stop standing around in a daydream.”
Charlotte nodded and picked up her skirts as her mother took her arm, glancing at the large grandfather clock at the foot of the huge staircase. She had just two hours to prepare herself mentally.
