She guided him away from the corridor. Once inside the quiet library, she eased him into one of the overstuffed chairs by a low table and fetched him a cup of water from a nearby stand. As she helped him settle, Charlotte realized with a start that their being alone together in the library was far from proper conduct for an unmarried lady, especially as she was in her nightclothes.
She shouldn’t have taken his arm and led him into a room on their own. It was not just improper but positively scandalous. Yet, when she’d seen him in the corridor, she’d cared little for such conventions. Her sole concern had been Henry’s welfare.
She chastised herself silently. Unlike some of the other girls and their mothers, she had no intention of cornering him inorder to force him into a marriage with her. But she couldn’t bear to see him so low, stumbling like a lost child.
“Henry,” she began gently, “where have you been? Has something untoward occurred this evening? Were you among the men in your office?”
No doubt there had been a raucous gathering once they were away from the women.
He rubbed his eyes with trembling fingers. “No, I remained in my office. I drank alone for the most part, lost myself in my thoughts, and then... I don’t rightly remember much more than that. I was going somewhere…”
His words tumbled out in a disjointed murmur, and he began to ramble about vague threats and warnings. His voice, normally steady and controlled, now carried a tremor of disquiet that sent a shiver down Charlotte’s spine.
“Tell me what’s troubling you. Can I help?” She leaned forward so that he could see the concern in her eyes. Not that he was focusing very well.
He hesitated, dropping a few scattered comments that made little sense: a reference to a meeting, to an appointment, to something he could not articulate fully. His gaze drifted, and his voice grew quieter until, with a frustrated sigh, he fell silent.
Sensing that no further answer was forthcoming, Charlotte resolved that she mustn’t press him any longer. Whatever was bothering him, it was something he couldn’t—or shouldn’t—tell her.
“Very well,” she said, standing up. “You are too unsteady to remain here. Let me escort you to your bedroom, at least, so you can rest properly.”
Henry nodded, obedient as a child. She had never seen him like this, so utterly vulnerable, and it tugged at her heart strings.
He managed a weak smile as she steadied his arm, supporting him as they walked down the hushed corridor. Every step echoed in the silence of the mansion, making her wince.
Please don’t let us be seen,she prayed silently, dreading the uproar that could cause.
Once they reached his chamber, Charlotte carefully helped him out of his boots and removed his jacket, though she left the rest of his clothes on, respecting both his modesty and hers. At the threshold of his bed, Henry sank down and, seemingly without conscious thought, collapsed onto the mattress.
For a moment, Charlotte hesitated. She knew she should leave him to his rest, but a pang of worry held her back. What if he grew too cold, or worse, fell deeper into his stupor? She had heard of inebriated men dying in their sleep.
Resolutely, she squared her shoulders. “I cannot leave you like this. Let me at least see to your comfort.”
Gently, she draped a spare blanket over him, tucking it around his shoulders, and placed a pillow under his head. Only then, with a final, tender glance at his still-troubled features, did she leave him to rest.
On her way back to her own room, Charlotte heard footsteps coming toward her in the corridor and froze. What could she say as to why she was wandering around upstairs? She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw it was only William.
“Charlotte? What on earth are you doing up here?”
“I… couldn’t sleep,” she mumbled. For a brief moment, she debated not telling her brother what had transpired, but decided it was best he knew. At least then someone could check on Henry.
“Is anyone bothering you?” William narrowed his eyes.
“No, no,” she assured him quickly. “But…”
“But what?” William demanded, every inch the protective older brother.
Rather more so than usual, she thought, wondering what was wrong with him. Was it related to whatever had caused Henry to get into such a state?
“William,” she said patiently. “I’m fine. I really was just restless. But I found Henry in the corridor a short while ago. He seemed quite inebriated, and so I helped him back to his room. I am very worried about his state.”
William’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t look surprised. “I shall check on him shortly. I expect he will merely wake with a headache and a world of regret come morning.” His tone was worried as he asked, “Were you alone with him? In his room?”
Charlotte’s heart stuttered, and she wondered how best to reply. If she admitted to being alone with him, it could cause an incredible scandal. Yes, this was just William, but the way he was looking down at her made her realize that he was not taking this lightly. They weren’t children anymore.
She bit her lip before replying, “Yes, brother. And I know it looks terrible and that I should have called for a servant, but… he seemed so sorry for himself. My only thought was to get him safely to his chambers. I’m sorry.”
William’s eyes narrowed slightly, but then he sighed. “Charlotte, you must be cautious. You’re too kindhearted for your own good. An unmarried woman should not find herself alone with a gentleman in such circumstances.”
