William’s eyes widened. “Is he no longer for this world?”
“I cannot be certain, but she gave that impression.”
“Surely he could have told someone earlier in his life?” Charlotte prompted.
“It’s a possibility,” Henry allowed. “I will ask Mother for more information. But it is also possible that I’m not the only one who overheard my parents arguing about my parentage. Members of the staff may well have become aware over the years.”
Charlotte inclined her head, acknowledging the truth of this. “If someone at this house party knows, then they must have a reason for waiting. They haven’t revealed anything yet. That means they want something from you. And surely that is something more than money, otherwise why not make the demand quickly and be off with the fruits of their scheme?”
Henry chuckled humorlessly. “Yes, that’s what worries me.”
William leaned back, scowling. “So, what now? You just wait for them to make their next move?”
“What choice do I have?” Henry asked. “If I go looking, I could tip them off and force their hand. And if I try to bring whoever it is to justice by alerting a Bow Street Runner to the blackmail, I will also be exposing myself. As you can see, they have me in quite the bind.”
Charlotte’s insides flipped over as she looked at him. He was clearly exhausted. Defeated and alone.
At least, he had been.
He wasn’t alone anymore.
“We’ll figure this out,” she said softly. “Together.”
Henry’s gaze flicked to hers. “Charlotte—”
“I mean it,” she said firmly. “You are not the only one who has something to lose here. Whoever this is, they are trying to manipulate you. But they don’t get to decide how this ends.”
William nodded. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Charlotte’s right. Whoever is behind this has made a mistake. They think they have the upper hand, but they don’t. You haveus. I will not have the happiness of my sister and best friend destroyed by some schemer, nor by the mistakes of your parents. None of this should be on your shoulders.”
For a moment, Henry said nothing. He searched their faces, his jaw tight. Then, finally, his shoulders dropped, just slightly. For a moment, he looked almost as though he might cry. “Thank you,” he whispered, his eyes shining. “Both of you.”
There was a moment’s silence, and then Charlotte swallowed. “So, tell me, Henry,” she said quietly but firmly, setting her shoulders back with resolve. “As we are now all in this together. What do we do now?”
CHAPTER 24
Charlotte’s heartpounded as she steeled herself to ask yet another important question. She knew that what she was about to do would be considered scandalous by many, but she didn’t care. Her feelings for Henry were unchanged by this news, however unwelcome it might be.
“Henry,” she said carefully, watching him. “Is this truly the only reason you refuse to marry me? Your illegitimacy?”
Henry’s gaze flickered to hers. His shoulders tensed as though bracing for something. “Yes,” he admitted. “It is the only reason. I care for you deeply, Charlotte.” He glanced at William as though to check whether his friend would be angered by his declaration.
Charlotte fought to contain her smile. Now was not the time for it, no matter how long she’d waited to hear those words. “So if not for this… if there was no risk…” She hesitated, her pulse thrumming in her ears. “We would be married?”
William let out a strangled noise beside her. “Don’t mind me. I’m only her brother. Why, I adore listening to you two fawn over each other.”
Charlotte’s mouth twisted in amusement, but she ignored him. Her focus was entirely on Henry.
He nodded, his eyes burning into hers. “I adore you. More than I should. More than is safe.” He swallowed. “You are intelligent, kind, far too good for me, and the most beautiful woman I have ever known. If not for this cursed situation, I would marry you in a heartbeat.” His voice dropped lower, rough with emotion. “I would be proud to call you my duchess.”
Charlotte’s breath hitched. For one perfect, stolen moment, she allowed herself to revel in his words. And then she straightened her spine and raised her chin.
“Then that settles it,” she said firmly. “I will take the risk.”
“What?” William and Henry both asked at once.
She met Henry’s stunned expression with unwavering determination. “I love you. I am not afraid of this. If you will have me, I will marry you.”
William shot to his feet. “Absolutely not. Have you lost your mind? This isn’t some reckless adventure. This is your life. You can’t throw yourself into possible disgrace like this.”
