She narrowed her eyes at her brother. “It ismylife, indeed. Not yours. Not anyone else’s to control. I choose this. I choose Henry.”
Henry looked stunned. “I would not have you suffer because of my family’s wrongdoing.”
“And I say once again, it is my life and my choice.” Charlotte met each of their gazes in turn, her expression calm. She had never felt so sure of anything in her entire life. “I am prepared to take the risk.”
“The risk is too high!” William protested. “If this gets out, you’ll be ruined, both of you! I don’t wish to lose either of you over this madness.”
Charlotte glared at her brother. Must he still insist on controlling her future, even now? “It is my risk to take.”
William ran a hand down his face, visibly torn. “You need my approval to marry.”
Charlotte pursed her lips. “We could elope.”
Both Henry and William gaped at her. Henry looked utterly shocked but also oddly proud, while her brother was simply horrified.
“You wouldn’t,” William hissed.
Charlotte crossed her arms. “I highly doubt Henry would, given that you’re his best friend. But if I must, I will find a way.”
“You will not,” William insisted, looking to be at the end of his tether now.
Charlotte glared at him, refusing to back down.
Henry stepped between them, a hand raised for peace. “Enough,” he said firmly. His entire body was tense. “Charlotte, you can’t take this risk. I won’t allow it.”
Her heart clenched at his words. “You said you wished to marry me.”
“Yes,” he agreed, his voice quieter now. “But I cannot put you in danger. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you because of me.”
Her throat burned, and she fought with everything she had to stand strong. “Nothing has happened to you so far. This secret has stayed buried for decades.”
Henry grimaced. “And yet, someone else here knows. Someone who could destroy us.”
William jerked his chin up. “Which means we cannot simply ignore the blackmailer and hope that they go away. They could destroy you.”
Charlotte took a deep breath. “Then the answer is simple,” she said, looking between them. “We find out who they are and make them stop.”
Henry and William both looked at her as though she’d suggested they sprout wings and fly.
“Stop?” William repeated dryly. “What will make them do that? Do you think we should just ask them nicely?”
Charlotte ignored his barb, looking to the duke instead. “What do they want, Henry? Money?”
Henry let out a long breath. “I assume so. Although, as they have not simply said so, I fear there may be more at stake.”
Charlotte thought for a minute. “Then we offer them money. Whatever other game they are playing, surely a generous enough offer will entice them to give it up. The dukedom has the funds, doesn’t it?”
Henry’s jaw worked as if he wanted to argue, but after a beat, he sighed. “The dukedom can afford to pay.”
William still looked incredulous. “And if they don’t take the money?”
Charlotte hesitated, glancing at Henry. “Then we find out what else they want. An offer of money could draw them out.”
Henry gave her a long, searching look. “This is dangerous.”
Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “So is living a life of regret.”
A heavy silence settled over the room. Henry dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
