“Why is that?” Charles asked.
“Why else would you agree to a pretend courtship unless you held Henrietta in some regard?” Ellie stated.
“I suppose you were right,” Charles agreed. “I have always found Henrietta to be rather intriguing.”
Roswell grew serious. “Do try not to mess this up, brother.”
“I won’t.” At least, he hoped he wouldn’t.
Henrietta sat in the drawing room as she struggled with a knot she’d just made in her needlework, her mind reeling with doubt. She had developed deep feelings for Charles, and she hated the thought that she was trapping him into a marriage that he did not want.
She thought back to when he’d kissed her. All she could remember was the moment when their lips touched, and she knew the memory would last forever. He had told her that he held her in high regard, but would he regret rushing into a marriage with her? She let out an unladylike groan. My, how she hated being in this predicament!
Mr. Drew’s voice came from the doorway. “I came to say my final goodbyes.”
Henrietta lowered the needlework to her lap. “Goodbye,” she said curtly.
To her dismay, he stepped further into the room. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior,” he remarked. “I was wrong for treating you so despicably.”
“Is that so?” She had not been expecting an apology from him.
“You deserve better, cousin.”
“Thank you for that.”
He ran his hand through his brown hair. “My parents will be very disappointed in me for failing to secure your hand in marriage.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m afraid your dowry was destined to repair the manor,” he explained. “Our estate is profitable, but the manor requires some extensive work to bring it back up to snuff.”
“Does this mean you won’t pursue Rebecca?”
He shook his head. “I need to marry a woman with a dowry.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
He gave her a weak smile. “I have come to accept my lot in life,” he said. “I do hope you will be happy with Lord Charles.”
“I will be.”
“Very good, then,” he said.
As Mr. Drew turned to walk away, she asked, “Do you think Lord Charles wants to marry me?”
He stopped and gave her a blank stare. “Why are you asking me?”
She hesitated, then waved dismissively. “Right. Forget I said anything.”
Mr. Drew watched her for a moment, then said, “In my opinion, Lord Charles appeared quite eager to marry you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“But you seem unsure?”
Henrietta winced slightly. “I just can’t help but wonder if he only offered to save me from marrying you.”
“Perhaps, but why would that matter?” he asked.
