Though perhaps some small mercy as he could travel to Carlisle before any more of his wits were stolen by Charlotte. Before she roused further passions. Before he told her of London.
“But thankfully,” she continued, “Mr Green reminded me about Fred and Kitty.”
“Who?”
“The baker’s son Fred. And Kitty who works in the town dressmakers.”
Oh hell, please no, not–
“It’s their wedding tomorrow. What better event to celebrate Christmas than–”
“Mawkish sentiment and an excuse for them to demand costly gifts?”
She waggled her finger. “I expect you to be on your best behaviour. They are a fine young couple and destined to be together.”
Marcus briefly closed his eyes in sufferance.
Christmasanda wedding.
What could be worse…
CHAPTER SIX
“It may be fashionable for a female not to sit with her spouse; but it is not, I apprehend, a very good lesson to instil.”
PRIVATEEDUCATION:APRACTICALPLAN FOR THESTUDIES OFYOUNGLADIES.
ELIZABETHAPPLETON. 1815.
“Did you enjoy the ceremony?”
Marcus stretched his arms. “Very moving.”
Charlotte disregarded the somewhat sarcastic tone. “I thought so too. Fred and Kitty are so perfect for one another.”
He yawned. “Delightful.”
With a roll of eye, Charlotte clutched her thin shawl close about her neck. The wedding ceremony had taken place in the cold of St Anne’s Church, with many an askew glance that the duke had deigned to attend.
Now they followed the jubilant procession through town. Children dashed, farmers chatted and even the dogs barked with joy.
A feast was to be provided within The Unicorn inn on North Road, and as the groom’s father was the famed baker of Ambleside’s breads and delicacies, the procession was considerable.
Dinah had been given permission to walk with her new friends which left Charlotte alone with the duke, and although her arm was latched through his, today it was akin to clutching a plank of wood. Indeed, as Marcus was also at his most laconic, a plank of wood could be deemed to have more personality.
Maybe she should…prod a little.
“Have you…never been in love? Like they are?”
The plank of wood creaked. “Perchance…once.”
Was that the reason he’d returned from London so cold, closing his emotions to joy?
“A-and? Did it end badly?”
“I found that…” The plank imperceptibly shivered. “I found I was not worthy.”
Charlotte frowned and nigh tripped over her boots.Not worthy?
