Page 78 of To Woo a Wicked Widow

“I also find I am the bearer of bad or, at least, scandalous tidings, my dear.” Jane’s teasing manner turned sober.

Charlotte’s stomach churned again. What more could go wrong on this ill-fated weekend that had only just begun? Had they all found out about her and Alan last night? Death would seem a mercy right now, if so. Slowly, she peeled her tongue from the roof of her mouth. “What?”

“It’s about the altercation last evening. And the aftermath.”

Charlotte pressed her hands against her temples. “What altercation?”

“Between Lord Kersey and Lord Wrotham.”

Charlotte’s heart almost leaped out of her chest. “What?”

Jane rolled her eyes. “I thought you’d certainly know. Nash seemed very concerned about you.”

“He was concerned about me?” Dread stole through her. Why would Nash be worried if he didn’t know something? Had he seen her?

“Yes. He sent Rose to see to you and then had me come up and look in on you.” She grasped Charlotte’s hands. “For God’s sake, tell me what went on last night.”

Writhing as her stomach and head fought over who would make her most miserable, Charlotte clenched her teeth, her gorge rising. “Alan came thinking I desired a tryst.”

“But you did not?” Jane cocked her head.

“No. I tried to tell him I had no interest in him before, in the library, but he left. Then Maria arrived with her dilemma and I didn’t remember to tell him not to come. So he appeared here. Oh, Jane.” She wanted to cover her face for shame but feared it would have catastrophic effects on her churning stomach. “He saw I was foxed, but he didn’t care. He told me he had made a wager at White’s about when he would . . . would bed me.” Heat rose in her face, making her even more nauseated.

Jane’s face paled. “The man’s reputation is scathingly deserved.” She clutched Charlotte’s hands in a painful grip. “Charlotte, please tell me he didn’t . . . ?”

“I don’t know.” Tears started in Charlotte’s eyes. “He was on top of me and I swooned. I don’t know if he . . . did anything or not.”

“My dear. How awful.” Jane slid her arms around her.

Thank God for Jane.

“Is that why Nash assaulted Lord Kersey?” Jane sat back.

“What do you mean, assault?”

“He apparently thrashed Kersey for all he was worth, then threw him down the staircase.”

“My God.” Nash knew. It was the only explanation. Charlotte drew back into the pillows. “Did he throw Alan out the door?”

“No, but there was quite a scene.” Jane’s face lit with satisfaction and she proceeded to describe the ensuing events, blow by blow. “Considering how easily he trounced the earl, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nash has been frequenting Jackson’s while in town.”

Charlotte rubbed her head against the pillow, trying to ease her unrelenting headache. At least her stomach seemed to have settled. “Did Lord Kersey at least have the good sense to go quietly?” Lord, the ton tongues would be wagging in no time.

“Not a bit of it, my dear.” She patted Charlotte’s hand. “Just then, Maria rushed down the staircase, screaming like a banshee.”

Charlotte listened, amazed, as Jane related the rest of the evening’s events. At last she shook her head. “But why would she do that?”

“I’ll give you three guesses.”

Words stuck in her dry throat. “He is the father of her child?”

“It would seem so.” Jane sat back, watching her closely. “They were much in company in Suffolk. I suppose my chaperonage lacked somewhat. But then, she is a widow. Though not for long.” She tilted her head. “By the time the carriage arrived, Maria had sent for her bag. She helped him in.” Jane sniffed. “I would not be surprised at all if they are married as soon as Kersey can procure a special license.”

It wasn’t Nash. Overwhelming relief cascaded through her. Not, of course, that it should matter at all to her, but she was glad just the same. “I suppose I was to be Alan’s final conquest before he donned the leg-shackle.” Charlotte turned her head into the pillow. She would kill the wretch if she ever saw him again.

“Perhaps, although I very much doubt you will be the last.” Jane raised her brows. “I’d wager my best horse Lord Kersey will tire of domestic bliss within the year. Unless Maria manages to keep him under the cat’s-paw, which I must admit she may. She’s a tenacious woman, despite her appearance and manner. Perhaps she will tame the rake after all.”

“I’m relieved he won’t be pursuing me any longer, but I’m sorry for Maria to be saddled with such a husband. Somehow, I don’t believe she’ll reform him. No one could.” Charlotte closed her eyes. If only she could shut out the world so easily. “So what must I do, Jane?”