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Alaric studied the man. It was possible that he was acting on Selwyn’s behalf, but he couldn’t be certain. ‘And what proof do you have of this?’ he asked. ‘I suppose you can imagine that there are many unscrupulous people who claim they have loaned money to my father when they have not.’

At that, the gentleman’s face tightened. ‘Lord Selwyn is a man of honour who helped your family during a time of great need.’

Alaric wasn’t convinced. ‘Then I am certain you will have evidence of this…loan.’ He stood from the chair. ‘Until then, know that I will not repay any loan until I know it was legitimate.’

‘I will call again.’ Mr Virdon stood from his chair. ‘In the meantime, I congratulate you on your recent marriage, Your Grace. Your bride is lovely indeed.’ He started to walk towards the door, and after a pause, he added, ‘It would be such a shame if any of your father’s creditors grew restless from not being repaid. As you said, there are many unscrupulous people around. Some might turn their attention to more vulnerable targets.’

A slow rage ignited within his gut. ‘Are you threatening my wife?’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it. But as you said yourself, there are others who might seek to harm you in another way.’

‘Get out,’ Alaric said softly. ‘And do not call here again.’

The man only smiled knowingly. ‘Perhaps you might speak to your brother about this matter. You would likely find that he has more insight into your father’s debts.’

After he’d left, it occurred to Alaric that if others believed he was fond of Charlotte, she would indeed become a target. He needed to send her back to Severn at once for her own safety.

But why was Mr Virdon implying that Thornton knew about the debts? His brother had never mentioned it. He would ask him and find out.

In the meantime, Charlotte’s safety was his greater priority. As he passed Braxton, he asked the footman, ‘Where is the duchess?’

‘I believe she went to visit her sister, Your Grace. She left earlier this morning.’

An uneasiness crept into his gut. ‘How long has she been gone?’

‘A few hours, I believe.’

He told himself there was no reason to worry. His wife wasn’t the sort of woman to go off alone. She had servants to keep her safe.

And yet he didn’t like this at all. Mr Virdon’s quiet threat left him to wonder if anyone had followed Charlotte.

‘Bring the carriage around,’ he told Braxton. He intended to warn his wife and convince her to depart for Severn as soon as possible.

He refused to let anyone threaten her—or they would face the consequences.

‘What should I do?’ Charlotte asked her sister. She had pushed aside the teacakes, having no appetite for food. It still hurt her heart to think of how Alaric had remained silent when she’d told him she wanted to love him.

Evelyn set down her teacup and studied her. ‘Most men respond very well to seduction. But you said that hasn’t helped?’

She shook her head, blushing. ‘What happens in our bedchamber is not the problem at all. It’s emotions. He doesn’t want love to be part of our marriage.’

Evelyn sighed. ‘Charlotte, love usually isn’t part of marriages like ours. I don’t love Graham, nor does he love me. But we get along well enough.’ She glanced back and added, ‘I don’t know what you want. Our parents didn’t love each other either.’

Her sister’s words weren’t reassuring at all, but they were practical. With a sigh, Charlotte admitted, ‘I suppose you’re right.’

Maybe she simply had to get over her own disappointment. Although she wanted to tempt Alaric into loving her, she couldn’t force his feelings.

‘You are very fortunate, you know,’ Evelyn said. ‘Despite what happened with Lenora, he married you. You have the garden you always wanted, and you are a duchess. Be happy with what you have, Charlotte.’

A maid came to speak with her sister, and Evelyn rose from her chair and excused herself. ‘I will be back in a moment.’

Charlotte nodded and finished her tea. She wanted to be content with her life…and yet it felt as if the rules were suddenly shifting. Whenever she was alone with Alaric, it was as if nothing else existed except him. She was conscious of every moment, every touch. Which was dangerous because, according to Evelyn, he had given his heart to Lady Selwyn months ago. Alaric couldn’t possibly fall in love with her—not so soon.

Why then, did she torture herself by longing for so much more?

Charlotte stared down at her teacup, already knowing the answer. It was because, despite her better judgement, she had already fallen in love with her husband.

She pushed the cup away and stood as Evelyn returned to the drawing room. ‘Charlotte, His Grace has come.’