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After Charlotte returned to her room, she wondered if she ought to stay home after all. She waited in silence, feeling the weight of her marriage. Although she had tried to behave as if she didn’t care how Alaric wanted to spend his time, it wasn’t true at all. She wanted to be with him, even when he was being stubborn.

Emotions caught in her throat, and she forced them back. Crying wouldn’t change anything. She reached for a shawl and promised herself that she would try to enjoy her evening, even without Alaric.

She made her way downstairs and was startled to see the duke’s brother standing at the foot of the stairs.

‘Thornton, I didn’t know you were here.’

He was dressed in evening attire with a black jacket and snowy white cravat. His dark blonde hair appeared to have been cut short recently, and she added, ‘Are you going somewhere?’

‘I am your escort tonight,’ he replied. ‘My brother wasn’t about to let you go alone.’

‘He could have joined me himself,’ she pointed out.

‘Alaric can often act like an idiot.’ Thornton offered his arm. ‘You look lovely, by the way. That dress will catch the eye of many disreputable gentlemen hoping to make your husband jealous.’

‘Thank you. But I would never—’

‘Oh, I know. The pair of you are far too honourable. I, on the other hand, have no such qualms. Were you not my sister-in-law, I can assure you that I would not hesitate to make my interest known.’

‘Are you trying to be a rake, Thornton?’

‘Most assuredly.’ He cracked a grin at her. Then a moment later, he muttered, ‘Dash it all. I nearly forgot.’ He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small box. ‘I was supposed to give these to you. From my brother.’

Charlotte opened the box and found a delicate yellow topaz necklace and matching ear bobs. The jewels were slightly darker than the dress, but when she held up the necklace, it suited the gown perfectly.

‘Allow me,’ Thornton offered. He fastened the necklace around her throat and then gave her the ear bobs. She took out the pearls she’d been wearing and replaced them.

‘He went to all this trouble,’ she said quietly, ‘and yet he won’t go with me.’

Thornton hesitated but shrugged. ‘I’ve never seen my brother buy a gown for anyone. Not our mother and certainly not Lenora.’

The mention of Alaric’s former love made her stomach churn. ‘You knew about her, then?’

He gave a nod. ‘Oh yes. I knew.’ There was an uncertain look in his eyes, as if he didn’t approve of his brother’s proposal. She thought about asking Thornton more but decided she didn’t truly want to know. It would only ruin her evening.

She lifted her chin. ‘But he married me.’

At that, her brother-in-law smiled. ‘That he did.’ After a pause, he added, ‘You are good for him, Charlotte. Even if he doesn’t know it yet.’

Thornton’s words reassured her, and she took his arm. ‘You know, you don’t have to accompany me if you don’t enjoy balls.’

‘Who said I don’t enjoy balls?’ He took her other hand and spun her in a circle, making her laugh.

Maybe tonight wouldn’t be quite so lonely. She’d only planned to go to prove to Alaric that she could be independent.

‘We should try to find you a wife,’ Charlotte teased.

He only raised an eyebrow. ‘You see, the wonderful part about being the second son is that there is no rush for me to be married. I can simply enjoy life while the pair of you worry about providing heirs.’

Charlotte only tilted her head with a knowing look. ‘Do you prefer ladies who are blonde or brunette?’

‘It doesn’t matter since I’m not seeking a wife at the moment.’ He accepted his coat and hat from a footman while she dressed in a warm winter cloak with a muff. ‘I think there’s something else we should do tonight instead that could be useful.’

‘And what is that?’

‘I’m going to start a rumour.’ He escorted her into the coach and then sat across from her. ‘I will tell everyone that all of our debts are paid off. And with any luck, it will dispel any remaining creditors.’

Despite his exuberant mood, she sensed there was an edge to his voice. Although it probably meant nothing, she didn’t remember Thornton mentioning anything about his own finances. And a sudden realisation struck her. Maybe the creditors were not from the late duke, after all.