Her gaze, almost shy, flicked to his and away again. “Thank you, Aaron.”
“You’re welcome.” He took her hand and led her away to a group of admirers, remaining only long enough to introduce her. As he strode away, he saw Lady Roberta standing on the edge of a large group. Before the surprise announcement, his attentions had been pointed enough that her family had no doubt entertained expectations.
Memories of his last conversation with her entered his mind, and he turned away. Perhaps he couldn’t marry her after all. His aunt wouldn’t be too disappointed; she hadn’t liked Lady Roberta in the first place.
“Excuse me, Your Grace.” His butler tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a letter. “I apologize for disturbing you, but it’s your sister’s hand.”
Aaron’s heart dropped. He slipped the letter inside his waistcoat and forced a smile. “Thank you, Elkins.”
The butler nodded, and Aaron strode through the crowd out into the drawing room where he fumbled with the letter.
My dearest Aaron, she wrote, the letters unequivocally Constance’s with the long, sweepingyand the flamboyantA.
I know you must be concerned, but I am alive and well. And, dear brother, I am happy. Please do not concern yourself for my well-being. I shall return to London when I feel ready.
Your loving sister, Constance
Aaron stared at the page, having read it so fast he hadn’t taken the words in. He read it again, more slowly, and clenched his fist. She said she was safe, but he had no proof of that. This was proof she was still alive, he would give it that, but there was nothing more. No assurance of her location, of who she was with, or of why she would leave.
“Aaron?”
He didn’t look up at the sound of Charlotte’s voice. “Shouldn’t you be wooing your adoring hordes of gentlemen?”
“I came because you looked troubled,” she said, coming to stand before him. “And I was right. What is it?”
“My sister,” he said curtly, shoving the letter in her hands and striding away before his emotions could get the better of him. Constance sent the letter here tonight. Did she know he was celebrating his engagement?
“She says she’s well and happy,” Charlotte said, lowering the page and looking up at him. “Do you not believe her?”
“She offers nothing but empty platitudes.” He resumed pacing, tucking his hands behind his back. “I shouldn’t remain here. I should go in search of her. There’s been no news of her from my estate, but she could have returned and be hiding her presence from me. Failing that, there’s a chance she could have fled to Gretna Green which is far more accessible from Yorkshire.”
“Would you like some help?”
He looked at her properly for the first time. Instead of flinching back at his loss of control, she stood steady, staring at him with determination in her gaze. “You mean,” he said, his blood pumping in his head, “you wish to help me?”
“I knew Constance a little through Marcella, and…” she frowned, “I’m also concerned about her.”
“I hardly see how you could help.”
“I’m a woman,” she said. “And, if I may venture to say, I’m a woman attempting the extreme to escape my family situation.”
“She had nothing to escape!”
“Did she not?” Charlotte remained motionless as he prowled back toward her. “You say she was happy here, but did you ask? Did you clarify that the marriage you arranged was what she wanted? Did you do anything but assume you knew best because you think you always know best?”
“Be very careful what you say,” he growled.
“I’m not accusing you of cruelty, but you’re very good at presuming you know best.”
“And you know better, I assume?”
“I’d be prepared to help you look for her.”
Having her around would be dangerous. If he was to be around her in close proximity, he couldn’t be certain he could resist the urge to kiss her again or even more. Even now, he could have given into the temptation very easily; she was inches from him, her breath flowering across his mouth.
Yet if she could help—
“If you were to invite my mother and I to your estate, that should be very proper and above board,” she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as though she couldn’t help herself. If she was not careful, he soon wouldn’t be able to help himself.
