Charlotte stared at Marcella in shock. The younger girl sat before the mirror with an expression of smug content at her reflection, barely giving Charlotte a moment of her attention. “You wouldn’t wish me to marry Sebastian,” Charlotte said after a moment. “Why, then I would be your sister.”
“Only by marriage, and when I marry, I will no longer have to live in this house and endure your company.” Charlotte could hardly believe she was having this conversation with Marcella of all people. But, on second thought, it made sense; she would rather Charlotte marry Sebastian than marry the Duke.
“Do you have your eye on anyone in particular?” Charlotte asked.
Marcella sent her a spiteful glance. “As though I would tellyou.”
“If you’re hoping to entice the Duke now that my engagement to him has ended,” Charlotte said, keeping her voice level, “I would advise giving up that scheme now. He will have no intention of aligning himself with you or me or this family in any capacity.”
“And how could you know that when you chased him away?”
Charlotte bit her lip. She hardly knewhowshe knew; all she knew was that Aaron’s heart was both a mystery and an open book. She didn’t know how he felt about her, but she knew how he would feel about a marriage with Marcella or indeed any relationship that might encourage a close proximity with Sebastian.
“One thing is for certain,” Marcella said, rising. “If I am not to have him, you certainly are not.”
“Well congratulations—I am not to have him.” Even though the mere thought of it sent a spike of hurt through her that clutched cold fingers around her lungs.
Lady Henley’s townhouse was a relatively modest affair after the grandness of Hexham Manor, and Charlotte found it refreshing as she entered. They were shown through to the ballroom which had a harp set up at one side. Miss Langley was an accomplished harp player, and there were chairs set up for any members who would like to listen. Card tables were also placed at strategic intervals, and given they were in the ballroom, Charlotte had little doubt there would be the option of dancing later.
“Lady Charlotte,” Lord Routley said, breaking away from his group and approaching her. The pointedness of his approach had whispers fluttering in their direction, but he appeared not to notice as he bowed over her hand. “I’m so very pleased to see you in attendance.”
“As I am pleased to be here,” she said. “Pray allow me to introduce my mother, Lady Lowood and my cousin, Lady Marcella. You already know my cousin, of course, the Earl of Lowood.”
“A pleasure,” he said, his gaze lingering across Marcella’s face before returning to Charlotte’s. “Would you care to join us? We are greatly looking forward to Miss Langley’s performance.”
Sebastian stood behind them and sketched a small bow. “I’m afraid your taste in entertainment is not the same as mine,” he said coldly. “Pray excuse me.”
Charlotte watched as he strode away, secretly relieved to see him go. There could be nothing worse than having him scowling over her shoulder as she did her best to attract a man she had little interest in at best.
As she turned, Lord Routley’s hand lightly touching her back, she caught sight of Aaron standing with his aunt and sister. A half-empty glass was in his hand, and he laughed, his face warm and open with them.
Her fickle heart lurched, and she turned away before her face could heat. Of course, he was perfectly fine. He had professed his love to her, but no doubt that was in order to entice her to bed. And, to her eternal humiliation, it had worked. She’d believed him, and now she was paying the price. If someone found out—or if he happened to tell a soul—her reputation would be ruined.
“Lady Charlotte?” Lord Routley asked, his tone gentle. “Is everything all right?”
She glanced up at him, plastering a smile on her face. “Perfectly, My Lord.” Aaron would never know how much she suffered. If there was anything she was certain of it, it was this. For him, she would smile and laugh and make merry. For him, she would bury her broken heart so deep perhaps even she would never find it again.
* * *
Aaron tightened his grip on the glass in his hand as he watched the possessive way Lord Routley touched Charlotte’s back. Of all events she had to come to, it had to be this intimate, private affair.
And, of course, Lady Henley had to invite the Lowood family when sheknewof the recent breakup between them.
He forced himself to laugh at something his aunt said, though he hardly knew what, and glanced back across at Charlotte. Her head was turned to Lord Routley as he said something to her, and a curl fell across her neck. Lord Routley brushed it aside, and Aaron could have sworn that, just for a second, Charlotte froze.
Served her right for involving herself with another gentleman so soon after they had ended things. He’d always known that was what she would do. After all, anything was preferable than marrying Sebastian though in a fit of pique he’d half hoped she would be forced to.
“Aaron?” Constance asked. “Are you listening to me?”
He dragged his gaze away from Charlotte. “Of course, Con. I’m always listening.”
“You’re a liar.” Her tone was a little sharper than usual, and he didn’t blame her. They hadn’t had time to resolve the argument, and even Edward—absent tonight after citing a necessity to work—hadn’t spoken to him today.
In truth, he felt a little like a brute, but there would be ample time to make up for it later when they were not closeted in the same room as Charlotte Calore.
“She looks just as content with Lord Routley,” someone whispered from behind him. “No doubt she’s happy enough to have found another man willing to take her on after she ended things with the Duke.”
“Perhaps his philandering ways offended her.”
