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Oh Ethan.
Pressing her forehead against the glass, she thought of how he had loved her for the hours they spent together. How wonderful it had been to sit and read with him. They had shared a glass of brandy and laughed and talked and shared so much intimacy. He had shown his affection…even devotion and loyalty, and she had been blinded to it because she hoped for words.
How it must have injured his pride to withdraw his offer of marriage. More than his pride, she thought, something more profound. “I must return to Dorset,” she said, whirling around, her heart pounding. “I have been a fool!”
Federica smiled widely. “You will return without the earl’s invitation.”
“I believe he will be happy to see me.” She hoped.
She bid Frederica adieu and left a letter for Theo that she would return to the club soon. Charity hurried home, trepidation and exhilaration beating in her heart. She entered her brother’s townhouse, removing her bonnet and pelisse.
“Welcome home, Lady Charity. A letter arrived for you and was marked urgent,” the butler said gravely.
“Good heavens is everything all right with His Lordship or her Ladyship?” she asked, her thought going to Louisa’s delicate state.
“It was sent from Dorset, my lady.”
She hurried to the mantle, where she combed through the letters to find one sent by Jenna. Holding the envelope firmly in her clasp, Charity ran up the stairs to her bedchamber. She was panting by the time she sat on the edge of her bed and tore into the letter, praying there had been no accident. Unfolding the letter with shaking fingers, she read:
Dearest Charity,
You must return to Dorset at once, I plead with you. Miss Alice has gotten quite devious in her machinations in the hopes of marrying my brother and becoming the next countess of Ralston. She fell in a pond abutting our estate, and he had to rescue her most gallantly. It was shameless the way she clung to him as he carried her inside. I even saw a smile she thought hidden. I saw her leaving the library late in the night, after ten, only for Ethan to exit only a few minutes behind her. I dread to think how long they were alone together and what might have happened. Only yesterday, she pretended to twist an ankle and found herself once again in his arms.
I dread what else might happen in the days it will take for this letter to reach you. If you have any feelings for my brother, I implore you to return for a few more days. I also miss you dreadfully.
Your friend,
Jenna
“Bloody hell,” Charity cursed and flopping back on the bed to stare in the ceiling.
What if she were too late?
