“My lady,” the Duke said, taking Charlotte’s hand and leading her to the pianoforte. “I am convinced that there is nothing at all modest about Charlotte’s talents.”
Charlotte felt her heart twist a little at the touch of his hand as he took hers for the second time that evening. His fingers were warm as they encased her own. He stood next to the instrument, watching her closely as she selected a piece of music and began to play.
It’s all just a game, she reminded herself as she felt the intensity of his gaze.Nothing more than a game.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
The following morning, Charlotte was sitting at the breakfast table finishing her morning coffee and a roll spread with butter. Martha was at her side, and their father was also present, engaged for the moment in reading a newspaper that one of the footmen had just brought to the table. Lady Margaret and Alison had not yet come downstairs, and Charlotte was enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning.
“And what do you have planned for the day, girls?” Lord Haddington asked after a while, placing his newspaper on the table in front of him.
Charlotte flushed a little. “The Duke has asked if he may accompany me into town to take a walk about the park, with your permission, of course, Father.”
The viscount nodded. “Perhaps Martha might accompany you, with Sally?”
Charlotte nodded. Propriety was the most important thing, of course, especially in the delicate matter of courtship. She turned to her sister. “Would you be happy to come with us, Martha?”
“Certainly,” Martha agreed. “The weather looks to be pleasant today, and it will be most diverting to visit the town and see the park. I should like it very much.”
Charlotte smiled. Her sister was so agreeable.
At that moment, their maid Sally entered the room, and everyone looked up in surprise. It was not usual for a maid to be involved in the family’s breakfast time, and so her arrival was not in the least bit expected.
“Miss Hervey, might I speak with you about something?” she asked rather timidly.
Charlotte frowned. “Of course, Sally. Is something wrong?”
“No, miss, there is something in your chamber that I need to show you, that is all.”
Charlotte followed her out of the room and upstairs, a sneaking feeling growing as she neared her chamber.
Once they were inside, Sally removed an envelope from the folds of her dress. “You told me, miss, that if another letter from Lord Harry arrived, I was to bring it straight to you,” she whispered. Even though the door of the room was closed, she clearly understood the need for absolute secrecy. “His manservant just came to the back door and asked for me.”
Charlotte felt something in her heart flutter as she took the letter from Sally. “Thank you, Sally,” she said quietly. “You may leave me now. And please, remember not to tell anyone of this. It is of the utmost importance.”
Sally nodded, dropped a curtsey, then left the room, leaving Charlotte alone. She scarcely knew what to do with herself. Usually, she would have ripped open the letter immediately, but she felt some hesitancy now, for the first time. Why was he writing to her now when he had just enounced his engagement to another lady? What could he possibly have to say to her? She wondered, with trepidation, whether the Duke’s plan had actually worked.
She sat down on the bed and opened the envelope, then unfolded the letter, written in his masculine, sloping hand.
My dear Charlotte,it read.It pained me greatly to see your distress at the announcement of my engagement to Miss Sofia Thomas. You must understand that this arrangement is all my mother’s doing. She and Lady Thomas are great friends and have been planning a match between their children since we were in our cradles.
Charlotte frowned. Lord Harry had not seemed to show any reluctance towards the match at the ball a few days ago. Indeed, he had been smiling broadly when the announcement was made as if it was the dearest wish of his heart to be engaged to the young lady standing next to him.
She read on.It is my dearest wish to free myself from this arrangement, and I am trying as hard as I can to manage the situation, but you know how difficult these things can be! But it serves to buy some time, my dear Charlotte, until I can work out a way for us to be together. Will you wait for me? Or are you now on the verge of giving your heart to another? My dearest Charlotte, I am in torment. Please let me know that you are still constant to me? Your most devoted servant, Lord H.
Charlotte read the letter twice, then threw it on the floor and lay down on the bed. She had no idea what to make of this latest development. Was he in earnest, wanting her assurance of constancy? The whole situation was most vexing.
A few minutes later, there was a gentle knock at the door, and Martha came into the room. “Sister, is it a letter from Lord Harry?” she asked anxiously.
Charlotte nodded. “You may read it if you like.” She motioned toward the paper lying on the floor next to the bed.
Martha picked it up and read it, letting out a gasp as she digested the words contained therein. “Goodness! How ardently he writes!”
“Indeed,” Charlotte said. “I do not know what to do, sister!” She felt a wave of despair sweeping over her. She knew she should feel happy at this latest development, but she felt almost nauseous, and her stomach was a knot of anxiety.
“I think you should ignore the letter, Charlotte,” Martha said quietly. “He has shown that he cannot be trusted.”
“But this was the whole purpose of the arrangement with the Duke!” Charlotte cried. “I wanted Lord Harry to do this, didn’t I?”
