How the Lady Charmed the Marquess

by Laura A. Barnes

  Charlie pretended to straighten the hair ribbons on the vanity they shared. “No reason.”

  “Charlie?”

  Evelyn waited for Charlie to reply. Charlie couldn’t keep anything from her twin. Not that she wanted to. Or did she? What would Evelyn think of Sinclair’s offer? Would she approve?

  “Yesterday, Sinclair offered to pretend interest in a courtship between us so I would not have to endure the torture of other gentlemen’s attention. In exchange for my persuasion to Uncle Theo to sell Sapphire’s foal to Sinclair.”

  “Did you agree?”

  “No. Then I changed my mind after he rode off. However, I couldn’t get his attention the entire evening to agree. Then, when he asked you to join him on the stroll through the gardens, I knew I lost my chance. However, when Worthington coaxed me into visiting the stables, I decided I might not need Sinclair. Worthington is a nice enough chap and we hold a common interest. I do not think he wants a wife. I can spend time with him instead, and once the house party has ended, I will have convinced Uncle Theo that I attempted to take part, but the gentlemen did not take to me. So a season would be a mistake, and he will leave me behind.”

  “What interests do you hold with Lord Worthington?”

  “Horses.”

  “Oh,” Evelyn answered softly.

  “Yes, he has started this breeding program that is revolutionary. When I asked him questions, he was patient with me until I understood what he discussed. Never once growling at me, unlike Sinclair. He even wants my advice on his horse later today. I promise I will take a chaperone this time. You never answered my question. Did Sinclair mention my name or not?”

  “No, Charlotte, he did not.”

  Charlie should have felt relief that Sinclair had forgotten about their offer. However, she only experienced a sense of loss. Was he interested in Evelyn? Was Evelyn interested in Sinclair?

  “Are you interested in him, Evelyn?”

  “Who, Lord Worthington? We have nothing in common. I tolerate horses when I must. He loves them. I am shy and quiet, afraid to talk to gentlemen. He is outgoing and charms every female within his sight. I blend into the shadows, while he is a perfect specimen of the male form. With those broad shoulders, muscled thighs, a smile that makes your heart flutter, and his thick, blond waves with its tousled look. A head of hair where you would like to run your fingers through while he plunders your mouth with a kiss ...” Evelyn ended on one of her sighs.

  Charlie stared at Evelyn in shock. Her sister’s reading material of late must be very scandalous, because Evelyn’s description of Lord Worthington answered Charlie’s question. No, Evelyn wasn’t interested in Sinclair, but Worthington. How had Charlie not seen this? She thought they shared everything. It would appear Evelyn kept a few secrets of her own. Charlie had watched the dreamy expression in her sister’s eyes while she described Worthington and knew Evelyn was in love with the earl. Now, Charlie wouldn’t be able to use Worthington to her advantage. Or could she?

  Charlie said, “Actually, I was referring to Sinclair.”

  Evelyn blushed and strode to the window to cool herself. “We should go below stairs or Aunt Susanna will send a search party for us.”

  “Evelyn.”

  Evelyn sighed and turned around. “Charlotte.”

  “You love him.”

  “Sinclair? Nonsense, the gentleman is like a brother to us.”

  “I was referring to Lord Worthington this time.”

  Evelyn closed her eyes before admitting. “Yes.”

  Charlie rushed over and enveloped Evelyn in a hug. Evelyn relaxed in her arms.

  “’Tis silly,” said Evelyn.

  “’Tis wonderful. How long have you been in love with Worthington?”

  “Do you remember when he visited over the Christmas holidays?”

  “Yes.”

  Evelyn withdrew from Charlie.

  “Well, we might have shared a kiss under the mistletoe.”

  “Might have? And you never thought to share this with me?”

  “It was too personal, Charlie.”

  “I understand. Now that you have mentioned the kiss, you must spill the rest.”

  Charlie settled in a chair, pulling her legs up to rest her chin on her knees, waiting in anticipation. Evelyn must have realized Charlie wouldn’t leave until she told everything, because Evelyn sat too.

  “I was unable to sleep, and I did not want to disturb you. So, I went to the library to get a book to read. When I entered the library, it was to find Lord Worthington drinking near the fire. I tried to turn and leave before he noticed me, but I was not quick enough.”

  “Did he sweep you off your feet?”

  “Not at first. I apologized for interrupting him and tried to return upstairs. He stopped me under the door and teased me about the mistletoe. He said, as an apology on invading his solitude, I must kiss him for forgiveness. I knew he was only jesting, but his manner was so inviting. He lured me closer and whispered how much he had wanted to kiss me since dinner. Which only confused me, because I didn’t sit near him at dinner. I lost all sense of right and wrong when his arms wrapped around me and his mouth lowered to mine. When his lips met mine, it was like finally coming home.”

  “How romantic,” Charlie sighed.

  “Mmm.”

  “How did it feel to be kissed?”

  “Wonderful. Exhilarating. Wanted. Loved. But most of all disappointing.”

  “Disappointing? Why?”

  “Because it was not my name he whispered after the kiss.”

  “Why, that scoundrel. If not yours, then whose?”

  “Yours,” Evelyn whispered.

  “Mine? That is absurd.”

  “You do not remember, do you?”

  “Remember what?

  “You were the one who sat next to him at dinner that night. It was your animated discussion of Sapphire that entranced him. He sat next to you when we sang Christmas carols. Worthington thought he was kissing you under the mistletoe. With him seeking your attention last night, it only shows proof on who he desires. ‘Tis not I.”

  “Oh, Evelyn. I am sorry. I held no clue.”

  “How would you? You are not at fault.”

  “What happened after he whispered my name? Did you slap him?”

  Evelyn shook her head.

  “Did you call him out?”

  Evelyn looked away from Charlie.

  “Evelyn, what did you do?”

  “I might have allowed him a few more liberties than I should have. It is not what you’re thinking, Charlotte. Only a few more kisses, perhaps, while I sat on his lap.”

  “This is madness.”

  Charlie exploded out of her chair and paced across the bedroom. She stopped from time to time, shaking her head at Evelyn, before resuming her stride. This was a complete utter madness. Not only had her sister compromised herself, but the scoundrel believed it was Charlie he seduced. No wonder he'd sought her attention last night. Worthington assumed he could pick up where he left off. He would be in for a disappointment. Charlie should be cross with Evelyn, but when Evelyn described her time with Worthington, she'd noticed a difference. That one kiss brought Evelyn out of her shell. A shell she had burrowed in since their parent’s death. While Charlie rebelled at every opportunity, Evelyn locked herself away. If this was the gentleman who could show Evelyn how to live, then Charlie would sacrifice her good name for love to happen. Charlie stopped in front of Evelyn.

  “Why did you not at least tell him who he was kissing?”

  “Because I was afraid he would stop once he realized he held the unnoticeable twin on his lap. He wanted the wild twin. I was afraid to see disappointment in his eyes, not the flare of desire burning directly at me. I cannot even describe the sensation of his arms holding me in their embrace. The emotions overwhelmed any rational thought. I only wanted to feel. I am sorry for the deception. Please forgive me.”

  Charlie grabbed Evelyn’s hands in hers.

  �
�There is nothing to forgive. In fact, I am most impressed. I finally have rubbed off on you. And in such a naughty way too.” Charlie laughed.

  “Have you ever ...?”

  “No, never. That is what makes this so grand.”

  “Please, do not tell a soul. I made a promise to myself not to pine over Worthington and to overcome my shyness by engaging with the other gentlemen that Uncle Theo has invited.”

  “I promise your secret is safe with me. What if you can have your fun with Worthington and show him your charm, not mine, and also make him jealous enough to pursue you?”

  “That sounds deceitful, and that is not how I wish to make him fall in love with me.”

  “Hear me out, sister. I am only suggesting on occasions we trade places like we used to when we were younger. No one could tell the difference then, and I doubt if they could now. The only challenging aspect would be that when you are pretending to be me, you must embrace the full Charlotte Holbrooke experience.”

  “This does not sound wise. I fear the consequences, if anyone catches our deceit.”

  “Then we must make sure we never get caught. Shall we win you the love of Lord Worthington?”

  Evelyn nodded, too choked up to speak. The love for Worthington shone from her eyes while Charlie explained their plan. When they joined the family to greet the guests for the day, they would do so as themselves. Aunt Susanna planned a game of pall mall for the afternoon where she would split them into teams of a gentleman and lady each. Charlie told Evelyn that she would convince Aunt Susanna to pair Evelyn with Sinclair, and herself with Worthington. Then, before they went outside, they would make the switch with their clothing. Evelyn would then play the game with Worthington and win him over. While Charlie would pretend to be Evelyn with Sinclair.

  She couldn’t wait to fool the marquess. Sinclair didn’t realize it yet, but he would end up helping her and Evelyn at the same time—with no knowledge of his assistance.

  Chapter Six

  Sinclair waited for Evelyn to join him out on the lawn. He held their mallets. When Charlotte had rejoined the group, he thought Evelyn wouldn’t be far behind. The two sisters had excused themselves with a need to gather their bonnets, but an excuse was all it was. Charlie had emerged with her hair flowing behind her. Her display of enthusiasm for having Worthington for a partner was nauseating. If anything, she tried too hard. But it fooled Worthington, if his smirk in Sinclair’s direction was anything to go by. Sinclair tried to persuade Lady Forrester into letting Charlie and him partner. However, the lady had been adamant about the teams being picked and they were final. Perhaps he would use this to his advantage. He would ply information from Evelyn about Charlotte and Worthington. Then he would plan on how to come between them.

  “Please forgive my delay, Lord Sinclair,” Evelyn spoke quietly behind him.

  Evelyn had at least grabbed a bonnet to protect her skin, unlike her sister. The pale blue matched her cream-colored dress to perfection. Even though they were twins, their mannerisms were different. Jasper had always been able to tell them apart. However, something seemed off with Evelyn this afternoon. He tried to catch her gaze, but Evelyn kept her head lowered, looking down where he had been rolling the ball under his boot. Sinclair wanted to reassure Evelyn that his impatience wasn’t because of her. When she still wouldn’t make eye contact with him, he placed a knuckle under her chin and raised her head.

  When his eyes connected with Evelyn’s they sparked with the same damn attraction he felt for her sister. Sinclair jerked his finger away and stepped back. Shame settled over him for experiencing the same lust for sisters. Sinclair would need to pay a visit to the widow Chambers soon. Obviously, his absence from bedding a woman these last couple of months affected his libido. Not only did he want to kiss one Holbrooke lady, now he wanted to kiss two of them.

  Sinclair almost made a fool of himself with Evelyn until she tilted her head to the side. There was only one twin who held this characteristic. And that was Charlie. With a quick perusal, he took notice of a few changes that he wouldn’t have seen otherwise, except he hadn’t taken his eyes off of Charlotte Holbrooke all day. He tried to engage with her, but she kept avoiding him.

  The most noticeable of changes was the shawl. They had changed their dresses, but they neglected to swap out the shawls. Then there was the matter of their hairstyles. While both girls had worn their hair down from earlier, they forgot to change the ribbons. Charlie still had the same green ribbon peeking out of her bonnet. Where before Evelyn had been wearing yellow ribbons in her hair. He looked over Charlie’s shoulder and sure enough, without a bonnet to contain them, those yellow ribbons were floating in the air behind Evelyn. Then the most prominent feature was the color of their eyes. He couldn’t for the life of him remember the color of Evelyn’s. When the spark of attention caused him to drop his fingers, he had stared into the greenest eyes with flecks of gold. Charlotte’s eyes.

  “A worthwhile wait, for your beauty has humbled the very air I breathe, sweet Evelyn.”

  A blush spread across Charlie’s cheeks and she lowered her lashes. Sinclair wanted to laugh at the demure expression, but decided to have some fun for a bit. He wouldn’t hold out for long, but long enough to make Charlie wonder if he held an interest in Evelyn.

  “Shall we?” Sinclair bent to pick up the ball and crooked his elbow.

  Charlie slid a hand along his arm. She remained quiet after his compliment, the way Evelyn would. However, Sinclair was no longer fooled. The heat from her touch radiated off his arm. A heat only enflamed around Charlotte. A heat he wanted to explore. Why, after all this time, he held no clue. Another gentleman’s interest toward Charlotte didn’t sit well with him. Also, he had noticed the remaining bachelor’s glances toward her when introductions were made. He saw their sparks of interests. Sparks he would extinguish when needed.

  On the path to join the others, he plied Charlie with a steady stream of conversation. Each comment more flirtatious than the one before. While not obnoxious, he hoped to draw out Charlie’s temper. However, the chit stood strong in her deceit. If he hadn’t known Charlie like he did, the twins would have fooled him too. She played Evelyn to perfection. Each answer was polite and quiet, with her blushes growing darker.

  When they reached the course, the game had already begun, and they were the last players to start. Each team traded off on the players to hit the ball toward the round wire. Sinclair placed the ball in Charlie’s hand, his fingers laying on top of hers longer than he should have, hoping to fluster her. If she had been Evelyn it would have worked, which only proved he was correct on Charlie’s identity. Charlie’s confidence on her deception must have been bolstered during the short walk. Because of instead of pulling away in shyness, she smiled at him. Not the victorious smile of Charlie, but one of Evelyn’s smiles. Sweet, patient, and full of innocence.

  She lowered the ball to the ground, placing it where she wanted to hit it. When she bent over, the shawl dropped from her shoulders. The tips of the cashmere lace dangled near the grass. That was when Sinclair noted the last clue. The buttons were in the wrong holes on the back of the dress and two of the holes were missing buttons altogether. In their haste to switch clothing, Charlie and Evelyn forgot a few minor details. Sinclair bit back his laughter. Charlie rose, and he handed her the mallet.

  Charlie started off the game with the first whack. They took turns trying to catch up with the rest of the party, but the other players pulled ahead. When Sinclair looked around, he noticed the guests were laughing and enjoying their partners in the game. None of the guests paid them any attention. They were near the outskirts of the open lawn. Next to them were trees and bushes, leading to a pond nearby.

  Sinclair stood back while Charlie tilted her head to the side, trying to decide the best strategy. If she hit it to the left too hard, it risked flying into the wooded area. However, if she hit it toward the right too much, they would be off course, putting them farther behind. She paused, wiggling her
hips into position, causing Sinclair to groan. The innocent act flared his imagination with carnal thoughts. When she hesitated on hitting the ball, Sinclair came behind Charlie and pressed himself against her backside. He slid his hands down her arms, wrapping them around hers. Her body stiffened.

  “You must tap the ball lightly. Or else we will have to search for it in the trees,” Sinclair whispered near Charlie’s ear.

  Charlie’s heart stopped for a brief second, before it rapidly pounded again in her chest. Once it regained, she held her breath. Sinclair had wrapped his body around hers while instructing how to hit the ball. Charlie knew how to hit the ball. She didn’t know how to deal with Sinclair so close. His warm breath against her neck melted her insides. His fingers were now sliding in between hers, holding the mallet with her. She felt his manhood against her backside. Charlie had been around horses enough to understand that Sinclair held desire for her. Charlie paused. Not for her. For Evelyn. This unsettled Charlie even more. The marquess’s invitation for a stroll the night before, and his attention throughout the game, made his interest in Evelyn clear.

  Charlie must put a stop to his behavior. She couldn’t think with him so close. After the game, she would find a quiet spot and reflect on how Sinclair’s desire for Evelyn affected her. Then she would find Evelyn and inform her of Sinclair’s interest. It was the only fair thing to do. Once she told Evelyn, she would confess to Sinclair of their deception. Then if he truly wanted Evelyn, he would have to win her heart, even though Charlie knew Evelyn’s heart held out for Worthington. While Charlie thought she could deceive others, her conscience always won.

  She pulled herself out of his embrace. Charlie glanced around and saw no one paid them any attention. When her gaze landed on Sinclair, it was to find his devilish, charming, flirtatious, sinful smile directed on her.

  “Lord Sinclair, your assistance is not needed,” Charlotte stuttered. She didn’t have to pretend to be Evelyn. Sinclair’s smile flustered her beyond all reason. Which only made him smile more.