Charlie slipped out of the narrow opening, keeping it slightly ajar so as not to awaken Evelyn when she returned. Once she reached Duncan’s bedroom, she used their special knock. Duncan opened the door and pulled her through, then he covered her mouth before she screamed at his rough treatment.
“Hush for a few minutes. If I let you go, will you stay quiet?”
Charlie nodded and Duncan released her. He wrapped Charlie in a quilt and led her to the farthest part of his room, away from any openings. Then he went back and pressed his ear against the secret door. After he seemed confident no one would disturb them, he returned to Charlie, sprawling in the chair before the fire. He lifted a bottle of whiskey and drank deeply. After Duncan finished, he held the bottle out to Charlie.
“No, thank you.”
“Suit yourself.”
“What was so urgent that I had to sneak out to you?”
“You’ve never questioned meeting before. Why now?”
“Because I promised Jacqueline that for the rest of the house party I would behave properly.”
“Was this before or after you shoved Sinclair into the lake?”
“After,” Charlie mumbled.
“Why the act of defiance?”
“Because.”
“Because why?” Duncan persisted.
“Because he treated me like the pompous arse he always used to be.”
“And was this before or after you snuck away into the woods?”
“Both. You saw?”
Duncan nodded.
“Did anyone else?”
Duncan shrugged.
Charlie started pacing back and forth. “If they did, someone would have spoken up. Or are they waiting to gossip at tomorrow’s ball?” Charlie’s whisper grew louder with every step.
Duncan grabbed Charlie and planted her back onto the chair. “You must stay quiet before someone catches us and they force us to wed. There has been an unusual amount of traffic in the passageway this evening. We cannot risk getting caught.”
“What am I to do?”
Duncan sighed, realizing that he would have to discuss Charlie’s dilemma before she would help him with his. He didn’t even understand his own complicated problem.
“Tell me about Sinclair’s treatment toward you.”
“While we ate, he implied that just because our relationship had changed, he would treat me no different.”
“Why should he?”
“Why should he not?”
“Keep explaining.”
“Then he guided me back into the woods. Tempted me with ... you know.”
“Tempted?”
“With a kiss, but then turned and left before kissing me. Why even attempt to get us alone, if he was only going to leave?”
“Charlie, my girl, you do not understand how a man’s mind works.”
“How would I? Uncle Theo has always been attentive and spoils us to no end. Lucas is like a brother, protective yet understanding, sometimes anyway. And you are like a girl’s best friend.”
“Flatterer.”
Charlie frowned at Duncan.
“You scare Sinclair. He realizes that he not only has to look out for himself, but also you too. His behavior today displayed how he tried to protect your honor. When he arrived at the picnic and blatantly undressed you with his eyes, he noticed the attention he drew. So he needed to revert to his old behavior to draw the attention off you. Then, like a fool, he snuck you into the woods. His conscience must have spoken, so he left you wondering. Which is never a good thing to do with you. Because your mind conjures incorrect reasons for his behavior. Hence pushing him into the pond.”
Charlie winced. Perhaps she had taken this afternoon a little overboard. Jasper muddled with her mind as usual. She never even took into consideration that he might have been protecting her.
“I understand now.”
“Good.”
“Duncan?”
“Yes.”
“Before we discuss why I am here, can you tell me about the scuffle in the village?”
“’Tis nothing. Just a disagreement between three gentlemen.”
“Which three gentlemen?”
“Worthington, Ralston, and Sinclair.”
“About?”
“Just a silly wager Uncle mentioned. Ralston had too much to drink and baited the other two.”
“What is the wager?”
“Nothing, just a gentleman’s bet. Nothing more.”
Charlie shrugged in acceptance. If it were something important, she trusted that Duncan would tell her. Since he didn’t elaborate, it must be something ridiculous. Most bets were between gentlemen. However, boys will be boys.
“Just one more question. What did you mean by unusual activity in the passageway this evening?”
“I have heard footsteps walking up and down while I waited for you. Once when I peeked out, thinking it was you. I noticed Sinclair wandering the hallway. How would Sinclair have knowledge of the passageway?”
“I might have paid him a visit last night ...”
Duncan closed his eyes. When he opened them he glared at her. “Are you mad?”
“Perhaps a little.”
“If Sinclair does not have a ring on your finger by the end of the ball, then whatever Uncle Theo decides on your fate, I will support.”
“Even if it is not Sinclair?”
“Even if it is not Sinclair.”
“You are being unfair.”
“No, I am being reasonable. The man cannot ruin you and not marry you. If he does not, then the man does not deserve you.”
“He will.”
“Humph.”
“Now onto your problem, Duncan. What is so dire?”
“I might have compromised Lady Selina.”
“Might have?”
“Not completely, but my actions might have progressed too far.”
“Uncle Theo will have your head, not to mention what Lucas might do.”
“Do you not think I know that?” Duncan growled, rising to his feet to pace back and forth. Something he reprimanded Charlie for he now did himself.
“Sit,” Charlie hissed.
Duncan sat on the edge of the chair, running his hands through his hair. He kept tapping his foot, showing his agitation. He realized the predicament he'd put himself in. At first it had been a distraction to forget his troubles from back home. Then Selina got under his skin like she always did. Before this trip he could ignore the temptation, convincing himself that she was too high in the instep for him. Then there was the matter of Selina being promised to his cousin. On this trip, there had been a shift that he couldn’t quite explain. Was it because Selina would marry Lucas in a matter of months?
Selina Pemberton was the complete opposite of what he desired in a lady. She was too haughty, vindictive to his loved ones, a spoiled brat. One that he wanted to tame. Because under all her bitchiness was a lonely lady who only wanted someone to love her. Her attitude was nothing but a protective barrier that she kept shrouded in ice. Ice that melted at his touch. Duncan loved Lucas like a brother, but Lucas didn’t deserve Selina. He did.
“Do you care for Selina?”
“Yes.”
Charlie grimaced. “Why?”
“I cannot even explain it to myself, let alone to you.”
“I understand.”
“What am I to do?”
“You need to convince Selina to call off the betrothal.”
“That will not be an option.”
“Did you ask her?”
“I tried, but you see I am not her cup of tea. Her scathing words were along the lines of why would she marry a Scottish heathen when she will eventually be a duchess.”
“She has a point,” Charlie teased.
“Grr, another bleedin’ female with not a sympathetic heart.”
“Duncan, where Selina Pemberton is concerned there is no such emotion.”
“There is more to her. You only see what she wants you to see.
”
“A matter we shall never agree on. Maybe you're attracted to Selina, because you see her as a challenge.”
“How so?”
“Because any lady you encounter falls at your feet for attention. Selina does not. You, my friend, enjoy the chase. The question is; once you catch Selina, will you feel the same way? Or will the excitement wear off?”
Duncan pondered Charlie’s comment. Was that the reason for his attraction to the wench? Because she was unattainable? Or because she struck a chord in him that he wanted her to unravel. Either way, the emotions he held for Selina were stronger than anything he had ever felt before, and he knew she felt the same.
“Nay.”
“Then I think you know what you must do. If it is any consolation, I will offer my support in any way you need it.”
“Thanks, lass.”
Duncan stared into the fire, lost in his thoughts. He hadn’t noticed Charlie curling into the pillows and pulling the quilt over herself. Nor did he when her eyes closed with a sigh. Even when her light snores whispered against the crackling logs, his thoughts consumed him. However, when he heard the room next to him open the door leading to the secret passage, he came out of his fog. He swore a string of curses, leaping from the chair, when he noted the sky changing to the colors of dawn. A light pink dotted the frayed distance of the midnight darkness. Soon, the servants would be about, and Charlie was still in his room.
“Wake up, Charlie. You must return to your room with haste.” Duncan nudged Charlie on the shoulder.
“Mmm,” Charlie moaned, swatting at Duncan.
Duncan growled at his dilemma. He scooped Charlie into his arms before he threw her over his shoulder. Still the lass slept. Charlie could sleep amongst the dead. He slipped through the corridor and it wasn’t until he reached Charlie’s bedroom before he heard her muffled curses whenever she banged against his backside. Duncan flipped Charlie onto her feet and covered her mouth.
“Hush. Now get in your room quick. It is almost dawn. You fell asleep on the settee. Sorry, love, for not waking you sooner.”
Charlie dragged a hand through her hair, yawning. “’Tis not your fault.”
“Get some more sleep. Thank you for your understanding ear.” Duncan whispered, cupping her cheek tenderly and placing a kiss on her forehead.
Charlie smiled sleepily at Duncan, “Anytime.”
Duncan gently pushed Charlie toward the opening before striding back into his room. He hoped that Evelyn slept as heavily as Charlie and didn’t notice her sister’s absence throughout the night. Either way, Charlie needed a husband and if Sinclair didn’t step forward, then Duncan would protect Charlie from any scandal.
SINCLAIR PRESSED HIMSELF deeper into the shadows. When what he wanted to do most was to inject himself into the scene playing before him. The tender exchange between Charlie and Forrester twisted his heart into pieces. Her betrayal pierced his soul leaving behind an ache he doubted he could ever recover from. As much as wanted to look away he couldn’t. Sinclair saw for himself the affection between the two. Charlie had reassured him that Forrester and she were only friends, and like a fool Sinclair had believed her. No, they were more than friends. Friends didn’t visit each other in the cloak of darkness in secrecy. Nor did friends share a kiss, even one as innocent as on the forehead. No, these two shared a bond that would never break. Sinclair refused to share his wife with another man.
Once Forrester wandered back to his room, Sinclair stepped out of the shadows. He reached down to pick up the scrap of paper that had fallen out of Charlie’s robe while Forrester carried her to her bedroom. Sinclair slipped the note into his pocket. He waited a few moments before he returned to his room. Sinclair dragged the chair near the window and propped his feet on the window seal. He reached over to grab the bottle of whiskey he'd confiscated from the duke’s study. Lifting it to his lips, he drowned himself in his sorrows. Maybe, if he drank enough, the pain consuming him would sustain. After his first few swallows, he realized nothing could ever help him ease this ache. Only a kiss from her lips would. But that would only bring on another set of problems. He could never trust in her kiss again. No matter how sweet it was.
Sinclair dug into his pocket and unraveled the scrunched up note. He peered at the words: Use the secret corridor and meet in my room at midnight. While Sinclair had waited for Charlie to appear throughout the night she had already gifted herself to Forrester. Sinclair had spent the night pacing the corridor, fighting with himself at knocking at her bedroom door. Each time he talked himself into surprising her, he stopped. He would convince himself that if he knocked, he would be a selfish bastard in wanting to compromise her more than he already had. Then he would return to his room, defeated with himself. However, every time he twisted the ring around in his pocket, it would build his courage again to approach Charlie. He wanted to propose tonight. To secure her promise of a lifetime together.
After his fight with Worthington and Ralston over Charlotte in the village that evening, he'd realized that if he didn’t propose, he could lose her. His reason wasn’t because of the duke’s offer. No, his reason stood because of the love he held for her. He didn’t want to listen to another man speak Charlotte’s name.
Sinclair had hoped that she would have come to him again. But after his conceited attitude at the picnic, Sinclair knew he'd riled Charlie’s temper. And that he would need to be the one to make amends. Sinclair had only acted as he did, to draw attention off them. He noticed the duke’s observation of them and her matchmaking aunt’s not-so-subtle messages. When he dragged her into the woods, it was a moment of madness. When he re-emerged, her uncle had been on the way over to them. So when Charlie shoved him in the water, he taunted her some more to have the desired affect he achieved. When her uncle witnessed their exchange, he seemed pleased that Sinclair hadn’t compromised her. Only the other gentlemen thought otherwise. They were furious after a few drinks at the tavern, and they let their displeasure show. Sinclair still felt a few twinges from where their fists landed. Gray and Forrester separated the fight, and they returned to the estate. Where Sinclair waited like the fool he was.
It was on the last talk he gave himself that he decided to risk everything for a moment of Charlie’s time. Now the ring burned a hole in his pocket. A ring that upon tomorrow he would return to his mother’s care. A ring that would never grace Charlotte’s hand as he had planned.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie’s gaze searched the ballroom over Lord Worthington’s shoulder for Jasper. He had made himself scarce throughout the day. When Charlie searched for him, she inquired to Lucas of his whereabouts. Lucas informed her that Jasper returned home to collect his mother for the ball. With a relief that he hadn’t been avoiding her, Charlie took herself off to her bedroom to get ready for the ball. When she informed Evelyn of her doubts, she reassured Charlie that her imagination was getting the best of her. However, once the ball kicked into full swing, he still hadn’t showed. After a few dances, Charlie’s doubts resurfaced and left her wondering if the past few days were also a part of her imagination.
Once the dance ended, Worthington escorted Charlie back over to Evelyn’s side. Her sister engaged Worthington in small talk to keep him there. Charlie slipped again into her search for Jasper. She found Lady Sinclair drinking a glass of champagne, talking to Aunt Susanna. Which meant Jasper was near. She wasn’t mistaken when Jasper appeared by his mother’s side returning from the dance floor with Gemma. Charlie’s heart sped up at the sight of Jasper. She smoothed her trembling palms against her skirt. Jasper was strikingly handsome in his jet black greatcoat. The emerald waistcoat spanning his chest made her mouth water to what lay beneath. As her gaze traveled lower, she noticed his breeches fit him like a tight glove. Every muscle outlined, leaving nothing to any lady’s imagination. Charlie’s gaze lifted to meet Jasper’s eyes. His glare unsettled her.
“Would you give me the honor of the dinner dance?” Worthington asked Charlotte.
“Excellent. I shall return later this evening.” Worthington said before he walked away.
“How could you?” Evelyn hissed before rushing away.
Oblivious to the conversation that just took place, Charlie tilted her head while keeping her gaze trained on Jasper. She didn’t understand his misplaced anger. Why didn’t he search her out when he arrived? Why didn’t he come to her side now? Charlie’s confusion only grew when he whispered something to his mother and turned to head in the opposite direction of Charlie.
When Charlie tilted her head at him, Jasper knew he had to put space between them quick. It would only be a matter of time before she came over to them. The carriage ride over was torture enough. His mother’s constant questioning on who he had chosen for a bride grated on his nerves. He didn’t have time to explain that he had changed his mind. That it was a foolish idea once he thought it through, and he'd decided he wasn’t ready to settle down. Except a lame excuse wouldn’t satisfy his mother. She would want details and wouldn’t stop until she had them. Her interrogation would wear him down, and he didn’t want to paint Charlie in such a scandalous picture. His mother and Charlie shared a close friendship that he wouldn’t ruin. No matter how much Charlie had hurt him with her pursuits.
However, before Jasper could make his getaway, Charlie was upon them and greeting his mother. His mother pulled Charlie in for a hug and then held her back, gushing how amazing Charlie looked in her dress. Each compliment his mother paid toward Charlie only heightened the color on Charlie’s cheeks. Her eyes glowed when they trailed over to him. His heart stopped in that moment, while his mouth dried up. His mother’s praise didn’t do Charlie justice. She was a vision before him, dressed in a buttercream creation made of silk and lace. Her hair lay in soft curls framing her face with a strand of pearls interwoven in the tresses. The only piece of jewelry she wore was a locket that had been a gift from her uncle when she first moved in. Charlie only ever wore the necklace on the most special of occasions. Jasper wondered what she kept hidden inside the locket. Something he would never know after tonight.
How the Lady Charmed the Marquess Page 16