“Albert, you rascal, it’s about time you returned home.” He gave him a hearty pat on his upper arm, acting a bit too animated for Albert’s taste.
His cousin had been the wild thorn in the family, who Albert considered another candidate for improvement. It wasn’t his place, however, to lecture his relative about good society. His uncle had a steady hand on Benjamin’s shoulder. Roger, his eldest cousin, continued to assert his influence. He needed to put sense into the young man.
“Benjamin, may I introduce you to Lady Rutherford.” His cousin eyed Charlotte with agreeableness, admiring her figure.
“A pleasure to meet you,” he replied, taking her hand and kissing it. A sly grin curled the corner of his mouth.
“Rascal you say?” Charlotte replied with a raised brow. “I would hardly term your cousin a rascal.” Charlotte glanced at Albert. “I would describe him overly restrained if anything.”
Albert thought she would call him her favorite endearing term but had controlled herself with a reserved answer instead. Apparently she had concluded that being on her best behavior would win accolades. At least he didn’t have to worry about her stripping and jumping into the estate pond for a quick swim.
“Oh yes, he takes after father and Roger, I’m afraid. I, on the other hand, play the rascal persona much better.” He offered his arm to Charlotte. “May I escort you into our humble abode?”
Hesitating at the offer, Albert gave her leave to do so. “Please, let him lead the way.”
Albert knew Benjamin would provide just enough temptation to keep Charlotte from portraying the perfection required for acceptance by the remaining members of his family. He felt no guilt in using his cousin as a pawn to her downfall. As he thought about the situation, it had turned into a strange culmination. His ultimate goal had been to reform Charlotte’s behavior to the extent she would fit into society. Along the way, wickedness had tickled his fancy to see her fail too. It became quite clear the woman had befuddled his lofty intent and muddled his mind.
They entered the foyer, and Albert gave orders for the luggage to be taken to their rooms.
“Everyone is in the sitting room,” Roger announced, continuing to lead Charlotte forward. When they entered, his uncle stood. A surge of pride filled Albert as he gazed upon Viscount Beckett. He was a formidable man in size and character, always well dressed in the latest male fashions. Though in his early fifties, he retained a full head of hair that had grayed slightly at the temples. The man was well respected among his peers and held in high esteem in the community.
“Ah, Albert, it is good to see you,” he remarked. “Perhaps I should have joined you in London for the season, but matters have kept me home as you know.” The viscount’s eyes shifted to Charlotte. “Don’t be rude, Albert. Introduce me to your companion.”
“This is Lady Rutherford, a new acquaintance of mine.”
“Viscount Beckett,” Charlotte said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
She had committed a fundamental error by responding before being spoken to by his uncle. To his surprise, he didn’t seem taken back by her slip of propriety.
“This is indeed a surprise,” he remarked with a pleased grin. “Albert must think highly of you to bring you to our estate and introduce you to his family members.”
Charlotte glanced at Albert, waiting for him to respond, but he remained silent, testing her actions. “Well, I think highly of him as well,” Charlotte remarked. “He is quite the gentleman, possessing manners and good character. It’s a rare quality I often find lacking in social circles in London.”
“Indeed, as do I,” Viscount Beckett heartily agreed. “Please have a seat.” He extended his arm toward the settee.
Charlotte took his direction and sat down. Albert, rather than joining her, chose a wingback chair nearby. Benjamin plopped himself next to Charlotte and eyed her figure without an ounce of shame.
“So tell us about yourself, Lady Rutherford,” Benjamin queried. “If I wait for my cousin to say anything, I shall never learn a thing about you.”
Charlotte flashed a coy smile. “It would be a bit presumptuous of me to talk about such personal matters when I barely know you.”
“Quite right,” the viscount remarked.
“You sound like my brother, Roger.” Benjamin smirked. “All about decorum. I had hoped Albert found a woman with a little spunk to loosen him up a bit. Perhaps I’m mistaken.”
“I apologize that my son Roger is not here to greet you, Lady Rutherford,” the viscount announced. “He will be joining us with his wife this evening for dinner.”
“Well, I am looking forward to making their acquaintance,” Charlotte replied. Suddenly Albert entered the conversation.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to take Lady Rutherford for a stroll in the gardens. The weather is amicable, and she may enjoy the roses.”
“Sounds delightful,” Benjamin said, rising to his feet.
Albert shot him an irritated glare. “I mean alone, cousin.” Benjamin plopped back in the chair.
“Perhaps a short stroll,” Charlotte suggested.
She got to her feet, and Albert extended his arm. As he walked her through the veranda doors and onto the patio, the fresh air filled his lungs. The greenery of the shrubs and pebble pathway to the gardens relaxed him. Abundant rosebushes and a variety of other flowers filled the air with a pleasant aroma.
“I shall endeavor to keep you from the pollinating bees buzzing around,” Albert announced, tugging at her arm.
“Thank you, but I don’t find them as annoying as ants if you must know.” As her eyes surveyed the flower bed, she halted for a moment. “Such a display of color. It’s most delightful.”
“Yes, our gardener has the proverbial green thumb.”
He hesitated momentarily as they quietly walked side by side. For a moment it felt as if he had found the perfect woman though he knew it to be a fantasy. The desire to have a wife and a companion of grace had eluded him for so long he had nearly given up hope it would ever materialize. If only Charlotte could be more pleasurable by embracing appropriate behavior. Instead she displayed wantonness and poor choices. Given the opportunity, he could love her deeply as he found her physical appearance to be most pleasing in every way.
“What do you think of my family?”
“As I expected. Upstanding, well-mannered, and socially acceptable.” She flashed a sly grin. “They portray everything that encompasses good society, although I think Benjamin isn’t as stoic as the remainder of the household.”
“Yes, he has a mind of his own, much like you.”
“Now, now,” Charlotte cajoled. “I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you can reform him as you have me.”
Albert halted in his step. “Reform you?”
“Of course, Albert. I promise to show you that your efforts have not been in vain by my behavior while visiting your family.”
He chortled a hearty laugh. “Well, perhaps I should declare myself the winner of this game while I’m ahead.”
“Not yet, Lord Beckett,” Charlotte insisted, touching his upper arm. “I still am determined to meet my goal as well.” Her palm slid up and down as if she enjoyed the firm muscles underneath his clothing. Gazing into her eyes, he swore he saw desire lurking beneath her long lashes.
“Now, now, Charlotte,” he cajoled in return. “You’re slipping into your old ways.”
Charlotte dropped her hand. “Quite right.”
After they returned indoors, Albert escorted Charlotte to her room to rest and change before dinner. He felt emotionally exhausted in the short time they had spent together at his uncle’s residence and required time alone. Troublesome thoughts brewed beneath the surface of his heart. Like a fly caught in a web, he struggled to free himself from Charlotte’s tempting seduction. If he dropped his guard, she could devour him in passion. There were times he wanted to surrender and die in her arms.
Chapter Fourteen
A Turning Point<
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The Garden of Eden at the Beckett estate had a resident serpent that amused Charlotte. Benjamin, a scalawag at heart, no doubt embarrassed the viscount as well as his brother and Albert. If only she could get to know him better, Charlotte thought they could become great friends. The evening ahead would tempt her to align herself with Benjamin’s gregarious personality rather than deal with the other pompous family members at the dinner table. Nevertheless, she had a responsibility to see the game through to the end and play her last card. Albert would never succumb to seduction if she didn’t turn into the type of woman he desired.
A soft knock came at her bedroom door. As she opened it, Albert stood before her dressed in his evening finery for the dinner hour. He looked delicious, and an urge to kiss him tingled on her lips. Regardless of his less than appealing personality, a growing admiration for intimacy had become a temptation she struggled with daily.
“You look quite pleasing this evening, Albert.” He eyed her appearance in return. Charlotte had chosen the perfect dress for the occasion. A deep purple gown trimmed in white lace had a modest neckline. Her delicate shoulders hid from admiration, and her sleeves puffed fashionably outward on both sides. Even her jewelry appeared in good taste as well as her hair she had piled upon her head in fashionable perfection.
“You look quite modest this evening.” Albert scowled.
“Don’t you like my dress?” Charlotte felt stung by his reaction.
“I understand you are dressing respectably to impress my family,” he replied. “It’s just surprising to see you fully clothed, protecting your assets.” Albert flashed a mischievous glance at her bosom.
“Well, I’m a woman of many facets,” Charlotte responded in a huff. “You should know that by now.”
“Yes, an enigma, as Cedric mentioned.”
He offered his arm to escort her downstairs, and Charlotte took it without hesitation.
“You overcomplicate my character, Albert, and will probably never understand my motivations.”
“Obviously,” he drawled.
They reached the parlor, and Charlotte saw an unrecognizable face with another woman. Naturally, she assumed it to be Roger. He eyed her with curiosity, but she could not ascertain if he approved of her appearance or not. After gazing at him for a moment, she recognized suspiciousness behind his dark brown eyes.
“May I introduce you to my son Roger,” the viscount proudly remarked.
Charlotte, remembering her faux pas earlier in the day, waited to be spoken to rather than offering any words of greeting. Roger didn’t hesitate to voice a salutation.
“Lady Rutherford,” he began somberly. “Compliments regarding your person have been expressed since my arrival by my father. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He hesitated momentarily and turned toward his wife. “Might I introduce you to my wife, Anne.”
Charlotte nodded in deference to the two and spoke calmly, although her nerves churned inside her belly. The odds may be against her in Albert’s eyes that she could succeed in deceiving his family, but she intended to win the game.
“It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your family has been most welcoming since my arrival.”
“Dinner is served.”
The booming voice of the butler startled Charlotte. Benjamin rose to the occasion to escort her to the dining room, and Albert gave an approving glance to take his arm. No doubt he hoped the rascal would tempt her failure.
The table shone with crystal glasses, polished cutlery, and fine china. Silver candelabras and flowers adorned the tabletop covered in white linen. Everything and everyone looked like the pictured perfection of high society. After sitting, she took a moment to eye Anne, who hadn’t spoken a word since introductions. Suddenly, like a gramophone playing a recording, Albert’s words danced across her mind.
“A woman who is acceptable to society should possess a high moral character, a polished education, a perfect command of temper, along with good manners, good habits, and a good bearing. These qualities are indispensable.”
Anne sat with such perfection of posture and poise, Charlotte judged her as both submissive to her husband but also conceited in her own right. Roger’s smug countenance nearly gagged Charlotte, and she found herself disliking him as the minutes passed. There was something in his gaze each time their eyes met she found disagreeable. Had he heard of her escapades in London? Did he know her deceased husband? It worried her that he may ruin her success, having read the newspapers about her scandalous dip in the lake. The viscount at least had been tolerable in his dealings thus far, so she decided to continue to influence him instead.
The first course of soup arrived. Albert remained reserved and far too quiet for her taste, but she dared not be a conversational loose woman. The viscount eventually started a conversation.
“Albert, what pleasantries have you been up to in London this season?”
Charlotte stiffened in posture as she awaited his answer, hoping he wouldn’t bring up her half-naked swim. After all, he participated in a moment of frivolous splashing too, which might be frowned upon by family members.
“Nothing of great significance,” he nonchalantly answered. “The usual attendance at a soiree, the opera, and a few leisurely outdoor activities.” He turned and smiled warmly at Charlotte. “We’ve been taking our time getting to know one another with conversation and enjoyable activities.”
“Good. Much is to be said about congenial conversation with a lady who possesses shared interests.” He looked at Charlotte with an agreeable glint in his eye. “I dare say it appears you have met a lady of breeding and quality. I’m quite pleased.”
Naturally, Charlotte responded with a humble acknowledgment. “Thank you for the compliment. It’s most kind of you.”
The dinner progressed without further incident, and Charlotte enjoyed the finely cooked meal. Roger proved to be a man of few words. Anne remained silent. Benjamin and Albert chitchat about a few inconsequential matters while the viscount as head of the family oversaw his brood of socially acceptable domestic members.
Confident she had done well, Charlotte relaxed in the knowledge that soon Albert would receive a stamp of approval to propose marriage. The thought it might occur brought a small sense of pleasure, but she quickly pushed it aside, acknowledging they were far too different from one another to be compatible in matrimony.
DINNER HAD GONE WELL, far beyond Albert’s expectations. He sat at the table, smoking a cigar and drinking port with his uncle and cousins. Charlotte had excused herself and retired for the evening. Anne had done the same, appearing more reserved than usual. Relaxed and victorious in his pursuits, Albert put the question to his family.
“May I ask your impressions of Lady Rutherford? Do you find her congenial?”
After taking a puff from his cigar, his uncle responded, “Yes, she is a pleasant individual, obviously well-bred and knows how to handle herself in social situations.”
“I find her a bore,” Benjamin interjected. “Definitely not my type.”
“I concur with Father,” Roger responded. “She is a delightful lady, Albert. Where did you find her? Are you seriously considering offering your hand in marriage?”
Albert nearly choked. The entire evening, he could not ascertain Roger’s sentiments. Of course, he always found it tedious to discern any of Roger’s thoughts. His cousin kept his views private until he deemed it necessary to express an opinion on any matter.
“Marriage? I’m afraid I’m not quite ready to get down on one knee.”
“You’ll never find the right woman.” Benjamin laughed. “You are far too fussy. Besides, with all that red hair, she’s probably of Irish descent.”
Albert saw his uncle’s distress at the thought.
“She’s not Irish,” Albert quickly clarified.
“Does she come from a respectable family?” his uncle inquired.
“Yes, Charlotte’s father is an earl, well respected.” Another lie slipped from his mouth, an
d he felt terrible for the deceit.
“Well, I find no fault. It is wise to be prudent, however, in search of a wife,” the viscount concluded.
Prudent. Albert sat quietly pondering Charlotte. When she put her mind to it, she could display the qualities he required in a woman of good society. Regardless of her shady and disreputable behavior of the past, he doubted the sincerity of her so-called reform. She merely played a game as did he.
“I see you are pondering the possibility of proposing,” his uncle remarked. “Even though you’re not my son, I’m well acquainted with your mannerisms when something is on your mind.”
Surprised at his uncle’s comment, Albert played along. “Perhaps I shall consider it, but I’ve made no firm decision.”
Because it had all been a ruse, Albert could not commit himself to such a lie. Instead, he left a door open to back out from any decision of marriage. If only Charlotte would change, perhaps asking for her hand in marriage would not be so ludicrous after all.
Chapter Fifteen
Surrender in the Moonlight
Albert lay in bed, staring at the canopy overhead. The moonlight streamed through the cracks of the closed draperies. Irritated he could not remove Charlotte from his mind, he threw back the covers and strode to the window. With a sharp pull of the curtains, they parted, letting in the full glory of the night. He opened the window and inhaled the fresh air.
After glancing at the clock on the fireplace mantel, he noted the time. One thirty. Sleep eluded him. The silver hues of light spread across the landscape from the heavens above, creating a bewitching scene outdoors. It reminded him Charlotte had managed to crack his hardened exterior to the point of breaking. On a night such as this, he could effortlessly ravish her beauty until the morning hours. In his mind, he imagined the erotic picture of her nakedness bathed in the moonlight upon her bed. The thought aroused him, and Albert quickly thrust his fingers through his hair as if to rid himself of temptation.
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