The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(100)

“It did not help matters that her grandmother accepted him at first, then rejected him without giving Susan a reason,” Charlotte added. “She is at that age, after all.”

“He can be very charming,” Con said. “However, he is deeply in debt, as you most likely already know, and not received by Polite Society.”

Charlotte watched the girl’s father as his lips thinned and his countenance hardened. That did not bode well for poor Susan. “You cannot blame her. While in Bath, she was given freedom to go off on errands for her grandmother, alone or with only a young maid. Although the town is not London, it is still not safe for a young girl to walk around alone. It would not surprise me at all if Sir Reginald saw her and made inquiries about her. I understand he is quite desperate.”

“He’d have to be if he went to Bath,” Constantine said under his breath. Charlotte resisted the urge to cast her eyes to the ceiling.

“We only sent her there because my mother begged for one of her granddaughters to visit,” Mr. Merryville said. “I had no idea she’d be so lax. Then again, we keep more of a watch over our children than was kept over us.”

“It is unfortunate that she did not take better care of Susan.” Charlotte sympathized with the couple.

“She is not even fifteen!” Mrs. Merryville cried and broke in to tears. Her husband put his arm around her shoulders. “How could he do what he did?”

For a moment Charlotte was distracted by the woman saying Susan was not yet fifteen, then she understood what actually concerned Mrs. Merryville. “Excuse me, ma’am, but when I said she was well, I meant that she had not been touched.”

The woman lowered her handkerchief from her eyes. Mr. Merryville stared at Charlotte. “Are you certain, my lady?”

“I am quite certain. She also understands what a horrible mistake she made in trusting him.” She softened her tone. “I think you will find that she very much wishes to be forgiven.”

“If I may make a suggestion,” Matt said. “I do not allow my sisters out of the house without at least one experienced, older footman with them.”

“I have found them more useful than my maid,” Charlotte added. “Particularly, when I am shopping.”

“Have you received any correspondence from Sir Reginald?” Constantine asked.

“Nothing at all.” Mrs. Merryville frowned. “We had no idea where she might be or who would have taken her until we received the note from his lordship.”

Her husband’s jaw had developed a tick. “You are not surprised by that.”

Constantine’s gaze focused on the other man. “How great of an heiress is Susan?”

“My father started the business. I have built upon it and we are well off. However, I have four daughters. The eldest will come out next year. Not, of course, in Polite Society, but the expenses are significant. Their dowries are sufficient. And, although I do not aim to marry any of them into the aristocracy, I wish them to marry well.” Mr. Merryville stood. “Thank you for your assistance. I know where the fault lies, and it will not happen again.” He looked at Matt. “I will take your advice regarding the footmen. We would like to take our daughter home.”

“Naturally.” Charlotte rose. “She is across the street at Stanwood House.”

The Merryvilles decided to remain in the hall while Susan was sent for. She glanced at her parents and began to weep. Her parents immediately hugged her and spoke in reassuring tones.

Constantine slid Charlotte an amused look. “That is probably the best thing she could have done.”

“It appears so.”

She took his hand and they were about to slip away when Mr. Merryville approached them. “I cannot thank you enough for finding and protecting Susan. If there is anything I can do to repay you, please let me know.”

“Her safety was our main concern,” Charlotte said. “We are glad she is back with you.”

He bowed and ushered his wife and daughter out the door. When it shut, Matt turned a horrified look at Grace, who had entered the hall. “Have I told you how much I appreciate the fact that you do not enact me Cheltenham tragedies? The weeping would drive me to distraction.”

“As opposed to merely fainting,” his wife replied. Before they had married, Grace would faint whenever she was surprised. Fortunately, that did not include the times Charlotte and her brothers and sisters acquired frequent cuts, scrapes, and broken bones.

“Swooning is much better. Once I learned it is not unusual.” He slid an arm around Grace’s waist. “Have you noticed that you have not fainted once since we wed?”

She appeared to consider the matter for a moment. “I do believe you are correct. Then again, I am not now living in fear the children will be taken away from me.”

“There is a story behind that exchange,” Constantine whispered in Charlotte’s ear, causing pleasurable shivers to flit around her neck.

She found she was still holding his hand as they headed to the drawing room. “One day I shall tell you all I know. Yet, I have a feeling even that is not the whole story.”

*

Waking early the next morning, Con decided to surprise Charlotte. He might not be able to wake up next to her, but he could break his fast with her. Not to mention that he had an appointment to discuss the settlement agreements with her brother.