The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(26)

“We did not,” she objected as strongly as possible. “We had been traveling and before that, I’d been thrown into a coach. He only said we were betrothed to save my reputation.”

“Yes, my dear.” Jane patted Charlotte’s hand. “I believe you, and Matt and Grace will believe you as well. The problem is that once gossip such as this starts, it is almost impossible to stop it.” Her cousin pursed her lips together. “And he did say you were to marry. That would give rise to speculation that something was going on as well.”

“This is so unfair.” Charlotte wanted to wail, but she refused to give in to such childish behavior.

“I understand.” Jane was quiet for a few moments as she sipped her tea. “I do not know Lord Kenilworth, but Lady Bellamny thinks well of him. I know you want a love match, but are you sure you cannot wed him?”

Oh, God! Not Jane too! “I cannot.” Charlotte wondered how much to tell her cousin, and decided if she wanted help, she’d have to tell the whole truth. “He abuses women.”

Tea spewed from Jane’s mouth before she could grab her napkin. “What?” Her shocked expression was everything Charlotte could have asked for. “Charlotte, how on earth do you know that?”

“Before Louisa married, we attended the theater with her and Rothwell. Kenilworth was there with not one but two courtesans.”

Jane’s brows rose. “That does seem a bit excessive.”

That was not exactly the response Charlotte expected. “Do you know about the brothel that Dotty Merton found?” Jane shook her head. “Well let me tell you what Grace and Dotty told Louisa and me.”

She related how ladies had been abducted to work in prostitution and when they refused had been made to take opium. “All because men wanted to buy their bodies and use them.” Charlotte’s voice shook with rage. Then she added her pièce de résistance. “And do you know what Lord Kenilworth said when I chastised him for keeping a mistress?”

“No,” her cousin said slowly.

“He said it was a business arrangement.” She hiccupped and blinked the moisture from her eyes. Still, everything was blurry. “Those poor women. A business arrangement.”

She had barely got out the last word when she burst into tears.

Jane wrapped her arms around Charlotte and patted her back. “We will think of something. I promise you.” Her cousin helped her up and back to the bed. “It would be best if you lie down for a while longer.”

“You may be right.” She hardly ever cried. Not since her mother had died and she discovered it did no good. “Perhaps I am more tired than I thought.”

*

Charlotte woke a few hours later feeling much calmer, the bout of tears having worked to rid her of her excess emotions. She rang for her maid, who arrived several minutes later.

“We didn’t know if you’d be up or sleep through the night.”

“Have I missed dinner?”

“No, my lady. You have enough time to dress.”

While her maid worked, she made a few decisions.

First of all, she must behave like the lady she was. Her sister Grace would have been mortified at her conduct toward Lady Bellamny and even Lord Kenilworth. No matter the provocation, Charlotte vowed she would remember her manners.

Secondly, she would not discuss the betrothal at all, with anyone, including his lordship. Make that especially his lordship. Men could be a strange species, finding challenges in almost anything, and she was not going to be a challenge.

Lastly, she was going to find a way to have Miss Betsy arrested and save as many of the odious woman’s victims as possible.

“The pearls, my lady?” May asked.

“Yes. They will be perfect.”

Charlotte attached the earbobs while her maid clasped the necklace. A silk ribbon with small pearls attached had been threaded through her hair.

Once May handed Charlotte her reticule and draped a Norwich shawl over her shoulders, she looked in the mirror and nodded. She was ready to face Lord Kenilworth and his mother.

As soon as she figured out where the drawing room was. Old houses were always difficult to navigate.

A knock came on the door and Jane poked her head in. “I thought you and I might go down together.”

“Do you know the way?” Charlotte asked hopefully.

“No.” Jane laughed. “I hoped to find a footman or maid.”

Charlotte opened the door wider. “The worst that can happen is they’ll have to send out a search party.”

“No need for that.” Lord Kenilworth stood in the corridor, smiling at her and Jane. “I have come to escort you. Lady Charlotte?” He held out one arm. “Mrs. Addison?”

They each placed a hand on an arm. She did not want him there, but this was her first opportunity to behave as she ought. “Lead on, my lord.”

“The house is not as much a rabbit warren as some, but there are a number of rooms.”

“I would love to tour it someday,” Charlotte said. Although she doubted she would be there long enough. Without question, his lordship and his mother had a great deal to keep them busy.

“I’d be happy to show you the house and gardens tomorrow.”

Now she’d stepped into it. “I would love to.”