The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(43)

As if he could sense her presence, Lord Kenilworth swiveled his head toward her. His green eyes seemed lighter than the last time she had seen them. Today they were the color of newly furled beech leaves. Did they only resemble grass when he was angry?

“Do you see what I mean?” Dotty asked. “Even surrounded by the children, he sees you.”

Charlotte quickened her step. “I must have some more lemon cake and a cup of tea.”

“Of course you must.” Her friend gave her an enigmatic smile. “Yet, you cannot continue to put off the discussion indefinitely.”

In fact, not more than a half hour later, he managed to escape her brothers and sisters, approaching her as she was removing Daisy’s finery. “I would have thought she’d had eaten all of the flowers by now.”

“She only sampled them. Apparently they do not taste as good as they smell.” Daisy sniffed at a rose and sneezed. “Thankfully. Otherwise she would have an upset stomach.”

“Your brothers and sisters are delightful.”

“I agree.” Charlotte pulled the last of the lace from around the Dane’s neck. “We have been very fortunate that everyone gets along.”

“Your twin sisters and the other girl seem to have formed a unique bond.” He stroked Daisy’s head and she leaned against him.

At least he liked dogs. “They have. It is not surprising. They are all very close in age. Madeline’s birthday is only a week away from the twins’, and they have a great deal in common.”

“Such as bonnets?” He grinned.

“Yes, and fashion in general.” Charlotte gave him a slight smile. “They can be very silly at times, but they are good girls and will grow out of it.”

“Tell me about the others.”

Charlotte wondered if he was truly interested or if his query was simply a way to make conversation that did not touch on their differences. “Walter, the oldest boy present, has formed a friendship with Augusta. It appears they both love maps and languages. I’m afraid Augusta will be a bit lost when Walter goes away to school.”

“I understand he is to join your other brother Stanwood at Eton.”

Charlotte wondered if Lord Kenilworth had asked or if one of the children had told him. “Yes, this autumn. The younger ones, Mary, Theo, and Phillip, spend a great deal of time together. The girls are almost inseparable. Phillip divides his time between them and doing things boys enjoy with Walter and Matt.”

“How much longer will he be at home?”

“Only another year. Grace doesn’t think the boys should be sent away at too early an age, but Matt says it is helpful for a boy to have a brother at school as well, so she agreed.”

“An older brother was not something either Worthington or I had,” Kenilworth noted, sounding a bit sad about it.

Family seemed to be a safe subject at the moment. “Do you have brothers and sisters?”

“I have three sisters. All of whom are several years older than I.” Lord Kenilworth grimaced. “I’m sorry to say I do not have much experience with a large family. By the time I was ready to attend school, my youngest sister was having her first Season. I do remember the attendant drama,” he added drily.

Charlotte couldn’t help but to laugh. “I think there is always some of that.”

“Your brothers and sisters are charming.” His mien became sober and he raised a brow that she supposed was meant to intimidate. “However, they do not appear to know about our betrothal.”

That was direct. Yet, based on her short history with him, she should have expected him to get straight to the point. “No. They do not. Matt and Grace have left it up to me when to tell them.”

“And when exactly will that be?” His tone became tighter, almost irritated.

Charlotte straightened to her full height. Even though her head still did not reach his chin, it made her feel more in charge. “When I am convinced that a marriage will follow.”

“Ah.” Instead of arguing, as she had expected, he became quiet. “Is there a place we can speak where we will not be interrupted?”

She glanced around and saw Grace shooing the younger children into the house. “Here will do.”

“Here?” he asked, looking none too pleased. “Is there not somewhere more private?”

After everything they had been through, how could he think Charlotte would agree to be alone with him? The man was delusional.

She moved the short distance to one of the several wooden benches scattered around the garden and sat. “No. We shall remain in full view of my sister.”





Chapter Fifteen


This was a fine state of affairs. Not only would Charlotte not acknowledge their betrothal to her family, but she was forcing Con to discuss the subject of his mistress in a garden with her family looking on.

He was still having trouble with the concept of having this conversation with a lady, particularly a young, unmarried lady. He had taken himself to task for allowing her to goad him into mentioning demireps previously. Of course, if he had his way, she would not be unmarried much longer. The more he discovered about Charlotte, the more convinced he became that she was exactly the lady he wanted to wed. And bed.

He glanced back at the house. Worthington and his wife were sitting at a table on the terrace. Not the whole family, but Charlotte and Con were to be well chaperoned. As if they were not already betrothed.