The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(45)

“Lord Harrington to see Lady Charlotte,” a sonorous voice announced.

Con glanced at the terrace and almost swore. What in the name of all that was holy was that pup doing here now? Just as he was making progress with Charlotte. Well, he wasn’t going to lose this game to that young fribble.

Worthington and her sister were conversing with Harrington. “A ride this afternoon.”

Con held his breath waiting for her answer.

Charlotte tore her gaze from the terrace back to Lord Kenilworth. His request had startled Charlotte as much as Lord Harrington’s arrival. For some reason, she had not thought Lord Kenilworth would press his case so soon. If he thought she would simply fall into his arms, he was vastly mistaken. Still, she had made a bargain.

Yet what was she to do about Lord Harrington? Had he heard the talk, or did he expect to propose to her? This certainly made a bad state of affairs worse.

“My lady?” Lord Kenilworth said, his voice much calmer than the throb in his jaw indicated he was.

First things first. She would deal with the gentleman in front of her now and the other one later. “I would like that, thank you.”

She had almost said she’d be delighted, but they were being scrupulously honest with each other and it would not have rung true.

“It is entirely my pleasure.” His lips tilted in a strange, lopsided smile, and she wondered what it meant.

Despite her brother stating that he would leave the final decision of marriage to her, she knew he would be satisfied with her choice. After all Grace had done, and now Matt too, to keep her brothers and sisters together, she did wish her family to be happy with her.

A ride with Kenilworth would also allow her to come to know him better. That was all her brother-in-law had asked of her, to give the man a chance to prove himself.

She thought back to his confession and could not help but smile. It had taken a great deal for him to admit he’d been mistaken. For a few moments Charlotte had wondered if he’d be able to get the words out. Yet, it was what he had told her he’d done for his former mistress that had truly impressed her. How many men would try to make amends by attempting to give the woman back some of that which had been taken? Not many, she would wager.

Wealthy, handsome, and titled. Could she now add compassionate to his list of positive features? The last would mean more to her than the first three qualities together. Much more.

Well, time and a better acquaintance with him would tell.

He held out his arm and Charlotte placed her hand on it before strolling to the terrace with him. Dotty and Merton were gone and the children as well. Only Matt, Grace, and Harrington remained.

He rose as soon as she approached. “Lady Charlotte, I came to tell you I have just arrived back in Town.” Ignoring Lord Kenilworth, Harrington bowed, and for a moment she thought he would try to take her hand. “I have excellent news. I should, though, have written your brother so that you would be expecting me.”

She cut a look at Lord Kenilworth, but a mask had slid over his features. “Well, you are here now. What is it you wished to tell me?”

Harrington scowled slightly at Lord Kenilworth. “That will have to wait. Do you have a waltz free for me at Lady Hereford’s ball?”

She quickly brought the dance card to mind. There were three waltzes that evening. “Yes. The second one is free.”

He gave Lord Kenilworth, whose countenance showed nothing but well bred boredom, another angry look, as if he knew who had requested the other two waltzes. Not knowing what else to do, she gave her other suitor a polite smile.

Kenilworth took her hand and bowed over it. “Until this afternoon, my lady.”

“Until then, my lord.” She curtseyed.

Grace glanced from Charlotte to Harrington as Matt escorted Kenilworth to the front door, leaving them with Lord Harrington.

She took the chair on the other side of the small table, and her sister poured them both cups of tea. “I trust your father is in good health, my lord?”

“Yes . . . yes, indeed.” He took a sip of tea, then placed the cup down. “He has arranged a position for me with the Foreign Office.”

“How wonderful for you,” Charlotte said. “Will you be in London?”

“I shall be with Sir Charles Stuart on the Continent.” He grinned like a little boy. “I will join him as soon as I have matters here settled.”

She hoped for his sake that Napoleon would soon be sent back to an island. “That sounds very exciting.”

“I’m glad you think so,” he said, looking contented with her answer.

He remained for another ten minutes as they discussed what had been going on while he’d been in the country. Their talk did not, however, touch on Charlotte’s betrothal. Was he purposely avoiding the subject or had he not heard? She debated saying something, but decided that as she had not made a decision, it was too soon. Aside from that, she had been interested in him. If he could show her that he was willing to try to win her affections . . . well, who knew what the future might bring.

“Lady Charlotte,” Lord Harrington said. “Will you walk with me in the Park tomorrow afternoon?”

From the corner of her eye, she saw her sister incline her head. “Thank you. I would be delighted.”

Shortly after Grace’s butler, Royston, escorted Harrington out, Grace said, “I take it your conversation with Kenilworth went well.”