The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(46)

“I believe it did.” Charlotte remembered that her sister didn’t know the task she had set for the man. She began to explain what had occurred the previous day.

Her sister’s brows rose. “My dear, that was quite bold of you.”

“Mayhap.” She smoothed down her skirts nervously. “But do you not agree that it was necessary? Especially after everything he had said?”

“I suppose.” The brows dropped and Grace’s forehead wrinkled as it did when she was in thought. “Under the circumstances, you made the right decision.”

Charlotte let out the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you.” Then she giggled. “You should have seen him trying to tell me he was wrong. I thought he would choke on the words. And you will never guess what else he has done.”

“What?” Grace asked, sitting forward on her chair.

“He is giving her the funds to start her life anew.”

“And that,” she said sagely, “is what made you decide to give him a chance to prove himself.”

“Yes.” Charlotte was glad her sister understood and agreed with her. “Now we shall see about the rest. Because nothing is settled with Lord Kenilworth, I have decided to see if Lord Harrington is truly interested in me.”

“An excellent idea.” Matt stepped onto the terrace and stood behind Grace, placing his hands on her shoulders. “It never hurts for a man to have a rival.”

Charlotte stared at him for a moment. “I do not understand.”

“You still have not decided for Kenilworth, is that correct?” She nodded slowly, noting the sly gleam in her brother’s eyes. “Harrington has received permission from his father to marry you, and asked to speak with me.” That his lordship would require permission from his father rankled her slightly. “Allow them both to court you.”

“I had decided to do that, but I have a feeling you have something else in mind.”

“A little competition can do wonders to focus a man’s mind.”

“A competition over me?” Charlotte asked. “I do not know how that will help me decide.”

Her brother grinned. “You will.”

Before she could ask for clarification, Grace looked at her watch. “The rest of this conversation will have to wait. Charlotte and I must change. Lady Kenilworth is coming to fetch us in less than an hour.”

Rising, Charlotte followed her sister into the house. “What do you think about what Matt said?”

“That my husband can be extremely astute about other gentlemen, particularly when one of his sisters or charges is involved. Take his advice, and we shall see what happens.”

It never occurred to her that two gentlemen might be interested in courting her. The thought that they would vie over her was a bit unsettling. On the other hand, it could be interesting as well. “I shall do as he suggests.”





Chapter Sixteen


An hour later, Charlotte, Grace, and Lady Kenilworth were ensconced in Lady Bellamny’s drawing room. It was the first time Charlotte had seen her ladyship since the day Lady Bellamny had declared Charlotte and Kenilworth must wed, and she still felt bad about her behavior that day.

After greetings had been exchanged and her ladyship had congratulated Charlotte on her betrothal, Charlotte went to the window seat, her favorite place in the drawing room. It seemed strange though, not to be sharing it with Louisa or Dotty.

Just then, Miss Turley entered with her aunt, Lady Bristow. After making her curtsey to Lady Bellamny, Elizabeth hurried to Charlotte. “I heard from my brother you and the Marquis of Kenilworth are betrothed. Is it true?”

She had been dreading this moment, but confirming the information was easier than she’d thought. “We are.”

“Gavin said your brother introduced you?” When Charlotte nodded, Elizabeth sighed. “I do wish my brother would have the sense to be acquainted with eligible gentlemen who have not been around all Season. And so I told him when he asked why I had not found a husband as easily as you, Louisa, and Dotty had done.”

Charlotte laughed lightly. “Matt is a few years older than your brother. Still I must say I agree with you. He should cultivate friends that are also eligible partis for you.”

“Exactly.” Elizabeth gave a sharp nod. “But, Charlotte, what of Lord Harrington? Did you not have an understanding?”

“Not really.” Charlotte wondered how much to tell Elizabeth. She had been a good friend, but Charlotte had only really confided in Dotty and Louisa. Now that she thought of it, Kenilworth had done more to fix her interest than Harrington had done since the beginning of the Season. He’d probably had a mistress as well. She wondered if he would have been as kind as Kenilworth had been, and decided not. “I had not heard from him since he left Town to visit his father—until today, when he stopped by to tell me he had returned.” Despite what Grace had said, Charlotte was a little surprised that Elizabeth had known about the betrothal. “Did your brother say where he heard the news?”

“Oh”—Elizabeth fluttered her fingers—“at his club last evening. Apparently, Lord Endicott was calling for champagne to celebrate your betrothal.”

“Lord Endicott?” What had he to do with anything, and what business had Kenilworth spreading around word of their betrothal?