The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(51)

Her eyes widened. “All of the children?”

“Yes.” Con started feeling more confident. “I thought they might like a treat. I shall require a few footmen.”

“Very well.” She reached behind her and tugged a thick braided-silk rope. A moment later, the butler appeared. “Prepare the children for an outing to Gunter’s. His lordship has very kindly offered to take them.”

This time he was positive he saw Royston’s lips twitch. “Yes, my lady. I shall notify his lordship when they are ready.”

The door closed, and he glanced at Lady Worthington. “How long do you think it will take?”

“Not long at all.” She tilted her head slightly to one side. “I take it you know Charlotte is walking with Lord Harrington?”

Nothing like a full frontal attack, as his army friends would say. It must run in the family. “So I was informed.”

“Why do you wish to marry my sister?” His mind emptied of all thought, and she smiled at him. “Be assured, by paying attention to the children you are going about it the right way. However, I would like an answer.”

“We must wed.” The moment he said the words, he wanted to call them back. “I mean everyone knows . . .” That wasn’t much better.

“I agree. The circumstances are not good.” That was putting it mildly. “However, I tend to be of the same mind with Charlotte. A long engagement, a falling out, and a decision that you do not suit might work as well.” She raised one expressive brow. “If you do not wish to wed her—”

“No.” He’d leaned forward in the chair and sat back again. “I do want to marry Charlotte. I am not able to put my reasons into words”—none that Lady Worthington would find acceptable—“but I am determined.”

“I will not have her made unhappy.”

“Nor will I.” Con’s back teeth began to throb again. He had thought a great deal about how he felt. Not that it had helped. He had, however, considered Charlotte’s feelings. He was going to make her fall in love with him.

A knock came on the door and it opened. “The children are in the hall.”

Rising from his seat, he bowed. “Thank you.”

Her ladyship inclined her head and went back to her books. Con followed the butler into the hall now teaming with children already in a line with the footmen.

He could barely hear himself think over the din. “Shall we depart?”

Somehow he’d been heard, evidenced by the children lining up in pairs flanked by footmen. Royston opened the door, Con stepped out, the children following along behind him, and almost ran straight into Charlotte and Harrington.

At first she appeared shocked, then a twinkle of laughter entered her bright blue eyes. “Are you going into the square?”

“In a manner of speaking. I am taking the children to Gunter’s.” Con met Harrington’s glower by raising his quizzing glass and directing it at the popinjay. “Would you like to join us?”

“I would love to.” She grinned at Con before turning to his nemesis. “My lord?”

“No. I have another appointment.” Harrington gave a stiff bow. “I look forward to seeing you this evening, my lady.”

Ha! Routed him. That was easy. The idiot clearly did not know the first thing about winning a female. Never let another man walk off with her.

“As do I, my lord.”

He enjoyed the sight of Harrington stomping down the steps. Charlotte gave Con a graceful curtsey, then took his arm. They crossed the street and made their way up Berkeley Square toward the famous tea shop. He enjoyed the way she seemed to lean a bit near him as they walked.

“What possessed you to offer to take them all for ices?” Her gaze was still full of mirth.

He thought about shamming it, but they had agreed to be honest. “You.”

“Thank you.”

Thank you? Thank you for what? Being truthful? Asking the children? What the devil did she mean, and how was he to find out? “You are welcome.”

This last was said so tersely, Charlotte glanced up at Kenilworth. A look of consternation had settled on his strong, lean face, making his brow furrow slightly, and his well-molded lips flatten. Men were such strange creatures. He had been almost playful before. What had happened?

“What is wrong? Are you regretting your largess?”

He whipped his head around. “Not at all. I like children.” His dark brows lowered. “I did not understand what you meant by thank you.”

“I am pleased that you would take my brothers and sisters out because you thought it would make me happy, and it does.” He grunted, which she supposed indicated satisfaction with her answer. “How do you plan to order the ices?”

“Youngest first.” Looking at her, he grinned. “Ladies Theo and Mary terrify me. They are already forces to be reckoned with.”

They had reached Gunter’s and he took charge, leaving Charlotte to compare Kenilworth and Harrington. During their stroll, she had asked Harrington if he had heard of her betrothal. It had seemed strange to her that he would ask her to go to the Park with him if he had.

“You cannot really be thinking of marrying the fellow?” His astonished look had surprised her. “I’ve spent the entire Season fixing my attentions with you, and my father has approved the match.”