The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(57)

“That’s because the children are in bed,” Worthington replied. “They do not do well with Town hours.”

Con had the feeling his friend had wanted to say more but stopped himself. “I understand how.”

“Normally we dine much earlier and en famille,” Charlotte added.

Except this evening, when he, who was not a member of the family, joined them. And that did not make him happy. “Even when you are attending a ball?”

“Indeed. There is always something to fill the time before we go out.”

“Cards and games, generally,” Lady Merton added. “Have you ever played dominoes?”

He had not. “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of the game.”

In short order, he was made to understand that his education, not to mention pleasure, was severely lacking. Naturally, the conversation turned to the game’s rules and who of the present company generally beat the flinders out of everyone else. Charlotte was held to be a very good player, but Lady Worthington was the expert.

“Only because I have been playing so much longer,” the lady demurred.

Before he knew it, the butler announced dinner. A short glance around informed him that he was free to escort his betrothed to the dining room. His mood improved when he discovered he could sit next to her as well.

The conversation quickly turned from games to politics, and Con was not surprised that Charlotte was well read and well informed. That they agreed on most of the problems plaguing the country didn’t surprise him. He was, after all, one of Worthington’s allies in the Lords. Despite their conversation, which he thought was going extremely well, she seemed skittish, something was not quite right, and Con didn’t know what to do about it.

*

It was fortunate that earlier Charlotte had eaten a light dinner with the children, because her stomach was too tied up in knots to do more than pick at her food. She had expected Lord Kenilworth to sit next to her. What she had not expected was the impact his nearness had on her senses.

Throughout the meal, she’d had to force herself not to fidget. At times, when he leaned closer to her to make a comment, her breath shortened as if she had been running. Even taking his arm earlier had caused a shiver of excitement, and when he had kissed her hands she had wanted to fan herself. She did not know what to do with her reactions to him. Harrington had never caused her to be so unsettled or breathless.

Finally, just as she thought she would jump out of her skin, Grace rose. “Ladies, let us leave the gentlemen.”

Thank God! It was all Charlotte could do not to dash out of the room.

Kenilworth assisted her to rise and his bare hand on her equally bare elbow almost singed her.

“My lady?” His brows had drawn together slightly, his emerald eyes appeared confused.

She ignored his inquiry and curtseyed. “Thank you, my lord.”

Once she was with Grace and Dotty in the drawing room, Charlotte went immediately to the piano and began to play. The music flowed from her fingers as the keys responded to her hectic nerves, allowing her to calm.

A few minutes later, she closed the lid and stood. “I do not know how I will make it through the rest of the evening.”

Dotty handed Charlotte a glass of wine. “Drink some.”

Grace patted the seat next to her. “What exactly is the problem?”

“I don’t know.” Charlotte sank onto the sofa, wineglass firmly in hand. “It is Lord Kenilworth. When he touches me even in the most formal way, I feel it. This—these sensations started a few days ago, and I do not know what to do about them.”

Dotty tilted her head first right then left, as if studying Charlotte from both angles would enlighten her. “Did you have the same reaction to him when he took you for the carriage rides?”

Charlotte thought about it for a moment. “Yes and no. At first his touch just warmed me, but it did not make me uncomfortable, but lately . . .”

Grace moved to face her. “Uncomfortable in what way?”

“I do not know how to explain it.” She covered her face with her hands for a moment.

“Let me try.” Dotty took Charlotte’s hands. “You feel a tingle or a shiver when he is near.”

“Yes.” Thank the Fates someone understood. “And tonight it was more intense than before. I thought his fingers would burn me.”

Her friend leaned back in her chair. “I think you need to kiss him.”

“But I don’t want to.” Dotty raised her brows. Charlotte never had been able to lie to her dearest friend. Since Lord Kenilworth had arrived, she’d had a difficult time keeping her eyes from his lips. Still, that was the very reason she should not kiss him. “Not yet. Not when I do not know what I feel for him.”

“It sounds to me as if you desire him and, for some reason, you are fighting your emotions.”

That was not what Charlotte wanted to hear. “Grace?”

“I think Dotty has a point.” Charlotte opened her mouth to protest, and her sister held up her hand. “But only you can decide if you are ready to take that step. I am certainly not going to tell you to kiss him if you are not ready.”

She jumped up and started toward the piano again. “This would have been much easier if I had met him in the normal course of the Season. Or if I had not seen him at the theater with his mistress—”