The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(60)

She had insisted on being more formal than most betrothed couples only because she was not sure they were truly engaged. Yet now, mayhap, it was time to move forward.

They did have a great deal in common. She had been surprised when he told her that he insisted all his dependents, not just the children, learn the rudiments of reading, writing, and arithmetic. She had heard him talking with Merton about the charities in which he, Dotty, and Charlotte were involved, and he seemed interested in them. Kenilworth was turning out to be a much better man than she had thought possible. And there was the physical connection she had with him that she had not experienced with another gentleman.

She did not know if she was in love, but she would give herself permission to discover what she felt. “Constantine, if you wish. It is a strong name. You may call me Charlotte.”

He drew her gently into his arms and they kissed again. “Charlotte, we must go back now. Before anyone comes looking for us.”

After the next waltz, they joined her family for supper. Matt found a table, and, as usual, he took Constantine and Merton off to select food for the ladies.

Ever since she and Constantine—she really did like his name—had reentered the ballroom, Dotty had been shooting Charlotte questioning looks.

Now her friend leaned close and asked, “Well?”

Her sister was studiously ignoring them as if she did not wish to overhear the conversation. Charlotte held her hand to the side of her mouth just the same and said, “I kissed him.”

Dotty’s smile grew. “And?”

“I liked it. I was very apprehensive at first and almost refused to go outside with him, but he did not attempt to go too far, and—and I liked kissing him.”

“Charlotte, I’m so happy for you.” Dotty’s eyes misted a bit. “I want you to find love, and I think you have, or will do soon.” She blew her nose. “If you have any questions, just ask. Or if anything he does frightens you, tell me.”

“I shall.” Charlotte did not think Constantine would harm her or even scare her, but she was grateful for the offers of aid and advice.

The gentlemen returned and Constantine sat next to her, serving her lobster patties, small mushroom tarts, asparagus wrapped in wafer-thin slices of ham, and ices. This time when he brushed against her, or spoke, his breath caressing her ear, she could allow herself to enjoy the pleasurable sensations he caused, and not run from them.

It was truly amazing what a kiss could do.

*

Charlotte woke early the next morning. She had dreamed about more of Constantine’s kisses, even the ones she had not experienced yet.

Her door flew open, and Mary landed on the bed followed by Theo, who’d had the good sense to close the door behind her. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” the girls chorused, scrambling up and hugging Charlotte.

She put her arms around both children. “To what do I owe this visit?”

Mary snuggled tighter. “We hardly see you anymore.”

It was true that Charlotte had been spending much more time away from home.

Theo wrapped her fingers around one of the ribbons on Charlotte’s nightgown. “Matt said that if you were awake and wanted to, we could go to the square and play.”

“Well, I’m awake, so ring the bell pull and as soon as I have washed, dressed, and broken my fast, we will be off to the square.”

“We love you,” the girls cried, smacking kisses on each of her cheeks before jumping off the bed and running out of the room.

“I love you too,” she whispered. When she finally did marry, leaving her brothers and sisters would be the hardest part of her new life.

She was glad that she had not fixed her attentions on Harrington. Being in another part of England would be bad enough. She could never have lived overseas for years.

By the time she arrived in the breakfast room, the children were tucking into their meal.

“Good morning.” The low, now familiar voice took her by surprise. Constantine sat next to Charlotte’s regular place at the table.

“Good morning.” She smiled at him before going to the sideboard. When she brought her plate back, he held out her chair. “I did not expect to see you so early.”

Still, she was happy he was here. All the gentlemen who had recently joined her family had taken breakfast with them.

“Your brother suggested I join you.” After piling his own plate full of food, Constantine returned to the seat next to hers.

The twins and Madeline glanced up, exchanged looks, and giggled.

“At least they are not asking embarrassing questions,” Constantine remarked in a whisper.

“That makes me wonder what they’re planning,” Charlotte shot back.

“Char, did you see the prime goers he has?” Walter asked.

“I did. They have very sweet mouths as well.” She glanced at Constantine. “If you are extremely good, he might show them to you.”

Walter’s and Phillip’s faces lit up. “Oh, would you, sir?”

“Yes, of course. They will be brought around when I leave. You may assess their points then.” Constantine turned his attention back to Charlotte. “I understand there is an outing planned in the square before lessons begin this morning.”

“There is.” She slid him a look. He seemed almost nervous. “Would you like to join us?”