The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(61)

“I’d love to.” He grinned at her before digging into his food.

She began to eat her breakfast also. This morning was going exceedingly well so far. She’d have to thank Matt for inviting Constantine. “Where are Matt and Grace?”

“Inspecting the renovations,” Augusta replied. “I’m not sure they will ever be done.”

“That is what Grace thought about changes she made to this house.” Charlotte glanced at the younger children. “When you’ve finished eating, go get ready for the Park.”

The sounds of chairs being pushed back and children rushing from the room filled the air.

“I hope I’m not being rude when I say that they sound like elephants going up the stairs.”

She placed an elbow on the table and rested her cheek against the palm of her hand. “Have you actually heard elephants?”

“Yes. I was not allowed a Grand Tour, but I was allowed to travel to India for a short time. Although, I spent more time on the passages than in the country.”

“You must tell me about all of it.” She let out a sigh. “I would love to travel.”

“Once Wellington has dealt with the Corsican, Europe will be safe again.”

“So everyone says. My sister Louisa believes Napoleon will give him more trouble than many think he will.”

“I tend to agree.” Constantine blotted his lips with the napkin, reminding Charlotte how his lips felt on hers. “How long do we have before the children arrive?”

“A few minutes. I must fetch my bonnet.”

He walked with her into the corridor. “Before you do.”

Cupping her cheek in his hand, he kissed her. It was every bit as sweet as his kisses had been the night before. She sighed softly. Perhaps soon there would be more.

“I shall be back in a few minutes.” She reached up, drawing her thumb along his bottom lip. He sucked in a breath.

Smiling to herself, she made her way to her bedchamber. Her life finally seemed right. As if everything she wanted—love, a home, and children—might be within reach.





Chapter Twenty-One


Con wanted to catch Charlotte’s thumb between his teeth, and pull her to him. Instead, he let her go and enjoyed the view of her lush bottom swaying as she climbed the stairs. He was delighted she had accepted his kiss and returned it so easily today. Each day, his future with her was looking more and more certain.

Worthington was right. If Con wanted her, he must become part of the family. Today was the second time he’d be able to show her he had the makings of a good husband and father.

The Great Danes arrived first with their footmen. The children could be heard again coming down the stairs, and once they were assembled, more footmen appeared.

Finally, Charlotte walked down the stairs, stopping on the last tread to survey the hall. She smiled at him, and he held out his arm. Together they strolled through the front door and across the street to Berkeley Square.

They were not the only ones taking their leisure in the Park. Mary and Theo joined another girl who looked to be about the same age. The child was accompanied by a woman he supposed to be about Charlotte’s age, and an older woman who had charge of a baby in an elaborately painted and gilded baby carriage.

“It is for Lord Wharton’s son and heir.” Her breath caressed his ear and he wanted to be able to slip his arms around her.

“How did you know what I was looking at?” he teased.

“How could you not notice it?” She looked as if she was about to go into whoops. “Grace said we had plain wicker baskets set on a frame with wheels.”

“I have no idea what I had. I’ll have to ask my mother.” He glanced at it again. “I am quite sure it was not that elaborate.”

Charlotte tucked her hand in his arm, and they strolled a little away from the others, albeit still keeping an eye on the children and dogs. Daisy lay on the grass and Duke stood next to her, nosing her every once in a while. “They paint a domestic scene.”

“Only because she is enceinte. Otherwise she would be romping all over the Park.”

“Maybe she will calm down after the puppies are born.” That had occurred to several of his hunters after they gave birth.

“One can only hope. Grace and I came to Town ahead of the children. On their way here Daisy tried to make friends with a pair of horses.” Charlotte grimaced. “Suffice it to say it did not turn out the way she wished.”

He could imagine what his horses would do, but he asked anyway. “What happened?”

“They bolted. The gentleman who owned the carriage and the pair started to yell. Fortunately, the team for our coach had been changed, so Mr. Winter, the children’s tutor, got them all back in the coach and didn’t stop until he arrived here.”

Con couldn’t help but to bark a laugh. “I may have to reconsider a puppy.”

“Oh, no.” Charlotte leaned more heavily against him. “They are the sweetest beasts in nature. She is much better since Matt has been training her.”

Con enjoyed the early morning as he rarely had before he’d met Charlotte. Not that he’d seen much of it. The air seemed fresher. The grass was still slightly damp. Other nurses and their charges began to enter the square.

“Lady Charlotte, good morning.” Harrington bowed to her, once again ignoring Con.