The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(68)

“No.” Merton’s tone was firm, as if he would brook no objection. “It is not right to use you in such a way.”

“I think it would work,” Dotty said slowly. “Naturally, we must ensure her safety.”

Charlotte quickly reviewed the possible scenarios, and nodded. “I agree. We would have to have more than one person following the coach, and, mayhap, outriders.” She glanced at her friend. “Dotty, how many footmen and grooms do you have with you?”

She gave Charlotte a rueful smile. “At least ten. Is that not right, my love?”

“Twelve,” Merton said gruffly, in a somewhat defensive tone. “One never knows when a horse may become lame or a man fall and injure himself. I wished to make sure you were safe. Besides, my love, we need to put to work all the people you rescue.”

“Well, that is true,” Dotty replied, not at all embarrassed. “The more training they receive the more quickly they will be able to find permanent employment.”

“There, you see?” Charlotte grinned at her friend and cousin. “We have plenty of men in the event of trouble.” She turned to Miss Cloverly. “It is your decision. Will you feel safe enough?”

They all seemed to focus on the young woman as she considered her options. After a few long moments she gave one decisive nod. “I will, my lady.”

Charlotte let out the breath she had been holding. “Thank you. Until then, you shall remain with us. That way if Miss Betsy does come early, you will not be in danger.”

“Well then.” Constantine pushed himself off the wall. “Let’s make certain those blackguards below are secured.”

“What will we tell Miss Betsy about her men?” Mr. Crowe asked.

Remembering her own abduction and the one cur who got drunk, Charlotte said, “We can say they went off drinking.”

“That might work.” Mrs. Crowe nodded. “Except for the one man that isn’t here, they do put down the ale.”

Raising an eyebrow, Constantine said to Merton, “After you, my lord.”

“Just one thing.” Mrs. Crowe twisted her hands in her apron. “Try not to make a mess. The midday meal starts soon, and there’ll be no time to clean up before service.”

Con gave her an elegant bow. “As you wish, madam.”

“Indeed,” Merton said. “It shall be as quick and clean as possible.”

“As long as I get to plant at least one facer, I’ll be a happy man,” Constantine mumbled.

It didn’t appear the landlady had heard him, but Dotty shook her head as Charlotte stifled a chuckle.

She went to the door, and once Merton and the Crowes had left the chamber, Constantine turned to her. “Promise me you will remain safely here.”

Placing her hand on his cheek seemed the most normal thing in the world to do as she rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “I shall.”

She closed and locked the door behind him. “Do you think they’ll be long?”

“Not if they are forbidden to make a mess,” Dotty said, clearly holding back her laughter. “And you? How do you feel about Kenilworth now?”

Like a bird singing joyfully in a tree. Like I can walk on clouds.

A week ago, Charlotte could not have imagined she would come to like and admire Constantine Kenilworth so much. In fact, after the past few days, she could easily envision a life with him. She didn’t know if she loved him yet, but if not, she was very close. So close she had decided to tell him she would marry him. She glanced at Nell Cloverly, who was staring at her, curiosity writ in her eyes.

Charlotte would like to have a complete discussion with her friend, but not with another person present. “Much like you did when Merton kept living up to your expectations, I suppose.”

“Except you had none,” Dotty pressed.

“Oh, I had plenty of them.” Charlotte laughed. “And none of them were good.”

Constantine had more than met the challenges she’d given him. Today he had acted like a partner instead of the way most men acted. And when he had introduced her as his wife, even if there had been no choice, she was, at first, astonished that the idea did not bother her at all. In fact, she actually looked forward to telling him.

“But now?” Dotty prompted.

“Everything has changed.” Perhaps it was time for more than kisses.

“Well, if you ask me, my lady,” Miss Cloverly said, “I would say you are both in love.”

Charlotte’s cheeks heated and someone started to pound on the door.

“Charlotte,” Constantine said. “It’s time to go.”

When she opened the door he filled the space, looking as if he’d just had a brisk walk.

“I take it all went smoothly.”

“Merton had so many men on hand, there was little to do. The scoundrels barely even attempted to fight.”

“That must have been a disappointment for you.” Although, it would have made the landlady happy. She kissed his cheek. “Has the magistrate been summoned?”

“Yes, along with a message that he can find us at the Star and Garter if he has any questions.”

“In that case, we should be on our way.”

Her stomach growled, and he grinned at her. “We never did receive our tea.”