The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(69)

“No, we did not, and I’m becoming quite peckish.” She shook out her skirts.

He held out his arm to her. “That won’t do at all.”

It was decided that she, Dotty, and Miss Cloverly would travel in the Merton coach. Merton was on horseback, and Constantine would take Jemmy in his phaeton.

Yet, Miss Cloverly demurred. “Thank you for the offer, but I’d feel more comfortable on the outside seat.”

“If you are sure?” Dotty asked, surprised at the woman’s decision.

“Yes, my lady. I’ve been cooped up long enough, and it looks comfortable.”

She was right about that, Charlotte thought. There was even a convertible hood on the boot of the coach.

“Very well.” Merton helped Dotty into the coach.

One of the footmen assisted Miss Cloverly, and Constantine handed Charlotte into the coach. His green eyes seemed to reflect the leaves of the trees as he searched her face. “I shall see you soon.”

“You shall, indeed.” Soon. Charlotte decided. She would tell him that she’d be his wife. She took a seat next to her friend. And it was definitely time for more than kisses.

The door closed and he signaled the coachman to start.

“Now then,” Dotty said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Have you decided to put the man out of his misery and wed him?”

“Yes.” Charlotte couldn’t keep from grinning. “I think a week or so will be all the time we shall need.” Then a thought occurred to her. “Dotty, I need to know how it is between a man and a woman.”

A wicked smile graced her face. “It is glorious.”

That was not very helpful. “So I inferred from you and Louisa, but I believe I require a little more information than that.”

“Ah, yes.” Dotty sat up straighter. “If you are planning what I think you are planning, you do need a bit more information. Has Grace told you anything at all?”

“Other than when you marry a man you love, marital relations are wonderful, nothing at all.”

“I see. In that case, perhaps a better understanding is in order.”

By the time they arrived at the inn in Richmond, Charlotte was not quite as eager to pursue more-than-kissing as she had been. “It only hurts the once? You are sure?”

“Positive.” Dotty punctuated her statement with a sharp nod. “Do not be concerned. I think Kenilworth will make sure you enjoy it.”

“If you say so.” Charlotte was a little dubious. Then again, he had had a great deal of experience, even if she did not wish to consider that part at all.

In for a penny, in for a pound, as her mother used to say. All she had to do now was to put her scheme in place.

*

Blast it all! Con had hoped he’d be able to speak with Charlotte before they arrived in Richmond.

Lately, he had seen warmth in her eyes, instead of the ice shards that had been there before. When she had kissed him before he’d gone down to arrest the blackguards, it had shocked him to his toes—not that she had kissed him, they’d done that already, but that she would do it in the presence of Lady Merton and Miss Cloverly.

Merton had immediately decided Con was joining the family and suggested they address each other more informally.

“After what my wife told me, I had my qualms you would be able to change Charlotte’s mind,” he said. “But you seem to have done a good job of it. Congratulations. I would be honored if you would call me Merton.”

“Thank you.” Con would be much happier if he was as certain about Charlotte. “Please feel free to address me as Kenilworth.”

He’d thought to use the ride to Richmond to solidify his future with Charlotte. Yet, he could not argue with the decision that she travel in the coach. It would present a more proper appearance. There was no reason to court more talk and every reason not to. Richmond was a well-known refuge from the dirt of Town, and the Star and Garter a popular inn with the ton. And one would expect to come across someone either he or she knew.

It was time to ensure she would indeed marry him, and he needed to form a plan as to how he would approach her. But with Jemmy sitting next to Con talking a blue streak during the short drive, and many times not even waiting for an answer before rushing on, Con could not concentrate enough to do anything but answer the lad.

“That was the best facer I ever saw. Will you teach me how to do it?” Jemmy asked. “Thought for a bit he’d give you trouble, but you just took him down all right and tight. Will you teach me how to drive? His lordship said he’d teach Phillip and Walter, but didn’t say anything about me.”

“If his lordship allows it,” Con replied, wondering exactly what Jemmy’s place in the Worthington household was.

“That would be beyond anything!” Jemmy bounced on the seat, and Con reached over to keep him from tumbling out of the phaeton.

“Sit. I cannot teach you anything if you fall off and bash your head.”

“Mr. Winters isn’t going to like that I missed lessons again.” That was said a bit glumly.

“Do you like your lessons?” Con asked, wanting to know more about the child.

“I like learning about different things, and his lordship said I need to know as much as Walter and Phillip.”

Con was beginning to wonder what Worthington was doing with the lad. That he was educating Jemmy was clear, but to what end? The child, however, didn’t have an answer for that.