The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(82)

“Oh, that.” Heat began to creep up her neck into her face. She really had not thought she would have to explain that. Then again, she hadn’t thought Matt would be here.

“Yes, that.” Matt waited wordlessly.

“Well . . . you see . . .” She glanced at him, but his face was like a mask. This was not going to be good. “When . . . um . . . when Constantine, I mean Kenilworth and I arrived at the Dove yesterday, we had to put on an act in order to get to Miss Cloverly.” Charlotte’s throat was suddenly dry. Maybe if she said the rest quickly, he wouldn’t notice it as much. “The inn only had one large room and we took it. Then Dotty and Merton arrived, and we all spoke with Mr. and Mrs. Crowe, and it just happened.” Charlotte slid another look at him and his expression hadn’t changed. “We shall marry next week.” Thankfully, the sound of a carriage reached her. “Ah, the other man has arrived.”

“Do not think this has saved you,” Matt warned. “We shall finish discussing this later.”

She let out a breath. This must have been how Louisa felt after she’d had to admit to Matt the reason she had declared her betrothal to Rothwell. At least Charlotte would have Constantine, Dotty, and Merton on her side.

The door to the inn slammed shut. “Come, we may move closer now.”

They reached the windows just as Miss Betsy and the man entered the parlor.

“I shall wish to see her before I pay you.” Charlotte did not recognize his voice at all, yet next to her Matt tensed.

“Naturally.” As before, the door to the bedchamber opened briefly.

“She is as lovely as I was told,” the man said in a pleased voice.

“You mean you have never seen her?” Miss Betsy sounded surprised.

“No, I was told about her and could not resist. Here is your payment.”

“You have no more than an hour before the inn’s regular customers begin arriving,” Miss Betsy said. “I suggest that you use the side door to depart. You would not wish to lose the woman or your purse.”

“I shall take your advice. Good day, madam.”

“Good day, sir.”

The rogue opened the door to the bedchamber. “You are beautiful. I predict we shall have a great deal of fun together.”

Miss Cloverly shook her head. “I don’t understand. Who are you?”

“The name is Corning. I’m a friend of Gerald Smithton.”

“Lord Wharton’s nephew?” she asked in an astonished tone. “What has he to do with this?”

“He could not afford you. The procuress’s price was too high. You see, once his uncle had a son, his allowance was reduced. When I’m done with you, I’ll ask if he is still interested. It seems only fair.”

Her complexion paled, and Charlotte was concerned the woman might faint. Instead Miss Cloverly clenched her fists. “You are vile and disgusting. You shall not touch me. Ever.”

“Oh, I shall do more than touch you, my dear. I plan to use you very well indeed.”

As he sauntered into the room, Constantine kicked the door shut, and his fist plowed into Corning’s face.

“That should take care of him for a while,” Constantine said, heading to the side door.

A furious female scream came from the front of the inn, as well as the sound of fighting. A second later, a man Charlotte didn’t know raced into the parlor.

“That’s Miss Cloverly’s betrothed,” Matt whispered.

“Ben.” The handsomest man in Luton. Charlotte grinned to herself.

“Nell?”

“Here! Oh, Ben.” Miss Cloverly threw herself into his arms. “I’m so glad you’ve come. He was horrible. Even though I knew his lordship’s men were all around, I was afraid.”

Ben stroked her back, calming her. “Everything is fine now, and think of the other women you’ve saved.”

“I know. I couldn’t have done otherwise, but I’m so glad it’s over.”

From the corner of her eye, Charlotte saw Corning begin to rise. “Behind you!”

Ben whirled around and drove his right fist into Corning’s stomach first, then his left fist into the man’s face. The scoundrel fell to the floor, blood spattered over his face.

Before he could try to rise, Merton grabbed the rogue and took him outside.

Constantine stepped outside and wrapped his arms around Charlotte. “I cannot tell you how happy I am this part is over.”

“I am too, but why did you not strike him over the head?”

He barked a laugh. “Jeffers told me Mr. Mitchell was here. I assumed he’d want a chance to avenge his betrothed.”

“Right you are, my lord.” Ben chuckled as he joined them, his arm possessively around Miss Cloverly’s shoulders. “I would have been put out if I had been denied that opportunity.” He drew her closer to him. “It’s time we returned to Luton, right, my love? Lord Worthington has offered us the use of his coach and driver.”

She had a misty smile on her face. “I cannot wait to be home again.” She glanced at Charlotte. “You will rescue the other woman you heard about, my lady?”

“Yes, we will. Mr. and Mrs. Crowe are not expecting anyone else, but I believe I know where she will be taken.” As long as Matt didn’t attempt to stop her, she’d be right there with Constantine, seeing that this ended. Yet considering that the Hare and Hound’s innkeeper and his wife might have bad memories of them, they had better take Dotty and Merton as well.