The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(83)

Once Miss Cloverly and her betrothed headed to the coach, Matt turned to Constantine and Charlotte. “As soon as we return to Richmond, we are going to have a talk about the way in which the two of you have been presenting yourselves.”

“Of course,” he replied, not acting at all intimidated by her brother.

Matt strode off toward one of the outriders, and Constantine glanced at her. “What was that about? He looked as if he’d like to string me up.”

“He found out that we allowed the Crowes to believe we were already married.”

He was silent for a few moments, then shrugged. “We shall be wed as soon as he likes.”

Charlotte’s heart filled with love and joy. She could not imagine being any happier than she was right now. Matt had managed to daunt Louisa’s Rothwell, and to some extent Merton before he and Dotty wed, but Constantine seemed immune to her brother’s wrath. Charlotte could do nothing other than be as sure of herself and their love as he was of himself.





Chapter Twenty-Eight


Charlotte and Constantine were halfway to his phaeton when a shot rang out.

“What the devil?” He lifted her into his arms, carrying her to his carriage.

“It’s from the front of the inn,” she said. “I hope it isn’t Merton.”

“You two stay there,” Matt called to them. Lengthening his stride, he headed to the road. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”

A few moments later, Jemmy came running full tilt from the front of the inn. “My lord, that woman is dead and the man that kidnapped Lady Charlotte disappeared.”

“What happened?” Charlotte asked, trying not to fall onto the bench seat.

“Somehow she got a gun. One of the outriders was trying to take it away from her, and it went off. Right into her chest. There was blood everywhere, and Lord Worthington said she were dead.”

“Oh, my God.” Charlotte felt a little faint. She was very glad Matt had ordered them to stay with the phaeton. “I suppose she knew she wouldn’t get away this time.”

Constantine picked Jemmy up and put him on the back of the carriage before climbing in himself. “Jemmy, how much did you see?”

“Not much. The footmen wouldn’t let me look, they just told me what happened.”

“Thank God for that.” Constantine closed his eyes for a moment. “We’re going back to Richmond. Merton and Worthington can handle the rest of this. I want you and Jemmy out of here before anyone sees you.”

Charlotte slipped her arm around Constantine. “We should stop at the Dove and tell the Crowes the matter is settled.”

He glanced back at the boy, who was still trying to get a look at what was going on, and whispered, “When I left Richmond this morning, a lady was asking about him.”

Her heart began to beat a little faster. “Do you think . . . ?”

“I believe it is a decided possibility, but we won’t know until we can get the two of them together.”

She sent a fervent prayer to the Deity that Jemmy had found his family. “What will happen to the gentlemen?” Using the term with regard to the scoundrels who had paid Miss Betsy left a bad taste in Charlotte’s mouth, even if they did deserve the title by birth.

Before they could start off, Matt signaled to Constantine. He handed her the ribbons. “I’ll be right back. Keep Jemmy here.” A few moments later her betrothed returned. “Worthington knows a sea captain who will ensure the curs are occupied for a very long time.”

“Good. After what they did, I hope they never return.”

“If they know what’s good for them, they’ll never grace England’s shores again.”

It appeared that almost everything was settled, except for . . . “What happened to the money she was paid?”

“Lord Merton has it, my lady,” Jemmy said. “He said it will be used to help her victims. Does that mean the people she hurt?”

“That’s exactly what it means.” Wanting the solid feel of Constantine, Charlotte leaned against him until they reached the main road. “Jemmy, when we get back to the Star and Garter, I want you to go straight up to May and tell her you need a bath and clean clothes.”

“Do I have to? I took a bath the other day.” Charlotte tried not to grin. She would never understand why young boys did not like to bathe. “Be that as it may, yes, you have to.”

They stopped at the Dove. As soon as they drew up into the yard, Mr. and Mrs. Crowe came out to greet them.

Constantine told them what had occurred, including the deaths.

“It’s hard to believe I was so taken in,” Mrs. Crowe said. “She was so pretty and refined.”

“I think it is always hard to believe the worst of people.” Charlotte patted the woman’s shoulder. “From what I understand, you were not the only ones she deceived.”

“All’s well that ends well. That’s what I say.” Mr. Crowe stepped away from the carriage. “Thank you for what ye done, me lord and lady. Ain’t many as would do what ye did.”

“And thank you for your help,” Constantine replied.

Less than twenty minutes later they pulled into the yard of the Star and Garter. Jemmy jumped down and ran inside.