The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(90)

His movements were neat and efficient but graceful, in the same way he drove his carriage, rode a horse, and moved. She stifled a chuckle. And undressed her. Heat rushed into her neck and face.

“Do I dare guess what you are thinking of, my love?” He cast her a wicked grin as he set down his silverware. “If only we had more time.”

“Yes.” An idea occurred to her. “I have something I must do before we depart.”

He rose when she did, drawing her into his arms. “At the very least we have one more night.”

And, if she had her way, many more nights in the very near future. Rising on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to him. “I love you.”

She spun out of his arms. “I shall see you soon.”

Charlotte strode into her chamber and over to a small writing desk in the corner of the room. She took out a piece of paper, made sure the pen did not require mending, and dipped it into the ink.



My dearest Grace,

I shall assume that by now Matt has told you Kenilworth and I wish to marry and soon. I would like to add my plea that it be shortly after we return to Town. Now that I have found the man I wish to spend my life with, I see no reason to wait. It would please me a great deal if Matt could procure a special license, and contact the clergyman (I cannot for the life of me remember his name) who performed the other services, and arrange a date for four days hence. That should give us sufficient time to settle matters here and return.

In the event Matt asks, Kenilworth knows nothing about this, and I wish to keep it that way.

With much love,

Your devoted sister,

Charlotte





She sprinkled sand on the paper, let the ink dry, then addressed it, pressing the ring she wore on her little finger into the soft wax.

Grabbing her bonnet, gloves, and pelisse, she walked quickly back into the parlor, knocked on Dotty’s door, and called out, “I have a letter I wish a messenger to deliver for me. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Making her way out of the apartment and into the corridor, she summoned the floor steward. “I would like this sent by messenger.” She handed him a letter and a coin. Giving servants vails almost always ensured a task was accomplished quickly. “It must arrive today. There is no need to wait for an answer.”

“Yes, my lady.” The man strode to the stairs and signaled someone else. In a scant moment, a younger man appeared. “Have this taken to London immediately.”

By the time she regained the parlor, Constantine was pacing the room. “Where did you go?” Worry lines marred his forehead. “Not even your maid knew.”

“I’m sorry. I just stepped into the corridor for a moment. I had a task I wished the steward to perform.” She brushed a lock of hair that had fallen across his brow back in place. “I did not mean to concern you.”

“It is not your fault.” His hands settled on her waist. “I merely reacted to what happened yesterday. I do not want you to think I will smother you, but I do want you to be safe.”

Part of her was concerned about his reaction. After all, she had only been in the corridor for a short time. Then again, the last few days had been stressful, and she had been abducted, again. And he did recognize it was his problem to resolve. “I understand.”

Dotty and Merton joined them a few moments later, and they left the inn, headed to the Hare and Hound. She and Charlotte rode in the coach, while the gentlemen decided to ride accompanied by at least ten of Merton’s outriders.

She hoped that Constantine would not insist on so many servants to protect her. Then again, Matt was always adamant that she keep a footman with her when she left the house. He had done the same with Dotty and Louisa before their marriages. Mayhap that was what a dependable gentleman did to keep his family safe.

Charlotte turned her mind to the letter she had written to Grace. The one thing Charlotte had forgotten to consider was whether Louisa could receive notice of Charlotte’s marriage and travel to Town in time. She supposed she could put off the wedding for a day or so if need be. On the other hand—she grinned to herself—the new duchess was a force of nature. Once Louisa knew about Charlotte’s wedding, her sister would move heaven and earth to be there.





Chapter Thirty-One


Con had a bit of a problem convincing Jemmy he could not accompany them. However, in the end, Jemmy finally agreed to remain at the hotel if Charlotte’s maid would find him an ice. The kittens were put in Charlotte’s bedchamber until they departed. It was almost strange to be traveling without the boy and the cat.

Their party arrived at the Hare and Hound shortly after ten that morning. Con had spent the journey considering how he and Charlotte should approach the landlord and his wife. He agreed with her that the pair would not be at all happy to see them again. How difficult would it be to convince the couple that they had been cozened by Miss Betsy? He also wondered if Charlotte had brought the letter that had been sent to the procuress. Perhaps he should have mentioned it to her.

Con moved his horse closer to Merton. “I suggest we take several of your men into the inn. Based on my previous experience with the bawd’s tools, they will be in the common room.” Merton nodded. “One or two should be in the stable in the event anyone attempts to escape or send a message. We still do not know what her arrangements for her customer were.”