The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(93)

“If he was able to deceive her, he must be very charming and handsome.”

“I suppose some women would think so.” He sounded disgusted. “He looks rather like Byron, but blond instead of dark.”

That was all that was needed. “Oh, dear. We may have a problem with her.” They climbed the stairs. “I suggest we not disagree with her about Sir Reggie. She may try to run away from us.”

“Her name is Miss Susan.” Constantine opened the door, standing back for Charlotte to enter the room.

A young lady whirled around from the window, a wide smile on her face. As soon as she saw them, the smile faded. She had dark brown hair and blue eyes. Her skin was clear for the most part, with only one spot on her wide forehead. Charlotte sucked in a breath. Miss Susan could be no more than sixteen at the most.

“Are you Miss Betsy?” she asked, remaining near the window.

“No. I am Lady Charlotte Carpenter.” Charlotte stepped into the room, a little at a loss as to how to explain that neither Miss Betsy nor Sir Reginald would be coming.

The girl brightened. “Oh, I dare say Sir Reginald asked you to come for me. I was a little surprised that he has not arrived.”

Constantine touched Charlotte’s elbow and left the room.

Charlotte drew her brows together slightly, trying to place the young lady’s tone. It was not quite as cultured as her sisters’ . . . Suddenly everything fell into place. Miss Susan’s family was not gentry, but most likely wealthy merchants of some sort. That would explain how Sir Reginald had managed to make her acquaintance, and the reason he wanted to do so. “Yes, that is it. Sir Reginald has some business to which he must attend. Miss Betsy had an unfortunate accident yesterday and is unable to come at all.” Charlotte studied the girl’s expression, hoping that she believed her story. At that age, the young woman was perfectly capable of making just the type of scene that would sink them all when they arrived at the Star and Garter. “We, my cousins and my betrothed, are visiting not far from here and have come to fetch you.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I must confess, my betrothed has a lamentable memory, and as Sir Reginald mostly referred to you as Miss Susan, I do not know your surname.”

“Merryville.” She smiled. “Miss Susan Merryville. My eldest sister is Miss Merryville.”

Charlotte would wager her high-perched phaeton that Miss Susan was not out yet and would not be for a few years yet. “It is very nice to meet you, Miss Susan Merryville.”

She curtseyed. “It is very nice to meet you as well, my lady. I suppose that when Sir Reginald and I are married I will meet many ladies.”

Charlotte doubted the girl was even old enough to wed in Scotland, and wondered what the rogue’s game was. But for the moment, that would have to wait. She must discover where the girl lived and decide upon the most expeditious way to take her home.

She smiled encouragingly at Miss Susan. “Tell me, how did you meet Sir Reginald? I have not seen him in Town of late.”

“Oh, we did not meet in Town, but in Bath, where my grandmother lives. I was visiting her and met Sir Reginald while I was running an errand for my grandmamma.”

Not only young, but confiding as well. “I am sure your grandmamma must have adored him, he is so handsome and charming.”

“She did at first.” Miss Susan took on a mulish look that reminded Charlotte strongly of her sister, Theo. “But she thinks he is too old for me.”

Charlotte tapped one gloved finger on her cheek. “I am not certain that I know how old he is, but surely not over two-and-thirty.”

“Nine-and-thirty.” Miss Susan’s voice was scarcely a whisper. “He thinks I am very mature for my age, and I dare say age does not matter when one is in love.”

“Oh, indeed. Love cures all sorts of difficulties.” If Sir Reginald was in love with this child, Charlotte would eat her bonnet. “But surely you did not come all the way from Bath?”

“Not at all.” Miss Susan giggled at the idea of being abducted from Bath. “I was at Gunter’s.”

“My love.” Constantine came up behind Charlotte. “We are ready to depart.”

“Thank you, my love.” She linked her arm with the girl. “I adore Gunter’s. Let us continue our conversation in the coach.”





Chapter Thirty-Two


Somehow Charlotte must convince Miss Susan she had made a terrible mistake in trusting the cur. She hoped her friend had some ideas. A footman assisted the girl into the Mertons’ large traveling coach. Dotty was talking to her husband, and Con stood next to Charlotte.

“Do you know her last name yet?”

“Merryville. She is very trusting. By the time we reach Richmond, I shall know her life history.”

“I’ll leave it to you, then.” Raising her hands to his lips, Con kissed them. “If you can figure out a way to return her to her home, I’d be thankful.”

She climbed the steps into the coach. “I shall do my best.”

Charlotte made a point of sitting next to the girl in the coach as they waited for Dotty.

For the first time the girl showed signs that she might not be as ready to trust Charlotte as she’d thought. “Will Sir Reginald know where I have gone? Perhaps I should remain here.”