The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(97)

“That was clever.” If any of the younger children knew about Charlotte’s wedding, they would be bound to let it slip and Constantine would know.

“Lord Worthington said he never knew you were as managing as Lady Louisa, I mean her grace, and Lady Worthington just laughed and told him he hadn’t been paying attention.”

“I think it is just that Louisa has a different way.” Charlotte grinned. “Has he never noticed how my sister manages everything?”

“That’s men for you, my lady. My mother says they can’t see what’s in front of their faces unless you hit them in the nose.”

She laughed at that. “I have a feeling my mother might have said the same thing at times.” She thought about how quiet Theo had been earlier. “Can you talk to one of the nursery maids and find out how Lady Theo has been doing? I am a bit concerned. She was very subdued when I arrived home.”

“I’ll do it after the little ones go to bed, my lady.”

“Thank you.” Charlotte recalled how Louisa’s maid was concerned about being a duchess’s dresser. “How are you doing? Are you looking forward to the changes that are about to happen?”

“Couldn’t be happier, my lady.” May’s grin was as broad as Charlotte had ever seen it. “I had a good talk with Polly, I should say Miss Franks, and she told me when she went to Merton House, she made her place right away, and I should do the same. So I did. His lordship’s valet calls me Miss Walker, as will the other servants. Truth to tell, when we got here Bolton took me in hand. That was a great help.”

By this time Charlotte was dressed and her maid was closing the clasp on a strand of pearls around Charlotte’s neck. She would have to refer to her maid as Walker, as well. It would not do for Charlotte to show a lack of respect for her personal servant.

“I’m glad you had someone to show you the way.”

“Yes, my lady.” Walker stood back. “I’ll try to have something about Lady Theo when you return.”

“Thank you, again.” Charlotte stood as her maid placed her silk shawl around her shoulders. “I am lucky to have you, Walker.”

May glowed with pride. “I’m lucky to have a mistress as fine as you, my lady.”

A knock came on the door and Charlotte answered, “Come.”

Grace floated into the bedchamber. Someday, Charlotte vowed, she would learn to do that. Her sister hugged her tightly. “You must realize you are driving Matt absolutely mad.”

“Actually, I didn’t consider him at all.” She gazed into her sister’s eyes. “I suppose I should have. I just want to be married.”

“I know.” Grace chuckled lightly. “I have to tell you that I let Lady Kenilworth in on the secret. It would not have been fair not to.”

Charlotte could understand that. “I suppose I am having a wedding breakfast.”

“Naturally. However, none of the invitations will state that it is a wedding breakfast.” Her sister chuckled. “We are calling it an End-of-Season breakfast.”

“What a brilliant idea.” She had not expected a wedding breakfast at all.

“Lady Kenilworth thought of it.” Grace grinned like she had when she had planned surprises for their parents.

“So Kenilworth will not know what is going on until Matt takes him to the church?” The more Charlotte thought of surprising him, the more excited she became.

“We shall keep our fingers crossed.” Grace hugged Charlotte again. “I am so glad you found your love.”

She blinked as tears of joy threatened to fill her eyes. “As am I.”

When Charlotte entered the drawing room that evening, Constantine was waiting for her. He handed her a glass of sherry. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

“I had no idea I would be the first, but I’m very glad I am.” She pressed her lips against his. “I have a surprise for you, but I cannot tell you yet.”

His arms went around her, tugging her to him. “That, my lady, is not fair.”

“Oh, I believe you will enjoy it a great deal when you find out what it is.”

“Minx.” His mouth came down on hers, and she opened to him, tangling her tongue with his.

Charlotte drew back. The children she would hear come down the stairs, but Matt could move quietly when he wanted to. Despite knowing she and Constantine would be married in three days, she did not want to risk her brother being upset with them, especially after all he was doing. “I shall miss sleeping with you, and spending my days with you.”

Con’s fingers tightened. “I am meeting with your brother tomorrow about the settlement agreements. I shall press for an early marriage.”

Feet pounded on the stairs, the door opened, and the children rushed into the room. “Charlotte, you’re home!” The twins and Madeline threw their arms around Charlotte’s waist and she returned their hugs. “We missed you.”

“I missed you too. Mind your manners and say good evening to Lord Kenilworth.”

The three girls curtseyed. “Good evening, Lord Kenilworth.”

He bowed, then rubbed his chin. “I believe that under the circumstances, you should call me Constantine, and I like hugs as well.”

The girls stared at him for a moment before embracing him. “We like you the best.”