The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(98)



“You do?” His eyes widened. “Why is that?”

“We have to call Louisa’s husband Rothwell,” Madeline said. “Because he’s a duke.”

“And Dotty’s husband, Merton,” Eleanor added. “Because he’s a bit stuffy.”

“We like Constantine,” Alice said. “When are you and Charlotte getting married?”

“As soon as I can convince your brother to let me.” He practically growled and she hid a smile.

Grace and Matt strolled in at that moment. “About that,” Matt said. “I shall meet with you tomorrow morning to discuss the settlement agreements.”

“I’ll see you at nine if that is not too early.”

Matt poured glasses of sherry for himself and Grace. “Not at all.”

A few minutes later, the Mertons arrived with Susan and joined the pandemonium in the drawing room. Con wanted to find out if anyone had been able to contact the girl’s family, but there was no way to have a private word. A few minutes later, the butler announced dinner.

He placed Charlotte’s hand on his arm. “I promise you, I will make your brother agree to let us marry next week.”

“I am positive you will succeed.” Her countenance was too serene. Did she not care how soon they wed? Or was she certain he would prevail?

Dinner was as lively as he thought it would be, and it occurred to him how lonely he had been as the last child. He glanced at Mary and wondered how she would feel when her brothers and sisters were gone. Then he remembered that Grace—she had asked him to call her that before dinner—was expecting a child in late December. Next to him, Charlotte was talking to her brother Walter, and Con marveled at how easily they got along. Of course, he got on well with his sister Annis, but it was nothing like Charlotte’s family.

The sound of a door opening and closing filtered through the air. A few seconds later, a young man with the Carpenter coloring entered the room. “Is there a place for me?”

Chairs scraped back, and the children rushed forward en masse.

“Charlie!” someone called.

“You’re home!” a few others said.

“We missed you.” Con recognized Theo’s voice.

Worthington rose. “You made good time.”

“Half-term began today. I was eager to be here.” He finished hugging the younger children and was halfway to Charlotte’s chair when she rose. “I hear you are getting married.”

Her eyes filled with tears, and she smiled at him. “I am.” She took his hand. “Come and meet him.”

Con pushed his chair back and stood, waiting.

“Constantine, this is my brother Charlie, Earl of Stanwood. Charlie, the Marquis of Kenilworth.”

The young man had what Con thought of as the Carpenter look, and it was clear by the way he held himself that he cared deeply about his sisters and brothers, even his new sisters. His throat tightened. Soon he would join this family who loved each other so fiercely. “Stanwood.”

“Kenilworth.” The younger man clasped his hand. “Welcome to the family.”

“You can call him Constantine,” Phillip called out.

“And you can call him Charlie,” Alice said.

A place was set, and everyone went back to their seats. Charlie glanced around the table and greeted Dotty and Merton. Then his gaze stopped on Miss Susan. “I believe someone forgot to introduce us.”

“Miss Susan,” Dotty said, casting a sparkling look at Charlotte, “may I introduce, my brother, the Earl of Stanwood? Charlie, this is Miss Susan Merryville. She is visiting me for the nonce.”

He bowed. “My pleasure, Miss Susan. I hope you are enjoying your visit.”

The minute Charlie had looked at her, Susan’s eyes had rounded, her lips formed an O, and Con was sure she had forgotten all about Sir Reginald. “I am, my lord. Very much.”

Charlie sat next to Grace, and for the rest of the meal conducted a low-toned conversation with her. He glanced at Charlotte once or twice and Worthington another time.

Charlotte leaned closer to Con. “Grace is telling him what has been going on. After dinner or tomorrow, he will spend most of the day with Matt. When the children have finished their lessons, he’ll be with them.”

“How old did you say he was?”

“Sixteen. He takes his responsibilities seriously.”

“I can see that.” Charlie’s attitude, his whole bearing almost made Con feel as if he was lacking. Or had somehow neglected his duties. That was ridiculous, of course. He always took care of his land and dependents. “He will be a force to be reckoned with some day.”

Under the table, Charlotte slipped her hand in his. “As you are now.”

As he would damn well make sure he was. “Have you noticed how Miss Susan looks at him?”

She grinned and nodded. “An infatuation with a younger man might be just what she needs. And Charlie is safe. He will be kind, but treat her as he would one of us.”

“Do you know if Worthington was able to contact her parents?”

Charlotte shook her head. “No one has said anything. I do hope they come soon.”

An hour later, Grace rose from her chair. “Let us leave the gentlemen.”

The gentlemen and footmen assisted the other ladies. Charlotte squeezed Con’s hand. “I’ll see you soon.”

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