What the Duke Wants(18)

Yes, a fresh start for us all.

Throughout the course of dinner Carlotta found her gaze straying to the door. When a footman would enter to take away their soup bowl or lay out another dish, her heart would thump wildly. She was at war with herself, half of her wishing for the duke to appear and gaze at her with those delicious blue eyes, and half of her hoping that he didn’t show up at all.

As dinner ended and the duke didn’t appear, she decided that regardless, she got her wish. Though relieved, a part of her —traitorous that it was— wanted to see him, to gauge if anything had changed. As much as she tried to silence her heart, part of it hoped that maybe, maybe his quick dismissal after their kiss was his way of covering his own emotions, his own response. The kiss was quite spontaneous. It was highly doubtful he had premeditated it; therefore, it was natural to wonder if maybe he was as unsettled as she.

But she wasn’t to know, because he wasn’t to make an appearance.

“Come girls, let’s retire to the library to read for a spell before bed.” Carlotta rose and waited for the girls to follow suit. With a slight inclination of her head, she motioned to the door. The three girls filed out and walked quietly down the hall. Bethanny opened the large door for the rest of them then slipped in quietly, holding the latch so that when it shut, it was noiseless.

“You’re all very quiet,” Carlotta noted, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, then widening with concern. Were they feeling poorly? Were they sick? Perhaps the rain—

“We’re simply… tired,” Beatrix mumbled, sniffing.

“Oh. Well you are certainly able to retire if you wish,” Carlotta responded, carefully watching their expressions, evaluating the color of their skin, and searching for a cause for their strange behavior.

As she watched the girls, she saw a flicker of a glance, one that passed between Bethanny and Beatrix, which caused her to pause. It was just the type of glance she believed she would give in a conspiratorial manner if she had a sister. But she was an only child, so she simply stored away the thought to ponder on later. It wasn’t as if they could get into too much trouble.

She quickly amended her last thought. Judging by the fiasco earlier in the duke’s study, there was quite a bit of trouble they could find. Maybe she should follow them to bed.

“You know, I’m quite exhausted myself, I’ll follow—”

“No!” Beatrix shouted. She was promptly kicked by Bethanny.

“It’s just that—er—we don’t want to cause you further trouble,” Bethanny said softly. After a delicate pause, she took a few steps forward towards Carlotta. “We’ve caused enough trouble today. We can see to ourselves and you’ll surely enjoy a few moments of respite.” Bethanny’s wide eyes were full of innocent intentions, bottomless and guiltless.

The girl was a skilled liar.

But Carlotta allowed them their deception. If she asked them outright, they’d likely never admit to anything. But if she kept her eye on them, she’d easily uncover whatever folly they had planned. She only hoped it didn’t involve the duke. Heaven knew, she couldn’t deal with another scenario that would require her to speak with him in private.

Her heart would surely crack.

“Well, goodnight then, girls. That is, if you’re sure—”

“Very sure.” This from Beatrix, who nodded emphatically.

As if she needed further proof of something afoot, Beatrix needlessly provided it.

Bethanny ushered her sisters out the door, much to the outrage of Berty who was bitterly disappointed she was unable to stay up.

The room was quiet, too quiet. The grandfather clock ticked, the fire crackled and then, there was nothing else but the sound of her breathing. Truly she shouldn’t be so disturbed by the lack of noise. At Garden Gate it had often been quiet, especially following the deaths of her parents. With no siblings to run about with, she only had her household staff that cared for her, along with the governess she had dismissed upon reaching eighteen. The governess, who had upon her dismissal, run off to Gretna Green with the neighbor’s footman. But, in her defense, he was quite a handsome rogue. For all Carlotta knew, they were in Scotland still. Miss March was pleasant enough, but wasn’t one to expend extra energy on her charge. Apparently, she had spent her energy on the neighbor’s footman, however. While Carlotta wished her well, she felt no resentment at her actions or the distance at which she kept her charge. But that experience was why she felt such a need to build a relationship with Berty, Bethanny and Beatrix.

She’d never had someone do that for her.

And now, she found herself in the position to do just that. Regardless of the trouble they caused, either by their mysterious plotting, or inadvertent mishap, they would grow through their tragedy knowing they were loved.

Even if it were just by a governess.

****

Charles paced like a caged animal. At least ten times, he strode to the study door to open it then pulled his hand back as if the doorknob had grown teeth.

Then he’d pace back to his desk, pick up a few papers. Gaze at them, see absolutely nothing except for her face. After which, he’d march back to the door, only to have the whole bloody scenario repeat again and again.

He never once thought of himself as a coward. However, he was beginning to reevaluate his thoughts. What was it? He was the Duke of Clairmont! His reputation was the stuff of legends! He’d sampled the pleasures of many high profile courtesans and opera singers in the country, some even from other countries. He, who easily discouraged the pesky dandy with a simple scowl, was hiding behind his own study door because of a woman.