What the Duke Wants(35)

“Charles?” a woman’s voice called, her footsteps becoming louder as she undoubtedly made her way down the hall.

Immediately breaking the spell he cast a frightened glance to the open door then back to her. His eyes were still drunk with passion and slightly unfocused as if his mind were trying to pull itself from the blazing haze their kissing had created.

“Bloo—blasted woman. I should have tossed her from the carriage when I had the chance.” The duke spoke in a frustrated whisper. He glanced to the door, then to her, then back to the door.

“Charles? I say, where could he have gone?”

“Hide.”

“Excuse me?” Carlotta stammered, not quite believing her ears… or her eyes for that matter, for the duke was pulling her by the hand to hide behind a large tapestry.

“Hide! She can’t see you. Not yet.”

“You can’t be serious!” Carlotta exclaimed as he all but shoved her behind the heavy curtain.

He covered her mouth with his hand, the warmth of his skin seeping through her lips and warming her core, causing a hum of desire to reawaken within her.

“You must be quiet. She’ll hear you and… I’m not prepared to deal with this just yet.”

She was confused, but with his warm hand covering her mouth, she couldn’t really question his strange statement.

“Do not move.” His gaze was firm, decided and Carlotta felt herself nod in agreement though she had no idea why.

“Very good.” With quick spin on his heel, he covered her within the confines of the tapestry. A swirl of dust motes danced in the air in his wake. She sent up a quick prayer she’d not sneeze.





Chapter Nine




“Charles! There you are!” Lady Southridge breezed into his study uninvited. Though he wasn’t surprised. He exhaled a sigh of relief that Carlotta was safely hidden away, and close. Though he began to question the wisdom in hiding her within listening distance of Lady Southridge. This could be bad.

Very bad.

But of course that hadn’t crossed his mind three seconds ago.

No, that would have been too bloody convenient.

“Charles, I say, where is that governess of yours?”

“Lady Southridge, might I suggest that you take a moment of respite in your rooms from our long journey?” He appealed sweetly.

“What are you about Charles?” She speared him with a gaze that was penetrating to his very bones. Like a young boy caught with his hand in the plum pudding, he felt caught in his own trap. But there was no way to go but through it.

“Why, Lady Southridge, I thought you’d be impressed with my consideration of your delicate sensibilities.” He bowed with a flourish, mostly to hide the smile from Lady Southridge’s view. Delicate sensibilities, Ha!

“Are you feeling quite well, Charles? You looked… flushed.”

“Quite well, my lady.” Charles cleared his throat.

“I see… about this governess. I have not seen her and your servants are quite unhelpful I must say. I wish to speak with her. How am I to determine character—”

“Lady Southridge, I’m sure that she is occupied at the present. She does have three wards to care for.”

“Speaking of which, I did get to meet your wards.” Lady Southridge’s face transformed. Her earlier pinched expression lit up, causing her face to break into a rapturous smile. “Lovely young ladies, Charles. I cannot believe you were able to separate yourself from them for so long. Their manners are impeccable and all three of them will set Town on fire upon their come-out. I cannot wait.” She sighed in delight.

“I—”

“Don’t even think of denying me this privilege, Charles. I’ll not have it.” She shrugged a shoulder delicately, but her gaze was ironclad, making her will quite clear.

Charles sighed. He’d deal with this later. What he needed to do was get rid of Lady Southridge from his study so that Carlotta could come out of hiding.

He paused, determining his plan. “Why don’t you spend some more time with the wards then, Lady Southridge. I’m sure you have much that you’d be able to teach them.” Charles was proud of his bait; surely she’d take it and leave.

“Perhaps you’re right… but I wonder, where is their governess? It seems she was summoned by your butler… Charles.” She narrowed her eyes and took a determined step forward.

“Yes?” Charles resisted the urge to back up, or loosen his cravat, really anything to take her gaze from inspecting his own.

“What did you do with her?” Lady Southridge asked with an all too deceptive calm. Her gaze then left his and began to study the room.

“I haven’t done anything.” That I’d dare tell you. He added silently, thus making his lie more of a truth At least that’s what he told himself.

Her eyes widened and Charles panicked.

“What a lovely view! I had all but forgotten that your grounds are so high. I can see part of Bath from here.” She stepped towards the window, her eyes focused on the view outside.

Charles’ heart hammered, he forgot to breathe. Of course, Lady Southridge would approach the window right next to Carlotta.

Fate really shouldn’t be so cruel.

Or maybe he should have not hidden her at all.