What the Duke Wants(41)
“This sounds promising.”
Charles didn’t speak.
“I will continue to poke and prod the subject till you tell me, this is your fair warning.”
“You are a miserable wretch.”
“I’m still waiting.”
“She doesn’t even want me. That, is how I know she isn’t a fortune hunter. And she’s not playing coy either. I could easily see through that masquerade. But no, the woman I finally think could reform my wicked ways wants nothing to do with them. Though if I were in her position, I’d likely make the same choice. It’s far wiser. I have nothing save a title and money to offer her. While that would be far more than what most women would desire in a husband, that and, if I say so myself, I’m quite dashing and handsome…” He grinned wryly, though his heart ached. His attempt at humor fell flat to his own ears.
“So, let me see if I have grasped the situation correctly.”
“Yes, please summarize my pathetic existence. I’d love to hear it from your gracious perspective. And I thought the day couldn’t get worse,” he mumbled.
“Life is what you make of it. You, of all people, have no excuse. You’ve been given everything. Don’t be so pathetic to find something, someone that requires far more effort on your part and only roll over and quit. You are better than that, Charles.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing? Giving up? I’m here aren’t I? Believe me, I was trying, trying to do the noble thing and keep myself away! Then you had to barge into my life, inject yourself into the middle of my dilemma and now here I stand, completely at odds with all that I thought I was doing that was correct and I find I was wrong? I can’t pursue her! I can’t offer for her, and I’ll not degrade her with offering less. Nor will I tolerate you inspecting her like a brood mare. I don’t even feel as though I make sense any longer.” He stood up abruptly and paced about the room.
“Sit, Charles.”
“I’m not your pet.”
“No, you’re like my son, and while you are doubting my intentions, I promise you that there is a solution and one that will find you quite happily able to pursue your governess. Now, will you please sit and cease your infernal pacing?”
Charles glared, but sat.
“Now. Before you introduce me, I need you to understand something. While your title does put certain… obligations… on your future wife, those are not set in concrete. Your claim that you cannot pursue her based on her position is nothing short of being a coward. So that excuse is no longer valid. Next—”She paused, subjecting Charles to a very patient glare. “You must choose if you truly desire this woman. I can see, based on your testimony of her virtues, that she is no light skirt or one to dally with. You must choose your words and ways wisely. Under your employ, she will be put in a very difficult position should you choose to try and win her affections. Finally—”
“Will this ever end?” Charles lamented.
“Yes, now quiet yourself so I may finish. Finally, if what I learned is correct, your Miss Lottie is actually Carlotta Standhope whose father was a baron. Titled, but barely. The information I was able to accumulate on such short notice also spoke of a loss of income that precluded her seeking employment. Rumors had it that she was expecting to go to London for a season next year.”
“A season? Carlotta planned a come out?”
“Yes.”
Charles’ imagination quickly spun into action as he dreamed of watching her enter from across the room. Her golden hair spun up and her pastel colored gown clinging to all her perfect curves. The sound of her bell-like laughter carrying across the room to his waiting ears. She’d glance over and meet his gaze…
“Charles? Now is not the time for your wild imagination.”
“Excuse me?” He shook his head.
“What I’m trying to explain is that your chances at winning the affections of your governess, which I might add, I still have not had the pleasure of meeting, are quite good. This of course is on the assumption that you can woo her properly.”
“I can woo.”
“Yes, her earlier behavior was solid evidence.”
“I—”
“You have no excuse. Now. Will you please introduce me to the woman who has succeeded in tying you in knots? It’s been such a dream of mine. I find myself afraid she doesn’t truly exist.”
“She’ll not want to speak with me at the moment.”
“Because you hurt her.”
“Because she thought I wanted her to be my mistress.”
“Good Lord.”
“I’m assuming that was a prayer?” he retorted, using her earlier words against her.
“It was certainly a prayer for your hopeless soul. Divine intervention is necessary if this is what you call wooing.”
“It was a misunderstanding.”
“Clearly, because I seem to remember you saying you’d not shame her by even asking such a thing… yet if it were a misunderstanding. Why the tears?”
“I, er, well.”
“Good Lord.”
“You are becoming quite pagan in your use of the Lord’s name this day.”
“I’m praying. Believe me, you need it. You didn’t explain yourself did you?”