What the Duke Wants(47)

“Perfect! And I’m sure his grace will see fit to give you a separate day off for your leisure,” she gushed.

The duke glanced up, his face wincing as Lady Southridge shifted slightly.

If she didn’t know better, she would have believed that the duke had been kicked under the table by a very pointed slipper belonging to Lady Southridge.

Good thing she knew better.

She smiled regardless, however.

“Yes, yes. Perhaps the day after tomorrow? Will Friday be acceptable?”

“Indeed, thank you, your grace.”

“Yes, well…”

The conversation continued to ebb and flow through the several-course dinner. Carlotta was thrilled to watch her charges use perfect table manners, correct posture, and engage in polite conversation. To see a tangible reward for her efforts quickly outweighed the embarrassing conversation earlier.

As dinner finished, the duke excused himself, only to be called back by Lady Southridge. “Charles? Would you please escort Carlotta to the parlor? I would love to walk with the girls once more and I find that I’m in need of entertainment. Do any of you beautiful young ladies play the pianoforte?” She turned her attention to the three girls.

“Yes, m’um.” Bethanny and Beatrix nodded.

“I’m learning, Lady Southridge.” Berty offered.

“That is wonderful. I’d love to hear you all play! It’s settled. Charles? What room holds your delightful instrument?”

“That would be the green room. If you’ll follow me,” he responded graciously.

Carlotta stood and waited for the girls.

“Oh, do carry on without us. I find I need to finish my wine. I’ll be just a moment. The girls will direct me, won’t you?” Lady Southridge turned to the girls.

“Of course,” Bethanny responded. Then, as if she questioned whether to continue or stop, “I’m sure we’ll be only a moment. Lady Southridge wished to tell me more of the London Season and we’ll simply continue that conversation when we rejoin you.”

Carlotta narrowed her eyes slightly. Lady Southridge was beaming, Bethanny simply looked too innocent and Berty had a very confused expression on her face.

“But you weren’t talking about London, you were trying to—”

“Berty! I, er, need your help,” Beatrix cut in, her eyes frantically casting about for something that would make her statement true.


“Oh? What happened?” Berty asked, distracted.

“It seems it is just you and I,” a soft voice spoke from behind her. A chuckle escaped and warmed her insides at the rich sound. “Let them have their secrets, Miss Lottie. Truly, what is the worst that can happen?” he asked.

“You have no idea what you’re saying.” Carlotta turned towards him, prepared to give him a very exasperated expression, but he was much closer than she had expected.

Much, much closer.

Her breath caught as she almost walked into his chest. The scent of cedar and peppermint immediately enveloped her and caused her determined thoughts to grow foggy.

“Shall we?” he asked, his voice for her alone.

She nodded, not willing to trust the strength of her voice.

He reached out and placed her gloved hand on his arm, then led them into the hall amidst whispers that trailed behind them.

She must remember to tell the girls about the difference between the classes. This was one area they were not to meddle with.

“Surely being alone with me isn’t too trying?” he asked, his gaze intent on her face.

“Trying isn’t the word I’d use.”

“Oh, what word then? Charming? Handsomely distracting? Witty, intelligent—”

“My, however am I to choose with such a diverse list of options?” she replied wryly.

“Honesty is always preferable to flattery.”

“Says the duke,” she mumbled.

“Indeed, however I’m curious as to why you said it.”

“So are you looking forward to tomorrow’s picnic?” Carlotta tried to change the subject. She had no desire to explain herself for the slip.

“Yes and no. You are not sufficiently distracting from my previous question. However, just in case my dashing countenance stole your train of thought—”

“Are you always so humble?”

“Yes, and the question was, why does it matter if a duke preferred honestly to flattery? I find I’m quite curious as to your answer, Miss Lottie.”

Carlotta sighed. “If you must know, as duke, you undoubtedly are surrounded with people who wish to flatter you as a way to obtain your good graces. That lends the idea of you surrounding yourself with honesty, quite challenging, your grace.”

“Charles.”

“Pardon?” Carlotta stopped mid stride.

“My name is Charles. You are free to use it, when we are alone of course.”

“No, thank you, your grace.”

“I fully intend on calling you Carlotta so I felt it necessary to be fair.”

“I’d prefer you not address me so familiar, your grace.”

“Carlotta…” He paused, his eyebrows raised in challenge at his use of her Christian name. “Forgive me for being so forward but as a woman I have kissed, thoroughly, and on many occasions I might add, my use of your Christian name is far less scandalous than the previous.”