What the Duke Wants(64)

She would be a great mother.

Charles felt his grin grow wide.

A mother to his children.

Yes, it was a wonderful night.

“You’re here! Oh, thank heavens! Charles how ever did you do it?” Lady Southridge exclaimed as she came out to meet them.

“It took some convincing,” he replied, rocking back on his heels.

“Oh?”

Carlotta raised an eyebrow. “He was quite persuasive, Lady Southridge.”

“Indeed I was.” He met her warm gaze.

“And I have wonderful news. Tomorrow there will be a wedding.” He spoke, not once taking his eyes from her.

“What? Hooray!” Berty jumped up and down, dancing. Then paused. “Wait… who’s getting married?” She glanced at Lottie, then him, questioning.

“I am, Berty.” Carlotta rushed forward and grasped the little girl’s hands, spinning her around and pulling her into a tight hug.

“You are? To the duke? Oh, please tell me it’s to the duke! We were trying so hard to—”

“Berty!” Bethanny’s eyes widened.

“Yes, to the duke, Miss Berty.” He chuckled. “And Bethanny, don’t think we didn’t see right through you.” She had the good grace to look abashed.

“Oh, he didn’t see through it till he had made quite a scene though, for that I thank you girls.” Carlotta reached out and waited until the other girls joined her embrace.

“Quite a scene, Charles? It seems you have a story to tell.”

“It’s quite a story, Lady Southridge. As it is, I doubt he’ll want to grace the door of White’s for quite some time,” Carlotta teased, giving him a saucy grin.

His body coiled in tension, flaming to life and all it took was one smile. Just one night. He reminded himself. He only needed to practice restraint for one more night.

Perhaps he spoke too soon, rather thought too soon, about the whole restraint thing.

Maybe there was something to be said for impatience.

But as soon as the traitorous thought traveled across his imagination, he forced himself into check once more.

He would wait. He would.

But bloody hell if that smile of hers made it almost impossible.


“Well are we going to stand out here all night or can we go inside and hear the whole sordid tale?” Lady Southridge asked teasingly.

“Romantic, it was quite romantic,” Carlotta corrected with a wink towards him.

Of course, when he was practicing herculean self-control, the temptress unveiled herself.

He should have known.

“Of course.” Charles gestured towards the door. Knowing he had the longest night in his life stretching out endlessly before him.

****

He was right, the night went on forever.

And ever.

And then stretched longer still, until he was sure that God was holding off dawn just to spite him.

Though it would be quite merciful if he simply was holding off dawn when Charles knew he deserved far worse.

So he didn’t complain, too much.

Finally, when the darkness was gaining the faintest touch of light, he rose and walked to the library. Immediately the memories from the past evening overtook him. The girls had admitted to a bit of planning… and stretching of the truth.

A lot of stretching, in his opinion.

They had been chided, without any heat to the scolding, and sent to bed after the tame version of the story. The version that didn’t include his quite ruining kiss in front of his solicitor and fellow peer of the realm.

Although, he was surprised to discover the depth of the girl’s involvement. It seemed that they had been conniving even before they left London, seeing the expression in his eyes, they said. He should quit playing cards at Whites, being in love made him easy to read, apparently. They further admitted to cornering Mr. Burrows and ironically, soliciting his aid. Mr. Burrows then explained that he’d have to speak with Lord Darby and well… the rest was history.

Quite humbling history, but history nonetheless.

Lady Southridge demanded the unedited version of their tale as soon as the girls left, and cackled in glee when she learned the desperate measures he had taken to insure Lottie’s hand.

Her eyes rested on Lottie as she took her hand. “I’m so thankful he found you, so thankful.”

Charles felt the need to clear his throat… just because he was in love didn’t mean he necessarily wanted to wade in feminine emotions all evening. And if he didn’t distract Lady Southridge, it would be a long and emotional evening indeed.

Thankfully, she took his hint and left them alone shortly after.

Alone.

For heaven’s sake, the woman was mad.

Or maybe just desperate to make sure Carlotta was ruined enough to never make another escape.

Either way the temptation was enough to make him cross-eyed.

And he was far too pretty to be cross-eyed.

So he did the honorable thing, gave Carlotta a quick kiss, whispered, “I love you,” and demanded that she lock her door.

And put a chair in front of it.

And if possible, her bed pushed against it as well.

Then he went to his own room, locked his own door, and stared at it. Trying very hard not to imagine what it would take to scale the outside wall and make it to her room alive.