What the Duke Wants(70)

“We’ll be late.”

“I don’t care.”

“Yes you do.”

“No. I do not. Quit arguing with me.”

“I—”

“Miss Lottie!” Bethanny strode in, her face flushed and her eyes dancing.

“Yes?” Carlotta backed away from his embrace, cheeks flushing as well, but quite curious as to Bethanny’s expression.

“You have guest. Actually two guests, but Lady Southridge isn’t exactly a guest, she’s family.”


“Oh? Who is the other guest?” Carlotta asked before Charles could make a remark.

Bethanny blushed deeper, her eyes lowering for a moment. “Lord Graham, her brother. I’ve been informed that he’s just returned from Scotland.” She finished, but her tone was far more breathless at the end of her statement then at the beginning.

What if…

“We’ll see him immediately,” Carlotta nodded, her curiosity flaring.

“We will? Yes…”Charles cleared his throat.” We will.” He gave Carlotta a confused expression and then furrowed his brow as his gaze dipped lower, and then rose again a question in his eyes.

“Later,” she whispered, then followed Bethanny out.

Not for the first time, Carlotta took note of how Bethanny was growing up, growing into herself. Her long chestnut hair was heavy and curled just enough to make it a dream to work with. Her figure had filled out as well, and like a mother watching her baby chick try to fly, Carlotta felt her throat constrict at the idea that someday, possibly soon, she’d test her wings.

They arrived in the red parlor in their London home. The same parlor that had been filled, utterly filled with well wishers, and the insanely curious, ton upon their arrival not so long ago. The ball tonight was to introduce the Duchess Clairmont to the world.

Lord Graham was facing the window; looking very much like the first time she had met him. His sandy blond hair and green eyes were every bit as dangerous as Charles, but there was a teasing light to him, a lack of brooding that gave him a far less intimidating manner. His face lit up in a warming grin when he turned around upon their entrance.

“You devil! I didn’t think you’d actually take my advice!” Lord Graham teased, striding forward and shaking Charles’ hand.

“And you, Duchess Clairmont. A pleasure.” He bowed and lifted her hand to his lips, his eyes dancing with a teasing light.

Charles growled.

“Possessive, are we?”

“Yes. Very. Now back off, Graham. I’m in no mood.”

“I can see that… and here I thought marriage would have turned you into a * cat… or at least a lap dog.”

“Ha!” Carlotta laughed, covering her mouth with her glove too late.

Lord Graham cast an amused grin her way.

Carlotta took that moment to find Bethanny. Sure enough, she hadn’t left, but was watching Lord Graham with rapt attention, her eyes soft.

“Have you met Bethanny, my lord?” Carlotta asked.

“Yes, I believe I have, but not formally. Miss Bethanny, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Bethanny’s face blushed vermillion, her smile was beatific, her eyes took on a flirtatious glint Carlotta didn’t know she could do, and of course, at that moment Lady Southridge walked in.

But the two being introduced didn’t notice her.

Carlotta did… and saw the smile… the raised eyebrow and the overjoyed nod that accompanied her quick assessment of the situation.

Good Lord, here we go again.





More By Kristin Vayden





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