Chapter 10
Chapter
Ten
L ord Charteris was unusually quiet that evening at dinner, speaking little to anyone at the table, unlike the lively conversations of nights before.
Matilda sat beside Charlotte, noticing her friend's furtive glances toward her brother and guest. Lord Charteris seemed reflective, perhaps rattled by the kiss they had shared earlier. Matilda couldn’t help but wonder if he was more affected than he let on. Their stolen kisses while she'd been a guest here had been delightful, and she hoped they might continue before her departure. It was certainly a far more enjoyable way to pass the time than sitting embroidering all day, which she'd never been overly fond of.
“I think Lord and Lady Haverly wish for Christopher to marry their daughter, Lady Delphine,” Charlotte whispered so no one else could hear. “I overheard them speaking with my parents earlier today. They didn’t know I was in the library. I was seated in one of the wingback chairs facing the window, reading, and they came in discussing how Christopher and Lady Delphine are of age and ought to marry. They seem to believe them a most suitable match.”
Matilda glanced across the table at Lady Delphine, who sat adjacent to Lord Charteris. The woman’s gaze lingered on Christopher, her expression soft and admiring. Suspicion knotted Matilda’s stomach, and she reached for her wine, the cool, ruby liquid fortifying her resolve not to care what Lord Charteris did, or Lady Delphine, for that matter.
While she enjoyed his mouth, that did not mean he would make a satisfying husband.
“Do you think your brother wishes for such a union?” Matilda stated, remembering their past conversations. “I, for one, have not seen him display any particular interest in Lady Delphine, though she’s kind, pretty, and undeniably eligible.” She paused. "I have heard your brother state he's not in the market for a wife just yet."
While unions were often arranged by the great families of the ton , she rarely saw love matches come out of such marriages. More often than not, the couple barely spent time together or showed any affection.
Suitability in the eyes of society was one thing, but she longed for something more—something her parents’ marriage had lacked.
Love…
“I do not think so,” Charlotte replied. “We love Lady Delphine dearly, but Christopher is so often away. I believe the distance has kept their affections from deepening. But maybe in Lady Delphine's case, her heart grew stronger by the separation.”
“Then I feel sorry for her if that is the case.” Matilda glanced toward Christopher and found him watching her. He sipped his wine, his eyes burning a trail across the table, sending a delicious heat coursing through her. Heat kissed her cheeks, and she reached for her own wine glass for added fortification.
He was so handsome and impossibly magnetic. He took her breath away, and she longed for more—so many more stolen moments with him.
“Do you now think with certainty that Lady Delphine has remained unmarried in hopes of securing your brother’s hand?” Matilda asked.
“I do,” Charlotte said, popping a roasted potato into her mouth. “I think she’s been waiting for him, but I fear she’ll leave here as she always does—unmarried and ever closer to spinsterhood.”
“But she’s an heiress from a good family and stunningly beautiful. Why not return to London and find a husband there? She might find a love match, as you and Genevieve have.”
“I suspect her heart is too set on Christopher.” Charlotte sighed. “It’s a tragedy. She’s destined to be heartbroken.”
“That is very unfortunate.” Matilda forced herself to look away from Christopher, lest anyone notice the interactions between them.
After several more courses, the main meal came to an end, and dessert was served—a decadent wine-flavored syllabub that melted on the tongue, its fruity acidity wholly balanced by the creamy texture.
They retired to the drawing room after not another bite could be had. The terrace doors stood open, allowing a gentle, jasmine-scented breeze to drift into the room, weaving its way through the air and bringing with it a refreshing touch of the evening's tranquility.
Lady Delphine took to the piano, playing a lively gavotte that soon had Charlotte and Lord Lacy moving to the side of the room to dance.
Lord Charteris approached Matilda, a playful grin on his lips putting her on guard. “May I have this dance, my lady?” He bowed before her, and she blinked in surprise. He did not seem the kind to seek attention from anyone so openly. But instead of questioning his reasons, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to guide her to join the others in what became an impromptu ball.
“I do not believe I’ve mentioned this yet, Lady Matilda,” his words low and intimate, “but you look particularly beautiful this evening. I much prefer your hair loose like this rather than swept into the towering wigs so many ladies favor.”
“Do you?” Her smile grew as he spun her gracefully within the dance. “I must admit, it’s far more comfortable. And it means I can retire to bed much faster at the end of the night. Perhaps wigs will fall out of fashion someday, and we’ll all wear our hair loose to balls, as I am now.”
“I certainly hope so.” His eyes dipped to her lips, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.
“I cannot stop thinking about our kiss this afternoon.”
Butterflies swarmed in her stomach, left her longing for more. “It was enjoyable, was it not?” she teased. “And if you remain a charming gentleman this evening, I might reward you with another tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow is too far away,” he murmured.
For a fleeting moment, she considered indulging him, but they could not sneak away without arousing suspicion. Besides, Lady Delphine’s obvious admiration for him weighed on her conscience.
“We cannot.” She needed to remain strong. “Not that I don’t wish to, but I think it would be cruel to ignore another’s feelings.”
His gaze flicked to Lady Delphine. His mouth tightened before he returned his attention to her. “I’ll steal those kisses while I can before they’re no longer mine to take.”
Her breath caught. “For those kisses to be yours forever, you will have to make me fall in love with you—and marry me. Are you prepared to do that, my lord? I did not think you were in the market for a wife.”
He grinned but did not deny it outright. A promising sign, perhaps? The dance ended, and he bowed, escorting her back to her seat. “Good evening, Lady Matilda," he said, striding toward where his parents stood with Lord and Lady Haverly.
Matilda’s heart twisted as she watched him exchange words with his parents and guests. Lady Delphine joined them, and surprisingly, Lord Charteris offered his arm and led the young woman onto the terrace, out of sight.
Much to the delight of both their parents.
Unease prickled down her spine, and before she could stop herself, she wished everyone goodnight and retired for the evening. Alone in her chamber, she tried to convince herself it didn’t matter what he did or with whom and that a stroll on the terrace with anyone did not mean anything.
But as she lay sleepless in the dark, a thought echoed endlessly.
Perhaps it did .