Chapter 5
Chapter Five
Charlotte felt as though she was going to snap.
It had taken all of her willpower to keep her tongue still.
All of her anguish had finally come to bear.
It was impossible to quell the churning sensation in her stomach, and while she had tried to keep her face turned away from him, it was impossible to ignore his existence.
Every time she looked at him, she was reminded of the kiss they shared. Before, he had been nothing more than a rude man, one who could suffer a tongue-lashing. But here he was master and lord, and he had Mary’s fate in his hands.
He had made no secret of reminding her of it, either.
Oh yes, she was fully aware of the threat. The others had no idea, of course, but she knew. All the talk of impropriety, of behavior, was all a reminder that he had not forgotten their earlier interaction.
Charlotte glanced worriedly at Mary. As yet, she wasn’t sure how she was going to handle the situation. Nathaniel reminded them all that his judgment was final. Frankly, she was surprised he hadn’t thrown them all out immediately upon seeing her.
Was the Iron Duke capable of some mercy, or was he just biding his time before bringing down the hammer?
Thankfully, she was offered some relief when they were shown to their guest rooms. Nathaniel stood by the door, nodding to them as they left. As she passed, she was reminded of his potent scent, and her mind whirled.
When she dared to look into his eyes, she was met with an unflinching gaze, and she invariably stared at his mouth as well. She had never assumed that she would encounter the man she had kissed again. She hoped she would be able to lose the memory in the nebulous past.
“Are you feeling well, sister?” Edmund asked as they exited the drawing room. Charlotte glanced over her shoulder, feeling relieved that Nathaniel was not following.
“I am. Why do you ask?”
“It’s just that there seems to be something off with you. I’ve never known you to be so lost for words.”
“I am simply being polite. I stand in fear of saying anything that might elicit our host’s disapproval.”
Edmund waved the notion away. “I’m sure he’s more bluster than anything. He has a reputation to maintain, of course.”
“How can you be so cavalier about things? The matter still hangs in the balance. You act as though nothing bad can befall this family.”
Edmund’s casual demeanor shifted for a moment. Darkness shadowed his eyes, and there was a biting edge to his words.
“How could you, of all people, say that, Charlotte?”
Charlotte bowed her head.
“Sorry, Edmund. The stress of the situation is getting to me.”
Edmund’s features softened just as easily as they had hardened. Charlotte found herself looking at him with a little resentment, wishing that she could brush the pain away so easily.
“Then you should relax; otherwise, you risk making an error. There is no need to be wound so tightly.”
Charlotte was about to bite back, to tell him that there was a very pressing need, but she bit her tongue. There was no need to go over the same ground again. Besides, if she spoke about it too much, then Edmund might suspect that there was some substance behind her misgivings.
“Of course, brother, you are right. I’m sure that once I am properly settled, my mind shall be as well.”
“Good, rest well, and we shall get together later. I’m looking forward to exploring this estate. I’m sure there are many secrets hidden away in its nooks and crannies.” He rubbed his hands together with glee and stepped away.
One by one, they entered their rooms. Charlotte’s luggage had been placed just inside her room. There was a wide window through which sunlight poured in. As she glanced around, she found herself missing her chambers at home.
That room was filled with notes strewn everywhere, and samples of plants on windows and shelves, and books she used for research, haphazardly placed around the room. By contrast, this place was immaculate.
Indeed, the entire estate was the same. From what she observed, nothing was out of place, and there was barely a mote of dust hanging in the air.
She gazed out of the window. As Nathaniel suggested, she had a better view of the forest. She looked beyond the high walls, longing for freedom. She pressed her hand against the window, aching to be among the plants that did not judge her.
For the time being, however, she had to plot her course through a treacherous land.
She soon tired of being by herself, for her thoughts were in disarray. She caught the attention of a passing maid and inquired about the location of her cousin. The maid obliged her, leading her to Mary’s room.
Mary was sitting by the window, the sunlight framing her face. She wore a pensive expression. Untroubled, Clara was on the floor beside her, playing with a doll. It was a relief to be away from the formal atmosphere.
“Isn’t Christine pretty?” Clara asked, holding up the doll.
“Why yes, she is.”
“She’s going to get married soon.”
“Oh, really, to whom?”
“She doesn’t know yet. But she’s going to be happy. And she’s going to live in a big house, and she’s not going to cry anymore.”
“That’s enough, Clara. Why don’t you go over there?” Mary wore a sheepish look as she gestured to the other side of the room. Clara toddled away happily.
“How are you, dear cousin?” Charlotte asked. She joined Mary on the window seat. The warmth from outside tickled her skin. Mary smiled and bowed her head.
“I am well…” she said.
“Do I detect hesitancy in your voice?”
“There is no secret I can keep from you,” Mary replied. Charlotte’s stomach twisted at the words, but she kept her expression neutral.
“Pray tell, what troubles you? It’s not Alfred, is it?”
Charlotte and Mary kept their voices low to prevent Clara from overhearing.
“Oh no, of course not.”
“Good, because the man clearly adores you.”
Mary smiled at this. “That is good to hear. I would hate to think I am deluding myself. No, it’s about everything else.”
“By everything else you mean…”
“The stares. The judgment. The pressure to be perfect.” She took a breath. “The family.”
“The Duke does have strict standards.”
“Indeed. Some may call me foolish, but I believe that the only standard that matters in marriage is love. At least, that is the way for me and Alfred. I know that I am not as desirable a match as the Duke and his mother would like—”
“You speak nonsense, Mary; you are a perfect match. There are countless men in the country and beyond who would consider themselves to be fortunate to marry you.”
“You are too kind, cousin.”
“I speak only the truth.” Charlotte bowed her head and opened her palms.
“If we must speak plainly, then I cannot ignore the ramifications. If this marriage should not go ahead… I’m not sure what I’m going to do.” Tears filled her eyes, and her head dropped. She clasped her hands together.
Charlotte grabbed her hands and squeezed them, directing an imploring look toward Mary.
“There is no need to think of such things. You and Alfred are meant to be together. There is nothing that can stop you from being married.”
“Nothing apart from the Duke,” Mary replied in a hollow voice.
“And he shall see that you are a worthy addition to this family. We shall do all we can to impress that upon him.”
“You are so kind to me, cousin. I know I can rely on you. With everything that’s happened, my life feels precarious. My heart is filled with happiness at your presence and the others, of course. You can help me maintain my equilibrium.”
“I shall endeavor to give you as much support as I can.”
“Good, for there is one matter that I wish to speak to you about, and I fear it may cause offence.”
“Oh?” Charlotte leaned back a little.
“I fear that there has already been an incident between our families, and animosity has arisen. I’m sure you must have noticed the tension in the drawing room.”
“Was it that obvious?” Charlotte asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“I know you were standing beside the window, but you must have noticed. It was as plain as day to everyone present.”
“It was?” Charlotte gasped. Her mind raced with different explanations, trying to think of some way to salvage the situation.
“Of course, it was. You must do something about it, Charlotte. I hate to ask something so daunting of you, but I believe you are the only one who can hold things together.”
“Oh… ah… may I ask how the truth was revealed to you?” Charlotte stammered. She thought she had been so careful. She had purposefully turned her back to Nathaniel and remained by the window. She felt tension in the air with Nathaniel, but she had assumed it was only noticeable by her.
Mary leaned toward her and choked out a laugh. “It hardly seemed to be a secret. The way she looked.”
“She?” Charlotte asked.
“Yes, Grandmother and Her Grace. Did you not notice how Her Grace was hovering by the chair? She seemed to take great offence at the mess.”
A wide smile spread over Charlotte’s face. She was so relieved she could have jumped for joy, although her reaction was met with bewilderment from Mary.
“Why are you amused? This is my life.”
The smile immediately fell from Charlotte’s face. “I apologize, cousin. I am of course taking this seriously, but I do not believe you need to be so alarmed. Grandmother can be a…”
“…acquired taste?” Mary replied. They both laughed.
“Indeed, but she has been in far more situations like these than we have, and she has forgotten far more about social etiquette than we have ever learned.”
“Forgetting is what I fear most,” Mary observed.
“Everything will be fine,” Charlotte said in her most reassuring tone. “What’s most important is that you are not alone.” Charlotte leaned across and hugged Mary.
By this point, Clara had gotten bored and wandered back to the window, catching the last part of the conversation.
“She’s never alone. I’m always here.”
Mary broke away from the hug, but when she went to embrace Clara, Clara was already moving in the opposite direction.
The door had been left ajar by the maid, who brought in fresh blankets.
Clara slipped over to investigate, for an open door might always lead to an adventure.
Charlotte observed a shadow moving outside.
Clara nudged the door open, and a proud, preening cat strode in.
He had a gray coat and white paws with a sleek tail that wagged like a slow pendulum.
“Greetings, Hector,” Clara said, stretching out her hand. Hector bent his head, allowing Clara to stroke his back, but nothing more. He bent low under her hand, his body an inverted arch, before righting himself to his normal posture as he spotted Charlotte.
He tilted his head to the side and looked at her with wide, glassy eyes. He came right up to Charlotte’s feet and studied her for a moment before rearing back on his hind legs and jumping into her lap.
“Oh!” Charlotte cried out in surprise as Hector pressed his paws into her lap and settled, curling his body around.
“He likes you; he likes you!” Clara beamed excitedly as she bounded toward Charlotte, giggling.
“I assume he isn’t a stray,” Charlotte said.
“Oh no, technically he belongs to His Grace, although I’m not sure His Grace cares for Hector all that much,” Mary replied.
“He does,” Clara said defiantly. “He just hides it. I’ve seen him stroke Hector.” Clara wore a proud look, as though she were privy to a secret that nobody else knew.
Charlotte was eager to dismiss this as the fantasy of a child. She couldn’t imagine anyone as hard as the Duke showing affection to something so soft and cuddly. He was unyielding and cold, qualities that no animal who craved affection would be drawn to.
However, Charlotte was glad of Hector’s company. She idly stroked the cat, her fingers swimming through his fur, running around scratching his chin, and it wasn’t long before Hector was purring happily.
“He definitely likes you,” Mary said.
“Why doesn’t he do that for me?” Clara pouted.
“Because you don’t stroke him as gently. You poke him,” Mary said with kind admonition.
Charlotte breathed heavily, the tension in her body slipping away. The cat seemed to absorb it, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
“Forgive me, Charlotte, but are you well? I have been so focused on my own state of mind that I haven’t asked about you. Is there anything troubling you?”
Aside from the fact that I kissed the man who would be your brother-in-law, inviting scandal and perhaps ruining your chance at prosperity, happiness, and love? That I insulted a man notorious for his intolerance of ill manners? No, cousin, everything is perfectly fine.
Charlotte did not give voice to these thoughts, of course. She spent a moment gazing upon Hector, wishing that life could be as simple for herself as it was for the animal.
“Nothing at all, I am just anxious for matters to proceed as we both wish and as they should. I want the wedding day to arrive as swiftly as possible.”
“You and I both,” Mary said, relieved, and then bent down to pay attention to Clara.
Meanwhile, Charlotte continued stroking Hector. Her mind drifted as she did so, and she was unable to prevent her thoughts from settling upon the man who brought her so much discomfort.
The image of his face loomed large in her mind. Being of a scientific mindset, she was unable to dispute the truth that he was a handsome man. His features were symmetrical, his jaw strong, his hair thick. But such looks were wasted on a man as infuriating as he.
Clara must have been mistaken. Charlotte couldn’t imagine Nathaniel ever petting Hector with a gentle touch. The man was cold as ice.
Except she knew that wasn’t entirely true, and she knew it better than anyone else.
Somehow, she was going to have to try to avoid Nathaniel as much as possible—not that he was going to make it easy for her. Charlotte closed her eyes and tried to push him from her mind, but he was just as stubborn in her imagination as he was in reality.
He haunted her like a specter, and she looked forward to the day when she could be well away from the Winthrop estate and the man who was as imposing as the buildings contained within.