Page 63 of The Virgin Duchess

Her front smoothed against his, and her husband nuzzled into her neck, kissing playfully as he held her to him. The morning greeted him withexcitementapparently, and Charlotte warmed at the thought of what they’d finally done the previous evening. Should he indeed be able to repeat that after only a short night of rest?

“Frederick, I?—”

He nipped at her neck, silencing her as he dragged his lips up to her mouth, claiming her in a fierce kiss. Frederick’s erection pressed against her, and she moistened at the notion. She was undoubtedly ready to go once more. Perhaps Frederick truly was the same.

Wrapping her leg over his hip, Frederick’s length slipped between her thighs, and he groaned against her lips. Neither of them spoke, relishing this silent invitation and acceptance between them. A gentle rhythm began, one that teased Charlotte as Frederick rubbed against her without entering as he’d done before. The kiss heated, growing more desperate and furious.

Knock, knock, knock.

Jumping in Frederick’s arm, Charlotte nearly leaped out of her skin from the surprise. Her heart beat hard against her ribs, and Frederick leaned back with a grumbled curse.

“Ugh, what could possibly be so important?” He kissed her again, still unwilling to let the moment pass. “I have much moreessentialthings to tend to this morning.”

Charlotte couldn’t contain the giggle that turned into a moan, but then a voice was booming through the closed door as Diedre shouted out.

“Your Graces! I hate to disturb. Truly! But the Duke of Aldworth is downstairs in the drawing room. He is inquitethe mood and is demanding to see the Duchess.”

Freezing, Charlotte abruptly sat up and looked at the door. Her brother was here. But why? They had not arranged to see each other, and he knew better than to arrive unannounced at such an early hour. Worry gripped Charlotte’s heart, and she sat back against the headboard, casting a nervous glance down at Frederick.

“I do not believe we should keep him waiting. I…I am concerned about what might have brought him here just after sunrise.”

Frederick sighed, lifting her hand to his knuckles and kissing them. He was clearly disappointed, but he offered a gentle smile and nodded.

“Of course. We shall make ourselves presentable and meet your brother downstairs.”

Gratitude stretched Charlotte’s face into a grin, and she pressed a quick kiss to Frederick’s lips.

“Thank you.”

With that, she tore herself from the bed, set on getting herself ready as quickly as possible.

Charlotte went down to receive her brother while Frederick was still in the process of getting dressed. She knew she was being hasty, but she couldn’t stop herself. Magnus wasn’t one to simply drop by the estate like this. So, it seemed prudent for her to merely make herself presentable, dispensing with the usual formality of outerwear, and get herself downstairs quickly.

When she rushed down the steps to the drawing room where he waited, Charlotte tried to convince herself that this was all a misunderstanding or that something only needed her immediate attention. It couldn’t be something so terribly wrong. It just…couldn’t.

Still as she entered the room, Charlotte froze as Magnus’s disapproving stare landed on her. It was visceral as if she’d been struck by the back of her hand. Fear gripped Charlotte’s heart, and she offered a slight bow in some vain attempt to appease Magnus’s anger.

“Brother, to what do I owe the unexpected visit?”

He glared at her, and Charlotte swallowed down the lump that had formed in her throat.

“I’ve received a letter.” Magnus held it up, and Charlotte gazed on confused, her brows knitting together. “From Cordelia.”

Her stomach sank, nausea crawling up from its depths, and Charlotte stumbled backward just a hair.

“Cordelia has written you? Is she…oh, God, is Kitty all right?”

Rolling his eyes, Magnus nodded. While there was a modicum of relief at that, Charlotte could see that her brother remained upset, and that did not bode well.

“I have been informed that Cordelia and her daughter no longer require the family’s assistance to ensure their living. Apparently,” Magnus’s jaw muscles worked as he clenched it, scoffing lightly as he shook his head once, “you and your husband are taking care of them now.”

That same confusion growing within her doubled down. Charlotte stepped forward, holding out her hands to soothe her brother’s anger.

“We have provided what we can for them, yes. I have not spoken to Cordelia about no longer requiring money from our—excuse me, fromyourestate. Though, I should think that you would be glad to be freed from the financial burden.”

“He knows about her!” Magnus’s voice echoed in the room, and Charlotte startled, flinching as her brother threw up his hands, the letter smacking against itself.

“We have discussed the situation, Magnus. Frederick understands the severity of the consequences should word get out, and he has been utterly faithful to his word of ensuring it remains secret. In fact, he’s only wanted to help them since he was made aware of the situation. Cordelia and Kitty are well again after a terrible fever because Frederick volunteered his physician.”

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