Page 15 of The Virgin Duchess

As Charlotte reached the study door, she knocked gently on the gleaming wood. After a moment, Frederick’s response came, inviting her in.

Stepping inside, she proceeded to his desk, where Frederick sat with a stack of papers. Charlotte bowed her head ever so slightly. Best to keep him in a good mood, after all. She was about to ask him for something.

“Thank you for giving me a moment of your time. I wondered, dear husband,” Charlotte knew the phrase was a stretch, and Frederick clearly did as well, cocking a brow at her, “I wondered if I might ask you for something.”

He sat up straighter in his chair, and his brows rose. “Oh? And what might that be?”

“I would very much like to invite my friends over for a visit. Amelia, Ethel, and Selina.”

Charlotte narrowed her eyes, ready for Frederick to rebuff her request. She’d come prepared with several counterarguments, and she was ready to use any of them to be permitted at last to see her friends. Talking with them both was desperately needed as was the reprieve of being around those who she didn’t need to put on airs with.

“Of course. Whatever day you think is best. I suppose they could come today if they are available.”

Stopping short, Charlotte’s jaw dropped open, and she was forced to clamp it shut once more.

“Pardon?”

“You may invite them over today if you wish. I am unavailable during the daytime, so you will have the estate to yourself.”

It was impossible to keep the shock from her expression. Charlotte started speaking only to stumble over her words several times before she finally eked out a coherent sentence.

“You’re saying yes. Just like that.”

Frederick chuckled, setting down the quill. “I am your husband, not your overprotective brother. I do not see any issue with you enjoying the company of your friends. Particularly in the safety of the estate.”

When Charlotte had yet to respond, Frederick pulled out his pocket watch and considered the time. He stood from his seat, circling the desk to come stand before her in the center of the study.

“I promised to give you what you required to be comfortable. Your friends are very much considered a part of that.” He leaned forward, kissing the top of her head gently, the picture of a gentlemanly husband. “I will be out during the afternoon, though I would very much like to enjoy our second evening together. Yes?”

She was still at a loss, but Charlotte managed to nod her head as Frederick’s words jumbled through her mind. What’s more, she could feel the burn in her cheeks now, and it was terribly obvious that she was flushing.

Shaking herself, Charlotte blinked and focused all the more on actually speaking to her husband.

“That should be acceptable. I will inform my friends that my evening is occupied.”

“Excellent.” Frederick nodded. “I must be off, but please ask the staff to assist you with anything you need to make your friends’ visit more comfortable. They can prepare tea and scones for you in the drawing room as well as any additional refreshments.”

Without another word, Frederick sauntered to the door and exited the study, leaving Charlotte flabbergasted. So much so that it took several minutes for her to regain her composure and hurry on her way to the kitchen to enlist the help of the staff.

Her friends would be arriving shortly with news delivered of her invitation, and there was much to do.

“Charlotte,” Amelia said, practically rushing up to her and wrapping her in a hug. “How are you?”

Her tone sounded so severe, and Charlotte offered a tight chuckle. “I’m well. Thank you so much for coming. You as well, dear Selina.”

She turned to the Dowager Duchess, embracing her as well before gesturing for both women to join her on the sofa. As they took their spots, Charlotte lifted the teapot to pour them each a drink and then herself. Still, she looked to the third empty seat in the room and gestured with her head as she finished a sip.

“Where is Ethel?”

Selina scoffed. “Ugh, I do not wish to speak of it.”

Charlotte glanced at Amelia, who solemnly nodded before rolling her eyes. It was barely a moment before Selina set her tea down with a clatter and sighed.

“She will not be here for the Season at all! Can you believe her? What on earth could be keeping Ethel away?”

Frowning, Charlotte reached out and took Selina’s hand. While the two of them always had a more antagonistic friendship, Ethel and Selina were quite close. It was a rare day indeed that anyone saw one without the other.

“She didn’t tell you?” Charlotte asked, looking between Amelia and Selina.

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