Page 80 of The Virgin Duchess

“Oh.” Charlotte’s brows rose, and she looked back at Frederick; he simply nodded at her, suggesting that he was capable of receiving the visitors. “Thank you, Diedre. We shall keep the time brief, but by all means, please show them up.”

It was only a few moments before Frederick’s room was flooded with guests. Charlotte took care of greeting Selina and Amelia, who came over to his bedside afterward, offering their sympathies.

“Oh, Frederick. I cannot believe the Baron attacked you!” Selina looked as distressed by the thought as Charlotte had, which was a bit hilarious considering, but he appreciated her concern. “I hope he rots in a cell somewhere.”

“Thank you, Selina. I am grateful for your visit.” He turned to Amelia, who looked over her shoulder to ensure that Richard was coming along after her. “And you, Amelia. Thank you for visiting.”

Richard pulled up alongside his bed, reaching out for Frederick’s hand. They clapped their palms together, and Richard put his other hand on top, patting Frederick’s.

“Glad to see you still creating such a fuss. And the Baron? It is a miracle that you were able to get out of there.”

Frederick glanced over to where Charlotte was now receiving Cordelia and Kitty, both of whom offered him a smile and wave. She was effortlessly graceful, still looking as beautiful as ever, even though he knew that she had been up at his bedside since she’d taken him to the physician.

“Not a miracle.Her.”

His visitors followed his stare to Charlotte, and Frederick heard Richard hum in understanding. The room devolved into delightful chaos until Charlotte hurried everyone away, insisting that he needed his rest. As it quieted once more, Frederick couldn’t fight the droop to his eyelids or the yawn that broke free.

“Perhaps you are right.” He looked up at her, reaching to stroke her cheek. “But you will stay?”

Charlotte chuckled, shaking her head before taking his hand and pressing her lips to his knuckles.

“I think you know me well enough now, Frederick.” She smiled at him, easy and real. “Of course I will.”

Frederick relaxed into the bed, allowing his eyes to close as he began to drift off to sleep.

“Do not skip supper, darling,” Frederick mumbled, exhaustion tugging so hard on his mind. “Be sure to take care of yourself before you return to me.”

“If you insist,” Charlotte whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

And then he was asleep, warm and content in his bed.

Charlotte was careful with the door as she left Frederick to sleep. She would return as soon as she had filled her belly. Truthfully, she was the one who was starving, having not eaten a stitch of food at the physician’s office. It closed gently, and she tiptoed down the hall to the stairs. The kitchen would prepare her something, and for now, she could enjoy a bit of tea while she waited.

At the bottom of the stairs, Charlotte came to an abrupt stop in front of the main entrance, her halted steps echoing in the foyer. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Was she dreaming?

“Magnus?”

Her brother stood just inside the house, holding his hat and walking stick tightly in his grip. Magnus’s stare was pinned to the floor, only brief seconds of him flicking them up to see her there, and his expression was dower.

“Lotte. It is good to see you.”

Charlotte stepped forward, unable to think of anything to say in the face of such surprise. She had genuinely believed that she might not see her brother again, and Charlotte was confident that played openly across her features.

“What are you?—”

“Doing here? I understand. I know we did not part well when we saw each other last. I…I have come to apologize.”

If it was possible, Charlotte was even more shocked, her eyes flying up to her hairline.

“I was rude and disrespectful. You deserve better than the assumptions I levied at you. And…so does your husband.”

She shook herself out of her stupor and crossed her arms over her chest. “Magnus, I appreciate that very much. But you have to understand that I am a bit wary, considering that Frederick has just been injured. If you only feel this way because of guilt?—”

“It is not that,” Magus cut in. “Though, I will admit to feeling a great deal of regret over my words. When I heard about Frederick’s tussle with Halfacre, about what had happened between them, I could see that I was wrong about him, yes. But in truth, it was how I harmed you that I first realized. You are my sister, Lotte, and you have never given me cause to doubt your judgment. I should have been more supportive.”

Charlotte wanted to be angry with him. She wanted to still be furious with Magnus because of everything he did not understand. But…she couldn’t. She could tell that her brother was trying, and that was something right there.

“Thank you, Magnus.” She chuckled briefly, shrugging a shoulder. “It is a shame. Frederick has fallen asleep, and Cordelia and Kitty just left. You might have had the opportunity to greet them.”

---