Page 35 of Touched By a Traitor
“The pleasure is all mine, my lady.”
Lady Daisy reached into her reticule and produced an envelope, presenting it with a flourish. The shy Miss Grantham applauded lightly with excitement.
“I would be most delighted if you could join us for a three-day gathering at Andrew’s estate in Whistable in a fortnight. The festivities will include dancing, musical performances, a delightful picnic, and a scavenger hunt. Your presence would bring us the utmost joy.” Turning to her companion, she sought confirmation. “It shall be a rather intimate gathering, will it not, Susie?”
Miss Grantham, her demeanor shy, nodded in agreement before saying melodically, “Indeed, we anticipate no more than two dozen esteemed guests.”
The thought of seeing Andrew thrilled her, but Charlotte couldn’t afford the cost of transportation. “I am truly honored by your invitation, Lady Daisy. However, I’m afraid my work keeps me quite occupied here in the city, even on weekends.”
“Nonsense!” the lady declared, waving away Charlotte’s concerns with a graceful sweep of her hand. “You can bring your work with you to the cottage. A change of scenery will doyou a world of good. I assure you, there will be no shortage of entertainment, wealthy guests, or delectable feasts. I insist on sending a carriage to collect you on Friday afternoon. You can work and dine during the day and join us for entertainment in the evenings. And you’ll be among familiar faces—my brother, Miss Grantham, the Duke of Chatham.”
“I did not realize you were acquainted with the duke.”
“Yes, indeed. He will be chaperoning his niece, Lady Gloria. In fact, I shall ask Gloria to personally escort you in her carriage. One more thing…” Lady Daisy examined Charlotte’s attire before she said, “I shall give you a few frocks I no longer wear. We’re around the same height. You are slimmer, but I shall assign a girl who is excellent at alterations as your lady’s maid.”
Before Charlotte had time to respond, Lady Daisy rose to her feet, ending the discussion. The whirlwind of ladies took turns embracing Charlotte warmly before departing as swiftly as they had arrived.
Charlotte stood motionless, staring after them, her mind faltering with the unexpected turn of events. She glanced down at her attire—the serviceable wool dress that marked her as firmly beneath the notice of the silk-clad ladies who would attend. The garment, though clean and well-mended, might as well have been a banner announcing she did not belong in Andrew’s glittering world. In fact, with each passing day, her circumstances drove her further from the gilded path he walked.
And yet… three days—three days of warmth and comfort, of feasting at a table laden with delicacies she’d nearly forgotten the taste of. Three days of sleeping in a proper bed, with soft linens and downy pillows. Three days of… him.
Charlotte pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to silence the treacherous whispers of her heart. She would not permit herself to dwell on how her skin tingled at the mere thought of sharing the same roof with Andrew, of catching glimpses ofhim across candlelit rooms, of possibly hearing his deep laugh echo down marble halls. She would not acknowledge how her pulse quickened at the prospect of their paths crossing in quiet corridors, or how her dreams might betray her beneath those promised soft sheets.
No. This was about survival, about seizing a brief respite from the grinding wheel of poverty. The soft bed, the abundant food—these were the true temptations. Not the way Andrew’s voice still caressed her ears like warm honey, or how his presence filled a room like summer heat.
Not the memory of that night in the library, when he had enveloped her in his embrace, his hot breath against her neck, his powerful body pressed against her back. The ghost of his lips still haunted her skin—how he’d traced burning kisses from her shoulder to her ear, the rasp of his evening stubble a delicious torture. Even now, days later, she could recall with perfect clarity how his hands had spanned her waist, how the thundering of his heart had matched her own frantic pulse.
The food and shelter. That was all. It had to be all.
House Party
9 December 1836—Whistable
“This is quitean interesting development.” The Duke of Chatham smirked as the carriage jostled along the uneven road. “You say Lady Daisy extended the invitation?”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes and sent a silent warning. “What are you implying, Your Grace?”
“Nothing at all, Miss Morton.” Chatham grinned innocently.
Lady Gloria, seated beside Charlotte, spoke. “Uncle, do you suspect Lady Daisy of playing matchmaker? It would make sense, given that she is an independent woman who likely admires a fellow female with professional aspirations.”
“Is Lady Daisy an aspiring professional?” Charlotte asked.
“Oh, yes,” Lady Gloria said. “She ran away to Jamaica to study medicine under a physician. Lord Carlisle went after her, but to everyone’s astonishment, he allowed her to remain and finish her training. She returned to England only a year ago.”
“That is admirable,” Charlotte said. The revelation stirred something warm in her chest—further evidence of Andrew’s capacity for understanding, despite how he presented himself.
Lady Gloria fixed her attention on Charlotte, a mischievous glint in her eye as she glanced at her uncle. “And what is your opinion of Lord Carlisle?” she whispered.
The Duke of Chatham interjected. “He is not a suitable match for you, Gloria.”
Lady Gloria sat up straight and schooled her features to nonchalance. “What makes you think I want to be matched with Lord Carlisle?”
Chatham quirked a brow. “Your feelings are quite evident in your expression. You would make a poor card player indeed.”
She bristled, her lips forming a petulant pout. “Very well, then. Hypothetically speaking, why is he unsuitable for me? If it’s his age, he’s only fifteen years older than me. Besides, he looks healthier than any man I’ve ever met.”
“It is not the age. Your parents require you to marry into an old, established title with a long lineage. Carlisle only obtained his title a year ago. Regardless of his wealth, it will not satisfy your parents’ expectations.”
