Page 37 of Touched By a Traitor
A gentle knock sounded, and a maid entered. Upon seeing Charlotte’s undignified position, she let out a soft giggle.
“My name is Hannah, Miss Morton. Lady Daisy asked me to assist you during your stay.”
“Did she? How kind of her.”
“That is a mighty fine bed, ain’t it, Miss?” Hannah remarked, her eyes twinkling.
“Yes, it is. I could spend the rest of my life in it.”
“I’ve never seen a lady act like you, Miss.”
“That’s because I’m a lady who can appreciate the small things, Hannah.”
As Hannah unpacked Charlotte’s meager belongings—frowning at the slight defects in the garments—Charlotte luxuriated in a warm bath. The steaming water soothed her weary soul, and she felt she might melt into blissful contentment.
When she emerged, glowing and refreshed, Hannah began the transformation. With deft fingers, the maid coaxed Charlotte’s dark hair into a loose chignon, soft curls framing her face. A touch of powder and rouge enhanced her natural beauty, making her eyes sparkle.
Charlotte had chosen the most daring gown—deep-red silk that complemented her dark hair and skin. The neckline dipped low from off-the-shoulder cuffs, offering a tantalizing glimpse of her décolletage. It was bold, but in a room full of strangers and critics, she refused to disappear into the walls.
“You’re a true beauty, my lady,” Hannah said, adjusting the final threads of her alterations.
Charlotte’s fingers drifted to her bare throat, thinking of her mother’s necklaces she’d been forced to sell. “Do you think this might be too revealing?”
“Not at all, my lady. Why, Lady Sotheby caused quite the scandal last Season when her cuffs slipped to expose her corset!” Hannah giggled.
A sharp knock interrupted them.
Hannah moved to answer, but Andrew was already stepping inside, his presence filling the room. Charlotte’s breath caught—he looked magnificent in his evening attire, but his expression was tense.
“Hannah, allow Miss Morton and me a private word?” he said.
The maid curtsied and withdrew, closing the door behind her. Andrew’s eyes immediately found Charlotte, drinking in the sight of her in the crimson gown. His jaw tightened.
“You look…” He stopped, his gaze darkening and roaming over her form. “Exquisite. Dangerously so.”
Charlotte felt heat rise in her cheeks. “Andrew, what are you doing here? If someone should see—”
“That’s precisely why I’m here.” He moved closer, his voice dropping. “Charlotte, tonight will be… difficult. Wilson is among the guests, and he’s been watching me closely. My investors grow suspicious of my interest in you.”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “I see.”
“I may need to seem dismissive, even cold, and I may need to feign an interest in Wilson’s daughter.” The words clearly pained him. “I cannot bear the thought of you believing it genuine.”
Charlotte nodded slowly. “I understand. And I must maintain my facade with the duke. Any sign of familiarity between us could ruin both our reputations.”
“Precisely.” Andrew stepped closer still, close enough that she could smell his cologne, feel the heat radiating from his body. “But before the pretense begins…” His hand rose to cup her cheek, thumb tracing her lower lip.
“Andrew,” she whispered, her resolve crumbling at his touch.
“I know I shouldn’t,” he murmured, his other hand settling at her waist. “But seeing you in this gown, knowing I must ignore you all evening…”
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was desperate and tender in equal measure. Charlotte melted into him, her arms wrapping around his neck as he pulled her closer. The kiss deepened, the threat of separation making it more urgent.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily.
“Can you do this?” he asked quietly, his forehead resting against hers. “Can you bear to ignore me?”
Charlotte summoned a rueful smile. “I’ve endured worse, my lord. The question is whether you can manage to look bored in my presence.”
