Page 39 of Touched By a Traitor
Charlotte ate with quiet desperation, not having had her belly filled since Wilson’s soiree. She half listened to the nearest conversation but snapped to attention when she heard her name.
“By supporting Miss Morton, Your Grace, are you not proclaiming your support for women’s rights to work?”
Daisy’s provocative question commanded attention. Charlotte found solace in the fact that she wasn’t the most controversial person in the room for a change.
“I believe in the inherent equality of all individuals,” the duke replied.
“Daisy, allow His Grace a moment to savor his meal. I daresay he feels quite like the main course himself with your relentless interrogations.” A familiar drawl elicited chuckles from the guests. Charlotte looked up to acknowledge the jest, then noticed Andrew standing across from her, behind the seated guests.
Her heart betrayed her with its racing, though she knew he wouldn’t acknowledge her. From her vantage point, she observed Andrew as his glance deliberately strayed towardthe pretty blonde seated beside her—a calculated display for Wilson’s benefit, no doubt.
The young woman in pale-green silk beamed radiantly in Andrew’s direction, clearly encouraged by his attention. Charlotte recognized the performance for what it was, even as jealousy clawed at her chest.
Daisy leaned toward her conspiratorially. “Are you acquainted with Lady Lidia?”
“No, I have not had the pleasure,” Charlotte replied, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from her gown.
“She is Lord Wilson’s daughter.”
Of course she is.Charlotte managed a neutral smile. “I see. She is very beautiful.”
“She is, if one likes a greenhouse rose. I believe Lord Wilson is quite keen to become part of our family.” Daisy’s displeasure was evident in her cool tone.
Charlotte’s chest tightened, though she reminded herself this was merely Andrew’s strategy to placate Wilson. “Is your brother searching for a wife, then?”
“I believe so. He is—”
“I have no ambition other than being a loyal wife and mother,” Lady Lidia announced loudly, clearly performing for Andrew’s benefit. The conversation ceased as all attention turned to her.
Charlotte fought to appear unaffected as Andrew regarded Lady Lidia with what seemed like keen interest.
Daisy chuckled pointedly. “That’s very admirable, Lady Lidia, but men often prefer women with ambitions outside the home—opera singers, for instance.”
Lady Lidia gasped. “Surely if men sought such women, they would pursue them for matrimony!”
Andrew’s expression grew stern toward his sister before transforming into a gracious smile for Lady Lidia. “Pleaseforgive my sister. I can assure you that men of influence desire women who free their minds for household matters. Women who venture outside the home inadvertently cause disruptions in our careers.”
The words stung, even knowing they were part of his performance. Charlotte watched Lady Lidia beam gratefully, elongating her graceful neck for Andrew’s apparent admiration.
Her stomach wrenched at the convincing display.
When another gentleman approached Lady Lidia, she skillfully transferred her attention, leaving Andrew free to move away. Charlotte found herself following his departure with her eyes, hating how much she missed his presence even knowing it was all pretense.
“Are you well, Miss Morton?” Andrew’s voice rumbled unexpectedly close.
She turned to find him leaning over the settee with a concerned host’s expression. “Yes, my lord. Very well, thank you.”
He inclined his head formally—maintaining proper distance, just as they’d agreed. Then he addressed his sister quietly. “Her father is an important investor and ally. Mind your manners.”
As Andrew walked away, Charlotte felt the profound loneliness of their necessary charade. As such, when the duke’s bejeweled hand appeared before her, offering silent comfort, she took his arm gratefully.
“Let us walk about the house, shall we?”
In the secluded corridor, Chatham’s voice was gentle. “The performance grows difficult, does it not?”
Charlotte’s fingers tightened on his arm. “It is… more challenging than I anticipated.”
“You could end this pretense, you know. Confess your feelings.”
