Page 43 of Touched By a Traitor
“I’m not certain,” she whispered.
“You’re not certain?” Andrew’s voice rose, his careful control finally snapping. “How can you not be certain when you know how I feel about you?”
“What do you expect from me?” she shot back, her own anger flaring. “You’re too busy manipulating theTon, appearing to protest against my career, hiding any association with me. What am I supposed to do to guard my security when you won’t even acknowledge me publicly?”
“I must work slowly to convince these powerful men,” he said through gritted teeth. “I need a contingency plan in place before I can reveal my true feelings. These are dangerous waters, Charlotte. One wrong move and—”
“And what? You’ll lose your precious shareholders?” She stepped away from him, pacing to the window. “Meanwhile, the scandal about Albert and me grows daily. It may ruin my reputation entirely. I need to make a decision before that happens.”
“How can you even consider him?” Andrew demanded. “How can you ponder marrying another man when you’re in love with me?”
Charlotte whirled around, her eyes blazing. “Because you make it impossible to believe that love is enough! You say you love me, but you won’t fight for me. You won’t stand by me publicly. Albert offers me partnership, respect, and protection without conditions.”
“And what of passion? What of the fire that burns between us?”
“Fire can consume as easily as it can warm,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “Perhaps I’d rather have the steady flame of respect than risk being burned by your ambition.”
Andrew crossed the room in two strides, grasping her shoulders. “You don’t mean that.”
“Don’t I?” she whispered, even as her body betrayed her by leaning into his touch. “You’ve shown me where your priorities lie, Andrew. And they’re not with me.” She shrugged off his coat and thrust it against his chest. Andrew grasped her hand, the contact sending a jolt through her.
“Charlotte, don’t leave like this.”
“I believe I’ve heard enough for one evening. I should return to the house before I’m missed at dinner.”
She walked away, swallowing her tears while Andrew looked on and watched her slip away.
Uncovering
Andrew entered theballroom after dinner, Charlotte’s words in the garden still ringing in his ears. He immediately reached for a glass of champagne to quell the emotions raging within him. The effervescent liquid did little to soothe his frayed nerves as his eyes were inevitably drawn to Charlotte and the duke, their heads bent together in intimate conversation.
With each passing moment, the sight became increasingly unbearable. Andrew turned away from them as his grip on his champagne flute tightened, his knuckles turning white as he fought for control. He drained the glass in a single gulp and reached for another.
“Carlisle.” The Duke of Chatham’s voice came from beside him as His Grace picked up his own flute of champagne, a large diamond glittering on his finger.
“Your Grace. How delightful that you could join us.”
“Come now, Carlisle. There’s no need for pretense. I’m well aware of your feelings toward me,” the duke remarked good-naturedly.
Andrew bristled. “I may not agree with you paving the way for a female barrister, but I do believe you to be a decent fellow.”
“How generous, considering you funded her education and hired her yourself.”
“Hiring her was an act of pure desperation.”
“Is that all?” The duke’s eyes pierced through him. “I find it hard to believe you could hire Miss Morton against your investors’ wishes without some ulterior motive.”
“You give those men far too much credit.”
“Perhaps, but you are quite creative with your schemes. It would be a shame to lose control over your own company.”
Andrew’s jaw tightened. “I suppose I’m not entirely opposed to the idea of female professionals, but the practical application is complex in a society not yet ready for such change.”
“Only if you choose to complicate the matter.” The duke’s smile radiated warmth. “What is the point of life without a little idealism?”
“Speaking of life’s meaning,” Andrew said, his tone turning cool, “do you love her?”
The duke met his gaze unflinchingly. “I do. Do you?”
