Page 45 of Touched By a Traitor
“Oh, my sincerest apologies. I didn’t mean to doze off. I am so sorry.”
She quickly rose to her feet and examined the piles of papers organized on the desk. “I was going to be cross with you for piling the documents in a nonsensical manner, but you categorized them perfectly.”
“I’ve spent thousands of hours reviewing legal documents and meeting with solicitors. I’m quite familiar with the process.” With a teasing glint in his eyes, he added, “Now, I suggestyou sleep on the bed rather than using it as a desk. If you’re uncertain of their respective purposes, please do speak up now.”
Her long lashes swept upward toward him as she said, “Their uses are interchangeable. Don’t you agree, Lord Carlisle?”
Andrew was speechless. He was uncertain of his purpose in approaching her, but his feet carried him closer until she needed to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.
He spoke in a low, raspy timbre. “Charlotte, I believe you might have learned a thing or two from the courtesans you associate with.”
“You shall never know.”
She managed to hold his gaze, but Andrew noticed the tension in her neck and shoulders. She then swallowed and bit her bottom lip. His eyes focused sharply on her mouth, glistening lusciously in the faint glow. Such fullness, like a ripe cherry about to burst. How he wished to taste her sweetness, to feel her surrender beneath his touch.
“What a shame. I could give you much, much more pleasure,” he said, his voice hoarse and low.
“Well… I shall learn to live with the loss. I bid you good night, my lord.”
With every ounce of willpower he possessed, he stepped away from her and exited the chamber.
He had to admit he had lost the battle of wits against Charlotte Morton.
Disaster
11 December 1836
Andrew stared atthe cause of his fatigue, his gaze transfixed by the sight before him. Charlotte was a vision of loveliness in a silk emerald-green gown, the fabric draping over her to entice. He had hardly slept the previous night, plagued by a raging erection as he thought about her. He had finally given in and had whispered her name as he reached his climax.
She was unadorned around the neck, and he found himself fantasizing about gifting her all the luxuries money could afford. To his chagrin, there was one constant undesirable ornament on her person—the Duke of Chatham. Ever the faithful servant, the duke stood by her side like a devoted husband, if not a territorial lover.
Andrew had managed to distract himself with estate matters during the day while Daisy entertained her friends with a scavenger hunt. But duty called this evening as the orchestra prepared to announce the commencement of the first dance.
“Carlisle, just the man I was looking for.” Wilson slapped him on the shoulder, and Andrew grimaced for more reasons than one. The man’s breath smelled like sour milk, and he had an inkling as to why Wilson was so eager to see him.
“Wilson,” he replied coolly.
“I need to speak with you in private.”
Nodding curtly, Andrew led him to a vacant corner, ordering a footman to fetch him a glass of brandy as he did so.
“You and my daughter seem to be getting along quite well. You would make a very handsome pair,” Wilson said without preamble.
“Lady Lidia is undeniably lovely, but I must confess I have no intention of marrying this Season.”
“And why not? How does waiting benefit you? You’re approaching two and thirty, are you not?”
“I may embark on a long voyage, you see. I don’t wish to leave a wife behind, pining for my return.”
“A long voyage for investment? Is there something I ought to know about?”
The prospect of profit always managed to catch Wilson’s attention, but even more eager was his desire not to miss out on anything other men were pursuing. His weak spine had him panting after whatever other dogs chased, a trait Andrew found rather distasteful.
“Nothing related to your investment, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“If it’s a promising venture, I wish to know about it.” Wilson’s eyes gleamed with greed.
“It’s merely an idea I’m exploring currently, to invest personally. I’m afraid I cannot say any more on the subject at present.”
