Page 54 of Touched By a Traitor
As they took their first steps as husband and wife, Charlotte acknowledged the precarious nature of their union sustained by an undeniable connection that refused to die. She could feel the tension radiating from him, sense his desperate need for her forgiveness, but she wasn’t ready to grant it. Her enduring feelings battled against the knowledge that loving him might mean losing a part of herself she could never reclaim.
The weight of her new ring felt foreign on her finger—a symbol of union that felt more like surrender. As the cold air bit at her cheeks, Charlotte wondered if she would ever be able to separate the man she had fallen in love with from the one who had stolen her choices. Time would tell whether she would spend her marriage fighting to remain herself.
*
The group headedto Andrew’s estate for the wedding breakfast, with Daisy taking a separate carriage with Susie to give the bride and groom some privacy despite Charlotte’s protest. As the carriage rolled through the countryside, Charlotte’s gaze fixed on the passing scenery of bare trees and gray skies. Beside her, Andrew studied his bride, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her profile.
“I apologize for my absence since our arrival in Whitstable,” he said, his voice low. “Estate matters demanded my attention before our matrimony.”
Silence stretched between them, and his words went unanswered as he had feared. Had he erred in keeping his distance? Time had been scarce, and he, a man more accustomed to roughness than charm, had feared missteps in his attempts to win her favor. Even Daisy, when asked forguidance, had offered little solace, insisting that forgiveness for his transgressions would not come easily.
As the carriage swayed, Andrew’s gaze roamed over Charlotte’s slight form, drinking in the gentle slope of her shoulders, the fullness of her lips, and the swell of her breasts. Desire, swift and fierce, ignited within him, and he shifted in his seat, his body responding to the mere thought of settling between her thighs. He must have fantasized about this a thousand times since her departure six years ago. However, his wife’s countenance was as somber as a mourner’s.
As the carriage drew to a halt, Andrew stepped out into the crisp air, his hand extended toward Charlotte. She hesitated for a moment before placing her gloved fingers in his. In one swift motion, he gathered her into his arms, carrying her purposefully toward the front door of the house.
Charlotte’s voice rang out in protest, her words tinged with indignation. “Andrew, I demand that you set me down this instant!”
Her plea fell on deaf ears as Andrew ignored her entreaty and crossed the threshold, gently placing her on her feet in the grand hallway. Charlotte, flustered by his bold actions, straightened her skirts and collected her scattered dignity, her cheeks flushed with a becoming rose hue. Andrew, captivated by her loveliness, held back his overwhelming urge to capture her crimson lips in a searing kiss.
“How utterly romantic!” Daisy exclaimed from behind them, her voice filled with girlish delight. For once, Andrew found himself grateful for her timely interruption.
Without preamble, Daisy linked her arm through Charlotte’s, drawing her close as she began to lead her on a tour of the house. Susie, her stature dwarfed by her enthusiastic friend, practically jogged to keep pace with Daisy’s eager strides.
“When shall the meal be served? I find myself quite famished,” Hereford’s voice said from behind.
“I must say, this house is not entirely horrible, considering it belongs to an earl,” Lancaster remarked, his voice dripping with exaggerated condescension.
Andrew fixed his friend with a withering scowl, prompting Lancaster to flash a disarming grin, his teeth gleaming white in the soft light.
“You must admit, old chap, a mere year-old earldom is—”
“I shall have you stuffed in place of the turkey come Christmas,” Andrew said.
“My word, you are in a foul mood for a groom. Shall we adjourn to the drawing room?” Hereford gestured expansively, as if he owned the house in which they stood. The group acquiesced, following him to the elegantly appointed room, where they settled themselves comfortably by the roaring fire.
“Where is Preston?” Andrew asked.
“Alas, he is in court and could not postpone it,” Lancaster drawled.
“That’s a shame. I was hoping to introduce him to my wife,” Andrew said.
“Surely, they must have crossed paths, considering they must attend court regularly,” Hereford said.
“Are you certain you want to introduce them? Preston attracts females like flies to rotten meat,” Lancaster said.
“Leave him be, Lancaster,” Hereford intervened. “It appears Carlisle is unlikely to enjoy any feminine company in the foreseeable future, judging by the chill emanating from his lovely countess.”
“Hold your tongue, man!” Andrew snapped.
At that moment, Charlotte returned from her tour of the house, her arrival heralded by a sudden hush that fell over the room. She paused, her gaze drawn to the sight of Andrew’s sternvisage. With a graceful movement, she settled herself in the plush chair beside Andrew, avoiding her husband’s gaze.
“What say you, Lady Carlisle?” Hereford asked with a mischievous grin. “Would you like to meet the most charismatic man in London? We could arrange an introduction to stave off the tedium of married life.”
Charlotte, despite her reserve, couldn’t suppress a small smile at his audacity. “Why, we must do what we can to prevent such tedium,” she remarked, her tone carrying just a hint of playful challenge.
“Ah, so that explains the distinct chill in the air,” Hereford drawled, a knowing glint in his eye.
“I beg you, desist,” Andrew gritted out. “I fear Lady Carlisle may not be accustomed to your uncouth banter, gentlemen. Perhaps we ought to steer the conversation to more appropriate matters.”
