Page 58 of Touched By a Traitor
“Well, you’re a man…” Charlotte said, her words trailing off as she realized the absurdity of her own assumption.
“And you’re a female barrister. Aren’t we perfect for each other?” Andrew regarded her with an unreadable emotion before saying, “I’m not just any man. I’m a man who raised a child and looked after himself for most of his life.”
“True.” Charlotte allowed a hint of admiration in her tone. “But most men would have paid someone to bring them food or eaten a cooked potato for sustenance.”
“I didn’t grow this big by eating potatoes, darling wife,” he said, pointing to his body. “I offered my strength in exchange for meat.”
Charlotte touched her cheek with the back of her hand, attempting to hide the blush that rose at being addressed as his wife. But Andrew’s imposing form drew closer, and his warm hand brushed against her face, sending a shiver down her spine.
“I’m sorry if I startled you earlier with that kiss,” he said softly. “I was touched that you’d baked and acted impulsively. I know you haven’t adjusted to the idea of being with me yet.”
Charlotte focused on maintaining a steady rhythm of breath, determined not to let him see how deeply his presence affected her.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt my pride,” he continued, “or my feelings to know you preferred him over me.”
She looked up at him, then. “Are you angry with me?”
“I was angry with Chatham for existing and stealing your heart… but I stole you from under his nose, so we’re even now,” he said, stroking her cheek lightly with his thumb.
“I’m not sure he sees it that way.”
“He may not, but I’m not giving you back.” His lips curved into a smile, his thumb pausing on her plump lower lip.
“If you think I’m going to forgive you just because you smile and jest, you’ll be disappointed,” she said as she tried to ignore the fluttering in her stomach.
“I know,” he said, lowering his hand. “But you can’t stay angry with me forever if you want a chance at happiness. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms in a defensive posture. “I shall take as long as I need, if you don’t mind.”
His face cracked open into a broad grin, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “Yes, Mrs. Creswell.”
She flinched at the unfamiliar title. “Mrs. Creswell sounds too personal and Lady Carlisle is too grand. How about Charlotte for now?”
“Very well, Charlotte. Allow me to assist you with your bath.” He held out his arm, his gesture gallant, albeit exaggerated.
“With my bath?” Her eyes widened in surprise. “Absolutely not!”
“You misunderstand me. I only meant the bathwater, unless you plan to carry out the labor yourself.”
She bit her lower lip as mortification washed over her. “Yes, of course. I’d like that. Thank you.”
She was grateful Andrew refrained from teasing her about the misunderstanding. She took his proffered arm, allowing him to guide her into the spacious water closet. As they entered, Charlotte’s eyes widened in delight at the sight of the large copper tub, surrounded by rows of colorful bottles adorning the shelves and clean, fluffy towels. A beautiful bouquet of flowers filled a vase beside the tub, adding a touch of elegance to the room.
“This is lovely.” She reached for a small pink bottle, unscrewing the cap and inhaling the delightful scent of vanilla and lemon that wafted from within.
“They’re for you to wear or drop into the bathwater. I didn’t know what you preferred, so I had every scent purchased for you from the apothecary.”
Charlotte turned to face him, struck by the sweetness in his expression. He seemed eager to please, his eyes searching hers for approval.
“They are lovely and so very thoughtful of you. Thank you. I’d like to try every single scent before we leave here,” she said softly, a shy smile gracing her lips.
“They belong to you. We shall take them home with us, so there’s no need to rush.”
Charlotte swallowed, her fingers tightening around the small bottle as she studied it intently. “Yes, home,” she murmured, her mind racing with the implications of their new life together. “Where will we reside?”
“I apologize for not discussing it earlier,” Andrew said, his tone sincere. “I thought we might stay in London, close to our offices.”
Charlotte’s head snapped up, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. Reading the unspoken question on herlips, Andrew quickly added, “I’m not promising anything, but for now, nothing shall change.”
