Page 75 of Touched By a Traitor
And there it was. The negotiation was now in full swing, the winds of bargaining billowing the sails of their conversation.
Andrew nodded, his eyes glinting with pride. “She has, indeed. Daisy is accomplished in many areas. Your children will undoubtedly be clever.”
“I believe she harbors a desire to practice medicine,” Bridgewater mused, his tone carefully neutral.
“You’re well-informed. She does, but she also understands and respects her place within the household. What are your thoughts on career-minded women, Bridgewater?”
“Not favorable, I’m afraid.”
Andrew nodded, feeling a flicker of disappointment. He had hoped to find Daisy a husband who would, at the very least, tolerate his sister’s lifelong dream, even if he couldn’t openly support her.
“Daisy possesses more energy and good cheer than anyone I know,” he said, his voice warm with affection. “Life with her will never be dull.”
Bridgewater smiled, but there was a hint of reservation in his eyes. “I am pleased to hear it. However, as much as I admire both you and your sister, I hope you’ll understand that I mustconduct my own investigation before agreeing to the betrothal. It’s not a matter of trust, but rather for the sake of appearances.”
“Of course,” Andrew agreed, his expression somber. “In fact, I would prefer that you do so, to ensure there will be no lingering doubts about her innocence in the minds of thetonwhen you wed.”
“Might I have two weeks to reach a decision?”
“Certainly.”
Andrew drained the last of his drink and rose from his chair. “It was a pleasure, Bridgewater.”
The two men shook hands, each gauging the strength and resolve of the other’s grip.
The Letter
4 February 1837
Andrew stood motionlessin the doorway, his heart breaking at the sight of her anguish, knowing all too well the cause of her pain. Her fingers tore at a letter written in an expert hand, her distress evident in every movement.
When she finally turned to face him, the tracks of her tears glistened on her visage, but her eyes blazed. “These are tears of frustration, not weakness or defeat!” she exclaimed.
Andrew stepped closer, his arms outstretched in a silent offer of comfort. Charlotte fell into his embrace, her body melding to his as he stroked her hair and pressed tender kisses to her forehead.
“I know, love. I know,” he murmured.
As her breathing gradually steadied, Charlotte gently extricated herself from his arms, her gaze searching his face for answers. “They’ve disbarred me because you kissed me in public. How was that my fault?”
Andrew wiped away the tears staining her cheeks. “It wasn’t, and I’m sorry,” he said softly.
“Did you know?”
“I learned of it a few days ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think informing you ahead of time would help in any way.”
Charlotte sank onto the chaise by the window, her gaze fixed on the world outside, a world that seemed to be crumbling around her. Andrew had known that losing her law license would devastate her, but the depth of her anger and suffering was even more acute than he had ever imagined.
“Is there anything you can do? You know what I was willing to give up for a career in law. I beg of you to help me. I don’t ask for anything. Only this.” Her voice was small, pleading.
“I shall do what I can, love.”
Charlotte gestured to the letter, now lying in tatters on the floor. “I can’t believe one letter is all it took to change my life. No appeal, no opportunity to prove my innocence. Surely, they know the truth of what happened. But they’re shackling the victim.”
Andrew’s mind raced, searching for a way to ease her pain, though he knew his own actions had contributed to this catastrophe. The weight of his guilt threatened to crush him—he had been so consumed with protecting his empire that he had failed to protect the woman he loved most. “Why don’t you put your energy toward finding a replacement for yourself?”
