Page 93 of Touched By a Traitor
Charlotte’s initial surge of jealousy gave way to a sobering realization as the woman’s words sank in.A dangerous husbandwho would cross an ocean to hunt her down.This wasn’t about romantic rivalry—this was about a woman fleeing for her life.
Charlotte nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. The danger to this woman was real, and having someone like Andrew as her protector was crucial. There was no room for petty jealousy.
Yet even as she told herself this, Charlotte couldn’t ignore the sharp stab of possessiveness that pierced her chest at the thought of Andrew sharing his home with three women. The intensity of her reaction was unexpected. She had convinced herself she was prepared to build a life without him. But based on her strong aversion to the idea of Andrew’s proximity to another woman, Charlotte realized she needed to reassess her willingness to lose him.
“You’ll be as safe as you can be with Mr. Creswell,” she assured Lily, who smiled gratefully in return. “You must have more to discuss,” she addressed Andrew and the woman. With a polite incline of her head, Charlotte turned and headed back to her suite.
Once in the privacy of her room, Charlotte sat up against the headboard, her mind even more unsettled than before. She tried to untangle the web of her emotions, weighing the fear of losing Andrew against the fear of a broken heart.
A soft knock at the door had her leaping out of bed, her heart racing.
“Yes?” she called out softly.
“It’s Andrew.”
On trembling legs, she opened the door and motioned for him to enter. Andrew stood in the middle of the room, his overcoat draped over one arm.
“I didn’t want any misunderstandings lingering between us before you went to bed,” he began. “I’m sorry about that. I seem to become a bumbling fool in your presence.”
Charlotte, realizing she was only in her night rail, hurriedly climbed onto the bed and slipped under the counterpane. Sitting up against the headboard and pulling the blanket up to her neck, she met his gaze, now riveted on her form.
Andrew quickly turned away from her. “I’m sorry, I should’ve asked if you’d be all right with me offering my home to strangers.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. “How do you have a home already? What has become of your company?”
“I no longer own it. The charity does, and Hereford will guide it along.”
“Andrew, that company meant more to you than anything.”
“I thought it did. I realized too late that it didn’t. But I’m here to do the right thing by you, Charlotte. I only want to be near you, to help with your studies and career in whatever way I can. I want to cook for you, study with you, chase away other men… I’m afraid that will never change.” He smiled woefully.
“I don’t know what to say…”
“You deserve far more than I can offer, but I’m willing to give it all and become the best husband in between murdering a man or two who ogle at you.”
Charlotte emitted a soft laugh, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she delicately dabbed at them with her handkerchief.
“If the notion of my residing with three comely ladies displeases you,” Andrew offered, his voice tinged with a hint of playfulness, “I could, perchance, take up residence in your abode instead.”
Arching a delicate brow, Charlotte retorted, “Or perhaps the ladies might find sanctuary under my roof?”
“And expose you to danger? I think not,” Andrew said. “Speaking of which, I have taken the liberty of procuring two estates in your name, situated in close proximity to your placeof study. Your home shall stand adjacent to mine, though separated by sufficient acreage to afford you privacy.”
Her hands flew to her mouth. “You have purchased properties for me? I am most grateful. I don’t know what to say.”
“This is not an attempt to purchase your forgiveness. My sole desire is to ensure your safety and comfort, regardless of the path our relationship may take.”
“I am deeply moved by your generosity,” Charlotte murmured, her voice breaking. “Yet, I must insist that I am quite capable of tending to my own needs. There is no call for you to assume the role of my steward.”
“But I must. I am compelled to maintain some connection to you, to atone for my transgressions. Charlotte, I have been utterly bereft in your absence. I implore you, allow me this small comfort, as much for my sake as for yours.”
Overwhelmed, Charlotte could only nod her assent.
“I shall take my leave and allow you to rest,” Andrew said, moving toward the door. As his hand grasped the handle, he paused, turning to face her once more. “I love you, my lady wife,” he whispered, his voice laden with tender affection.
As Andrew’s footsteps faded into the distance, Charlotte remained motionless, her heart pounding a fierce tattoo against her ribcage. For the first time in her life, she would not face the world alone, but with a devoted companion to share her burdens.
Epilogue
