Page 92 of The Duke's Forbidden Bride
“We can hardly compete,” Theodore snorted. “You are his sister, and Eleanor is his wife.”
“It does not have to be romantic,” Charlotte argued. “Or anything over the top. Simply a judgment of character.”
“Fine, then,” he relented. “Judge me, Lady Charlotte.”
Eleanor looked between the two of them, noting the easy way they conversed.
It is nothing, she told herself. And even though Charlotte was still unaware of the true nature of her betrothed, it was even more ofnothing. Yet her gaze lingered on Theodore for a moment longer, and Eleanor had to wonder how her friend had found herself engaged to Lord Follet.
Had Charlotte even agreed to it? Had Spencer encouraged it, based on Lord Follet’s fake good record?
“Confident,” Charlotte finally answered. “Attractive?—”
“Charlotte,” Spencer said quickly. “Do not overstep.”
“I am not. Can I not comment on a man’s appearance without it meaning something?”
Spencer gave her a pointed look, but his smile did not falter, so Eleanor knew he wasn’t annoyed or truly upset.
Charlotte continued regardless. “You are a socialite. A man who knows everybody, and I think that serves you very well. You must get to attend many events and meet with so many people all over London.”
“Indeed, I do.” Theodore nodded, looking pleased with himself.
In return, Charlotte looked envious and thrilled, biting her lip as if she imagined being a part of that.
Spencer frowned, his forehead creasing as if he thought the opposite. That he had sheltered her from Society so much, causing her to miss out on what she truly wanted. How she wanted a life just like Theodore’s.
“If your brother agrees, I can accompany you to the opera or perhaps a ballet. I can introduce you to several people I know. Ladies and their husbands and the like. If you want to socialize, then it is the best place beyond a ballroom.”
“Really?” Charlotte’s eyes lit up as she sat up straighter in her chair.
Theodore nodded, glancing at Spencer.
Eleanor met her husband’s eyes, knowing he was feeling torn. He did not want Charlotte to remain engaged to Lord Follet, but until they found a way to break her free, or convince her that it was not the right thing to do without revealing the darker truth of what she had nearly found herself in, he had no reason to break off the engagement.
Therefore he could hardly endorse such a thing, but Eleanor wondered if he wanted to.
“We will see,” was all he said.
Charlotte’s gaze flashed to him. “Broody, stubborn, selfish.” Her words were sharp, even though her voice wasn’t. She narrowed her eyes in mock offense. “Do not ruin my fun simply because you do not know how to have any.”
Theodore let out a low whistle. “Spencer, your little sister bites as sharply as you do.” His eyes flicked to Eleanor, dancing with mirth. “However, I am sure you are more familiar with Spencer’s particular sort of biting.”
“And on that note, I believe it is time you leave, Theodore.” Spencer stood up from his chair with a heavy sigh, scowling at his friend. “You have had your fun.”
“Oh, I am far from having my?—”
“I have heard that the gardens at Avington House are lovely,” Charlotte piped up, glancing between Spencer and Eleanor. “My aunt is very fond of marigolds, which I have heard grow spectacularly in your gardens. Perhaps we could visit and see for ourselves.”
At that, Theodore nodded earnestly. “I am happy to show you both now if you wish. I am sure that a certain couple who cannot stop looking at one another suggestively would be happy to have some alone time.”
He gave a grimace, making Eleanor realize shewasgazing at her husband.
Spencer’s particular sort of biting…
She shivered at the thought.
“It is settled,” Spencer declared quickly. But before he could get ahead of himself—perhaps at the opportunity to have alone time with her—he gave his friend a long look. “Keep my sister safe.”
