Page 27 of Pining for Lord Lockhart
Then Francois Renault was announced, and the room became a flutter of conversation and activity as samples were piled according to preference and paint and furniture were decided.
He quickly saw how little he was needed and left them to it.
Charity’s soft smile as he stepped out of the room warmed him and gave him courage for what he must do.
Once in the quiet of his office, he took out a quill and ink, dipped and began to write. He thanked Mrs. Westchester for all her years of care, for the memories he carried and for the love she’d shared with him. He did not write Penny, but told her mother that he was happy for their correspondence because it brought back the feelings of youth.
One section he toiled over, unsure how to phrase his words precisely. “While I will always hold these memories dear, my affections in regards to anything other than brotherly affection toward Penny have ceased. I naturally wish you both the best. When Penny comes for a Season, I would be more than happy to remake the acquaintance, but as far as an inquiry as to my intentions, Penny moved on years ago, and I have followed her example, so much so, that I have none of an amorous nature.
Consider yourself free of any entanglements with me.”
He breathed out in relief as he signed the letter, sealed it and then rang for his servant.
When the footman appeared at the doorway, Charity peeked in from behind him.
He laughed at her persistence, stood, and handed the letter to his servant. “Please send this express as soon as you can.”
The man bowed and left him and Charity in a partially opened doorway.
“This is quite a coup you have organized in my home. I’m feeling quite taken over.”
“It cannot be too disturbing a feeling as your home will be ready for guests when we are through.”
“Am I in need of guests?”
“Certainly, if you wish to begin entertaining.” She smiled and put her hand on his arm. “Come. We wish to show you what we’d decided.”
“Have decisions been made then?”
“They have, and I believe Mr. Francois Renault is the most excited.”
He laughed. “But you approve?” He paused, watching her face. “Are the changes precisely to your liking?”
A slight pink colored her cheeks. “They are indeed. You have a lovely home here.”
He nodded. “Then I shall be all the more pleased.” He cleared his throat. “In fact, I should like all improvements to be approved by you.” He flicked a gaze in her direction but then kept his face forward.
“Oh, I’m the least expert. For that reason, I petitioned my sisters to aid us. For I should be thinking more of the library and they the drapes.”
It was not for her particular expertise in décor that he most especially wished for her opinions, of course, but now did not seem the time to more clearly state his wishes. Nor was he certain how she would respond.
When he entered the room, they had everything out on the floor in front of him: fabric samples, pictures from papers, drawings; he was quite impressed. “Well, this is something. You shall save my dear aunt and myself from the dullness we live in.”
“Won’t this be lovely, Wilfred?” Aunt Victoria’s smile and obvious enjoyment beamed across the room.
Charity put a hand over her mouth, trying to hide her amusement. Should he tell her that except for very few people, his closest friends called him Andrew? Watching her struggle and obviously enjoying herself immensely, he decided to wait.
Chapter 7
As soon as Charity stepped back in the door of the duchess’ townhome, a maid approached and curtseyed. “His Grace sent me looking for you. He’d like to see you in his study.”
“Thank you.” Charity smiled. The summons was odd, but the happiness of being such a help to Lord Lockhart and of seeing her sisters, of discussing the plans for the school, all of the wonderful lingering feelings carried her to the door with a happy expectation that the morning could only bring more of the same.
She knocked.
“Enter.”
She pushed open a surprisingly heavy door. She’d never been in his study.
