Page 30 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
She had no desire to talk to Amanda after Lord Stanhope’s visit. Charlotte could already imagine what Amanda would have to say about that. Then again, why should she allow it to bother her?
If Lord Easterly succeeded in winning her a position with Mrs. Lennox, then she would not have to put up with Amanda’s cruel little whims anymore. The thought of that brought some hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a little light in the distance.
Charlotte smiled. She should be happy. Lord Easterly had promised his help to find a match. So why did the idea of that not please her thoroughly? She put it down to childhood fascination. An adult love would soon wash away any lingering infatuation she might have on the man.
Charlotte had let Amanda chide her about having to dance with Lord Easterly without comment because she could not bring herself to admit to her childhood friend that she found her brother attractive. No matter how horribly Amanda behaved, it still seemed wrong.
There was a tap on the door then Amanda burst in as if the room were her own. “There you are. Are you sick?”
“No. I am just tired.” Charlotte blew out a breath and sat up. “Were you needing something?”
Amanda came and sat down on the bed. “I just wanted to let you know that your Lord Stanhope came by.”
“I know. I saw him,” Charlotte told Amanda. She could tell that Amanda did not like having her surprise spoiled.
Amanda recovered quickly. “Oh? Did you speak to him? He was most eager to see you.”
“I did not,” Charlotte said honestly. “We did lie to him, after all. I thought it better not to embarrass the man.”
Amanda shrugged. “I never lied to him. I did not tell him who you were. I think he rather forgot what he came here looking for. I do think he might want to court me.”
“That is good for you. He would make an excellent match for you,” Charlotte said keeping her voice neutral.
“Oh, come now,” Amanda chided. “Are you not even a little bit jealous?”
Charlotte sighed. “I do not know the man. I met him once and under false pretenses. There is a good chance that he would not like who I really am. Why would I be jealous of that?”
“You are so strange,” Amanda said with a grin. “Have you been crying?”
Charlotte was amazed that Amanda had even noticed the tear stains on her face. “I was thinking of my brother,” Charlotte said. It was only a half-lie.
“Well, do cheer up,” Amanda said. She gave Charlotte a pat on the shoulder and breezed back out of the room.
Charlotte shook her head. “I promise I shall cheer up when I am free of here,” she whispered. She collapsed back onto the bed. Now she just had to make it until she had word from Lord Easterly.
Charlotte thought that should be easy given how much she had put up with before this. Then again, having hope can sometimes make waiting hard. She would just have to try and keep her chin up.
Chapter 5
“You look as if you have eaten a sour grape, Your Lordship,” Victor said as he plucked a handkerchief and folded it deftly for Graham’s coat pocket.
The sunlight brought in through the window by the sun peeking over the treetops set everything in Graham’s room on fire with golden light. “I received a letter yesterday from that Lord Stanhope. Apparently, he is interested in visiting with my sister again.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” Victor tucked the handkerchief in Graham’s pocket and stepped back to admire his handiwork.
Graham chuckled. “I do not yet know. You have swiftly got to know me better than even my steward.”
“I know nothing. I just saw that your face looked like my uncle when he held a particular bad fruit in his mouth.” Victor began tidying the room now that they were done.
Graham sighed heavily. “Knowing nothing is sometimes the perfect amount. However, this is not one of those moments for myself. Lord Stanhope sets my teeth on edge and I have no idea why.”
“Perhaps it is just a brother’s protectiveness,” Victor offered.
Graham sighed. “Perhaps.”
“Your sister sent her maid to ask if you would see her before you were off to business today.” Victor’s words made Graham sigh again, this time with dissatisfaction.
Graham grimaced as he rose. “I suppose I should see what she wants.”
