Page 78 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
Amanda brushed off her brother’s comment with a flip of her hand. “Yes, but you support this whole county. Certainly, people will want to celebrate with you, Graham.”
“She does have a point,” Charlotte interjected, which caused Graham’s eyes to cut to her.
He sighed. “Well, never let it be said that I do not know when to concede a battle.”
Amanda clapped her hands together with glee. Graham raised a warning hand to her. “Do not invite the whole of your London society. The invites will be sent out based on my list. You can make a few suggestions, but that it is all.”
“Fine,” Amanda said in a pout. She took a bite of her cake and stared grumpily at her brother.
Charlotte assured Amanda, “I am sure you will have plenty of friends on the list. I will make sure of it.” Amanda gave her a smile.
“If you two are done,” Graham said with an amused smile. “I need to be heading out.”
Charlotte’s heart plummeted. Even though she knew it was coming, it was hard to convince her heart that the loss was not palpable. “Godspeed,” she told him.
“Thank you.” He gave her a smile as he rose. “I shall see you this evening.” Charlotte nodded and returned his smile. Her eyes followed him as he left.
Amanda snorted. “Still do not understand what you see in my brother.”
“That is because he is your brother,” Charlotte explained. “Surely you know that more than a few ladies of society have an interest in him.”
Amanda’s nose crinkled up. “Titles cannot buy one good sense.”
“You are quite insulting today,” Charlotte said with a laugh.
Amanda stuck her tongue out. “The wedding is nearing, and I think maybe I am just a little jealous.”
Charlotte was struck by her frankness. Amanda was not usually one for such a straightforward comment. “Why would you be jealous?”
Amanda fidgeted with her napkin. “There is a chance that I will not get married.”
Charlotte reached across the table and Amanda reluctantly grasped her outstretched hand. She gave Amanda’s fingers a squeeze. “You? You have all the chances in the world to get married.”
“What if Lord Stanhope besmirches my reputation?” Amanda had clearly been thinking about this for some time and Charlotte saw the worry in her eyes.
Charlotte shook her head. “I do not think Lord Stanhope would cross your brother and earn his ire.”
“Maybe,” Amanda whispered. She cleared her throat. “But what about my other suitors? I ignored them. Surely they will have taken offense. The more I think of it, the more I am likely to have a reputation as a flighty and undesirable sort.”
Charlotte knew that the idea she might not marry had crossed Amanda’s mind, but she had no idea that the notion had taken such a hold. “Trust me when I say that you will be fine, Amanda. Your brother would see to your wellbeing in any case, and I know that you will find what you seek.”
“I guess I shall have to just trust God. Perhaps there is a reason for all of this.” Amanda pulled her hand free of Charlotte’s grasp and sighed. She gave Charlotte a smile. “Thank you for listening to me babble. I am sure Katrina is quite tired of it.”
Charlotte assured her, “I think Katrina adores you. If you need to talk, however, I am always here.”
*
The day of the wedding came with looming clouds. Graham eyed the sky outside the church with a dubious eye. “It is good luck,” Victor assured him.
“Yes,” Graham agreed. It was fitting really, since he and Charlotte had declared their love in the rain. But he could hardly tell Victor that particular tale.
Victor cleared his throat. “I do think the whole county might be in attendance.” He nodded at the crowds gathering along the processional path outside the church.
Graham chuckled. “I think you might be right. Come, let us make our way inside. It is almost time for the ceremony to begin.”
The inside of the church was adorned with lilies and ribbons. Graham shook his head at the decorations. They were surely something his sister had thought of. Mr. Wilson gave him a nod as Graham took his spot in front of the man.
A few minutes later everyone turned as Charlotte was led into the hall by a smiling Amanda. There was no one to give Charlotte away, and the women had thought it a lovely gesture to have Amanda do so. Graham had agreed out of amusement.
