Page 66 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
Amanda sighed at her reflection. She would simply have to take what comes. Graham certainly did not seem concerned about Lord Stanhope, but Amanda knew he could cause trouble if he truly wished to.
Chapter 12
Charlotte had not seen Amanda since she had come down to eat breakfast. She wandered the halls and chided herself at how much like home the manor had come to feel. There was little use at getting nostalgic over the walls and floors. Soon enough she would be back at the vicarage.
Amanda’s words echoed in her head from the night before. She had seemed certain that Lord Easterly would help Charlotte make a match. He had certainly been willing to allow her to choose to marry Lord Stanhope.
Her pride stung at the memory of Lord Easterly discussing her dowry with the man. She tried to tell herself that it had little to do with her and more to do with Lord Easterly teaching Amanda a lesson. Yet she had taken it all too personally.
No matter how she tried to erase the memory, the kiss with Lord Easterly hung between them like a ghost. The man had the unusual effect of making her heart swell to bursting and then ripping it out, sometimes all within the same conversation. Charlotte shoved the thoughts away.
She tried to think of anything else, yet her mind wandered back to Lord Easterly. His dark blond hair covering his face just enough to give him a boyish appeal, his grey eyes sparkling with mischief came to her mind’s eye no matter how much she tried to banish them. Charlotte’s mind retraced how the man’s broad shoulders had felt under her arms when she had wrapped her arms around his neck.
Lord Easterly might have the grey streaks of wisdom showing in his beard, but his body had felt hard and unrelenting when she had pressed close to him. Despite it not being the fashion, the man spent a good deal of time outdoors and it showed in his tanned skin. He was dashing if she was being frank.
No wonder the duchess was so taken with him. A pang of jealousy struck her heart. She recalled Lord Easterly’s words about how he was friends with the duchess. Friendship was a good place for the start of a marriage, and often was the only requirement for such an arrangement.
The very idea of Lord Easterly marrying the duchess repulsed her so much that she suddenly felt her appetite flee. Yet she was already pushing the kitchen door open. The smells of warm pastry filled the air.
“Miss Charlotte!” Henrietta practically bounced up onto her toes as she embraced Charlotte in a hug so warm that she felt her worries vanish for at least a moment.
Charlotte hugged the woman back, fiercely. “Henrietta, I have missed you so.”
Henrietta chortled with laughter. “I should say. I no more than heard you were back from London before a maid told me that you had left to live with the vicar.”
“Yes. I have taken on a governess position tending to the vicar’s children.” Charlotte tried to fill the words with a chipper tone, but she could tell that it had not worked by the look on Henrietta’s face.
Henrietta patted the kitchen table. “Sit. I shall not allow Lord Easterly the pleasure of your company this morning. I shall keep you to myself.”
“I have not yet even seen Lord Easterly or Miss Easterly.” Charlotte did as she was bidden and took a seat while Henrietta gathered the tea and pastries onto a tray. “I am only here now because Lord Easterly insisted on me not riding home in the dark.”
Henrietta huffed. “And well he should have. There are scoundrels aplenty in this world.”
“I need to get back to Mrs. Wilson. She will be terribly worried. I did want to thank my hosts before I left though.” Charlotte breathed in the smell of cinnamon as Henrietta put the tray down on the table.
Henrietta took a seat as well and she poured them some tea. They ate a pastry each in silence before Henrietta said, “I am saddened to hear that you will not be staying with us.”
“Well, I have made a commitment.” Charlotte knew it was not exactly a ringing endorsement of enthusiasm for her employment, but she had been taught not to break a commitment.
Henrietta sat her teacup down gently on the saucer. “A man or woman is only as good as their word.”
“Yes. My father was very strict on the matter of promises. He believed once you gave your word then you were bound to fulfil your agreement.” Charlotte felt some of the old grief and loneliness invade her heart as she thought of her family.
Henrietta shook her finger at Charlotte. “There are times when commitments can be broken, though, and one’s dignity remains intact.”
“I have few options at my disposal.” Charlotte took a sip of the sweet tea that tasted of peppermint. “Even if I were inclined to get out of my commitment, I have nowhere to go.”
Henrietta tutted at her. “You have here. Tell me that you think the lordship would turn you out and I will tell you the falseness of that.”
“I do not think he would turn me away, but I also do not wish to put the burden of myself upon him. I have already led him to scandal. He is a good man, a kind man. He does not deserve that.” Charlotte took the last sip of her tea. “Thank you for breakfast.”
Henrietta reached across the table. “Please do not be angry with me. I only wish you to stay.”
“I know,” Charlotte assured the woman. She clasped Henrietta’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I could never be angry with you. You have always been so kind to me.”
Henrietta let go of Charlotte’s hand and pulled a handkerchief out of her apron. She dabbed her eyes. “I wish I could make you stay.”
“It is not for the best. But I promise that I will take the time to come visit.” Charlotte stood up. “Can I help you with the dishes?”
