Page 70 of Under the Seductive Ladys Charm
He rubbed his face with his hands. This was a disaster of his own making. Graham was not sure how he would live with the consequences if Miss Browne did agree to marry the man.
He had been truthful in his words to Edward. Whatever Miss Browne’s decision, he could hardly naysay it. He had put the woman into the situation, and he could hardly blame her if she took the route that might benefit her the most.
Graham hit out against the oak tree nearest him. His fist connected with the bark, making a dull thud. The pain of the impact went up through his arm and Graham gritted his teeth.
He pulled his fist back and threw another blow at the tree’s trunk. The scratches and cuts on his fist did not bother him. He dropped his arm and shook his hand out. Graham dragged in a ragged breath.
He opened and closed the fingers of his right hand. It was sore from the abuse but seemed to be no worse for the wear. Graham walked over and dropped down on a nearby stone bench.
No matter what, he would do what was best for Miss Browne. It was his duty and he would uphold it. There was nothing more important than that, even a possible future of happiness.
He needed an heir, but he could always marry the duchess, as unappealing as a marriage with her was. When had this changed so? When had he actually grown to hold such affection for Miss Browne?
She was his sister’s childhood friend. He could recall her having lessons and learning to ride a horse. She had been technically his employee, thanks to Amanda’s idiocy. It was hardly appropriate.
Graham was not opposed to bearing some scorn for choosing a bride below his station in life, but he would not put her happiness in jeopardy. If Lord Stanhope was truly what she wanted, then Graham would be damned sure she married him. Whatever Miss Browne chose for her future, Graham would fight tooth and nail to make sure she got it.
In his mind the choice was clear. She would choose to marry the young lord. He was a war hero and came from a well-endowed family. Marrying Lord Stanhope was a secure choice.
Chapter 13
Charlotte had been sitting in the conservatory since Amanda had left wondering what she should do now. She knew she did not want to marry Lord Stanhope. There was one other thing that she knew for sure and she supposed it was only right that Lord Easterly heard it from her.
She left the conservatory and saw the steward coming in from the grounds. “Excuse me,” Charlotte called after the man.
The steward turned toward her. “You are the steward, are you not?”
“I am,” he said. “I do not think we’ve been formally introduced, but I feel as if I know you from listening to Mrs. Sullivan and Lord Easterly talk. I am Mr. Shelton. Everyone calls me Edward, though.” He gave her a sloppy bow.
Charlotte offered him a curtsey in return for his bow. “I do not know that I could call you by such an intimate name. Would it insult you greatly if I called you Mr. Shelton?”
“Not at all,” Mr. Shelton said with a smile. “Now, what can I do for you, Miss Browne?”
Charlotte liked the man right away. “I was wondering if you knew where I might find Lord Easterly?”
“He went out for a walk, but he usually comes back through the gardens. So, if he is not here then I would try the gardens. You are bound to run into him eventually.” Mr. Shelton gave her a dip of his hat. “I apologise, but I really must be going to relay some work orders.”
Charlotte nodded and assured the man, “I understand. Thank you.” If Lord Easterly had gone out for a walk, hopefully he would still be far enough away from the house for them to have a private conversation.
She stepped outside and squinted up at the clouds. She had left her hat in the conservatory. It was a wonder that Mr. Shelton had not mentioned it and Charlotte blushed just thinking of it.
She moved out into the informal garden scanning the area for her quarry. There was no sign of Lord Easterly on any of the lawns that butted up against the back of the house. She swiftly moved toward the area that held trees and flowerbeds.
Charlotte made her way along the winding paths of the garden. It was beautiful here. The clouds overhead made an ominous rumble. Charlotte looked up and put her hand over her heart at the sound.
She hurried underneath an area with trees. She was still looking between the tree branches when she ran into what she thought was a tree, until she felt the fabric against her skin. “Pardon me,” Charlotte said out of habit when her eyes came up and met blue-grey eyes. “Lord Easterly,” she whispered.
They both stood still, entirely too close from their collision. Charlotte’s mind finally registered this and she took a step back.
“Were you looking for me?” Lord Easterly asked. “Seemed like you were looking at the clouds.”
Charlotte could not help but laugh at her own foolishness. “I got spooked by some thunder, but yes I was coming to find you. Your steward said you often come back from walks this way.”
Lord Easterly nodded. “I do.”
“Did you see me and let me run into you?” Charlotte asked.
Lord Easterly chuckled. “I was trying to figure out what you were looking at so earnestly.”
