Page 15 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
Was this what they had meant by a man like him? Charlotte thought as her mind went back to the conversation she had overheard between her father and stepmother. Was the duke an unstable man? No, he had been most hospitable. I must have said something unpleasant.
“Well once again I welcome the both of you. I am sure you would both enjoy the opportunity to rest and prepare for lunch,” the duke said, and left them in the company of Cecil who had beenclose by. It would not be proper to let a servant show them the main house and Cecil seemed a man he trusted in his stead.
Charlotte and her father were shown the rooms of the estate before being shown to their rooms. Charlotte went to her luggage that had been brought up to her room earlier. She searched for her books and found one she had been reading.
She turned to the page she had folded the corner of, and began reading when she heard footsteps above her. At first it did not hinder her until she realized that the only person lodging above her father and her, was the duke.
That could just be a servant, Charlotte thought as she returned to her reading. Once my mind had stilled then I shall find a way to apologize to the duke. I am not sure exactly what for. No matter I shall do my best.
Charlotte barely read a page in nearly two hours. She felt annoyed at her lack of concentration and stared to ready herself for lunch.
Perhaps the duke finds me unappealing? Charlotte thought as she made ready to go to lunch. She stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. She moved her face from side to side inspecting her features. She may have unusually high cheek bones and her eyes had been described as “too green”. Her hair curled just enough to not need as much care as other women and her slender frame was the envy of many.
“There is not that much the matter with my appearance, is there?” she asked her reflection. “Well, we haven’t another face to slip into so this will have to do.” She answered herself with a confident smile.
A confidence that lasted only as long as it took her to find the dining area. “Good afternoon, Your Grace,” she greeted the duke.
“Good afternoon, My Lady. I am pleased to see you are punctual,” he replied.
“It is on account of wanting your company, Your Grace.” She replied with a smile.
“A sentiment your father does not seem to share,” the duke said in a tone that clearly conveyed his annoyance.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace. Charlotte my dear, how are you finding your accommodation?” Lord Wentworth asked his daughter as he hurried in.
“Most pleasing, thank you father,” Charlotte answered.
“I am relieved,” he said, and nodded to the duke before sitting down.
“My Lady, I wonder if you would join me in town tomorrow?” the duke asked after they had finished speaking.
Charlotte trained her reaction to be “yes” to any questions he might ask. Since her reluctance had last seemed to irritate or embarrass him. She had the distinct impression that he mistrusted her. Little did he have the faintest clue how much she enjoyed doing the opposite of what people expected her to do. She was determined to make her father proud.
“I would very much like that, Your Grace,” Charlotte said with a sudden confidence that took him of guard.
“I feel it is my duty to inform you that we will be well-watched,” the duke added.
“That must be from jealousy, Your Grace.” Charlotte replied with a smile.
“It is not necessary to humor me, My Lady,” the duke said plainly.
“Your Grace. I am going to have to ask your forgiveness. I know it is not very ladylike to speak directly. I feel strongly that life flickers by too hastily. What I mean to say is that I am not in the habit of giving shallow compliments.” Charlotte said.
“Is that so?” the duke said, looking from Charlotte to her father. Charlotte remained calm and looked into the duke’s eyes when he looked to her. She enjoyed the hint of surprise that shone briefly in his eyes. The same eyes that hid away a kindness she felt drawn to.
Surely he has been hurt before. It is the same reason I hide my feeling, Charlotte surmised as she waited a few moments before answering.
“As I have said, Your Grace. I would enjoy being escorted into town.” Charlotte repeated in the same assured tone she had before.
“Thank you, My Lady.” The duke said as he held her gaze this time with a smile that for the first time, held a twinkle in his eyes. Charlotte noticed it, as it was her way to see the small details others did not. It made her heart ring in her ears as her happiness seemed to match his.
“My Lady would you mind terribly if I enquired about your interests?”
“Not at all, Your Grace. I love gardens and reading. I find that embroidery gives me great pleasure as well,” she replied.
“That sounds lovely, My Lady. Perhaps you would show me your handy work one of these days,” he said.
“I could make something for Your Grace, if it would please you?” Charlotte said with a big smile.
