Page 27 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“Absolutely absurd,” one said.
“Does he think anyone would believe this farce?” Another chimed in.
“I could not agree any more. He must be worth more than we thought. After all, who would want a cripple?” the last said, and they burst out laughing.
I wish I had not heard that, was the last thing Charlotte could think before her temper flared. “I say, I enjoy a good laugh.” Charlotte said, and the room fell silent.
“My Lady it is a personal matter,” one explained. Charlotte stood from her seat and the gentleman did the same. Charlotte usually found this embarrassing. Now all she could focus on was the three who had laughed at the duke. She seemed to float as she made her way towards them, her stormy green eyes trained on them like a predator.
“Perhaps so, however, since you found it necessary to speak so loudly, I could hear your personal matter. To be honest, I feel it is a muttair I take most personally.” Charlotte’s French accent became more pronounced as her temper spoke for her.
“My Lady, we meant no disrespect,” one said nervously.
“I do want to believe you. The hindrance lies in the fact that your demeanor speaks otherwise,” Charlotte replied with an eerie calm.
“You would accuse me of lying, My Lady. I fear you may be overstepping,” the same one said.
“You are overstepping, sir,” Charlotte said in a dangerous tone. One that let know that it might be wise to not push her any further.
“I will ask you to leave, Sir Cavendish.” The duke spoke in an authoritative tone.
“Your Grace?” Sir Cavendish said in utter disbelief. His face turned red to the point where it could be seen traveling to his neck. “This is an outrage!” He said before storming out with his two female companions. “You have made a grave error this day.”
It took a few moments for the knowledge that the duke had taken her side, to sink in.
“Are you unwell, My Lady?” the duke asked.
“I do believe I am better now than I was moments ago, Your Grace. I feel horrid about my behavior before our guests. I do hope you will forgive me. It may be better if I were to leave.” Charlotte said, not being able to bear having disgraced the duke the way she had.
“Whatever are you speaking of, My Lady? You had every right to challenge anyone who shows you rudeness, especially in your own home.” The duke said with such care that Charlotte felt even closer to tears.
“If you are quite certain, Your Grace.” Charlotte said, the disbelief evident in her voice.
“I am, My Lady,” he replied gently.
After servants had escorted the three guests out, it seemed some had loyalties with them and they too left. Charlotte watched with dismay, believing she had caused a rift in the duke’s court.
“Let them leave. They have made their decision,” the duke said, with a comforting smile. After another hour, Cecil made his excuses and left with his wife and another couple. Bonny had turned to her escort and was now facing him, in conversation with only each other.
“I have to tell you that I appreciate how you spoke up earlier, My Lady.”
“I am so glad to hear that, Your Grace. I had feared that I had disgraced you,” Charlotte said with an amount of relief that surprised her.
“Not at all, My Lady. I find that I quite like it.”
They played the card game further, and the night was one where they all spoke freely and made light of any tension that arose.
Lady Wells had won a new statue, Bonny had made money and Charlotte had won the entire game. The prize had been one of the duke’s finest and oldest wines, along with a basket of eats.
Charlotte wondered if she could be as brazen as to ask the duke to enjoy these with her.
They soon said goodnight to a very joyful Bonny and her escort, who had introduced himself as Baron Du Pont, expressed their gratitude for being welcomed and bid them a good night. Charlotte saw that her father was seated nearby. That meant that with their guests not all gone, that they were suddenly enjoying a more intimate evening. The duke looked to Lord Wentworth, who gave a nod. He was free to spend time with Charlotte.
“May I sit with you, My Lady?” He walked up to Charlotte.
“I would be delighted, Your Grace,” Charlotte looked up at him and replied.
“I know one is not supposed to mention it, My Lady. Well, you see, the thing is… is that I too made a wish at the fountain. I feel since it has come true, that I can say what it was.” The duke said with the most emotion that she had seen since meeting him.
