Page 33 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“If you are certain, then I wish you well, Nanny.” Charlotte said as she cheered up.
“Thank you. Now you must tell me how things have gone here,” her nanny said, as she stirred sugar into her tea.
“Quite well. The duke is a very kind and hospitable man,” Charlotte said truthfully.
“I am glad to hear it. Just do be careful. Those with money often suffer under delusion,” she said with a frown.
“I have met some of the duke’s family and even his friends. They have all been very kind to me, Nanny.” Charlotte pointed out.
“They might appear that way. However, your recent outburst to Lister the other night has spread far and wide.” She replied in a conspiring voice.
“I had to say something, Nanny. They were disrespectful.” Charlotte defended her actions.
“Be that as it may, child. You must take care of your standing and reputation,” she said in an annoyed tone.
Charlotte nodded in agreement. She did not have the strength to argue her point.
“How was your travel here?” Charlotte promptly changed the subject matter.
“It was quite alright.”
“Then why do you frown so, Nanny?” Charlotte asked.
“You know me all too well, child. There were just some wolves that seemed to hunt too close to the trail. Wild animals do not enjoy being in our company,” she said in a worried voice.
“It was the same when I traveled here as well. The carriage stopped, and I looked from the window. Nanny, the sight before me was terrible indeed. Do you really think a wolf could have done that?” Charlotte said in a hushed voice.
“Whatever monster it is, I shall hope they catch it soon or I shall live my retirement out with you after all,” her nanny said, trying to make light of the encounter. If only her eyes didn’t shine brightly with fear.
“I would like to show you the estate after tea,” Charlotte said just as tea was served. They both made their way to a smaller tablestacked with cakes of all sorts. There seemed to be every sort of cake and bread available to man. Bowls stood to the side and were filled with jams and pickled meats, cheeses and sauce.
“Perhaps in the morning, dear,” her nanny said as she asked to be served. The servant carefully plated her chosen treats and placed them on the table for her. The same was done for Charlotte.
The duke joined them for a short while, doing his duty as host and giving Charlotte the opportunity to spend time with her nanny one last time. Charlotte had appreciated how the duke had seemed equally elated as she was to see her nanny. He seemed to share in her every joy and thus increased it.
I am grateful I was sent here and not my sister. The duke is a lovely man. I hope lovely enough to forgive me, Charlotte thought as their eyes met across the table. I have to tell him. The longer I take, the more it will hurt him!
The sun had started its descent when they decided to rest for the evening. Once her nanny had been shown to her quarters to prepare for dinner, Charlotte turned to the duke.
“Your Grace, would it be possible to speak to you in private? Later this evening, of course, Your Grace.”
“Is something troubling you, my lady?” The duke said, searching her face.
“I feel the need to have an honest conversation, Your Grace. Not that I have not been honest.” Charlotte corrected herself and then took a deep breath. “What I mean to say, Your Grace, is that there is something I feel we should discuss,” Charlotte said, and waited for the duke to respond.
“I look forward to seeing you after dinner, My Lady,” the duke answered. Since that moment, it felt to Charlotte as though he were nervous that evening. She had not meant to cause him discomfort. Only to confess her feelings and her secret sooner rather than later.
Dinner was an agreeable meal, yet to Charlotte, it felt like punishment. The large clock that peeked out from under the staircase ticked by slower and slower as the evening progressed. By the time Charlotte was summoned to the duke’s study, her nerves matched what she imagined his were by now. Her guilt intensified, as if he already knew her confession. Her feet felt heavy as they led her to him.
“Your Grace. Lady Bethany would like to meet with you.” A servant went into his study to announce her.
“Your Grace, thank you once again for seeing me,” Charlotte said the moment she walked in.
“My Lady before we discuss anything that may be on your mind. I have a matter I need to speak to you about,” he replied.
“That is fine, Your Grace. However I feel that there is information that you should be privy to before making any decisions regarding our courtship,” Charlotte warned.
“That is, in fact, why I must tell you something first, My Lady,” the duke said in a sterner tone. His face was slightly harsher, his eyes pleading.
