Page 51 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“Would you care to join us for tea in an hour?” He asked. “You see, I think it would be best as we have much to discuss. My brother would also like the opportunity to get to know you,” he said, his smile widening.
“Even if I am not the one you are to wed?”
“It is not relevant, My Lady. You are the one I care about.”
“Then I shall change and be there in an hour, Your Grace.”
“I shall be counting the seconds, my lady,” Henry said, and went back toward the estate.
Charlotte went to her quarters the moment Henry had left. She had not seen her stepsister or stepmother that morning, and it had improved her mood. She was more grateful that Lord LeBlanc had not come looking for her yet. During tea, she would treat them as guests while showing Bethany that it required more than the effort she was used to giving.
When tea was called, Charlotte felt more prepared for what was to come. She knew what they were there for, and that, at least, meant there were fewer surprises in store.
Her stepmother and stepsister sat next to where Henry was seated. Charlotte went to take her place beside him and greeted them both cheerfully.
“Did you both sleep well?” Charlotte inquired.
“Oh yes, indeed,” Bethany said. “I think I shall very much like living here with my husband,” she replied and stared at Charlotte, waiting for her hurtful comment to cause a reaction. Charlotte refused to give her one.
Once you find your husband, then you are free to. Mine, on the other hand, is off-limits. I do not care what arrangements have been made, you sneaky, underhand whelp, Charlotte thought.
“Well, I am glad to hear that. Occasionally, these large places can get cold at night. Even in the summer,” Charlotte said instead.
“Lady Wentworth, if you would like to explain again what the purpose of your visit is? I am sure we can see eye to eye on the matter.” Henry said as he turned to the two women. It looked as though Lady Wentworth was about to speak when Lord LeBlancwalked onto the patio. “Good morning, Lord LeBlanc,” Henry added without skipping a beat.
“Good morning, Your Grace.” Lord LeBlanc replied with a smile that looked more like a grimace.
“As I was about to say, Your Grace,” Lady Wentworth said and was interrupted by the announcement of the arrival of Henry’s brother.
“His Royal Highness King Edward the Third of Denmark.” The footman announced, and they all stood to greet him.
What? His Royal Highness? If his brother is the king, then Henry must surely be a prince. Why not tell me? I’m not concerned about titles. Bethany, on the other hand, is all but smitten at first sight! Charlotte watched the other man enter the room and take a seat. He looked more embarrassed by the announcement than proud. She liked that about him.
When they were seated and Lady Wentworth tried for a third time, Bethany could not keep her eyes away from their royal guest.
“What I was saying is that it is only right that my daughter has what is rightfully hers.” Lady Wentworth stated.
“I could not agree more. Then there is only one way to settle this. You want the title and to be taken care of, correct?” Henry replied. Charlotte felt her heart sink into her stomach as her stepmother looked at her with a victorious grin.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Then you may stay here so that I may take care of you. You will have titles when I marry Charlotte.” Henry replied.
“That is not the agreement.” Lady Wentworth almost snarled.
“And it is your family that has tried to deceive mine. I was willing to marry Bethany yet you have all broken your agreement. In inviting you to live here, I am being generous.” Henry replied.
What the hell is Henry playing at? Charlotte thought as she stared at him. She looked away as tears blurred her vision and managed to keep them at bay.
What kind of mind games was he playing?
She looked at Edward, who was looking at Bethany like a wild animal would its prey. Furthermore, she looked between Edward and Bethany and noticed they seemed fond of one another without having met before her knowledge.
Trust him, Charlotte! He called you his beloved, believe in him. Trust him. Her mind urged as she watched everyone closely. If she was reading the room correctly, then right now, Bethany had more interest in Edward than Henry.
What if she did and wed Edward instead of Henry? Would a king marry someone he just met? Unlikely at best. Charlotte disliked that her mind had gone in the direction it had. She did not enjoy playing with people and would not start now. She was just human, and she knew that if there was even a chance at a union that would free Henry, she would at least support it.
Lord LeBlanc had been gawking at her since Henry had said he would not marry Bethany. She would not allow him to speak to her alone as long as he was there. After tea, Henry walked up to Bethany and offered her his hand. Charlotte watched as she accepted it and walked with him. It was just his hand, and she wanted to rip Bethany limb from limb.
