Page 56 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“It is not relevant. I am the eldest, and therefore, I get first.” Bethany said.
“You can have him.” Charlotte lied. “I have my sights set on a better price,” Charlotte added and looked in Edward’s direction. She had never, not once, given thought to a person’s status. Ifshe were to stand a chance against Bethany, she would have to compete like she did. The very thought of reducing human beings to their financial standing and place in society was alien to her. It had now, however, become a necessity.
Charlotte had no idea how to speak to men, let alone royalty. Her heart beat so quickly. In her chest, she felt unbalanced. She smiled and approached Edward. “Your Highness,” Charlotte said with a curtsy.
“My Lady, do join me,” Edward said as he motioned to the chair beside him. Charlotte smiled up at him and allowed herself to look back at her sister. She had predictably gone to cling onto Henry.
“Thank you, sir,” Charlotte replied and took the offered seat. “I do apologize, sir. I am not accustomed to speaking to royalty. I do hope I do not speak out of turn.”
“Not at all, My Lady. There is no need to stand on ceremony. I am simply Edward when I visit here. It would please me greatly if you would address me as such,” Edward said, and Charlotte was unclear if he was being friendly… or flirtatious.
“That is very kind of you, Edward,” Charlotte replied, careful not to give him the wrong impression. She wanted to see just how loyal Bethany was, and that required invoking her jealousy. She looked at Bethany to see if it was working when she saw the murderous look in Henry’s eyes. Furthermore, she had hardlybeen overly fond of Edward in the short amount of time she had been sitting with him.
“Edward, would you have any idea why someone would want to hurt Henry?” Charlotte asked.
“What do you mean, my lady?” Edward inquired.
“The stables burned down not that long ago, and I am not sure his accident all those years ago was accidental.” Charlotte went on and watched his reactions carefully.
If he does not show signs of guilt, then perhaps he could offer a better insight into who may be responsible. She waited for his answer.
“It would not be the first time, My Lady. I do not wish to frighten you. Henry is not only a duke. That is the title his father chose instead of being king. He became a duke to marry Henry’s mother, and Henry took his title when he passed. The problem lies in that though I am now king, Henry still has a say over the other countries we rule. Greece, in particular, does not want any of our bloodline in power. But I have already said too much, My Lady. The details are for Henry to tell,” Edward said in a conspiring tone as he looked around.
“So there is a great chance my suspicions are correct. Thank you, Edward. I do apologize if I overstepped.”
“It is quite alright, My Lady. I can see you have an affection for my brother. It is a breath of clean air to behold,” Edward said, as he took her hand in his and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.
“Edward, I thought you had taken a liking to my sister,” Charlotte asked.
“She is lovely. Not as lovely as I find you, my Lady.” He replied. The intention in his eyes made Charlotte feel uneasy.
No, no, no! This was supposed to be a way I could be with Henry, not a competition with him. He was supposed to like Bethany! Charlotte thought as she felt the blood drain. From her face.
“Why did nobody wake me?!” Charlotte heard her stepmother’s shrill voice erupt as she walked into the dining room.
Bethany went over to her mother to quickly soften her temper.
They have already forgotten their farce. Charlotte thought and grinned as she realized they would not be able to keep up with their lies. Her stepmother had retired to her room soon after arriving and had asked not to be disturbed. Now she had awoken in a foul mood and expected that she would be fussed over by all. Instead, all eyes were on her and the interruption she had caused.
“I am so sorry, so sorry.” Her stepmother said as she slowly walked in. When everyone turned back to their discussions, she moved to be more out of sight. The embarrassment she had caused herself was starting to make up for the damage she was here to cause. Charlotte covered her mouth as a chuckle escaped her lips.
“You look so beautiful when you laugh, my lady,” Edward said. Charlotte not only felt disloyal. She did not have the faintest inclination about how to respond to such a statement. She smiled at him, hoping it would not give him too much encouragement, yet not seem rude of her either.
Edward seemed to sense her discomfort. “Perhaps you and I should go rescue my brother,” he said as he looked behind her. Charlotte turned to see her stepmother speaking to Henry, though she stood so closely that it appeared she was speaking more at him.
“I believe that would be an excellent idea,” Charlotte replied and got to her feet. Edward stood up and offered her his hand.
It would seem that though he wants to put me at ease, he has not given up and tries the occasional advance in my direction. The man is a complete flirt! Charlotte thought with humor.
“Lady Wentworth, you look well rested,” Edward said as they approached them. Her stepmother greeted Edward with a curtsy and turned on her charm.
If my father could see you now! Charlotte thought as she watched her stepmother. Charlotte was so lost in thought that she did not realize that her stepmother had stolen Edward away. Bethany and her stepmother were walking at each side of him, deeply engaged in conversation. Charlotte looked at Henry, who looked hurt. She went to him.
“Why do you look so angry with me, Your Grace?” She asked and tried to keep the anger from her voice.
“Do I not have the right, my lady? When you so easily give your affection to my brother?” He replied quietly.
“Have you lost all sense, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked wide-eyed.
