Page 16 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
The duke seemed pensive for a moment before he smiled as he recovered. “I would hate to cause you too much effort, My Lady.”
“Not at all Your Grace. It is the very least I could do,” Charlotte said easily.
“The very least, My Lady? I fear that once you have arrived here you were presented with the very least,” he said.
“How so, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked with obvious confusion.
“My Lady, you are far too intelligent to pretend not to understand what I mean. You do not need to be gracious, I will not recant my invitation nor my intention to court you. My Lady, I hand to you all that has stood in my family for centuries, all I ask in return is honesty,” the duke said abruptly.
Charlotte felt her cheeks grow hot under his gaze. The abrupt change of tone in the conversation took her unawares. Her first instinct was to respond and defend herself. Though she wasinnocent of lying about how she felt about spending time with the duke, she had lied about who she was.
If he had been so mad about a perceived lie that time would prove false, what would his temperament be when she would be caught on a real lie?! Charlotte’s mind condemned her as guilt ate away at her heart. She was new to deception and had little insight into how people could willingly feel this way and not be tormented into madness.
“You have my word, Your Grace.” Charlotte was unable to keep the sorrow from her voice. It seemed to have a softening effect on the duke.
“I shall keep you to it, My Lady. I in return will sadly do the same. I do apologize if I have come across harshly, My Lady.”
“That is quite alright, Your Grace,” Charlotte responded out of habit more than feeling. She still felt a bit hurt by his words.
Though if she were honest with herself. She had already noticed a fondness for the duke. It might have been as small and new as the tree he had planted for her. One day it might grow to be mighty. She had counted it as sympathy yet found that simply being in the duke’s company was not only pleasant, it was stimulating. He had a similar way of thinking and a love for the same things she had.
Strict routines had robbed her of her free spirit. Here, in the most unlikely place of all, she had found a sense of belonging. She was at the very least intrigued by the solemn duke with kind eyes and the constant need to hide his joy. She wanted to know more about him and wished she was allowed to ask him questions about himself.
She had already been unladylike by being forward. She did not want him thinking she had not been raised a Lady.
Surely there is a limit to what he will allow before he does send me home? Charlotte thought feeling the need for fresh air. Charlotte started to feel lightheaded and her vision blurred. She had very rarely felt this faint as she did in this moment.
No not now! I am not the type of woman weak enough to…
Charlotte’s mind went blank as her eyes fluttered closed. She tried to stay conscious and felt angry, warm tears well up in her eyes as she lost the battle.
Chapter 6
The duke admired her resilient nature. She was an accomplished actress if nothing else. His realist nature bucked against her emotionally-led decisions. He felt disgust rise within him at the thought of her humoring him. He knew he was a sight to behold, still he was human and craved true acceptance.
We shall see how far she is willing to go until she reveals her true feelings. The duke thought as the idea to use tests of character, had come into his mind. He would never use another human being for entertainment, his reasoning was more important than that. He would not spend the remainder of his life unwanted by a person he had selected himself!
He watched as she recovered from being faint rather quickly. This raised more question than answers in the duke.
The invitation to town had indeed been a test. It is easy to be good to one’s hosting their home, let us see if she remains enthusiastic if she has her reputation at stake.
“Then I shall have the carriage ready in the morning, My Lady. For tonight though we have a few guests coming round.” The duke informed her instead of asking if it would be an inconvenience.
“So soon, Your Grace. That is wonderful news.” Charlotte replied.
Ah yes, Bethany had indeed been well trained in the art of decorum. It pleased him that she was a Lady in every way, well suited to be his wife. Now I intend to damage that surface gloss and discover who lays beneath!
“It does not upset you to have such little notice before receiving guests ?” The duke could not resist questioning her constant agreeability.
“Not in the least, Your Grace. I find it most important to have guests often. It would be wonderful to be introduced to those close to you, Your Grace.” Charlotte said with glee.
Again she just agrees to anything I say. I have no comprehension why that vexes me except that I had perhaps hoped she was unlike the others around me. Filled with empty words and sympathy. He thought.
The duke opened his mouth just as the servants brought in the lunch. He had asked the kitchen to serve a meal that was less impressive than usual.
She will surely become fatigued in time if she must bear my affliction and see that life here may not always be opulent. Theduke thought as he watched her akin to how a spider keeps watch on a fly about to tread on its web.
He chastised himself as he watched her beautiful smile. He could not fathom how she could so easily make him want to know her better. How so soon her smile created a craving within him.
