Page 57 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
“No, my lady, I think I now have more sense than before,” Henry said.
“I have shown you loyalty and support from the very beginning, Your Grace. I cannot understand how you so easily think so little of me,” Charlotte replied. Every part of her wanted to run away. She stood firm and refused to move.
I have done nothing wrong! Charlotte reminded herself as Henry moved closer.
Chapter 22
Henry had not viewed any woman as his property. He was proud of the fact that he had always been a gentleman. Now, as he stood there looking at Charlotte, her expression filled with pain, he realized his mistake.
I have hurt her and let myself down! Henry thought as he shook his head. What is it about Charlotte that drives me to act like an animal?
“I apologize, My Lady. You are free to spend time with whomever you choose,” Henry said.
“You are the one I want to spend time with, Henry.” Charlotte said.” You seem to forget that we are forced to spend time with other people.”
“My brother has a way about him. He can persuade the wool from a sheep, My Lady.” Henry said.
“Surely, you are not comparing me to a farm animal, Your Grace?” Charlotte asked.
“That was not what I meant to say.” Henry tried to rephrase his words when Charlotte laughed. “You are teasing me,” he said, and joined her with a chuckle.
“It is the least you deserve, Your Grace. After thinking so little of me,” Charlotte said with a smile, but he could see the hurt still in her eyes.
“I assure you, My Lady. I think the world of you. It is why can’t I fathom why you would spend time with me. Even when it is what I want, more than anything.” If nothing else, he needed her to know how much she meant to him.
“Lady Louisa Swindon.” He heard the doorman announce. Louisa walked in and walked up to Henry.
“When did you arrive?” Henry asked. He took his sister’s hands in his before he hugged her hello. Louisa stood frozen on the spot.
“Henry. You can walk? How? When?”
“I have been working on it for a while,” Henry replied calmly.
“Oh, Henry, this is the best news I have ever received,” Louisa said, and this time hugged him properly.
“I know I just arrived, but I know my way around, so I went to my usual room to freshen up. I suppose I should now go over to Edward to greet His Highness.” She smiled brightly. Henry watched as she greeted their brother. He was as happy to see her as he had been.
She has always been the one who keeps us together, Henry thought with fondness. After a few minutes, Louisa came back to Henry. “That woman with Edward...”
“Bethany.” Henry offered.
“Bethany, I feel as though I have met her before. Is she the new one for Edward?” Louisa asked.
“It is a rather long story, dear sister,” Henry replied. “This is Charlotte, the woman I intend to marry. Bethany is her stepsister and feels she should be my wife.”
“Charlotte. It is indeed a pleasure. When I left, my brother was single and in a chair, well done,” Louisa said, as she embraced Charlotte.
“Likewise, Lady Swindon,” Charlotte said with a warm smile.
“Louisa please. I am going to have to ask why a lovely lady such as yourself would want my boring, old brother,” Louisa said as she whisked Charlotte away to chat. Henry knew that by the time Charlotte returned, she would know everything about him since birth.
Tristan and Cecil arrived shortly before dinner was served. Henry noticed that Bethany had allowed him to introduce her to Cecil, yet when he had gone over to Tristan, she had seemed to recognize him.
“Let me go see if my mother needs anything,” Bethany had said, then left before he could answer. It had been so obvious that he had decided to speak to Tristan about the matter.
He was still on his way to Tristan when he saw him approach Bethany. She had seen Tristan heading over to her and had moved out of the dining room. Tristan had gone after her, and Henry had decided it might be a good idea to see if she was alright. Tristan was not the type of man to harm a woman. But he did not want there to be an argument either way.
He made it outside, but he could not see Bethany or Tristan. Henry walked in the direction he had seen them go, but there was no sign of either of them. He heard George bark and changed direction.
