Page 54 of The Virgin Duchess

Charlotte paused, and only too late did Frederick realize what he had said. Nervousness spread down his spine like a frigid stream of ice water, but he didn’t take back his words. That would be a lie, and he was trying so very hard to be as honest with Charlotte as he could.

After a moment, she nodded. “I would like that too.”

Frederick didn’t dwell on it, simply smiling back at her and permitting Charlotte to direct them toward their next location. Crossing the park to the north, they found a quaint bench set beneath two cozy trees, and he sat down with her there, feeling the wind against his face. This far from the hustle of the city proper, the air had a fresh scent found nowhere in the alleys and streets of London. It was a delight to take in the air genuinely fresh, sounds only that of the music and mild conversations, and the sights of such vibrant life—none more beautiful than the woman seated next to him.

“This has been…” Charlotte paused, and Frederick glanced over at her, giving her the time to find the words. “…different and wonderful and so very sweet of you.”

When she returned his stare, Frederick smiled. The thoughts and emotions swirling through him created a cocktail much more intoxicating than those they’d purchased during their stroll, and he was at a loss for words.

“Different how?” he finally came up with.

“It’s quiet here. And slow. The rush and pressure of our usual day aren’t so great. I feel like I can…”

“Breathe?”

Charlotte chuckled, nodding her head. “Exactly.”

“I feel the same.” He reached up for her cheek, sweeping his thumb across Charlotte’s sink and reveling in the content look on her face. “The burdens do not feel so…burdensome.”

Looking around before resting her cheek against his palm, Charlotte sighed. “Of all the things you have given me, I believe this is one of my absolute favorites.”

“I’m glad.”

Their eyes held, the reflection of the lamps dancing in Charlotte’s irises, and then she leaned forward, pulling him closer by the lapels of his coat. His lips met his in a soft caress, and Frederick immediately deepened the embrace, overwhelmed by the need to be close to her.

He wasn’t sure when, perhaps when the truth about the Baron was revealed, but at some point during their journey, Frederick and Charlotte had found a connection beyond their mutual need for secrecy. While he had not been looking for it, expecting it, or even thinking he might deserve such a thing, somehow Frederick had found more than a marriage of convenience.

And he was happier than he’d ever been.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The bubbling exhilaration in Charlotte’s veins was still singing as loudly as a choir even hours after they’d returned from Vauxhall Gardens. Frederick had truly outdone himself by taking her there, and there was an inescapable need to return the gesture in kind.

Figuring out just what to do for her husband was an entirely different matter altogether.

Charlotte had knocked on Rose’s bedroom door, seeking out his sister for suggestions. Presently, she sat in her chambers while the young woman rattled off numerous ideas nearly too fast for Charlotte to process.

“That sounds possible.” Charlotte nodded, agreeing with Rose that attending a performance or show in the city could make for an excellent time. “Goodness, there is so much to consider.”

Her stare found the window in Rose’s room, and without intending, Charlotte’s mind began to wander. She’d been thinking about how wonderful Frederick had been for some time, but she’d also been preoccupied withwhyhe had been so kind to her.Selina.

The conversation about her friend was not far from her mind, and Charlotte still felt uneasy about the way they had left things. While she fully intended on taking Frederick’s advice and speaking to Selina, Charlotte had yet to do so and didn’t know how she might broach the subject with her.

“Charlotte?Charlotte?”

She shook herself, looking back over at Rose with a furrowed brow. “Apologies, Rose. I…I am distracted.”

“I can see that.” She smiled teasingly. “What takes up so much of your mind, Charlotte?”

With a sigh, Charlotte nodded back at Rose, her stare falling to her lap where she fiddled with the strings of her chatelaine.

“Frederick was so kind to take me to the gardens, still I know that he did it because he was trying to take my mind off how I left things with a friend. I had been especially distressed the other day, and I’m afraid the discomfort has not entirely left me. I…I fear I may have hurt Selina’s feelings. I wish to make amends.”

Rose reached out and took Charlotte’s hand, interrupting the way she busied herself with a nervous gesture. “If you would like company, I am more than happy to accompany you to visit her. I am sure you didn’t intend to cause harm, and the best way to mend it is always to speak of your feelings.”

With a slight grin, Charlotte nodded. “You’re quite right, and I would be ever so grateful if you came along with me.”

“Of course. You’ll be better able to arrange something for Frederick and enjoy it yourself if your conscience is clear.”

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