Page 31 of Wedded to the Deviant Duke

“Really?” Charlotte gave her a once-over, clearly surprised. “But green is such a lovely color on you! And the briar roses are a nice touch; it makes you seem approachable, but dangerously so.” She giggled, catching a strand of Thalia’s hair. “A bit like a briar bush—pretty to look at, but lethal if you’re not careful.”

Thalia’s stomach swam, and she quickly grabbed for a rich blue dress decorated in bluebells. “Wh-what about something like this?”

Charlotte scoffed, pulling out a bedgown style dress hemmed in intricate lace and patterned with a light iris design. “I still think something purple suits you far better. Besides, bluebells hardly fit your personality—you are bold, and daring, and almost as wise as Louise is! Bluebells are far too… humble for your personality.”

Again, Thalia felt her skin growing clammy, and quickly pushed the dress away. “I… I don’t know, Charlotte.”

“Thalia, whatever is the matter?” Charlotte guided her friend towards a nearby settee, a note of concern tinging her voice. “You’re trembling like the last leaf in autumn.” She removed her gloved hand, gently pressing the back against Thalia’s forehead. “You don’t feel too terribly flushed, but you look awful. I’m sorry—was I too persistent?”

Thalia removed Charlotte’s hand from her forehead, grasping it gently before settling it into her lap. “You’ve been wonderful to me. I’m afraid it’s… my fault. It’s…” she swallowed nervously, realizing how ridiculous she was about to sound. “I’m afraid I’m simply out of practice, being out in public.” Her gaze flickered to a group of whispering women, and her stomach pitted when Charlotte’s gaze followed after hers.

“Absolute children, the lot of them,” she hissed between her teeth. “Should I go tell them off?”

Thalia chuckled nervously, giving her new friend’s hand a squeeze. “I’d rather you didn’t. But, I appreciate you wanting to stand by me.” She sighed heavily, glancing at a nearby clock once more. “If it’s all right, I think I’ll make my way back to Stonewell. Maybe I am coming down with something…?”

“Oh, goodness, of course!” Charlotte stammered. “I’m sorry if I made you feel like a prisoner—let me call the carriage for you. I’ll ride home with Madeline, perhaps make a night out of it.”

Louise wasn’t kidding; Thalia did feel old in comparison. “Are you sure? I would hate to come off as ungrateful.”

Charlotte shook her head, squeezing Thalia’s hand this time. “Nonsense; you know yourself better than I do. Besides,” she added with a cheeky wink. “I think Gabriel will appreciate having a companion for dinner.”

“I’m sure he would,” Thalia chuckled lightly. She went to stand, but was surprised as Charlotte tightened her grasp, forcing her back to sit for a moment more.

“Thalia…” Charlotte sighed, clearly looking uncomfortable. “I—I can’t say I fully know what you’ve gone through, what with Oslay Hall and moving to Whitechapel. I’m afraid I’ve been rather blessed, in my lifetime.”

Her expression hardened, and her eyes rose to meet Thalia’s. “But, I want you to know that you deserve good things in your life, even if people say otherwise. And—and if things don’t end up working with my brother, you’ll always have my friendship.”

Thalia blinked, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. “Charlotte… you’ve barely known me for a day.”

“And I can already tell you’re a lovely woman,” Charlotte insisted. “Someone I would very much like to help, in any way I can.”

Thalia sighed herself, offering a weak smile. “Then…I suppose I’ll accept that purple dress. The one with the iris design,” she added in a warning tone. “If I find out you purchased that beaded lilac one, I will be terribly cross with you. And you hardly want me cross when I join you tomorrow for your morning activities.”

Charlotte laughed, pulling Thalia in for a tight hug. “I certainly don’t, Thalia. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

CHAPTER15

Gabriel wasn’t surprised to find himself alone at Stonewell after his business with Christian finished. Knowing his sister, Charlotte would keep their guest out and about as long as possible, delaying the purchase of her Season event dress as well. He chuckled lightly, imagining poor Thalia being pulled by the arm between each shop.

His mind drifted back to her small collection of simple dresses, and he reminded himself to ensure she had proper attire for Charlotte’s up-and-coming ball. That was, unless Charlotte had already bought out an entire store’s worth of inventory for her guest.

He traveled through the manor’s first floor, coming across the head butler and requesting they visit the kitchen to inform them about dinner preparations. “On that note,” he added before the server could turn his back. “How did Mr. Sutton enjoy his day alone at Stonewell? I assume you kept him out of trouble?”

“Absolutely, Your Grace,” the butler said. “He actually spent very little time within the manor’s walls.”

“Is that so?”

His butler nodded curtly. “He requested a small breakfast and a packed meal for the road, Your Grace. Spoke of visiting family today, if I recall.”

Gabriel repressed the urge to grin; then Robin had chosen today to ‘visit’ Oslay Hall. Whether he had spent his time staking out the grounds, or acted boldly and broken in already, Gabriel couldn’t rightly say. But, given how Giles had seemed mostly on an even keel at the warehouse, Robin certainly hadn’t been caught.

Or news of his capture hadn’t reached the ears of the owner just yet.

“If you hear word of Mr. Sutton’s return, request he meets me in my personal study. Have the kitchen send a small plate of dinner that way as well, if you please.”

“With haste, Your Grace.” With a curt bow, his butler made his way down the hall, leaving Gabriel to make his own way towards his study. Then, suddenly, his butler’s voice called out once more. “Oh, Your Grace? I forgot to mention Miss Sutton’s early return; she took her dinner to the dining hall and is likely still there.”

Immediately, Gabriel spun on his heels, his interest piqued. “How did she seem?”

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