Page 72 of A Lady's Dangerous Secret
James ran his hand through his hair. “Charlotte is confined to her aunt’s home while she’s healing, but she should be well soon. I’m scared for her to leave the house. I have it surrounded night and day with guards.” Although fear for Lottie’s safety still gripped James, he felt the slightest sense of relief at being able to confide in his friend.
Jack looked at James resolutely. “Leave it up to me. Give me some time and she’ll be able to leave the house without anyone touching her.”
“How?”
“The less you know the better.” Jack signaled to the barmaid, and she brought over another mug of ale. The two men sat in silence, sipping their drinks, each alone in his thoughts.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Charlotte sat in front of the mirror of her vanity.
“You look beautiful, Lady Charlotte.” Bailey was a woman of concise words, so her ebullient praise touched Charlotte’s heart. Her lady’s maid had fussed over her hair, and Charlotte now had diamond pins arranged in her upswept coiffure. These accoutrements complemented the sapphire-and-diamond hair combs from her aunt’s sapphire parure that she had lent her.
Charlotte had to admit, the precious blue gemstones brought out the color of her eyes. Between her hair accessories and jewelry, Charlotte sparkled with every movement. “It’s all thanks to you, Bailey.”
“Nonsense, milady.” Her lady’s maid surveyed her work and tucked a nonexistent tendril of hair into Charlotte’s chignon for good measure. The bullet wound in Charlotte’s arm had significantly improved, but it was still tenuous and healing. Luckily, infection had not set in, and the burning pain had lessened. Bailey fashioned a thin bandage to cover the wound for protection that fit perfectly under the sleeve of Charlotte’s gown so the guests would be none the wiser.
Who was she kidding, though?
All thetonwas still agog of Charlotte’s dramatic injury and her naval knight in shining armor. Today’s wedding of Lady Charlotte Tipton to Captain James Hughes was going to be the event of the Season.
At first, Charlotte had tried to fight theton’s frenzy surrounding her life, but she gave up and was now trying to ignore it. That did not mean she was impervious to the attention and knew that thebeau mondewould scrutinize all aspects of her big day. Charlotte could not help but be thankful that her wedding gown was impeccable, and that thetoncould not criticize her wardrobe, courtesy of His Grace. Her former almost-betrothed and now soon-to-be father-in-law, the Duke of Westcliffe, had insisted that he gift her a dress for her wedding, as a show of goodwill.
Charlotte adjusted the spider-gauze that covered the smooth, white silk of her gown, which was adorned with pearl floral embellishments, lace trim along the hem, and a ruffled neckline.
“The Captain is going to fall all over you,” Bailey stated matter-of-factly.
Charlotte tilted her head back and forth, allowing the light that streamed in through her bedroom window to catch the sapphires and diamonds in her hair.
“I hope so,” Charlotte responded nervously. She had waited for this day that she still could not believe she was truly marrying James, the love of her life. Charlotte was convinced yet another catastrophe would come between them. She would not relax until they had said their vows and were married before God.
The bedroom door flew open, and her aunt glided into the room. “Oh, Charlotte, you look a dream!”
Bailey gave a curtsy and left the two women alone.
“Thank you for lending me the jewelry.” Charlotte smiled at Aunt Frances, surely appreciating that the sapphires truly suited her complexion best.
“You will soon have a collection of your own.” Her aunt let out a sigh. “Even if Captain Hughes doesn’t inherit, Westcliffe will ensure you two are well-situated. No need to worry.”
As was often the case with her aunt, Charlotte forced herself not to roll her eyes, but she could not hold her tongue. “There is more to life than jewels and titles.”
Her aunt looked at her, genuinely befuddled, then a thought crossed Charlotte’s mind. “Did you look at the marriage settlement?”
Her aunt did not even feign innocence. “Of course, I did. You know your father would sign off on anything. Arthur discussed the matter with Westcliffe, but I just wanted to be sure you were compensated appropriately.”
“Compensated? I love James.”
Her aunt waved her hand in dismissal. “If the worst-case scenario happens and Captain Hughes doesn’t become titled, you need to ensure you have enough financial means besides your dowry. I see what that trade grandfather of yours did for you. The dowry is a boon, but you can never have enough funds. Money and the connection to the Duke will allow you to remain in Society.” Her aunt let out a dramatic sigh.
Then her aunt turned her attention to the next pressing matter. “I’ve yet to understand why you didn’t want a large wedding. You’re the talk of theton. How could you let this opportunity pass by?”
“We made a compromise. I’m recovering from a gunshot wound. I would hate to swoon in the church and embarrass the family.” The only way to connect with her aunt was through Society’s opinion, not the fact that Charlotte and James did not want to be paraded about at their own nuptials.
“The wedding will be a small, private affair. This way, you’ll be one of the few people to witness this momentous occasion.” In the reflection of the vanity mirror, she saw her aunt’s eyeswiden and an almost gleeful look formed on her face. “Plus, Eleanor has kindly agreed to sketch James and me for the papers, so thetoncan corroborate your firsthand account.”
Her aunt clasped her hands together excitedly. “Excellent point, Charlotte. I’m going to be one of the only people with this coveted information. Now then, stand up for me. I must make note of everything you’re wearing.” Charlotte acquiesced and eased herself up from the cushioned vanity stool, careful not to wrinkle her dress. She wanted to save her energy for the actual wedding.
Her aunt’s eyes roved Charlotte’s figure in an assessing manner. “Turn around.” Charlotte rotated as commanded, wanting the evaluation to be completed. She finished her spin and faced her aunt. While her back had been turned, her aunt’s facial expression had changed. Was that a tear in the corner of her aunt’s eye? Charlotte never thought she would see the day.
