Page 27 of The Truth about the Rogue
Now, however, she feared that Lillian had done more than she ought.
“Did he say what it was about?”
The footman shook his head and then stepped to one side, holding the door open for Charlotte to exit the room. Charlotte knew as well as the footman that she could not keep her father waiting and thus, feeling herself all of a tremble, she rose andmade her way from the room. Her heart pounded furiously, her hands clenching and unclenching as she walked to the study, only to find the door open and the sounds of voices coming from within.
“I did not know that he even was acquainted with her!” she heard her mother say, fear beginning to climb up her throat, making her want to scream aloud, to refute all that Lillian had clearly told them. “I must say, this is something of an astonishment.”
“Thank you for telling us, Lillian. It is no surprise that your sister did not wish to, given that she is a good deal quieter and more reserved than you are. I am sure that she will be very grateful.”
Grateful?A sudden twist of anger tore through Charlotte, and she made her way into the room directly, her eyes flashing to her sister who, seeing her come in, quickly looked away.
“Charlotte! Thank you for coming. Your sister has informed us of a conversation which took place last evening while she was present.” Her mother came closer to her, a bright smile on her face. “The Marquess of Kentmore seeks to court you?”
Charlotte lifted her chin.
“Mama, the Marquess of Kentmore is a rogue.”
“Yes, but for you, I am certain that he will change his ways,” Lillian interrupted, ignoring the sharp look that Charlotte threw at her, unspeakingly demanding that she remain silent. “He expressed himself so warmly last evening, I am quite certain that he will not remain a rogue for long.”
“I did not want you to speak of this to our parents, Lillian,” Charlotte said, sharply. “I believe that I told you last evening thatIwould speak to them about it.”
Lillian pouted.
“I was only being a considerate sister,” she responded, a slight glint in her eye which Charlotte was quite certain hermother and father did not see. “You are much too shy about such things, and I am sure that you have already convinced yourself that such a request was not made in earnest! Thus, you are now likely determined to keep it to yourself, and Lord Kentmore’s desire would never have been made known, and you would have missed out on a wonderful match!”
“Wonderful?” Charlotte could not keep the derision from her voice, her hands on her hips as tears sparked in her eyes. “Lord Kentmore is a scoundrel! I have no promise that he will change, despite what you say.”
“And yet, we must consider it,” Lady Morton answered, softly. “My dear girl, this is, as your sister has said, an excellent match. I understand that you might be concerned as regards Lord Kentmore’s character but–”
“You warned both myself and Lillian to stay away from such gentlemen!” Charlotte exclaimed, tears now falling down her cheeks. “But now you wish me to marry one? That does not make sense, Mama. How can I do such a thing?”
Lord Morton harrumphed quietly, though it was enough to bring a stillness to Charlotte, a recognition that her father’s authority was over her still. She closed her eyes and inclined her head, pulling out her handkerchief to dry her tears.
“I confess that I do not fully understand your tears, though I must agree with both your mother and your sister. To be matched with a Marquess, whatever his reputation, is an excellent match for the daughter of a Viscount, and I do not think that you should let it pass by.” Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut all the more tightly, fighting to keep the tears from falling like rain. “I find myself quite delighted with it if I am to be honest,” her father continued, his happiness sounding in his voice. “My daughter shall be a Marchioness! This will bring our family’s standing all the higher, which is excellent indeed!”
Charlotte choked back a sob, hearing Lillian’s words repeated in her head alongside their father’s. It was clear to her that her father considered social standing of great importance, just as Lillian did, and now, evidently, there was to be no stepping back from this. Charlotte would have to marry Lord Kentmore regardless of her feelings.
“Then it is decided, yes?” Lady Morton threw a smile to her husband who returned it with a nod of his head, leaving Charlotte standing alone, feeling utterly dejected. “No doubt he will come to speak with you this evening, Morton, if he is in attendance at the soiree.”
“I shall be delighted to meet him!” came the enthusiastic reply, as Charlotte turned to make her way from the room. “A remarkable circumstance, truly remarkable. To think that our youngest daughter would make such a superb match, my dear!”
Charlotte walked out of her father’s study, hearing the three of them still discussing her courtship and connection to Lord Kentmore while, at the same time, seeming not to realize that she had taken her leave of them. Thanks to Lillian, the situation had been revealed to her parents and their enthusiasm seemed to know no bounds. No one had asked her how she truly felt. Yes, they had listened, but they had not taken it in, had not given her concerns any credence. Instead, they had simply thought of their own standing, the improvements that her connection would bring, and had set her aside entirely.
Finally reaching the solace of her room, Charlotte sank onto her bed, pulled out her handkerchief, and burst into tears.
She had never felt so alone in all her life, and there was not a soul present to comfort her.
There he is.
Charlotte’s whole body jolted as Lord Kentmore caught her gaze, though it was not all entirely from upset. She had to admit that Lord Kentmore did look handsome tonight, though that was not something she had previously been unaware of. There was little doubt that he was a handsome fellow, given just how easily he could capture the attention of many a young lady within theton.She, however, was not about to be affected.
“I do hope you know that I have done this for your best,” Lillian murmured, just as Lord Kentmore glanced back at her again. “You may not like it, but you know that it is the right thing to do… for everyone.” Charlotte said nothing, choosing not to confide in her sister any longer. She had been touched by Lillian’s concern for her at the ball with her ripped gown but what had happened thereafter had caused Charlotte to be entirely distrusting now. “And now you will not speak to me?” Lillian let out a snort as Lord Kentmore and Lord Glenfield looked towards them again. “There is nothing that could have been done, Charlotte. You know that.”
“You could have remained silent, as could have I,” Charlotte countered, speaking so quietly so as not to have her mother overhear them.
“And what if someone from thetonhad seen you?”
“Then I could have waited to see if that was a possibility,” Charlotte answered, sharply. “I know that this was not something which I thought of at the time, but upon considering the matter, I think that–”
