Page 34 of The Truth about the Rogue
“Aside from my shooting and gambling, yes?”
Lord Kentmore smiled and tilted his head, his eyes twinkling.
“Yes, aside from that,” Charlotte laughed, only for her breath to hitch as Lord Kentmore moved a little closer, his gaze seeming to soften, the curve of his lips a little more gentle.
This was what they had spent their time doing these last few days, walking together, taking tea together, but mostly, talking together. It had not been easy, for the first few visits had been strained and difficult, but the more time Charlotte had been in his company, the easier it had become, to the point that now, Charlotte’s desire to move closer to him was becoming harder and harder to resist.
“I may not be as terrible a gentleman as you first feared, then?” Lord Kentmore’s voice was quieter now, his gaze gentling as he leaned his head down just a little. “You are not as upset as you once were at the thought of marrying me?”
Charlotte swallowed tightly, lifting her gaze to his, though for some reason, her eyes went to settle against his lips.
“I do not think that you are entirely dreadful, no,” she whispered, the awareness that they were very much alone – despite the fact that her mother was in the bookshop also – making her tremble with a sudden anticipation.
Lord Kentmore smiled but, after another moment, lifted his head and stepped away.
“That is good.” His tone had become a little more formal now, a tad more clipped as he turned his head away. “I am glad to hear you say such a thing, Miss Hawick.”
Within a few moments, the heat in Charlotte’s frame had run from her and was replaced, instead, with a chill that washed over her. She blinked, a little confused at what had just taken place,and with some regret, attempted to look at the books rather than dwell on the present state of her heart.
“You saythat he has become a little more considerate?”
Charlotte nodded, her lips twisting for a moment before she spoke.
“He has, I will admit. Not only that, but we have spent a good many hours in company with each other and I have begun to find him… interesting.”
Miss Marshall blinked.
“Interesting?”
“There is more to his character than I first thought,” Charlotte answered, trying to explain. “We have spoken of his interests and yes, though he thinks mostly of riding and shooting, he has expressed some thoughts about reading that I enjoy and has also many a thought on art.”
Her friend’s surprise showed in her wide eyes, making Charlotte smile ruefully.
“Truly?”
“Truly. Though I must confess, it is difficult to recall at times how roguish he is,” Charlotte continued, sighing heavily. “It is easy to see just how readily so many of the ladies of London gave themselves up to his charms.”
Miss Marshall looped her arm through Charlotte’s.
“You may reform him yet.”
A laugh broke through between them and Charlotte shook her head.
“I do not know if such a thing is possible!”
Her friend looked at her.
“But should you like it to be?”
Without hesitation, Charlotte nodded.
“The thought of marrying a rogue is bad enough, but to know that he might continue to pursue the affections of others thereafter is painful indeed.” Her voice softened. “I have not spoken with him about that as yet, but I think I shall.”
Miss Marshall’s eyes flickered with curiosity.
“Might I ask if your hope of that comes solely from a desire to have a devoted husband? Or if there is something more there?”
“What do you mean?”
