Page 25 of In Need of a Duke
“Nate, I am being serious.”
He ruffled his hair, then glanced at her with a forced smile. “My brother,” he cleared his throat, “only acts as if he doesn’t have a heart, but I assure you he does.”
And she well knew it.
It was hard to hold on to what they once shared. How he had always sought her out in a crowded room or let her win at whist, pretending he was a horrible player. Or the beautiful letters he had written her, the flowers he’d sent, or their rides together in Hyde Park.
Once, he was kindhearted indeed.
Now, she was sure, if she remained, Ian would remind her how he opened an account for her to spend as she wished before he left on their wedding night. As if that would be some consolation for him abandoning her.
Why would she wish for a husband when she could access unlimited funds?
She hadn’t spent from that account for personal use except to fund the seminary.
It felt too much as if he were paying to make up for his poor behavior. It was childish and spoiled and, like with everything, was motivated by ego. He didn’t do it because it was right, he knew leaving her with nothing would be worse for his reputation.
“He’s cruel to you,” she said at last. “And you don’t deserve it.”
“Everyone left me when I was nine, Lottie. No one deserves that. Ian had to look out for himself, and I learned to manage on my own. And now, I mostly drink and pretend he’s not my brother, then I take advantage of the sympathy I receive when they learn the unfortunate truth. I have succeeded in London because I’m his younger brother, and I have been successful with the women of London for the very same reason.”
She bit her bottom lip, glancing toward the stairs. After their discussion at the stable, the duke had taken to busying himself with accounts or whatever else that kept him away.
It was crucial he remained busy for her plan to work.
“So, you are leaving me as well?”
Nathaniel shrugged. “Likely for the best.”
“I have a headache. Will you tell everyone I said goodbye?”
“Of course.”
“Visit again soon.” Charlotte reached for his hand and squeezed. “Take care of yourself now, Nate.” She didn’t care for the nonchalant grin of his before she returned upstairs to Susan.
Her lady’s maid was reading in a chair by the window. There was a small bag at her feet.
“Are you sure you wish to do this, Your Grace? I could come along.”
Charlotte shook her head. She had a limited annual income per her marriage agreement, and she needed to be conservative with spending it, not knowing what was next. “Best to pretend you never even knew. I told Nathaniel I had a headache. Join the others downstairs.”
“Scotland is a long way.”
“I promise you that I am much stronger than you may think a duchess to be.”
“I know you are strong simply by what you’ve had to endure.”
Charlotte pulled Susan in for a quick embrace. “Seek out Nathaniel or Lily if you need further help.” She pulled away and grabbed her bag, then turned once more. “Oh, one last thing. Do you have the room keys?”
CHAPTER 6
There wasa beach in Italy Ian would walk to while he stayed there. He had never seen water so blue in his life. Nothing like the dark, murky water of the pond at Stonehurst or the stormy Irish sea.
No, the water was a brilliant blue green. It was vibrant, just like the lemons that grew along the coast. The villa he rented was built along a cliff, and the walk down to the beach was a gentle spiral under the hot Italian sun, and he was rewarded by a little slip of beach, hidden between a break in the cliffside. He enjoyed swimming there and spending his afternoons reading.
He thought of it often.
Now back in England, that time felt years away.
