Page 55 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
At least he was honest about his plight. She almost felt sorry for them, but not Bann. Unlike Devlin, Lord Bann’s situation was all his own making. Gambling and risky investments were his undoing.
After dinner, she sat in the drawing room with James and Flora, with Dharma resting beside her on the settee. Her guests all retired early as they had long days of travel ahead of them tomorrow. Her drawing room used to soothe her, but tonight she could not settle. So much hinged on tomorrow. So many lives and people’s happiness. Her happiness.
If they caught the villain, would Lord Sinclair stay and open his heart? Would he ask for her hand in marriage, or would he walk away? And what did she do about Devlin? She sat quietly, pondering on their conversation from earlier in the evening.
Then Charlotte roused herself from her daydreaming and commented, “I still do not know which of these men is the villain.”
James nodded at her comment. “To be honest, I’m finding it difficult to think it’s any of them. Perhaps it’s a man who has already left and they are in hiding somewhere close by.”
“Sanders seems to be in a world of his own and cares little for anything but fishing. Bann is excited about another surer opportunity in Lady Spencer’s daughter, and Vernonte seems to accept his lot.”
“Perhaps a little too easily, if you ask me,” Flora uttered.
“I just want this to be over,” sighed Charlotte as she rose restlessly from the settee.
“And then what will you do?” Dharma asked, watching her closely.
What was Dharma hinting at? “Get on with my life, I suppose.”
“So, you will marry Lord Devlin?”
Charlotte swished her skirts around and eyed Dharma. Did her step-daughter have feelings for Devlin? If so, she wished to know. Desperately wished to know. “I will if he has no other option. I told you that before. I won’t see his family destitute on the streets or in the poor-house. If you know of another way to save his family, then pray, tell me.” She held her breath. If Dharma had feelings for Devlin, it could solve everything.
To her horror, Dharma dissolved into tears. Going to her, Charlotte knelt and hugged her tight. “Ssh. It’s all right.”
Dharma sobbed. “I know you are in love with Lord Sinclair, but I can’t—I can’t”—
“No one is expecting you to do anything, Dharma. And who says I’m in love with Lord Sinclair?”
“Aren’t you?”
She looked at Flora for help, but Flora simply smiled. “What does it matter if I am or I am not?”
“You’ve promised Devlin and I know you are all expecting me to marry him instead, so you can marry Lord Sinclair.”
“Lord Sinclair has given no sign he wants me as his wife.” She heard Flora scoff.
Dharma ignored her words, wringing her hands. “I can’t marry Lord Devlin. One season is all I have had. I know he needs money. I don’t want Rosemary to suffer either, but I deserve to find a man who loves me and not my money.”
Charlotte soothed back Dharma’s hair. “Of course you do. You must do what is in your best interest. Don’t end up in a marriage not to your liking. I’ll always support you in that.” All the while she talked, her heart was breaking. She would never force Dharma to marry any man she did not wish to marry. It appeared Dharma would not be Devlin’s savour. Damn, she may still have to marry him.
Dharma’s sobs subsided. Flora rose. “Don’t you worry about anything, young lady. It will all work out in the end. It’s time for bed, as we are all overwrought. James and I will escort you to your bedchamber, Dharma. Remember to lock the door.”
Dharma pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’m sorry. I just wish Devlin could see how amazing you are.”
“Oh, darling, you have nothing to be sorry for. Besides, we cannot help who we fall in love with. Goodnight.”
She sat for a moment all alone, knowing John was waiting to escort her to her bedchamber and to take Bella outside to do her toiletry. With the present so uncertain, she couldn't think about the future. She thought of the weapons given to her and hoped she didn’t have to use them, but use them she would, to save herself or someone else.
Tomorrow, hopefully, it would all be over, and she could sort out this mess with Lord Devlin and perhaps see where Lord Sinclair’s feelings lay.
ChapterEighteen
Charlotte stormed into the house after church and threw her gloves onto the side table in the entrance hall. “Nothing happened.”
James, who followed behind, sighed, “I could have sworn he would have struck today. The men have all left and there is only me and the staff in the house.”
“Perhaps he will wait for us to leave too,” Flora suggested.
