Page 15 of Not his Marchioness
“Of course I do,” Evelyn scoffed. “Which is why Nathaniel would never allow it.”
“But Nathaniel isn’t here,” Charlotte reminded her. “And my reputation is ruined, Evelyn. Rhys’s reputation is in shambles as well. It would make more sense if we got married.”
“You mean to go through with it,” Evelyn said slowly, her voice dropping.
“I do,” Charlotte affirmed. “He isn’t what I initially thought. His arguments were reasonable. And if I can have freedom—if I can be myself—then why not? He’s wealthy, well-connected, and needs a wife to smooth over his… his debauchery.”
“Debauchery,” Evelyn echoed. “Which will likely continue after the wedding.”
“I imagine so,” Charlotte said. “But he promised to be discreet.”
Evelyn sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Goodness gracious, Charlotte. He seeks to refurbish his reputation on your back.” She paced back and forth. “I don’t know what to say. I don’twant to steer you wrong, but I don’t want you to make a mistake either. If you do this, you may never know love.”
“I might,” Charlotte said softly. “Some arrangements work.”
“Arrangements?” Evelyn repeated, her voice high-pitched with disbelief. “You picture yourself… hiding in the hay with a stable boy?”
“Oh, stop being vulgar,” Charlotte scoffed, her cheeks reddening.
“I’m not trying to be vulgar,” Evelyn protested. “I’m trying to make you understand. If this is how you truly want to live, then I will stand by you. But you’ve always been…” She hesitated. “A little naïve.”
“I know that,” Charlotte said firmly. “But I’ve changed, Evelyn. These past months have changed me. I see Father for who he truly is. I see your strength. I know I’ve been foolish. That’s why I didn’t say yes or no. I need time to think.”
Evelyn reached for her sister’s hand and patted it. “Then take it. When Bertram died, I was determined to build a life for myself, even alone. I’m glad it didn’t come to that. I’m happily married now. I wouldn’t want you to go into this with regret.”
“If I don’t marry him,” Charlotte said, “I may regret it just as much. It’s a trap. A conundrum. I am at point non plus.”
“Then don’t make a hasty decision,” Evelyn advised. “Sleep on it. Wait for Nathaniel. Or better yet, come with me. We’ll go to Scotland, to my mother-in-law’s estate. Father won’t follow you there.”
Charlotte looked up, her eyes wide. “Do you mean it? For the truth is, I have half a mind to bolt. I have made such a muddle of it.”
“I do mean it,” Evelyn said with a nod. “You’re my sister. You are dear to me, no matter the tattle. Do you wish to go? I’ll write ahead and let her know we’re coming.”
Charlotte nodded slowly. “Yes, let’s go. I’ll write to the Marquess and tell him I need more time. That I’m leaving town. If, when I return, Nathaniel is home and the matter still can’t be resolved, then I will marry him.”
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “You think he’ll wait that long?”
“I think so,” Charlotte replied. “He’s… rather desperate.”
Evelyn exhaled. “Desperate men often resort to desperate measures.”
“Such as?” Charlotte asked warily.
Evelyn shrugged. “I don’t know. But tell him clearly that you need time and distance to make your decision. Go back home,tell Aunt Eugenia, pack a small portmanteau, let Marianne know. And in the morning, we’ll set off for Scotland.”
“I should like to be the mistress of my own fate, for once.” Charlotte let out a long breath.
It felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. This was the solution, plain and simple. It had been there all along, hidden by the fog in her mind.
They would leave the country. They would hide away. Her father couldn’t reach her in Scotland. And when they returned, perhaps things would be clear. Perhaps she could be free again.
All she had to do was say goodbye.
CHAPTER 7
Charlotte leapt down from the carriage and swept into the house. The butler had barely reached the door before she dashed past, her skirts billowing, and took the stairs two at a time.
She was going to Scotland. She was going to flee this entire farce.
