Page 55 of Tempted By an Unconventional Lady
Lucille snorted with amusement. “And you presume to know what I want, do you?”
“I know you made an error in breaking off your engagement with the Duke of Ashbourne in search for financial wealth,” Lydia replied, making Lucille roll her eyes.
“Everyone knows that. Thetonis nothing without its gossip, and I was the talk of the scandal sheets for some months.”
“Indeed,” Lydia replied with a nod. “But not everyone knows that you now wish to win the duke back, do they? Not everyone knows that you have seen the error of your ways. I overheard your conversation on the balcony, and I promise that I can help you get what you want. The duke visits my home often.”
Lucille laughed again, shaking her head and looking away. “But I don’t understand. Why would you do such a thing?”
Lydia took a deep breath. She knew she had to give Lucille something in return if she had any hope of winning her over. “It’s my niece,” she said. “She and His Grace have… well, they’ve become friends.”
Lucille’s smile grew. “And you don’t approve?”
Lydia shook her head. “And if their relationship develops further, then you will have no chance of getting what you want, either. If we work together, then we can both win.”
“Well, well, Lady Fairchild,” Lucille replied. “I do believe you have yourself a deal.”
Chapter 21
Alexander straightened his cravat as he waited for the butler to return. He had been unsure about calling on Charlotte that morning. The ball had not turned out quite how he had expected. He’d thought they’d have a dance or two, perhaps discuss beginning a courtship. His thoughts still lingered on how her riches could solve all his problems, though he found more and more that he was eager to spend time withCharlotterather than thewealthy heiress.
But his evening went wrong the moment his carriage wheel collapsed, and he cursed the coachman for not taking better care of the structure. He’d been worried he’d miss her, but when he finally arrived and saw her disappearing into the library, he couldn’t help but follow.
Feeling her body against his was wondrous, in more ways than one. It reminded him what true intimacy was and just how much he craved that. When she rested her head, spent, on his shoulder, he’d wanted to put his arms around her and protect her from the world—though he knew she’d say she needed no such protection. But it has stirred him physically too, his loins on fire ever since.
He'd left the ball in a mess of physical and emotional confusion, and he had no doubt Charlotte would be in the sameposition. Hence his hesitation about calling. Would she want to see him? Ultimately, though, it was his own desire to see her again that drove him to call on her. He didn’t think he would be able to go an entire day without at least glancing at her face, hearing the nectar of her voice.
“They are ready for you, Your Grace,” the butler said when he finally returned. “Do follow me.”
When they reached the drawing room, it was Lady Fairchild he saw first. She was smiling, for a change, or was it more a self-satisfied smirk? It was then that he knew something was wrong. He moved around the door to find not only Charlotte on the couch but Lucille as well. His heart sank.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Lucille said, that same smirk upon her face. “What a surprise to see you here.”
“A surprise indeed, my lady,” Alexander replied though he took great pains not to look at her. Instead, he smiled at Charlotte. His beautiful, witty Charlotte. “Good morning, Miss Charlotte. I hope you are well today.”
She gazed up at him with a gentle smile that told him all he needed to know; she was as pleased to see him as he was her. “Your Grace,” she replied. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with Lady Lucille. She is staying with us for a while. Arrived this morning.”
“The daughter of a dear friend,” Lady Fairchild explained.
“I see. Yes, I am acquainted with her.”
To his horror, Lucille giggled. “Oh, I believe we are a little more than acquainted, Your Grace,” she said. She turned to Charlotte. “We were friends, for a while.”
“I see,” Charlotte said. Alexander could see the uncertainty and discomfort in her eyes, and he hoped he mirrored it sufficiently that she understood this wasn’t his intention.
They fell into an awkward pause, no one quite knowing what to say, until finally Alexander cleared his throat. “I actually came to see whether you would care to take a walk,” he said to Charlotte. “With Annie chaperoning, of course.” He chuckled, but he hoped to get his point across—Lucille was not invited.
“I’m afraid I need Annie today,” Lady Fairchild jumped in as she stabbed her embroidery.
“And I am keen for a walk,” Lucille said. “Why, I can join you! That solves both our problems.”
“What an excellent idea, Lucille,” Lady Fairchild declared.
And so it was that the three of them took a walk through Hyde Park. To Alexander’s endless frustration, Lucille insisted on walkingbetweenhim and Charlotte, and whenever he wanted to speak to the latter, he had to lean forward or backward just to get a look at her. Charlotte was equally frustrated, if the look in her eyes was anything to go by, but Alexander detected a new level of uncertainty in her too.
He wished he could get her alone to explain everything to her. He had no intention of hiding his past—he had nothing to be ashamed of, at least not in that respect. He had done nothing wrong, and he was certain a wise and empathic woman like Miss Charlotte would understand. But with Lucille there always and barely letting him get a word in edgeways, he had no chance.
And I risk her hearing Lucille’s twisted version of events first.
