Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Charlotte really missed her husband. She had spent days away from home and wondered how he was and if he was faring well, but every time she thought about sending a letter, something distracted her. It finally got to a point where she couldn't ignore that she needed to see him again, so she was on her way home to see him.

Part of her was disappointed he didn't come to see her or her mother, but he wasn't a sociable kind of man and probably felt he wouldn't know what to do while they ran around looking after her mother. Men were a little useless in that regard.

"I wonder if he misses me?" she muttered, fiddling with her ring.

She hoped he did. She would be disappointed if he didn't want to see her as much as she wished to see him. Her heart told her that William's feelings for her had grown, but her mind always got in the way and questioned everything. Not coming to see her despite being away from each other for so many days made her worry that instead of absence making the heart grow fonder, it was more "out of sight, out of mind."

"But he kissed me, didn't he?" she mumbled.

Charlotte had taken to talking to herself again. She only did it when worried about something or trying to understand a situation. Sometimes, she received the odd frown from a servant or two, but most people were accustomed to her behavior. William didn't seem to mind and usually just smiled in response.

Thinking about his smile made her think about his lips, which led to thoughts about their first kiss. It had been a little too brief for her liking, but it had finally happened. She giggled as her belly bubbled and frothed with tingly feelings. Their first kiss should open the way for more moments like that, so perhaps William might feel more at ease with showing affection.

He hadn't had much opportunity since that night, but she was going home and didn't intend to return to her parents' house unless her mother worsened. Her condition had improved, so Charlotte didn't feel terrible about leaving her.

Charlotte arrived home moments later and alighted from her carriage with only thoughts of her husband. However, when she entered the house, she met her brother-in-law in the hallway.

"You're home," he said, leaning against the wall. "I hoped you would return today."

She frowned slightly. Of all the days to return, she did so when he was at the house. While she was grateful that he had accompanied her to her parents' home several days ago, that didn't mean they were friends. She still didn't trust him as far as she could throw him, which was likely physically impossible.

"Excuse me," she said, "but I need to look for my husband."

She turned away, but he quickly spoke to her. "He's not here," he said.

Charlotte stilled and looked at him. This was like a repeat of the night he left the house without saying a word. She still didn't know where he went.

"Not here?" she repeated. "Did he say where he was going and when he'll be back?"

Henry shrugged. "I know nothing about his whereabouts," said Henry. "I came here and found him gone, but that suits my purposes well. I have been waiting for the right moment to catch you alone."

A wave of uneasiness washed over her as she stepped back. "This house is filled with servants," she pointed out. "I am not alone."

Henry grinned. "You know what I mean. I didn't want my brother here to hear my confession."

"Confession?" she said.

Henry nodded. "I wanted to tell you I have fallen in love with you."

He had to be joking. He just had to be. There was no possible way on God's green earth that he was in love with her. Henry loved only himself. This was merely a show of disrespect to not only her as a wife but also to his brother.

"You need to leave," she told him.

"Leave? I just confessed my love to you."

"Are you quite mad?" she asked. "How can you say these words to me when I'm married to your brother?" She shook her head. "If you do not leave, I shall tell your brother of this incident."

Henry chuckled, which only served to anger her. "I hardly think you'll bother my brother with this matter. You're the kind of woman who wishes to protect his feelings." He quickly approached her and took her hand, surprising her. "Do you not feel that there's something special between us? We should just run away and be together."

The shock of his actions wore off, and she jerked her hand away. "You seem to have lost your mind," she said. "How can you even imagine that I would do something like that? I have given you no encouragement!"

Charlotte could barely believe the situation she found herself in. Henry had taken the matter too far this time and needed someone to put him in his place. It would have been wonderful if William was that someone, but he wasn't here. Once again.

"But you have given me many signs of your interest," Henry pointed out.

"Signs? What signs?" she asked. "They're a figment of your imagination! I have certainly done no such thing."

"But you have," he insisted. "You have blushed around me many times and accepted my offer to take you to your parents. I could name many other instances if you wish."

Charlotte curled her upper lip. To say she was disgusted with his behavior was putting it lightly.

"There is something wrong with you to twist those moments," she said. "I have tried to be nice to you because I'm married to your brother—nothing more. You need to open your eyes wider and listen well, or you'll continue to misunderstand me. Me? Like you?" She laughed. "How ridiculous."

Henry's face reddened. "You're lying."

"Why would I lie?" she asked. "I'm happy with your brother. In fact, I have fallen in love with him."

"No!" Henry cried, making her jump. "That's impossible. "You cannot love my brother. He's much older than you and boring as sin. You would be much happier with me."

"Why on earth would I be happier with you?" she asked in disbelief.

"Your life would be more exciting," he said, trying to take her hand again, but she stepped out of reach. "We can travel the world and live a wonderful life. I am a far better match for you than William."

Charlotte shook her head slowly. Perhaps being ill as a child had altered his common sense and left him delusional about life. There was no point talking to him anymore. She turned on her heel to call the butler and escort her brother-in-law out, but William chose that very moment to enter the hallway.

It was at that precise moment that Henry reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. William's eyebrows rose as his eyes narrowed on his brother's hand. Charlotte could only imagine what he must think. Even she would question the situation, but she hoped he trusted her enough to know she would never do anything to hurt him or betray their marriage.

"What is this?" William asked.

"You're finally home, dear brother," said Henry, stepping closer to Charlotte. "We have some news to share with you."

William's eyes grew so cold that she shivered. "News?"

"Do not listen to him," Charlotte told him. "I—"

William raised his hand to stop her words, but it also stopped her heart. He seemed so enraged that he wouldn't listen to her. Instead, he drew her aside and stood before his brother. Charlotte stumbled a little and gripped the wall. William had barely looked at her.

He had never done that to her, not even on the night he doubted her. Her heart fell. There was no relationship without trust, so she could only imagine what this moment might mean for them. It couldn't be anything good.