Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

C harlotte squinted in the bright light of morning, wincing as the sun rays beat down on her through the window.

She had not slept well. The thought of curling up under the blankets was alluring, but it was not an easy thing to stay abed knowing the day was here.

“Are you certain you don’t want to break your fast here?” her maid asked after dressing her. “It’s often the custom in the city.”

But Charlotte brushed her off. “Thank you, but no. I would like very much to stretch my legs and visit the dining room. Besides, Godmother might be there.”

Though she had only been in Bradford House for a few days thus far, Charlotte was not going to make a bad impression. She wanted her godmother on her side. The better she did, the more likely she could endear herself to the woman––and convince her that she deserved to live the life she desired.

After all, she had the funds. Her father had left her a fine sum that would keep her comfortable for the rest of her life. She had a dowry, should she marry as well. It was appreciated, though Charlotte would rather have her father with her more than any money in the world.

Besides, the world doesn’t like independent women. Yet, I have witnessed too many loveless, miserable marriages made in haste. Have we not all suffered enough? I should like a life of peace and joy. All I want is to find a place out in the country. Perhaps if I am careful, I could even travel away from England for a short time. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Continent.

Reminded of the books she’d read and how often her father had studied their old globe with her, Charlotte paid little mind on her way to the dining room. She was pondering over Persia when she opened the door, but the sight that greeted her made her freeze.

Bright daylight poured in from the square windows that overlooked the side of the house. It illuminated the side table filled with food, the long table stretching across the room, and particularly the thick black hair of the Duke of Wakefield.

That’s right, he’s why I didn’t sleep well.

The man set his fork down. He met her gaze even as she hesitated, questioning how rude it would be to turn around and run.

“Good morning, My Lady,” he said. His tone was more cynical than anything else.

“Lady Theodosia. Where is she?” Charlotte asked.

“Possibly elsewhere, enjoying company with manners,” he replied before offering a nod. “She is taking her meal in her rooms, of course. She does it often.”

Charlotte frowned. She didn’t like that he already knew that. There was something about the twitch in his lips that bothered her as well. He was too cheerful. Too proud. A man like that was only trouble.

“Very well.”

Adrian was dabbing at his mouth with his napkin. She took a step forward but paused again when he set down the cloth napkin and rose to his feet.

“What are you doing?” she asked warily.

Any mirth in his gaze flickered out. He tilted his head at her, his eyes roaming over her until she felt like a specimen on display. After she shifted uncomfortably, he looked away. There was something sobering about his mood that made her wonder what was going on in his mind.

Had she done something to upset him? Only a minute in his presence and she’d ruined his entire day.

“A lord rises in a lady’s presence,” he muttered.

She thought back to her cousins’ home. It hardly seemed necessary here either, away from prying eyes.

“Does that mean you’re going to stand there until I sit down?” Charlotte asked for clarification, but the Duke’s frown only deepened. “Very well, then. Suit yourself, My Lord.”

“Your Grace.”

“Oh, that’s not my title, but thank you,” she replied.

Though Charlotte aimed to sound as polite as possible, the way his nose twitched told her the sarcasm may have slipped through.

Although she expected him to respond and perhaps make another obnoxious remark—as it seemed to be a habit of his—she was puzzled when he made no rude reply.

Adrian motioned toward the sideboard. “Go on.”

Not knowing what else to do, Charlotte nodded and moved on.

Her plate clattered lightly as she thanked a servant who pulled out her chair for her. It only took another moment to be settled and that was when Adrian returned to his seat as well. They eyed each other only to look away toward their own plates.

Charlotte shifted restlessly. The Duke wasn’t acting as sarcastic as he had during their previous meetings. She could feel his eyes on her. Those dark eyes, watching and studying her. Every time she looked up, he turned back to his food.

“What is it?” Charlotte asked, at last. “Is there something on my face?”

“No.”

She licked her lips. “Is there something wrong?”

“Not at all.”

Watching the way he ate the last of his boiled eggs, Charlotte couldn’t help but expect him to say something. Thus far, he had shown no disinclination to speak his mind, so surely he would carry on.

Except he didn’t.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked, truly aiming to use her manners at that moment.

What a brilliant conversationalist. The man went from insulting to absolutely dull. What is the reason for this? I cannot but help feel terribly confused. And yet I know I should not care.

It didn’t help that in the next moment, he rose to his feet, and she jumped in surprise. The movement had been so swift and smooth she wouldn’t have heard a thing if she wasn’t watching him from the corner of her eye.

“Eat up,” Adrian ordered her while fixing his cuffs. “And once you’re finished eating, I’ll be waiting in my study.”

Charlotte dropped the bit of egg in her spoon. “For what? For me? Why?”

She might have missed it, but she was fairly certain he rolled his eyes.

“It appears we have important matters to discuss. That’s why.”

Even as she opened her mouth to protest such an idea, the man was already strolling out of the room. She twisted around to watch him leave.

She would only find answers once she did as he asked. A hint of rebellion rose within her. What if she never went to his study?

Charlotte studied her plate like she might find answers there. When none came, she ate a little more to fill her stomach until she couldn’t wait any longer.

Dash my curiosity. I must know what he thinks we must speak about.

It couldn’t have been more than five minutes after he left when she was on her feet and leaving the room as well.

Charlotte smoothed a wrinkle in her dress as she walked down the hall, only to realize she didn’t know where she was going. Which study was the Duke’s? This wasn’t even his home. She wrinkled her nose and turned in a circle before resolving to ask for help.

Mr. Lloyd offered to lead her there, but she felt sheepish and instead asked for directions before starting on her way. She went up the stairs and turned left. But when she opened the third door on her right, it was only a linen closet.

“Balderdash,” she mumbled under her breath. “Where on earth is this study? What if there is no study?”

She crossed to another hall, and after five tries, she finally found the room where the Duke was sitting at a desk in the far corner, scribbling away.

“There you are,” she said with a relieved sigh. “You wished to see me?”

“You didn’t knock.” He continued writing without looking up at her.

Charlotte bit her tongue. “Yes, I’m afraid I forgot that bit. Your study was rather difficult to locate. By the by, how is it that you have a study and rooms here? This is not a hotel. Surely as a duke, you have your own residence in London. Wouldn’t we all be served better if you were there instead?”

When he looked up, she offered her prettiest smile.

Adrian blinked several times before shaking his head. He dusted sand over his letter and rose to his feet. “You’ve got quite the tongue for a lady. Come in. Leave the door open.”

“Certainly,” she said, biting her tongue in annoyance.

“Take a seat, if you please.”

Charlotte had to ask, “And if I don’t please?”

He said nothing until she was seated. The chair had a high back and high arms that curved around, which she didn’t particularly care for. But just as she started studying them, he said the most brainless thing she had ever heard.

“I’ll be the one responsible for finding you a husband.”

A big part of her was tempted to fall out of the chair. However, she rose to her feet in immediate protest. “I beg your pardon? You––we don’t even know one another, Your Grace. That’s a ridiculous announcement that I will not accept.”

“No?” He arched an eyebrow and stared her down.

Feeling a blush rise in her cheeks, she raised a hand to fan herself but then decided against it. “This is preposterous. Talk to Lady Theodosia. I’m sure she won’t agree to such an arrangement.”

“We have… agreed on this arrangement,” Adrian said in a tone that brokered no argument.

Charlotte searched his face to try and understand what he meant. The man’s lips curled into a tight, mirthless smile. It was almost cruel, and yet he didn’t seem to find pleasure in this either.

His expression confused her. Why was he saying this if he didn’t care for it?

Shaking off any concern for a man who clearly had none for her, Charlotte tried to gather her thoughts.

It’s my life. Doesn’t anyone care to understand this?

She had lost her mother so long ago. And though she’d had lovely memories of her father, it wasn’t unusual for him to leave for London without her. In truth, she had more memories with her tutors and governesses than either of her parents. Then, after her father’s passing, she’d gone on to live with her cousins. And now her godmother.

Everyone seemed to be shuffling her about. Was she to never have control of her present, let alone her future?

“It has been arranged,” the Duke started.

“Without my permission,” Charlotte huffed. Jutting her chin to look him in the eye, she said, “I am not interested in your aid or your attention. I will not have it. Just because I agreed to live here does not mean you or anyone else have the right to manage me.”

“And yet it appears I do. And first, we shall be working on that wicked tongue of yours,” the Duke retorted with a ridiculous smirk.

Her heart skipped a beat. Charlotte wondered at that, for his expression was devious and dangerous and not at all charming. He looked like he could eat her during tea time. She looked back at him, unable to move.

But then he blinked, and she relaxed.

Inhaling deeply, she shook her head before turning around. This discussion would not continue. Why would he help her?

And how could he? The man didn’t even spend much time in London, from what she understood. They would surely strangle one another before the Season began.

“Lady Charlotte––”

Hearing him say her name in that rich voice sent a shiver down her spine, but she shook it off.

“No. In fact…” Charlotte paused to turn on her heel. She meant to point at him, but instead, she swung her arm out too far and hit a vase on the nearby bookshelf.

It fell before she could catch it.

Her cry intermingled with the sound of porcelain shattering, making her wince. Shards of white and blue scattered across the floor at once. She felt some hit her dress. One bounced off her foot.

Any frustration she had felt a moment ago dissipated. Wholly embarrassed, Charlotte swallowed her cry to crouch down and start snatching up the pieces. What had she done? The vase, like everything else in this house, must have been costly.

“I am so, so sorry for this,” she started fervently.

“Leave it.” He started around his desk.

But Charlotte shook her head, glancing at him. “I cannot just walk away from a mess of my own making. That wouldn’t be right. I shall collect the largest pieces and then send for a servant. You’ll want to avoid walking over here. If I can just––”

Pain shot up her fourth finger, and she hissed in pain, forgetting her words.

She could have sworn the man cursed before he appeared before her. One hand enclosed around the wrist of her injured hand while the other went to her elbow, pulling her up. The motion was smooth and gentle, graceful even. She was on her feet before she realized what was happening.

“I’m quite all right.”

“Be careful,” Adrian muttered.

He inspected her injured finger—there was a small white shard sticking out of it. Seeing it made Charlotte gasp. The man was a blur, but she noticed his brow furrowing before he removed the shard. Then, he wiped away the spot of blood.

That brought Charlotte some comfort, but she had yet to react when the Duke brought her finger even closer to him. Her eyes widened as he pressed his lips to her finger to soothe the cut. Those gentle lips were warm to the touch, full of life.

She stared, unable to even breathe.

With his lips still on her finger, Adrian raised his eyes to meet hers. Silence fell between them. It was the loudest silence Charlotte had ever known in all her life. She could hear the blood flowing in her veins. The world was a whirlwind of static, charged and ready to hit anything that moved. She didn’t dare do anything.

What can I even do?

But then she snapped out of it. Charlotte blinked, and it all ended as suddenly as it had started. She tugged, and when that did nothing, she tugged harder to free her finger. The Duke’s grip loosened enough for her to not only drop her hand but to also move away from him.

She couldn’t think—she did not know what to make of all this. So she clutched her finger in her other hand and hastened out of the room, leaving Adrian behind.