Charles stood still, alert without moving, as though trying to hear her ... to sense her presence. Was he angry she had come? Threatened that she would speak to his son? Afraid or furious she would dare make herself known to Edmund, and at such a vulnerable time?
I told him nothing,she thought defensively.
“Come, Charles. Come back in. There is no harm done. Forget about her.”
He turned and gave Bea a brief smile, patting her hand, which was placed on his arm. “I am sure you are right. How good you are to us.”
Yes,Charlotte thought.Mr. Harris seems to have no problem following Bea’s advice. No doubt I am long forgotten.
She wondered if her sister would finally have what she’d always wanted. The thought depressed her.I would not have chosen you to mother my son, but I have lost my say in the matter. You will do your best by him, I know—for Charles’ sake, if nothing else. What would you say if you knew? Will Charles tell you, if he marries you? If he never told Katherine, I doubt he will. Probably best that way. You were never especially fond of me.
Waiting a moment more, Charlotte stepped away from the screen and toward the stairs—just as William Bentley reached the landing.
“Miss Lamb!”
“Mr. Bentley,” she answered, heart pounding dully. She wished she had remembered to reposition her veil.
“I am surprised to see you,” he said with a knowing smile.
“Why should you be? Katherine was my cousin, as you must recall.”
“Yes. And my uncle’s wife.” He cleared his throat. “You are here alone?”
“I am.”
“Beatrice did not come?”
“She is inside. With your uncle.”
“Ah, offering comfort. How good of her. I would have thought you—”
“I came only to pay my respects, Mr. Bentley. And now if you will excuse me.” She quickly began to descend the stairs.
“Miss Lamb, forgive me. I did not mean ...”
She turned back to face him. “Oh yes, Mr. Bentley. You most certainly did.” With that, she smiled as knowingly as he had, she hoped, and walked sprightly away.
Charles watched his nephew stride toward him, eyes bright with some new trouble.
“I was surprised to see Charlotte Lamb here.”
“You saw her?”
“Yes, she was leaving as I came in. First in line to offer comfort, I suppose?”
“William. I am tired of your innuendo and disrespect. Miss Lamb—Charlotte—did not even speak to me. I did not even know she had been here until Edmund mentioned it.”
“Edmund knows her?”
“Apparently Katherine and Charlotte kept in contact over the last few years.”
“I did not realize. And certainly I meant no disrespect to anyone. Especially at such a time. But do be warned, Uncle. The spinsters and widows are already lining up, ready to offer the grieving widower solace and care for his poor orphaned son.”
“Edmund isn’t an orphan.”
“Motherless, then.”
“You are a fool, William.”
