“Your letter stated that you wished to discuss something related to my betrothal, and now I find you have brought your solicitor to our meeting. I must say, I am rather intrigued about what you wish to discuss,” she began, forehead creasing.
“Shall we walk as we talk?” the earl grinned, casting a significant look at the number of people around them.
“A few hundred yards away from the orchestra would be advisable to avoid being overheard,” Monkton put in.
“Very well,” Charlotte nodded.
She began strolling away from the growing crowd that was gathering to watch the orchestra. Taking a turn, she continued down a path along a narrower thoroughfare, lined with benches set back from the walkway. There were fewer promenaders here, though every shaded nook appeared occupied.
“Now, the matter I wish to discuss with you concerns the behaviour of your betrothed, and the…impactsuch behaviour may have on your pristine reputation,” Tewkesbury started.
“Behaviour?” Charlotte’s brows knit with confusion. “Whatever do you mean?” she asked, though a nagging feeling had begun growing in fear of what he was alluding to. “I would be grateful if you would speak plainly, sir.”
“His infidelity,” Monkton put in from his position behind and to one side.
Charlotte stopped, whirling to look at the solicitor.
“Please, may we walk on so as not to attract too much attention?” Tewkesbury tried to assuage.
“When that comment is explained,” Charlotte snapped firmly.
Tewkesbury cast an exasperated look at Monkton. Charlotte glanced from one man to the other, nodded, and resumed walking.
“It comes as no surprise to you that your betrothed comes with a checkered past,” Tewkesbury continued smoothly.
“None,” Charlotte replied.
“I believe that he has been unfaithful to you. I believe a betrothal is as serious a vow as one of marriage, and as binding.” The Earl scrunched his nose, “Now, it may be an old-fashioned and unpopular view in London, but I see it that way. Therefore, I feel a compulsion to confess, I have reason to believe that your future husband has been unfaithful. On two occasions, at least that I know of.”
Charlotte nodded vaguely, mind reeling.
Surely, he would not betray me after all we have said. But perhaps it is his nature.
No! She could not believe that. This was undoubtedly a misunderstanding.
“Where and when?” she asked icily.
“The first occasion I know of was at the club, Catesby’s. The second was last night at the Theater Royal, Drury Lane,” Tewkesbury said seriously.
Charlotte gaped at him for a moment. He looked back with solemn eyes, unflinching.
He believes it. This is an act of kindness to spare me the ignominy of the man I am promised to. But it cannot be accurate. I was with Seth at the theater and the club. There was no other woman.
“Do you know the identity of the woman concerned? Or is there more than one?” she inquired.
“There is only one. Her name is Charlotte.”
Charlotte burst into laughter before she could stop herself. She put a hand to her mouth, trying to contain it. Tewkesbury exchanged surreptitious looks with Monkton, who was scrutinizing Charlotte closely.
“Do excuse my mistress, gentlemen,” Marie put in swiftly with chagrin. “This is her ordinary reaction when taken by surprise. A nervous reaction, I’m sure you will understand.”
“Of course,” Monkton nodded soberly. “It is news of great import after all.”
“Yes… great import,” Tewkesbury parroted after a heartbeat. “Which brings me to my next point. We can help you extricate yourself without risk to your reputation from your unfortunate engagement with this morally bankrupt man.”
“Who is thisCharlotteyou speak of?” Charlotte interrupted.
“We have not been able to uncover the specifics, but we shall,” the solicitor put in once more.
