He had come here on purpose to try to ruin her.
How could Frank and Margaret not see this man for the reprobate he was?
Never had she been so grateful for Alex’s presence.
It gave her the courage to notch her chin higher and stare Nettlesby down. She could feel Alex’s restlessness behind her.
What to do?
She began by sniffing and taking a few steps to the side.
As she guessed, Nettlesby turned with her. This put his back to the space where Alex and Grandmère were hidden by the dense foliage, allowing them to watch Nettlesby without Lottie in the way.
“I suggest you leave before Lord Frank finds you here.” Lottie adopted her most imperious tone. “He will be seriously displeased.”
“Who do you think directed me here, Lady Charlotte?” Nettlesby asked.
“Pardon?”
He leaned into her, forcing Lottie to take a step backward.
“Lord Franksentme here,” he said. “Deliberately.”
Lottie froze, her mind racing.
No!
Familae primum semper cognosce.
Think first of family.
Frank would not encourage a man such as Nettlesby to compromise her. Margaret would never countenance it.
But . . . did Margaret know?
“You are lying,” Lottie hissed.
He laughed. “You are far too naive and trusting, my lady.”
Was he telling the truth?
No. No, it was a lie.
Even Frank would not stoop to such a low. Would he?
Nettlesby reached out and tweaked one of her curls, drawing it through his fingers. “Like silk, your hair.”
Lottie slapped his hand away.
He snatched her arm and pulled her to him.
“How dare you touch me!” She yanked her arm free, staggering back.
Behind Nettlesby, Alex left the security of his hiding place, his gaze a thundercloud. Grandmère stood right behind him, her eyebrows ominous.
Lottie shook her head, warning them off for the moment. She didn’t want Nettlesby to realize there were others present. Not yet.
There was information to be learned here.
