“I beg your pardon, My Lord?” She swallowed hard and smiled at the group of people that had begun to mill around them like a throng of ants.
“I can see that Lady Charlotte is still just as spellbound as the rest of us after their thrilling performance,” the duchess continued to gush, laughing as a ripple of giggles erupted from the ladies around them.
Charlotte’s eyes fell on Lady Elizabeth and Lady Henrietta as she noticed the dirty looks she was receiving. The matter was made entirely worse when Jameson offered her his arm, making their excuses, and leading her over to the table of punch.
Lady Henrietta seethed with rage as her eyes darkened, and just for a moment, Charlotte thought she could see her face turning red in anger.
“I hope you don’t think it rude of me that we haven’t had a chance to speak in private again after our … after you stayed with us.” The marquess cleared his throat uncomfortably as he eyed the nearby guests, ensuring that none of them had heard his whispered words.
Heat crept up her neck and spread to her cheeks, their night had been on her mind more than anything else, that and the fact that she hadn’t told him the truth.
“I was hoping you would come and stay with us until your uncle has returned from his travels. Not that I think anything like that will happen again. I merely thought you might like our company instead of being alone,” he corrected quickly and rubbed the back of his neck.
Her stomach knotted with confusion that mingled with disappointment. Had he not enjoyed their intimate moment as much as she had done?
The marquess seemed to notice her change in behaviour as he shot her a worried glance. Looking around the room to see that no one was watching, he quickly pulled her down a passage and into a private room, shutting the door behind them.
Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat as she wondered what he was about to do. The room he had pulled her into was dark enough to conceal his features but light enough for her to see the outline of his lips as he came closer and whispered to her.
“I wish you would tell me what is on your mind, Lady Charlotte. I know you must have many questions about what happened between us. Please believe me that I fully intend to make things right. I cherished our time together as much as I hope you did.” He leaned in close, whispering in her ear. His hand came up to her waist as he placed his arm above her head, caging her in with his body.
“You made me feel things I’ve never experienced before.” Her breathing deepened as she once again became overwhelmed by his presence. His lips were dangerously close to hers, and it was clouding her judgement.
I need to tell him the truth.
Her heart ached as the whisper floated back into her mind, reminding her of the fact that things weren’t as simple as just giving herself to her desires.
Bringing his hand up from her waist, Jameson gently touched her lower lip with his thumb, softly massaging the flesh.
“I know, Lady Charlotte, the way you responded to me was far beyond anything I could have imagined or dreamed. I can’t promise what will happen in the future; things with my family are complicated right now.”
Her heart thrummed in her chest; was he referring to the scandal that had befallen his family, and if so, were things still difficult for them?
“Just say that you will come and stay with us for a while,” he whispered by her lips before pressing a tender kiss onto her mouth. The gesture was soft at first, gentle and searching like a butterfly in flight; passion, however, took hold as he deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his tongue and thrusting hungrily.
Distant laughter drew them apart as the marquess took a step back, straightening the cuffs of his jacket. “I’ll go out first; wait a few moments before coming. Will you come and stay with us?” he asked after a moment’s hesitation.
Nodding her reply, Charlotte could feel her heart bursting with a mixture of feelings.
The marquess leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a moment before carefully moving her aside and leaving the room.
Taking a deep breath, Charlotte fought against the emotions that threatened to bubble over and spill from her eyes. She yearned for the marquess’s touch, and his words had left her wondering if he wasn’t intending to make their courtship official.
Her heart burst with joy, but her conscience would not allow her to go on if she didn’t make a plan to tell him the truth soon. A small part of her hoped that he’d understand; perhaps things could stay as they were now, even if the marquess decided to take action with her uncle.
Composing herself, she smoothed over the folds of her dress and held her head high before making her way from the room and back into the bustling ballroom. Guests were happily chattering away and laughing, and it seemed as if no one had noticed her absence.
“There you are, little songbird.” A cool voice made a shiver run down her spine as Charlotte turned to see Lady Elizabeth and Lady Henrietta waiting for her against the wall that led to the passage.
Did they see the marquess coming out before me?
Her heart clenched in her chest as icy panic ran through her veins. Her reputation could still be ruined if they decided to cause a scene or even spread a rumour.
Lady Henrietta smirked at her with a malicious grin. “We were wondering where you had got to. We wanted to offer our congratulations on your performance,” she purred in a cool tone that was meant to be friendly but still shot daggers of ice in Charlotte’s direction.
Lady Elizabeth seemed hesitant; her eyes uncertain, they moved from Charlotte to her brother, immersed in conversation at the other end of the room. Something had changed in her demeanour since that day by the pianoforte; her skin was just as pale as it had been then. Her cheeks lacked colour, and her eyes were dull.
“Thank you, Lady Henrietta,” Charlotte replied coolly, waiting to see if the woman would mention anything at all about seeing her and the marquess leaving the hallway. She already had enough to concern herself with; worrying about Lady Henrietta now as well would drive her insane.
