“What do you mean you know?” Jameson frowned as confusion filled his eyes and marred his handsome features.
Charlotte was gutted at the look of confusion on his face.
“I stumbled upon a letter in my parents’ belongings. It was my uncle who stole the money through his business dealings with your father. My father had wanted to go to your father with the truth, but he was killed in the robbery a few nights later along with my mother.” Her lungs filled with fresh air at finally having released the burden from her chest.
Jameson’s expression changed again as he took a step back, leaning against the gazebo railing to support himself as he ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t understand. Do you mean to tell me that your uncle, Reginald Grey is the man responsible for nearly ruining my family? There has to be some kind of misunderstanding here.”
“I’m sorry, Jameson, you have to believe me that I never wanted this to hurt you or come between us. I stumbled upon the letter quite by accident, but I am glad that I did, now you know the truth.” She took a step towards him but stopped in her tracks, frozen to the spot his head whipped up.
“How long have you known about this?” His eyes held an accusation that pierced through her chest.
“Since before we went to the Opera.” Her breaths were ragged and shaky as she realized just how angry he was with her.
His eyes flashed with anger as Jameson came up straight, his jaw clenching in anger. “You waited all this time to tell me the truth? You could have come to me as soon as you knew and we could have dealt with this together,” he accused her, his breathing deep as he paced back and forth beneath the gazebo.
“Jameson, please understand that everything we experienced together was true. Every kiss, every touch, and even the night we spent together was born from a genuine connection. You have to see that at least in all of this.” Her voice became desperate as she pleaded with him not to dismiss their connection entirely.
Pausing at the far end of the gazebo, Jameson turned to look at her, eyes softening for a moment as he swallowed hard.
“I cannot deny that you and I have a connection I never considered possible. You suit me better than any woman ever could. That is why I was about to …” his voice trailed off as he shut his eyes against the pain that crept back onto his face.
“I feel those things as well.” Tears filled her eyes as she recognized the war that was raging within him. The same war that she had been fighting for the past few days.
“Be that as it may, there are things that need to be considered. I have to think of my family, honour, and loyalty …” He lifted his head and looked up at her with a distant gaze in his eyes. It almost seemed to Charlotte as if he were trying to look beyond her.
“We’ve both been thrust into a war that we did not create; I beg of you to see that we’re on the same side.” Hot tears stung her eyes and flowed down her cheeks.
Silence filled the air for a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity as their gaze locked. Words weren’t needed for Charlotte as she read the look in his eyes that was clearer than day. He no longer trusted her.
“I need some time to think things over. My father will need to be informed and the family will need to decide together on how to proceed. If what you are saying is true, then the situation will need to be handled with caution so that your uncle does not escape again,” he said with authority, his voice and features devoid of the affection that had been there before.
Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces as Jameson pushed past her, making his way back towards the house. “Jameson wait! What about us?” she called after him in a broken voice, her legs beginning to shake from panic.
“I think it best that you go home for now, Lady Charlotte. My family and I have matters to attend to!” he called over his shoulder and continued to march away from her.
Sinking to the floor on her knees, Charlotte allowed her tears to flow, releasing the strain she’d been carrying and her hopes that had been shattered. There was nothing more to be done now that Jameson had made up his mind.
Lord Jameson Sinclair.
She reminded herself of his title and the formal address he’d once again reverted to.
“Jameson, what on earth has happened?” It was the duchess’ voice that drew her up again as she quickly wiped her tears from her cheeks and stood.
The marquess hurried past his mother as she tried to stop him but failed. Looking towards the gazebo, the duchess lifted her dress and hurried towards Charlotte. “Lady Charlotte, what has happened, child?” Her voice was thick with concern as her eyes widened in shock.
“It’s nothing that I can tell you, Your Grace. It is up to Lord Sinclair to tell you. I thank you for your kindness and hospitality, but I must be getting back home.” She held her head high and curtsied to the duchess before passing.
“Lady Charlotte please wait!” the duchess called urgently, but Charlotte picked up the pace, lifting her dress as she ran towards the house. She would get her things and head back to her ancestral home. She wasn’t sure what would happen to her once her uncle was dealt with, but at least the truth was out.
All she wanted now was to get back to her own bed and cry out her feelings.
“I don’t understand what happened!” the duchess’ frustrated voice rang out over the garden.
***
Reginald swallowed hard as he climbed the ladder into the attic with a lit candle in hand. He’d checked the house and ensured that Charlotte was nowhere to be seen. The butler had informed him that his niece had gone to stay with the Sinclair family.
That will all come to an end in a few days.
