Feeling her lips tug into a smile, Charlotte reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his. “You, My Lord, are the only man that is ever allowed to frisk about my skirts ever again.
Chapter 24
Charlotte heaved a heavy sigh, her chest still hurting from the smoke inhalation. A few days had passed since the ordeal, and she still didn’t know what had happened to her uncle. Lady Thornton and Lady Isabella continued to fuss over her, ensuring her well-being while still allowing Jameson to visit.
The two ladies were bent over a table of patterns, discussing what fashion of dress Charlotte would look best in at her wedding.
“Excuse me, My Lady, but there is a Lord Dunham here to see Lady Charlotte.” The butler opened the door and came into the room, keeping his gaze respectful as he cleared his throat and looked at the floor.
The man was tall and thin, with a hooked nose that encompassed most of his face. His charcoal black hair matched his tails perfectly and stood in stark contrast to his pale complexion.
“Oh, uhm, well, I guess you should show him in then.” Lady Thornton frowned, casting a concerned glance in Charlotte’s direction.
Sitting up straight, Charlotte felt herself perking up at the mention of Lord Dunham. She hoped that he brought news of her uncle.
“Of course, My Lady,” the butler bowed politely and left the room.
Leaving the dress designs and patterns on the table, Lady Thornton came forward with a frown. “Dear, should you be seeing Lord Dunham when the marquess has already asked for your hand in marriage?” She took a seat opposite Charlotte and was quickly joined by Lady Isabella.
“I haven’t told you yet because I have been waiting for the right time. Lord Dunham is not who he said he was; he’s an undercover agent who was pursuing my uncle,” Charlotte explained quickly, anxious to hear what the man had to say.
“Heavens, it’s just like something out of a novel,” Lady Isabella exclaimed as she raised a hand to her mouth, concealing her surprise.
“Lord Dunham, My Lady,” the butler returned and announced the arrival of their guest.
Swallowing anxiously, Charlotte watched her past suitor enter the room, his gaze kind as he spotted her first. “Lady Charlotte, I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you looking so well.” His smile was broad and genuine as he came into the room and greeted the others, accepting the seat that Lady Thornton was offering to him.
“Thank you, Lord Dunham. I don’t mean to be too forward, but have you brought any news of my uncle?” She cut to the chase and spoke directly.
Lord Dunham smiled sadly at her question as if he was trying to handle the situation as delicately as he could. “Your uncle was apprehended the morning after the fire. He is being held in his majesty’s jail and will stand trial for embezzlement and murder along with the destruction of property and endangering the life of someone who was in his care.”
The word murder stuck in her mind, making her sit uncomfortably in her seat. “Murder?” She felt her heart stop beating for a second as she looked into his eyes.
“This may come as a shock to you, Lady Charlotte, but your uncle stands accused of having orchestrated the death of your parents. His confession to his partner in crime, along with the letter you managed to save from the fire, only serves to confirm the matter,” he said sadly, pursing his lips together as he allowed a moment for the news to sink in.
“What …” Lady Thornton lifted her hand to her throat, the colour draining from her face as the shock set in.
Lady Isabella reached for her mother’s hand, giving her comfort as silent tears rolled down Lady Thornton’s cheeks.
“You don’t seem too shocked by the matter?” Lord Dunham held her gaze.
Taking a deep breath, Lady Charlotte composed herself, fighting the feelings of sorrow that bubbled in her chest. “I had hoped that my suspicions weren’t true, but the possibility had occurred to me once I had found the letter.”
“I see.” Lord Dunham nodded in understanding.
“I want to thank you for the part you played in apprehending my uncle; Lord Sinclair mentioned your involvement to me.” She wrung her fingers together in her lap in an attempt to hide her emotions, a trick she had learned during the years she lived with her uncle.
Laughter twinkled in the corners of his eyes.
“I do not doubt that the marquess rushed to give you the news that I was, in fact, not a genuine suitor. I would like to apologize for the role I played, Lady Charlotte. I never intended to use you, but there was no other way for me to get close to your uncle without raising his suspicions. The news that you are to be married does make me feel a little less guilty on the matter.”
He gave her a genuine smile that warmed her heart.
“Thank you, Lord Dunham. Perhaps we could be friends now that the situation is settled?” Charlotte warmed up to the relaxed version of Lord Dunham. He was pleasant to talk to when he wasn’t asking her a thousand questions.
“I would like that very much.” He placed his hands on his knees and pushed himself up.
Getting herself together, Lady Thornton stood. “Will you be leaving so soon, My Lord?” she asked through a sniffle.
